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"This is nothing but a transparent delay tactic," lawyer John Norris said, adding that he feels it's "really unfortunate" the minister is placing any stock in what he called the "utterly spurious" opinions of Dr. Welner. He said other psychological professionals have reached the "complete opposite" conclusion regarding... |
Under the terms of his plea deal, Mr. Khadr's eight-year sentence will be one-third over by July 1, 2013. At that point he would be eligible for parole under Canadian law, assuming he is, by then, in a Canadian prison. |
Dr. Welner testified during the sentencing phase of Mr. Khadr's trial that he considered the convict a remorseless, unrepentant murderer regarded by radical jihadists as "al-Qaeda royalty" who could be expected to take a leadership role in their struggle. |
As The Globe and Mail reported in 2010, Dr. Welner, who has publicly defended Jewish settlers in Gaza saying they "provided a buffer zone for Israel, stemming the tide of Islamo-chaos," relied on the writings of Nicolai Sennels, a controversial Danish psychologist, in making his assessment of the risks posed by Mr. Kha... |
Under cross-examination at Mr. Khadr's trial, it emerged that among Dr. Sennels's more odious claims was that "massive inbreeding within the Muslim culture during the last 1,400 years may have done catastrophic damage to their gene pool." |
Dr. Welner, speaking to a Toronto radio show Friday on the Colorado shootings, also defended his assessment of Mr. Khadr. |
"Nobody reviewed more sources of information or interviewed people face-to-face with a range of different kinds of exposure to Omar Khadr than I did," he told Arlene Bynon on AM640 in Toronto. |
He said he believes Mr. Toews deserves to view the complete footage of the interview, information that he suggested was not available to Ottawa when it cut a deal that would allow Mr. Khadr to return to Canada before his sentence was over. |
European diplomats in four-wheel drives have caused millions of dollars worth of damage to a fossilised whale lying for millions of years in the Egyptian desert, a security source said. |
"Whale Valley officals have informed the authorities that people from two diplomatic corps vehicles destroyed the fossil," the source told AFP after the destruction was discovered around 150 kilometres south of Cairo. |
Two cars drove into the protected area on Friday and then refused to stop when asked to do so by wardens who nevertheless got the vehicles' registration numbers which the source said were from "a European country." |
"The damage is more than $US10 million," the source said. |
NBC has stopped running promotional commercials that parodied the new ''I can'' campaign from Nike Inc. after executives at Nike, which advertises on the network, asked NBC to withdraw the spots. |
The first NBC parody appeared during Super Bowl XXXII on Jan. 25. Two other commercials have been shelved before they could run, Ms. Schultz said. |
‘COLUMBUS Centre will be the icon for New York, to replace the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center,” predicts Stephen M. Ross, CEO of Related Cos,, developers of the epochal $1.6 billion project at Columbus Circle. |
Cut Ross some slack for hyperbole: He’s gazing out his office window along Central Park South toward the Columbus Circle site that obsesses him. |
But banish any memories of the abortive schemes that so bedeviled Boston Properties chief Mort Zuckerman from 1985 to 1994. Related, with equity partner Apollo Real Estate Advisers, is close to pushing the launch button on Columbus Centre, the most important single Midtown development since Rock Center. |
It is gargantuan not only in size, but in political, financial and architectural complexities. |
Stroll past the shuttered Coliseum these days and you’ll want more than your usual dose of Prozac. Not since the derelicts’ camp of the Dinkins years has the place looked so forlorn. |
The MTA has moved its employees out of the adjacent office tower – a big first step. But don’t expect Columbus Centre to shoot out of the ground instantly. Ross says Related will take possession of the now-empty site “within 10 days.” Asbestos removal starts next month, with nine months of demolition to follow. |
“We expect to close on the land by July 2000,” Ross says. “We have to take title; we have a specific performance clause with the MTA that requires us to take title no later than July 29, 2000.” Related has plunked down a $70 million deposit, or 20 percent of the $345 million cost. |
The whole shebang, comprising some 2.5 million square feet, is expected by October 2003 – more than five years after the MTA and the city selected Related to buy the land. |
The site’s tormented saga began back in 1985, when Zuckerman’s first of three proposals to replace the widely unloved Coliseum with a looming, 950-foot-shadow-producing monster appalled the most pro-development drum-beaters. Thus began nine years of grief before Zuckerman bolted in 1994. |
Unlike the old proposals, Related’s Columbus Centre is “as of right,” requiring no zoning variances. However, its latest design is under review by the City Planning Commission, which has to give its consent. |
Earlier sketches suggest that Columbus Centre will at last give Columbus Circle what it needs: a grand skyline gesture to announce the junction of Midtown and the Upper West Side, long estranged from one another by the Coliseum. |
