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Sixty-three-year-old Darrell Johnson told the Fort Collins Coloradoan newspaper Friday that he didn't know he had been counted among the 144 victims of the Big Thompson Canyon flood until a resident called him last year. Barb Anderson said residents didn't want his name on a memorial plaque without proof he was dead. Johnson and his family had decided to leave their shabby cabin the morning of the flood after just one night. A few hours later, the resort was washed away. How Johnson ended up on the victims list remains a mystery. He now directs funerals in Oklahoma City and acknowledges he was lucky to get the bad cabin. \|\|\|\|\| Man Listed As Flood Victim Found Alive In Okla. FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) ― A man who was listed among the missing and presumed dead in the Big Thompson flood 32 years ago is alive and living in Oklahoma.Darrell Johnson was in Estes Park around that time, but left a day early. He was one of six people missing and had been counted among the 144 killed by the Larimer County disaster."We were in Estes Park with our children," Johnson said. "We left a day early. It saved our lives."Johnson said he didn't know he had been counted among the dead.A Big Thompson Canyon resident set out to track him down because there were no details about Johnson in the coroner's records.Johnson has received a book about the flood in which his name is listed as a victim.Johnson said he actually didn't know much about the flood, but now plans to read about it. (© MMVIII CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) \|\|\|\|\| E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. Browse all e-mail newsletters Flood 'Victim' Found Alive 32 Years Later Darrell Johnson, Family Didn't Stay In Estes Park Cabin POSTED: 10:21 am MDT August 1, 2008 A man considered missing and presumed dead in the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood is alive and well and living in Oklahoma. The Big Thompson Canyon Flood on July 31, 1976 took the lives of 144 people, but now that number has to be amended to 143. The Big Thompson Canyon Flood on July 31, 1976 took the lives of 144 people, but now that number has to be amended to 143. Six of the victims were listed as missing and presumed dead on a coroner's document. But Barb Anderson, a longtime Big Thompson Canyon resident, started researching the victims for the 25th anniversary of the flood and found one of the victims -- 63-year-old Darrell Johnson -- living in Oklahoma City. Six of the victims were listed as missing and presumed dead on a coroner's document. But Barb Anderson, a longtime Big Thompson Canyon resident, started researching the victims for the 25th anniversary of the flood and found one of the victims -- 63-year-old Darrell Johnson -- living in Oklahoma City. "I just went 'Woo hoo!' I really did," Anderson said. "And he said, 'What's wrong?' And I said, 'Well, do you know you've been missing all these years and you are on this list of the six who were never found?'" "I just went 'Woo hoo!' I really did," Anderson said. "And he said, 'What's wrong?' And I said, 'Well, do you know you've been missing all these years and you are on this list of the six who were never found?'" Johnson had no idea that people thought he was dead all these years. Johnson had no idea that people thought he was dead all these years. He and his wife, Kathy, and their two young daughters took a vacation to Estes Park in July 1976 and booked a cabin at the Sleepy Hollow resort. When they arrived, they found it too rustic so they left without telling anyone. They went to Denver the morning of July 31 and visited an amusement park and the popular Casa Bonita restaurant. He and his wife, Kathy, and their two young daughters took a vacation to Estes Park in July 1976 and booked a cabin at the Sleepy Hollow resort. When they arrived, they found it too rustic so they left without telling anyone. They went to Denver the morning of July 31 and visited an amusement park and the popular Casa Bonita restaurant. When the storm and deadly flood struck that night, the cabin was washed away. When the storm and deadly flood struck that night, the cabin was washed away. But Johnson and his family were gone. They never realized how close they came to being caught in it. At the time, the family thought they got a raw deal on the cabin. But now Johnson believes the poor condition of the cabin was a blessing. But Johnson and his family were gone. They never realized how close they came to being caught in it. At the time, the family thought they got a raw deal on the cabin. But now Johnson believes the poor condition of the cabin was a blessing. Canyon residents host a memorial service every year on the anniversary of the flood. The Johnsons said they'll try to make it back to Colorado for next year's observance. Copyright 2008 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Canyon residents host a memorial service every year on the anniversary of the flood. The Johnsons said they'll try to make it back to Colorado for next year's observance.	Map of the Big Thompson River An American man presumed to be dead after the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood has been found alive in Oklahoma City. Barb Anderson, a Big Thompson Canyon resident, was researching the flood victims and found Darrell Johnson, alive and well, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sixty-three-year-old funeral director Darrell Johnson told the ''Fort Collins Coloradoan'' on Friday that he didn't know he was on the victim list until Anderson told him last year. He was one of the six reported missing and the 144 killed, which has now been amended to 143. Johnson and his family were living in a Sleepy Hollow resort cabin in Estes Park, but decided to leave after staying for one night. A few hours later, the whole resort was washed away.
'Road Trip' Actress Mia Amber Davis Dies at 36 Email This Mia Amber Davis, known for her role in 'Road Trip,' in which she plays a voluptuous woman who seduces the geeky main character, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to a Plus Model Magazine, where Davis worked as an editor, took to their "Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her ... Today we lost our dear friend, plus size model, industry leader and colleague but we have one more heavenly angel watching over us." Mia Amber Davis, known for her role in 'Road Trip,' in which she plays a voluptuous woman who seduces the geeky main character, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to a TMZ report. She was 36.Plus Model Magazine, where Davis worked as an editor, took to their blog to comment on her death."Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her ... Today we lost our dear friend, plus size model, industry leader and colleague but we have one more heavenly angel watching over us." The cause of her death has yet to be released, but TMZ has learned that Davis underwent a routine knee surgery in Los Angeles on Monday, a day before her death. Her husband, in New York at the time, tells the site that he spoke to his wife on Tuesday and she sounded fine, but hours later heard from a cousin that she was taken to the hospital with dizziness.Not long after, he was informed that his wife had died. "I want to know what happened to my wife." \|\|\|\|\| Road Trip actress and plus-size model Mia Amber Davis dies aged 36 after routine surgery By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 9:19 AM on 12th May 2011 Actress and plus size model Mia Amber Davis has died at the age of 36. The beautiful star reportedly underwent a routine knee surgery in Los Angeles but passed away a day later. Tributes have been pouring in for the vivacious model who was a trailblazer in having equal opportunities for curvy women. Mia's husband Michael Yard told TMZ that his wife went under the knife on Monday to correct an ongoing issue on her knee which stemmed from an old college basketball injury. Sad: Plus size supermodel Mia Amber Davis has died at 36, a day after undergoing a routine knee surgery Yard was in New York at the time of Davis' surgery and said he spoke to her on Tuesday morning and she sounded normal and in good spirits. But just hours later, Yard said he received a telephone call from Davis' cousin to inform him that she was taking Davis to the hospital because she was feeling dizzy. And soon after, he received another call to tell him that his wife had passed away. Yard immediately got on a plane to Los Angeles and told TMZ that he wants answers: 'I want to know what happened to my wife'. The actress stood at over 6ft tall and reportedly weighed over 300 pounds but her personality and passion for helping others was said to be larger than life. 'Sizeism': Davis was a great advocate for fuller figure women and voiced her disdain over the prejudice larger women faced in the entertainment industry Davis was best remembered for her role in Road Trip where she played Rhonda, the heavyset girl who seduces Kyle, played by DJ Qualls. In 2009, Davis appeared on CNN to discuss obesity in America. She told host Campbell Brown: 'Sizeism is the last acceptable prejudice.. We're targets, but yet we're invisible everywhere else. 'The media doesn't showcase overweight people, overweight women are not seen in Hollywood. It's like, why are we being targets but we're invisible everywhere else?' The Facebook page of Plus Model Magazine where she was creative editor-at-large posted a message about Davis' death. 'It is with great sorrow that we are confirming that our dear friend, and plus size model Mia Amber passed away just a short time ago. Film role: Davis starred in 2000 movie Road Trip where she plays Rhonda, the heavyset girl who seduces Kyle played by DJ Qualls 'Please send your love and prayers to the family, mom and her husband... We are deeply saddened by this tragedy'. Davis is also best remembered for her worth with clothing outlet Ashley Stewart and for being the face of Jill Scott's Butterfly Bra. Plus Model Magazine Editor Madeline Jones wrote in a blog post today. 'Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her. 'Anyone else would have given up, but Mia remained steadfast in her career, knowing that she was not just doing it for her own benefit, but for women of all ages. 'Never one to put anyone down, Mia was about lifting up people and connecting them with others to help them on their journey and never asking for anything in return', she added.	Davis died in Los Angeles American plus-size model and actress has died at the age of 36 in Los Angeles, California. Davis, who appeared in the film '''', died one day after undergoing routine knee surgery. Davis was more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall and weighed over 300 pounds (136.1 kilogrammes). She was having the surgery after a prolonged basketball injury from her college days. The model returned to the hospital after feeling dizzy and later died there. Michael Yard, Davis' husband, was in New York at the time of her death. He spoke to '''', saying "I want to know what happened to my wife." Davis was also the editor of ''''. Magazine editor Madeline Jones commented on Davis' death in a blog post, writing "Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her. Anyone else would have given up, but Mia remained steadfast in her career, knowing that she was not just doing it for her own benefit, but for women of all ages." Davis is best remembered for her appearance in ''Road Trip''. She played a heavyset woman named Rhonda who seduces a geek played by .
Author: simon Thursday, 6th August, 2009 at 12:33 pm, Isle of Wight In the last ten minutes an Eviction Notice has been served on the remaining Vestas workers inside the building, with the eviction time given as 12pm on Friday 7th August. The notice specifies that it will be enacted by a court bailiff, who we understand usually work with the police alongside to ensure no crime is committed. Looking at the notice, it is addressed to Christopher Ash and all other occupiers - very strange as it’s well known that Chris left the building on Tuesday after the court hearing. VB talk with Mark Smith, inside We spoke to Mark Smith shortly after the notice had been posted. When we asked how it felt reading the notice, Mark said that “No different really. I don’t feel any different at all about it.” “We’ll try and stop it happening. We want to rally as much support as we possibily can here, to stop it happening.” He appealed for people to go along at 11am on Friday morning, “Come along tomorrow to show your support for us and try and stop this happening. “Be here for 11am and try and stop the bailiffs, not physically stop them, but just show a presence and support that you don’t want this to happen.” More Police outside We understand from Jackie Hawkins, on the ground outside Vestas, that the number of police there have increased. Mark said that there are also more senior police officers outside as well. Earlier today the BBC reported that they had spoken to Newport court who told them that Vestas has applied for a warrant to have the bailiffs remove the remaining Vestas sit-in six. Hear Mark’s own words … Full size eviction notice. Click on the image to see a larger version. Green Issues, Law & Order, Newport, Vestas Sit-In, podcast \|\|\|\|\| Vestas has blamed the closure on a drop in demand Six sit-in protesters at a wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight will be removed by bailiffs at 1200 BST on Friday unless they leave beforehand. The workers have remained inside Vestas' Newport plant since 20 July in a protest at plans to axe 625 jobs. The Danish firm won a possession order on Tuesday but was forced to apply for a warrant to remove the workers. Bailiffs, who can use "reasonable force" to evict the men, gave them 24 hours notice earlier. Newport County Court told the BBC approval for the warrant was an administrative process. We have said all along we will come out peacefully when it ends Sit-in protester One of the workers inside the building said: "We are all still saying we want to stay as long as we can. "But we have said all along we will come out peacefully when it ends. "We don't want to give in to Vestas management, considering the way they have treated us." Three workers left the sit-in for personal reasons on Tuesday and another had to leave to prepare for a charity cycle ride. Six workers remain inside but the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said that at times up to 25 people were involved in the sit-in inside the factory. The sit-in protesters were served with the eviction notice on Thursday Peter Kruse, Vestas spokesman, said: "This is just the natural step in the development. "We are hoping for a peaceful outcome of this occupation. "We have always understood the frustrations of the workers but have been surprised at the length of this action." Vestas has blamed the plans to lay off the 625 workers on a drop in demand. Meanwhile five people are continuing a rooftop protest at Vestas' Venture Quays building in Cowes. The four men and one woman climbed on to the building on Tuesday and have hung banners reading "In solidarity with the Vestas workers" and "Fight for green jobs". One of them, 44-year-old Martin Shaw, said: "We will wait to see what the Vestas guys do once this warrant is served. "If they think us staying here will help the cause we will do that." Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version	Six occupiers remain inside the factory An eviction notice has been served on the occupiers remaining in the Vestas factory in Newport, Isle of Wight, England, occupiers confirm. The eviction notice states that police will remove the occupiers at noon BST tomorrow, August 7. The occupiers of the Vestas factory have pledged to go peacefully when the police enter. Only six occupiers are believed to remain in the building, of the original 25. "Mike", speaking from inside the occupation, said that the six remaining workers have no plans to leave until the police enter the factory, but also noted that protesters gathered outside the factory will try to stop them, without physical confrontation. "We're getting everyone in town down here — workers, family, trade union members." While the occupiers remain short of food, Mike describes their situation as "fine. We're used to it now." Mike expressed hope that police and the law would treat them leniently, as took place at the end of the Thomas Cook occupation in Dublin, Ireland earlier this week. The police have been "very friendly. We can't fault them" noted Mike, who pointed out that occupiers leaving the factory have not even been cautioned. After the eviction takes place the occupiers plan to continue fighting the company, first joining the demonstrators and then speaking around the country. "We will carry on even when we are taken out of here. We will continue to fight this. We aren't just going to give up." The occupiers, all employees of Vestas, began their sit-in on July 20 after Vestas announced plans to shut down production of wind turbines in Northern Europe, at the cost of 575 jobs in Newport and over 1400 jobs elsewhere in England and in Denmark. Mike says that other wind turbine companies have invited the Vestas Newport employees to apply for jobs at their locations, but those factories are in other parts of England or Europe and would require the workers to relocate.
Add a location to your Tweets When you tweet with a location, Twitter stores that location. You can switch location on/off before each Tweet and always have the option to delete your location history. Learn more \|\|\|\|\| Links location time if the fall is light or heavy and the current weather Please report ashfall to us by email or phone (786-7497). We'd like to know your. It would help us if you collect a sample for us. Here are instructions. Read the hazard report for AugustineRead the USGS Ashfall Preparedness "Before an eruption" website \|\|\|\|\| Current trajectory model (click on image for fullsize) The graphic below depicts a model simulation of prospective ash trajectory IF Redoubt Volcano was to erupt. It does not mean the volcano has erupted. These trajectories are automatically run every 6 hours independent of the state of the volcano. See here for a tutorial on interpreting trajectories. \|\|\|\|\| March 21: Steam rises from the top vent in the summit crater of Alaska's Mount Redoubt. Alaska's Mount Redoubt volcano erupted six times, sending an ash plume more than 9 miles into the air in the volcano's first emissions in nearly 20 years. Residents in the state's largest city were spared from falling ash, though fine gray dust fell Monday morning on small communities north of Anchorage. "It's coming down," Rita Jackson, 56, said Monday morning at a 24-hour grocery store in Willow, about 50 miles north of Anchorage. She slid her fingers across the hood of her car, through a dusting of ash. • Click to view photos of the volcano. • Click here for a map of Mount Redoubt. • WEBCAMS: Monitor Alaska's volcanoes live. • Click here to visit FOXNews.com's Natural Science Center. Ash from Alaska's volcanos is like a rock fragment with jagged edges and has been used as an industrial abrasive. It can injure skin, eyes and breathing passages. The young, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are especially susceptible to ash-related health problems. Ash can also cause damage engines in planes, cars and other vehicles. Alaska Airlines on Monday canceled 19 flights because of the ash. In-state carrier Era Aviation canceled four, and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage kept 60 planes, including fighter jets, cargo aircraft and a 747 commercial plane, in shelters. Five of 20 Alaska state senators were scheduled on the morning flight from Anchorage to Juneau, which was canceled. As a result, consideration of legislation, including a resolution accepting federal stimulus funds, was delayed. The first eruption, in a sparsely populated area across Cook Inlet from the Kenai Peninsula, occurred at 10:38 p.m. Sunday. The sixth happened happened at 7:41 p.m. Monday, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The wind took the ash cloud away from Anchorage, toward Willow and Talkeetna, near Mount McKinley, North America's largest mountain. There were reports of a quarter-inch of ash in Trapper Creek and up to a half-inch at a lakeside lodge near Skwentna. Dave Stricklan, a hydrometeorogical technician with the National Weather Service, expected very fine ash. "Just kind of a light dusting," he said. He said the significant amount of ash probably dropped immediately, right down the side of the volcano. "The heavier stuff drops out very quickly, and then the other stuff filters out. There's going to be a very fine amount of it that's going to be suspended in the atmosphere for quite some time," he said. "The finer ash is going to travel farther, and any ash can affect aviation safety." Jackson said she was taking a sip of coffee when she tasted something funny on her lips — ash. She was experiencing other affects, too. "My eyes are itching really bad," she said as she hurried to get out of the store and to her car. Jackson, who unexpectedly got the day off, left the grocery store to secure a motorcycle, snowmachine and vehicles under protective blue tarps at home. The 10,200-foot Redoubt Volcano, roughly 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, last erupted during a four-month period from 1989-90. In its last eruption, Redoubt sent ash 150 miles away into the path of a KLM jet and its four engines flamed out. The jet dropped more than 2 miles before the crew was able to restart all engines and land safely. The plane required $80 million in repairs. The volcano became restless earlier this year. The observatory had warned in late January that an eruption could occur at any time. Increased earthquake activity over the past 48 hours prompted scientists to raise the alert level for Mount Redoubt on Sunday. On Sunday morning, 40 to 50 earthquakes were being recorded every hour. A steam plume rising about 1,000 feet above the mountain peak was observed Saturday. Three seismometers on the mountain were damaged in the eruption but seven others remained in place, said observatory geophysicist John Power. The observatory planned a helicopter flight to the mountain Monday afternoon to sample ash, repair equipment and monitor flooding along the Drift River, which flows from a glacier of the same name. Power said the history of past eruptions of Redoubt indicate the volcano could erupt again in the next few days or weeks. "It's something we need to stay prepared for," he said. \|\|\|\|\| An Alaskan volcano 100 miles (160km) south-west of the state's largest city, Anchorage, erupted overnight, sending a plume of smoke up to 15,000 metres (50,000ft) into the air. Mount Redoubt experienced four large explosions late on Sunday and early today, according to geologists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The observatory has issued a red alert, meaning eruption is imminent or under way, with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely. The current wind patterns are taking the ash cloud away from Anchorage and instead heading toward Willow and Talkneetna, two communities near Mount McKinley, North America's largest mountain in Denali national park. Geophysicist John Power said no cities have yet reported any ash-fall from the volcano, but noted that it was still early. Using radar and satellite technology, the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting ash to start falling later today . Dave Stricklan, a hydrometeorogical technician with the NWS, said he expected very fine ash: "Just kind of a light dusting". He said the significant amount of ash probably dropped immediately, right down the side of the volcano. "The heavier stuff drops out very quickly, and then the other stuff filters out. There's going to be a very fine amount of it that's going to be suspended in the atmosphere for quite some time, but nothing to really affect anything such as aviation travel." Redoubt is a steep-sided cone-shaped volcano, about 6 miles in diameter, which last erupted nearly 20 years ago. Observatory geologists monitored the eruption and posted updates in real-time last night. At 10.35pm, they reported: "At these heightened levels of seismicity, there could be a quick escalation to eruptive activity." Three minutes later, the first explosion took place, followed by a second about 20 minutes later. The third occurred 15 minutes after midnight and the final explosion was registered at 1.39am. Geologists noted an increase in seismic activity at the volcano last week. Last Monday they reported a small explosion and "plume of gas and ash that rose to about 15,000ft above sea level" did not herald a significant eruption in the short term, but added: "Conditions may evolve rapidly." \|\|\|\|\| (CNN) -- A volcano in southern Alaska erupted anew Monday, the fifth eruption since coming back to life Sunday night. Mount Redoubt vents steam atop the crater in Alaska on Saturday. more photos » A total of five "explosive events" were recorded at Mount Redoubt, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told reporters Monday. The eruptions sent ash columns some 60,000 feet into the air above the snow-covered peak, and several communities west of Anchorage, Alaska, reported falling ash, officials said. It also raised concern about ash fallout in towns near the volcano. A "dark and cloudy environment" was noted near Cook Inlet, Salazar said. Agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey were monitoring the situation. See photos of volcano's ash and steam » Concern centers mainly on three areas, Salazar said on a Monday conference call with reporters. The first is the ash clouds' effect on air traffic in the vicinity of the volcano. Aircraft carrying a total of roughly 20,000 passengers fly through the area on any given day, Salazar said. "I understand a number of commercial flights have been canceled coming in and out of Anchorage International Airport," USGS geophysicist John Power said earlier Monday. "We could see disruptions to air travel to south central Alaska, and Alaska as a whole for a period of weeks to months." Officials are working with the aviation industry to make sure air traffic in the area is safe, Salazar said. The second area of concern is for people on the ground near the mountain, he said, but noted that most residents know what precautions to take, as experts have been warning of an eruption for some time. In Port Alsworth, where about 100 people live year-round, Mark Lang, 56, said that everyone is staying inside. "Stay indoors and stay out of it as much as you could," he advised. In the event residents have to go outside, he said, they wear masks. He said the abrasive ash is dangerous to breathe and "not good for your lungs." It could pose a problem for the town, he said, if it prevents airplanes from flying into Port Alsworth. Flying is the only way to get to the town. In Anchorage, about 100 miles from the volcano, residents were getting ready for ash. "All the masks and filters were sold out in two days," said Abi Seaver, 19, of Anchorage. Another resident of Anchorage said the city isn't too concerned. "It's so far away," she said. "And we live in the Ring of Fire, so it's not an uncommon event." The third area of concern regards facilities in the area such as he Drift River Oil Terminal, which Salazar described as a "major terminal" for the storage of crude oil. But he said measures have been taken in anticipation of an eruption, to prevent environmental damage, and "we believe everything is safe there." Experts expect the eruption to follow the same pattern as the last events in 1989 and 1990. That eruption continued for months as the mountain's lava dome grew then collapsed, raising another ash cloud, said Tom Murray, a scientist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The ash cloud was moving north, missing the bulk of the population in south-central Alaska, Murray said. "We are continuing to watch the volcano very closely," he said. "We could have several more phases, such as we've seen." The eruptions started at at 10:38 p.m. Sunday. Subsequent eruptions occurred at 11:02 p.m., 12:14 a.m., 1:39 a.m. and 4:37 a.m. The USGS estimated the height of the eruption cloud at 50,000 feet and warned that mudflows were possible on the Drift and Crescent rivers, and ashfall was likely near and downwind from the volcano. Ash from the volcano is expected to blow north and pass west of Anchorage, said Dave Schneider, a geophysicist with the Alaska Volcano Observatory. He described the ash as a trace -- meaning if some landed on a windshield, the driver could still see through it. Power said the ash will be about the thickness of a penny or a dime. He warned residents to take precautions. "It does pose significant problems for mechanical systems, people with respiratory illnesses and aircraft," he said, adding that residents should be prepared to stay indoors. Those in range of the ashfall should seal their windows and doors, the National Weather Service said. It also advised that residents protect electronics, minimize driving and cover air intakes and open water supplies. The alert level went to red, the highest level, when the eruptions began, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory Web page. All About Alaska • U.S. Geological Survey	Mount Redoubt releasing clouds of ash on March 15, 2009. Mount Redoubt, an active volcano west of Anchorage, Alaska, has erupted, according to the USGS Volcano Center. Between 10:38pm on March 22 and 1:39am Alaska time on March 23, the USGS recorded four explosions at the volcano, which had been giving indications of an imminent eruption since 15 March. The USGS has issued a "code red" aviation warning and a volcano warning. According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, a fifth explosion began at about 4:38am Alaska time. According to the National Weather Service, showers of volcanic ash have already been reported in Skwentna, Alaska and are possible in the Susitna Valley. Residents of those areas are advised to minimize driving, cover air intakes and open water supplies, and remain indoors. However, Peter Cervelli of the Alaska Volcano Observatory said that "Anchorage might dodge the bullet" and come through the eruption unscathed. Dave Stricklan of the National Weather Service predicted a "light dusting" of fine ash that would disrupt air travel but not seriously affect people on the ground. Mudflows may affect the Drift and Crescent Rivers. Mount Redoubt last erupted in late 1989, causing mudflows which put an oil refinery at risk while ash from the eruption stalled the engine of a passing airliner. US$160 million worth of damage was estimated to have been caused.
The ruling by the Office of Rail Regulation will see Grand Central being allowed to run a third daily service between King’s Cross and Sunderland. Grand Central was one of a number of “Open Access” operators who had sought the right to use spare capacity on the line. But finding space for additional entrants had proved difficult and triggered a fierce row between Grand Central and GNER, the previous main operator on the line. However additional paths have been found, making it possible for new entrants to compete for business on the line. As a result there will also be three new services running between Bradford Interchange and King’s Cross, run by Grand Central’s sister company, Grand Northern. Meanwhile National Express East Coast has been told that it will be able to continue running 12 additional services – six each way – between London and Leeds. The company could also bee allowed to run direct services to Harrogate, although this will need approval from the Department for Transport. Hull Trains has also been told that it can run seven weekday and five weekend services to and from King’s Cross. However another company, Platinum Trains, has failed to convince the operator of its case to run a new service between Aberdeen and King’s Cross. \|\|\|\|\| High-speed London link faces new delay The Lincoln to London high-speed rail link is hanging in the balance after regulators failed to approve plans. Train operator National Express has been told that other services on the East Coast main line would have to change their timetables to accommodate the new connection. The rail company will need to hold discussions with the Department of Transport before getting the go-ahead. The Office of Rail Regulation's decision to support the application rather than approve it means the final verdict will be given later than planned. Lincoln MP Gillian Merron said: "Evidently the key rail industry bodies concerned have more work to do and I urge them to work together so the right decision for Lincoln can be reached." The National Express bid hoped to establish a regular two-hourly service between Lincoln and London King's Cross which travelled via Newark, Grantham and Peterborough. For more details on the train service, see Friday's Echo.	The British rail regulator has announced new train services for the country's premier line. New "open access" (unregulated and non-franchised) company Grand Northern is to be given space (known in the industry as "paths") to run three train services a day between London King's Cross and Bradford, Halifax, Wakefield and Pontefract in West Yorkshire. Grand Northern's sister open access company Grand Central was given an extra path to increase services between King's Cross and Sunderland. The existing franchisee of the line, National Express East Coast, was given the right to run services to London from Harrogate, Lincoln and Bradford, but not provided with paths unless the government changes the contracts of the other franchises whose territory these services would cross. locomotive 43080 at King's Cross station Two other potential open access providers had their plans rejected by the regulator. First Group's Hull Trains had wanted to start a new service, Harrogate Trains, to run from North Yorkshire to London, whilst Platinum Trains had sought paths from London to Aberdeen in Scotland. Britain's state-owned national railway company British Rail was controversially split-up and privatized in stages between 1993 and 1997. It was replaced by a series of privately owned regional train franchises for set periods, several unfranchised open access services and a track control and maintenance company.
QANTAS' highest-ranking cargo executive in the US will serve eight months in prison and pay a $US20,000 ($A21,000) fine, becoming the first individual to be charged for involvement in the global air freight cartel. The US Department of Justice has accepted a plea agreement from Bruce McCaffrey, Qantas' former vice-president of freight for the Americas, who admitted his part in price-fixing at least $US244.4 million worth of air cargo from as early as January 2000 to at least February 2006. McCaffrey is one of six current and former Qantas employees who have been named in relation to the price-fixing scandal. Stephen Cleary, group general manager, freight, in Sydney; Harold Pang, general manager, freight sales in Singapore; Peter Frampton, former group general manager, freight; John Cooper, former general manager, freight sales; Desmond Church, a former freight employee, and McCaffrey were exempted from a plea agreement signed by Qantas in November, in which the company gave an undertaking to pay a $US61 million fine for its involvement in the cartel. McCaffrey is charged with meeting employees from other airlines and agreeing to fix cargo rates in the US and elsewhere. Under US law, he could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined $US1 million. More than 30 airlines are alleged to have been involved in the cartel. Last month, Japan Airlines was fined $US110 million. Last August, British Airways and Korean Air also pleaded guilty and were each fined $US300 million. German airline Lufthansa has been granted conditional immunity from fines for admitting its role and being the first to co-operate with authorities. McCaffrey's plea agreement strengthens a separate Australian class action by hundreds of businesses against seven airlines, including Qantas, that they believe overcharged them for freight costs. Qantas spokesman Lloyd Quartermaine said the airline could not comment because the case against McCaffrey was before the courts. "Qantas has co-operated fully with the Department of Justice and continues to work with authorities to resolve the issues," he said. Qantas shares fell 3¢ to $3.41. http://www.usdoj.gov \|\|\|\|\| A FORMER high-ranking Qantas executive has agreed to plead guilty, serve eight months in jail and pay a $21,000 fine for his part in a price-fixing conspiracy for international air cargo shipments. US authorities said Bruce McCaffrey, the airline's top freight executive in the US, had also agreed to co-operate with an investigation. The charges filed in US District Court in Washington DC said McCaffrey and his co-conspirators illegally plotted to fix rates on air cargo shipments charged to US and international customers for more than six years from January 2000. Under the plea agreement, McCaffrey -- who had managed the airline's lucrative US-Australia cargo route for more than 20 years -- agreed to pay the criminal fine and co-operate with authorities. He is charged with violating America's Sherman Act, which carries a maximum fine of $1.06 million and up to 10 years in prison for an individual. The US Department of Justice said the maximum fine could be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum. McCaffrey is the first individual to be charged in the major US probe into the air transportation industry. \|\|\|\|\| QANTAS'S former head of freight in the US, Bruce McCaffrey, has pleaded guilty and agreed to serve an eight-month jail sentence in the US for involvement in the illegal price-fixing of cargo shipments. After striking a plea bargain with the US Department of Justice on Thursday, McCaffrey is set to become the first airline executive anywhere in the world to be imprisoned for the price-fixing cartel by more than 30 airlines between 2000 to 2006. More than five months after Qantas admitted its guilt to the Justice Department and paid a $US61 million ($65 million) criminal fine to US authorities, the airline refused to comment on whether five other former and existing freight employees excluded from its plea deal could face the same fate as McCaffrey. "We can't comment on this case which involves a former staff member because it's before the courts," a Qantas spokesman said. "Qantas is co-operating fully with the Department of Justice and continues to work with authorities and regulators to resolve all outstanding issues." Qantas's senior management team, including the chief executive, Geoff Dixon, are immune from prosecution in the US. It is understood the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is now following its US counterpart in seeking admissions from airlines, including Qantas, in return for relatively light fines and immunity from further prosecution. Given that price fixing is not a criminal offence in Australia, unlike the US, four of the former and current Qantas staff based in Australia, including the former head of freight Peter Frampton, will not face extradition. In a filing to the US District Court in the District of Columbia, signed by Thomas Barnett, the Assistant Attorney-General in charge of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, McCaffrey was charged with engaging in "meetings, conversations and communications in the US and elsewhere to discuss the cargo rates to be charged on certain routes to and from the US". The law firm leading a $200 million class action against Qantas, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and British Airways over the alleged fixing of freight rates described McCaffrey's plea deal as "a major development in this case". "The jailing of the Qantas executive clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the price-fixing conduct by the airlines," said the Maurice Blackburn principal Kim Parker. "We will hope this will send a signal to Qantas it is time to talk to its customers and to make good the widespread damage," Ms Parker said.	A Qantas Airbus A330 in Singapore Bruce McCaffrey, who was formerly the vice-president in charge of freight operations in the United States for Australian flag carrier Qantas, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment and fined US$21,000 by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) for his involvement in a major air cargo price fixing cartel. McCaffrey is one of six past and present employees of the airline who have been charged over the arrangement, which is thought to have run for six years starting in 2000. He is also the first individual to be sentenced regarding the cartel. He, as well as Stephen Cleary, group general manager for freight in Sydney, Harold Pang, general manager for freight sales in Singapore, Peter Frampton, former group general manager for freight, John Cooper former general manager for freight sales and Desmond Church, a former freight employee, were all charged after being exempt from immunity granted in a plea bargain by Qantas in which the airline paid a US$61 million fine. In Australia price fixing is not actually a criminal offense, so former head of freight Peter Frampton and three other staff members in Australia will not be extradited to face charges. Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is seeking admittances of guilt from airlines whose operations fall under its jurisdiction in exchange for lighter penalties. Qantas is amongst those airlines. The cartel, which prevented competition in air freight shipments rates, is said to involve almost thirty airlines. As well as Qantas, Japan Airlines, British Airways, Korean Air and Lufthansa have all had their involvement confirmed. Whistleblower Lufthansa, a German airline, was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for exposing the operation. In August, British Airways and Korean Air pled guilty to their involvement and received fines of US$300 million each. Last month Japan Airlines also admitted to their role and paid a US$110 million fine. Amongst the others alleged to be involved are Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Hundreds of Australian businesses are involved in a class action suit against these seven airlines for AU$200 million that they believe was unfairly charged to them as a result of criminal activity. McCarthy, who ran Qantas's Australia-US cargo route for twenty years, entered a plea bargain with the authorities. Under the US Sherman Act he could have faced up to a US$1.06 million fine and up to 10 years imprisonment, but the DoJ says that the maximum fine could actually be double the gain from the offences committed or double the loss of those victimised if either were found to be higher than the normal maximum. According to the case, he was involved with "meetings, conversations and communications in the US and elsewhere to discuss the cargo rates to be charged on certain routes to and from the US". In light of the news, shares in Qantas fell 3¢ to AU$3.41.
HANOI APEC SUMIT Bush 'understands Thai coup' Surayud explains background of power seizure to Asia-Pac leaders Despite Washington's disapproval of the coup that usurped power on September 19, US President George Bush said yesterday he understood the situation in Thailand and shook hands with military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the sidelines of the Apec leaders summit here. "I believe that the president understand what's going on Thailand at the moment. He used the word 'military intervention' and he understands Thailand's position. And he also indicated that he's in a difficult position," Surayud said. After attending a meeting between the US and Southeast Asian leaders, Surayud said he had an opportunity to explain the political developments in the country. He assured the Apec leaders that the country would "proceed along the democratic path". "And on the drafting of the new constitution, we will try to put the draft of the constitution to a referendum later on," Surayud said. Bush thanked him for his explanation and expressed his support on this matter, he said. "Later on, he walked over and shook hands with me, which showed his understanding. As to our relationship, things should prosper in a better way in the future," he said. Foreign Minister Nitya Pibul-songgram described Bush's gesture towards Surayud as "beyond OK". "I think it was very good. After the meeting, the prime minister was standing in his corner, and President Bush walked across the room to pat Khun Surayud's upper arms [to show his understanding]." The US had criticised the military takeover in Thailand, saying the move was a step backward for democracy. Washington has suspended parts of military cooperation as well as bilateral free-trade negotiations, pending the election of a new government. There were also concerns that Bush would give Surayud the cold shoulder at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. But yesterday's meeting was seen by Surayud as a positive sign from Washington. He said Bush told him that his father, former president George Bush, would be granted a royal audience with His Majesty the King next month. "I think this is a special visit from the president's father to Bangkok," Surayud said. "There's a long relationship between Thailand and the US especially Mr Bush during his time as president of the US had a very close and cordial relationship with His Majesty the King." Surayud said he explained the four priorities of his interim government - political reform, restoration of national unity, reducing income inequality and strengthening the rule of law. Asked if the upcoming Bush Sr visit symbolised full acceptance of the military-backed Thai government, Surayud said it confirmed his "deep and sincere appreciation of what's going on in Thailand at the moment, especially relations at the highest level between the two countries". Apart from the political situation in Thailand, Bush also welcomed the initiative of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi to organise a "future Apec leaders" forum for the youth in Apec economies. Bush agreed to host the gathering. Surayud said he did not have the time to explain the political situation in Thailand to many more countries, only a certain group with a close relationship to Thailand. He said two more ministers were needed to help with the workload. Sommai Phasee, former deputy permanent secretary of the Finance Ministry, will become its deputy minister, and Prasit Kovilaikool, former dean of the law faulty at Thammasat University, will join the Prime Minister's Office. Assoc Professor Prasit was serving as president of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University in Samut Prakan and Sommai as the chairman of TMB Bank. They are expected to appear at a swearing-in ceremony tomorrow before His Majesty the King. Surayud said his deputy, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who is also the finance minister, had requested a deputy to assist him with the budget. "First, he thought he could do it alone. But later on, he took on several assignments and many of them are urgent." The PM's Office could use people with legal expertise, Surayud said. "We need the lawyers to coordinate and prioritise several draft bills for the National Legislative Assembly." The two will be added to the 26-member Cabinet set up last month after Surayud was handpicked by the coup-makers led by Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. Jeerawat Na Thalang The Nation HANOI \|\|\|\|\| To improve the performance of our website, show the most relevant news products and targeted advertising, we collect technical impersonal information about you, including through the tools of our partners. You can find a detailed description of how we use your data in our Privacy Policy. For a detailed description of the technologies, please see the Cookie and Automatic Logging Policy. By clicking on the "Accept & Close" button, you provide your explicit consent to the processing of your data to achieve the above goal. You can withdraw your consent using the method specified in the Privacy Policy.	According to reports from Agence France-Press (AFP), and Thai newspaper, ''The Nation'', US president George Bush has met with the recently appointed Prime Minister, Surayud Chulanont. The encounter took place at the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Hanoi. Surayud, appointed by the leaders of the bloodless September 19 coup, outlined the plans of the government to introduce constitutional reforms and political change. According to AFP there had been suggestions that Bush would not meet with Surayud, but the two shook hands cordially and Bush was said to have described the coup which ousted populist Thaksin Shinawatra as "military intervention". The US President has been making further use of the opportunities for dialogue at the APEC summit, today saw him catching up with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Discussion was said to include currently in-place sanctions against Russian arms and military aircraft manufacturers.
Bill Murray film's use of famed U.S. horse racing phrase draws lawsuit U.S. horse racing announcer Dave Johnson, who called Triple Crown races for ABC television for two decades, on Wednesday sued the makers of Bill Murray’s 2014 film "St. Vincent" for using his signature phrase "and down the stretch they come" without permission. \|\|\|\|\| New York Court Rules Gays Must Be Allowed To Marry by Beth Shapiro 365Gay.com New York Bureau (New York City) A New York State court ruled Friday that same-sex couples must be allowed to marry. State Supreme Court Judge Doris Ling-Cohan said that the New York State Constitution guarantees basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people, and that those rights are violated when same-sex couples are not allowed to marry. The ruling said the state Constitution requires same-sex couples to have equal access to marriage, and that the couples represented by Lambda Legal must be given marriage licenses. "This is a historic ruling that delivers the state Constitution's promise of equality to all New Yorkers," said Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney at Lambda Legal and the lead attorney on the case. "The court recognized that unless gay people can marry, they are not being treated equally under the law. Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says they're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do." Lambda filed the suit last March in Manhattan on behalf of 5 gay and lesbian couples. (story) The case was the first of its kind to be filed in New York since the Massachusetts high court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to full marriage under that state's Constitution. (story) In today's ruling, Judge Ling-Cohan said, "Simply put, marriage is viewed by society as the utmost expression of a couple's commitment and love. Plaintiffs may now seek this ultimate expression through a civil marriage." "I was even more moved than I thought I'd be when I heard about this ruling. All of us cried; me, Mary Jo and our 15-year-old daughter. For the first time, our family is being treated with the respect and dignity that our friends, coworkers and neighbors automatically have," said Jo-Ann Shain, a 51-year-old New York City resident who is a plaintiff in the case with her partner, Mary Jo Kennedy, 49. "Last week, Mary Jo and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary together, but we've never had all the protections and rights that come with marriage. We need these protections to take responsibility for each other and for our daughter, and we are enormously grateful that the court saw that and said our family should be treated equally." Another of the couples was Daniel Hernandez, 46, and Nevin Cohen, 42, who have been together for over six years. When the suit was filed Hernandez said they were looking for the same rights as those enjoyed by his parents. "We're lucky to both have parents who've been happily married for more than 50 years," said Hernandez. "Is it too much to want that for ourselves? Justice Ling-Cohan stayed today's ruling 30 days in case there is an appeal. Ultimately, the legality of gay marriage in New York is likely to be decided by the Court of Appeal, the state's highest court. Yesterday an Albany court ruled that marriage is not a fundamental right. Two couples, Elissa Kane and Lynne Lekakis, and Robert Barnes and George Jurgastis, were married last year by a Unitarian Universalist minister in Albany But when they tried to get marriage licenses from the Albany City Clerk's office they were refused. The four sued Albany and the state Health Department, claiming Domestic Relations Law is gender neutral and marriages without licenses are still legally binding. On Thursday, Justice E. Michael Kavanagh said state law doesn't specifically bar giving marriage licenses to same-sex couples; it just requires two people to be of age and legally competent. However, Kavnagh rule, "the statute is replete with other references ... that this was, in fact, the intent that marriage be reserved for couples of the opposite sex." ©365Gay.com 2005	Five same-sex couples won a major victory Friday as a New York State court ruled that gay couples must be allowed to marry. Doris Ling-Cohan, a New York state Supreme Court justice, said New York’s state constitution guarantees lesbian and gay people equal access to marriage rights that are violated when same-sex couples are not allowed to marry. "This is a historic ruling that delivers the state Constitution's promise of equality to all New Yorkers," Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney at Lambda Legal Defense Fund, said in a statement to reporters. In the New York State justice system, the Supreme Court is court in which cases originate, and is not the highest court. Decisions from the Supreme Court may, with reason, be appealed to the Appellate Division, and possibly beyond that to the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the New York State justice system. Justice Ling-Cohan ordered the New York City Clerk's office to start issuing marriage licences to same-sex couple within 30 days. An appeal is expected.
