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“This support, which will be provided in close co-ordination with our allies, will enable Kurdish forces to provide effective protection to Iraqis faced with the barbarous attacks of ISIL,” Harper said.
The al-Qaida splinter group’s hardline militants have already seized large parts of northern Iraq, sending 400,000 people fleeing for their lives. Many of those trying to escape are Yazidis, Christians and other minorities.
It’s high time the debate about what to do in Iraq moved beyond the old arguments about the U.S. invasion and occupation in 2003, which many blame for the current instability, said retired colonel George Petrolekas.
“I don’t buy the argument that it’s not our problem: ‘We didn’t break it, so we shouldn’t have to fix it,”‘ said Petrolekas, who sits on the board of the Conference of Defence Associations Institute.
After arming Kurdish forces, Petrolekas said, western nations will face a prolonged humanitarian crisis and a protracted battle – albeit through proxies – to extricate ISIL from northern Iraq and possibly even Syria.
Dispatching Chinooks to stand by for evacuation or aid missions just seems like sensible contingency planning, he added.
The help announced Friday is in addition to $5 million in humanitarian aid committed last weekend by the Conservative government.
Western nations need to agree on a coherent strategy to defeat ISIL, and to consider the knock-on effects of arming the Kurds, who have fought for independence in their region from both Iraq and Turkey, Petrolekas said.
Nouri al-Malki, the embattled prime minister of Iraq, announced Thursday that he was stepping aside and will accept the candidacy of rival Haider al-Abadi, who was nominated last week by the Iraqi president to form a government.
While Harper did not address al-Malki’s departure directly, he did say that political stability is key to revolving the crisis.
“We call on Iraq’s leadership to take immediate steps to counter ISIL and the terrorists that operate under that banner,” Harper said.
Friday’s announcement came just as the Department of National Defence revealed the imminent departure of its final flight of non-lethal military aid to Ukraine. Over the last week, the air force has been shuttling spare body armour, helmets, medical kits, tents and surveillance equipment to forces battling pro-Russian separatists in that region.
It’s not the first time Canada’s air force has been called upon for its moving capacity.
Canada helped move French troops and gear to the west African country of Mali in early 2013 after al-Qaida-affiliated rebels overran the northern portion of that country.
Those flights went on over several weeks.
Whether through cash donations or through providing their products and services free of charge to people and nonprofits in need, corporations across America are making billions of dollars' worth of charitable donations each year. Here's the list of the nation's 12 most charitable companies, according toThe Chronicle of Philanthropy's mid-2016 report(registration required), along with some of the causes these companies are giving to.
First up is the oil and gas behemoth ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM), which gave more than a quarter of a billion dollars in 2015 alone (the most recent year for which data is available). The company has spread its donation efforts across various areas, from education to global health initiatives to malaria prevention. ExxonMobil also has a program to donate$500 on behalf of an employee for every 20 hours the employee volunteers.
Goldman Sachs employees volunteering in Bangalore in 2016. Image source: Goldman Sachs.
Investments banks are driven solely by greed, and they only care about lining executives' pockets -- right? That's the image of big banks that's often played up in the media, but it turns out that Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the biggest corporate givers in America.Goldman Sachs Gives,a donor-advised fund,has given more than $1 billion in grants to thousands of nonprofits in 80 countries worldwide.
A community knowledge center in Kenya. Image source: Cisco Systems.
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is already using its data and cloud computing technology to help develop "smart cities" around the world in places like Copenhagen, Denmark. But the company also uses its funding and technology to build "Community Knowledge Centers" in areas that lack internet access, such as in Kenya, as shown in the image above. These centers allow local residents to connect to online resources such as skills training. Cisco's management believes investments like these are critical to ending the cycle of poverty in these areas.
While Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) has certainly come under public scrutiny over its problematic account-selling tactics in the last few months, the company has long been regarded as one of the most charitable for-profit organizations in the U.S. Wells Fargo supports hundreds of local nonprofits in the cities where it operates, as well as large national nonprofits that are involved in financial education and much more. Wells Fargo management announced its 2020 economic goals last year, and they include $500 million in philanthropic spending by 2020.
Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) is the maker of important pharmaceutical products like Prozac and insulin. It's also the parent of the Eli Lilly Foundation, whichawards grants for philanthropic initiatives in the areas of quality healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, as well as public education in the United States, with an emphasis on science and math. The foundation also matches millions of dollars' worth of employee donations each year.
Healthcare companyBristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) says on its website that it seeks"to improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases" through increasing healthcare worker capacity and integrated medical care. The company recently announced a $50 million donation (matched with another $50 million from other donors) in anew public-private partnership with the government of Botswana to treat children with cancer and blood disorders.
Microsoft employee Prashant Gupta in India. Image source: Microsoft.
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) founder Bill Gates is not only one of the wealthiest people in the world, but also one of the most charitable -- he's the co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has donated tens of billions toward the cause of improving healthcare and relieving poverty around the world. Microsoft seems to hold similar values, as the company notes that it donates nearly $2 million per day in cash and equipment. Its philosophy is that technology can help humankind overcome some of the greatest challenges it faces. In the image above, a Microsoft employee helps farmers in India use technology to better time their crops during a drought.
Google Cardboard headset being used to help veterans virtually attend a Veterans Day Parade. Image source: Google.org.
Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL)philanthropic efforts include donating its own services -- for example, it gives nonprofits free access to Google Adwords for advertising, and trains military veterans to learn new technologies as they transition to civilian jobs. The company also launches bold technological ventures that are meant to take dramatic steps toward solving the world's problems. For instance, the company provides funding and expertise to groups that can use the Google Earth tool to fight global deforestation.
Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is the world's largest retailer by sales, and it also holds the spot as the largest donor in the retail industry. The company gives cash and product donations to nonprofits working on labor benefits, food for those in need, and much more. The company also sends aid to communities in the U.S. that are affected by natural disasters. In December it gave $250,000 toward relief and recovery efforts in areas of Tennessee that were being ravaged by wildfires.
Image source: Merck & Company.
Merck & Co., a leading healthcare company, donates both cash and medical resources, particularly within the communities where the company operates. It also aids in global initiatives to take on cancer, diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.The company notes on its website that it donated $1.7 billion worth of products in 2015 alone.
The second-largest corporate donor as of 2016 isGilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD). Gilead is one of the leaders in HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals. Its products include a medication called Truvada, a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that blocks the virus from spreading between individuals. The company's top philanthropic priority is ending the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and making life-saving healthcare accessible in areas of need.
The most charitable Fortune 500 company in America is Pfizer (NYSE: PFE). This healthcare company, which makes famous drugs like Viagra and Lipitor, seeks to build out healthcare opportunities for those in underserved communities worldwide through "people, products, and funding." As part of this goal, the company helps to fund programs that increase awareness ofnon-communicable diseases and that remove barriers preventing women and childrenfrom receiving sufficient care.
If there's any doubt as to whether it's possible to reward shareholders while leading the nation in charitable giving, consider that the shares of these 12 companies gained an average of 78% over the last five years, compared with 67% for theS&P 500. We look forward to seeing which companies have increased their own corporate giving when the next edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy's most charitablecompanies is released.
Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. Seth McNew owns shares of Cisco Systems and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil and has the following options: short June 2017 $70 calls on Gilead Sciences. The Motley Fool recommends Cisco Systems. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Experience tropical island delights and bustling Asian metropolis on this Telegraph Exclusive Offer on board Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas.
Your adventure begins with a flight from the UK to Hong Kong, the sprawling financial centre famous for its astounding nighttime cityscape. Spend three days exploring the vast urban jungle from your central location at the four-star Metropark Kowloon Hong Kong before embarking aboard the wonderful Quantum of the Seas. Your first destination is Naha, the capital and largest city of the Okinawan island chain, a region which presents a fascinating culture that is quite distinct from mainland Japan. You will then travel down The Philippines, calling at the colourful port cities of Ilocos, Manila and Boracay. Finally, disembark in Singapore where a medley of sights, tastes and colours awaits you before your return flight to the UK.