Let estheticians whine over how much better Frank Gehry might have done. Even an architectural nincompoop can see that the Related design is a splendid piece of urbanism, combining enough spectacular public amenities to seduce the most jaded Manhattanite. |
It has no more in common with earlier schemes than today’s “New Times Square” has with the discredited mid-’80s proposal for a quartet of gloomy monoliths. The project, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill partner David Childs, places two assertive 750-foot towers above a monumental six-level galleria curved to confo... |
The new Columbus Centre will house the world headquarters of Time Warner, including vast CNN studio space visible from the street; a 250-room Mandarin Oriental Hotel; 325 luxury condos; a 1,200-seat concert hall for Jazz @ Lincoln Center; 325,000 square feet of shops; cinemas, and a food hall. |
Mandarin is investing some $50 million and will own 50 percent of the hotel space. Jazz @ Lincoln Center will include a 1,200-seat concert hall. |
Related is “in negotiations with two banks” on a construction loan. Two minor lawsuits against the project were turned back in court but are being appealed. “We believe we will prevail,” Ross states. |
So Columbus Centre is finally, slowly, moving toward reality? |
24 January 2014 - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, has welcomed a ceasefire agreement, which warring parties in South-Sudan signed yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. |
In a statement he called on government and rebels to continue without delay a national political dialogue to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. |
The ceasefire seeks to ease a political dispute in the world’s youngest nation between President Kiir and his former deputy, Mr. Machar, who was removed from office in July of 2013 and later accused of attempting a coup. The tensions escalated on 15 December into a full-scale conflict between forces loyal to either sid... |
Ivan Simonovic, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, described the conflict as „a horrifying humanitarian and human rights disaster“ after a 4 day visit last week. |
In his statement the UN Secretary-General called for parties to ensure ensure freedom of movement of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), humanitarian workers and human rights monitors. |
"The United Nations stands with the people of South Sudan and will continue to do everything within its means to protect civilians at risk and provide the necessary humanitarian assistance,“ Mr. Ban said. |
The UN Security Council voiced support for the agreement and condemned violent attacks against civilians. "The Council Members, all of them, expressed support for UNMISS [UN Mission in South Sudan] and reiterated importance that all parties cooperate fully with UNMISS,” said Mahmoud Daifallah Mahmoud Hmoud, Senior Depu... |
The definition of what it means to be literate has been transformed dramatically over the past decade. The purist’s definition — the ability to read — has morphed into an understanding of how to use a computer with skill, creativity and with considerable business effect. |
With U.K. unemployment dropping to 1.49 million this apparently rosy employment figure is taking place without any real joy or prospects for some, while the race for the top jobs has never been fiercer. |
With more than 90% of U.K. jobs requiring some level of IT competency and digital orientation, the so-called ‘digital skills gap’ is said to cost the U.K. economy more than £63 billion in lost additional GDP a year, while a $1 trillion a year loss in productivity is hitting the U.S. economy. The situation, the so-calle... |
Universities and colleges of further education have a huge responsibility to develop students into individuals who can prosper in an era of digital information and communication. Those who are digitally literate are more likely to be economically successful, and these skills are especially important in higher education... |
On a wider national level, labor productivity growth in the U.K. and the U.S, has slowed to levels not seen in decades, a fact that is worrying economists and policymakers alike. Labor productivity growth is a key ingredient in economic growth, and in raising the living standard of the population. |
The digital gap seems to be at heart of this condition despite the proliferation of smartphones, laptops, social media use and so on. Clearly training has not kept pace with technology, and workers, businesses and the entire economy are paying the price. |
Today, there is not enough professional development focused on these broader 21st century skills. Deloitte’s human capital trends survey has revealed that despite being a declared the top priority for nine out of 10 U.K. companies, just 13% are ready to meaningfully respond, in terms of education and training, to the d... |
Technology has long been a creator of jobs and wealth and as a personal statement I am confident this will continue to be the case, but the response from education establishments, employers and the workforce itself need to be radically re-set and reformed. For example, employers will need to train people how to get the... |
At this juncture, one might feel obliged to conclude with a phrase such as, ‘in the future’, but in fact businesses and educational establishments need to respond today. They need to identify the right talents, while more completely understanding the technologies their business will require in the future. |
The future’s for the taking — it’s up to us to make it happen. |