Scientists have discovered three new species of Australian dinosaur discovered in a prehistoric billabong in Western Queensland. Reporting on July 3 in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal, PLoS ONE, Scott Hocknull and colleagues at the Queensland Museum and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History describe the fossils of three new mid-Cretaceous dinosaurs from the Winton Formation in eastern Australia: two giant, herbivorous sauropods and one carnivorous theropod, all of which are to be unveiled in Queensland on July 3. The three fossils add to our knowledge of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is crucial for the understanding of the global paleobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. Australia’s dinosaurian fossil record is extremely poor, compared with that of other similar-sized continents, such as South America and Africa. However, the mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation in central western Queensland has, in recent years, yielded numerous fossil sites with huge potential for the discovery of new dinosaurian taxa. Between 2006 and 2009, extensive excavations have yielded many well-preserved dinosaur fossils, as well as the remains of other contemporaneous fauna. In a single, comprehensive, publication, Hocknull and colleagues describe the remains of three individual dinosaur skeletons, found during joint Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum digs in two different sites in the Winton Formation. They represent three new genera and species of dinosaur: two giant herbivorous sauropods and a carnivorous theropod. The carnivore, named by the authors on the paper Australovenator wintonensis (nicknamed “Banjo”) is the most complete meat-eating dinosaur found in Australia, to date and sheds light on the ancestry of the largest-ever meat-eating dinosaurs, the carcharodontosaurs, a group of dinosaurs that became gigantic, like Giganotosaurus. “The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile,” said lead author Scott Hocknull. “He could run down most prey with ease over open ground. His most distinguishing feature was three large slashing claws on each hand. Unlike some theropods that have small arms (think T. rex), Banjo was different; his arms were a primary weapon. advertisement “He’s Australia's answer to Velociraptor, but many times bigger and more terrifying.” The skeleton of Australovenator solves a 28-year-old mystery surrounding an ankle bone found in Victoria, which was originally classified as a dwarf Allosaurus, although this classification remained controversial until the discovery of Australovenator—the researchers are now able to confirm that the ankle bone belonged to the lineage that led to Australovenator. The two plant-eating theropods, named Witonotitan wattsi (“Clancy”) and Diamantinasaurus matildae (“Matilda”), are different kinds of titanosaur (the largest type of dinosaur ever to have lived). While Witonotitan represents a tall, gracile animal, which might have fitted into a giraffe-like niche, the stocky, solid Diamantinasaurus represents a more hippo-like species. All three dinosaurs are nicknamed after characters from a world-famous, Australian poet. Banjo Patterson composed Waltzing Matilda in 1885 in Winton, where the song was also first performed (and where the fossils were discovered). Waltzing Matilda is now considered to be Australia’s national song. In a quirky twist of fate, the song Waltzing Matilda describes the unfortunate demise of a swag-man, who steals a jumbuck (sheep) but is driven to leap into a billabong (an Australian word for a small oxbow lake) to avoid being captured by the police. He ends up drowning in the billabong alongside the stolen sheep. advertisement Banjo and Matilda were found buried together in what turns out to be a 98-million-year-old billabong. Whether they died together or got stuck in the mud together remains a mystery; however, echoing the song, both predator and possible prey met their end at the bottom of a billabong, 98 million years ago. This shows that processes that were working in the area over the last 98 million years are still there today. “Billabongs are a built-in part of the Australian mind,” said Hocknull, “because we associate them with mystery, ghosts and monsters.” The finding and documentation of the fossils was a 100% Australian effort. Both Matilda and Banjo were prepared by Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer work and philanthropy. “This is the only place in Australia where you can come off the street and be taught to be a palaeontologist and find, excavate and prepare your own part of Australian natural history,” said Hocknull. The dinosaurs will now be part of a museum collection and this effort will enable future generations of scientists to be involved in a new wave of dinosaur discoveries and to bring the general public in touch with their own natural heritage.” This collaborative effort links closely with PLoS ONE’s philosophy of making science freely accessible to the general public. “One of my major motivations for submitting to PLoS ONE was the fact that my research will reach a much wider community, including the hundreds of volunteers and public who gave their time and money to the development of natural history collections,” said Hocknull. “They are the backbone of our work (excuse the pun) and they usually never get to see their final product because they rarely subscribe to scientific journals.” All three new taxa, along with some fragmentary remains from other taxa, indicate a diverse Early Cretaceous sauropod and theropod fauna in Australia, and the finds will help provide a better understanding of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is, in turn, crucial for the understanding of the global palaeobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. The authors agree that even though hundreds of bones have already been found at the site, these fossils are just the tip of the iceberg. “Many hundreds more fossils from this dig await preparation and there is much more material left to excavate,” they said. Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum staff and volunteers will continue to dig at this and other sites in 2010. The fossils will be unveiled at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Queensland, Australia, July 3 by Anna Bligh, the Premier of Queensland. Stage 1 of the museum, a non-profit, volunteer-driven, science initiative that aims to bring Australian dinosaurs to the world, will also be opened by Ms Bligh on July 3. \|\|\|\|\| Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Australian palaeontologists say they have discovered three new dinosaur species after examining fossils dug up in Queensland. Writing in the journal PLoS One, they describe one of the creatures as a fearsome predator with three large slashing claws on each hand. The other two were herbivores: one a tall giraffe-like creature, the other of stocky build like a hippopotamus. The fossils date back nearly 100 million years. They were found in rocks known as the Winton Formation. The dinosaurs have been named after characters in Australia's famous song Waltzing Matilda. The carnivore, which has the scientific classification Australovenator wintonensis, has therefore been dubbed "Banjo" after Banjo Patterson, who composed the song in Winton in 1885. Queensland Museum palaeontologist Scott Hucknell said the creature would have been a terrifying prospect. "The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile. He could run down most prey with ease over open ground," he told reporters. FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. More from BBC World Service The two plant-eating, four-legged sauropod species are new types of titanosaurs - the largest animals ever to walk the Earth. "Clancy" (scientific name: Witonotitan wattsi) was a tall slender animal, while Matilda (Diamantinasaurus matildae) was more stocky and hippo-like. Banjo and Matilda - possibly predator and his prey - were found buried together in a 98-million-year-old billabong, or stagnant pond. A comparison of all three: "Matilda" (L), "Clancy" (C) and "Banjo" (R) The findings have been published in the public access journal Public Library of Science One (PLoS One), and were announced by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Winton. She said the discoveries were a major breakthrough in the scientific understanding of prehistoric life in Australia. Museum Victoria palaeontologist John Long described the fossils as "amazing". The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper quoted him as saying that the creatures put Australia back on the international map of big dinosaur discoveries for the first time since 1981, when the unearthing of Muttaburrasaurus, a large four-legged herbivore that could rear up on two legs, was announced. The new species will be part of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History under construction in Winton. It should be completed in 2015. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Triple Fossil Find Puts Australia Back on the Dinosaur Map 11.30 A.M. Australian Eastern Standard Time - Fri, July 3 2009 Reporting on July 3 in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal, PLoS ONE, Scott Hocknull and colleagues at the Queensland Museum and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History describe the fossils of three new mid-Cretaceous dinosaurs from the Winton Formation in eastern Australia: two giant, herbivorous sauropods and one carnivorous theropod, all of which are to be unveiled in Queensland on July 3. The three fossils add to our knowledge of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is crucial for the understanding of the global paleobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. Australia’s dinosaurian fossil record is extremely poor, compared with that of other similar-sized continents, such as South America and Africa. However, the mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation in central western Queensland has, in recent years, yielded numerous fossil sites with huge potential for the discovery of new dinosaurian taxa. Between 2006 and 2009, extensive excavations have yielded many well-preserved dinosaur fossils, as well as the remains of other contemporaneous fauna. In a single, comprehensive, publication, Hocknull and colleagues describe the remains of three individual dinosaur skeletons, found during joint Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum digs in two different sites in the Winton Formation. They represent three new genera and species of dinosaur: two giant herbivorous sauropods and a carnivorous theropod. The carnivore, named by the authors on the paper Australovenator wintonensis (nicknamed “Banjo”) is the most complete meat-eating dinosaur found in Australia, to date and sheds light on the ancestry of the largest-ever meat-eating dinosaurs, the carcharodontosaurs, a group of dinosaurs that became gigantic, like Giganotosaurus. “The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile,” said lead author Scott Hocknull. “He could run down most prey with ease over open ground. His most distinguishing feature was three large slashing claws on each hand. Unlike some theropods that have small arms (think T. rex), Banjo was different; his arms were a primary weapon. “He’s Australia's answer to Velociraptor, but many times bigger and more terrifying.” The skeleton of Australovenator solves a 28-year-old mystery surrounding an ankle bone found in Victoria, which was originally classified as a dwarf Allosaurus, although this classification remained controversial until the discovery of Australovenator—the researchers are now able to confirm that the ankle bone belonged to the lineage that led to Australovenator. The two plant-eating theropods, named Witonotitan wattsi (“Clancy”) and Diamantinasaurus matildae (“Matilda”), are different kinds of titanosaur (the largest type of dinosaur ever to have lived). While Witonotitan represents a tall, gracile animal, which might have fitted into a giraffe-like niche, the stocky, solid Diamantinasaurus represents a more hippo-like species. All three dinosaurs are nicknamed after characters from a world-famous, Australian poet. Banjo Patterson composed Waltzing Matilda in 1885 in Winton, where the song was also first performed (and where the fossils were discovered). Waltzing Matilda is now considered to be Australia’s national song. In a quirky twist of fate, the song Waltzing Matilda describes the unfortunate demise of a swag-man, who steals a jumbuck (sheep) but is driven to leap into a billabong (an Australian word for a small oxbow lake) to avoid being captured by the police. He ends up drowning in the billabong alongside the stolen sheep. Banjo and Matilda were found buried together in what turns out to be a 98-million-year-old billabong. Whether they died together or got stuck in the mud together remains a mystery; however, echoing the song, both predator and possible prey met their end at the bottom of a billabong, 98 million years ago. This shows that processes that were working in the area over the last 98 million years are still there today. “Billabongs are a built-in part of the Australian mind,” said Hocknull, “because we associate them with mystery, ghosts and monsters.” The finding and documentation of the fossils was a 100% Australian effort. Both Matilda and Banjo were prepared by Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer work and philanthropy. “This is the only place in Australia where you can come off the street and be taught to be a palaeontologist and find, excavate and prepare your own part of Australian natural history,” said Hocknull. The dinosaurs will now be part of a museum collection and this effort will enable future generations of scientists to be involved in a new wave of dinosaur discoveries and to bring the general public in touch with their own natural heritage.” This collaborative effort links closely with PLoS ONE’s philosophy of making science freely accessible to the general public. “One of my major motivations for submitting to PLoS ONE was the fact that my research will reach a much wider community, including the hundreds of volunteers and public who gave their time and money to the development of natural history collections,” said Hocknull. “They are the backbone of our work (excuse the pun) and they usually never get to see their final product because they rarely subscribe to scientific journals.” All three new taxa, along with some fragmentary remains from other taxa, indicate a diverse Early Cretaceous sauropod and theropod fauna in Australia, and the finds will help provide a better understanding of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is, in turn, crucial for the understanding of the global palaeobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. The authors agree that even though hundreds of bones have already been found at the site, these fossils are just the tip of the iceberg. “Many hundreds more fossils from this dig await preparation and there is much more material left to excavate,” they said. Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum staff and volunteers will continue to dig at this and other sites in 2010. The fossils will be unveiled at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Queensland, Australia, July 3 by Anna Bligh, the Premier of Queensland. Stage 1 of the museum, a non-profit, volunteer-driven, science initiative that aims to bring Australian dinosaurs to the world, will also be opened by Ms Bligh on July 3. The full scientific findings are set out in the paper, “New Mid-Cretaceous (Latest Albian) Dinosaurs from Winton, Queensland,” Australia, published July 3 in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE.	Scientists in Queensland, Australia have discovered three new species of dinosaur in the mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation. The find has been published in the 2009 online journal ''PLoS ONE'' by Queensland Museum palaeontologist, Scott Hocknull ''et al.'' Winton, Queensland, Australia Skeletal remains of two giant (titanosauriform) herbivorous sauropods along with one lightweight carnivorous theropod were found. ''Diamantinasaurus matildae'' (meaning "Matilda's Diamantina River Lizard") derives its name from the Diamantina River which meanders through Queensland, Australia, and the Greek word ''sauros'', which means lizard. The name ''matildae'' honours a national song of Australia, "Waltzing Matilda" penned by poet and writer A.B. "Banjo" Patterson whilst visiting near the town of Winton. ''Diamantinasaurus'' was a very large and heavy lithostrotian sauropod which has been compared to a gigantic modern-day hippopotamus. The discoverers' impression of ''Diamantinasaurus'' ''Wintonotitan wattsi'' was named firstly for the town of Winton, followed by Titan, a giant in Greek mythology. ''Wattsi'' honours Keith Watts, the original person who discovered the bones and donated them to Queensland Museum back in 1974. This plant-eating, tall, basal sauropod was nicknamed "Clancy" and has been said to resemble a present-day giraffe. A reconstruction of ''Australovenator'', showing known fossils. ''Australovenator wintonensis'' (meaning "Winton's Australian hunter") is named after Australia (from Latin ''Australis''), and ''venator'', the Latin word for hunter. The name ''wintonensis'' again means from the town of Winton. This allosauroid was nicknamed "Banjo". "The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile. He could run down most prey with ease over open ground," said Hucknell. “He’s Australia's answer to ''Velociraptor'', but many times bigger and more terrifying.” "Banjo" and "Matilda" were both found entangled together in a 98- to 95-million-year-old billabong. Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland, was called upon to unveil the fossil remains on July 3 at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History. “The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum have successfully partnered to uncover this greatest concentration of dinosaur bones ever found in Australia,” said Bligh. “This State Government-funded initiative has revealed to the world the first new sauropods to be named in Australia in over 75 years, and the most complete carnivorous dinosaur skeleton ever found in our country.”
Rabobank:Rasmussen løj om Mexico Foto: Scanpix Rabobank oplyser sent onsdag aften, at Michael Rasmussen er blevet trukket ud af Tour de France, fordi han har løjet om sine tidsplaner, nærmere bestemt det meget famøse ophold i Mexico. "Han sagde adskillige gange, hvor han trænede, og det viste sig at være forkert. Holdets ledelse modtog disse informationer adskillige gange, og i dag fik vi nye informationer," siger manager Theo de Rooij om beslutningen. "Vi fik onsdag eftermiddag at vide, at Michael Rasmussen ikke havde været i Mexico, som han ellers havde sagt. I lyset af de informationer spurgte holdets ledelse Michael Rasmussen, om han kunne bekræfte disse oplysninger, og til sidst indrømmede han, at han havde været i Italien. For holdets direktør, Theo de Rooij var det dråben, der fik bægeret til at flyde over, og det er baggrunden for, at vi har valgt ikke at lade Michael Rasmussen stille til start torsdag," siger holdets talsmand ifølge L'Equipe. Rasmussen har oplyst, at han var i Mexico fra den 4. til den 26. juni, men onsdag fortalte den tidligere toprytter og nuværende kommentator for italiensk tv, Davide Cassani, at han havde set Rasmussen i Italien den 13. og 14. i Dolomitterne. "Rabobank er chokeret og enormt skuffet over, at Rasmussen har løjet om sit opholdssted," skriver Rabobank i en meddelelse. Danskeren har været i strid modvind, siden det kom frem, at han i flere tilfælde havde fået advarsler for ikke at overholde indberetningsreglerne. \|\|\|\|\| Michael Rasmussen ude af Touren Foto: Scanpix Michael Rasmussen er ude af dette års Tour de France. Det er danskerens hold Rabobank, der har besluttet at trække ham ud af løbet, fordi han har overtrådt holdets regler. Ifølge Reuters er Rasmussen blevet fyret af holdet. Han har været under hård beskydning, siden det kom frem, at han har fået fire advarsler for ikke at overholde reglerne om at oplyse, hvor han befandt sig. Indtil videre har Rabobank dog stået bag Rasmussen, og holdet havde blandt andet på hviledagen sin advokat til at udlægge teksten for den forsamlede presse. Det er derfor usikkert, hvad der har forårsaget kovendingen. Dog kunne den tidligere toprytter og nuværende kommentator for italiensk tv, Davide Cassani, tidligere onsdag ifølge DR berette, at han havde set Michael Rasmussen i Italien på et tidspunkt, hvor Rasmussen hævder at have været i Mexico. Rasmussen har afvist påstanden. \|\|\|\|\| Rasmussen-sagen 2009: 18. maj: Den østrigske statsadvokatur vil forfølge, om Michael Rasmussen har deltaget i bloddoping og på den måde har forbrudt sig mod det østrigske antidopingreglements paragraf 22a. Han mistænkes for bl.a. sammen med en anden dopingudelukket rytter, østrigske Bernhard Kohl, at have været med til at købe en blodcentrifuge til brug for bloddoping. Den internationale sportsdomstol (CAS) afviser Michael Rasmussens anke og fastholder dommen på to års karantæne. Karantænen udløber 27. juli 2009. Den internationale sportsdomstol (CAS) meddeler efter en høring i Lausanne, at Michael Rasmussen kan forvente en afgørelse i forbindelse med danskerens anke af den toårige karantæne inden jul. Den internationale sportsdomstol, CAS, indkalder Michael Rasmussen til høring i forbindelse med danskerens anke af den toårige karantæne. Høringen er sat til den 14. november. Michael Rasmussen bliver ved en domstol i Utrecht blevet tilkendt en erstatning på omkring fem millioner kroner, som hans tidligere hold Rabobank skal betale. Michael Rasmussen er blevet idømt to års karantæne af Monacos cykelforbund, der har danskerens cykellicens. Det skriver cyclingnews.com, som har talt med Rasmussens manager, Moreno Nicoletti. Forbundet har idømt Rasmussen den toårige karantæne, fordi han er udeblevet fra dopingkontrol op til Tour de France. Karantænen virker efter al sandsynlighed med tilbagevirkende kraft, hvilket betyder, at den startede den dag Michael Rasmussen blev taget ud af Tour de France den 25. juli 2007. Michael Rasmussen siger, at han føler sig overbevist om, at han nok skal finde sig en ny arbejdsgiver: - Jeg er ikke et øjeblik i tvivl om, at jeg nok skal finde en arbejdsgiver. De hold, der er interesserede, venter bare på en afgørelse. Fysisk er jeg fuldstændig klar, siger han til Politiken. En af Michael Rasmussens tidligere holdkammerater hos Rabobank, Max van Heeswijk, siger, at holdet vidste, at danskeren ikke var i Mexico forud for Tour de France. Det kan være en vigtig brik i Rasmussens sag om uberettiget fyring fra Rabobank.Torsdag den 17. januar: Michael Rasmussen fortæller selv, at UCI har bedt Monacos cykelforbund om at rejse en sag mod danskeren. Sagen skal tage udgangspunkt i en paragraf i antidopingreglerne, der handler om at lyve om sit opholdssted. Det betyder, at han maksimalt kan blive idømt et års karantæne. Michael Rasmussen bliver af den tyske tv-station ARD beskyldt for at være kunde hos en illegal østrigsk blodbank, hvor han skulle have modtaget bloddoping. Danskeren afviser beskyldningerne. Rasmussen meddeler, at han indenfor den nærmeste fremtid vil stævne Rabobank for et "betragteligt millionbeløb." Michael Rasmussen siger, at han har fået at vide, UCI har besluttet at åbne en sag mod ham. UCI har sendt sagen til Monaco, hvor Rasmussen har licens. Han risikerer at få to års karantæne. Rabobank afviser, at sagen mellem parterne kan slutte i et forlig. - Hans advokater har kontaktet os og spurgt, om der var mulighed for et forlig. Det sagde vi nej til. Vi har ikke tænkt os at give ham penge, siger manager Henri van der Aat til B.T. Michael Rasmussen oplyser, at han har hyret to hollandske advokater fra firmaet Brantjes Veerman Advocaten, og de skal med bistand fra Rasmussens danske følge forsøge at få et stort erstatningsbeløb vristet ud lommerne på Rabobanks ledelse. Rabobank offentliggør en rapport, hvor hollænderne konkluderer, at det var korrekt at udelukke Rasmussen fra Tour de France. Hold-ledelsen burde dog allerede havde reageret før Touren og ikke ladet Rasmussen starte på grund af, at han havde løjet om sine opholdssteder. Rapporten fastslår, at der ikke er nogle beviser for, at Rasmussen har været dopet. Michael Rasmussen erkender, at han ikke var i Mexico forud for Tour de France, men tværtimod opholdt sig i Italien og Frankrig. Han hævder dog, at Rabobank hele tiden har kendt til det. Formanden for det franske antidopingagentur, Pierre Bordry, bekræfter, at der er fundet spor af Dynepo i danskerens urin under det franske etapeløb. Stoffet er så nyt, at det ikke optræder på dopinglisterne, og derfor blev der ikke indledt nogen sag under det franske etapeløb. - Rasmussens test kunne ikke blive erklæret positiv på grund af Det Internationale Antidopingagenturs (WADA) kriterier, oplyser den franske antidopingformand. Rabobanks nye manager, Henri van der Aat, siger, at beviserne mod danskerens fusk med de såkaldte whereabouts er klare. Og derfor frygter van der Aat heller ikke, at sagen om Rasmussen kan risikere at få et retligt efterspil. - Vi ved helt sikkert, at han på et tidspunkt i juni ikke var i Mexico, som han ellers havde fortalt os, at han var. Det står helt klart, siger holdmanageren til Ritzau. Michael Rasmussen er i La Gazetta dello Sport citeret for at have indrømmet, at han var i Dolomitterne inden Touren. I den periode hvor han burde have opholdt sig i Mexico. Det passer ikke, siger Rasmussen. Journalisten bag artiklen fastholder, at han har talt med danskeren. Michael Rasmussen bliver modtaget med jubel og klapsalver, da han for første gang siden Tour de France-udelukkelsen kører cykelløb i Danmark. Han stiller op i gadeløbet Tour de Charlottenlund. CSCs pressechef, Brian Nygaard, siger, at en af grundene til, at CSC ikke forlængede kontrakten med Michael Rasmussen i 2002 var, at rytterens interne dopingprøver viste uregelmæssigheder. Michael Rasmussen siger til Politiken, at han ikke vil komme med beviser på sin uskyld på nuværende tidspunkt. Hans advokat skal i stedet tage sig af sagen. Michael Rasmussen fastholder overfor bla. B.T. og Berlingske Tidende, at han ikke har været i Italien den 13.- 14. juni. Rabobank meddeler, at Michael Rasmussen bliver trukket ud af Tour de France, fordi han har forbrudt sig mod holdets regler. Samme aften har Aftentour på DR1 fortalt, at en italiensk rytter har mødt danskeren på en træningstur i Italien den 13. - 14. juni, hvor Rasmussen ellers har oplyst, at han var i Mexico. På hviledagen i Tour de France indkalder Rabobank og Michael Rasmussen til pressemøde, hvor man afviser alle anklager mod danskeren. Rasmussen erkender at have modtaget én alvorlig advarsel fra UCI. Advarslen fra 2006 fra ikke en 'recorded' advarsel og dermed ikke betydende, ifølge Rabobank. Den tyske dopingekspert Dr. Werner Franke mener ikke, at Michael Rasmussen er troværdig, når han i 22 dage i juni opholdt sig i Mexico uden at være under overvågning af UCI. - Den, der ikke oplyser sit opholdssted, er aldrig troværdig. Så dækker man over noget med vilje, siger Dr. Werner Franke. Direktøren for Danmarks Cykle Union, Jesper Worre, siger til DR Sporten, at Michael Rasmussen var udenfor antidoping-myndighedernes rækkevidde i tre uger. Michael Rasmussen erkender at have modtaget fire advarsler. To fra Den Internationale Cykelunion (UCI) og to fra Anti Doping Danmark (ADD). Men han siger, at han ser dem som én sag, da de tre advarsler stammer fra samme periode. En amerikansk mountain-bike rytter hævder, at Michael Rasmussen i 2002 forsøgte at få ham til at tage en skoæske med fra USA til Italien. Skoæsken indeholdet angiveligt dopingstoffer. Direktør i Danmarks Cykle Union Jesper Worre fortæller til DR, at man har besluttet at udelukke Rasmussen fra det danske landshold. Og dermed ryger i første omgang VM og sandsynligvis også OL 2008. Det skyldes de fire advarsler, som Rasmussen havde indkasseret. DR Sporten bringer historien om, at Michael Rasmussen i løbet af 2006 og 2007 har modtaget flere advarsler for ikke at oplyse dopingmyndighederne om, hvor han befinder sig, når han træner. Tre advarsler fra samme instans kan udløse en karantænedom. Rasmussen afviser historien. UCI modtager et brev fra Michael Rasmussen dateret 12. juni. DCU beslutter på et bestyrelsesmøde, at Michael Rasmussen skal udelukkes fra landsholdet. Michael Rasmussen kommer hjem til Italien og sender forklaring til UCI på fax. ADD forsøger at teste Michael Rasmussen i Italien uden held. Michael Rasmussen bliver i Mexico og sender nyt brev til UCI om opholdet fra 12. - 28. juni. Dette brev når ikke frem før 29. juni. UCI modtager brevet dateret 4. juni Brevet til UCI postes i Italien Michael Rasmussen tager til Mexico. Skriver brev om opholdet fra den 4. til 12. juni. Dette brev når først frem den 11. juni. ADD forsøger at teste Michael Rasmussen i Italien uden held.	Michael Rasmussen Current yellow jersey, Michael Rasmussen has been withdrawn from the 2007 Tour de France by his team Rabobank for lying to the team about his whereabouts in June, saying he was in Mexico while he was, in fact, in Italy. An Italian Tour de France commentator mentioned he had met Rasmussen in June on a training camp in Italy. It has been reported that the hotel, where Rabobank's team was staying, was raided and searched late Wednesday by the police. There is no word on whether the search turned up anything. Rasmussen had come under heavy fire for having received four warnings from cycling authorities before the race, because of him failing to inform about his whereabouts. Before today's stage, which he won, Rasmussen said: "I want to make absolutely clear I've had out-of-competition tests prior to the Tour de France, 14 tests during the Tour and all the results are negative ... I do support my team in the fight against doping and for a clean sport." "Michael Rasmussen has been sent home for violating the team's internal rules," said Rabobank spokesman Jacob Bergsma. According to Danish news channel TV 2 News, the rest of the Rabobank team will be allowed to finish the race if they wish to do so. TV 2 News also says Rasmussen has left Rabobank's hotel. Davide Cassani, a former Tour de France cyclist and now a TV commentator for Italy, said that he had seen Rasmussen in the Dolomites area of the Alps on both June 13 and 14, 2007. Rasmussen had filed information with his team that he was in Mexico from June 4 through June 26. ===Reactions===
WINNERS AT 2015 BALLON D'OR Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi Women's World Player of the Year: Carli Lloyd Puskas Award: Wendell Lira Men's World Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique Women's World Coach of the Year: Jill Ellis Fair Play Award: All football organsations supporting refugees FIFA/FIFPro World XI: Manuel Neuer; Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves; Andres Iniesta, Luka Modric, Paul Pogba; Lionel Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d'Or 2015 winner Lionel Messi did not pick up another major individual prize in Switzerland on Monday, as Wendell Lira won the Puskas Award. Messi's Copa del Rey Final goal for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp failed to be adjudged the Goal of the Year. Argentine superstar Messi and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi were beaten to the prize by 27-year-old Brazilian, Lira, at the Kongresshaus, Zurich ceremony hosted by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt and Sky Sports News presenter Katie Abdo. Lira, who now plays for Vila Nova, netted a superb bicycle kick for Goianesia away at Atletico Goianiense on March 11 last year to round off a terrific team goal. 'It is an honour to be here to get to know famous players I've only seen on the screen before,' Lira said in accepting the award. 'I thank my family and all those who voted for me. I should like to thank my wife and my daughter.' Lira received 46.7% of the vote, well ahead of Messi's 33.3% and Florenzi's 7.1%. The result was determined by a public vote through FIFA's website, and you can watch all three of the top three goals below. Vila Nova's Brazilian forward Wendell Lira, formerly of Goianesia, delivers a speech on January 11 Lira wept after winning the FIFA Puskas Award ahead of Lionel Messi at the Kongresshaus in Zurich Lira poses for a portrait prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Park Hyatt hotel on January 10 The 27-year-old held up a portrait of himself having traveled to Switzerland for the Monday ceremony Messi of Argentina and Barcelona is interviewed by Ballon d'Or hosts, James Nesbitt and Katie Abdo Messi celebrates after scoring in the Copa del Rey Final against Athletic Bilbao on May 30, 2015 THE WINNER Wendell Lira - Atletico-GO vs GOIANESIA, Brazilian Goiano, March 11 The team goal of the three, but one that still involved a magnificent finish at the end of it, Lira's strike was a joy to watch. After playing the ball into a team-mate on the edge of the box, Lira ran through the defence, dummied the return pass, and eventually received a delightful chip with his back to goal. Barely breaking stride the Brazilian unleashed a peach of a bicycle kick past the goalkeeper, the perfect end to a wonderful move, which earned his side a 2-1 win. THE RUNNERS-UP Lionel Messi, BARCELONA vs Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey, May 30 Not only was this a brilliant goal, but the fact that it came in a cup final, to open the scoring, adds even more weight to its status as the best strike of the year. When Messi picked the ball up on the right hand side, there was nothing on. Tightly marked, facing towards his own goal, the only option seemed to be to play the ball back to his defenders. Not for Messi. He turned past the first defender, beat two more as they came across to cover, burst back past the original opponent, cut inside - beat another man - and then fired in at the near post. Even in slow motion it was all over so quickly, with four defenders and a goalkeeper beaten inside a couple of seconds, and an individual goal out of absolutely nothing. Alessandro Florenzi - ROMA vs Barcelona, Champions League, September 16 After picking up possession deep inside his own half, Florenzi carried the ball past a couple of Barcelona defenders and up to the halfway line. Looking up, the 24-year-old full back saw nothing that interested him, in terms of team-mates making runs, but did spot Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen off his line. Showing not only incredible confidence and vision, but also sensational technique, Florenzi shot from the touchline, 50 yards out, lobbing Ter Stegen and finding the back off the net via the inside of the post. \|\|\|\|\| Ballon d'Or Brazilian lands best goal of 2015 ahead of the Argentine and Florenzi Brazilian Wendell Lira landed this year's Puskas Award for goal of the year at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala at Zurich's Kongresshaus. Wendell Lira pips Messi to Puskas Award Wendell Lira's acrobatic effort for Goianesia, during a Brazilian second division game, got the nod ahead of Barcelona striker Lionel Messi's winding run and near-post finish against Athletic Bilbao in last season's Spanish Cup final and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi's 50-metre cannonball in last year's Champions League, coincidentally against Barça. Messi Goal Florenzi Goal The winner of the Puskas Award for goal of the year is voted for by fans via fifa.com. \|\|\|\|\| Up until a few short months ago Wendell Lira was an unknown even in his native Brazil and was looking for a club to play for. An avid viewer whenever Lionel Messi and Barcelona are on television, he had never been to Europe, until this month that is. Making the journey to Zurich for Monday’s FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala, the 27-year-old forward made himself known to millions of fans the world over, polling more votes than his idol Messi to win the FIFA Puskás Award for the most outstanding goal of the year. “It honestly feels like a dream,” said a disbelieving Lira, clutching the trophy in his hands. “I’ve been struggling to get my head around meeting so many stars, let alone being up for award with Messi and then having my goal beat his in the vote.” Lira received 46.7 per cent of the more than 1.6 million votes cast since the ten-goal shortlist was announced in November, eclipsing the aforementioned Messi’s solo effort against Athletic Bilbao (33.3 per cent) and the Italian Alessandro Florenzi’s strike against Barcelona (7.1 per cent). Even the Argentinian ace, who landed the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or, was in agreement with the result. “The fact is it’s a great goal and he deserved it. The award is in good hands.” “When I scored that goal, in a Goias regional championship match watched by a crowd of 297, I could never have guessed that it would change my life so much,” added an emotional Lira, recalling his wondrous spinning bicycle-kick, which helped give his then club Goianesia victory over Atletico Goianiense on 11 March 2015. Wendell was then released by Goianesia and was still unattached when his goal was announced as one of the ten Puskás Awards finalists. The very next day, thanks no doubt to the media coverage generated by the announcement, the Brazilian received an offer from his current club Vila Nova, with his fairy tale receiving its happy ending in Zurich on Monday evening, where he and the rest of the football world got to know each other. “I still can’t believe it,” he exclaimed. “It’s like everything was already written.”	, a Brazilian , won the 2015 in Zürich on Monday. The Puskás Award is given to the football player voted by the public to have scored the best goal of the year. Lira's goal was a , in a 2–1 victory for on March 11; he has since moved to . His goal won 46.7% of the vote, with about 1.6 million people voting. He won the award ahead of five-time winner Lionel Messi, whose solo goal against in the final won 33.3% of the vote. , who plays for AS Roma, scored a 50 long-range goal against FC Barcelona in a group stage match and came third with 7.1% of the vote. When Lira's name was announced he broke into tears. He said "It honestly feels like a dream." Only 297 spectators were present in the stadium, Lira said, when he scored the goal in a regional championship of the second division. He added "I could never have guessed that it would change my life so much". This was his first time in Europe. As a player of a second division football club, he said "I've been struggling to get my head around meeting so many stars, let alone being up for the award with Messi and then having my goal beat his in the vote." Lira also thanked "my family and all those who voted for me." Messi praised the goal. "The fact is it's a great goal and he deserved it. The award is in good hands".
The recount may lead to a run-off between presidential candidates Election officials in Zimbabwe have started recounting some of the votes cast in disputed polls held last month. The recount in 23 of 210 constituencies could overturn the parliamentary result which saw Zanu-PF lose its majority. Results of the presidential poll, which the opposition MDC says it also won, have not been released. It is thought the recount may lead to a run-off vote. Meanwhile, a Chinese ship carrying arms to Zimbabwe has left a South African port after workers would not unload it. The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, is adamant he won the presidential election outright. His party has said Mr Tsvangirai will not contest a run-off unless certain conditions are met - such as a secure environment, with thorough international monitoring. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it cannot release the results until it investigates anomalies. The MDC's secretary general, Tendai Biti, said the party would not accept any recount in respect of parliamentary seats "because ballot boxes have been stuffed". "Those ballot boxes have become pregnant and reproduced," he said. Suspicion of bias On Friday, the high court rejected an application by the MDC to stop a partial recount taking place this weekend. "I find no merit in the application," said Justice Antonia Guvava. "Accordingly, the application is dismissed with costs." Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Arms ship 'on the move' Why Mugabe is deaf to the West Spreading fear in Zimbabwe The ruling paved the way for all presidential, parliamentary, senate and council votes cast in 23 out of 210 constituencies to be recounted. A change in the parliamentary result by nine seats could see President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party regain its lost majority in the assembly. The BBC's Will Ross said the independent electoral commission's decision to withhold the results and then recount the ballot papers has led to widespread suspicion of bias, especially as Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF complained about the initial count. On Friday, Mr Mugabe gave his first speech since the disputed elections. Thousands of people gathered at the Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, a suburb of Harare, to hear Mr Mugabe speak at a rally celebrating the anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence from Britain and the end of white minority rule. The 84-year-old played a key role in the 1970s war of independence and took power as Zimbabwe's first prime minister in 1980 on a wave of popular support. Dockers intervene Mr Mugabe took to the stage to rapturous applause to celebrate what he described as the day on which the "nation finally shook off the chains of British racist settler colonialism". HAVE YOUR SAY I predict that the situation will end up like Kenya. Mugabe will be encouraged by the African Union to form a national unity government Frank Hartry, South Africa In his speech Mr Mugabe denounced both the opposition MDC and Britain and called on Zimbabweans "to maintain utmost vigilance in the face of vicious British machinations and the machinations of our other detractors, who are allies of Britain". Meanwhile, Chinese cargo ship the An Yue Jiang was forced to move after a South African court refused to allow the weapons destined for Zimbabwe which are on board to be transported across the country. Dock workers had refused to unload the weapons shipment from the vessel, which had been anchored off the port of Durban for four days. The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union had said it did "not agree with the position of the government not to intervene". Reports say the An Yue Jiang is carrying three million rounds of ammunition, 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades and 2,500 mortar rounds. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| (CNN) -- Zimbabwe officials on Saturday began recounting ballots from the country's disputed election in a move that could overturn a claimed victory by opponents to President Robert Mugabe. Robert Mugabe delivers his speech at the 28th Independence Celebrations in Harare. The electoral commission began recounting parliamentary and presidential ballots in 23 of Zimbabwe's 210 voting districts Saturday morning, officials said. The country's High Court cleared the way for the partial recount Friday when it rejected a petition by the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The MDC argued the recount would be illegal since the initial presidential results were never announced. The delayed presidential election results have raised fears that Mugabe, who has been in office for 28 years, is trying to cling to power. MDC presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai has declared himself the winner over Mugabe, based on vote tallies posted outside precincts. The electoral commission had already announced the MDC won the majority of the parliamentary seats in the March 29 election. However, Mugabe's party, ZANU-PF, has vowed to contest 16 seats in that race, and it says there was cheating. It isn't clear whether those seats are among the constituencies to be recounted. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said the recount would take five days. Meanwhole, a Chinese ship loaded with arms and ammunition bound for Zimbabwe has turned away from a South African port after dockworkers refused to handle the cargo, their representative said. The An Yue Jiang sat anchored outside Durban's harbor in South Africa on Thursday. The ship was "probably going to the nearest port, which is Maputo, Mozambique, from where it could also be transshipped to Zimbabwe," David Cockroft, general secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation, told CNN International on Friday. E-mail to a friend Copyright 2008 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report. All About Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai	Zimbabwe election officials have today begun to recount 23 out of 210 constituencies' ballots after president Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party accused the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), of bribing election officials. Several arrests have since been made in relation to the recount. The ballots are from the parliamentary elections held on March 29. The opposing MDC made an appeal to Harare's High Court for the recount to be stopped. However it was rejected, Justice Antonia Guvava saying "I find no merit in the application... Accordingly, the application is dismissed with costs." Despite this MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is currently staying in South Africa for his own safety, claims to have won both parliamentary and presidential elections outright. Opponents of Mugabe's regime have accused him of being biased and are certain that he will cheat. "Clearly these guys have tampered with the boxes. They can't deny that," the MDC's spokesman Nelson Chamisa said. "How do you expect us to have confidence in the process?". British prime minister Gordon Brown also criticised Mugabe, claiming before the United Nations Security Council in New York on Wednesday that "no one thinks" he won the election. Mr. Mugabe needs 9 of the 23 recounted ballots to be in his party's favour to retain a parliamentary majority. "The vote recounting process has started, and it's going to be a thorough exercise. We expect it to take about three days," a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission official told Reuters earlier today. A team from the international Southern African Development Community as well as various diplomats are observing the recounts. This recount comes after a chain of controversies in Zimbabwe including arms deals with China, suspected violent intimidation of opposition and denunciation of international opponents.
Sir Elton John performs in the 2010 Electric Proms. Photograph: Brian Rasic/Rex Features BBC Radio 2's Electric Proms has fallen victim to the corporation's latest-round of cost-cutting with last year's event, featuring Robert Plant, Neil Diamond and Sir Elton John, set to be its last. The Radio 2 controller, Bob Shennan, said the five-year-old spin-off from the classical music Proms was being axed because of efficiency savings. Shennan added that he was "disappointed" to lose the annual festival but pledged more high quality live music programming in an "alternative, more cost-effective way". The BBC director general, Mark Thompson, is looking to make 20% of savings over the next four years, higher than the original target of 16% imposed by the freeze in licence fee funding, to free up more resources for programming and technology. Last week Thompson unveiled up to 650 job cuts at the BBC World Service as part of these cuts. More than 2,000 job losses are expected across the corporation in the coming years as the BBC tightens its belt. Shennan said: "In the current climate, we are faced with making difficult decisions, including how best to deliver high-quality live music programming throughout the year in light of continuing efficiency savings. "I feel that Radio 2 can achieve the same impact of the Electric Proms in an alternative, more cost-effective way. I'm disappointed that the lifetime of Electric Proms has come to an end, but very proud of its fantastically rewarding run of creating new moments in music for the past five years." The Electric Proms was launched in 2006 as a modern music equivalent of the Proms, promising a "celebration of new and innovative musical styles", featuring James Brown, Nitin Sawhney and Damon Albarn's The Good, The Bad & the Queen. It was broadcast over a wide range of BBC outlets, including Radio 2 and 6 Music, which Shennan also oversees. Jeff Smith, head of music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: "Radio 2 remains as committed as ever to live music programming, and we will replicate the spirit of Electric Proms within the live music schedule. "In addition to Electric Proms last year, Radio 2 featured live performances ranging from Paolo Nutini performing in Paisley to Paloma Faith at the Cheltenham jazz festival; Scissor Sisters performing live on Ken Bruce's mid-morning show to Bryn Terfel singing Christmas classics at the Mermaid theatre for Friday Night is Music Night." Radio 2 broadcast an exclusive live Manic Street Preachers gig from their home town of Blackwood in Wales last week, later made available on-demand online and on digital TV. Smith added: "We intend to create more of these special moments throughout 2011. It's also our ambition to work with BBC2 again very soon as the radio/television/online offering was hugely enjoyed by listeners and viewers." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". \|\|\|\|\| Electric Proms cancelled by BBC Continue reading the main story Related stories The BBC has axed its annual Electric Proms season after five years, citing financial considerations. Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said it could be achieved "in an alternative, more cost-effective way". Sir Elton John, Robert Plant and Neil Diamond were among the artists who took part in the 2010 event. Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2, said the the station would "replicate the spirit of Electric Proms within the live music schedule". Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Shirley Bassey, Oasis and Robbie Williams are among others who have performed at the event during its five-year history. Since its inception in 2006, the October event had taken place at the Roundhouse and other venues in Camden, north London. Mr Shennan said he was "disappointed" the Electric Proms was finishing but remained "very proud of its fantastically rewarding run". Marcus Davey, the Roundhouse's artistic director, called the decision "sad" but said he hoped the venue would develop other projects with the BBC "in due course".	The BBC have announced they are to axe annual music festival from their schedule for financial reasons. The festival first took place in October 2006. The 2011 event will not go ahead, with last year's festival being the last. , controller of BBC Radio 2, said he was "disappointed" with the decision to cancel the festival. He said "In the current climate, we are faced with making difficult decisions, including how best to deliver high-quality live music programming throughout the year in light of continuing efficiency savings. I feel that Radio 2 can achieve the same impact of the Electric Proms in an alternative, more cost-effective way. I'm disappointed that the lifetime of Electric Proms has come to an end, but very proud of its fantastically rewarding run of creating new moments in music for the past five years." During the festival's five year run it has featured performances from stars such as Elton John, , and . The decision to axe the festival comes at a time when the BBC are planning a 20% savings cut. Last week BBC director general announced 650 job losses after dropping five languages from the .