Spend three nights at the four-star Metropark Kowloon Hong Kong. Before embarking aboard the Quantum of the Seas. Hong Kong is way more than just a shopping mecca, youll be entranced by a neon-lit mix of old and new, east and west. The funicular tram ride to the 1,800ft summit of The Peak should top your list, but save time for a tasty Dim Sum lunch of savoury delicacies.
Continue to enjoy your Hong Kong stay.
Another night in Hong Kong.
Embark on your cruise aboard the Quantum of the Seas.
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. Its home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison.
Disembark in Singapore. A medley of sights, tastes and colours awaits you in this immaculately groomed city. The foods legendary: you'll detect Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Work it off walking through the Botanic Gardens, an oasis akin to a tropical Central Park. Fly from here back to the UK.
Born November 9, 1973, in Harlan, Ky., Nick Lachey attended the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts, where he met his fellow 98 Degrees bandmates. As writer and lead vocalist, Lachey helped his band sell more than 10 million albums.
In October 2002, Lachey married Jessica Simpson. Their relationship was the centerpiece of the 2002-2005 show Newlyweds, which chronicled the young couple’s wedded bliss.
Ironically, the two filed for divorce in December 2005. After the split, Lachey tried his hand at a solo music career. His album, What’s Left of Me deals largely with his relationship with Simpson.
In March 2008, Lachey announced that he is re-teaming with MTV to produce an unscripted reality show version of Fame titled High School Musical: Get in the Picture.
Since 2006, Lachey has been dating TV personality Vanessa Minnillo. Though the couple briefly split in June 2009, they patched things up a few months later. The couple married in July 2011 and welcomed son Camden in September 2012.
OSHKOSH – An emergency response training exercise at UW-Oshkosh will occur Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The exercise will include the UWO and Oshkosh police departments, Oshkosh Fire Department and nearby hospitals. The training at UWO's Kolf Sports Center will be mostly indoors, though emergency personnel presence will be seen around the building as well.
The police warn that passersby may hear loud noises and notice the increase in emergency respondents but say there will be no cause for alarm.
Does apple cider vinegar work for hair growth?
How do I make and use an ACV rinse?
Apple cider vinegar has never been so popular and is credited with all manner of health benefits, from aiding weight loss to stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Some advocates claim that apple cider vinegar (ACV) deserves a place in everyone's hair care routine, thanks to its powers to relieve a variety of scalp conditions, including flaking, dandruff, and psoriasis. Others have said it can boost hair growth.
The use of vinegar to fight infection dates back to Hippocrates (460-337 BC) who recommended a vinegar preparation for ulcers and sores.
ACV has been shown to have microbial properties when used in food, but experts advise against its use for wounds.
There are many claims that using ACV on the scalp stimulates blood flow, which may boost hair growth, though there is little firm evidence of this.
Few studies have looked at the use of ACV specifically, but there are some that have looked at the use of vinegar for certain situations.
It is suggested that ACV on the scalp may stimulate blood flow.
Vinegar can be made from most sources of carbohydrate. It results from fermentation where the sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast.
These sugars are turned into alcohol by yeast and then Acetobacter bacteria covert the alcohol into acetic acid, which is vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made by fermenting pulverized or smashed up apples.
Health and beauty blogs have claimed the benefits of an ACV rinse for hair growth, although it must be remembered that there is very little published research on this.
Much of the excitement about ACV is based on anecdotal evidence or studies that look at vinegar in general. The claims center on people using an ACV as a rinse on their hair.
"No matter what you do with it, ACV will not cure or treat hair loss. The reason it is often linked with hair care is because it is an ancient remedy for making hair shine and treating dandruff that is said to have been favoured by the Romans.
"The only real benefit we are aware of is that ACV can be a good clarifying hair rinse as it helps to remove all traces of product buildup on your scalp. Buildup left behind by styling products or shampoo can clog the follicles, leading to scalp conditions such as dandruff, and - in extreme cases - may also cause hair loss."