A recording of a conversation between what appears to be Kyrgyzstan’s ousted president’s son and brother was posted on Youtube. The recording reveals plans to topple the interim government and return the ousted regime. |
The audio was allegedly sent as a media file from a Kyrgyz number registered to an employee of the US Embassy in Kyrgyzstan. The Embassy has, in turn, denied any involvement in the matter. |
Most of Bakiev's family had high posts within his government, and as the recording points out, could be now planning to return to power. |
One is, however, naturally tempted to wonder if the recording may be a hoax. But Ruslan Milchenko from the Federal Information Centre says the quality of the recording leads one to trust its authenticity. |
While this may settle the question of the recording's authenticity, an even bigger question of who may have recorded the conversation still remains. |
Could it have been the interim government keeping an eye on potential enemies? |
“Pretty much anyone can listen in to a cell phone conversation. It calls for some pricey equipment, but it can be done,’ said Milchenko. “So these people should have probably looked out their windows more often. They would have seen a little black van there – it would have given them a hint." |
If one of the voices on the tape really is Bakiev's bother, it is somewhat strange that he – a man who was once in charge of state security services – himself became the object of surveillance. |
The recording is also clearly aimed at an international audience since all of the 40 minutes of the conversation are fully subtitled in English. |
If indeed authentic, however, the recording could be a sign of desperation from the Bakiyev clan, experts say. |
The Bakiyev family already has a few tricks up their sleeves. |
“We need to keep the situation destabilized. We need people to constantly wreak havoc in the country,” Maksim Bakiyev appears to be saying in the recording. |
QUITO – The death toll from the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck Ecuador last week, lashing the northern coast, has risen to 654 people, according to the National Secretariat for Risk Management. |
The emergency management authority said on its website on Saturday that the earthquake, which struck on April 16, has left 16,601 people injured, while 58 people are still missing. |
A total of 113 people have been rescued alive from the rubble of buildings that collapsed as a result of one of the worst earthquakes in the country’s history. |
As of Saturday afternoon, 788 aftershocks had been recorded. |
The secretariat noted that 6,998 buildings have been reported destroyed and 2,740 damaged. |
A state of emergency has been declared in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Los Rios, Manabi, Santa Elena, Guayas, Tsachilas and Santo Domingo, along with a state of exception nationwide. |
More than 20 countries have sent humanitarian aid in the wake of the quake, including more than 1,000 specialists in the work of rescuing victims and caring for those who are injured, left homeless or harmed in any way. |
Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa on Saturday thanked the public for the solidarity shown following the disaster, as well as state institutions and the international community for their support. |
Festive hamper, Gleneagles Best known for its championship golf courses, the five-star Gleneagles hotel has expanded its repertoire to include fine foods – a collaboration with local artisans focusing on Scottish ingredients, sold through its online store. Its first Christmas hamper is presented in a traditional wicker... |
The Kingham, Daylesford The Kingham delivers Christmas in two linen-lined wicker hampers with leather straps brimming with over 60 festive treats – from a marble board and set of three cheese knives to cookery school and spa vouchers. As one might expect, all the essentials required for a fine Christmas dinner are incl... |
Luxury hamper, Belazu Belazu, the purveyor of fine Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ingredients, counts hotels such as The Savoy, The Ritz and The Dorchester as customers, as well as many Michelin-star restaurants – and this hamper promises to delight the hobby chef. Among the festive fare presented in a handmade wicke... |
Mayfair hamper, Claridge’s The historic hotel launched its first hamper last year, and for 2018 has created Christmas crackers (£75 for six) containing a culinary gift – which also feature in the largest of its hamper selection entitled the Mayfair. The handmade willow basket is filled with a cuddly toy, apron, copy of... |
Burren Balsamics hamper Burren began developing its range in County Armagh, Northern Ireland in 2014, using local ingredients such as Bramley apple to flavour balsamic vinegar of Modena. Its Ultimate hamper includes some of its most interesting blends: from a cranberry- and orange-infused balsamic presented in a 200ml ... |
Festive Feast, Harvey Nichols This elegant black hamper finished with leather buckles brims with Harvey Nichols’ Own Label products, creating a feast with an international flavour: from German mulled wine and India cream sherry, to festive condiments and cheese accompaniments. For those with a taste for the inventive, ... |
Experience a Taste of Wine School, Berry Bros & Rudd A hamper to lift the festive spirits and raise your wine A-game from Britain’s oldest wine merchant. It includes the book Exploring & Tasting Wine: A Wine Course with Digressions along with the eight bottles needed to complete the first part of the course: burgundy, ... |