Court blocks access to YouTube in Turkey PARIS: A court in Turkey on Wednesday ordered blockage of all access to YouTube, the popular video-sharing Web site, over a video deemed insulting to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. The ban followed a week of what the media in Turkey dubbed a "virtual war" of videos between Greeks and Turks on YouTube and came as governments around the world — including France — grappled with the freewheeling content now readily posted on the Internet. The largest Internet provider in Turkey, Turk Telecom, immediately complied with the ban and cut off access to the site. "We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an insult, that it was right or wrong," Paul Doany, the chairman of Turk Telecom, told the state-run Anatolia news agency. "A court decision was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says." Visitors to the site in Turkey on Wednesday afternoon were greeted with the message first in Turkish and then in English: "Access to www.youtube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court." YouTube expressed dismay over the move, adding that the offending video had been removed and that the company was working with the government to resolve the situation. "We are disappointed that YouTube has been blocked in Turkey," the company said in a statement. "While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges." A later court ruling said the service could be restored after YouTube removed the offending material, Anatolia reported, but it was not clear when that would be. The ban comes as Turkey struggles to prove its human rights credentials to the European Union and as governments around the world grapple with content posted to the Internet by private citizens. YouTube faced a court-ordered national ban in Brazil for several days in January after footage of a model cavorting in the sea with her lover kept reappearing on the site. Separately, activists in France this week warned that a recent law against posting video of violent acts would stifle free expression. The French law, which was intended to criminalize "happy slapping" — acts of violence committed for posting on the Internet — could also criminalize the recording of police brutality, activists said. "I don't think the French government intended to attack user-generated content, but that is the effect," said Julien Pain, a spokesman for the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders. "If someone films a policeman wrestling someone to the ground, that can be considered a criminal act." While the French law has provisions to protect professional journalists or those who record violence to turn it over to the authorities, passersby remain liable for fines of as much as €75,000, or nearly $100,000, and five years in prison, Pain said. "This law removes protection for citizen-journalists or bloggers who would want to record the violence if riots start again in the Paris suburbs," Pain said. "The distinction between professional and amateur journalists is no longer valid since all Internet users are now in a position to create and disseminate information." The video that prompted the ban in Turkey allegedly said that Ataturk and the Turkish people were homosexuals, according to news reports. Insulting Ataturk is a criminal offense in Turkey. In a front page story, the newspaper Hurriyet said thousands of readers had written to YouTube complaining about the video. For Turkey, the ban will present a further hurdle as concern grows in Brussels that Ankara is flouting free- speech norms necessary to join the European Union. In recent weeks, Turkey has pledged to revise a controversial law that makes insulting Turkishness a crime. The law — Article 301 of the Turkish penal code — has resulted in prosecutions against leading Turkish intellectuals, including the author Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel laureate, and Hrant Dink, an Armenian-Turkish journalist murdered in January. But the government has refused to drop Article 301 altogether, while the law against insulting Ataturk, which has given rise to the YouTube case, is considered even more sacrosanct. The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, has been particularly concerned by Article 301, which attracted global criticism last year when Pamuk was put on trial for telling a Swiss newspaper that more than a million Armenians were massacred by Ottoman Turks during World War I. Krisztina Nagy, spokeswoman for the EU expansion commissioner, Olli Rehn, who is overseeing Turkey's EU accession process, declined to comment, saying the commission was still trying to confirm the facts surrounding the YouTube case. \|\|\|\|\| A Turkish court today ordered access to YouTube to be blocked because of videos allegedly insulting the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Paul Doany, head of Turk Telekom, Turkey's largest telecommunications provider, said his company had enforced the ban immediately. "We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an insult, that it was right or wrong," Mr Doany said in remarks to the state-run Anatolia news agency. "A court decision was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says." The vast majority of Turkish internet users use Turk Telekom, a former state-run monopoly that was privatised in 2005. Visitors to the YouTube site from Turkey were greeted with the message: "Access to this site has been blocked by a court decision!" And a message in both Turkish and English at the bottom of the page read: "Access to YouTube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court." Mr Doany said Turk Telekom would allow access to the popular video-sharing site again if the court decision were rescinded. Access from Turkey may be possible through other service providers, he said. Over the past week, Turkish media publicised what some called a "virtual war" between Greeks and Turks on YouTube, with people from each side posting videos to belittle and berate the other. The video prompting the ban allegedly said Ataturk and the Turkish people were homosexuals, according to news reports. The CNN-Turk Web site featured a link allowing Turks to complain directly by email to YouTube about the "insult." On its front page on Wednesday, the newspaper Hurriyet said thousands of people had written to YouTube, and that the Ataturk videos had been removed from the site. "YouTube got the message," the headline said. Insulting Ataturk or "Turkishness" is a crime in Turkey punishable by prison. Turkey, which hopes to join the European Union, has been roundly condemned for not doing enough to curb extreme nationalist sentiments and to protect freedom of expression. \|\|\|\|\| YouTube attracts a monthly audience of 70 million people The ban was imposed after prosecutors told the court that clips insulting former Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had appeared on the site. According to Turkish media, there has been a "virtual war" between Greek and Turkish users of the site, with both sides posting insulting videos. The clip prompting the ban reportedly dubbed Ataturk and Turks homosexuals. Insulting Ataturk, the founding father of modern Turkey, or "Turkishness" is an offence which can result in a prison sentence. The offending videos sparked a storm of complaints to YouTube and the clips were removed, but the court order goes further, blocking all access to the site. Freedom of speech Turkish visitors to the site are now greeted with a message in English and Turkish reading "Access to www.youtube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court". Paul Doany, the head of Turk Telecom, the country's largest telecoms company, said that they had blocked access to the site as soon as the court order came through. "We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an insult, that it was right or wrong," Mr Doany told Anatolia news agency. "A court decision was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says." Mr Doany said that for its part Turk Telecom will continue to enforce the ban as long as the order stands. The European Union, which Turkey is hoping to join, has long called for an easing of Article 301 - the law which prevents insults to Turkish culture - arguing that the law places severe restrictions on free speech in Turkey. About 50 writers in the country have been put on trial for allegedly contravening the rule, including Nobel prizewinner Orhan Pamuk, though most cases have eventually been dismissed by the judge.	Flag of Turkey. A court in Istanbul has issued an order to block all access to YouTube in Turkey, after a series of insults between Greek and Turkish users of the site escalated. The largest internet provider and privatised state company, Türk Telekom, has put the order into effect, while some smaller internet providers still allow access to the site. Internet users accessing via Turk Telecom get a message in Turkish saying "Access to this site has been denied by court order! ..." and in Turkish and English "Access to www.youtube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court." The row between Turkish and Greek YouTube users started when Greek videos claimed that Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish state, and the Turkish people, were homosexual. There were also profanities on the Turkish flag. A Turkish user responded saying that Greece was the birth place of homosexuality. The dispute received a lot of attention in the Turkish media, which they labelled a "virtual war". YouTube agreed to take down the offending videos, but nonetheless the prosecutor in Istanbul got a court order, based on charges of insulting Atatürk, which is illegal in Turkey. YouTube responded that it had taken down the videos and was cooperating with the government, adding that "While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges." Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, which makes insulting Turkishness a crime in Turkey, received a lot of attention because it resulted in the prosecution of intellectuals like Literature Nobel Prize Winner Orhan Pamuk and murdered journalist Hrant Dink. The European Commission has shown concern over the law article, and Turkey has pledged to revise it. Turkey wants to join the European Union but the negotiations have not been without obstacles so far, for example in the field of freedom of expression.
A replacement coach service will connect passengers with other trains Virgin has accused Network Rail of breaking its licence agreement by closing part of the West Coast mainline near Rugby at short notice. An estimated 60,000 passengers expected to use the line on New Year's Eve face an extra hour on their journey times. Network Rail has apologised but insists key work must be done over the festive period when passenger numbers are down. The line was due to be closed on 27 December for three days but Network Rail added an extra day of work, which is part of the £8bn upgrade of the line. The Office of Rail Regulation said it is investigating the complaint but ruled the work must go ahead. Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said: "Scheduling track works on December 31 is misguided and Network Rail should think again about this decision and the inconvenience it will cause for passengers." Network Rail is extremely sorry and apologises to passengers for the inconvenience Network Rail spokesman The latest disruption will affect mainly Virgin Trains to and from the West Midlands, north Wales, north-west England and Scotland. A coach service will replace trains between Northampton and Birmingham International. Some London Midland and First ScotRail Sleeper services that would have passed through Rugby will also be affected. Anthony Smith, chief executive of Passenger Focus said: "This is unbelievable. Thousands of passengers have booked or planned New Year travel in good faith. Newspaper adverts "We feel very let down and want re-assurances that the huge amount of engineering work planned for next year will not run into similar problems." Up to 60,000 travellers are expected to use the line on New Year's Eve and Virgin has warned them in a series of newspaper adverts to add at least an hour to journey times. A message on its website guarantees that every passenger will get to their destinations in time to celebrate the New Year. Chris Gibb, managing director of Virgin Trains, said: "I am extremely disappointed that Network Rail have informed us of this new disruption at such short notice. Network Rail have insisted this work goes ahead on this crucial travel day." 'Key work' The engineering work is part of a major overhaul of the West Coast Main Line which began in the mid-90s. A Network Rail spokesman said: "Work will be ongoing for most of the next year, but the Christmas period is the last major opportunity we have to do key work while passenger numbers are down during the relatively long holiday period." He added: "It was only realised at the beginning of December that work was falling behind. Rail companies are usually given 12 weeks notice of engineering work. Virgin were told only at the beginning of the month, so that is very late. "Network Rail is extremely sorry and apologises to passengers for the inconvenience." \|\|\|\|\| The £415m work at Rugby / Nuneaton forms part of a bigger scheme that looks to significantly increase the frequency and reduce the journey time of services on the West Coast Main Line from December 2008. The work at Rugby over the Christmas break is a vital component to the overall scheme introducing new tracks, and enabling the next stages of work to commence as planned. The work at Rugby includes:	Virgin Trains Pendolino on the West Coast Main Line; Virgin will be worst affected by the closure. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), the regulatory authority for Great Britain's railway network, has launched an investigation of Network Rail procedures following a complaint from Virgin Trains regarding over-running engineering works on New Year's Eve. Network Rail, who are responsible for the British railway infrastructure, have announced that as part of ongoing engineering work to improve the West Coast Main Line, no services will be able to pass through Rugby on December 31. The closure will affect services operated by Virgin Trains, London Midland and First ScotRail. Chris Gibb, the Managing Director of Virgin Trains said, "I am very disappointed that Network Rail (NR) has given us so little opportunity to warn our passengers of this further disruption. We were first warned of the possibility of this additional work on 6 December." "Because of the seriousness of the situation we felt it necessary to refer the matter to the Office of Rail Regulation. We simply cannot have NR bullying train operators in this way just because their engineering planning processes are in a mess." The company has warned passengers that journeys are likely to be extended by an hour or more in some cases. Whilst the ORR will be investigating the complaint from Virgin, they have ruled that the work should still go ahead. A spokesman for Network Rail said, "Work will be ongoing for most of the next year, but the Christmas period is the last major opportunity we have to do key work while passenger numbers are down during the relatively long holiday period. "It was only realised at the beginning of December that work was falling behind. Rail companies are usually given 12 weeks notice of engineering work. Virgin were told only at the beginning of the month, so that is very late. "Network Rail is extremely sorry and apologises to passengers for the inconvenience." According to the company, the engineering works will contribute to enabling increases in service frequencies and reductions in journey times on the West Coast Main Line from December 2008.
This holding page has replaced the original site Earlier this week the company released a screensaver that bombarded the sites with data to try to bump up the running costs of the websites. But the site hosting the screensaver now displays a pink graphic and the words "Stay tuned". No one at Lycos was available for comment on latest developments in its controversial anti-spam campaign. Data storm Lycos Europe's "Make love not spam" campaign was intended as a way for users to fight back against the mountain of junk mail flooding inboxes. People were encouraged to download the screensaver which, when their PC was idle, would then send lots of data to sites that peddle the goods and services mentioned in spam messages. Lycos said the idea was to get the spam sites running at 95% capacity and generate big bandwidth bills for the spammers behind the sites. But the plan has proved controversial. Offline sites Monitoring firm Netcraft analysed response times for some of the sites targeted by the screensaver and found that a number were completely knocked offline. Attacking a spammer's website is like poking a grizzly bear sleeping in your back garden with a pointy stick Graham Cluley, Sophos In such attacks thousands of computers bombard sites with data in an attempt to overwhelm them. Laws in many countries do not explicitly outlaw such attacks but many nations are re-drafting computer use laws to make them specific offences. Lycos Europe now appears to have put the plan on hold. The site hosting the screensaver currently shows a holding page, with the words, "Stay tuned". The numerical internet address of the site has also changed. This is likely to be in response to spammers who have reportedly redirected traffic from their sites back to the Lycos screensaver site. The campaign has come under fire from some corners of the web. Many discussion groups have said that it set a dangerous precedent and could incite vigilantism. "Attacking a spammer's website is like poking a grizzly bear sleeping in your back garden with a pointy stick," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "Not only is this screensaver similar in its approach to a potentially illegal distributed denial of service attack, but it also is in danger of turning innocent computer users into vigilantes, who may not be prepared for whatever retaliation the spammers care to dream up." \|\|\|\|\| There's a disease out there! Is spam taking out your e-mail? Take out spam with our new anti-spam-weapon! It's free to be free! Lycos Home \| Search Choose your country Italy France Germany Netherlands Spain Sweden United Kingdom ------------------- International English International Spanish Copyright © 2004 Lycos, Inc. All Rights Reserved. \|\|\|\|\| Sites selling spam goods and services are being targeted Internet portal Lycos has made a screensaver that endlessly requests data from sites that sell the goods and services mentioned in spam e-mail. Lycos hopes it will make the monthly bandwidth bills of spammers soar by keeping their servers running flat out. The net firm estimates that if enough people sign up and download the tool, spammers could end up paying to send out terabytes of data. Cost curve "We've never really solved the big problem of spam which is that its so damn cheap and easy to do," said Malte Pollmann, spokesman for Lycos Europe. "In the past we have built up the spam filtering systems for our users," he said, "but now we are going to go one step further." Before now users have never had the chance to be a bit more offensive Malte Pollmann, Lycos By getting thousands of people to download and use the screensaver, Lycos hopes to get spamming websites constantly running at almost full capacity. Mr Pollmann said there was no intention to stop the spam websites working by subjecting them with too much data to cope with. He said the screensaver had been carefully written to ensure that the amount of traffic it generated from each user did not overload the web. "Every single user will contribute three to four megabytes per day," he said, "about one MP3 file." But, he said, if enough people sign up spamming websites could be force to pay for gigabytes of traffic every single day. Lycos did not want to use e-mail to fight back, said Mr Pollmann. "That would be fighting one bad thing with another bad thing," he said. Slow down The sites being targeted are those mentioned in spam e-mail messages and which sell the goods and services on offer. Bill Gates is reportedly the world's most spammed person The list of sites that the screensaver will target is taken from real-time blacklists generated by organisations such as Spamcop. To limit the chance of mistakes being made, Lycos is using people to ensure that the sites are selling spam goods. As these sites rarely use advertising to offset hosting costs, the burden of high-bandwidth bills could make spam too expensive, said Mr Pollmann. Sites will also slow down under the weight of data requests. Early results show that response times of some sites have deteriorated by up to 85%. Users do not have to be registered users of Lycos to download and use the screensaver. While working, the screensaver shows the websites that are being bothered with requests for data. The screensaver is due to be launched across Europe on 1 December and before now has only been trialled in Sweden. Despite the soft launch, Mr Pollmann said that the screensaver had been downloaded more than 20,000 times in the last four days. "There's a huge user demand to not only filter spam day-by-day but to do something more," he said "Before now users have never had the chance to be a bit more offensive." \|\|\|\|\| Make Love, not Spam! p2pnet.net News:- Lycos Europe is now has a screen saver with a difference. Called Make Love, not Spam, it's a program for Windows or MacOS that, "constantly visits websites for which spam has been sent," says Heise Online, quoting Lycos as saying, "The more users download and use the screen saver, the lower the performance of the sites sending out the spam, and the greater the costs for the operators." It's apparently counting on a large number of its European users - 20 million, it claims - to download the screen saver. But users don't have to be registered with Lycos to download and use it. "If it is activated, it shows a map indicating where the web server currently being attacked is located," says Heise. "Various permanently displayed live data show how many users are currently taking part in the attack and whether the performance of the server under attack is suffering to the extent desired." Sites the screensaver will target are on real-time blacklists generated by organisations such as Spamcop, says the BBC, quoting Lycos Europe spokesman Malte Pollmann as saying to limit the chance of mistakes, Lycos is using people to ensure that the sites are selling spam goods. "As these sites rarely use advertising to offset hosting costs, the burden of high-bandwidth bills could make spam too expensive," says the BBC, adding, "Sites will also slow down under the weight of data requests. Early results show that response times of some sites have deteriorated by up to 85%." However, "According to Joerg Heidrich, a legal consultant at Heise Zeitschriften Verlag, Lycos' call on people to take matters into their own hands is questionable at best," Heise states. "The general consensus among lawyers is that an intentional DoS attack with the aim of taking servers out of commission constitutes a manipulation of data in accordance with Section 303a as well as computer sabotage in accordance with 303b of the German Penal Code. Heidrich did, however, doubt that these laws apply if the servers under attack are not shut down, but their performance merely inhibited, as intended in the Lycos project." Unfortunately, Make Love, not Spam only covers Italy, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. =================== \|\|\|\|\| 26.11.2004 16:43 << Previous \| Next >> Lycos users are to attack spammers In its campaign "Make Love, Not Spam", Lycos Europe is now sending a very special screen saver to its users. This program for Windows or MacOS constantly visits websites for which spam has been sent. "The more users download and use the screen saver, the lower the performance of the sites sending out the spam, and the greater the costs for the operators," Lycos explained. Apparently, the portal operator is banking on a large number of its European users - 20 million according to its own figures - to actually download the screen saver. If it is activated, it shows a map indicating where the web server currently being attacked is located. Various permanently displayed live data show how many users are currently taking part in the attack and whether the performance of the server under attack is suffering to the extent desired. Currently, Lycos is waging war against the notorious spammers blacklisted at Spamcop. According to Joerg Heidrich, a legal consultant at Heise Zeitschriften Verlag, Lycos' call on people to take matters into their own hands is questionable at best. The general consensus among lawyers is that an intentional DoS attack with the aim of taking servers out of commission constitutes a manipulation of data in accordance with Section 303a as well as computer sabotage in accordance with 303b of the German Penal Code. Heidrich did, however, doubt that these laws apply if the servers under attack are not shut down, but their performance merely inhibited, as intended in the Lycos project. Regardless of how the penal code will be interpreted in this case, Heidrich stated that Lycos is committing an encroachment of business operation according to Section 823 of the German Civil Code as well as malicious damage according to Section 826 of the German Civil Code. However, claims for damages based on the civil code would require the spammers to reveal their identity. (Craig Morris) / (anw/c't) Print version << Previous \| Next >>	Internet portal and mail-provider Lycos Europe has launched a program to increase spammers' bills by having thousands of voluntary users' computers repeatedly query websites from which spam originates. Such a tactic would increase the bandwidth costs for these websites. However, it also faces legal questions. Spamming, the mass sending of unsolicited emails, is lucrative in part because each email can be sent for nearly insignificant costs. With such low costs, a commercial spammer needs only to have a very small number of recipients buy their product to make a profit. The goal of many anti-spam proposals has been to increase the cost of spammers sending messages. Lycos' approach is to make it more expensive to maintain servers that send spam. Volunteers may download the screensaver from the Lycos website for it. The program would run on a user's computer in the background and request about three megabytes (3MBs) of data every day. The screensaver shows which spam server is being targeted by the user, where the server is located, and how many others are attacking it at that moment. Target email servers are selected from blacklists from anti-spam organizations, with Lycos' own verification. Legal issues arise over whether this can be interpreted as a denial of service attack. In such an attack, computers overwhelm a webserver with requests for data to the point where it does not have the resources to fulfill its normal function. Lycos, in explanatory material on the screensaver's dedicated website ( http://makelovenotspam.com ), claims that its technology closely monitors the screensavers' effects on targeted websites and prevents any of them from being completely shut down by information requests. Lycos Europe operates in Germany where, according to Joerg Heidrich of Heise Zeitschriften Verlag, less than completely shutting down a server is not clearly illegal under the penal code. It may, however, be actionable under the civil code. But Lycos may be betting that no one will file a suit, as that would require those participating in illegal spamming to reveal their identity. The website no longer allows downloads of the screensaver, and users of the screensaver cannot connect to spam sites, but are instead given the message 'Stay Tuned'
Mumbai manhunt for 'four Lashkar-e-Taiba militants' Mumbai police have released a picture of one of the suspects and named him as Walid Jinnah Continue reading the main story Related stories Police are scouring Mumbai for four Pakistani alleged militants believed to have entered the city to carry out an attack, a top police official said. There was credible information that at least four members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group were in the city, said the police commissioner. Police have released a sketch of one of the suspects, set up checkpoints and placed extra officers on patrol. India blames LeT for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai which killed 166 people. Roads were closed on Friday in and around the luxury Taj Mahal Palace hotel - the focus of the deadly siege two years ago - and armed police were patrolling at high-profile sites, including consulates. Joint police commissioner Himanshu Roy told a news conference on Thursday evening: "The four men are planning violent attacks that are going to cause destruction." "The four have recently arrived in Mumbai. We believe the threat is serious," he added. Indian police issued a similar warning in September about a possible attack by two Islamist militants in the city, which is India's financial capital, but nothing happened and no arrests were made. \|\|\|\|\| NEW DELHI - A day after issuing a terror alert for the holiday week, police in India's commercial capital of Mumbai launched a manhunt Friday for four terrorist suspects thought to have sneaked into the city. "The police [are] on high alert all over the city. We cannot take any of these intelligence inputs lightly in the holiday season," said Nisar Tamboli, deputy commissioner of police in the Mumbai crime department. "Since yesterday, we are checking all the possible hideouts, small lodges and guesthouses, railway stations. We are checking all the vehicles that are coming into the city." Mumbai was the site of a deadly three-day siege in November 2008 when gunmen attacked two five-star hotels, a train station, a cafe and a Jewish prayer center, killing more than 160 people. At a news conference Thursday, Mumbai police said four suspects had sneaked into the city four days earlier to carry out terrorist attacks. Authorities released a hazy sketch of a bearded man called Walid Jinnah. Holding up his image, senior police officer Himanshu Roy said the four men were members of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-i-Taiba and were between 20 and 30 years old. He appealed to people to call police if they see any suspicious activity. Roy did not share information about the nationality of the suspects or the route they might have taken to enter Mumbai. India's Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued an alert, saying the western cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad are particularly vulnerable. On Friday, police deployed in force at several crowded spots, government buildings and hotels in Mumbai. "We are going to be on alert until the holiday week is over," Tamboli said. "If we are satisfied, we may withdraw the alert after the New Year celebrations." This is the second time a terrorism alert has been issued in three months in Mumbai. In September, police released two pictures of suspects days before a popular Hindu festival during which tens of thousands of people dance and sing in the streets. Relations with neighboring Pakistan have been strained since the 2008 attacks on Mumbai. India accused Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Taiba of engineering the assault. Indian police arrested the lone surviving gunman, who is now on trial in Mumbai. Earlier this year, a lower court sentenced the gunman to death, and he has appealed. The Indian government wrote to Pakistani authorities Thursday seeking permission to question seven suspects in the case who have been jailed in Pakistan. Two bombings have been carried out in India this year - one in the western city of Pune in February that killed 17 people and another this month in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi that killed a child. The attacks were attributed to homegrown militants. Neither case has been resolved. \|\|\|\|\| The men are planning to attack Mumbai over the Christmas and New Year period and police have released a sketch of one of them. "It is going to be a violent attack which will cause disruptions," said Himanshu Roy, joint commissioner of Mumbai Police. "They have recently arrived in Mumbai. We are not in a position to reveal their nationalities now but they are LeT members." The four men were named as Abdul Karim Musa, Noor Abul Elahi, Walid Jinnah and Mehfooz Alam. A US counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the possibility LeT might attempt to strike over the holidays. "There's no question LeT remains interested in pulling off another large-scale attack in India, and we are alert to the possibility that LeT might again try a holiday attack," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. LeT is widely believed to have been behind the 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai that killed 166 people. A second attack on Mumbai could damage India's economy and an attack originating from Pakistan could force a swift Indian response, which would destabilise regional security. A US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks earlier this month and written in September 2009 claimed that the Pakistan government continues to support four militant groups, including the Taliban's Haqqani network and LeT, and could not be persuaded to abandon them. On November 26, 2008, 10 heavily armed gunmen stormed downtown Mumbai, opening fire in the city's main train station and a bar popular with tourists. They sieged two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre for three days, killing 166 people and injuring hundreds. The lone surviving gunman, Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, was sentenced to death in May. Tensions have remained high in Mumbai since the attacks, with increased security at the city's hotels, train stations, sea port and airports.	A police official in Mumbai has warned four suspected militants of Pakistani origin have entered the city, the capital of Maharashtra, India, and claims they are plotting attacks in the city. Police are now searching for the four people, thought to be members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Islamic militant group the Indian government holds responsible for the coordinated attacks which hit Mumbai in 2008. Joint police commissioner Himanshu Roy says intelligence suggests "the threat is serious." Lashkar-e-Taiba are thought to be responsible for the coordinated attacks which hit Mumbai in 2008. A United States counter-terrorism official said the attacks are likely imminent, and will occur over the Christmas and New Year period. "There's no question LeT remains interested in pulling off another large-scale attack in India," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, "and we are alert to the possibility that LeT might again try a holiday attack." Speaking at a press conference, Roy said "they have recently arrived in Mumbai. We are not in a position to reveal their nationalities now but they are LeT members." Armed police have been posted around high-profile destinations in the city, and roads around the —seiged by militants in the 2008 attacks—have been closed. Police have released a sketch of one of the militants believed to be in the city. "The police are on high alert all over the city. We cannot take any of these intelligence inputs lightly in the holiday season," another Mumbai official said. "Since yesterday, we are checking all the possible hideouts, small lodges and guesthouses, railway stations. We are checking all the vehicles that are coming into the city." 166 people died and hundreds more were injured in the 2008 attacks, in which multiple gunmen attacked the railway station, a hospital, a police station, and numerous hotels, amongst other sites. The attacks were dubbed "India's 9/11" by local media. Only one militant survived the attacks, Ajmal Amir Kasab; in May this year he was sentenced to death by hanging, on 86 charges, including murder, terrorism, and waging war against India.
Microsoft may not be off the hook with the European Commission (EC), despite this week's sweeping promise to license Windows Server communications source code. An EC spokesperson has reportedly called it "premature" to assume that access alone to the code would solve the problem of Microsoft's failure to comply. Microsoft had hyped its licensing offer, by claiming the company is "going far beyond European Commission's March 2004 decision and its legal obligations to provide technical specifications". The Commission in March 2004 had ruled that Microsoft had abused its dominant market position on the desktop to harm the competition in low-end servers and media players. "The company hopes to dodge the EC's threatened $2.4m-a-day fine for non-compliance with the EC's ruling that it open up Windows. Microsoft's offer would allow software developers to view, but not alter, the Windows source code. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the EC seems to be aware of the difficulties with a similar Microsoft program in the US - the Microsoft Communications Protocols Program (MCPP) - covering the release of Windows communications protocols. MCPP was created by Microsoft in August 2002 to demonstrate "good will" and help minimize the impact of the, then, pending anti-trust settlement with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and prosecuting states. It has been consistently criticized and "substantially" revised during its four-year life, with Microsoft compelled to reduce the price it charged ISVs to license Windows protocols, to eliminate nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with ISVs, and to slash the amount of paperwork associated with licensing. MCPP came in for its latest criticism this week, ahead of the company's offer to the EC, with the DoJ accusing Microsoft of having "fallen significantly behind" in submitting technical documentation to officials overseeing its program. In a new twist, Microsoft said it would offer the DoJ the same terms for the MCPP for licensing of Windows protocols as it has proposed in Europe on sever protocols to "foster consistency between both licensing programs." ® \|\|\|\|\| European Commission spokesperson says Microsoft's offer to license pieces of source code might not be adequate to avoid daily fine Microsoft's offer to license part of its Windows source code to competitors is "not necessarily enough" to head off €2 million (US$2.43 million) in daily fines for the company, a European Commission spokesman said on Thursday. Free IT resource Sponsored by HP Free IT resource Sponsored by Google Asked whether the move by Microsoft would be enough to bring the company into line with the Commission's March 2004 antitrust ruling, Jonathan Todd, spokesman for European competition commissioner Neelie Kroes, said: "It would be premature to conclude access to the source code would resolve the problem of the lack of compliance with our decision." On Wednesday, Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith announced that the company would license source code for communications protocols used by its workgroup server software in an effort to meet the Commission's complaints that Microsoft was still failing to comply with the terms of its antitrust decision. Smith said Wednesday that Microsoft had already complied with the Commission's demands on server interoperability by providing 12,000 pages of documentation on the protocols. Todd responded Thursday that, "It's a question of the quality of the information, not the quantity." "They could give us half a million pages, but if it's not the right information to allow competitors to make Microsoft-compatible workgroup server products it doesn't solve the problem of compliance," he said. Microsoft's offer was dismissed by some of its rivals as a "public relations ploy" that would inundate developers with useless information. U.K. analyst company Ovum Ltd. also criticized the offer, calling it "superficially appealing." "There's no doubting that the source code for software represents the most accurate and reliable documentation," Ovum analysts Gary Barnett and David Mitchell wrote in an e-mail to clients. However, "source code is of little practical benefit to those trying to develop interoperable code -- there is simply too much of it, and it's too hard to understand." Instead, Microsoft should work with the Commission to figure out what's wrong with the technical documentation it has provided, the analysts said. "This would represent a far more suitable and sincere attempt to bring this saga to a close, rather than adding another dimension to an argument that is already confused," the analysts wrote. The technical documentation is supposed to help competitors develop products that can interoperate well with Microsoft's dominant Windows software. The Commission believes this will help level the playing field for competition. In a statement issued Thursday, Microsoft said it welcomes the Commission’s comments that it would "seriously consider our offer to license the Windows source code to competitors." The statement said that, in addition to the source code, programmers would get a set of detailed technical specifications as well as free technical support from Microsoft engineers. This is the equivalent, the statement claimed, of "providing the finished airplane, a complete set of blueprints and free flying lessons" and would give programmers everything they need to work with Windows communication protocols. Microsoft added that it was prepared to “do more” to make the necessary technical documentation available if the Commission requests it. \|\|\|\|\| Microsoft Goes Beyond EU Decision by Offering Windows Source Code Announcement underscores Microsoft’s commitment to resolve compliance issues by giving licensees access to its source code. BRUSSELS, Belgium — Jan. 25, 2006 – Today, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith announced Microsoft’s decision to license all the Windows Server source code for the technologies covered by the European Commission’s Decision of March 2004. The company is making this voluntary move in order to address categorically all of the issues raised by the Commission’s December 22, 2005 Statement of Objections. That document asserted that Microsoft’s prior technical documentation provided insufficient information to enable licensees to implement successfully certain Windows Server communications protocols. “Today we are putting our most valuable intellectual property on the table so we can put technical compliance issues to rest and move forward with a serious discussion about the substance of this case,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The Windows source code is the ultimate documentation of Windows Server technologies. With this step our goal is to resolve all questions about the sufficiency of our technical documentation.” With today’s announcement, Microsoft is going far beyond the European Commission’s March 2004 decision and its legal obligations to provide companies with the technical specifications of its proprietary communications protocols. A reference license to the Windows Server source code will provide software developers the most precise and authoritative description possible of the Windows protocol technologies. With it, software developers will be entitled to view the Windows source code in order to better understand how to develop products that interoperate with Windows, but not to copy Microsoft’s source code. “We have now come to the conclusion that the only way to be certain of satisfying the Commission’s demands is to go beyond the 2004 Decision and offer a license to the source code of the Windows server operating system,” said Smith. “While we are confident that we are presently in full compliance with the Decision we wish to dispel any notion that Microsoft’s technical documents are insufficient.” For server software developers who take a license under this program, Microsoft previously had created more than twelve thousand pages of technical documentation covering specifications for the communications protocols covered by the 2004 Decision as well additional technology going beyond those protocols. In addition, Microsoft previously offered voluntarily to provide up to five hundred hours of free technical support from experienced Microsoft professionals who can answer any questions licensees might have. With today’s announcement Microsoft has supplemented these resources with a new license for all of the Windows Server source code that implements all of the communications protocols covered by the 2004 Decision. Microsoft has a similar protocol licensing program that was established in the United States pursuant to a consent decree there, covering certain protocols in the Windows desktop operating system. More than 20 companies have taken licenses to Microsoft’s protocols under that program and many are shipping products incorporating such protocols. To continue to foster consistency between both licensing programs, Microsoft has decided to make available for the desktop protocols the same reference license for source code it is offering for server protocols, and the company will provide competition authorities in the United States with information so they can consider the matter. The merits of the 2004 Decision are being reviewed by the European Court of First Instance. While Microsoft contests the merits of the 2004 Decision through that judicial process, today’s announcement underscores the company’s resolve to satisfy the Commission’s compliance demands. In addition, Microsoft will continue to move forward to prepare its response to the December Statement of Objections, which is now due on 15 February. For more information on the licensing program, please visit the WSPP (Windows Server Protocol Program) at: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/legal/eudecision/. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx. \|\|\|\|\| There are two basic license agreements offered under the Microsoft Work Group Server Protocol Program (WSPP). Each of these two agreements is subject to further review and comment by the European Commission. 1. The Microsoft Work Group Server Protocol Program License Agreement for Development and Product Distribution ("WSPP Development Agreement") grants to licensees, on a royalty basis, certain of Microsoft European intellectual property rights for the purpose of interoperability with Microsoft client and server operating systems. Specifically, licensees will obtain the rights to use the licensed Microsoft technical documentation to develop implementations of the WSPP communications protocols for the available server tasks enabled by the WSPP protocols that the licensee selects. In particular, this Program makes available, under the license, the communications protocols implemented in Windows Server Operating Systems1 and that are used by a Windows Work Group Server2 to deliver file and print services and group and user administration services (including the Windows Domain Controller Services, Active Directory services, and Group Policy services) to Windows Work Group Networks3. Under the Program license terms, the technical documentation for these protocols, which will be provided to licensees through secured access, can be used in the development and distribution of work group server operating system products within the European Economic Area to accomplish one or both of the specific work group server tasks identified above. All licenses available under the Program require completion of the program entry requirements and payment of fees. As mentioned above, the terms of the WSPP Development Agreement are subject to revision upon comment by the European Commission. 2. An Evaluation Agreement is also available for companies that wish to review the technical documentation for potential license under a WSPP Development Agreement. Upon payment of the Evaluation Agreement license fee, a potential licensee is able to review, for up to two business days, the documentation offered under the WSPP Development Agreement. As mentioned above, the terms of the Evaluation Agreement are subject to revision upon comment by the European Commission. For more information regarding the WSPP Development Agreement and/or the Evaluation Agreement, please contact the Microsoft Protocol Licensing team. Microsoft Windows Version Without Windows Media Technologies Microsoft will also comply with the European Commission direction to release a version of Microsoft Windows in Europe that does not include certain Windows multimedia technologies. Additional information will be made available in the near future, so please check this site again for details. \|\|\|\|\| Microsoft is to open up the source code behind its server communication protocols, in an attempt to get the European Commission off its back. The announcement covers the source code behind the communication protocols for Windows Workgroup Server and Windows Desktop. Microsoft already offers 12,000 pages of technical documents and 500 hours of free technical support to anyone applying for a license. Companies making software which interacts with Microsoft servers use those licences to make their products work properly with Microsoft ones. Such license-holders will now also get to look at the source code, but will not have the right to publish the code or include it in their own products. In December the commission said it was unhappy with the documentation Microsoft had provided. It published a statement of objections expressing its view that Microsoft was not doing enough to comply with the anti-trust agreement. Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith said in a conference call: "The commission asked for specifications. If you want to understand the protocols the source code is even better. This is the ultimate documentation. "This is a substantial step and a significant change, but it doesn't lay to rest everything over compliance - the EC is still looking at the price we charge for this." There will be no additional charge for access to the code. Microsoft has previously opened up source code to a restricted list of customers and governments, but never to a direct competitor. Smith noted that the case has now taken eight years. Microsoft is back in court with the commission between April 24 and 28.® \|\|\|\|\| "There will be no impact on the price, but the value of the information will be greater," he said. Microsoft would be open to negotiating prices for the package of technical information and the source code details with companies or developers interested in buying the license, he added. \|\|\|\|\| IP/04/382 Brussels, 24 March 2004 Commission concludes on Microsoft investigation, imposes conduct remedies and a fine The European Commission has concluded, after a five-year investigation, that Microsoft Corporation broke European Union competition law by leveraging its near monopoly in the market for PC operating systems (OS) onto the markets for work group server operating systems(1) and for media players(2). Because the illegal behaviour is still ongoing, the Commission has ordered Microsoft to disclose to competitors, within 120 days, the interfaces(3) required for their products to be able to 'talk' with the ubiquitous Windows OS. Microsoft is also required, within 90 days, to offer a version of its Windows OS without Windows Media Player to PC manufacturers (or when selling directly to end users). In addition, Microsoft is fined € 497 million for abusing its market power in the EU. "Dominant companies have a special responsibility to ensure that the way they do business doesn't prevent competition on the merits and does not harm consumers and innovation " said European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti. "Today's decision restores the conditions for fair competition in the markets concerned and establish clear principles for the future conduct of a company with such a strong dominant position," he added. After an exhaustive and extensive investigation of more than five years and three statements of objections(4), the Commission has today taken a decision finding that US software company Microsoft Corporation has violated the EU Treaty's competition rules by abusing its near monopoly(5) (Article 82) in the PC operating system. Microsoft abused its market power by deliberately restricting interoperability between Windows PCs and non-Microsoft work group servers, and by tying its Windows Media Player (WMP), a product where it faced competition, with its ubiquitous Windows operating system. This illegal conduct has enabled Microsoft to acquire a dominant position in the market for work group server operating systems, which are at the heart of corporate IT networks, and risks eliminating competition altogether in that market. In addition, Microsoft's conduct has significantly weakened competition on the media player market. The ongoing abuses act as a brake on innovation and harm the competitive process and consumers, who ultimately end up with less choice and facing higher prices. For these very serious abuses, which have been ongoing for five and a half years, the Commission has imposed a fine of € 497.2 million. Remedies In order to restore the conditions of fair competition, the Commission has imposed the following remedies: As regards interoperability, Microsoft is required, within 120 days, to disclose complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers. This will enable rival vendors to develop products that can compete on a level playing field in the work group server operating system market. The disclosed information will have to be updated each time Microsoft brings to the market new versions of its relevant products. To the extent that any of this interface information might be protected by intellectual property in the European Economic Area(6), Microsoft would be entitled to reasonable remuneration. The disclosure order concerns the interface documentation only, and not the Windows source code, as this is not necessary to achieve the development of interoperable products. As regards tying, Microsoft is required, within 90 days, to offer to PC manufacturers a version of its Windows client PC operating system without WMP. The un-tying remedy does not mean that consumers will obtain PCs and operating systems without media players. Most consumers purchase a PC from a PC manufacturer which has already put together on their behalf a bundle of an operating system and a media player. As a result of the Commission's remedy, the configuration of such bundles will reflect what consumers want, and not what Microsoft imposes. Microsoft retains the right to offer a version of its Windows client PC operating system product with WMP. However, Microsoft must refrain from using any commercial, technological or contractual terms that would have the effect of rendering the unbundled version of Windows less attractive or performing. In particular, it must not give PC manufacturers a discount conditional on their buying Windows together with WMP. The Commission believes the remedies will bring the antitrust violations to an end, that they are proportionate, and that they establish clear principles for the future conduct of the company. To ensure effective and timely compliance with this decision, the Commission will appoint a Monitoring Trustee, which will, inter alia, oversee that Microsoft's interface disclosures are complete and accurate, and that the two versions of Windows are equivalent in terms of performance. The investigation In December 1998, Sun Microsystems, another US company, complained that Microsoft had refused to provide interface information necessary for Sun to be able to develop products that would "talk" properly with the ubiquitous Windows PCs, and hence be able to compete on an equal footing in the market for work group server operating systems. The Commission's investigation revealed that Sun was not the only company that had been refused this information, and that these non-disclosures by Microsoft were part of a broader strategy designed to shut competitors out of the market. This relegated to a secondary position competition in terms of reliability, security and speed, among other factors, and ensured Microsoft's success on the market. As a result, an overwhelming majority of customers informed the Commission that Microsoft's non-disclosure of interface information artificially altered their choice in favour of Microsoft's server products. Survey responses submitted by Microsoft itself confirmed the link between the interoperability advantage that Microsoft reserved for itself and its growing market shares. In 2000, the Commission enlarged its investigation, on its own initiative, to study the effects of the tying of Microsoft's Windows Media Player with the company's Windows 2000 PC operating system. This part of the investigation concluded that the ubiquity which was immediately afforded to WMP as a result of it being tied with the Windows PC OS artificially reduces the incentives of music, film and other media companies, as well software developers and content providers to develop their offerings to competing media players. As a result, Microsoft's tying of its media player product has the effect of foreclosing the market to competitors, and hence ultimately reducing consumer choice, since competing products are set at a disadvantage which is not related to their price or quality. Available data already show a clear trend in favour of WMP and Windows Media technology. Absent intervention from the Commission, the tying of WMP with Windows is likely to make the market "tip" definitively in Microsoft's favour. This would allow Microsoft to control related markets in the digital media sector, such as encoding technology, software for broadcasting of music over the Internet and digital rights management etc. More generally, the Commission is concerned that Microsoft's tying of WMP is an example of a more general business model which, given Microsoft's virtual monopoly in PC operating systems, deters innovation and reduces consumer choice in any technologies which Microsoft could conceivably take interest in and tie with Windows in the future. Note to editors The European Commission enforces EU competition rules on restrictive business practices and abuses of monopoly power for the whole of the European Union when cross-border trade and competition are affected. The Commission has the power to force changes in company behaviour and to impose financial penalties for antitrust violations of up to 10% of their annual turnover worldwide. Commission decisions can be appealed to the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg. (1) These are operating systems running on central network computers that provide services to office workers around the world in their day-to-day work such as file and printer sharing, security and user identity management. (2) A media player is a software product that is able to play back music and video content over the Internet. (3) The interfaces do not concern the Windows source code as this is not necessary to achieve the development of interoperable products. The interfaces are the hooks at the edge of the source code which allow one product to talk to another. (4) A Statement of Objections marks the opening of a formal investigation as the Commission states its charges or objections to the company(ies) concerned. (5) Microsofts operating systems equip more than 95% of the worlds personal computers. (6) The European Union plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.	European Commission headquarters in Brussels In a move aimed to prevent fines stemming from its antitrust lawsuit filed by the European Commission (EC), Microsoft announced that it will be releasing portions of the source code to its Windows operating system. The EC ruled in March 2004 that Microsoft had abused its position in the low-end server and media player market, and required that Microsoft "disclose complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers". Microsoft reacted by making available 12,000 pages of technical documentation and up to 500 hours of technical support, but the EC came to the conclusion that it was not enough. Announcing that "we are putting our most valuable intellectual property on the table so we can put technical compliance issues to rest", Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith asserted that Microsoft would be superseding the EC's requirements as a sign of good faith. "While we are confident that we are presently in full compliance with the Decision, we wish to dispel any notion that Microsoft’s technical documents are insufficient", said Smith. A Microsoft office at the Redmond Campus The EC responded in a memo that it will study Microsoft's reply to the Statement of Objections once it receives the full details. However, EC Competition Commissioner spokesman Jonathan Todd commented that "it would be premature to conclude access to the source code would resolve the problem of the lack of compliance with our decision." A similar offer was made by Microsoft in August 2002 during its antitrust lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice and several states' Attorneys General. The resulting "Microsoft Communications Protocols Program" had suffered continuous criticism regarding excessive cost, paperwork, and non-disclosure agreements. It is unclear at this time if Microsoft's planned "Work Group Server Protocol Program" will suffer from the same issues if accepted by the EC. Microsoft is expected to return to the EC courts in April.