ACV may help to maintain the pH balance in hair.
Hair has an ideal pH level of between 4 and 5, but many commercial shampoos may disrupt this.
While there is no evidence to back this up, a 2014 study looking at the pH of shampoos on the market found that the high alkalinity of many brands contributes to hair friction, breakage, and dryness.
Because ACV has a high acidity, it follows that it could help maintain the pH balance, thus making hair smoother, stronger, and shinier.
It has been suggested that ACV's natural acidity helps to smooth down the cuticle of a person's hair.
This, it is claimed, encourages knots and tangles to slip out and reduces the frizz associated with lifted cuticles. It also means hair may be better able to reflect light, giving it a more glossy, healthy glow.
It has been suggested also that vinegar can help in the fight against dandruff and scalp conditions.
Some dermatologists have said ACV's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may combat the yeast and irritation that lead to the build-up of dead skin cells, flakes, and itching.
While is it well documented that ACV is antimicrobial, there are no studies to back up the claim that it can fight scalp conditions. ACV has not been tested as a treatment for dandruff.
Can you use vitamins for hair growth? Find out here, along with the most common vitamins used.
Bloggers have claimed that an ACV rinse might help people with curly hair achieve a bounce in their hair. The thinking behind this is that the vinegar does not weigh down individual strands of hair as conventional shampoos and conditioners might.
This claim is supported by anecdotal evidence only.
ACV has been used to clean surfaces for many years.
Vinegar has been used to flavor and preserve food, heal wounds, fight infections, and clean surfaces for more than 2,000 years.
There are rare reports, however, of adverse reactions when someone has consumed a lot of vinegar.
For example, a 28-year-old woman who reportedly consumed approximately 250 milliliters of ACV a day for 6 years, developed hypokalemia or low levels of potassium in the blood.
Nevertheless, there is no evidence that using an ACV rinse externally is unsafe.
To make an ACV rinse, a person should mix between 2 and 4 tablespoons of ACV with 16 ounces of cool water in a plastic bottle.
After shampooing and rinsing the hair, the head should be tipped back and the mixture poured over the entire scalp. It should then be left for 1 to 2 minutes before being rinsed off thoroughly. Avoiding contact with the eyes is recommended so as not to cause irritation.
Investigations have shown that diluted vinegar can be effective for the treatment of some ear infections, including. However, the low pH of the mixture may irritate the skin and damage the outer hair cells of the ear.
In some countries, applying vinegar to the site of a jellyfish sting followed by immersion in hot water is considered an effective treatment.
Studies on whether vinegar helps to lower blood pressure have been inconclusive, but there is a growing body of evidence that vinegar may have antiglycemic properties. If this were to be true, ACV might have a role in reducing high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Barrell, Amanda. "Does apple cider vinegar work for hair growth?." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 13 Sep. 2017. Web.
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WIGHT ELECTED AT PENN.; Will Lead Wrestlers Next Season -- California Cancels Ball Game.
Dattner Architects is a New York City firm known for design excellence and civic engagement. Our portfolio includes master planning and buildings for public agencies, educational and cultural institutions; historic preservation/adaptive reuse; sustainable architecture; interior design. Our work aims at the realization of our clients’ highest aspirations accepting our shared responsibility for the built environment, including the need to building within available resources.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Police were searching Wednesday for a man who allegedly took money from apartment seekers on Craigslist as they paid him fees and rent for units he did not own in Washington Heights.
Between July and August of last year, the suspect solicited apartment seekers while working for a property management company, police said. He showed them apartments the company managed, and claimed to be their agent, police said.
Four victims agreed to rent units at 529 W. 179th St., and a fifth rented one at 1795 Riverside Dr., police said.
The victims all handed the suspect deposit money, and paid him regular monthly rent that he took for himself, police said.
The suspect was identified as Thomas Ome, also known as Thomas Prince, 45. Police have released a photo.
It's been 22 years since Spellbinder, and 20 since Spellbinder: Land of the Dragon Lord.
Zbych stopped acting after Spellbinder, and is now an academic.

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