The Supreme, Harrods Christmas arrives in a pair of traditional wicker baskets, which includes 10 wines and spirits to see you through every toast of the season – from a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial NV to Japanese Harmony whisky – and three flavours of preserves, a curd and a marmalade – which range from stra... |
The Wolseley’s Breakfast Hamper It is known as the best meal of the day – a mantra preached at this iconic Piccadilly restaurant, whose perennially popular hamper includes a copy of AA Gill’s book Breakfast at The Wolseley in addition to a Breakfast for Two at The Wolseley gift card. There are plenty of culinary deligh... |
The River Café gift box Ruth Rogers, chef and founder of The River Café, created this collection of contemporary gift boxes in response to demand from diners. “People are always asking where we source our ingredients,” she says. “These boxes allow our guests to enjoy them at home.” The largest presentation box is a cul... |
Simply filming or photographing police does not qualify as free speech protected by the US Constitution, unless accompanied by “expressive conduct,” such as a challenge or criticism, a federal judge has ruled. |
The law “does not recognize a First Amendment right to observe and record without some form of expressive conduct and photographing police is not, as a matter of law, expressive activity,” Judge Mark Kearney of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said in a ruling this month. |
Kearney was weighing in on cases filed by Richard Fields and Amanda Geraci, who claimed police had unfairly retaliated against them for filming and photographing them. Geraci was filming an anti-fracking demonstration in Philadelphia in September of 2012 when an officer physically prevented her from filming an arrest. ... |
“We find there is no First Amendment right under our governing law to observe and record police officers absent some other expressive conduct,” the judge said in rejecting Fields and Geraci’s first-amendment arguments, noting that neither was a member of the press. |
The practical implications of the verdict will come down to the fact that a police officer cannot know what the intended use of the image may be, Mary Catherine Roper of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania told the Legal Intelligencer. |
Illustrating his point, Kearney allowed Fields and Geraci’s Fourth Amendment claims to proceed. |
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP) — A 6-year-old boy who spent more than three hours buried under 11 feet of sand after being swallowed by a massive Indiana dune is recovering well but remains in critical condition at a Chicago hospital. |
The boy was identified Sunday night by a hospital spokeswoman as Nathan Woessner (WAYZ-ner). |
Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek said the parents of the boy told him Saturday that the outlook for the child is very good. |
"They are very upbeat and hopeful. They are watching him closely and hoping to speak with him in the next few days," Swistek told The News-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/15diUnZ ). |
"The father expressed to me that we didn't give up hope," Swistek said. "He wanted people to know that every minute in this rescue made a difference in this child's life." |
Nathan remained in critical condition Sunday at Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago, spokeswoman Lorna Wong said. His hometown hasn't been released, but The News-Dispatch reported he was from Illinois. Wong said she could not confirm or deny the information. |
Michigan City Fire Department spokesman Mark Baker told the newspaper he learned the child doesn't have life-threatening injuries or a brain injury from any lack of oxygen he might have experienced. Wong said Saturday the boy had responded to simple commands Friday when he arrived at the hospital. |
Michigan City Fire Chief Ronnie Martin told WSBT-TV that firefighters prodding the dune located the boy in an air pocket that enabled him to survive for so long underground. |
Nathan's family reported he was playing on the dune known as Mount Baldy on Friday when he dropped partially into it, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Ranger Bruce Rowe said. While they were trying to dig him out, the dune collapsed. |
The family called 911, and emergency responders were on the scene within 15 minutes and began digging by hand, Rowe said. Crews with excavating equipment were brought in to help the rescue effort. |
The dune is part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Michigan, east of Chicago. |
Those of us who love Erie got a psychological boost this week from the news that the city of Erie's population is back above 100,000 -- for now. |
The U.S. Census Bureau notified City Hall that its challenge of the most recent estimate of the city's population, 99,452, had resulted in that figure being revised upward to 100,055. Kudos to Mayor Joe Sinnott and his administration for filing the appeal and backing it with the relevant evidence. |
That evidence showed the Census Bureau had undercounted Erie's immigrant and refugee population. The correction added 603 residents to the 2014 count. |
That's welcome news for Erie's self-esteem and its ability to secure state and federal funding. The last time the city's population was below 100,000 was in 1920, when Erie was still strongly in growth mode. |
The question now is how long this reprieve will last. Even the revised population estimate leaves the city on a downward path, and the Census Bureau is expected to release its 2015 estimates for cities in late May. |
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