Railway minister Sadananda Gowda used his budget on Tuesday — the first major policy showcasing of the Modi government — to signal its intention of using private sector investments, both domestic and foreign, as the prime engine of growth and modernization. Having got rid of the difficult part by hiking rail fares and freight charges late last month, Gowda could focus his budget speech on the new government's vision for the Railways, and he did just that.The government's vision clearly has a major role for the private sector in everything from new projects and freight terminals to cleanliness and food on trains and at stations. As Gowda's speech made clear, "It is our target that bulk of our future projects will be financed through PPP (public-private partnership) route".He argued that while hikes in fares and freight charges were necessary to sustain financial viability, it would be "unrealistic" to depend solely on such an approach to raise the resources needed for modernizing the prime national transporter. That's why, the minister said, his ministry was seeking Cabinet approval for allowing FDI in the sector.Gowda was at pains to point out that successive governments in the past had announced new projects with abandon — falling prey to the "nasha (intoxication) of claps — but had been lax in implementing them to the extent that some were pending for three decades. In contrast, he said, the focus now would be on prioritizing projects. In particular, doubling and trebling of lines to decongest major routes would get the nod ahead of new lines, which have typically been unviable.In keeping with this line of shunning populism and in a radical departure from historical practice, the minister did not announce any new projects in his budget, though there were a slew of new trains (including those announced by the UPA in the interim rail budget) and extensions of existing ones. Gowda also castigated earlier governments for failing to raise passenger fares and thus creating a situation in which the loss per passenger kilometre had risen from 10 paise in 2000-01 to 23 paise in 2012-13.Describing the noughties as the "decade of golden dilemma - the dilemma of choosing between commercial viability and social viability", Gowda said while the Railways would continue to fufil social obligations, doing so beyond a point was "not possible without compromising on efficiency and safety".Railway minister DV Sadananda Gowda (left) and minister of state for railway, Manoj Singha hold up their briefcases at Parliament House before presenting the Railway Budget 2014-15 on June 8, 2014. (TOI photo by Yogesh Kumar)Despite the pro-corporate and pro-reform tone of the rail budget, stock markets reacted adversely with the sensex shedding 518 points, its biggest single-day decline in 10 months. The slump was attributed by market analysts partly to the absence of details in the budget speech. Also, while corporates and markets are looking forward to greater fiscal discipline, there's a worry that a stricter watch on government spending could lower demand and hence hit growth.The political opposition as well as the railway unions, not surprisingly, reacted sharply to the budget, with some dubbing it 'elitist' and others decrying the move to 'privatize' the railways.The new-look railways, Gowda promised, would include a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, high-speed trains on nine sectors, a greater focus on cleanliness and decent food and further improvements in the e-ticketing system. They would also see some stations being developed along the lines of the new airports through the PPP route.Corporates will not just have a role to play in developing new freight terminals, they could also adopt stations and take care of their cleanliness and maintenance. NGOs and charitable institutions too could do so. CCTVs will be used to monitor cleanliness at stations.Food courts at major stations, where regional cuisines would be available, and pre-cooked meals on board from reputed brands are among the promises on the catering front.Not only will tickets be available for booking online, the facility would also be extended to booking trains, coaches, or seats. Online booking of retiring rooms will be extended to all stations in 2014-15, the minister promised.Business travellers will also, on some select trains, be able to use workstations for a fee. For the handicapped and elderly, the service of battery-operated carts will be extended to cover all major stations. Safety of women too found a mention, with the rail mantri saying 4,000 women RPF constables would be recruited towards this end. Also, "coaches for ladies will be escorted" and additional care would be taken of women travelling alone. \|\|\|\|\| The , seen as uninspiring by market players, coupled with profit-booking, sparked a huge sell-off on Dalal Street on Tuesday, eroding over Rs 3 lakh crore in investor wealth. Investors dumped shares in the , real estate and infrastructure sectors, which had seen steep gains in recent weeks on hopes of favourable announcements. The worry that the government, which has to battle a difficult fiscal situation, might disappoint in the Union Budget also spooked investors. “If the railway budget is any indication, it is likely the Union Budget will be long on intention and short on action. That is what the market is worried about,” said Dalton Capital Managing Director U R Bhat. The expenditure announced in the railway budget was much lower than the market hoped for, triggering concerns the government would slash spending. (HALTED IN THEIR TRACKS) The 30-share dropped 518 points, or 1.98 per cent, from its previous close to end the day at 25,852.11. The National Stock Exchange’s declined 163.95 points, or 2.11 per cent, to 7,623.2. In percentage terms, both indices fell the most since January 27; in terms of points, the fall was the steepest since September last year. The broader markets saw a sharper correction, with the BSE mid-cap index dropping 3.63 per cent and the BSE small-cap index sliding 4.19 per cent. Brokers said investors chose to take money off the table following spectacular gains since the election results. Heavy selling was seen in sectors like , power, capital goods and metals. BSE’s realty and power indices fell the most — over six per cent each — followed by the metal and capital goods indices, which declined more than four per cent each. The decline for the BSE FMCG index was the lowest, at 0.5 per cent. Slashing of expenditure by the government, the biggest spender in the economy, could hurt companies in sectors like capital goods, market players felt. Among Sensex stocks, crashed the most, at 8.2 per cent, followed by and , which dropped five per cent each. Analysts said the market had been a little too optimistic about the new government and its growth-reform agenda. The expectations had run too high, leaving room for disappointment. “People expect the government to do everything in one shot. They will now have to start being more considerate… Given the state of the economy and the finance, the government cannot do much more than this,” said Bhat. Interestingly, foreign institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 422 crore in the cash segment, while domestic investors sold shares Rs 400 crore worth of shares. Weakness in the global markets added to the subdued sentiment. Most foreign markets closed with losses on Tuesday, even as the fall was not as sharp as in the domestic market. Experts said stocks could continue to remain under pressure following the rail budget disappointment. “There could be some more pain left in the market in the near term. But buy-at-declines should be the strategy,” said Amisha Vora, joint managing director, . “Other than a vague hope, there are few uniform ‘expectations’, given that no one knows what the government is working on. This means even a large-scale disappointment is unlikely. We expect the Budget to be a non-event for the broader market,” Neelkanth Mishra, India Equity Strategist at , had earlier said in a note titled ‘Union Budget: Too soon to expect fireworks? \|\|\|\|\| New Delhi: Having hiked fares recently to the tune of 14.2 per cent, railway minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, presenting his maiden Railway Budget on Tuesday, promised a number of reforms, including foreign direct investment and more investments through public-private partnerships to boost the finances of the cash-strapped Indian Railways. The first Rail Budget of the Narendra Modi government also stressed on better passenger amenities. The Modi stamp was evident as it proposed modernisation of the railways, with a bouquet of amenities: from cleanliness, better food, wi-fi networks in A1 and A2 grade stations and in select trains, besides “office on wheels” with workstations for business travellers and battery-operated carts for senior citizens and the disabled. In the season of the “bitter pill”, both Mr Modi and Mr Gowda refused to play the populist card, to which the financial markets reacted badly, with the Sensex falling over 500 points. The railway minister, however, said his budget “seeks course correction in the light of mismanagement, apathy, populism in starting projects and severe fund crunch that have afflicted the railways over the years”. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Centre proposes highest plan outlay for railways The minister also proposed restructuring of the Railway Board, with induction of professionals from private sector. Two proposed committees — Project Management Group and Project Monitoring and Coordination Group — at the level of Railway Board are being planned to overcome delays in project execution. Unlike previous governments, which introduced several new trains in every budget (over 150 at times) to play to the gallery, the Modi government confined itself to just 54 new trains. From the Opposition, the Congress attacked the Rail Budget as “capitalist”, the CPI(M) called it a “cosmetic exercise”, while the Trinamul Congres said it was “vision-less” and “anti-people”. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Top priority to better facilities Corporate India, however, welcomed the Rail Budget, saying the minister had tried to put the railways back on track and attempted a balance between commercial and social obligations. Commuters by and large expected a better standard of service as they are now expected to pay more. The fuel adjustment cost to absorb hikes in diesel prices will continue to be effective every six months, and this could lead to a marginal rise in passenger fares and freight charges periodically. While the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train is on the anvil, the budget unveiled the Diamond Quadrilateral Rail Project that will connect all metro cities with semi-high-speed trains. The Rail Budget also focused on the modernisation of stations, on the lines of airports, with the help of private players. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Two high speed routes in South Central Railway zone The railway minister said the Union Cabinet will soon take a decision on allowing FDI in the railways. Later, the Railway Board chairman said two foreign firms had shown interest in investing in two loco manufacturing units. Mr Gowda made a provision of Rs 100 crores for high-speed trains, and announced nine routes on which these would run to start with. On safety and security, the budget proposed introduction of advanced technology for rail-flaw detection to check causes of accidents, while a significant amount has been kept for road-over and road-under bridges, and a pilot project will be launched on automatic door closing in mainline and suburban coaches. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Milk, veggies to get special trains If Mr Gowda claimed safety was his top priority, only Rs 1,785 crores has been allocated in the budget for road-under-bridges and road-over-bridges at unmanned rail crossings, which account for 44 per cent of deaths on rail tracks. In order to make rail travel safer for women, the railways will recruit 4,000 women constables. Coaches for women will have a provision for escorts. Stress has been laid on cleanliness and efficient station management, and major stations will have foot-over-bridges, escalators and lifts. To make railway management more efficient, the budget has proposed the setting up of a Railway University for training in both technical and non-technical subjects, as well as an Innovations and Incubation Centre to harness ideas generated from staff members. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Tamil Nadu feels left out of grand schemes After repeated complaints on serving substandard food, the railway minister proposed introduction of pre-cooked meals of reputed brands in a phased manner. He also unveiled a mechanism for third-party audit of catering services, that would lead to cancellation of contracts if the services were found below standard. The minister said a major thrust will be given for connectivity in the Northeast, for which the Rail Budget has earmarked Rs 5,116 crores, that is 54 per cent more than the allocation in the previous year. He also unveiled plans for online wagon registration for better utilisation, besides salt wagon and those carrying milk. He said 30 such projects had been chosen for completion in the current fiscal year. The annual plan for 2014-15 has been fixed at the highest-ever outlay of Rs 65,445 crores, with gross budgetary support at Rs 30,100 crores, a Railway Safety Fund of Rs 2,200 crores, internal resources of Rs 15,350 crores, external market borrowing at Rs 11,790 crores and funds through the PPP mode at Rs 6,005 crores. \|\|\|\|\| Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda (C) poses after giving the final touches to the railway budget for the 2014/15 fiscal year, in New Delhi July 7, 2014. Lake Nicaragua or Cocibolca is part of proposed plans for a new canal that would compete with the Panama Canal. NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government disappointed markets with its first major economic policy statement on Tuesday, promising to seek foreign and private funding for the railways but giving no details of how it would lure investors. Investors had harboured expectations for Modi's government to use the railways budget - which precedes the full budget by two days - to detail widespread reform. India's state-owned railways are the fourth-largest in the world. They have suffered from years of low investment and populist policies that have kept fares low. But that has turned a once-mighty system into a slow, badly-congested network that crimps economic growth. The railways cost the government around 300 billion rupees ($5 billion) a year in subsidies and spend 94 percent of revenues on operating costs, leaving next to nothing for investment. "The bulk of our future projects will be... by the PPP model," Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda told parliament in his first budget, referring to public-private partnerships. Gowda's speech promised to get the railways' finances in order, complete long-delayed projects, seek cabinet approval for a long-standing plan to allow foreign direct investment and jumpstart ambitious plans for high-speed rail. The budget contained some minor measures, such as a greater use of "mechanized laundries" to eliminate the washing by hand still employed to clean much of the bedding on sleeper trains. But it was short on details of how the wider goals would be met and how Gowda would get foreign companies such as Bombardier and General Electric to invest. Stocks fell sharply following Gowda's speech, with the Sensex closing down 2 percent after the government dashed investors' hopes for greater spending on the railways, while bond yields rose. The government revised up planned spending to 654.45 billion Indian rupees for the year ending in March 2015, an increase of 1.8 percent from an interim budget prepared in February by the last government. It calculates investment in the network through public-private partnerships in 2014/15 to total 60.05 billion rupees, more than in the interim budget, but a fraction of the cash needed to overhaul the network. RELIC OF BRITISH RULE India's use of a railway budget separate from the national one is a relic of British rule, when the network was the country's major industrial asset and a major revenue earner. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents the full federal budget on Thursday. "There is nothing in this entire budget which tells you how they will make it attractive for private sector," said Manish R. Sharma, executive director of capital projects and infrastructure at PwC India. "Given that in the past PPP has not taken off in railways...it would be very important to see how they come up with implementable mechanisms which the private sector will buy," he said. Stock investors also expressed doubts about the prospects for PPPs, with shares in India's railway-related stocks falling after the speech. Texmaco Rail & Engineering closed down 19.9 percent while Titagarh Wagons dropped 5 percent. Gowda said proposed market borrowings would total 117.9 billion rupees this fiscal year, down from 128 billion rupees estimated in the interim budget. "Budgeted outlay is looking below expectations as the government is looking for more private partnerships now than on previous occasions," said Deven Choksey, managing director at KR Choksey securities. Reform of India's railways has long proven politically sensitive. Successive governments have backed away from modernization, preferring instead to use the system to provide cheap transport for voters, and jobs for 1.3 million people. That sensitivity was on display on Tuesday, when supporters of India's main opposition party gathered outside Gowda's residence to protest against a recent fare rise, and one protester removed the minister's nameplate from his gate, local TV showed. Modi's government pushed through a fare rise last month, but partially rolled it back later, under political pressure. ($1=59.7400 Indian Rupees) (Additional reporting by Malini Menon, Manoj Kumar, Aditya Kalra, Suvashree Dey Choudhury and Abhishek Vishnoi; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Richard Borsuk)	On Tuesday, Indian Railway Minister presented his first budget for Indian Railways. The budget emphasized increased amenities for travelers, better safety, and timely completion of projects. There were no fare hikes announced as both passenger and freight fares had been increased last month. But, it was announced that fares will be revised twice a year to absorb fuel costs. Gowda criticized previous governments for announcing new projects and failing to complete them. He said projects will now be prioritized, such as decongesting major routes instead of announcing new ones. Gowda announced no major new projects, but announced 54 new trains. He also criticized the last government for driving the railways into a loss. Gowda announced a bullet train between Mumbai and ; new semi-high speed trains in nine sectors connecting metros; and new measures towards improving cleanliness, food, and were announced. He said will be installed in major stations to monitor cleanliness, and major stations will have food courts serving local cuisines and precooked food from reputable catering brands will be served on-board. The railways have faced complaints of substandard food in the past. He announced the introduction of a new rail-flaw detection system to better investigate the causes of accidents. The budget allocated a significant sum to the construction of bridges at unmanned crossings, a major cause of rail-track deaths. He announced a new project to introduce automatic closing doors on mainline and suburban trains, and said will be provided in larger stations and select trains. will be available for on-board use for a fee by Business travelers. The e-ticketing system will be extended from booking tickets to booking coaches and entire trains, and also retiring rooms in stations. Electric mobility carts will be provided to elderly and handicapped passengers at all major stations. Also, will recruit four thousand female constables and escorted carriages will be provided for women. A significant amount was announced for improving rail connectivity in north-east India. Gowda emphasized use of (PPPs) to fund future projects. He also said he will ask the to approve foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indian Railways. Some stations are to be improved using PPPs. Manish R. Sharma, executive director of capital projects and infrastructure at , pointed out the budget didn't contain any information on how the government intends to attract private investors. Deven Choksey, managing director at K. R. Choksey securities, said the government now seemed to be more inclined towards PPPs than before. India's stock index dropped and closed 2% below opening. Investors were observed selling shares in energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors.
Monday, 20 April 2009 Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the world's most famous scientists, is "very ill" in hospital, Cambridge University said today. Professor Hawking, who works at the university, was undergoing tests at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. A university spokesman said the 67-year-old physicist, who is best known for his book A Brief History of Time, was taken to Addenbrooke's by ambulance. "Professor Hawking is very ill," he added. Professor Hawking suffers from motor neurone disease and is wheelchair bound. He speaks with the help of a voice synthesiser. He developed symptoms of the disease while studying in the 1960s and is one of the world's longest surviving sufferers. He has worked at Cambridge's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics for more than 30 years and since 1979 has been the University's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Professor Hawking was awarded a CBE in 1982, became a Companion of Honour in 1989 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in Cambridge and has three children and one grandchild. Professor Hawking was born in Oxford but his family moved to St Albans, Hertfordshire, when he was eight. He studied at St Albans School before reading physics at University College Oxford then moving to Cambridge to carry out research in cosmology. One of Professor Hawking's last public appearances was last September when he unveiled a £1 million clock erected at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. "Professor Hawking is very ill and has today been taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge," said the University spokesman. "He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Professor Peter Haynes, Head of the University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, added: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." \|\|\|\|\| LONDON (AP) — Cambridge University says physicist Stephen Hawking is still hospitalized but recovering from a chest infection.The university said Wednesday that Hawking is "on the road to recovery" from the illness that has kept him at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge since earlier this week.The 67-year-old scientist is well-known for his work on black holes and his best-selling 1988 book "A Brief History of Time."Hawking has remained active although he was diagnosed at age 21 with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), an incurable degenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.He has been almost completely paralyzed for years and communicates through an electronic voice synthesizer activated by his fingers. \|\|\|\|\| Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the world's most famous scientists, is "very ill" in hospital, Cambridge University has said. Professor Stephen Hawking is being treated in hospital The physicist, who works at the university, has been having tests after being taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. A university spokesman said: "Professor Hawking is very ill. He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Professor Peter Haynes, head of the University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, added: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. "We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." One of the last times the 67-year-old scientist appeared in public was in September when he unveiled a £1m clock erected at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The professor is best known for his book A Brief History of Time. Professor Hawking meets Nelson Mandela He has motor neurone disease and is wheelchair bound. He speaks with the help of a voice synthesiser. He developed symptoms of the disease while studying in the 1960s and is one of the world's longest surviving sufferers. The physicist has worked at Cambridge's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics for more than 30 years and since 1979, he has been the University's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. In 1982 he was awarded a CBE and he became a Companion of Honour in 1989. In addition, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society. After growing up in St Albans, Hertfordshire, he read physics at University College Oxford and then moved to Cambridge to carry out research in cosmology. Prof Hawking currently lives in Cambridge and has three children and one grandchild. \|\|\|\|\| Prof Hawking has cancelled an appearance in the US Leading scientist Stephen Hawking's condition has "improved" after being admitted to hospital with chest problems, Cambridge University says. His employers said Professor Hawking was undergoing tests on Monday at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. A university spokesman said the 67-year-old, who has motor neurone disease, was now "comfortable". Prof Hawking, author of A Brief History of Time, has worked at Cambridge University for more than 30 years. The world-famous physicist, who is wheelchair-bound and speaks with the aid of a voice synthesiser, had flown to the US at the end of February to the California Institute of Technology where he is a visiting scholar. But he had not been well for some weeks and called off an appearance at Arizona State University on 6 April because of his illness. He was flown back to the UK on Saturday and was admitted to Addenbrooke's on Monday after being seen by a doctor. Disease conditions Prof Peter Haynes, head of the University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, where Prof Hawking works, said: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. "We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." Prof Hawking developed symptoms of motor neurone disease while studying in the 1960s and is one of the world's longest-surviving sufferers. The scientist has three children and one grandchild. He became a CBE in 1982 and a Companion of Honour in 1989. Last year, it was announced he would be stepping down as the university's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the end of this academic year. It is policy for holders of the title to retire at 67. However, Prof Hawking said he intended to continue working as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Stephen Hawking hospitalized, reported very ill LONDON (AP) — Famed mathematician Stephen Hawking was rushed to a hospital Monday and was seriously ill, Cambridge University said. The university said Hawking has been fighting a chest infection for several weeks, and was being treated at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, the university city north of London. "Professor Hawking is very ill," said Gregory Hayman, the university's head of communications. "He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Later in the afternoon, Hayman said Hawking was "now comfortable but will be kept in hospital overnight." Hawking, 67, gained renown for his work on black holes, and has remained active despite being diagnosed at 21 with ALS, (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), an incurable degenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. For some years, Hawking has been almost entirely paralyzed, and he communicates through an electronic voice synthesizer activated by his fingers. Hawking was involved in the search for the great goal of physics — a "unified theory" — which would resolve contradictions between Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, which describes the laws of gravity that govern the motion of large objects like planets, and the Theory of Quantum Mechanics, which deals with the world of subatomic particles. "A complete, consistent unified theory is only the first step: our goal is a complete understanding of the events around us, and of our own existence," he wrote in his best-selling book, "A Brief History of Time," published in 1988. In a more accessible sequel "The Universe in a Nutshell," published in 2001, Hawking ventured into concepts like supergravity, naked singularities and the possibility of a universe with 11 dimensions. He announced last year that he would step down from his post as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, a title once held by the great 18th-century physicist Isaac Newton. However, the university said Hawking intended to continue working as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Hawking had canceled an appearance at Arizona State University on April 6 because of his illness. "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon," said Professor Peter Haynes, head of the university's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| LONDON, England (CNN) -- Scientist and author Stephen Hawking is "very ill" and has been hospitalized, according to Cambridge University, where he is a professor. Stephen Hawking in Pasadena, California, in March. Cambridge University said the 67-year-old is "comfortable" and will stay overnight at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. Hawking, one of the world's most famous physicists, is also a cosmologist, astronomer, and mathematician. Wheelchair-bound Hawking is perhaps most famous for "A Brief History of Time," which explored the origins of the universe in layman's terms. The book is considered a modern classic. Hawking has Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS), which is usually fatal after three years. Hawking has survived for more than 40 years since his diagnosis. On his Web site, Hawking has written about living with ALS. "I try to lead as normal a life as possible, and not think about my condition, or regret the things it prevents me from doing, which are not that many," he wrote. He added: "I have been lucky, that my condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case. But it shows that one need not lose hope." The disease has left him paralyzed -- he is able to move only a few fingers on one hand. Hawking is completely dependent on others or technology for virtually everything -- bathing, dressing, eating, even speech. He uses a speech synthesizer with an American accent. Hawking has been married and divorced twice. In 2004, police completed an investigation into accusations by Hawking's daughter that his second wife was abusing him. Authorities said they found no proof. His Web site says he has three children and one grandchild. Hawking was born in Oxford, England, on what turned out to be an auspicious date: January 8, 1942 -- the 300th anniversary of the death of astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei. A Cambridge University spokesman told CNN: "Professor Hawking is very ill and has been taken by ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge." Professor Peter Haynes, head of the university's department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, said: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague, we all hope he will be amongst us again soon." At Cambridge, he holds the position of Lucasian Professor Mathematics -- the prestigious post held from 1669 to 1702 by Sir Isaac Newton. Hawking has guest-starred, as himself, on Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Simpsons. He also said if he had the choice of meeting Newton or Marilyn Monroe, his choice would be Marilyn. In October, CNN's Becky Anderson interviewed Hawking. The following are some quotes from that interview: "Over the last twenty years, observations have to a large extent confirmed the picture I painted in 'A Brief History of Time.' The one major development that was not anticipated was the discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating now, rather than slowing down... We live in the most probable of all possible worlds." CNN's Jennifer Pifer contributed to this report All About Physics • Stephen Hawking	Stephen Hawking. Scientist Stephen Hawking, 67, has been taken to a hospital in an ambulance after falling very ill, reports . According to a physicist at in the United Kingdom, "Professor Hawking is very ill" and had been rushed to in to undergo tests. His condition is not yet known, but according to the University, Hawking has been ill with a chest infection for a few weeks. On April 6, he cancelled an appearance at due to his illness. Hawking also suffers from severe . "He Hawking is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks," said the university in a statement. In a later statement, the University stated that Hawking was resting comfortably "but will be kept in hospital overnight" for observation. head Peter Haynes offered his sympathy saying, "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." Hawking has worked in the same department as Haynes for over 30 years.
Receive the latest Welsh news, business and rugby direct to your inbox and download The Secrets of Body Language audiobook. All completely for free. Read \|\|\|\|\| Meredydd Hughes recognised it was a 'serious matter' Police chief's personal statement Meredydd Hughes, the chief constable of South Yorkshire, apologised after being caught on camera in a 60mph zone on the A5 at Chirk near Wrexham in May. He stood down from his role at Acpo after he was summonsed for the offence, which happened when he was on holiday. He was disqualified for 42 days and fined £350 by Wrexham magistrates. Hughes, 49, did not appear in person before magistrates but entered his guilty plea via his solicitor, Huw Edwards. The court heard the chief constable was caught driving at 90mph in his Y-reg Audi at 8.17am on 28 May. He is no exception and he accepts that he must be punished for the offence Huw Edwards, Hughes' solicitor Mr Edwards said Hughes had made a guilty plea "effectively" at the first opportunity, and had fully co-operated with the police. "With regards to the offence itself, Mr Hughes recalls that on that morning he was returning from north Wales where he was on a short climbing holiday. "He doesn't seek to make any excuse about this matter. He totally accepts that the police have a duty to do," Mr Edwards said. "He is no exception and he accepts that he must be punished for the offence. "He asks me to apologise for the offence. He recognises that the matter is a serious matter." Hughes undermines the work of traffic police to protect the safety of road users, both within his force and across the country Jools Townsend, Brake As Acpo's roads chief, Hughes had argued in favour of "less conspicuous" speed cameras as a way of slowing down traffic. Cardiff-born Hughes had also served with the South Wales and Greater Manchester forces during his career but returned to South Yorkshire in 2002 as deputy chief constable. He has been in the chief constable's post since September 2004. South Yorkshire Police refused to discuss whether a car and police driver would be made available to Mr Hughes during the period of his driving ban. A spokeswoman said the court case was "a private matter" and referred the inquiry to South Yorkshire Police Authority. They issued a statement saying: "The matter will now be considered by the South Yorkshire Police Authority in accordance with established procedures relating to this type of incident. Jools Townsend, of road safety campaigners Brake said Hughes' offence was "shocking" and called the sentence lenient. "By committing this deadly crime, Hughes undermines the work of traffic police to protect the safety of road users, both within his force and across the country. "He should seriously consider his position as a result." But the anti-speed camera group Safe Speed said: "The hypocrisy is breathtaking. Mr Hughes should clearly have been preaching what he practices - because clearly he knows that exceeding the speed limit isn't necessarily dangerous." \|\|\|\|\| Login Enter your details below to login If you are an existing member of The Times and The Sunday Times enjoying the full benefits of thetimes.co.uk, then simply enter your Times+ login details below and press 'Enter' Enter your details to login Email address Password Keep me logged in information Keeps you logged in for a rolling 15 days or until you logout \|\|\|\|\| Police chief’s speeding case adjourned The case of one of Britain's most senior traffic policemen, who was due to appear in court today charged with speeding, has been adjourned. Meredydd Hughes, the outgoing chairman of roads policing at the Association of Chief Police Officers, will appear before Wrexham magistrates on December 5. Mr Hughes, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, was allegedly clocked speeding on A5 at Wrexham, North Wales, in May. The road has a 60mph limit. South Yorkshire Police confirmed last month that Mr Hughes was on a family trip when the alleged offence happened. If convicted, the court has the power to fine him up to £1,000 and issue a possible driving ban. As ACPO’s roads chief, the officer has argued in favour of “less conspicuous” speed cameras as a way of slowing down traffic. \|\|\|\|\| Your account has been frozen . For your available options click the below button. To read this article in full you must be registered with the site. Speed policy cop on speeding charge THE policeman in charge of speeding policy on Britain's roads is facing prosecution for breaking the speed limit. Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes, the Association of Chief Police Officers' lead on road policing, was allegedly caught speeding on the A5 near Chirk earlier this year. The offence reportedly occurred on a 60mph stretch of the road in May, a matter of days before Mr Hughes' controversial suggestion that speed cameras should be made less visible so as to catch more offenders. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes has received a notice of intended prosecution in respect of an alleged driving offence in North Wales in the early morning of a Bank Holiday Monday in May while he was on holiday. No summons has yet been received." Mr Hughes was appointed to his current role of Chief Constable of South Yorkshire in September, 2004. He became the ACPO lead on roads in 2005, taking over from North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom who is notorious for his hard-line stance on motoring offences Mr Hughes is due to appear before Wrexham Magistrates on November 21. The full article contains 194 words and appears in Evening Leader Flintshire newspaper. \|\|\|\|\| Meredydd Hughes was appointed chief constable in 2004 Meredydd Hughes, chief constable of the South Yorkshire force, was allegedly clocked by cameras driving along the A5 near Chirk in north Wales. He has been summoned to appear before Wrexham magistrates on 21 November. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Mr Hughes had been sent a notice of intended prosecution. A force statement read: "Chief Constable Med Hughes has received a notice of intended prosecution in respect of an alleged driving offence in north Wales in the early morning of a Bank Holiday Monday in May while he was on holiday." Driving ban The statement added that no summons for the offence has been received yet. If convicted, the court has the power to fine Mr Hughes, who is originally from Cardiff, up to £1,000 and even issue a possible driving ban. Mr Hughes courted controversy after taking charge of road policing at ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers). In June he argued that "less conspicuous" speed cameras should be considered by police as a way of slowing down drivers. He was appointed South Yorkshire's chief constable three years ago. \|\|\|\|\| The most senior British policeman on traffic issues was fined £500 yesterday for failing to identify the speeding driver of one of his force's cars. Meredydd Hughes, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire, had to mount a prosecution against himself after a speed camera caught the vehicle travelling at 47 mph in a 40 mph zone. Extensive investigations failed to disclose who was at the wheel of the unmarked car at the time of the offence on a dual carriageway. Mr Hughes, who is also the Association of Chief Police Officers' traffic spokesman, pleaded guilty to failing to supply the details. In a letter to Rotherham magistrates, he said: "We were given the task of trying to identify the identity of the driver, but despite diligent inquiries I was not able to do so." The court imposed the fine, but was informed by the clerk that penalty points could not be imposed on the Chief Constable because he was "akin to the managing director" of a company. advertisement Of 161 marked police cars caught speeding by cameras in the county last year, 147 were not prosecuted. Thirteen officers paid fixed penalty fines and one was summoned to appear in court. A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said later that the force was willing to prosecute itself when required. Mr Hughes, who did not attend the hearing, said: "South Yorkshire Police have 3,500 drivers and 750 cars. "Unfortunately on an average of seven occasions per annum we can't identify a police driver who appears to have broken the law in respect of speed cameras. "Many of our officers have to reach incidents quickly and are allowed to exceed speed limits, but we require them to report the matter. A few times a year this does not happen. "When this occurs the force, as an organisation, takes responsibility and matters are reported to court in the name of the Chief Constable." Mike Trees, of South Yorkshire's road policing unit, said it was not only police forces who were prosecuted when a driver cannot be identified. He said: "Speeding tickets incurred by limited companies operating large fleets of vehicles could be dealt with in the same way." The anonymous driving offence which landed Mr Hughes in court happened in Wickersely, near Rotherham, last May. It is not far from where a traffic policeman was caught travelling at 48 mph by a camera on his way to pick up a Chinese takeaway to celebrate his 41st birthday with colleagues on his shift. But last month the same court cleared Stephen Akrill of exceeding the speed limit, which does not apply if it hinders police officers trained to drive at high speed using a vehicle for police purposes. At the time Mr Hughes said: "This incident has raised public concern and it is very regrettable that an officer should apparently have disregarded a speed camera under these circumstances. "The decision of the court, in the face of the evidence presented to them, is a matter for them, but South Yorkshire Police will always seek to prosecute police drivers where evidence suggests that they have failed to comply with the law which covers their use of police vehicles."	The area where the Chief Constable was caught speeding. The Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police in England, Meredydd Hughes, was found guilty of speeding at Wrexham Magistrates Court today and banned from driving. He was caught driving at 90 mph where the speed limit was 60 mph. Wrexham Magistrates court disqualified Hughes from driving for 42 days and fined him £350. The Chief Constable did not appear in court in person, but was represented by his solicitor, Huw Edwards. Mr Edwards said: "He doesn't seek to make any excuse about this matter. He totally accepts that the police have a duty to do. He is no exception and he accepts that he must be punished for the offence." "He asks me to apologise for the offence. He recognises that the matter is a serious matter." Hughes had already received six penalty points on his license from previous speeding convictions and a conviction for failing to identify the speeding driver of one of his force's vehicles in 2006, although his driving licence was free of points at the time he went to court. Wrexham Magistrates Court had adjourned the case to today from a date in late November, as Meredydd Hughes initially claimed that he has still not yet found a solicitor to represent him. Matthew Elliot, the Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, criticized Hughes for wasting Court time at the taxpayer's expense. "Meredydd Hughes has shown breathtaking hypocrisy in this case," said Elliot. "Not only has he been caught preaching one thing and doing another in the past, but he has also wasted court time and therefore taxpayers’ money." Jools Townsend, speaking for the Road Safety Campaign group Brake, said the offence was "Shocking" and the sentence "lenient" - and that the Chief Constable should "Seriously consider his position as a result". The incident is embarrassing for South Yorkshire Police, as Hughes was the Chair of ACPO's road policing enforcement committee, with responsibility for developing police policies about how speed cameras are used. Hughes is a supporter of mobile speed cameras and believes that all speed cameras should be deliberately hidden from motorists, and has given interviews on the importance of road safety management in businesses.
Namibia president re-elected: official results WINDHOEK — Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba has been re-elected after winning more than 75 percent of the vote in last week's elections, according to official results released Friday. Pohamba's ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), in power since independence in 1990, also maintained its two-thirds majority in parliament. "I am a happy man. I, on behalf of SWAPO accept the election. I am grateful to the Namibian people who once again trusted me," said Pohamba. The official election commission tally showed Pohamba with 76.4 percent of the presidential vote, while SWAPO secured 75.3 percent in the legislative polls. The breakaway Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), led by former foreign minister Hidipo Hamutenya, secured 11 percent of the vote in each of the polls. Earlier Friday, eight of the 13 Namibian opposition parties rejected the results of the elections and said they would file a court challenge. The parties had instructed their legal teams to institute proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Namibia "for contravening the electoral law of the country," they said. The parties have complained about the slow pace of ballot counting from the polls held last Friday and Saturday, and say they were not adequately informed about the vote verification process. African observers of the elections have pronounced them free and fair, while recommending that Namibia take steps to speed up the counting process and free up access to the media for all parties. Eight of the 13 opposition parties that contested the legislative and presidential elections said they would file a court case to challenge the results, with the final outcome expected later Friday. "Our eight parties will not accept the election results as the elections were conducted in contravention of the law," a joint statement said. "Accepting this supposed elections outcome will be tantamount to undermining democracy in Namibia." The parties had instructed their legal teams to institute proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) "for contravening the electoral law of the country," they said. The parties have complained about the slow pace of ballot counting from the polls held last Friday and Saturday, and say they were not adequately informed about the vote verification process. Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More » \|\|\|\|\| Pohamba has been in power since Namibia achieved independence from South Africa in 1990 [AFP] South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) won 75.27 per cent of the vote and returned President Hifikepunye Pohamba for the second term in office after securing 76.4 per cent of the presidential vote, according to official results released on Friday. Namibia's ruling party has won the majority of votes in the country's parliamentary polls, final results have shown. The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), the ruling party's nearest rival, won 11.31 per cent of the vote. The vote, which consisted of 107 contested constituencies, resulted from a final count of 811,143 votes, revealing a 54-seat win for SWAPO out of 72 possible seats in the National Assembly, just one less than its previous victory in 2005. The RDP, which broke away from the ruling party in 2007, took eight seats. Election results rejected Earlier on Friday, the RDP and seven other opposition parties rejected the results of the elections and said they would file a court challenge. The parties instructed their legal teams to institute proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Namibia "for contravening the electoral law of the country," they said. While African observers of the elections have pronounced them free and fair, opposition parties also complained about not being adequately informed about the vote verification process. Hifikepunye Pohamba, Namibia's re-elected president, has been in power since 2005 but his SWAPO party has maintained a majority of seats in parliament since the country received its independence from South Africa in 1990. Namibia has enjoyed political stability and economic growth, but is struggling in the face of rising poverty, unemployment and widening cracks in its once highly regarded health care and school systems, further exacerbated by the global recession.	Final results from Namibian presidential and parliamentary elections have indicated that the incumbent president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, has been reelected by a large margin. The ruling party, South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), also retained a majority in the parliamentary elections. File photograph of Hifikepunye Pohamba Pohamba won 76.4% of the vote in the presidential ballots; meanwhile, SWAPO obtained 75.27% in the parliamentary polls. The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) party came in a distant second at 11.31%. SWAPO won 54 out of 72 seats in the National Assembly. The RDP took eight seats. "I am a happy man. I, on behalf of SWAPO accept the election. I am grateful to the Namibian people who once again trusted me," Pohama commented after his reelection. Eight of the thirteen parties competing with SWAPO said that they rejected the results of the polls, and would challenge them in court "for contravening the electoral law of the country." They claimed that they hadn't been properly informed about the process of vote verification, and that the speed at which the votes were counted was too slow. A joint statement released by the parties said that "our eight parties will not accept the election results as the elections were conducted in contravention of the law. Accepting this supposed elections outcome will be tantamount to undermining democracy in Namibia." African election observers, however, deemed the Namibian elections free and fair.
Report Forecasts Dramatic Rise in African Child Malnutrition Child suffering from malnutrition is held in makeshift feed center in town of Maradi, Niger (file photo) A new report on climate change's impact on agriculture predicts 25 million more malnourished children around the world by 2050. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable. A new report from the International Food Policy Research Institute says climate change will increase the global number of malnourished children by 25 million in the next 40 years. Forty percent of these children will live in Africa. The report compares economic and biological factors affecting child nutrition in two future scenarios - a world with and a world without climate change. Gerard Nelson is lead researcher for the report at the International Food Policy Research Institute. He says climate change will have a particularly bad impact on agricultural yields in sub-Saharan Africa. "On top of that sub-saharan Africa in particular is home to a large number of poor people," Nelson said. "And one of the key messages to take home from our analysis is that with higher incomes people are more resilient to a variety of changes and that will be especially true for climate change." The report says that in 2050 average wheat yields in sub-Saharan Africa will decline by up to 22 percent as a result of climate change. Irrigation water supply is also expected to decrease and less food availability will mean on average 500 calories less per person. Without climate change, the report projects a rise in calorie availability in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2050. Nelson says African governments need to prioritize investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in rural roads, research and new technologies. Three months ahead of climate change talks in Copenhagen, Nelson says Africa governments should focus on helping their farmers adapt to climate change. "As the governments of sub-Saharan Africa prepare to go to the Copenhagen negotiations they should ensure that agriculture is included both in the adaptation funding mechanisms that will come out of Copenhagen as well as allow for the possibility that mitigation funds can be used in Africa," Nelson said. The report says an additional investment in global agriculture of $7 billion per year could increase production and counteract the adverse effects of climate change. The report says 40 percent of this investment should go to sub-Saharan Africa. A new report on climate change's impact on agriculture predicts 25 million more malnourished children around the world by 2050. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable.A new report from the International Food Policy Research Institute says climate change will increase the global number of malnourished children by 25 million in the next 40 years.Forty percent of these children will live in Africa.The report compares economic and biological factors affecting child nutrition in two future scenarios - a world with and a world without climate change.Gerard Nelson is lead researcher for the report at the International Food Policy Research Institute. He says climate change will have a particularly bad impact on agricultural yields in sub-Saharan Africa."On top of that sub-saharan Africa in particular is home to a large number of poor people," Nelson said. "And one of the key messages to take home from our analysis is that with higher incomes people are more resilient to a variety of changes and that will be especially true for climate change."The report says that in 2050 average wheat yields in sub-Saharan Africa will decline by up to 22 percent as a result of climate change. Irrigation water supply is also expected to decrease and less food availability will mean on average 500 calories less per person.Without climate change, the report projects a rise in calorie availability in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2050.Nelson says African governments need to prioritize investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in rural roads, research and new technologies. Three months ahead of climate change talks in Copenhagen, Nelson says Africa governments should focus on helping their farmers adapt to climate change."As the governments of sub-Saharan Africa prepare to go to the Copenhagen negotiations they should ensure that agriculture is included both in the adaptation funding mechanisms that will come out of Copenhagen as well as allow for the possibility that mitigation funds can be used in Africa," Nelson said.The report says an additional investment in global agriculture of $7 billion per year could increase production and counteract the adverse effects of climate change.The report says 40 percent of this investment should go to sub-Saharan Africa. E-mail Print Digg Yahoo Buzz Facebook del.icio.us StumbleUpon \|\|\|\|\| Twenty-five million more children will go hungry by the middle of this century as climate change leads to food shortages and soaring prices for staples such as rice, wheat, maize and soya beans, a report says today. If global warming goes unchecked, all regions of the world will be affected, but the most vulnerable – south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa – will be hit hardest by failing crop yields, according to the report, prepared by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) for the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The children of 2050 will have fewer calories to eat than those in 2000, the report says, and the effect would be to wipe out decades of progress in reducing child malnutrition. The grim scenario is the first to gauge the effects of climate change on the world's food supply by combining climate and agricultural models. Spikes in grain prices last year led to rioting and unrest across the developing world, from Haiti to Thailand. Leaders at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh last week committed $2bn (£1.25bn) to food security, and the United Nations is set to hold a summit on food security in November, its second since last year's riots. But the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, is pressing the World Bank and other institutions to do more. He said the industrialised world needs to step up investment in seed research and to offer more affordable crop insurance to the small farmers in developing countries. Though prices have stabilised, the world's food system is still in crisis, he said at the weekend. "Ever more people are denied food because prices are stubbornly high, because purchasing power has fallen due to the economic crisis, or because rains have failed and reserve stocks of grain have been eaten," he said. Even without global warming, rising populations meant the world was headed for food shortages and food price rises. "The food price crisis of last year really was a wake-up call to a lot of people that we are going to have 50% more people on the surface of the Earth by 2050," said Gerald Nelson, the lead author of the report. "Meeting those demands for food coming out of population growth is going to be a huge challenge – even without climate change." After several years in which development aid has been diverted away from rural areas, the report called for $7bn a year for crop research, and investment in irrigation and rural infrastructure to help farmers adjust to a warming climate. "Continuing the business-as-usual approach will almost certainly guarantee disastrous consequences," said Nelson. The G20 industrialised nations last week began discussing how to invest some $20bn pledged for food security earlier this year. Some regions of the world outlined in the report are already showing signs of vulnerability because of changing rainfall patterns and drought linked to climate change. Oxfam yesterday launched a $152m appeal on behalf of 23 million people hit by a severe drought and spiralling food prices in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Uganda. The charity called it the worst humanitarian crisis in Africa for a decade, and said many people in the region were suffering from malnutrition. But southern Asia, which made great advances in agricultural production during the 20th century, was also singled out in the IFPRI report for being particularly at risk of food shortages. Some countries, such as Canada and Russia, will experience longer growing seasons because of climate change, but other factors – such as poor soil – mean that will not necessarily be translated into higher food production. The report was prepared for negotiators currently trying to reach a global deal to fight climate change at the latest round of UN talks in Bangkok. It used climate models prepared by the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Colorado and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia to arrive at estimates of how changes in growing seasons and rainfall patterns would affect farming in the developing world and elsewhere. Without an ambitious injection of funds and new technology, wheat yields could fall by more than 30% in developing countries, setting off a catastrophic rise in prices. Wheat prices, with unmitigated climate change, could rise by 170%-194% by the middle of this century, the report said. Rice prices are projected to rise by 121% – and almost all of the increase will have to be passed on to the consumer, Nelson said. The report did not take into account all the expected impacts of climate change – such as the loss of farmland due to rising sea levels, a rise in the number of insects and in plant disease, or changes in glacial melt. All these factors could increase the damage of climate change to agriculture. Others who have examined the effects of climate change on agriculture have warned of the potential for conflict. In a new book, Plan B 4.0: Mobilising to Save Civilisation, published today, Lester Brown, founder of the Earth Policy Institute, warns that sharp declines in world harvests due to climate change could threaten the world order. "I am convinced that food is indeed the weak link," he said. Brown saw Asia as the epicentre of the crisis, with the latest science warning of a sea level rise of up to six feet by 2100. With even a 3ft rise, Bangladesh could lose half of its rice land to rising seas; Vietnam, the world's second largest producer of rice, could also see much of the Mekong Delta under water. Wheat and rice production would also fall because of acute water shortages, caused by past over-pumping and the melting of the Himalayan glaciers, which currently store water that supplies the region's main rivers: the Indus, Ganges, and Yangtse. Brown said: "The potential loss of these mountain glaciers in the Himalayas is the most massive projected threat to food security ever seen" . Global shortfall People in both the developing and developed worlds will have less to eat by 2050 if climate change is not seriously addressed, though the shortfall will be relatively slight in richer countries. Prices rises and shortages of food will drive down the average calories available: • The calories available for each person in industrialised nations will fall from 3,450 in 2000 to about 3,200. • In developing countries overall, the average will fall from 2,696 to 2,410 calories. • In sub-Saharan Africa, people will on average have only 1,924 calories a day, compared with 2,316 in 2000.	A new report on climate change's impact on agriculture predicts 25 million more malnourished children around the world by 2050, compared to a scenario with no global warming. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable. The report from the International Food Policy Research Institute projects that the the number of malnourished children will decrease by 10 million in the next 40 years. However, without global warming the report projects a decrease of 35 million. Forty percent of undernourished children will live in Africa. The report compares economic and biological factors affecting child nutrition in two future scenarios — a world with and a world without climate change. Gerard Nelson is lead researcher for the report at the International Food Policy Research Institute. He said that climate change will have a particularly strong impact on agricultural yields in sub-Saharan Africa. "The food price crisis of last year really was a wake-up call to a lot of people that we are going to have 50% more people on the surface of the Earth by 2050. Meeting those demands for food coming out of population growth is going to be a huge challenge — even without climate change," Nelson said. "On top of that, sub-Saharan Africa in particular is home to a large number of poor people. And one of the key messages to take home from our analysis is that with higher incomes people are more resilient to a variety of changes and that will be especially true for climate change." The report says that in 2050 average wheat yields in sub-Saharan Africa will decline by up to 22 percent as a result of climate change. Irrigation water supply is also expected to decrease and less food availability will mean on average 500 calories less per person. Without climate change, the report projected a rise in calorie availability in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2050. Nelson says African governments need to prioritise investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in rural roads, research and new technologies. With the December 2009 climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nelson says African governments should focus on helping their farmers adapt to climate change. "As the governments of sub-Saharan Africa prepare to go to the Copenhagen negotiations they should ensure that agriculture is included both in the adaptation funding mechanisms that will come out of Copenhagen as well as allow for the possibility that mitigation funds can be used in Africa," Nelson said. The report says an additional investment in global agriculture of US$7 billion per year could increase production and counteract the adverse effects of climate change. The report says 40 percent of this investment should go to sub-Saharan Africa.
Hollande stands by his pledge to reverse the he rising jobless trend in France by the year's end [EPA] France's unemployment rate hit a 14-year high in the first quarter of 2013, casting fresh doubt on President Francois Hollande's goal of reversing the rising jobless trend by year-end. The jobless rate of 10.8 percent, published by the INSEE statistics agency on Thursday, was the highest on record since the first quarter of 1999. It was in line with a forecast of 10.9 percent in a Reuters poll and up from a revised 10.5 percent in the final quarter of 2012. The euro zone's second-largest economy fell into a shallow recession in the first quarter and the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund both forecast that it will slightly contract overall in 2013. All of the economists polled by Reuters said they believed the government would miss its target of reversing unemployment by year-end, a goal Hollande set a few months after winning power in May 2012 and says he will stand by despite widespread scepticism. "It is hard to see how the jobless trend can come down before the end of the year," said ING economist Julien Manceaux, pointing at France's bleak economic outlook and lagging competitiveness. Expected increase Among the unemployed, some are very sceptical about the chances of the job market improving any time soon. "He is going to reverse the unemployment trend? Really? By doing what?" 38-year-old Astrid Mabiana, a mother of three who has been unemployed for most of the past four years, asked of Hollande's job pledge as she left an employment agency a few days ago. Unemployment is expected to increase throughout the year, to hit 11.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 and stand at 11.2 percent for the full year, according to the Reuters poll of 12 French and international economists. "It's really tough and it will get even tougher. With the crisis all there is is people getting fired," said 37 year-old Spaniard Juan, who didn't give his family name. After living in France for 10 years and working washing dishes in restaurants, he has been out of work for a year. INSEE said that the quarterly unemployment data measured according to International Labour Organisation standards was only an estimate, pointing out to technical difficulties that include new procedures to collect data. The data does not include the small overseas territory of Mayotte or give any of the usual additional information such as a breakdown of the youth unemployment rate, INSEE said. 404 \|\|\|\|\| Unemployment in France has hit a level last seen in 1998 as Europe's second-biggest economy remained stuck in recession. President Francois Hollande has vowed to reverse the rise, but the worst seems yet to come. French unemployment rose 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2013, reaching a jobless rate of 10.8 percent at the beginning of April, the country's statistics institute, Insee, announced Thursday. The rise marked the 24th consecutive month of increasing unemployment and had put 3.25 million people out of work, Insee data showed. According to Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, French unemployment is already at 11 percent under calculation methods applied within the EU bureaucracy. 0:00:00 \| 0:00:00 France in urgent need of reform Unemployment figures were boosted by declining economic activity in the past two quarters in which France had slipped into recession. Europe's second-largest economy contracted 0.2 percent in the first three months of this year. French President Francois Hollande has vowed to stop the rise in unemployment by the end of this year. However, economists at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have predicted the jobs crisis in France to continue well into next year, with the jobless rate forecast to hit 11.1 percent in 2014. uhe/kms (AP, dpa, AFP) \|\|\|\|\| French jobless rate climbs to highest level in 15 years France saw a record number of jobless people in April French unemployment rose to 10.8% in the first quarter of the year - its highest level since 1998, official estimates have shown. The jobless rate grew from 10.5% in the last quarter of 2012, the official Insee statistics agency said. The French economy went into a recession after seeing GDP fall by 0.2% in the first quarter. President Francois Hollande has pledged to boost jobs and growth, but demand has been sapped by the eurozone crisis. According to Eurostat, the European statistics agency, which uses a slightly different measure, the jobless rate has already reached 11%. The figures came as the European Central Bank (ECB) prepared to meet later, when it is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%. There has been speculation that the central bank will unveil plans to revive lending in the eurozone, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). SMEs provide around three quarters of jobs in the eurozone. The International Monetary Fund earlier this week warned that France needed to introduce fresh economic reforms or else risk lagging behind some of its European neighbours. It called on France to lower its labour costs and halt tax increases to boost both growth and its competitiveness. In its annual assessment, the IMF also forecast France's economy would contract slightly more than it previously thought. It said GDP would fall 0.2% this year and predicted economic growth of 0.8% in 2014.	François Hollande, the President of France, has vowed to reverse unemployment trends by the end of the year. Last Thursday, the (INSEE) announced the French job market continued to struggle as unemployment rose to 10.8%, the country's highest recorded unemployment rate since 1998. The 0.3% rise in the first quarter of 2013 had increased doubt around French President François Hollande's promise to reverse the trend by the end of 2013. According to INSEE data this had been recorded to be the 24th uninterrupted month of unemployment increases, leaving 3.25 million people jobless. France's economy was predicted to marginally retract overall this year and had experienced a minor recession this quarter due to deteriorating economic activity. The news came as the (ECB) planned to meet to discuss interest rates. It was assumed that the ECB would reveal plans to encourage lending in the , a significant outcome for small and medium sized business, who employed around three quarters of the eurozone. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had advised France that they may fall behind surrounding European economies if they do not take action and introduce new economic reforms. The IMF has suggested a decrease in labour costs and stopping tax increases could help to improve the country's economic competitiveness and increase growth. == Sources == * * *
Former IRS commissioner Mark Everson (R) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Monday morning, arguing that Fox News has unfairly excluded him from participation in the candidate forum that will precede Thursday night's debate. The complaint asks that he be added to the event -- though an expert we spoke with is skeptical that it will work. Everson's complaint focuses on two points buried in Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The first stipulates that the host of a debate should not "structure the debates to promote or advance one candidate over another." The second states that "staging organization(s) must use pre-established objective criteria to determine which candidates may participate in a debate." Early on in the process, Fox determined that only those candidates in the top 10 of an average of the five most recent national polls would be included in the main debate. After receiving complaints about the format, they added a forum beforehand that would include any candidate that had received at least 1 percent in the poll average, even if they weren't in the top 10. As it became apparent that several prominent candidates wouldn't hit that mark -- including the lone woman in the field, Carly Fiorina, and Sen. Lindsey Graham -- Fox reduced the standard to include anyone that appeared "consistently" in national polling. Everson's complaint centers on that change in standards, and the word "consistently." Former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore, who Everson notes wasn't mentioned by Fox as a likely participant late last month, has only been included in very recent polling. (The Post/ABC News poll conducted July 16 through 19 didn't include him, for example.) It appears that Gilmore will be included in the second-tier forum despite his late addition to the field. Everson notes that an online straw poll from the Republican National Committee has included him (and Gilmore) from the outset, and in an unanswered letter requesting inclusion that he sent to the network, that he's appeared on Fox News as a candidate more often than Scott Walker and Jeb Bush. "In view of the urgency of this matter," the complaint to the FEC concludes, "Mark Everson asks the Federal Election Commission to intervene on an expedited basis and rule that Fox News Network, LLC (a), has violated 11 C.F.R. §110.13, and (b) should be compelled to include Everson in the August 6, 2015 candidate forum in Cleveland, Ohio." The effort will likely not be successful. Alan Schroeder is a professor of journalism at Northeastern University who has written extensively about presidential debates. "This comes up every single cycle," he said when we spoke by phone on Monday morning. "More generally in the general election debates." Candidates who don't make the cut try to figure out how to finagle their way onto the stage -- without success. "There's always a bit of a time lag here. You file your suit; that doesn't mean you're going to get a judgment before the debate takes place," he said, adding that the FEC's by-now-notorious political stalemate makes a quick decision even less likely. "I can't think of any time where a debate sponsor was enjoined from staging a debate or at the last minute forced to add a chair on-stage." Schroeder points out that this is a natural problem when media outlets are given the ability to set the rules. "The bigger question is this idea of debate sponsorship. When you put the networks in charge, [they] have a different agenda. Their agenda is to make television shows, which may be a different goal than performing the best public service." "We're kind of in uncharted territory here," he said. "I don't think that there's a template, legal or otherwise, that you can apply. As long as you've got television networks as sponsors, they're going to structure these things the way that they way to and set criteria the way that they want to." "For candidates, they may not like that," Schroeder said, "but it's sort of a fact of life." Below is Everson's complaint \|\|\|\|\| GOP presidential candidate Mark Everson has an unusual, personal, and emotional pitch to voters. Everson, the relatively unknown former IRS Commissioner under George W. Bush, became the first Republican to officially launch a presidential campaign on Thursday. He kicked off his bid by releasing a when he released a 16 page "Letter to America" that focused on both his policy ideas and past personal problems In his letter, Everson disclosed his past extramarital affair, divorce and the abortion of his unborn child. While Everson served as head of the tax agency from 2003 to 2007, his first wife, Nanette, worked as chief ethics counsel for the Bush White House. They had three children together before their marriage ended. Everson's letter described the "dramatic changes" that occurred in his personal life after the Bush administration, During his six-months as CEO of the American Red Cross in 2007, he engaged in an affair with a married subordinate who ultimately became pregnant. He left the non-profit after the board requested his resignation in November 2007. He subsequently divorced his first wife and welcomed a fourth child from his extramarital relationship. Everson has not remarried but is raising a five-year-old son with his former mistress in Mississippi. "My marriage failed. It was entirely my fault. I am not proud of the job I did as a husband. And like many Americans, my youngest child's mother and I were not married when he was born," Everson wrote in a section of the letter titled "Social Issues." In a corresponding YouTube video for his campaign launch Everson also acknowledged his turbulent personal life. "I've made mistakes but at 60, I'm wiser and humbler than I once was," he said. Everson also used the letter to share his views on abortion in his letter and open up about his own "painful" experience with the subject. "Many years ago, an unborn child of mine was aborted, and I still wonder what that man or woman would be like today," he writes. Everson opposes the termination of a pregnancy unless the woman's life is at risk. While deeply personal in some portions, the letter also presents the rationale behind the six pillars of his campaign platform: his support for providing amnesty to undocumented immigrants, the re-establishment of the draft (which may or may not include women), his pledge to serve only one term in the White House, tax reform, the call for corporate responsibility, and deficit reduction. Everson, a native New Yorker, had previously served as deputy commissioner for the Immigration and Naturalization Service under President Ronald Reagan. He entered the private sector in the nineties, before he returned to the government to work for Bush. From 2009-2010, Everson served in the cabinet of Indiana's Republican governor, Mitch Daniels. He is now with the tax services company, alliantgroup. Everson's campaign will be based in Mississippi but the bulk of his staff will be in Iowa, his spokesman told Business Insider. With a "small staff in place" currently, the spokesman said fundraising efforts will begin Thursday. Additional team members will be added in Iowa to focus on targeting the state’s 99 counties by August. Everson told the Associated Press he has an estimated net worth of $3 million and plans to invest $250,000 in his campaign. "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't believe I've got a chance," he told the AP, adding, "I think that who becomes president is not up to Wall Street and the fat cats across the country. It's up to the voters."	U.S. Republican Party candidate , former commissioner of the (IRS), filed a complaint on Monday with the (FEC) to challenge his exclusion from Thursday's first Republican Party presidential debate. Everson argues his exclusion violates Title 11 of the in that debate hosts must not "structure the debates to promote or advance one candidate over another", and must "use pre-established objective criteria to determine which candidates may participate in a debate." File photo of Mark Everson Everson served as Commissioner of the IRS from 2003 to 2007, during the administration. After his departure, he briefly served as CEO of the , worked in the cabinet of Indiana , and worked for the tax consulting firm . He announced his candidacy this past March with a sixteen-page open letter in which he outlined the six pillars of his campaign: amnesty for , reinstatement of the , a promise to serve only a single presidential term, and calls for tax reform, deficit reduction, and corporate responsibility. Fox News claims Everson fails to meet the criteria it established for Thursday's two debates. Only seventeen candidates meet the criteria, which require a candidate "consistently" be included in "recognized" opinion polls. The event features the top ten candidates by average polling percentage. The other seven participate in a separate debate just before the prime time event. In his complaint, Everson urges the FEC to compel Fox News to include him in the second tier debate as the eighth participant. Everson argues Fox News, in violation of Title 11, "structured the debates to promote or advance one candidate over another" through a July 27 change to its criteria that replaced a pre-existing one percent polling threshold with a threshold admitting those "consistently" included in "recognized" polls. He alleges this was done to ensure the inclusion of the low-polling candidates former CEO , former New York , , and former Virginia , because Fox News recognizes these candidates as "major players." Furthermore, Everson argues the Fox News criteria are not "objective," as Title 11 requires, because they fail to define the terms "consistently" and "recognized" when referring to polls. He asserts he was included in the Republican Party's online straw poll in May and is the only candidate still listed on that poll who has been excluded from Thursday's debate. expert , publisher of '''', says Everson is "completely correct" in his challenge. However, he believes Everson only has a chance of success if he actually files a lawsuit rather than simply complaining to the FEC. == Sources == * * *
Gas Switch your gas supplier with uSwitch and get the best deal through us. We provide an impartial switching service for our customers! Cheap Ski Holidays France If you are thinking about cheap ski holidays in France then make sure you check online at Holiday Hypermarket. Our online search will check deals from the top travel agents. Honeymoon Holidays Our honeymoon holidays ensure newly weds the holiday of a lifetime. Utilise our experience and benefit from our caring, personal approach! Property investment If you are looking to make a property investment then look no further. Over Â£375m worth of property has been handled by us! Buy Land If you are looking to buy land as an investment we can help. All land for sale is freehold land and comes with full title deeds. PAYE Umbrella Companies There may be other PAYE Umbrella Companies to choose from, but with Atlantic Umbrella Company, we guarantee the highest rate of pay legally and operate within the ambit of the law. Florida Holidays The exciting option of Florida holidays could be yours at a great deal through UlookUbook. \|\|\|\|\| To help support Wikipedia, please visit our fundraising page ( http://wikimediafoundation.org/fundraising ), or read about how we use the money ( http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/What_we_use_the_money_for ). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. In Belgium, Roman Catholicism is the majority religion, accounting for between 75% and 80% of the population, although nowadays (as of 2004) only about 10% to 20% of the population regularly goes to church. Other religions widely practiced in Belgium are Islam, Protestantism, and Judaism. Religion was one of the differences between the Roman Catholic south and the Protestant north of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, which eventually broke up in 1830 when the south seceded to form Belgium. This accounts for the preponderance of Catholics there nowadays. Since 1830, Catholicism has had also an important role in Belgium's politics. One example is the so-called "school wars" ("guerres scolaires" in French) between liberals and Catholics which took place between 1879 and 1884 for the first one and between 1954 and 1958 for the second one. Another important controversy happened in 1990 when the catholic and very religuous king Baudouin did refused to give his signature to a bill liberalising Belgium's abortion laws, which had previously been approved by parliament. Between World War I and World War II the centre of occult and mystical activity was shifted from France to Belgium. Belgium became the main centre for many brotherhoods and secret societies of which many branches still exist today.	Belgium's French-speaking region has officially recognised 43 mosques, thus giving Islam the same rights as accorded to other religions in the region. They will be permitted to build minarets on their mosques, and Imams will be added to the government payroll, as is the case - for example - with Catholic priests. Moves are afoot to apply for official recognition of a number of mosques in the other two main regions of Belgium: , and Flemish-speaking . Most of the immigrant population in Belgium are Muslims, but until now the mosques were not yet officially recognised. The traditional faith in Belgium is . Other minor faiths are , , and . also recently applied for official recognition as a religion in Belgium.
Inventor of The Club dies in Pa. crash CLARION, Pa. — The inventor of The Club, James Winner, has died in a head-on collision in western Pennsylvania. State Police said the Tuesday crash on a rural road in Clarion County also took the lives of two other people when his sport utility vehicle and their car collided. Winner, 81, invented the popular anti car-theft device, and his Sharon-based company Winner International sold more than 10 million of them. He also was widely known for his philanthropy in western Pennsylvania. In a statement Wednesday, company officials said it was "a very difficult time for all of us and the family would request that you honor their privacy." In the 1980s, Winner developed the steering-wheel lock known as The Club after his car was stolen. He sold the first one in western Pennsylvania before creating Winner International. Winner also was interested in bettering the region. He said he wanted to make the area a tourist destination and create jobs after the loss of industry there. He bought and restored buildings, including the downtown Sharon home once owned by industrialist Frank Buhl, which Winner converted into a bed and breakfast. Winner owned hotels, schools and businesses, including Winner Steel, which he eventually sold. "Jim was just a great man and did more behind the scenes than people even knew," the Rev. Larry Haynes, who worked with Winner through the Shenango Valley Foundation community group, told the Sharon Herald. Winner was born in the town of Transfer and worked on his family's farm from the age of 5. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse before joining the Army at age 17. Authorities said Winner's SUV crossed into oncoming traffic striking the car. The other two killed were identified as driver Bobby Jarrett, 82, of Tionesta, and passenger Raymond Fair, 76, of Tylersburg. Winner also had a home in Hollywood, Fla. Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| Inventor of The Club steering wheel lock among 3 dead in crash James E. Winner Jr., a Sharon businessman whose claim to fame was The Club, a steering-wheel lock for cars, was killed in a head-on collision in Clarion County on Tuesday that claimed the lives of two other people. State police said Mr. Winner, 81, who also has an address in Hollywood Beach, Fla., was driving his Lexus on Miola Road in Highland at about 4:40 p.m. when his car crossed the center line into the opposite lane and hit a Chevy Blazer driven by Bobby Jarrett, 82, of Forest County. Mr. Jarrett and his passenger, Raymond Fair, 76, of Tylersburg in Clarion County, were both killed. Mr. Winner, whose business empire over the years included hotels and steel processing plants, created Winner International in 1986 to market The Club. According to the company's website, he came up with the idea after his Cadillac was stolen. As an Army veteran in Korea, he remembered how he had secured his vehicle's steering wheel with a chain to keep thieves from being able to steer. If they can't steer, he said, they can't steal. Winner International, based in Sharon, said company officials and family members would not be available but issued a statement saying the "outpouring" of support from the community was appreciated. Mr. Winner's family requested privacy. More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. First published on September 15, 2010 at 12:00 am	The Club steering lock installed in a car. The inventor of steering lock has died in a head-on car accident in , Pennsylvania aged 81 today. Two others died in the accident. Authorities say the accident occurred when Winner drove his SUV into oncoming traffic. The others who died were in Winner's car. They were Bobby Jarrett, 82, and Raymond Fair, 76. Winner created The Club steering lock in the early 80s after his car was stolen. He came up with the idea while fighting in the ; he secured his vehicle with metal chains to stop anybody taking it. He said, "If they can’t steer, they can’t steal." He sold the first Club in Pennsylvania and later founded and sold over ten million units. Winner also owned hotels, a steel company, and other companies. A spokesman for Winner International said in a statement, "this is a very difficult time for all of us and the family would request that you honor their privacy."
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. --U.S. intelligence agencies believe the latest tape released by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is authentic, the White House said Sunday. After being informed of the intelligence assessment, White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters traveling with the president, "The al Qaeda leadership is on the run and under a lot of pressure." According to an audiotape aired Sunday attributed to bin Laden, the al Qaeda leader urged his followers to prepare for a long war against Western would-be occupiers in Sudan's Darfur region and said the West's shunning of the Hamas Palestinian government showed it was waging a "Crusader-Zionist war" on Muslims. "We just heard from the intelligence community that they believe it's authentic," McClellan said. President Bush was informed about the bin Laden tape at about 6:30 a.m. local time. "We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy abroad and making it difficult for them to plan and plot against Americans," McClellan said. "We continue to take all terrorist threats seriously and that is why we are acting on all fronts doing everything within our power to prevail in the war on terrorism," he said. The tape was broadcast on Al Jazeera television, which declined to say how it had been obtained. Al Jazeera did not say if the tape was dated, but it would have to have been recorded after March 14 because of bin Laden's reference to an Israeli raid on a West Bank prison on that date. © Copyright 2006 Reuters. Reuters content is the intellectual property of Reuters or its third-party content providers. Any copying, republication, or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. \|\|\|\|\| US intelligence agencies believe the latest tape released by Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is authentic, the White House says. Al Jazeera television has aired an audiotape that is attributed to the fugitive leader. In it, he urges his followers to prepare for a long war against Western would-be occupiers in Sudan's Darfur region. The speaker also says the West's shunning of the Hamas Palestinian Government shows it is waging a "Crusader-Zionist war" on Muslims. "We just heard from the intelligence community that they believe it's authentic," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. Mr McClellan says Al Qaeda's leaders are on the run and under pressure. "We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy abroad and making it difficult for them to plan and plot against Americans," he said. "We continue to take all terrorist threats seriously and that is why we are acting on all fronts doing everything within our power to prevail in the war on terrorism." Al Jazeera has declined to reveal how it obtained the tape and has not said if it is dated. However, the tape have to have been recorded after March 14 because of bin Laden's reference to an Israeli raid on a West Bank prison on that date. Hamas Hamas has moved quickly to distanced itself from the comments, in which bin Laden also refers to the cutting of funds by Western governments to the Palestinian Government. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri says his group's ideology is completely different to that of bin Laden's. But he acknowledges that the international funding freeze on Hamas is creating tension in the Arabic and Islamic world. Bin Laden has been on the run since the US campaign to oust Afghanistan's Taliban government in 2001 after the September 11 attacks. He and his right-hand man, Ayman al-Zawahri, are believed to be hiding in a mountainous area on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. - ABC/Reuters \|\|\|\|\| In Tape, Bin Laden Urges Fighters to Sudan Sunday April 23, 2006 3:31 PM AP Photo NYET702 By SALAH NASRAWI Associated Press Writer CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Osama bin Laden issued ominous new threats in an audiotape broadcast Sunday, purportedly saying the West was at war with Islam and calling on his followers to go to Sudan to fight a proposed U.N. force. In his first new message in three months, bin Laden said the West's decision to cut off funds to the Palestinians because their Hamas leaders refuse to recognize Israel proved that the United States and Europe were conducting ``a Zionist crusader war on Islam.'' ``The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusader war on Islam,'' said the speaker on the tape broadcast by the Al-Jazeera network. ``I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us.'' The voice on the tape sounded strong and resembled that on previous recordings attributed to bin Laden. There was no way to independently verify the authenticity of the tape. ``We are aware of the tape and a technical analysis of the recording is being conducted,'' a U.S. intelligence official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Israeli government spokesman Raanan Gissin said bin Laden had decided to attack Israel to deflect growing Arab animosity toward al-Qaida. ``When he attacks Israel, this is something the Arab world can agree upon,'' Gissin said. ``He has been criticized for the destruction and carnage he's causing the Muslim nation. He's looking for another justification ... ``Criticizing Israel sounds more politically correct.'' Al-Qaida is believed to have no direct links to Hamas, which is an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood, but they share an anti-Israel ideology that calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. Recent media reports in the Middle East have said al-Qaida is building cells in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Sudan. Israel has indicted two West Bank militants for al-Qaida membership and a Palestinian security official has acknowledged al-Qaida is ``organizing cells and gathering supporters,'' although Israeli officials say the inroads appear preliminary. Bin Laden also addressed the conflict in Sudan, where he was based before being expelled under threats from the United States. He then moved to Afghanistan and is believed to be hiding out in the rugged mountains on the Pakistani side of their common border. In Washington, U.S. intelligence officials said bin Laden is separated from his top deputy and, in a sign he has to be careful about whom he trusts, surrounded by fellow Arabs. His No. 2, Ayman al-Zawahri, is hiding in a more settled area along the border, also surrounded by al-Qaida operatives from Egypt, the officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information. A three-year conflict between Darfur's rebels and the Arab-dominated central government has caused about 180,000 deaths - most from disease and hunger - and displaced 2 million people. The United Nations has described the conflict as the world's gravest humanitarian crisis. The United States has described it as genocide. Negotiators are trying to broker a peace deal between warring factions by an April 30 deadline. Members of the African Union have agreed in principle to hand over peacekeeping duties to the United Nations beginning Sept. 30. ``I call on mujahedeen and their supporters, especially in Sudan and the Arab peninsula, to prepare for long war again the crusader plunderers in Western Sudan. Our goal is not defending the Khartoum government but to defend Islam, its land and its people,'' bin Laden purportedly said. ``I urge holy warriors to be acquainted with the land and the tribes in Darfur.'' Al-Qaida has targeted Western forces in Africa before - including its attacks against U.S. troops trying to bring peace to Somalia in 1993. Al-Jazeera apparently had the tape long enough to make significant edits, with its news reader providing substantial transition and background comments between excerpts from bin Laden. It was the first purported new message from bin Laden since Jan. 19. In that audiotape, he warned that his fighters were preparing new attacks in the United States but offered the American people a ``long-term truce'' without specifying the conditions. That tape was posted in full on a Web site a month later and included a vow by the terrorist chieftain never to be captured alive. ``I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don't want to die humiliated or deceived,'' bin Laden said in that previous 11-minute, 26-second tape. In the message broadcast Sunday, bin Laden also called for a global Muslim boycott of American goods similar to the recent boycott of Danish products after the publication there of caricatures of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. He also said the artists who drew those offending cartoons should be handed over to him for trial and punishment. The Al-Jazeera news reader said bin Laden, in a portion of the tape not aired by the Qatar-based broadcaster, scoffed at Saudi King Abdullah for his calls for a ``dialogue among civilizations'' and blasted liberal-minded Arab writers for taking part in the Western cultural invasion of Muslim lands. --- Associated Press reporters Katherine Shrader in Washington and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. \|\|\|\|\| Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. (UPI Photo/files) 'Their [the West's] boycott of Hamas confirmed that it is a crusade Zionist war against Muslims,' bin Laden said. The United States and European Union recently halted aid to the radical Hamas movement, which won a resounding victory in Palestinian elections, demanding the group renounce violence and recognize Israel. In reference to Sudan, bin Laden criticized US support for the autonomy of the south of the country and the Sudanese government's signing of a peace treaty. '(Sudanese President Omar) Beshir and (US President George W) Bush should know that this treaty is not worth the value of the ink in which it was written and for us, the treaty is not at all binding,' bin Laden said. He accused the US of exploiting the disputes between the tribes in Sudan's western province of Darfur to fuel the conflict as a pretext for sending what he called a 'crusade army' to seize oil there. 'I call on the mujahedin in Sudan and its neighbours especially the Arab peninsula to prepare all they need to engage in a long-term war against the crusade thieves in Western Sudan,' bin Laden added. This was the first appearance of bin Laden in the Arab media since al-Jazeera aired a voice recording on January 19 in which the al- Qaeda leader offered the West an armistice. In Sunday's recording, bin Laden said that the rejection by the West of his armistice was proof that the West opposed dialogue. The West was insisting on continuing a crusade war against 'our nation.' 'The politicians of the West do not want dialogue except for the sake of dialogue to drag us on, for them to gain more time. They want an armistice that is observed only by us,' bin Laden said. © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur \|\|\|\|\| JFK: A Vision for America Hardcover – Illustrated by Stephen Kennedy Smith, Douglas Brinkley Published in commemoration of the centennial of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, here is the definitive compendium of JFK’s most important and brilliant speeches, accompanied by commentary and reflections by leading American and international figures. Edited by JFK’s nephew Stephen Kennedy Smith and renowned historian Douglas Brinkley. Combined with over seven hundred documentary photos, it tells the story, in words and pictures, of JFK’s life and presidency, and depicts his compelling vision for America. JFK: A Vision for America Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Hardcover by Rhonda Vetere It's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that determines how fast you reach your goals. Rhonda Vetere, seasoned C-Suite technology veteran, knows firsthand that there's no such thing as a perfect, struggle-free life. In her work as a Global Technology Executive, she's faced down some of the biggest financial crises of modern times, and she knows it's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that matters. Grit & Grind uses real-life stories of how Vetere and her team navigate the volatile tech industry and illustrates a simple 10-part practice for building bone-deep confidence in your own abilities no matter what the challenge is. Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery Paperback by Joshua Medcalf Pound The Stone is the intense and inspiring story of a young man’s journey through the obstacles, defeats, and eventual victories that come while developing grit on the path to mastery. Told in the same engaging fable style as Chop Wood Carry Water, this is a deeper dive into the timeless principles that guide and inspire anyone who seeks greatness in life, and covers everything from true success, to the perfection trap, the value of failure, why courage is contagious, and why vulnerability can save your life. Pound The Stone will move and inspire you. Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery \|\|\|\|\| Bin Laden justifies attacks on West 23/04/2006 - 13:20:31 Al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden today issued an ominous new statement on Al-Jazeera television, appearing to justify attacks on civilians in the West. “I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. “While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us,” bin Laden said in an audio tape. The al-Qaida chief, who last issued a message via the satellite television broadcaster on January 19, said the people of Western countries were equally responsible with their governments for what he called “a Zionist (Jewish) crusaders (Christian) war on Islam.” He claimed the Western cut off of funds to the Palestinian Hamas-led government proved the US and Europe were at war with all Islamic people. “The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusaders war on Islam,” he said. The January 19 tape was posted in full on a website a month after it was first aired and included a vow by the terrorist leader never to be captured alive. “I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don’t want to die humiliated or deceived,” bin Laden said, in the 11-minute, 26-second tape. In that message, bin Laden offered the US a long-term truce but also said his al-Qaida terror network would soon launch a fresh attack on American soil. Get your FREE Ringtones, Java Games & Colour Logos from IOL 's NEW My Mobile site World News \| Messageboards \| Print Version \| Email to friend \| Previous Page © Thomas Crosbie Media, 2006. \|\|\|\|\| DUBAI: Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden said the international isolation of the Hamas-led Palestinian government is proof of a "war by crusaders and Zionists against Islam," according to an audiotape attributed to him and aired on Arabic television on Sunday. The tape was broadcast on Al-Jazeera, and was the first purported recording by the Western world's most wanted man in three months. In the recording, bin Laden speaks about the "situation in Iraq, Palestine and Sudan," and what he describes as a "crusade against Islam," the satellite channel said. In the last audiotape attributed to bin Laden and aired by Al-Jazeera in January, he threatened new attacks against the US but also offered the American people a conditional "truce". That tape marked the first time that bin Laden had been heard from in more than a year but there is still no information about the whereabouts of the man behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US and a host of other terror strikes. \|\|\|\|\| Al Jazeera to air bin Laden tape AL Jazeera television said it would soon air an audio tape said to be from al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. It said the Saudi-born militant speaks on the tape about Iraq, Sudan, and Palestine. In the recording, the Western world's most wanted man speaks about the "situation in Iraq, Palestine and Sudan," and what he describes as a "crusade against Islam," the satellite channel said. In the last audiotape attributed to bin Laden and aired by Al Jazeera in January, he threatened new attacks against the United States. Have your say Print this story Also in Breaking News Woman charged over fake 000 calls Party-goer 'attacked with axe' Cabbie robbed at knifepoint House destroyed by suspicious fire More Reports Saudi king slashes petrol prices Download stars top album chart Smartcard 'delivers welfare crackdown' Coroner releases Kovco's body Victoria's Doyle hits new lows Miners' fate 'known today' Employer groups 'blame Government' Sudan ready to sign rebel agreement Rice breaks with Bush over anthem Workers 'entering wage freeze' Roadside bomb kills 3 foreigners UK police hunt racist firebomber Miners found alive and well Mine Antarctica, says Joyce Bosnian family feels Kovcos' pain Iran playing nuke games, says Rice Little sleep for mining town No reaching miners tonight US journalist to be freed Egypt extends emergency law	FBI photo of Osama Bin Laden. Aljazeera has aired a new audiotape it says contains the voice of al-Qaeda's leader, Osama bin Laden. The tape is 11 minutes and 26 seconds long, believed to have been made after March 14, 2006. According to Aljazeera, in the tape, Bin Laden talks about the "situation in Iraq, Palestine and Sudan" and says that the isolation of the Hamas-led Palestine is a "war by crusaders and Zionists against Islam." "I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us. The war goes on and the people are renewing their allegiance to its rulers and masters. They send their sons to armies to fight us and they continue their financial and moral support while our countries are burned and our houses are bombed and our people are killed," said bin Laden. "The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusaders war on Islam. I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don't want to die humiliated or deceived. The war is a responsibility shared between the people and the governments. They do not want a truce unless it is from our side only. They insist on continuing their crusader campaign against our nation and to loot our wealth," he added. Bin Laden also talked about Sudan saying, "I call on mujahedeen and their supporters, especially in Sudan and the Arab peninsula, to prepare for long war again the crusader plunderers in Western Sudan. Our goal is not defending the Khartoum government but to defend Islam, its land and its people. The politicians of the West do not want dialogue except for the sake of dialogue to drag us on, for them to gain more time. They want an armistice that is observed only by us." The United States has since said that they believe the tape is authentic. "We just heard from the intelligence community that they believe it's authentic," said Scott McClellan, spokesman for the White House. "We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy abroad and making it difficult for them to plan and plot against Americans. The al Qaeda leadership is on the run and under a lot of pressure. We continue to take all terrorist threats seriously and that is why we are acting on all fronts doing everything within our power to prevail in the war on terrorism," added McClellan. Aljazeera last aired an audiotape in January by bin Laden, where he promised new terrorist attacks in the U.S. but also offered the U.S. a "long-term truce."
Online services - Update The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is experiencing electronic system difficulties that prevent the public from accessing some electronic services for personal returns such as NETFILE, TELEFILE and EFILE. We have temporarily shut down public access to these electronic services to ensure the integrity of taxpayer information. Update: March 9, 2007 Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Michel Dorais reported today that the CRA is making further progress in its efforts to resolve the computer database problem that prompted the Agency to suspend most online services for individual taxpayers earlier this week. "Our solution is working and in the past 24 hours we have successfully restored several databases," said CRA Commissioner Michel Dorais. "CRA employees will be working through the weekend to continue to restore the rest, and we expect to make good progress." "Once we complete this phase of our recovery plan," said Mr. Dorais, "we will work out the schedule to bring online services for individual taxpayers back online." The Agency confirms that all online services for business are still functioning. The CRA would like to remind businesses that all payments must be made as required on the prescribed dates. Instalment payments by individuals are due as usual on March 15. Facts for Taxpayers Currently, you cannot file your personal return electronically by NETFILE, TELEFILE or EFILE. Until the problem is resolved, we cannot process returns filed on paper, or returns filed electronically before the system interruption. Refunds will be delayed until processing is resumed. We expect that all benefit payments, including the March 20 Universal Child Care Benefit and Canada Child Tax Benefit and the April 5 Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, will be made on time and without interruption. If you have already filed your income tax return electronically, the CRA will be able to determine whether the filing of your return was affected by this problem. It is too soon to speculate on whether the filing deadline will be extended. The CRA fully expects to restore all services well in advance of the filing deadline. Most features on My Account are functioning normally. However, the following My Account services are currently not available: view account balance and statement of account; view instalments; change my return; change my address; and, arrange my direct deposit. Electronic services for businesses, including My Business Account, are not directly impacted. There are no problems with employer remittances of payroll deductions, Goods and Services Tax/ Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) remittances, or the Business Number registration system. While the system problem affects the processing of many incoming payments, GST payments can still be processed. You should continue to make your payments as follows: In person at your financial institution. Online using your financial institution's Internet or telephone banking service. By sending your payment to the CRA by mail. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. We appreciate your continuing patience while we resolve this matter. Additional information: News release - March 6 Frequently asked questions Fact sheet - March 8 update \|\|\|\|\| The Canada Revenue Agency said Wednesday its online tax filing system was back up and running. The federal government department said it has resolved the technical issues that prevented people from filing their 2006 tax returns. "The CRA's processing systems are back online," commissioner Michel Dorais said in a statement on the agency's website. "All of our databases have been restored, our online services have been tested to our satisfaction, and our employees are processing the backlog of returns and payments. "I would like to thank taxpayers for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented service outage," Dorais said. Dorais had ordered the agency's 75 databases shut down March 5 after noticing "some irregularities" following software maintenance the previous weekend. All online access to Efile, Netfile and the My Account feature was affected by the shutdown. The CRA said the processing of returns — including the issuing of refunds — was delayed until the problem could be fixed. The processing delays also affected paper-based returns that were mailed. \|\|\|\|\| Fact Sheet March 2007 CRA announces business resumption plan Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Commissioner Michel Dorais today announced the Agency's timeline to bring services back on line. “We have begun to bring some of our systems into production,” reported Mr. Dorais. “We expect to have all of our taxpayer services, including EFILE, NETFILE, Change My Address and return processing back into full service no later than on Thursday March 15th, 2007.” The CRA is bringing back its temporary employees tomorrow morning to begin processing all outstanding files. The security of taxpayer information is paramount for the CRA. The security and privacy of taxpayer data was protected and was never at risk during this preventive suspension of online services. A malfunctioning software patch is the cause of this service interruption. CRA appreciates the patience and understanding of taxpayers during this interruption and is making every effort to restore full services as soon as possible. Please check the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/update on a regular basis to see which services are available. This document is also available for download in .pdf format. To receive notification by email when news releases, fact sheets or tax tips are added to our Web site, you can subscribe to our electronic mailing list. For media information	The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that computer systems involved with the processing of tax returns for individuals are back online. Tax processing had been halted on March 6, 2007, due to a computer glitch. The source of the problem had been traced back to software maintenance performed on March 4. In an update on the CRA website, dated March 14, Michel Dorais, Commissioner of the Agency, stated that all of the databases had been restored and CRA employees are processing the backlog of returns and payments. Tax processing for businesses had not been affected by the computer shutdown. In his statement, Dorais thanked taxpayers "for their patience and understanding" during the service outage. He also stated that "the integrity and safety of personal data was never at risk". The CRA suggests that it would work quickly to process the resulting backlog of tax returns.
Al Qaeda Threat To UK Over Rushdie Al Qaeda's second-in-command has released a tape threatening Britain with retaliation for giving novelist Salman Rushdie a knighthood. The audio tape features the voice of Ayman al Zawahiri, according to a US-based monitoring group. Al Zawahiri's 20-minute speech was entitled Malicious Britain And Its Indian Slaves. It was produced by as Sahab, the multimedia wing of al Qaeda, to be distributed to extremist websites, the US-based SITE intelligence group said. Advertisement Osama bin Laden's deputy lashed out at Britain for having awarded a knighthood to Rushdie last month, saying it was defying the Islamic world by granting the honour to the author of The Satanic Verses. The book sparked worldwide anger when it was published and led to Iran declaring a fatwa on the author and encouraging people to kill him on the grounds that he had offended Islam. Al Zawahiri said that a "very precise response" was in preparation to retaliate against the award of the knighthood. Addressing Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Egyptian-born militant said Britain's strategy in the Middle East "has brought tragedy and defeat upon you, not only in Afghanistan and Iraq but also in the centre of London". He then says: "And if you did not understand, listen: we are ready to repeat it for you." It comes less than a week after Al Zawahiri's most recent video message was aired. In it he says that al Qaeda is targeting "corrupt" Muslim governments. Al Zawahiri is thought to have been hiding in mountains on the Afghan-Pakistan border since the overthrow of al Qaeda's Taliban protectors in Afghanistan in 2001. \|\|\|\|\| By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer Tue Jul 10, 4:31 PM ET Al-Qaida Britain Salman Rushdie U.S CAIRO, Egypt -'s No. 2 issued a new audiotape on Tuesday threatening to retaliate againstfor honoring the novelist, a.-based monitoring group said. The 20-minute speech by Ayman al-Zawahri was entitled "Malicious Britain and its Indian Slaves." It was produced by as-Sahab, the multimedia wing of al-Qaida, to be distributed to extremist web sites, said the U.S.-based SITE group, which monitors al-Qaida messages. The authenticity of the tape, also reported by Alexandria, Va.-based IntelCenter, could not be independently confirmed. Osama bin Laden's deputy lashed out at Britain for having awarded a knighthood to Rushdie last month, saying it was defying the Islamic world by granting the honor to the author of "The Satanic Verses," deemed to insult Islam. A "very precise response" is in preparation to retaliate against this offense, al-Zawahri was quoted as saying by SITE. Addressing British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the al-Qaida deputy chief said Britain's strategy in the Middle East "has brought tragedy and defeat upon you, not only in Afghanistan and Iraq but also in the center of London." This appeared to be a reference to the deadly London transit network bombings which occurred just about two years ago. "And if you did not understand, listen, we are ready to repeat it for you," al-Zawahri was quoted as warning the British prime minister. In response, the British government said the knighthood awarded to Rushdie was "a reflection of his contribution to literature." "The government has already made clear that Rushdie's honor was not intended as an insult to Islam or the Prophet Muhammad," said a spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office. "We will continue to tackle the threat from international terrorism as a priority in order to prevent the risk of attacks on British interests at home and overseas, including from al-Qaida," the spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with Foreign Office rules. Rushdie was awarded a knighthood by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II last month to honor his career as a writer. The decision angered Muslim radicals, with some groups renewing calls for the Indian novelist to be sentenced to death. Iran's leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, in 1989 to sentence the author to death for having written "The Satanic Verses," deemed blasphemous against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. Al-Zawahri has issued eight video messages this year, along with a number of audio speeches. His previous tape was distributed last week by as-Sahab, the al-Qaida media wing. ___ Associated Press writer Thomas Wagner contributed to this report from London.	Al-Qaeda's No.2 Ayman al-Zawahiri warned in a 20-minute audiotaped message that the knighthood of Salman Rushdie was defying the Islamic world by granting the honour to the author of ''The Satanic Verses'', which was deemed an insult to Islam. Al-Zawahri said in the message that a "very precise response" is in preparation to retaliate against this offence, "And if you did not understand, listen, we are ready to repeat it for you." Rushdie was given the knighthood last month by Queen Elizabeth II. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the honor was not intended as an insult to Islam but was "a reflection of his contribution to literature."
Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A01 Millions of Americans will be required to show passports when they reenter the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by 2008 under new rules announced yesterday by the State and Homeland Security departments. The new policy, designed to thwart terrorists from exploiting the relative ease of travel in North America, means that Americans who lack U.S. passports will have to obtain them to travel between the United States and neighboring nations. It also will require Mexicans and Canadians to present either passports or another official document to enter this country, with details to be determined. Currently, U.S. citizens in most cases need to show only driver's licenses to reenter this country from Mexico and Canada, though officials said that since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, some officials at border crossings at times have asked for additional documents. "We're asking people to think of travel in and out of the U.S. [in this hemisphere] in the same way they would travel to and from Europe," said Elaine K. Dezenski, deputy assistant secretary for border and transportation security at the Department of Homeland Security. Some travel industry executives predicted that the initiative could lead to long lines for foreigners entering this country and could discourage U.S. youngsters from traveling on school trips, or spontaneously, to Canada and Mexico. Much smaller percentages of young people have passports than older people do, industry officials said. An increasing amount of travel planning is being done only days or weeks before a vacation begins because of Americans' harried lifestyles, and the new rules could discourage U.S. citizens without passports from taking quick jaunts to Canada and Mexico, tourism officials said. "For the last-minute traveler, this could be a problem," said Hank Phillips, president of the National Tour Association, which represents the tourism industry. "We're concerned about this, but we're taking a wait-and-see attitude, because security is a top priority." Michael Palmer, executive director of the Student & Youth Travel Association, which represents tour operators, said yesterday that the new rules also could "drastically" reduce the number of Mexican and Canadian students who visit the United States. "I can see the student travel business [from Canada into the United States] almost drying up," said Doug Ellison, who owns a large youth travel firm outside Ontario. The regulations also will discourage Canadian cross-border shoppers, he said. "If you don't want us to come, you're giving us a good reason not to," he said. The changes, to be phased in over the next three years, were mandated by the intelligence reform law approved last December and have been expected for months. Sixty million Americans have U.S. passports, and officials expect to issue 10 million more this year. More citizens are obtaining passports every year because of the perceived desirability of having citizenship documents, said Maura Harty, assistant secretary of state for consular affairs. The new policy was needed to tighten security for travelers around the Western Hemisphere in part because of heightened concern that terrorists could smuggle equipment or operatives into the United States from neighboring countries, officials said. U.S. officials also want to reduce their reliance on state driver's licenses because of the ease of obtaining fraudulent licenses. State and Homeland Security officials are distributing cards to U.S. and foreign travelers in this hemisphere, warning that "all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda will soon be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or reenter the United States." The rule's first phase will go into effect Dec. 31, 2005, requiring all U.S. citizens traveling by air or sea to or from the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America, to have passports. The next phase, which will apply these rules to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada, will begin a year later. The last phase, which will affect the most people by far, will take effect on Dec. 31, 2007, and will apply the requirement to all air, sea and land border crossings with Mexico and Canada. Phillips of the National Tour Association predicted long lines at land border crossings in the first months after that, however thorough the planning, because the vast majority of the 1.1 million people entering the United States every day arrive by land. \|\|\|\|\| Time to get a passport Toronto Canadians travelling to the United States will be required to show a passport or other so-called “secure document” when crossing the border beginning at the end of 2006, a federal government source confirmed Tuesday. Canadians will also continue, however, to be the only citizens exempt from a U.S. program that requires foreign visitors to be fingerprinted on entry into the U.S. “That program is not changing, (and) that's important,” the source said. “Even with this (passport) scheme being announced, Canadians will be exempt from the fuller scheme.” Advertisements The announcement by the U.S. State Department on new measures for travellers, including Americans themselves returning from Canada and three other countries, was to take place Tuesday at a special briefing in Washington, D.C. It was not clear what documents other than a passport would be considered acceptable for entry. The tighter security measures are a consequence of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. “Both countries have accepted since Sept. 11 heightened use of documentation in border travel,” the source said. “It's certainly something there has been increased acceptance about.” Neither Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew nor Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan were immediately available to comment. Alex Swann, a spokesman for Ms. McLellan, said the new measures do not come as a surprise. “The government of Canada has recognized that documents and document integrity are important in the post-Sept. 11 world,” Mr. Swann said from Ottawa. “Certainly, we discussed this with them in advance.” The measures will be phased in over the next couple of years, putting an end to flashing a driver's licence or birth certificate at U.S. immigration officials. “It will be phased in in earlier stages at different ports of entry,” the source said. “The end of 2007 will be the final phase-in period.” It was not immediately clear whether land or air travellers would have to comply first, starting late next year. It was also difficult to assess the impact the new measures would have on travellers and waits to cross already busy borders. “It's too soon to speculate,” the source said. “We have an understanding with the U.S. government that they're going to work with us on implementation.” Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Canadian passport offices have been processing more applications, and issuing more secure passports. In addition, Canada and the United States have already set up programs whereby low-risk business and other travellers already have secure documents and expedited access across the border. \|\|\|\|\| E-mail story Print Most E-Mailed New Rules Tighten U.S. Passport Requirements Times Headlines Most E-mailed By Paul Richter, Times Staff Writer Following recommendations of the Sept. 11 Commission, travelers will no longer be allowed to simply show a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID card, officials said. Similarly, Canadians, who have been able to enter the United States with a driver's license, will need a passport. Some people in the travel industry have opposed the changes, which will make it harder for travelers to take spur-of-the-moment trips. But U.S. officials point out that the Algerian man who was convicted of trying to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on the eve of the millennium was admitted from Canada without a passport. Americans returning from Panama and Bermuda will also need to show passports or secure documents, officials said. Currently, Americans returning from Mexico, Panama or Bermuda need only show a government-issued ID card and a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. The tightening is to keep out "people who want to hurt us," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Even with the new requirement, Canadians will be exempt from the requirement that foreign visitors must be fingerprinted on entry to the United States, officials said. Canadian officials said they might begin requiring Americans to show passports before crossing into Canada. "We will review our requirements for American citizens, and we're going to do that in collaboration with the United States," Canadian Public Safety Minister Ann McLellan told reporters outside the House of Commons in Ottawa. The commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks warned that "the current system enables non-U.S. citizens to gain entry by showing minimal identification. The 9/11 experience shows that terrorists study and exploit America's vulnerabilities." The panel urged that "Americans should not be exempt from carrying biometric passports or otherwise enabling their identities to be securely verified when they enter the United States; nor should Canadians or Mexicans." WASHINGTON — In a move to counter terrorism, Americans will have to show passports or another secure document to enter the country from Mexico and Canada beginning in 2008, U.S. officials said today.Following recommendations of the Sept. 11 Commission, travelers will no longer be allowed to simply show a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID card, officials said.Similarly, Canadians, who have been able to enter the United States with a driver's license, will need a passport.Some people in the travel industry have opposed the changes, which will make it harder for travelers to take spur-of-the-moment trips. But U.S. officials point out that the Algerian man who was convicted of trying to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on the eve of the millennium was admitted from Canada without a passport.Americans returning from Panama and Bermuda will also need to show passports or secure documents, officials said. Currently, Americans returning from Mexico, Panama or Bermuda need only show a government-issued ID card and a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.The tightening is to keep out "people who want to hurt us," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.Even with the new requirement, Canadians will be exempt from the requirement that foreign visitors must be fingerprinted on entry to the United States, officials said.Canadian officials said they might begin requiring Americans to show passports before crossing into Canada."We will review our requirements for American citizens, and we're going to do that in collaboration with the United States," Canadian Public Safety Minister Ann McLellan told reporters outside the House of Commons in Ottawa.The commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks warned that "the current system enables non-U.S. citizens to gain entry by showing minimal identification. The 9/11 experience shows that terrorists study and exploit America's vulnerabilities."The panel urged that "Americans should not be exempt from carrying biometric passports or otherwise enabling their identities to be securely verified when they enter the United States; nor should Canadians or Mexicans." Article licensing and reprint options If you want other stories on this topic, search the Archives at latimes.com/archives	File photo of a U.S. passport. North American travelers will see a phased-in requirement to carry passports in the coming years. In a multi-national initiative to restrict illegal immigration and travel, a passport layer of stricter identification will be introduced for travel throughout the continent by the year 2008. The US State Department announced the new American travel rules Monday. For the most part, North American citizens can now travel to neighboring countries without formal papers. But starting in December 2005, U.S. citizens travelling by air or sea to or from the Caribbean, Central and South America will need a passport to get back into their native nation. Showing a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID card will no longer be sufficient for making the border crossing back. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that passport restrictions will help keep out "people who want to hurt us." Rice made a brief trip on March 10 to meet with Mexican President Vicente Fox before leaving on her Far East tour. The Mexican meeting was to pave the way for a March 23 summit with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Fox at the President Bush ranch in Texas. Issues concerning immigration, border security and water rights were discussed at the meeting. The intent of the summit was to produce a North American initiative that will strengthen security and economic ties. The passport rules are a result of that summit. The next phase of the passport requirements begins Dec 2006, when passports for air and sea travel to, or from Mexico and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda and US will be required. The final phase involves any travel: whether air, sea or land crossings, passports will be required at borders by Dec 7, 2008.
Mr Sarkozy said he would be president of all the French Sarkozy speech With three quarters of votes counted, Mr Sarkozy has 53%, compared with 47% for socialist Segolene Royal, while turnout is put at 85%. Mr Sarkozy, 52, the son of a Hungarian immigrant, takes over from the 74-year-old Jacques Chirac. Riot police are reported to have fired tear gas at demonstrators protesting in central Paris at Mr Sarkozy's victory. According to the French news agency AFP, a few hundred stone-throwing rioters charged the police in the Place de la Bastille, where 5,000 supporters of Segolene Royal had earlier gathered to hear the results. Friendship for US Mr Sarkozy's supporters have gathered for an open-air concert in the Place de la Concorde, which is expected to continue until the early hours. France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to render to France what France has given me Nicolas Sarkozy In his victory speech, Mr Sarkozy said he would be the president of all the French. "France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to render to France what France has given me," he said. He said the US could count on France's friendship, but urged Washington to take a lead in the fight against climate change. He also said he believed deeply in European integration, but appealed to France's partners to understand the importance of social protection. EARLY RESULTS (73% OF VOTES COUNTED) Nicolas Sarkozy: 53.3% Segolene Royal: 46.7% Turnout: 84.8% Spoiled ballots: 3.75% Source: French Interior Ministry After he finished speaking at his party headquarters, jubilant supporters sang a rousing rendition of the French national anthem. Third defeat Ms Royal is the first woman ever to have made it to the second round of a French presidential election. Ms Royal was gracious in defeat Conceding defeat - the third in a row for France's Socialist Party - she thanked 17m French people for their votes, saying she could measure their sadness and their pain. "I gave it all my efforts, and will continue," she told supporters. "Something has risen up that will not stop." She expressed the hope that "the next president of the Republic" would accomplish his mission at the service of all the French people. Mr Sarkozy has promised to try to reform France to face the challenges of the 21st century, with putting the nation back to work at the top of his agenda. He has pledged to bring unemployment down from 8.3% to below 5% by 2012. Police deployed He is also expected to bring forward policies to cut taxes and keep trains running during strikes, in the first 100 days after he takes office on 17 May. HAVE YOUR SAY I'd like to say congratulations and good luck to President elect Sarkozy Eric Loadman, USA Send us your comments Royal v Sarkozy: Policies More than 3,000 police have been deployed in Paris and its multi-ethnic suburbs in case Mr Sarkozy's victory sparks a repeat of the riots seen in 2005. French pundits greeted the strong turnout as a victory for French democracy. Both candidates worked hard to woo the supporters of the third-placed candidate in round one, centrist Francois Bayrou. Polls suggest that they each won over 40% of the Bayrou voters, and that 20% did not cast a ballot in round two. \|\|\|\|\| Story Highlights • Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy wins France's presidential election • Sarkozy takes 53 percent of the vote, according to early results • In a victory speech, he promises to be "president of all the French people" • Conceding defeat, Socialist Segolene Royal vows to "keep on fighting" Adjust font size: PARIS, France (CNN) -- Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy greeted news of his election Sunday to a five-year term as France's president with a vow to serve as a leader for all people of France. "The president of the republic must love and respect all the French," he told cheering supporters at his campaign headquarters. "I will be the president of all the French people." Sarkozy won with 53 percent of the vote in Sunday's presidential runoff, according to preliminary results issued by the French Interior Ministry. Socialist Segolene Royal took 47 percent of the vote. "The French people have called for change. I will carry out that change, because that's the mandate I have received from the French people." Sarkozy added that he wanted to tell his "American friends that they can rely on our friendship ... France will always be next to them when they need us." But, he added, "Friends can think differently." He then called on the United States "not to impede" in the fight against global warming. "On the contrary, they must lead this fight because humanity's fate is at stake here." (Watch Sarkozy's victory speech ) Violence was reported after the election outcome. Youths clashed with police in Paris and Lyon on Sunday, and security forces fired tear gas at 2,000 protesters in the French capital. (Full story) 'We have to overcome hatred' U.S. President George W. Bush called Sarkozy to congratulate him on his victory, a White House spokesman said in a written statement. (Watch how the White House responded ) Sarkozy said he would also work to form a link between Europe and Africa. "We have to overcome hatred to give way to the great dreams of peace and civilization," he said. "It's time to build a great Mediterranean union." Sarkozy said he would put in place an immigration policy "that is going to be controlled" and a development policy "that is going to be ambitious." But he said that France would "stand next to" those who are persecuted by tyrants, dictatorships." "We are going to write together a new page of our history. This page, my dear fellow citizens, I am sure it will be great." Royal, a 53-year-old mother of four, acknowledged her defeat in a speech to supporters moments after the polls closed at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. ET). "Keep the faith, keep intact your enthusiasm," she said at her party's headquarters. "I will keep on fighting the fight that we have started today." (Watch Royal's speech ) First French president born after WWII Sarkozy, a former interior minister, and Royal were in a runoff after emerging as the top candidates from the first round of voting on April 22. Sarkozy will replace Jacques Chirac, a conservative who has been France's president since 1995. His election makes him the first French president born after World War II. Voting was brisk. According to official figures, more than 75 percent of registered voters had been to the polls by 5 p.m. (11 a.m. ET). Sarkozy voted in the affluent Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine where he lives, while Royal cast her vote in the western Poitou Charentes region, where she is regional president. The campaign had been dominated by a debate over how to improve economic growth and reduce unemployment among the young, but its most explosive moments focused on immigration. Appealing to right-wing voters, Sarkozy said France could not provide "a home for all the world's miseries." On Friday, Royal said a Sarkozy presidency could trigger violence and brutalities in suburbs with high immigrant populations, prompting Sarkozy to condemn her "threatening comments." There are no official figures on the number of North African immigrants and their French-born descendants in France. Unofficially, the number is estimated at between 3 million and 6 million. Prior to the election results being made public, Sen. Richard Lugar, an Indiana Republican, said a Sarkozy victory would be favorable to the United States. "Clearly, his views are more in line with ours," Lugar told CNN's "Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer." Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, concurred: "I do. I do," he told CNN. "I mean, it would be nice to have someone who is head of France who doesn't almost have a knee-jerk reaction against the United States." \|\|\|\|\| Les Documentaires de la RTS "Faut-il manger des animaux?": un documentaire ravive le débat Le film dresse la liste des problèmes provoqués par l'élevage industriel aux Etats-Unis. L'occasion de faire le point sur la situation en Suisse. \|\|\|\|\| Les archives de la RTS Du fou au patient, regards sur la maladie psychique Depuis le début du 20e siècle, la vision et la prise en charge n’ont cessé d’évoluer.	Nicolas Sarkozy has been elected as the 23rd President of the French Republic with 53% of the vote. His rival, Ségolène Royal, was defeated with 47% of the vote. Ms. Royal has accepted her defeat. Mr. Sarkozy has promised to be the "President of the French People" and Royal has vowed to "keep on fighting". Sarkozy's first term will begin on 16 May. Sarkozy has promised to try to reform France to face the challenges of the 21st century, with putting the nation back to work at the top of his agenda. Sarkozy has said that he would also work to form a link between Europe and Africa. "We have to overcome hatred to give way to the great dreams of peace and civilization," he stated in his first speech as President-Elect. "It's time to build a great Mediterranean union." he added. U.S. president, George W. Bush has congratulated Mr. Sarkozy. Image:Nicolas Sarkozy - Meeting in Toulouse for the 2007 French presidential election 0389 2007-04-12 cropped.JPG\| '''Nicolas Sarkozy''' Union for a Popular Movement 53% Image:Meeting Royal 2007 02 06 n12.jpg\| '''Ségolène Royal''' Socialist Party 47%
Tropical Depression MATTHEW Home Public Advisory Forecast/Advisory Maps/Charts Archive 000 WTNT34 KNHC 101425 TCPAT4 BULLETIN TROPICAL DEPRESSION MATTHEW ADVISORY NUMBER 8 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 10 AM CDT SUN OCT 10 2004 ...MATTHEW WEAKENS TO A DEPRESSION OVER SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA... AT 10 AM CDT...1500Z...THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO COAST IS DISCONTINUED. INTERESTS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION UNTIL WINDS AND SEAS SUBSIDE. AT 10 AM CDT...1500Z...THE POORLY-DEFINED CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION MATTHEW WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 29.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 90.8 WEST OR ABOUT 40 MILES WEST OF NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA. THE DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 10 MPH AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON THIS TRACK...THE CENTER WILL CONTINUE MOVING OVER SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA TODAY AND INTO SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 35 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1001 MB...29.56 INCHES. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 5 INCHES...WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS...CAN BE EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF THE PATH OF MATTHEW. REPEATING THE 10 AM CDT POSITION...29.9 N... 90.8 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...NORTH NEAR 10 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS... 35 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1001 MB. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE. THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM. FUTURE INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE FOUND IN PUBLIC ADVISORIES ISSUED BY THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PREDICTION CENTER...UNDER AWIPS HEADER TCPAT4 AND WMO HEADER WTNT34 KWNH...BEGINNING AT 4 PM CDT. FORECASTER PASCH $$ \|\|\|\|\| Remnants of NINE Public Advisory Home Public Adv Fcst Adv Discussion Wind Probs Graphics Archive 000 WTNT34 KNHC 192031 TCPAT4 BULLETIN REMNANTS OF NINE ADVISORY NUMBER 14 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL092015 500 PM AST SAT SEP 19 2015 ...DEPRESSION DISSIPATES... ...THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY... SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...18.8N 49.9W ABOUT 790 MI...1270 KM ENE OF THE LESSER ANTILLES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1007 MB...29.74 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the remnants of Tropical Depression Nine were located near latitude 18.8 North, longitude 49.9 West. The remnants are moving toward the west-northwest near 5 mph (7 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or two. Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. The remnants are expected to gradually weaken during the next day or two. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb (29.74 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None NEXT ADVISORY ------------- This is the last public advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on this system. Additional information on this system can be found in High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service, under AWIPS header NFDHSFAT1, WMO header FZNT01 KWBC, and available on the Web at http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/shtml/NFDHSFAT1.shtml. $$ Forecaster Brennan	Tropical storm Humberto suddenly gained strength last night and became a hurricane just off the Texas coast. At 12:15 a.m. CDT a hurricane warning was issued for the Gulf coast from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana. The center of the hurricane was at 29.4N 94.4W, moving toward the north-northeast at seven knots. The diameter of the eye was ten nautical miles, with maximum sustained winds predicted to be 70 knots with gusts to 85 knots. Twelve foot seas were expected. By 10:00 a.m. CDT it had weakened back to a tropical storm.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption The New South Wales abortion ruling is a milestone for the state, says premier Gladys Berejiklian Abortion has been decriminalised across Australia after the last remaining state where it was illegal, New South Wales (NSW), voted to reform its laws. The bill, passed on Thursday, overturns a 119-year-old law which had been criticised by opponents as archaic. The legislation had generated weeks of heated debate and deeply divided the state's conservative government. Previously, abortions were possible in NSW only if a doctor deemed there was "serious risk" to a woman's health. The legislation was passed 26-14 in the state's lower house after discussions about more than 100 possible amendments. It has already been approved by the upper house. The law makes it legal for terminations to be conducted up to 22 weeks into a woman's pregnancy - or later if two doctors agree. Image copyright EPA Image caption The debate over the bill prompted protests on both sides The reform had been strongly opposed by some activists and MPs who raised objections due to their personal beliefs, as well as concerns about late-term abortions. But last-minute amendments ultimately persuaded some conservative MPs, and the bill drew support from other parties. "The current law has meant women and doctors have a threat of 10 years in jail for making this decision and that's not okay," said Labor MP Penny Sharpe, one of the bill's co-sponsors. "This is a massive step forward for women in this state." You might also be interested in: \|\|\|\|\| Australia's Largest State Lifts Abortion Restrictions Enlarge this image toggle caption Brook Mitchell/Getty Images Brook Mitchell/Getty Images Lawmakers in Sydney have voted to decriminalize abortion in the country's most populous state, overturning legal restrictions that have been in place since the start of the 20th century. On Thursday, lawmakers in New South Wales voted to pass the Abortion Law Reform Act 2019. The bill will allow women to get abortions up to 22 weeks into a pregnancy and will abolish any common law rules relating to abortion. "Unlawful abortion" has been in the state's criminal code since 1900. Women were allowed to terminate pregnancies only if a medical practitioner agreed that her physical or mental health was at risk. According to Parliament members, the bill was debated for nearly 70 hours in both houses and went through several amendments. Alex Greenwich, an independent member of Parliament, drafted the bill. He spoke on the house floor as the bill was read. "It follows decades of work from women's rights campaigners, activists and people in the Parliament," said Greenwich. The abortion-rights bill passed in the face of massive anti-abortion protests in New South Wales. In the weeks leading up to the historic vote, Australian abortion opponents organized public rallies featuring prominent conservative voices, such as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. "It is a license for sex-selection abortions. It is a license for late-term abortion," said Abbott. "It is effectively infanticide on demand." Jenny Leong, a representative for the Greens party, applauded the bill and spoke about what the passage means for women's rights. "Today we have moved closer to the idea of realizing gender equality for all in this state," said Leong. Enlarge this image toggle caption James Gourley/Getty Images James Gourley/Getty Images New South Wales was one of only two states in Australia with abortion restrictions on the books. The state of South Australia still requires that two doctors agree that a woman's pregnancy endangers their mental or physical health and that unlawful abortion is punishable by law, according to Children By Choice Australia. \|\|\|\|\| NSW will become the final state in the country to remove abortion from the Crimes Act after the contentious bill passed its last hurdle on Thursday morning. The amended bill has placated conservative MPs, securing Premier Gladys Berejiklian's majority which was under threat after rebel MPs warned they could defect. NSW MPs and members of the public after the passing of the bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW. Credit:James Brickwood But in a last-ditch attempt to block the bill, 10 MLCs from the upper house have signed a protest which is being delivered by the clerk's office to the Governor on Thursday afternoon. The MPs include One Nation's Mark Latham and Rod Roberts; Labor's Courtney Houssos, Greg Donnelly and Shaoquett Moselmane; Liberals' Matthew Mason-Cox and Lou Amato; Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Robert Borsak and Mark Banasiak and Christian Democrat Fred Nile.	Yesterday, the of New South Wales (NSW), Australia voted to pass the "Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019" which decriminalized abortion. Until the new legislation, NSW had the most restrictive anti-abortion law in Australia. The NSW legislature in Sydney abolished any existing rules about abortion and legalized terminations up to week 22 of a pregnancy. marriage equality in 2017 Since 1900, under the state's criminal code, abortions were only allowed if a doctor determined the mother was in danger, either mentally or physically. The bill was drafted by who said on the parliament floor, "It follows decades of work from women's rights campaigners, activists and people in the Parliament". The upper house debate involved 102 amendments, and was amongst the longest they have ever debated a bill. Member of parliament (MP) said a law allowing the termination of a life marked a "sad day for NSW". Former prime minister Tony Abbott said, "It is a license for sex-selection abortions. It is a license for late-term abortion ... It is effectively infanticide on demand." MP , who co-sponsored the bill, said, "The current law has meant women and doctors have a threat of 10 years in jail for making this decision and that's not okay". Early opponent MP said, "We have moved the bill to a better place". Premier was not present at the bill's final vote. New South Wales is the most populated Australian state. The state of South Australia still limits abortions to cases with two doctors' approval.
404 - Page not found Unfortunately, the page you were trying to find on www.west-midlands.police.uk cannot be found. This may be for the following reasons: The page may have moved There may be a typing error in the address If you clicked on an external link, it may be out of date The bookmark you have stored may be out of date and will require updating In order to locate the information that you requested you can follow any of the following methods: Search You can search for the information you require with the search box at the top of the page. Menu You can use the menu at the top of page to navigate your way around the site. Homepage You can return to the homepage. \|\|\|\|\| A 35-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a decorated war veteran who was found dead in his home. William Davis, 92, was found collapsed at his Hobley Street residence in Willenhall, West Midlands, on Sunday evening. He died as a result of severe head injuries, West Midlands police said. Detectives arrested the local woman last night and she is helping police with their inquiries. At a press conference held by the force on Tuesday, Detective Superintendent Richard Baker described Davis as a fiercely independent decorated war veteran who was father to two, grandfather to four and a great-grandfather to one. He said: "Bill used to go into Willenhall on a weekly basis. He tended his own garden and maintained his home on his own. He was very well-known in the local community and used to stop and chat to his neighbours. "We know he was seen at 9am on Sunday 1 April in his front garden, where he stopped and chatted to passersby. "At around 3.15pm a neighbour took some lunch round to his house. At 6pm concerned neighbours who were unable to rouse Bill gained access to his property and found him." The house remains sealed off and forensic searches are continuing. Baker appealed for anyone who might have been in the Fisher Street and Hobley Street area on Sunday to come forward. He also pointed out that anyone responsible would have left the address heavily blood-stained and appealed for anyone who knows a friend, neighbour or associate who had blood-stained clothing and was either trying to conceal or wash them to come forward. Police have asked anyone with any information relating to the incident to contact the CID by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. \|\|\|\|\| Willenhall murder: Woman arrested over William Davis death Continue reading the main story Related Stories Police investigating the death of a 92-year-old man have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder. William Davis was found dead at his home in Hobley Street, Willenhall. West Midlands Police said the 35-year-old was arrested on Tuesday following an appeal for information when they said the killer may have left the scene "heavily bloodstained". Police said early indications from a post-mortem examination showed Mr Davis suffered serious head injuries. Supt Richard Baker from West Midlands Police CID said Mr Davis, a decorated war hero, had last been seen in his garden about lunchtime on Sunday. He said: "We also know a neighbour spoke to Mr Davis at about midday and offered to make him some dinner that was taken around about 3pm or 3:15pm on Sunday." "It was about 6pm when neighbours raised the alarm. "This is an horrendous crime and the community of Willenhall is assisting us with our inquiries." Mr Davis had a son and a daughter and was a grandfather as well as a great grandfather. Police said the house and area around Hobley Street and Fisher Street remains sealed off.	Map of England with highlighted in red. In the United Kingdom, arrested a 35-year-old woman yesterday in relation to the murder of William Davis. The 92-year-old man was found deceased in his residence in the town of , England on Sunday. Davis was found to have experienced serious head injuries, causing his death, according to West Midlands Police. At a police press conference yesterday, Detective Superintendent Richard Baker appealed for any witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of the murder scene to come forward, while describing Davis' last movements: "He was seen at 9AM on Sunday 1 April in his front garden, where he stopped and chatted to passersby. At around 3:15PM a neighbour took some lunch round to his house. At 6PM concerned neighbours who were unable to rouse Bill gained access to his property and found him." A statement from the force suggests Davis' murderer would have departed from his house with a "heavily blood stained" appearence. Access to Davis' residence has been restricted as forensic examinations continue there. The woman continues to cooperate with the force. Chief Inspector Mike O'Hara, of a local policing operative in the town of — also in the West Midlands — stated his "local neighbourhood policing team who have an excellent working relationship with the local community will be on patrol to offer reassurance and will be available to link in with anyone that needs advice or would like to discuss any concerns they may have."
Indian Maoists Accused of Killing 16 Villagers in Bihar Rebel Maoists attempting to seize land in one of India's poorest communities are being blamed for the execution-style killings of at least 16 villagers, including children, in the eastern part of the country. Authorities in the state of Bihar say heavily-armed rebels fired on a makeshift camp at midnight, pulled sleeping villagers out of huts, tied their hands and feet and then executed them. Police say most of those killed were teenagers but five children are also among the dead. Media reports say the area has been the site of an inter-caste feud and that the victims were trying to protect six-and-a-half hectares of cultivated land the rebels are trying to seize. Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, says additional forces have been sent into the area, about 200 kilometers north of the state capital, Patna, to catch the suspects. The state's chief minister says violence has no place in society and compensation of $3,000 will be given to the families of each victim. A private television station says one of its reporters received a mobile phone text message from a Maoist leader, identified as Dabloo, threatening to kill Kumar if two top rebel leaders are not released from jail. A state official says police are taking the threat seriously and have tightened security for the chief minister. The Maoists rebels, known as Naxalites, have been waging a violent campaign in several Indian states for decades, demanding land reform and more rural jobs for the poor. Thousands of people have been slain in the fighting. A massacre of underclass villagers, however, is unusual. The rebels typically target government officials, police and others accused of helping wealthy landlords exploit the poor. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently called the Maoist insurgency the single biggest domestic security threat facing the country. India's air chief marshall, Pradeep Vasant Naik, told reporters Thursday the Air Force is seeking permission from the Defense Ministry to return fire when its aircraft are targeted by the Maoists. Several Air Force helicopters have been shot at by the rebels during the past year. India's military is not directly involved in the counter-insurgency but is providing logistical, surveillance and intelligence support to para-military and police forces fighting the Maoists. E-mail Print Digg Yahoo Buzz Facebook del.icio.us StumbleUpon \|\|\|\|\| Maoists have a presence across large parts of India Sixteen people have been killed by suspected Maoist rebels in a village in the Indian state of Bihar, police say. The attack took place in Icharwa village in Khagaria district, 200km (124 miles) from the state capital, Patna, late on Thursday night. A survivor, whose son was among the dead, told the BBC that the attackers tied up 16 people and shot them. Correspondents say that this is the first major Maoist attack in the state for some time. More than 6,000 people have been killed during their 20-year fight for a communist state. The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless. But the survivor of this attack told the BBC that this dispute was over the cultivation of farmland in the area. 'Fell down' Paro Singh told the BBC Hindi service that about 10 people armed with automatic weapons launched an attack. "We were 17 of us. When they fired at us, I wasn't hit, but I fell down on the ground and pretended to be dead. They shot dead all the others, including my son," he said. Mr Singh said the attackers were rebels from nearby villages. The dead included five children, senior police official Neelmani told the BBC. The victims were low-caste farmers and labourers, he said. This is the first major attack in Bihar for a long time, the BBC Hindi's Manikant Thakur in Patna says. The rebels were not active in this area before but have recently extended their area of operation to cover these parts, our correspondent says. The Maoists operate in large parts of central and eastern India and officials say they are active in a third of all Indian districts. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called the Maoist insurgency the single biggest threat to India's security. Last month, Mr Singh said India was losing the battle against the rebels. Have you been affected by the Maoist insurgency? Send us your accounts using the form below. Name Your E-mail address Town & Country Phone number (optional): Comments The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Maoist rebels kill 16 villagers in eastern India PATNA, India — Suspected Maoist rebels killed 16 villagers in eastern India, tying them up and then shooting them over an apparent land dispute, police and local residents said Friday. Deputy Superintendent Ajay Pandey told AFP that more than 50 armed rebels raided the village in Bihar state on Thursday night and singled out the members of three families. "They woke them up, tied their hands and legs and gunned them down," Pandey said, adding that five children were among the 16 killed. The deadly attack was the result of a land dispute between two groups in Amausi Village, located about 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of the state capital Patna. "The Maoists were used by one group to kill the other to gain control over the agricultural land," he said. India's Maoist insurgency, which started as a peasant uprising in 1967, has spread to 20 of the country's 29 states and claimed more than 600 lives so far this year. The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of neglected people and landless farmers, but officials accuse them of using intimidation and extortion to secure the cooperation of impoverished villagers. State police said they had so far arrested one man in connection with the case. "We have arrested one farmer and are interrogating him to nab the others involved," Anand Shankar, the state's director general of police, told AFP. "We will track all of the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The incident has triggered panic among residents of Bihar," he said. Ranjit Singh, a villager who survived Thursday's attack, said there was local anger at the authorities' alleged failure to heed several warnings that such an attack was imminent. Singh, 50, said the Maoists had ordered a group of villagers to stop planting crops on a piece of disputed land four months ago. "We had informed the local administration about the threat, but they ignored our complaint," he told AFP by telephone. An eye-witness to the attack, Raj Kumar, 30, said he ran out of his house after being woken by the sound of gunfire. "I hid behind a tree and saw people being shot dead," he said. Local villagers refused to open their doors in the morning for fear of more violence, Kumar said. Last month Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rebuked regional police chiefs for failing to stem the Maoist insurgency, which he described as the greatest threat to India's internal security. Little is known about the Maoist movement's shadowy leadership based in the dense forests of central India's Chhattisgarh state, or the number of cadres, which is variously estimated at between 10,000 and 20,000. The rebels have grown more brazen in recent years. In 2007, they assassinated a federal MP and engineered a mass prison break for 300 of their jailed fighters. Last year saw a series of attacks, including the sinking of a boat carrying elite commandos, while in April this year the rebels briefly held an entire train with 300 passengers hostage. "I would like to say frankly that we have not achieved as much success as we would have liked in containing this menace," Singh told the police chiefs in September. The Indian government recently launched a grisly newspaper campaign to discredit the Maoists, running graphic photographs of the rebels' victims. Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »	India showing Bihar, the state where the killing occurred Maoists attempting to seize land in one of India's poorest communities are being blamed for the execution-style killings of at least sixteen villagers, including children, in the eastern part of the country. Authorities in the state of Bihar say heavily-armed rebels fired on a makeshift camp at midnight, pulled sleeping villagers out of huts, tied their hands and feet and then executed them. Police say most of those killed were teenagers but five children are also among the dead. Paro Sinh, a witness to the attacks, described his experiences to the BBC; "We were sic seventeen of us. When they fired at us, I wasn't hit, but I fell down on the ground and pretended to be dead. They shot dead all the others, including my son". Media reports say the area has been the site of an inter-caste feud and that the victims were trying to protect six-and-a-half hectares of cultivated land the rebels are trying to seize. Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, said additional forces have been sent into the area, about 200 kilometers north of the state capital, Patna, to catch the suspects. The state's chief minister said violence has no place in society and compensation of approximately US$ 3,000 will be given to the families of each victim. A private television station said one of its reporters received a mobile phone text message from a Maoist leader, identified as Dabloo, threatening to kill Kumar if two top rebel leaders are not released from jail. Police are taking the threat seriously and have tightened security for the chief minister, a state official said. One person has already been arrested in connection with the incident. State's director general of police Anand Shankar said, "we have arrested one farmer and are interrogating him to nab the others involved. We will track down all of the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The incident has triggered panic among residents of Bihar," he told the Agence France-Presse news agency. The Maoists rebels, known as Naxalites, have been waging a violent campaign in several Indian states for decades, demanding land reform and more rural jobs for the poor. A massacre of underclass villagers, however, is unusual. The rebels typically target government officials, police and others accused of helping wealthy landlords exploit the poor. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently called the Maoist insurgency the single biggest domestic security threat facing the country. The country's air chief marshall, Pradeep Vasant Naik, told reporters on Thursday that the Air Force is seeking permission from the Defense Ministry to return fire when its aircraft are targeted by the Maoists. Several Air Force helicopters have been shot at by the rebels during the past year. India's military is not directly involved in the counter-insurgency but is providing logistical, surveillance and intelligence support to para-military and police forces fighting the Maoists.
The case of this missing page is still unsolved … but don't worry, we have our best investigative reporters tracking down leads. Stay tuned… \|\|\|\|\| Man takes hostages at Clinton campaign office, demands to speak with candidate, surrenders Related Links Live video coverage ROCHESTER, N.H. -- A distraught man wearing what appeared to be a bomb walked into a Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign office Friday and demanded to speak to the candidate about access to mental health care. The hostage drama dragged on for nearly six hours until he peacefully surrendered. Shortly after releasing the last of at least five hostages unharmed, a man who police identified as Leeland Eisenberg, 46, walked out of the storefront office, put down a homemade bomb-like package and was immediately surrounded by SWAT team with guns drawn. Clad in gray slacks, white dress shirt and a red tie, he was put on the ground and handcuffed. Clinton was in the Washington area the whole time, but the confrontation brought her campaign to a standstill just five weeks before the New Hampshire primary, one of the first tests of the presidential campaign season. She canceled all appearances, as did her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and the security around her was increased as a precaution. "Everything stopped, and it had to because we had nothing on our minds except the safety of these young people who work for me," Clinton told reporters shortly after the standoff ended. She traveled Friday night to Rochester, where she thanked law enforcement officials for their help. She said she knew of no previous contact between Eisenberg and her campaign. "It appears he was someone who needed help and sought attention in absolutely the wrong way," she said. Rochester police Chief David DuBois said Eisenberg was being held on state charges of kidnapping and reckless conduct, and that federal charges were being considered. According to police, the drama began shortly before 1 p.m., when the man walked into the office and peeled back his jacket to reveal what appeared to be a bomb duct-taped to his chest. He took several hostages, but let a woman with an infant go immediately. Eisenberg had a hostage call CNN three times and spoke to network staffers during the standoff, CNN reported after the ordeal was over and all the hostages were safe. Eisenberg said he wanted help getting psychiatric care, but had been turned away because he didn't have the money. "I need to speak to Hillary Clinton," CNN quoted him as saying. "Something's got to change. Ordinary people need help" with their insurance. The network described Eisenberg as "well-spoken, articulate and impassioned about his cause" but increasingly agitated. His third phone call was laced with profanities, CNN said. About two hours after the man let the woman and baby go, at least one other woman escaped from the office; two other hostages made it out later, the last about half an hour before Eisenberg surrendered, police said. Not long after the surrender, which occurred shortly after 6 p.m., police maneuvered a robot to the hostage-taker's package and triggered an explosion to destroy it. Witness Lettie Tzizik told television station WMUR of Manchester that she spoke to the woman who was released first and that she was crying, holding the infant. "She said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," Tzizik said. Heavily armed SWAT team members, protecting themselves with shields, called to the man over bullhorns and attempted to hand a phone into the office. A law enforcement official confirmed to The Associated Press earlier that the suspect's name was Leeland Eisenberg, and that he was known around the town to be mentally unstable. The official declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the case. Authorities believe the device strapped to the man's chest was made with road flares, not a bomb, the official said. The office, in a town of 30,000, is one of many Clinton has around New Hampshire. The campaign said the people taken hostage were volunteers for the campaign. Eisenberg walked into the office about a half-hour before he was scheduled to appear in Strafford County court with his wife for a domestic violence hearing, according to Foster's Daily Democrat in Dover. Divorce papers filed Tuesday indicated Eisenberg was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, domestic related, and violation of a protective order. In the papers, Eisenberg's wife said the divorce was a result irreconcilable differences and complained that he suffered from "severe alcohol and drug abuse, several verbal abuse and threats." Eisenberg also was arrested at least twice earlier this year, once for allegedly driving under the influence and once on two counts of stalking. The status of those cases was not immediately clear. Eisenberg made local headlines in March when he held a news conference on the steps of Rochester City Hall to complain about a police policy of placing fliers in unlocked cars warning motorists to lock their doors. "This is nothing more than a gimmick to get around the Constitution and go around in the middle of the night upon unsuspecting citizens in their own yard and search their vehicles," Eisenberg said. Police, who said they were just trying to reduce theft from motor vehicles, changed the policy in response. (Copyright (c) 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) \|\|\|\|\| ROCHESTER, N.H. -- A man claiming to have a bomb walked into a Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign office Friday and initially took at least four hostages, police and witnesses said. Three were released.Clinton was not in the state at the time.The man entered the office around 1 p.m., ordered people onto the floor and then let a mother and her baby leave, said State Police Maj. Michael Hambrook. The two hostages he kept were volunteers, said Bill Shaheen, a top state campaign official. Video: Hostages at Clinton Campaign Office (MyFoxBoston) About two hours later, a woman in a green sweater was led away from the building by a SWAT team member. Authorities, some carrying shields and guns, had the building surrounded, and laid wiring up to the building's entrance before the woman was released. It was not clear if the man made demands, or if the wiring helped authorities communicate with the suspect. Witness Lettie Tzizik told television station WMUR of Manchester that she spoke to the woman who was released first and that she was crying, holding the infant. "She said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," Tzizik said. Clinton was scheduled to give an address at the Democratic National Committee meeting in Vienna, Va., Friday afternoon, but DNC Chairman Howard Dean announced from the podium that Clinton would not speak. "We are in close contact with state and local authorities and are acting at their direction," Clinton said in a statement. "We will release additional details as appropriate." Authorities sent a tactical bomb unit to assist local police, and the area was evacuated, Hambrook said. A nearby school was in lockdown. The small Clinton office is located in the New England community's downtown area in a strip of several storefronts, and has large glass windows with a campaign sign out front. Police with guns drawn crouched behind cruisers across the street from the office. Workers for Sen. Barack Obama's campaign office also evacuated, a campaign spokesman said. The office is four doors away from Clinton's. Staffers in John Edwards' office, a few buildings away, evacuated as well. \|\|\|\|\| ROCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) -- Police took into custody a man they say walked into Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign office in Rochester, New Hampshire, and took several people hostage Friday. Police in New Hampshire take the hostage taker into custody Friday evening. more photos » The man, Lee Eisenberg, claimed to have a bomb strapped to his chest, but it turned out to be road flares held with duct tape, police said. "He was someone who was not known to my campaign headquarters until he walked in the door today," Clinton said Friday evening in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she met with the hostages and their families. "It appears he is someone who was in need of help and sought attention in absolutely the wrong way," she said. "It was for me and my campaign an especially tense and difficult day." Flanked by local police, Clinton expressed her gratitude to the team that resolved the hostage situation. "I want to thank them for their professionalism and their extraordinary work today," she said. "We're immensely relieved that this has ended peacefully." Clinton also praised her staffers for showing courage and handling the situation "extraordinarily well." She said she doesn't expect any changes to her schedule or her campaign in light of the incident. The situation began when Eisenberg walked into the office at about 1 p.m., Maj. Michael Hambrook of the New Hampshire State Police told CNN affiliate WMUR-TV. Watch police take up positions » On Friday afternoon, one of the hostages contacted the CNN Washington bureau and then put Eisenberg on the phone. The hostage and Eisenberg called CNN multiple times throughout the afternoon and talked to CNN staffers. Eisenberg said he had mental problems and couldn't get anyone to help him. CNN assumed Eisenberg could be watching CNN's broadcast and chose not to report his calls to avoid compromising the safety of the hostages. Several people were caught up at the start of the hostage situation. See the location of the office » A woman with a baby was released by the hostage-taker early on, she told a witness, Lettie Tzizik, who spoke to WMUR. See photos of the hostage situation » "A young woman with a 6-month or 8-month-old infant came rushing into the store just in tears, and she said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape,' " the Web site reported. Bill Shaheen, chairman of Clinton's New Hampshire campaign, told WMUR the people held were volunteers. Clinton, a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, was scheduled to speak at 3 p.m. at a Democratic National Committee event, but canceled the talk because of the situation, DNC Chairman Howard Dean said. Watch Dean break the news » Buildings close to the storefront campaign office on Main Street were evacuated, including local campaign centers for Clinton's Democratic presidential rivals, Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards. Cassandra Hamilton, who works in an office adjacent to the Clinton office, told WMUR: "I walked out and I immediately started running, and I saw that the road was blocked off. They told me run and keep going." E-mail to a friend CNN's Kelly Marshall contributed to this report.	Map highlighting location of Rochester. A man claiming to have had a bomb is reported by WMUR to have surrendered peacefully at the campaign office of Senator Hillary Clinton in the small New Hampshire city of Rochester. Three individuals, which includes a child, were taken hostage and were later released without injury. Earlier reports stated that there might have been a fourth hostage. The adults are said to be campaign employees. The hostage taker is being named by media as Leeland Eisenberg from Somersworth, N.H., a white male in his "40s with salt and pepper hair" and is known to police by prior incidents which includes family issues and he is also reported to have a history of emotional and mental health problems. According to the son of the hostage taker, he talked to a witness and said his father had been drinking last night and strapped road flares to his chest and said he was going to talk to Senator Clinton. WMUR cameras captured on live TV an armored car pulling up in front of the office and shortly after Leeland was seen walking out of the building, dropped something on the ground and surrendered to police. It is said that Leeland believed the U.S. government "is coming after him" and that there was a conspiracy to have him caught. Leeland has been taken to the local police station in Rochester. After the scene was evacuated of all hostages and the suspect, police used a robot to examine the reported device or bomb that Leeland was said to have. According to the DNC chairman Howard Dean, Senator Clinton has cancelled a speech at a Democratic National Committee meeting in Vienna, Virginia and all other events today to deal with the situation. Her husband, former US President Bill Clinton canceled a speech in New York City. Senators Barack Obama and John Edwards also have campaign offices down the street which have been closed and locked down along with the rest of downtown Rochester. Clinton's campaign offices located in Des Moines, Iowa have also been closed on a temporary basis. "Unfortunately as some of you know, there is a hostage situation in New Hampshire involving a Clinton campaign staff person. The details are sketchy at this time, but understandably Sen. Clinton is now dealing with this very difficult problem and she is not going to be able to join us today. And we will keep them in our prayers and hope for a resolution to this situation in New Hampshire," said Dean at a press conference. The incident began at around 1:00 p.m. (eastern time).
WASHINGTON: There is indeed water on the moon - as first indicated by India's maiden lunar mission Chandrayaan - and plenty of it, US space scientists said on the basis of impacts made by a new satellite. "Indeed yes, we found water," Anthony Colaprete, the principal investigator for US space agency NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, said in a news conference on Friday. The satellite, known as Lcross, slammed into a crater near the Moon's south pole a month ago. The impact carved out a hole 60 to 100-feet wide and kicked up at least 24 gallons of water. "We got more than just whiff," said Peter H Schultz, a professor of geological sciences at Brown University and a co-investigator of the mission. "We practically tasted it with the impact." The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had announced the path-breaking discovery of water on the moon by India's Chandrayaan-1 on September 24 after data from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument indicated the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface. M3 was one of the 11 scientific instruments onboard Chandrayaan that ISRO launched October 22, 2008, but the moon mission had to be aborted on August 30 after Chandrayaan lost radio contact with the earth. The new US Lcross mission consisted of two pieces - an empty rocket stage to carve into the lunar surface and a small spacecraft to measure what was kicked up, but it too slammed into the surface. The twin impacts in the Cabeus crater October 9 created a plume of material from the bottom of a crater that has not seen sunlight in billions of years, NASA said. The plume travelled at a high angle beyond the rim of Cabeus and into sunlight, while an additional curtain of debris was ejected more laterally. "We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbour and, by extension, the solar system," said Michael Wargo, chief lunar scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "The moon harbours many secrets, and LCROSS has added a new layer to our understanding." "We are ecstatic," said Anthony Colaprete, LCROSS project scientist and principal investigator at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. \|\|\|\|\| It might not be quite as exciting as life on Mars, but water on the moon is surely the next best thing. Nasa scientists yesterday announced that a probe that was deliberately crashed into the moon's southern polar region last month discovered at least 25 gallons of water. "Yes, we found water," said Anthony Colaprete, a principal project investigator at Nasa's Ames research centre in California. "We didn't find just a little bit, we found a significant amount." Scientists hailed the discovery as a success and finding water is a huge boost for future missions. Most believe the likeliest places for water are at the poles of the moon, where there are craters in permanent shadow. Scientists hope future study of the probe's findings could shed light on the evolution of the solar system, in the same way as an ice core sample taken from deep beneath the earth's surface reveals data on ancient geological events. The discovery of water is a result of preliminary analysis of data from the lunar crater observation and sensing satellite (Lcross). The probe and an accompanying rocket, Centaur, were deliberately crashed into the Cabeus crater near the moon's south pole and scientists have been studying the resulting plume of lunar dust for the past few weeks. "We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbour and by extension the solar system. It turns out the moon harbours many secrets, and Lcross has added a new layer to our understanding," said Michael Wargo, chief lunar scientist at Nasa's headquarters in Washington. Lcross's spectrometer instrument examined light absorbed by the dust particles to determine their composition and discovered a chemical compound emitted when sunlight breaks up water molecules. The probe discovered an estimated 25 gallons of water, Colaprete said. "We are ecstatic," said Colaprete. "Multiple lines of evidence show water was present in both the high-angle vapour plume and the ejecta curtain created by the Lcross Centaur impact. The concentration and distribution of water and other substances requires further analysis, but it is safe to say Cabeus holds water." But Robert Park, a physicist at the University of Maryland and prominent sceptic of manned space flight, said the discovery means "practically nothing" to future hopes of a base or colony on the lunar surface. "They've haven't found a big reservoir of it," he said. "I suspect this is just water clinging to the soil particles. It's of almost no value at all. The amount of machinery you'd have to move up there to try to recover it – you'd have to do a lot before you could pay for the cost of that." The Lcross and Centaur spacecraft launched in June and travelled nearly 5.6m miles before separating on the final approach to the moon. Nasa heavily promoted the mission, which occurred during celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. On 9 October as the craft neared the moon, Americans gathered on lawns and in parks overnight, awaiting a fireworks display. They were disappointed when the impact was invisible to the naked eye about 250,000 miles away. The Nasa mission confirmed a previous discovery announced in September by an Indian space mission, Chandrayaan-1, which found small amounts of water in the lunar soil. \|\|\|\|\| Is there water on the Moon? The NASA LCROSS mission has determined the answer to be a resounding YES! GeekDad has covered the LCROSS mission with an article prior to the LCROSS launch by Lonnie Morgan, a pair of articles on viewing what was hoped to be a visible plume from the impact by Dana Bostic and myself, and finally a follow-up to the impact about the process of data analysis and waiting for results. If you have missed all the coverage, the LCROSS mission impacted a spent Centaur booster into the Moon and captured data from the impact plume with the goal of finding deposits of frozen water. Today, the LCROSS team released their preliminary findings: The argument that the moon is a dry, desolate place no longer holds water. Secrets the moon has been holding, for perhaps billions of years, are now being revealed to the delight of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. NASA today opened a new chapter in our understanding of the moon. Preliminary data from the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, indicates that the mission successfully uncovered water during the Oct. 9, 2009 impacts into the permanently shadowed region of Cabeus c[r]ater near the moon’s south pole. Congratulations to the entire LCROSS team! \|\|\|\|\| Splash! NASA moon crash struck lots of water LOS ANGELES — The lunar dud for space enthusiasts has become a watershed event for NASA. Spacecraft that crashed into the moon last month kicked up a relatively small plume. But scientists have confirmed the debris contained water — 25 gallons of it — making lunar exploration exciting again. Experts have long suspected there was water on the moon. So the thrilling discovery announced Friday sent a ripple of hope for a future astronaut outpost in a place that has always seemed barren and inhospitable. "We found water. And we didn't find just a little bit. We found a significant amount," Anthony Colaprete, lead scientist for the mission, told reporters as he held up a white water bucket for emphasis. He said the 25 gallons of water the lunar crash kicked up was only what scientists could see from the plumes of the impact. Some space policy experts say that makes the moon attractive for exploration again. Having an abundance of water would make it easier to set up a base camp for astronauts, supplying drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel. "Having definitive evidence that there is substantial water is a significant step forward in making the moon an interesting place to go," said George Washington University space policy scholar John Logsdon. The October mission involved two strikes into a permanently shadowed crater near the south pole. First, an empty rocket hull slammed into the Cabeus crater. Then, a trailing spacecraft recorded the drama live before it also crashed into the same spot four minutes later. Though scientists were overjoyed with the plethora of data beamed back to Earth, the mission was a public relations dud. Space enthusiasts who stayed up all night to watch the spectacle did not see the promised giant plume of debris. NASA scientists had predicted the twin impacts would spew six miles of dust into the sunlight. Instead, images revealed only a mile-high plume, and it was not visible to many amateur astronomers peering through telescopes. Members of the blue-ribbon panel reviewing NASA's future plans said the discovery doesn't change their conclusion that the program needs more money to get beyond near-Earth orbit. The panel wants NASA to look at other potential destinations like asteroids and Mars. "This new and terrific result reassures us about lunar resources, but ... the challenges currently facing the human spaceflight program remain," Chris Chyba, a Princeton astrophysicist who is on the panel, said in an e-mail. President George W. Bush had proposed a more than $100 billion plan to return astronauts to the moon, then go on to Mars; a test flight of an early version of a new rocket was a success last month. President Barack Obama appointed the special panel to look at the entire moon exploration program. The decision is now up to the White House, and NASA's lunar plans are somewhat on hold until then. As for unmanned exploration, previous missions had detected the presence of hydrogen in lunar craters near the moon's poles, possible evidence of ice. In September, scientists reported finding tiny amounts of water in the lunar soil all over the moon's surface. But it was NASA's Oct. 9 mission involving the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, LCROSS, that provided the stunning confirmation announced Friday — water, in the forms of ice and vapor. "Rather than a dead and unchanging world, it could in fact be a very dynamic and interesting one," said Greg Delory of the University of California, Berkeley, who was not involved in the mission, led by NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif. The LCROSS spacecraft only hit one spot on the moon and it's unclear how much water there is across the entire moon. Scientists spent a month analyzing data from the spacecraft's spectrometers, instruments that can detect strong signals of water molecules in the plume. "We've had hints that there is water. This was almost like tasting it," said Peter Schultz, professor of geological sciences at Brown University and a co-investigator on the LCROSS mission. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who in 1969 made his historic Apollo 11 moonwalk with Neil Armstrong, was pleased to hear the latest discovery, but still believes the U.S. should focus on colonizing Mars. "People will overreact to this news and say, `Let's have a water rush to the moon,'" Aldrin said. "It doesn't justify that." Mission scientists said it would take more time to tease out what else was kicked up in the moon dust. AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein contributed to this report. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| Turns out there's lots of water on the moon -- at least near the lunar south pole, scientists said Friday. And are they ever happy. "We are ecstatic," Anthony Colaprete, project scientist and principal investigator for the $79-million Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission that crashed into a crater near the moon's south pole last month -- specifically to look for water. "Indeed, yes, we found water. And we didn't find just a little bit; we found a significant amount," Colaprete said. Colaprete estimated the impact from the crash kicked up at least 25 gallons of water. Significant water would make it easier to set up a base camp for astronauts. Previous spacecraft have detected the presence of hydrogen in lunar craters near the poles. In September, scientists reported finding tiny amounts of water mixed into the lunar soil all over the lunar surface. \|\|\|\|\| Scientists have found "significant" amounts of water in a crater at the moon's south pole, a major discovery that will dramatically revise the characterization of the moon as a dead world and probably make it a more attractive destination for human space missions."The moon is alive," declared Anthony Colaprete, the chief scientist for the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission.That mission, which on Oct. 9 used a rocket to punch a hole about 100 feet across in the moon's surface, then measured about 25 gallons of water in the form of vapor and ice. It could be evidence there is enough water in permanently shaded craters at the poles for future astronauts to live off the land. National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans -- under review by the Obama administration -- call for a return to the moon at the end of the next decade and construction of a lunar base where astronauts could live and work for months at a time. The presence of large quantities of water would make that plan more practical, because water could be used for drinking, to produce oxygen for breathing and even to make rocket fuel.A resource-rich moon also could serve as a low-gravity launching pad for missions to elsewhere in the solar system."This is painting a surprising new picture of the moon. This is not your father's moon," said Greg Delory, a space scientist at the University of California, Berkeley . He referred to the fact that, after the Apollo missions of the 1960s and '70s, the moon was regarded as a dead place with little to offer future explorers."What's really exciting is we've only hit one spot," said Peter Schultz, a geology professor at Brown University and a co-investigator on the mission. "It's kind of like when you're drilling for oil. Once you find it in one place, there's a greater chance you'll find more nearby."The $79 million lunar crater mission was launched in June to try to uncover the source of large quantities of hydrogen that had been measured by other spacecraft in lunar craters at the poles.	An artist's rendering of the probe approaching the Moon "The argument that the moon is a dry, desolate place no longer holds water," says a press release from NASA. A Moon mission launched by the agency has confirmed the presence of water on the moon. The discovery comes a year after a NASA instrument on an Indian lander indicated there were water molecules on the surface of our satellite. On September 24, 2008 the Indian Space Research Organisation had stated Chandrayaan-1 had discovered water based on readings from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper, one of eleven instruments carried by the probe. Those results indicated water was widespread in low quantities. That probe, launched in October 2008, had to be abandoned on August 30 when contact was lost with it on the Moon's surface. The new mission, called LCROSS, consisted of two separate spacecraft which travelled the 250,000 miles together in June before separating. An empty rocket slammed into the Cabeus crater, near the southern pole, while a small spacecraft stayed behind to take measurements from the plume of debris thrown up, although it too ultimately crashed into Cabeus. Across the United States people spent the night on lawns and in parks hoping to see the impact, on the 40th anniversary of the first Apollo Moon landing, but it was invisible to the naked eye. NASA had predicted a visible six-mile plume; the reality was only a mile high. The twin impacts on October 9 are now known to have sent 25 gallons of water ice and vapour into the air amongst the debris kicked up from the 60 to 100 foot wide hole produced by the rocket. This amount only accounts for the debris scientists could actually see over the rim, and the remaining debris could contain more water. It is unclear how much water may be distributed accross the Moon, although hydrogen at the poles suggests water ice there. LCROSS stands for lunar crater observation and sensing satellite, which was the satellite's name, while its rocket companion was called Centaur. It took a month to analyse the spectrometer data from the mission, and efforts are ongoing to determine the composition of the remaining material kicked up out the crater. The whole project cost $75 million. "We got more than just whiff. We practically tasted it with the impact," said project co-investigator Peter H Schultz. The material thrown up split into a curtain travelling sideways and a plume that passed the crater's rim, bringing it into the sunlight for the first time in billions of years. Both contained water. "We are ecstatic," said project leader Anthony Colaprete. "We didn't find just a little bit, we found a significant amount." Michael Wargo, who heads up lunar research for NASA, said "We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbour and by extension the solar system. It turns out the moon harbours many secrets, and LCROSS has added a new layer to our understanding." It is thought that by analysing the water we can learn of the moon's history, in a fashion similar to investigating Earth history with ice cores. University of Maryland physicist Robert Park cautioned that people should not assume that water on the lunar surface would support a colony. "They've haven't found a big reservoir of it," he said. "I suspect this is just water clinging to the soil particles." Buzz Aldrin, one of the first to walk on the Moon when he followed pioneer Neil Armstrong out of Apollo 11, said he was pleased by the news but added that "People will overreact to this news and say, 'Let's have a water rush to the moon.' It doesn't justify that." Aldrin wants the US to aim to colonise Mars, but NASA is looking at more lunar trips. Last month a new rocket was tested, and Barack Obama has set up a panel to look at possible Moon missions. George W. Bush had previously proposed a $100 billion programme to put more astronauts onto the Moon. NASA wants to return by 2020 and build a lunar base, allowing astronauts to remain for months at a time.
Nittany Lion mascot James D. Sheep has been suspended and will not attend the Rose Bowl be-cause of a violation of team rules, a fact that has left many who know the man behind the mask disappointed. Sheep, a senior, was charged Nov. 22 with driving under the influence, according to court documents. He is suspended from his position until Dec. 31 and will not travel to Pasadena, Calif., for the bowl game, according to a statement released by Penn State Athletics Thursday. "What he did was very disappointing, but he really isn't a bad kid," Elaine Sheep, the mascot's grandmother, said. "But my heart is broken." Sheep was charged after police pulled his vehicle over on Curtin Road on Nov. 22, according to the criminal complaint. Police said he recorded a .164 BAC after he was stopped by an officer at 3:16 a.m. the morning of the football season's final home game against Michigan State. The officer noticed there were too many people in the car he was driving, police said. Sheep had "watery, sleepy eyes," and the officer detected the odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Sheep failed field sobriety tests and consented to a blood test, police said. Penn State cheerleading coach Curt White said in the statement the team is "disappointed." "James has been a very enthusiastic and hard-working Nittany Lion, but we are disappointed that his recent actions did not represent the high standards of this position," White said in the statement. "We are planning to have James resume his duties in the new year and are confident that he will represent Penn State Athletics and the University with a high level of energy, dedication and respect." A replacement mascot from the cheerleading squad will assume Sheep's position for the Rose Bowl and the remainder of the month, according to the statement. Greg Myford, Penn State's associate athletic director for marketing and communications, wrote in an e-mail that he does not know when the name of the new mascot will be announced. Repeated attempts to contact White went unanswered as of press time Thursday. The suspended mascot refused comment about the incident Sunday and could not be reached Thursday. Grandmother Elaine Sheep, of Berwick, Pa., said she saw "Jimmy" perform as the Nittany Lion at the Coastal Carolina football game on Aug. 30. "I was very proud of what he did," his grandmother said. She said she hasn't spoken to her grandson since the announcement of his suspension but imagines "he's very remorseful." "I haven't spoken to Jimmy, but I would probably break down and not be able to talk," she said. He's a "good boy," she added. "These things happen and drunken driving is a very terrible thing," she said. "If he were a bad boy I'd say, 'Well, you know ... ' But he really isn't a bad boy." \|\|\|\|\| Most college football fans would love to see Joe Paterno get one more chance at a title before potentially retiring, but that's not reason enough to overlook the program's slew of off-the-field legal issues. AP All year, America's clamored for the Big Ten's return to the national title game, and with its big win over Ohio State, Penn State's trying hard to oblige. But before we start burning any more cars or getting too nostalgic about old JoePa possibly getting one last shot at a championship, it's time to address a myth surrounding this Nittany Lions team. Penn State is the feel-good story of the season It's only natural media and fans are drawn to Penn State. The Lions have always been among college football's elite thanks to a great coach, great fans, a great stadium and great classic unis (they're the only ones who can truly get away with wearing white after Labor Day). Even their hometown, State College, sounds old school and dignified. After falling on hard times earlier this decade, the Lions have clawed their way back to the top. It helps that they have one of the sport's true icons roaming the sidelines. Sure, Joe Paterno doesn't really roam anymore. And he's not even on the sidelines. But you know what we mean. Everyone seems thrilled by the prospect of Paterno getting another crack at the Big One. The guy's led his team to four unbeaten seasons that didn't end up with a national championship, after all. In 1973, Paterno's Lions went 12-0 and finished fifth. The jeweler who made Auburn's 2004 "National Champions" rings could have retired early if he'd had JoePa as a client. But while many folks are happy that Happy Valley's happy, this isn't quite the made-for-Disney story it seems. Nine straight wins have made many forget that just before the season, this program's off-the-field transgressions were allegedly bad enough to warrant an ESPN Outside the Lines report -- a report which fueled cries for Paterno's retirement. Penn State's legal problems lit up Internet message boards (not to mention the police dispatcher boards in State College). According to the ESPN report (which quoted some wacky fly-by-night source called "Pennsylvania Criminal Records"), 46 current or former Penn State players have been charged with crimes on 163 counts in the past six seasons. Forty-five of those 163 resulted in guilty pleas or convictions and 27 of the 46 players charged were found guilty of at least one count each. That might be the equivalent of a regular long weekend for Adam "Pacman" Jones, but for a proud program like Penn State it's downright shocking. Forty-six arrests in six seasons. If our math serves us correctly, that's an average of over seven per year. The Cincinnati Bengals had one year like that and they've been an NFL punchline ever since. Paterno responded to that ESPN report by saying, "When you say 46, or whatever your numbers are, I think you've done an awful lot of probing. It bothers me, that you might be on a witch hunt." Considering he's old enough to remember what went down in Salem, you have to take him seriously. But perhaps most offensively, the school whose motto is "Success With Honor" has given people a reason to trot back out that old, tired "Penn State/State Pen" joke. And if there's anything the media love, it's an excuse to trot out old, tired jokes. Of course, every college football fan has his or her own version of "The List" -- a complete (and often inaccurate) compendium of a rival school's rap sheet. Penn State is no different. And depending on which side you're on, you can make a case that either the numbers are inflated because high-profile football players are bigger media targets, or the numbers are only the tip of the iceberg because of the football program's ability to keep other incidents under wraps. But the fact that we're even discussing a JoePa program in this context is a sad turn of events. And it gets worse, because the football team's on-the-field fortunes have improved just as the players have started re-enacting The Program off the field. PSU player arrests and football wins have followed a similar ascending arc and it would be hard to blame an outside observer for wondering if the program's compromised off the field to get back to winning on it. Granted, outside observers are often clueless idiots, but every now and then they get one right. Now, we should probably give JoePa the benefit of the doubt, because if anyone's earned that, he has. During Paterno's watch, the Nittany Lions have produced 27 first-team academic All-Americas, 15 Hall of Fame scholar-athletes, 18 NCAA postgraduate scholarship winners and one of the highest graduation rates in I-A ... all while rocking those great aforementioned unis. When Penn State's players showed up to a pre-Fiesta Bowl dinner in 1987 wearing jackets and ties while Miami's guys wore combat fatigues, it instantly became a classic "Good vs. Evil" sports moment. (In stark contrast to today, when guys in fatigues are generally considered heroes and guys in suits have to wear the villain label.) But if even half of those whopping arrest figures are legit, that's still too many for these guys. Penn State isn't supposed to resemble Barry Switzer's wild OU party boys or a program run amok like The U in the '80s. They're not even supposed to be like recent repeat offenders USC or Georgia. Few could have imagined a JoePa outfit going from Big Ten to Big Ten-to-life. So did the Lions finally succumb and sacrifice discipline and integrity for football success? Nobody outside the program really knows, but the perception of Penn State football is no longer as lily white as its helmets. And for a program that has always represented most of what's good about college football, that's a step backward ... whether the Lions end up playing for the national title or not. It's not that they're a bad story, they're just no better a story than Texas or Alabama. They appear to be a football-first factory like everybody else and no matter how many times Paterno has his players clean Beaver Stadium, they won't be able to scrub that away. That's all for this week. Remember: Just because college football fans believe it's true, doesn't mean it is. Got a myth you want Phil to bust? Email us at mythbusters.sportsillustrated@gmail.com. \|\|\|\|\| All Things Nittany Joe Mason and the Mascot The Nittany Lion as Penn States mascot originated with Harrison D. "Joe" Mason 07. At a baseball game against Princeton in 1904, Mason and other members of Penn States team were shown a statue of Princeton's famous Bengal tiger as an indication of the merciless treatment they could expect to encounter on the field. Since Penn State lacked a mascot, Mason replied with an instant fabrication of the Nittany Lion, "fiercest beast of them all," who could overcome even the tiger. Penn State went on to defeat Princeton that day. Over the next few years, Mason's "Nittany Lion" won such widespread support among students, alumni, and fans that there was never any official vote on its adoption. The Nittany Lion is essentially an ordinary mountain lion (also known as a cougar, puma, or panther), a creature that roamed central Pennsylvania until the 1880s (although unconfirmed sightings continued long after that time). By attaching the prefix "Nittany" to this beast, Mason gave Penn State a unique symbol that no other college or university could claim.	James Sheep as Penn State's Nittany Lion mascot. Another member of the Pennsylvania State University's cheerleading squad will step in to play the Nittany Lion at the 2009 Rose Bowl, after the main performer was suspended after being charged with DUI and summary traffic violations late last month. Penn State is the largest university in Pennsylvania and among the ten largest public universities in the United States. Pennsylvanian James Sheep was charged with driving under the influence on November 22. Cheerleading coach Curt White told the Associated Press that Sheep will return later in 2009. The duration of the suspension was not mentioned. Sheep was pulled over on campus at 3:16 am November 22, before Penn's game versus Michigan State. He registered a .164 blood alcohol level. Penn State won the game 49-18. Sheep has avoided interview requests by ''The Daily Collegian'', Penn State's newspaper, on multiple occasions. In a statement, White commented: "James has been a very enthusiastic and hard-working Nittany Lion, but we are disappointed that his recent actions did not represent the high standards of this position. We are planning to have James resume his duties in the new year and are confident that he will represent Penn State Athletics and the University with a high level of energy, dedication and respect." The Pennsylvania State University website lists Sheep on their website as the Lion from 2007-2008, conflicting with coach White's comment that he would return in the new year. The mascot was introduced in 1907, brought in as a costume character in 1921, and is even the subject of the book ''The Nittany Lion: An Illustrated Tale''. While most American university mascots change in appearance over the decades, the Nittany Lion remains essentially the same design as it has for generations. Some earlier reports suggested that "46 current or former Penn State football players have been charged with crimes on 163 counts in the past six seasons." Of those players charged, 27 were found guilty of at least one charge.
The Polish parliament honoured Irena Sendlerowa last year for her heroism The death of a Polish woman who almost certainly saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children during World War II has been announced. Irena Sendlerowa organised the rescue of the children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation. She died in a Warsaw hospital at the age of 98, her daughter said. After Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, she took great risks to help Polish Jews held by the Nazis - an act that was punishable by death. In 1942 Irena Sendlerowa joined the Zegota resistance movement. With the rest of her team of 20, she rescued the children between 1940 and 1943, when the Nazis burned the ghetto, condemning its residents to death. Saved from execution In October 1943 she was arrested and tortured by the Gestapo, but refused to give up the names of the children. She was saved on the day of her scheduled execution after the Polish underground bribed her SS guards. She said persuading parents to part with their loved ones was particularly traumatic. The children were smuggled out in different ways - in ambulances, through the sewers, and once under her skirt. The BBC's Adam Easton in Warsaw says Irena Sendlerowa hated the term "hero", and said her conscience was troubled because she had done so little. Last year the Polish parliament unanimously passed a resolution honouring her for organising the "rescue of the most defenceless victims of the Nazi ideology: the Jewish children". In recognition of her efforts she has also been awarded the title Righteous Among the Nations, by Israel. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| Irena Sendler, social worker who saved 2,500 Jewish children from Holocaust, dies at age 98 WARSAW, Poland: Irena Sendler — credited with saving some 2,500 Jewish children from the Nazi Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto, some of them in baskets — died Monday, her family said. She was 98. Sendler, among the first to be honored by Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial as a Righteous Among Nations for her wartime heroism, died at a Warsaw hospital, daughter Janina Zgrzembska told The Associated Press. President Lech Kaczynski expressed "great regret" over Sendler's death, calling her "extremely brave" and "an exceptional person." In recent years, Kaczynski had spearheaded a campaign to put Sendler's name forward as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Sendler was a 29-year-old social worker with the city's welfare department when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, launching World War II. Warsaw's Jews were forced into a walled-off ghetto. Seeking to save the ghetto's children, Sendler masterminded risky rescue operations. Under the pretext of inspecting sanitary conditions during a typhoid outbreak, she and her assistants ventured inside the ghetto — and smuggled out babies and small children in ambulances and in trams, sometimes wrapped up as packages. Teenagers escaped by joining teams of workers forced to labor outside the ghetto. They were placed in families, orphanages, hospitals or convents. "Irena was truly a noble lady and a great humanitarian who helped save thousands of children and was saved herself from death at the last minute for her activities," said Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of the New York-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous. Records show that Sendler's team of about 20 people saved nearly 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto between October 1940 and its final liquidation in April 1943, when the Nazis burned the ghetto, shooting the residents or sending them to death camps. "Every child saved with my help and the help of all the wonderful secret messengers, who today are no longer living, is the justification of my existence on this earth, and not a title to glory," Sendler said in 2007 in a letter to the Polish Senate after lawmakers honored her efforts in 2007. In hopes of one day uniting the children with their families — most of whom perished in the Nazis' death camps — Sendler wrote the children's real names on slips of paper that she kept at home. When German police came to arrest her in 1943, an assistant managed to hide the slips, which Sendler later buried in a jar under an apple tree in an associate's yard. Some 2,500 names were recorded. "It took a true miracle to save a Jewish child," Elzbieta Ficowska, who was saved by Sendler's team as a baby in 1942, recalled in an AP interview in 2007. "Mrs. Sendler saved not only us, but also our children and grandchildren and the generations to come." Anyone caught helping Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland risked being summarily shot, along with family members — a fate Sendler only barely escaped herself after the 1943 raid by the Gestapo. The Nazis took her to the notorious Pawiak prison, which few people left alive. Gestapo agents tortured her repeatedly, leaving Sendler with scars on her body — but she refused to betray her team. "I kept silent. I preferred to die than to reveal our activity," she was quoted as saying in Anna Mieszkowska's biography, "Mother of the Children of the Holocaust: The Story of Irena Sendler." Zegota, an underground organization helping Jews, paid a bribe to German guards to free her from the prison. Under a different name, she continued her work. After World War II, Sendler worked as a social welfare official and director of vocational schools, continuing to assist some of the children she rescued. "A great person has died — a person with a great heart, with great organizational talents, a person who always stood on the side of the weak," Warsaw Ghetto survivor Marek Eldeman told TVN24 television. In 1965, Sendler became one of the first so-called Righteous Gentiles honored by the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem for wartime heroics. Poland's communist leaders at that time would not allow her to travel to Israel; she collected the award in 1983. Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev said Sender's "courageous activities rescuing Jews during the Holocaust serve as a beacon of light to the world, inspiring hope and restoring faith in the innate goodness of mankind." Despite the Yad Vashem honor, Sendler was largely forgotten in her homeland until recent years. She came to the world's attention in 2000 when a group of U.S. schoolgirls from Uniontown, Kansas, wrote a short play about her called "Life in a Jar." \|\|\|\|\| Woman Who Saved 2,500 Jewish Children Dies at 98 Irena Sendler in the nurse's uniform that helped her smuggle more than 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto (dzieciholocaustu.org.pl) Related Stories Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who during the Second World War saved an estimated 2,500 Jewish children, died on Monday morning in a Warsaw hospital. Sendler, 98, had been a front-runner for the Nobel Peace Prize, and had been recognised by Israel’s Yad Vashem institute as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her work. “The feats accomplished by Irena Sendler exceeded those accomplished by ordinary people,” Marek Edelman, the last living leader of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, told Polish public radio. “She was a great human being, a person of great heart, who can be an example for everyone.” In 1942, when the Germans began liquidating the Warsaw Ghetto, Sendler, who had been active in the Żegota organisation dedicated to helping Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland, smuggled children out by drugging them and placing them in body bags as typhoid fever victims. She then placed them with Polish families and in convents, hiding their records in jars so they could have their identities re-established after the war. She was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943 and sentenced to death after being tortured in Warsaw's Pawiak prison. Her colleagues from Żegota saved her by bribing her German captors before the planned execution. Even in hiding after her escape, she continued her work for the Jewish children. In 2003 she received Poland's highest civilian decoration, the Order of the White Eagle. She was also a recipient of a children's award, the Order of the Smile.	Irena Sendler, a Polish humanitarian who saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish people during World War II, died on May 12 in a Warsaw hospital. She was 98. In 1942, when the Germans began liquidating the Warsaw Ghetto, Sendler, who had been active in the Żegota underground organisation dedicated to helping Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland, smuggled children out by drugging them and placing them in body bags as typhoid fever victims. She then placed them with Polish families and in convents, hiding their records in jars so they could have their identities re-established after the war. She was arrested by the Gestapo Gestapo in 1943 and sentenced to death after being tortured in Warsaw's Pawiak prison. Her colleagues from Żegota saved her by bribing her German captors before the planned execution. Born on February 15, 1910 in Otwock, Poland, Selndler had been a front-runner for the Nobel Peace Prize, and had been recognised by Israel’s Yad Vashem institute as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her work. In 2007, she was honoured by the National Assembly for organising the "rescue of the most defenceless victims of the Nazi ideology: the Jewish children."
SG Appoints Helen Clark As UNDP Administrator Secretary-General Appoints Helen Clark Of New Zealand As New Administrator of United Nations Development Programme On 26 March, it was announced that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, following consultations with the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), wrote to the President of the General Assembly requesting the General Assembly to confirm Helen Clark of New Zealand as the new Administrator of UNDP. The General Assembly confirmed the nomination on 31 March. Ms. Clark replaces Kemal Derviş for a term of four years. The Secretary-General is deeply grateful to Mr. Derviş for the services he has rendered to the Organization and for so ably leading the UNDP at a critical juncture. The Secretary-General is particularly appreciative of the great leadership displayed by Mr. Derviş in the implementation of his mandate. Ms. Clark’s nomination was made at the end of an extensive selection process, which included the establishment of a senior appointments panel chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and consisting of senior United Nations officials, as well as two outside experts in financial and developmental economics. The panel was composed in a manner to reflect a combination of required expertise and skills, as well as gender and geographical balance. The panel was entrusted with interviewing the shortlisted candidates and recommending the finalists for the Secretary-General’s consideration. Selected amongst a group of excellent candidates for her outstanding qualifications and numerous accomplishments in her long career, Ms. Clark has the needed leadership and international recognition that would allow her, as the new Administrator, to build on her predecessors’ legacy. In addition, she would bring a strategic perspective coupled with fresh thinking and impetus for change. She is expected to bring to the UNDP and the United Nations system her well-honed consensus-building skills and commitment to the multilateral approach to addressing global financial and development issues. Ms. Clark has been a member of the New Zealand Parliament since 1981 and was Prime Minister from 1999 to 2008. Concurrently she held a number of other portfolios, including Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. In Government, she led her country’s policy debate on a wide range of economic, social, environmental, and cultural issues, including sustainability and climate change, and the development of an inclusive multicultural and multi-faith society. She was also a very active leader of her country’s international relations at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. She has been a strong supporter of development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in her region. Between 1984 and 1987, Ms. Clark served as Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee. From 1987 to 1990, she was first Minister for Housing and Minister for Conservation, and then Minister for Health, Minister for Labour and Deputy Prime Minister. In those capacities, she prioritized affordable housing, protection of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, primary health care and public health, and gender equity in employment. Born in 1950 in New Zealand, Ms. Clark is married to Professor Peter Davis. She was educated at Auckland University, where she studied political studies and history, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and a Master of Arts (Hons) in 1974. ENDS \|\|\|\|\| Clark confirmed in UN role Stuff.co.nz Relevant offers Helen Clark has been confirmed in the role of head of the United Nations Development Programme. Clark, who was nominated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week, was elected unanimously by the UN's 192-nation general assembly. She will begin her term on April 20th, replacing Kemal Dervis, a former Turkish Cabinet minister. "I'll be spinning wheels to make that," Clark told Radio New Zealand. Mr Ban's spokeswoman, Michele Montas, said Clark "will bring a strategic perspective coupled with fresh thinking and impetus for change." The UN Development Programme, which employs nearly 8000 people in 166 countries and has a budget of some NZ$9 billion, provides training, advice and support for developing countries. Clark's confirmation in effect places her third-highest in command at the UN. That would rank it among the most powerful positions held by a New Zealander. Clark this morning said she had had a lot of big moments in her life, including winning her first election and winning one as prime minister. "I guess this is another of those moments," she said. "But actually, the sort of sense of 'gee, golly, gosh' is almost immediately replaced by 'there's an awful lot of things to do'." That included sorting out the salary, terms and conditions, getting a UN passport and changing visa status for the United States as the job is based in New York. Clark said she was not daunted by the enormity of the job "but I know there is a tremendous number of things to get on top of very, very quickly". "I'm very diligent and I'll just get on with it." Clark said it was up to the Government to name a date for a by-election in her Mount Albert seat but she believed it would be in June. "It really depends on whether I'm going to get away exactly on time and the UN system has to really jump hurdles for that to happen," she said. "But it would be very difficult for it to be before the budget so I would be thinking that June would be a more likely time. - with NZPA and REUTERS \|\|\|\|\| Clark resignation triggers by-election Helen Clark's confirmation as the head of the United Nations Development Programme will force a by-election in the Mount Albert electorate with speculation it will be held in June. Miss Clark's spokesman did not know when she would formally resign from Parliament, but it has been reported she will take up her new job within three weeks. Prime Minister John Key's spokeswoman said no date has yet been set for the by-election. By-elections have become reasonably rare under the MMP system and this one will be keenly fought. Miss Clark had a personal majority in the seat of 10,350, but Labour beat only National by 2426 party votes in the electorate in the 2008 election. The gap between those who voted for left parties in the electorate compared to those on the right of spectrum was slightly larger with the left around 5000 ahead. However, National is well ahead in the nationwide polls and would fancy its chances of taking the seat, long regarded as a Labour stronghold. Labour list MP Phil Twyford has been identified as a front-runner for his party, but nominations are bound to come from outside Parliament as well. Some media have speculated that Labour is developing a strategy to prevent former MP Judith Tizard returning to Parliament. The reports said Ms Tizard was considered "old guard" and past her use-by date. Labour's problem is that former finance minister Michael Cullen is also planning to retire, possibly before Miss Clark resigns. Dr Cullen is a list MP and would be replaced by Damien O'Connor, the next candidate on Labour's list. If Mr Twyford then contested a by-election and won the Mt Albert seat he would cease to be a list MP and would be replaced by Ms Tizard. But if an outsider was chosen and won the seat, Mr Twyford would stay as a list MP and there would not be a slot for Ms Tizard to take. Labour leader Phil Goff has described the speculation as resembling a "witch-hunt" and said the candidate would be selected by the usual process. Labour candidates are elected by delegates partly selected by the electorate membership at a meeting and partly from the central party. In the past there have been fierce fights between local members and the party leadership over candidates. National might seek a high profile candidate to try to win the seat. Ravi Kumar Musuku stood for National in 2008 and gained 9800 votes compared to Miss Clark's 20,100. A major local issue is the construction of Waterview motorway which partly runs through the electorate. Labour had planned a multi-billion dollar tunnel, but National has been sceptical about the cost. However the alternative would mean the destruction of hundreds of houses and greenbelt land, finding an alternative route, or no road being built at all leaving a missing link in the road network. - NZPA \|\|\|\|\| Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has won the Kiwi vote, gaining the title of Greatest Living New Zealander. In a close race against Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata, Helen Clark edged out in front with 3163 votes - 25 per cent of the overall vote - while Corporal Apiata gained 21 per cent, with 2645 votes. See the final results here Helen Clark said the win was "a nice way to start the year", but was quick to deflect her success, acknowledging other worthy New Zealanders and rival Willie Apiata. "I guess it's quite a hard ask asking who is the greatest living New Zealander - Sir Ed's gone and undoubtedly would have won any such poll conducted in his time." She said Willie Apiata's rating reflected people seeing the award of a Victoria Cross as something quite extraordinary. "Full marks to Willie. He is a remarkable man," she said. Asked whether the title of greatest living New Zealander offered some solace for November's election defeat, she laughed. "As I said, I went with my head held high and that's the way you would like to be remembered." Since Sir Edmund Hillary's death last year, talk about who might be the country's greatest living individual has wafted through the country. A total of 12,665 Kiwis responded to the Herald's online poll, which has been running since mid-January. Among the favourites for the title were All Black great Colin Meads, 1021 votes; Mad Butcher Peter Leitch, 514 votes; The Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall, 387 votes; and Louise Nicholas with 361 votes. Debate also raged after former National party leader Don Brash put in a nomination for Act MP Sir Roger Douglas for his work in transforming the country's economy in the 1980s. Asked what she thought of Mr Brash's attempt to nominate Sir Roger Douglas for the title, Helen Clark said she would give the suggestion "the charity of my silence". Corporal Apiata said he was honoured to be listed alongside some of the country's most respected individuals. He congratulated Helen Clark on her win. "She is a truly inspirational New Zealander and thoroughly deserves this recognition." Prime Minister John Key said he was not surprised his predecessor had topped the poll: "She has been front and centre stage in the public eye for the last decade. ... She is well thought of as a New Zealand Prime Minister." Greatest Living New Zealander - Top five nominees: * Helen Clark - 3163 votes * Willie Apiata - 2645 votes * Sir Murray Halberg - 1467 votes * Peter Jackson - 1340 votes * Peter Snell - 1041 votes - additional reporting by John Armstrong \|\|\|\|\| Helen Clark Prime Minister Helen Clark says New Zealand’s efforts to adapt to the global impact of climate change have been recognised with the United Nations Environment Programme “Champions of the Earth” award. The UNEP has awarded the prize to Helen Clark and six other figures from regions around the world, in recognition of the government’s promotion of sustainability initiatives. The UNEP said that “three major policy initiatives….are blazing new trails for sustainability and the fight against climate change: the Emissions Trading Scheme; the Energy Strategy; and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.” Helen Clark said the Champion of the Earth Award was an honour. “For New Zealand to become a truly sustainable nation, it requires government, business, and community to each take special responsibilities and pursue a common interest,” Helen Clark said. “It is clearly the responsibility of government to give leadership. It reflects our belief that pursuing sustainability is not only the right thing to do, but is also a strategic investment in New Zealand’s overall future. “Further sustainability initiatives will be unveiled by the government this year. We also look forward to hosting World Environment Day on June 5, which will focus on opportunities for countries, companies and communities to ‘kick the carbon habit’ and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle,” Helen Clark said.	Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed as head of the United Nations Development Program. The appointment follows a unanimous vote by the UN General Assembly yesterday. Clark will take up the role by April 20, replacing current UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis. Helen Clark. Clark is reportedly eager for the role, comparing it to winning her first election and becoming Prime Minister. "I guess this is another of those moments," she said. The UNDP gives training and advice to developing countries to spur global development and to help them meet the Millennium Development Goals. It has offices in 166 countries and an annual budget of around US$5 billion. Its Administrator is the third highest ranking member of the United Nations after the United Nations Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. Clark has a long political career, having been first elected to Parliament in 1981. She was New Zealand's first elected woman Prime Minister, serving for three terms between 1999 and 2008. She became leader of the social-democratic New Zealand Labour Party in 1993, and led it until her defeat in the 2008 general election. She has previously held a number of Cabinet portfolios, including Health, Housing, Conservation, and Arts, Culture and Heritage. In January 2008 Clark won the United Nations Environment Programme Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her government’s promotion of sustainability initiatives. In January 2009 she was recognised by the ''New Zealand Herald'' as the Greatest Living New Zealander. Clark's appointment is expected to lead to a by-election in her Mt Albert electorate.
The County Durham schoolboy, who was 12 when he carried out the assault in November 2004, admitted rape and theft at an earlier hearing. Teesside Crown Court heard the attack took place after a one-to-one teaching session at an educational establishment in the region. After the rape, he drove the woman's car away and dumped it on Tyneside. Mental scars Mr Justice Grigson ordered the teenager, who cannot be named, should be detained for life, and placed on a sex offenders register indefinitely. Sentencing him, the judge added: "These problems are not of your own making, but it is plain that until these problems are dealt with you are very likely to commit other offences, other offences as serious as this. "So the public has to be properly protected until such time as your problems have been assisted." Hopefully there will come a time when he is no longer the risk he currently is John Evans, defending The judge told the boy he must serve at least 21 months detention but that it was likely he would serve much longer. He told the defendant that the woman's mental scars would take a very long time to heal. Mr Justice Grigson said: "You know that better than anybody - you were the victim of such an attack. "Despite your very young age, it is quite clear that you knew what you were doing." Inquiry launched John Evans, defending, said his client had been the victim of sexual and physical abuse from a very young age. By the age of three-and-a-half, concerns were being expressed about the boy's sexualised behaviour, he said. "By 1995, when this boy could not yet have been four, he was being mistreated and indeed encouraged to engage in misuse of alcohol and cigarettes," said Mr Evans. "Some might say that the signs were already there and that he was being significantly let down. "Hopefully there will come a time when he is no longer the risk he currently is and can be released back into the community." After the hearing, child welfare experts responsible for the teenager's care said they had launched an immediate inquiry. \|\|\|\|\| DEAR ABBY: I recently realized I have a fair-weather family. My husband got in trouble with the law and is now in a drug treatment facility. This had been hard on me, but I love him. His crime was being in possession of illegal drugs that were intended only for himself. His family has turned their…	A British boy has been ordered to be detained for life for the rape of his teacher. He was just twelve years old when he attacked the teacher in County Durham last November. The Crown Court heard that the boy had attacked the female teacher after a one-to-one session, and then drove the teacher's car away from the scene before abandoning it thirty miles away. The boy, who also suffers from learning difficulties, admitted to the rape in court. The defence told the court how the boy had been the victim of sexual abuse since he was very young. At just three and a half, concerns had been raised over his 'sexualised' behaviour. By four, he had been encouraged to experiment with alcohol and cigarettes. But judge Mr Justice Grigson told the boy: "Despite your very young age, it is quite clear that you knew what you were doing." The judge told the boy that he must serve at least 21 months of his sentence but will most likely be behind bars for much longer. He will also be on Britain's Sex Offender Register for all of his life. The agencies which should have protected the boy in his early life have launched an enquiry into their failings.
Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, At a Security Council Stakeout on Syria, February 4, 2012 New York, NY AS DELIVERED Ambassador Rice: Good afternoon. Let me begin by speaking directly to the Syrian people. The United States stands with you, the Syrian people, and we will not rest until you and your bravery achieve your basic, universal human rights, to which all human beings are entitled. Today, we saw clearly which countries are prepared to support the people of Syria-and, indeed, the people of the entire region-as they struggle to attain a future of peace and democracy. And we saw which countries, for their narrow interests, do not. But let there be no doubt. The United States will continue, with partners around the world-partners particularly in the Arab world-to ratchet up the pressure on the Asad regime until finally the people's voice prevails. We will not rest until that occurs. This Council, today, again, had a sad moment, which will be recorded in its history, but there was a hopeful aspect to it as well. And that is that more and more countries are united in saying the violence must stop, change must come, there must be a democratic and peaceful transition. Thirteen members of this Council clearly and firmly made that point, and perhaps two more will one day come along-I hope not after too many more innocent Syrians have been killed. I'm happy to take a couple questions. Reporter: Ambassador, what comes next? You said further measures, further pressure. Can you be more specific about what you think that might be please? Ambassador Rice: Neil, we have, as the United States, as you know, put increasing sanctions, increasing pressure on the Syrian regime. We are certainly committed on a national basis to continue to intensify our pressure. We have worked with partners in Europe, in Turkey, in the broader Arab world towards that end. We will certainly be consulting with partners in the Arab League and on this Council in the days to come. I think it is fair to say that nobody is giving up. Nobody is turning our backs on the Syrian people. And we will find a way forward to affirm our support for the people of Syria. Reporter: Ambassador, some believe and feel that it is due to the fact that the U.S. and Russia did not understand each other and did not agree outside of this whole-that this is the result of the double veto. So, A, tell us if you agree and B, tell us kindly, what is your understanding of Mr. Sergei Lavrov's initiative, probably, in Damascus next week? And are you surprised particularly by the Chinese veto? Ambassador Rice: I can't answer the question of what Minister Lavrov's visit intends or aims to achieve. I can say this: the members of this Council worked tirelessly, exhaustively over the last several days to try to come to consensus. We bent over backwards as co-sponsors to accommodate and meet the concerns of member of this Council. There were those who saw what seemed to me to be a phantom, that somehow this resolution might be construed as authorizing the use of force, even when it was patently obvious that that wasn't the case. But just to underscore it, we wrote that into the resolution. There were some who wanted to pretend that this resolution imposed sanctions. It never did, never from the beginning in any other iterations. That became clear. There were members of this Council that were uncomfortable with outlining certain elements of the Arab League plan. We insisted that the Arab League initiative be supported. The text that was vetoed did that. But it did so in a way that was garnered-that was intended to garner consensus. It failed. We had many, many attempts, Raghida, up until the minute before we went into the vote to try to find common ground. And I want to say that we-the United States, Morocco, the Arab League, the co-sponsors-made every effort, and those that-no effort was good enough. And so countries took their decision. There was discussion over the last couple of days, and we indicated, again, that we were interested in reaching consensus but not at the expense of doing violence to the fundamental purpose. And this is to answer your question, Matt: What was unacceptable, first and foremost, was the amendments that would have rewritten the Arab League plans, both Arab League plans-the one of November 2nd, which both parties have agreed to and committed to but the Syrian government hasn't implemented but which indeed the Russian Federation has supported. Now, months later, it's to be revised and rewritten. That was unacceptable. And it was also unacceptable to try to remove from the plan of the 22nd the timeline that was crucial, an integral aspect of the Arab League initiative. There were many other aspects-efforts to equate the opposition and their actions with those of the regime, which we thought were not only indefensible but reprehensible in their formulations. But they were also not offered during the course of the week when we were engaged in meaningful efforts at negotiations but rather at the 11th hour with a request that the vote be delayed until some indefinite point next week. With people dying every day, with the regime escalating its violence in a horrific fashion, and the people of Homs under immediate assault, delay was not an option. Thank you. ### \|\|\|\|\| BEIRUT — Syria opposition leaders raised the death toll to 260 in a military assault Saturday on the ravaged central city of Homs, an attack that opposition leaders described as the government’s deadliest in the nearly 11-month-old uprising. Reports were contradictory, given the difficulty of communications with Homs, and the Syrian government flatly denied the toll, calling it an attempt at propaganda ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting Saturday on Syria. But videos smuggled out of the city and reports by opposition activists showed a harrowing barrage of mortar shells and gunfire that left hundreds more wounded in the city. “It’s an unprecedented attack,” said Mohammed Saleh, an opposition activist from Homs who recently fled to a nearby town to escape the mounting strife there. As word spread of the barrage, opposition protests broke out Saturday at Syrian embassies around the world, including Egypt, Germany and Kuwait. Accounts by activists, independently basing their information on what they described as contacts in Homs, said the barrage was apparently unleashed after defectors attacked two military checkpoints and kidnapped soldiers. One activist put the number of abducted soldiers at 13, another 19. They suggested that enraged commanders then ordered the assault, which lasted from about 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, focusing on the neighborhood of Khaldiya. Five other neighborhoods were also assaulted. At one point, a resident said, people left the top floors of residential buildings, fearful that shelling they described as random would wreck their homes. The precise number of dead was almost impossible to obtain. The Syrian National Council, which has sought to act as an umbrella group for the opposition, said more than 260 were killed. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the toll in Khaldiya and the other neighborhoods was 217. Both groups, along with other activists, said the wounded numbered in the hundreds, though again, there was no specific number. One opposition activist said the Syrian military suffered casualties, too. “It’s a real massacre in every sense of the word,” said a resident in Khaldiya, who gave his name as Abu Jihad. “I saw bodies of women and children lying on roads beheaded. It’s horrible and inhuman. It was a long night helping people get to hospitals.” As it has since the uprising started, the Syrian government accused media and activists of fantastically exaggerating the toll. In a report Saturday on the Syrian state news agency, SANA, it complained of “frenetic media campaigns against Syria disseminating false information about Syria Army shelling of civilians in different blamed Arab satellite channels for inflaming the strife in different Syrian governorates.” The agency, citing its correspondents across the country, declared that “life is normal in the Damascus countryside, Hama and Homs.” Near the border with Lebanon, in western Syria, Homs has been a critical hub of the uprising, which stands as one of the bloodiest of the Arab world’s revolts. The city mirrors Syria’s own diversity, with a Sunni Muslim majority that has backed the uprising. But at least three neighborhoods are populated largely by Alawites, a heterodox strain of Islam that provides much of the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. In past months, sectarian strife there has dangerously intensified, offering a grim window on what a broader civil war could look like in Syria. Though protests started peacefully there, defectors have begun operating checkpoints, and tit-for-tat kidnappings and killings have paralyzed parts of the city, where something as simple as the choice of a television news station can belie a person’s loyalty. Some activists have tried to bridge the sectarian divide, but even they fear the violence may overwhelm those attempts. “The army has weapons, and the people have weapons,” one opposition activist said on condition of anonymity, recounting Saturday’s bloodshed. “Syria is finished for me. It is a civil war and nothing will save us anymore.” Funerals took place Saturday in Homs, as a relative calm was reported in the city. At one funeral for 20 people, a resident said, armed defectors were offering protection. The bloodshed reverberated around the world, demonstrating the power of social media. As reports of the mounting toll were carried by Twitter and Facebook, protests gathered at Syrian missions in the Middle East and Europe. As many as 100 demonstrators stormed the Syrian embassy in Cairo at about 3 a.m. Saturday, tearing its iron gate off it hinges, burning parts of the first floor, and demolishing much of the ambassador’s office. By the morning, the floors were littered with broken glass, furniture that was torn apart or burned and the detritus of office equipment. It was the second time in two weeks protesters had breached the embassy, but the previous attack had destroyed not much more than framed pictures of Mr. Assad. Amman Arsan, the embassy’s media counselor, said he saw no connection between the events in Homs and what he called “the terrorist attack” on the Cairo mission. "The Syrian army is conducting an operation against terrorist groups in Hama and Homs,” he said. “This is a crime. Nothing in the whole world justifies this.” The simultaneous attacks on Syrian embassies in Berlin, Kuwait, Amman, Cairo and elsewhere, he said, was evidence of a coordinated assault by Syria’s enemies.	Meeting chambers of the United Nations Security Council The United Nations Security Council did not pass a resolution supporting actions pursuing peace in Syria. The resolution was by Council Permanent Members Russia and China. This is the second time in the past four months that a resolution to control violence in Syria has been vetoed by Russia and China. All of the other members of the Security Council voted for the resolution. The Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Loulichki who sponsored the resolution said that he was "frustrated and sad" that it did not pass. United States ambassador to the UN said "The United States stands with you, the Syrian people, and we will not rest until you and your bravery achieve your basic, universal human rights, to which all human beings are entitled. Today, we saw clearly which countries are prepared to support the people of Syria — and, indeed, the people of the entire region — as they struggle to attain a future of peace and democracy." US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton both supported the passage of the resolution. The resolution was intended to control a violent in Syria as part of the . Since protests broke out last year, as many as 6,000 protesters and 1,000 members of the have been killed. The protesters are calling for an end of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. == Sources == * * *
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story. Samantha Hayes ReportingServing a mission for his church was something friends and loved ones say Elder Morgan Young aspired to do. His dedication took him to Virginia, where the 21-year old was gunned down last night. Elder Morgan W. Young While those close to him grieve, people in the Virginia neighborhood where he was shot are scared. "It makes me afraid to live here with my two kids. It says no one cares about anybody." Morgan Young was with his mission companion when someone opened fire on both of them. Young died at the hospital. His companion, Joshua Heidbrink of Colorado, survived. Of course it's an extremely difficult time, but Young's family is finding some comfort in his dedication to his mission and that this was something he really wanted to be doing. In Chesapeake Virginia tonight, police have not named any suspects and are not clear on a motive. Morgan Young knew that hard work paid off. And he may not have realized it, but those close to him really admired that. Jack Yoho, Elder Young's Scout Leader: "Worked very hard to get where he is at and be able to serve a mission." Rob Schwartz, Friend: "He really was so enthusiastic, such a hard worker." Winslow Young, Grandfather: "You never had to worry about him. He was just a good solid kid, confident." And compassionate. Young was scheduled to return home in March, but told family he would stay longer if he could. Winslow Young: "He just really loved the people of Virginia." And he was dong what he loved Monday evening, traveling door to door on a Chesapeake, Virginia street with fellow LDS missionary Joshua Heidbrink. Then someone, for some reason, shot them. Heidbrink survived. His uncle says the missionaries witnessed another crime before they were shot. Police are investigating that. Some neighbors in Chesapeake say there is a drug problem. Former missionaries who served there did not fear for their safety Nathan Wilbur, Former Missionary in Chesapeake, Va.: "I wasn't familiar with that particular street, but the street next to it was a pretty good area. I would not have been scared to go there." Jan Liechty, Former Missionary in Chesapeake, Va.: "Most people treat you pretty good too, even in the rough areas." Young was dedicated to that area, perhaps the rough parts, too. His sense of purpose is also helping comfort the people who miss him most right now. # Jack Yoho: "He believed about going on a mission, serving the Lord, being an eagle scout, just being a good person." Young's family is in Virginia tonight. They have yet to set a date for the funeral. Virginia Police still haven't found the gunman who shot the missionaries, but investigators conclude it was not a hate crime. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement expressing sympathy and love for the families of both missionaries. It says, in part, "We assure those currently serving missions or who are contemplating missionary service that the Church will continue to make every effort to safeguard the health and safety of missionaries throughout the world." \|\|\|\|\| Tuesday, January 03, 2006 CHESAPEAKE, Va. A Mormon missionary going door-to-door was fatally shot Monday night and a fellow missionary was wounded by an assailant who fled, police said. The attacks happened just after 6 p.m. in the Deep Creek area of the city, police said, when a man approached the two, shot them and ran away. One of the victims ran to a nearby nursing home seeking help, police said. The missionaries were identified by church spokesmen Dale Bills and Michael Purdy as Elders Morgan Young, 21, of Bountiful, Utah, and Joshua Heidbrink of Greeley, Colo. Chesapeake police said he is 19. They were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where Young later died, spokeswoman Cheri Hinshelwood said. Heidbrink was upgraded to good condition Tuesday morning, she said. Police described the gunman as a black male about 5-foot-10. They said he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and denim jeans. Police shut down part of the neighborhood while searching for the man. "This is close to home," said Bobby Gatling, who said he has lived on the block for two years. "Nothing like this has ever happened here before." (Story continues below) ADVERTISEMENTS Advertise Here There was no immediate word on what prompted the shootings. \|\|\|\|\| Sandra Yi Reporting New developments today in the shooting investigation of two Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in Virginia. One missionary from Bountiful was killed. Police in Chesapeake, Virginia remain tight-lipped about details of the investigation, but we do know they have recovered what they believe is the murder weapon. But tonight they're still looking for the trigger man. Elder Morgan Young of Bountiful, Utah Police won't say what the two missionaries witnessed Monday night as they were going door-to-door in a Chesapeake neighborhood, but it appears they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Christy Golden, Chesapeake, Va. Police Dept.: "We believe they may have come upon a crime that was being committed, and because of that a suspect approached them and shot them both." Elder Morgan Young of Bountiful was killed, just two months shy of his homecoming. His companion, Elder Joshua Heidbrink of Colorado, survived and is in good condition at a hospital. His statements are valuable to police. Christy Godlen: "He's been interviewed, and I'm not exactly sure what type of information was obtained from him, but obviously he did witness what happened, and I don't know if he recalls anything." Police have recovered important evidence in the shooting, such as the alleged murder weapon. And they have several possible suspects, including a man seen running from the crime scene. Christy Golden: "We're looking at several people, and we're just eliminating suspects as we go along, with information that's been received." Tips from residents and a crime line are helping police build a case that could lead to an arrest. Christy Golden: "We're not disclosing the type of crime that we believe they may have witnessed, but we are looking at all motives, whether it was a robbery. We're looking into all things that could have been committed." Elder Young's parents may return from Virginia this week, but his funeral will probably not take place until next week. Related Links \|\|\|\|\| The Missionary Program The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for the missionaries it sends throughout the world to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The program follows the biblical pattern of sending out missionaries two by two. Missions The Church operates more than 330 missions in the world. A mission covers a geographic area and has a central headquarters. Each is led by a mission president who is selected from the ranks of Church membership to a three-year position. The mission president relocates with his family to the mission area and directs the work of the missionaries. Missionaries Currently, some 56,000 Latter-day Saints are participating in proselytizing missions around the world. Approximately 75 percent of the Church's proselytizing missionaries are young men between the ages of 19 and 26. They are referred to as "Elder" because of their ordination to that priesthood office. Substantial numbers of single women (about 18 percent) and older couples (about 7 percent) also serve proselytizing missions. Each elder or sister missionary accepts an assignment from Church leaders to serve in a specific mission. Missionaries generally work 60-65 hours per week, for two years (elders) or 18 months (women and couples), teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and participating in community service. In addition, about 5,100 individuals (including couples) are given special service assignments. Health specialists and doctors go to developing countries where the Church's health services program teaches preventive care. Craftsmen, artisans and construction supervisors train members in local building projects. Agricultural experts train people to produce food more effectively and economically. Other mission assignments include education, family history research and leadership training. The missionaries or their families donate money to the Church to pay for their personal expenses. When his or her assignment is completed, the missionary returns to home to pursue vocational, academic or other personal goals. Missionary Training Centers Before leaving on a mission, each missionary is assigned to one of 17 missionary training centers around the world. Those required to learn another language spend eight weeks in training before traveling to their assigned mission. If the missionaries do not need to learn a new language, they attend only two or three weeks of basic orientation. Preparation Aside from their brief orientation at a missionary training center, missionaries receive little formal training for their ministry. Missionary preparation comes primarily from personal study and, in many cases, from examples taught in the home from childhood. Church Growth Since 1830 Year Members Missions Missionaries Countries (1) 1830 6 (2) 0 0 1 1844 26,146 3 586 8 (3) 1947 1,016,170 (4) 43 2,132 29 1963 2,117,451 77 11,653 43 1971 3,090,953 98 15,205 50 1978 4,166,854 165 27,669 54 1982 5,162,619 180 26,606 86 1986 6,166,983 193 29,265 95 1989 7,308,700 228 39,739 100 1991 8,089,540 267 43,395 130 1994 9,024,569 303 48,708 156 1995 9,340,000 307 48,631 159 1996 9,694,500 309 53,000 160 1997 10,070,524 318 56,531 162 1998 10,354,241 331 57,853 162 1999 10,752,986 333 58,593 162 2000 11,068,861 334 60,784 162 2001 11,394,522 333 60,850 165 2002 11,721,548 335 61,638 165 2003 11,985,254 337 56,237 165 Notes to the above chart: 1 And territories 2 At founding, 6 April 1830 3 Estimated 4 Figures given hereafter are as calculated at year's end Proselytizing Missionaries Young men approximately 75 percent Single women approximately 18 percent Couples approximately 7 percent Total approximately 56,000 Missionary Training Centers Worldwide Total 17 Locations Provo, Utah (USA) Preston, England Buenos Aires, Argentina Sao Paulo, Brazil Mexico City, Mexico Santiago, Chile Bogotá, Colombia Lima, Peru Guatemala City, Guatemala Hamilton, New Zealand Manila, Philippines Tokyo, Japan Seoul, South Korea Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Madrid, Spain Accra, Ghana Johannesburg, South Africa Languages taught at Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, USA 50	The Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, the most well known Mormon temple, owned by the Latter-day Saints. The new year started off on a violent note in Chesapeake, Virginia, when, just after 6 p.m. EST on January 2nd, two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were shot. The missionaries had apparently parked their bicycles to begin door-to-door proselytizing when they were approached and fired upon by an unidentified assailant. The men, ages 21 and 19, were both hit. One of the individuals was killed, and the other is in good condition at a nearby hospital. Although there has been some speculation that the missionaries were shot because they may have witnessed a crime, no specific details are available at this time. The gunman, described as a 5'10" black male, escaped on foot. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has approximately 56,000 young men and women performing full-time missionary work throughout the world. Missionary work is done on a volunteer basis, and young men are expected to serve a mission shortly after their 19th birthday. Male missionaries remain in the field for two years unless there are extenuating circumstances. The murder was Chesapeake's first such crime of 2006. There were 15 murders in the city in 2005.
'); //--> AFX News Limited Telecom operators and broadcasters launch UK's first mobile TV trial LONDON (AFX) Leading telecom companies and broadcasters have joined forces to launch what they claim is the first UK television service for mobile phone users. The service, available in Oxford from next week, will allow 400 customers of mobile operator 02 PLC to watch television programmes including UK soap Eastenders and US drama Lost from special mobile phone handsets. O2 and Arqiva, previously known as NTL Broadcast, have joined with mobile operator Nokia for the trial, which will run for up to six months and is designed to test the latest multi-media mobile services. The convergence of TV, music and video clips on mobile phones is seen by analysts as one the next big trends in the media as third generation mobile technology becomes more widespread. Sixteen channels are being offered to O2 customers in the trial, including BBC ONE, CNN, and MTV. Customers will be able to select their favourite programme from an on-screen service guide, search for specific items as well as set their handset to alert them when a show starts. nh/tc COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and the AFX Financial News logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited Article Controls Related Sections Home > News & Analysis Subscriptions > \|\|\|\|\| The trial kicked off amid Oxford's dreaming spires on Thursday. It is being run by O2 in partnership with Nokia and Arqiva, formerly NTL Broadcast. O2 showed off the service in a demonstration in Oxford on Thursday. Four hundred Oxford residents have been supplied with Nokia 7710 smartphones, which have been adapted to receive broadcast TV signals as well as O2's mobile phone signal. The trial service will carry 16 channels, including all the terrestrial channels, BBC News 24, CNN, MTV and British EuroSport. O2 said it used a rigorous selection procedure to ensure that the 400 O2 customers involved in the trial represented a balanced subsection of the population. The service is based on a technology DVB-H , which allows digital television signals to be received by mobile devices. With DVB-H, the television signal is broadcast over an area, in the same way that analogue and digital TV are transmitted today. Dave Williams, O2's chief technical officer, told journalists that DVB-H was superior to 3G video-streaming because it consumes less bandwidth. "3G is perfect for two-minute video clips. But, if you're watching a 90-minute football game, we think DVB-H is the most suitable," said Williams. BT is currently trialling a mobile TV service based on digital audio standard DAB. There have been concerns that DAB provides an inferior signal inside buildings compared to DVB-H. However, the spectrum used by DAB is already available, while the spectrum needed for DVB-H is not. "One purpose of this trial is to educate the regulator," said Williams. "Ofcom has said it won't make any decision [about making spectrum available for DVB-H] until 2006," he added. \|\|\|\|\| City of dreaming masts O2 has launched a trial to bring streaming video to mobile phones, allowing 400 customers in Oxford to choose from 16 channels. The trial is scheduled to commence next week and will run for up to six months. Nokia and Arqiva (formerly NTL Broadcast) are collaborating on the trial. The TV shows are transmitted using the Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H) technology and require a special receiver to be attached to the mobile phone. The technology allows a single signal to serve all devices within its reach, and complements streaming video over high speed data networks. A specially crafted programme guide allows users to set an alarm to prevent them missing important shows. Transmitting mainstream content via a traditional broadcasting signal could save bandwidth for customised applications. Nokia plans to build in support for the DVB-H technology into future handsets. The trial is the first in the UK and follows earlier experiments in Finland and other locations in Europe, Asia and North America. \|\|\|\|\| O2 and Arqiva (previously known as NTL Broadcast) have teamed up with Nokia as well as the leading terrestrial and satellite broadcasters to kick-off the UK's first trial of full multi-channel mobile TV. 16 channels are being offered to O2 customers, including BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC News 24, ITV 1, ITV 2, Channel 4 and Five, which will provide a core of mainstream channels coupled with programmes from British Eurosport, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery Channel, MTV, ShortsTV, Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Travel.Customers will be able to select their favourite programme from an on-screen service guide, search for specific items as well as set their handset to alert them when a show starts. The trial will run for up to six months and is designed to test and showcase the televisual capabilities of the next generation mobile services. It will look at how people choose to catch up on their favourite TV shows, how they watch the latest music videos and keep up to date with the news and sport when on the move, and provide an understanding of how much customers are willing to pay for the service.The service is based on the new DVB-H (digital video broadcasting - handheld) transmission technology and works by beaming a signal to a digital TV receiver, which is attached to Nokia's 7710 smartphone, transforming it into a portable TV. DVB-H is ideally suited to sending high-quality, digital TV pictures from a single source to multiple users in a way that complements the one-to-one video streaming which is already possible via today's GPRS and 3G mobile data networks.Dave Williams, O2's chief technology officer, said: "Increasingly, new forms of content are making their way onto mobile devices - music, in particular, is already booming - and the latest buzz is about television. There will be many millions of mobile TV viewers worldwide by 2010.Hyacinth Nwana, Arqiva's managing director, mobile media solutions, commented: "We've pulled together an extremely strong and varied 16-channel line-up, reflecting the range of content that our original research identified as desirable for a mobile television service. In Europe all evidence points to mobile TV being mass market. Oxford will address the critical success factors such as scalability, consumer experience, content mix and consumer choice."Mark Selby, Nokia's Vice President, Sales, Multimedia, added: "The Oxford trial is an important step in the roll out of mobile broadcast TV, building on the recent successful trial in Helsinki, Finland. Consumer reaction and usage patterns will help the broadcast and mobile industries understand what content viewers want to see on this exciting new technology. The Oxford trial will add valuable new research and it will be followed by multiple trials in Europe, Asia and America. Nokia is pleased to be working with O2, Arqiva and the many content producers participating in this trial." \|\|\|\|\| Industries Brits Get Taste of Mobile TV British carrier O2 will deliver the BBC and other TV channels to cell phones for 400 U.K. viewers in a trial starting next week. Hundreds of Brits will be able to watch U.K. television channels including the BBC on their cell phones next week, in a trial launched by U.K. carrier O2 and tech company Arqiva, the companies said Thursday. O2 said the 400-person trial is a U.K. first and will include 16 channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, News 24, and ITV 1, among others. Even East Enders, the 20-year-old British soap that’s gained a cult-like following, can be watched wirelessly during the trial. While cell phone companies have been pushing mobile video over the past year, and claiming mobile TV is ready for broadcast, the transmission of real TV channels to cell phones has been slower in coming. There have been a lot of hurdles keeping mobile TV from going mainstream. Among them: Some networks aren’t equipped to handle the high-data stream; handset screens often distort mobile viewing; and content companies are unsure how to work with mobile (see I Don’t Want My Mobile TV, Yet). Mobile TV Future But starting next week, O2 customers will get a glimpse of what a mobile TV future could look like. The British research firm Informa Telecoms and Media predicts that 124 million viewers will own TV broadcast-enabled cell phones by 2010. O2 said customers will be able to select a program from an on-screen guide, search for live shows, or set up alerts for when a show is about to start. “By establishing relationships through activities such as this, we hope that potential challenges will be minimized and mobile TV becomes a commercial reality sooner than is currently possible,” said O2 Chief Technology Officer Dave Williams in a statement. The service is based on a transmission technology called DVB-H (digital video broadcasting–handheld). DVB-H uses a combination of Internet and broadcasting, according to Informa Telecoms and Research. In South Korea , cell phone companies already run television channels over cellular and are implementing an alternative digital broadcasting system called DMB, or digital mobile broadcast.	Nokia 7710 smartphone, pictured here. Mobile phone provider O2 (O2) in partnership with Nokia and Arqiva began a trial of a new service that allows customers to watch broadcast TV on their mobile phone. The trial began on Thursday in Oxford. Four hundred O2 customers have been selected to participate. According to O2 the trial represents a balanced selection of the population. Participants have been supplied with Nokia 7710 smartphones, that can receive 16 channels. The trial service currently carries BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC News 24, ITV 1, ITV 2, Channel 4 and 5, Eurosport, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery Channel, MTV, ShortsTV, Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Travel. TV shows are transmitted using a technology called Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H). It requires a special receiver to be connected to the mobile phone. Nokia has said they plan to build support for the DVB-H technology into future Nokia phones. Using DVB-H the phones will get about eight hours per charge, this is because the DVB-H uses the "time slicing" technology. Many other UK providers have offered mobile TV on cellphones, however this is the first to offer regular full length TV shows. Most other providers use the 3G video-streaming technology. "3G is perfect for two-minute video clips. But, if you're watching a 90-minute football game, we think DVB-H is the most suitable," said Dave Williams, O2's chief technical officer Customers can use an onscreen programme to select programmes they wish to watch and it will alert them when the show starts. In South Korea many mobile phone companies already offer television on mobile phones using a system called digital mobile broadcast. In the US a recent survey by InStat, found few Americans are interested in mobile TV. Canadian company Telus also recently began to offer mobile TV services. "By establishing relationships through activities such as this, we hope that potential challenges will be minimized and mobile TV becomes a commercial reality sooner than is currently possible," said Dave Williams, O2's chief technical officer
Quebec bars veil at election booth Sat, March 24, 2007 By CP Sat, March 24, 2007 QUEBEC -- Muslim women will have to remove their face coverings if they want to vote in Monday's Quebec election. Quebec's chief returning officer has reversed an earlier decision and is now telling Muslim women who wear a niqab to show their faces when they vote. Facing threats from other citizens that they would show up at polling stations wearing masks, Marcel Blanchet said in Quebec City that voting day must proceed without incident. Blanchet had to get two bodyguards as a result of his initial decision and Elections Quebec had received threatening phone calls and e-mails. Quebec's three main political leaders had asked Blanchet to reverse the decision. Blanchet says he's using special powers under electoral law to make the change. Action Democratique du Quebec Leader Mario Dumont says the law must be evenly applied to all citizens on voting day. Meanwhile, the Liberals and Action Democratique are desperately seeking unfaithful separatists. That's what both Premier Jean Charest and Dumont were doing yesterday -- singing a siren song for sovereigntists who might stray from the Parti Quebecois on Monday. "I see there are a lot of sovereigntists who don't want a referendum, who say, 'No, that's not what I want, I'm not there,' " Charest said in Thetford Mines, about 80 kilometres south of Quebec City. Charest said another referendum wouldn't advance Quebec. "They know that a referendum will divide us and that's not what Quebec needs right now when we've made very significant gains within the federation in the last four years." Charest, Dumont and PQ Leader Andre Boisclair are in a three-way race to govern Quebec with an outcome that's almost impossible to predict and where every vote is looming as important. Dumont asked those he's calling "realistic" sovereigntists to vote for the ADQ. The ADQ leader attacked Boisclair and said the PQ leader is "too weak" to lead Quebec. Dumont has attracted at least one public and vocal supporter of an independent Quebec, author Victor-Levy Beaulieu, who said he intends to vote ADQ because he doesn't like the urbane and urban direction the PQ has taken. Charest warned voters yesterday about supporting the ADQ, saying it's just a "waiting room" for sovereigntists. "It's true there are people who see the ADQ like a means to advance sovereignty," the premier said. News Headlines BREAKING NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS Quebec bars veil at election booth \|\|\|\|\| March 5: Venezuela announced it was nearly done moving thousands of troops and tanks to the Colombian border while nations around the world tried to defuse the crisis. NBC's Mark Potter reports. March 15: Three London Muslim women discuss why they choose to wear traditional Muslim attire and how the decision impacts their daily lives. MONTREAL - Muslim women will have to remove their face coverings if they want to vote in upcoming elections in Quebec, a government official said Friday, reversing his earlier decision to allow the veils. Marcel Blanchet, the French-speaking province’s election chief, had been criticized by Quebec’s three main political leaders for allowing voters to wear the niqab, which covers the entire face except for the eyes, if they signed a sworn statement and showed identification when they vote. But Blanchet reversed his earlier decision Friday, saying it was necessary to avoid disruptions when residents go to the polls. Story continues below ↓ advertisement advertisement “Relevant articles to electoral laws were modified to add the following: any person showing up at a polling station must be uncovered to exercise the right to vote,” he said. Blanchet had to get two bodyguards after the Quebec elections office received threatening phone calls and e-mails following his initial decision to allow niqabs. He said some residents had threatened to protest Monday’s vote by showing up at polling stations wearing masks. The reversal was condemned by Muslims groups who said it could turn their members away from the polls. “I am so saddened, I doubt many of these women will show up at the polls on Monday after all this mockery,” said Sarah Elgazzar of the Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations. Click for related content English schools win right to ban Muslim veils Many European countries are also grappling with the issue of Muslim veils. In Britain, former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw caused a stir last year when he said he wanted Muslim women to abandon the full-face veil, while a Muslim teaching assistant in northern England was suspended from her job for refusing to remove one. France passed a law in 2004 banning Islamic head scarves in schools, and the Netherlands has announced plans for one banning full-length veils in public places. Germany also has a law banning teachers in public schools from wearing head scarves. Last week in Quebec, a young Muslim woman was forced to quit her job at a prison after she refused to remove her headscarf. The public security department supported the decision, citing security concerns, but Muslim groups pointed out that the Canadian Armed Forces allow women to wear headscarves on active duty. Last month, an 11-year-old Muslim girl from Ontario participating in a soccer tournament in Quebec was pulled from the field after she refused the referee’s request to remove her headscarf. © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. \|\|\|\|\| JFK: A Vision for America Hardcover – Illustrated by Stephen Kennedy Smith, Douglas Brinkley Published in commemoration of the centennial of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, here is the definitive compendium of JFK’s most important and brilliant speeches, accompanied by commentary and reflections by leading American and international figures. Edited by JFK’s nephew Stephen Kennedy Smith and renowned historian Douglas Brinkley. Combined with over seven hundred documentary photos, it tells the story, in words and pictures, of JFK’s life and presidency, and depicts his compelling vision for America. JFK: A Vision for America Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Hardcover by Rhonda Vetere It's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that determines how fast you reach your goals. Rhonda Vetere, seasoned C-Suite technology veteran, knows firsthand that there's no such thing as a perfect, struggle-free life. In her work as a Global Technology Executive, she's faced down some of the biggest financial crises of modern times, and she knows it's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that matters. Grit & Grind uses real-life stories of how Vetere and her team navigate the volatile tech industry and illustrates a simple 10-part practice for building bone-deep confidence in your own abilities no matter what the challenge is. Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery Paperback by Joshua Medcalf Pound The Stone is the intense and inspiring story of a young man’s journey through the obstacles, defeats, and eventual victories that come while developing grit on the path to mastery. Told in the same engaging fable style as Chop Wood Carry Water, this is a deeper dive into the timeless principles that guide and inspire anyone who seeks greatness in life, and covers everything from true success, to the perfection trap, the value of failure, why courage is contagious, and why vulnerability can save your life. Pound The Stone will move and inspire you. Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery	Muslims in the province of Quebec have been told to remove their veils on next Monday's Quebec general election. A niqab. Marcel Blanchet, Quebec's chief returning officer, says he is using special grants to make this law. He also hired two bodyguards after the office had received threatening phone calls and e-mails. Some residents were also promising to wear the niqāb, a veil which covers the whole face except for the eyes, on Monday's vote. But before he made this decision, Blanchet allowed voters to wear the niqāb on voting day only if they showed their ID and voting card. Blanchet, however, was criticized by all three main Quebec party leaders for that decision. "Relevant articles to electoral laws were modified to add the following: any person showing up at a polling station must be uncovered to exercise the right to vote," he said. Sarah Elgazzar, of the Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations, said, in her opinion, that this will discourage Muslim voters to show up on election day. An eleven-year-old Ontario girl, who played at a soccer tournament in Quebec in February, was removed from the tournament after she refused to take off her headscarf at the request of the referee. A Muslim woman, who worked at a prison in Quebec, last week, was fired from her job after she also refused to take off her veil.
Select Price Range 2L to 98L 2L to 4L 4L to 6L 6L to 8L 8L to 10L 10L to 12L 12L to 14L 14L to 16L 16L to 18L 18L to 20L 20L to 22L 22L to 24L 24L to 26L 26L to 28L 28L to 30L 30L to 32L 32L to 34L 34L to 36L 36L to 38L 38L to 40L 40L to 42L 42L to 44L 44L to 46L 46L to 48L 48L to 50L 50L to 52L 52L to 54L 54L to 56L 56L to 58L 58L to 60L 60L to 62L 62L to 64L 64L to 66L 66L to 68L 68L to 70L 70L to 72L 72L to 74L 74L to 76L 76L to 78L 78L to 80L 80L to 82L 82L to 84L 84L to 86L 86L to 88L 88L to 90L 90L to 92L 92L to 94L 94L to 96L 96L to 98L Select Brand Audi BMW Datsun Fiat Force Motors Ford Honda Hyundai Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Land Rover Lexus Mahindra Maruti Suzuki Mercedes-Benz MG Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Renault Skoda Tata Toyota Volkswagen Volvo Select Model \|\|\|\|\| Aug 15, 2011 12:21 IST Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz says she would like to work in Bollywood but finds it too tough for herself. While the 36-year-old star does know some typical Bollywood moves, she said that she would not be able to work in India's tinsel town, reported MTV online. ...read more \|\|\|\|\| News: Advts: National Adobe executive's child abducted Devesh K. Pandey Two motorcycle-borne men abduct three-year-old Anant Gupta while on way to school Photo: PTI ANXIOUS WAIT: People gather in front of the residence of Adobe executive Naresh Gupta in Noida on Monday. NOIDA: Two unidentified motorcycle borne men abducted the three-year-old son of Adobe senior vice-president Naresh Gupta from near his posh Sector 15-A residence in broad daylight here on Monday. The sector, which is barely a few hundred metres from the Delhi border, is home to a number of Supreme Court and Delhi High Court judges, senior lawyers, top executives and businessmen. The incident took place around 8.30 a.m. Anant Gupta, a pre-nursery student of Lotus Valley School was waiting for his school bus with his maid Asha, when two men on a motorcycle approached them. While the driver was wearing a helmet, the pillion rider had his face masked. The motorcycle stopped by the boy, who was picked up by the pillion rider, and sped off. Private security guards deployed in the area and passers-by rushed to the spot on hearing Asha's screams, but by then the culprits had fled. The Noida police were subsequently informed. However, the police were unable to locate the motorcycle quickly as its number plate was twisted and no one was able to note down the registration number. A photograph of Anant Gupta. A number of raiding teams have been formed by Noida police to conduct search operations. The Special Cell of Delhi police has also joined in the investigations. The incident is being probed at the highest level as it has sent a shock wave through the entire corporate sector in the region. At the time of the incident, Mr. Gupta was in the United States. His wife Nidhi was home. The police claimed they were looking for concrete clues, and were tight-lipped on whether a ransom call was received. The boy's family has denied personal enmity as the reason behind the crime. From the manner of its execution, the police suspect that professional criminals may have been behind the abduction. "They must have conducted a reconnaissance of the area and kept an eye on the daily routine of the child before committing the crime," said a senior Noida police officer adding that at this juncture all possible angles were being investigated. Printer friendly page Send this article to Friends by E-Mail National	The Sector 15A locality in Noida, India, which is considered an elite enclave of rich industrialists, bureaucrats and professionals was in for a shock when Anant Gupta, son of Adobe India CEO Naresh Gupta was abducted in broad daylight by two unidentified men on Monday. The Noida police was subsequently notified but they were unable to locate the motor-cycle used by the kidnappers as no one was able to take down the registration number of the vehicle. A number of raiding teams have been formed by the police to track down the offenders. Naresh Gupta, who was in the United States at the time of the incident has implored the media to stop covering this issue so as to avoid sensationalising and prevent any harm to his son. The kidnapping sent shockwaves throughout the cities of Noida and New Delhi. Some say this is an indicator of the rising crime rate in a city like Noida which was previously considered relatively safe and peaceful.
South Asia slashes polio cases by nearly half Authorities committed to 2005 target to end paralysing disease Polio vaccine 4 February 2005 \| Geneva - The three countries on the Asian continent that still have polio are on target to end the disease this year, their health authorities said today. Last year, polio cases in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan were slashed by 45%. Similar momentum this year should put an end to the transmission of polio in this particularly crowded corner of the world, which has proven a challenge to global eradication efforts. Meeting at the World Health Organization’s headquarters in Geneva, the health ministers and senior officials hammered out a plan for 2005 that involves massive and repeated polio immunization campaigns in the few remaining affected districts of these countries. The emphasis will be on reaching children in communities traditionally under-served by health services. Similar action last year paid off in the shrinking geographic footprint of the poliovirus and in falling numbers of affected children. Total cases in the region have fallen from 336 in 2003 to 186 in 2004 (reported as of 1 February 2005), while surveillance of the disease in the key districts is twice as sensitive. Vast areas of each country reported no polio last year. Afghanistan's president Hamid Karzai, India's Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi and Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf all lent their personal support to the 2004 immunization campaigns, during which 210 million children were given 1.5 billion doses of vaccine. "The poliovirus is currently cornered in only six of the 51 states and provinces within the three countries," said Bill Sergeant, Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee of Rotary International, the humanitarian service organization that championed the charge to eradicate polio and has contributed volunteer power and more than US$ 500 million. "This is the year to rid Asia of polio." Administrative officials from beyond the health services are being pressed into duty: in key areas, teachers, district administrators, railway workers, and other government employees are mobilizing for vaccination campaigns. Officials also acknowledged the complementary need to ramp up routine immunization of children to prevent the virus coming back. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have increased the power of their surveillance and detection systems for polio virus this past year, providing even great assurance that polio was at its lowest levels ever during 2004 with 132 children paralysed in India, 50 in Pakistan and four in Afghanistan. Up to 21 additional immunization campaigns across the region in 2005 will involve millions of volunteers fanning out home-to-home from remote villages to the vast metropolitan slums to reach all children under five years of age. Note for Editors: Polio is spread by faecal-oral contact and can be prevented by an oral vaccine. The meeting in Geneva today was the one-year follow-up to the Geneva Declaration on the Eradication of Poliomyelitis, a 2004 pledge by polio-endemic countries to intensify their activities towards eradication. The 16-year Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership spearheaded by the World Health Organization, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF, has reduced the incidence of polio across the world from an estimated 350 000 cases in 1988 to just over 1 200 cases in 2004, a drop of 99%. Health authorities from polio-affected countries in Africa met in Geneva last month to finalize their region-specific plans. The polio eradication coalition includes governments of countries affected by polio; private sector foundations (e.g. United Nations Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation); development banks (e.g. the World Bank); donor governments (e.g. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America); the European Commission; humanitarian and nongovernmental organizations (e.g. the International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies) and corporate partners (e.g. Sanofi Pasteur, De Beers, Wyeth). Volunteers in developing countries also play a key role; 20 million have participated in mass immunization campaigns. \|\|\|\|\| Channel: Top News World Business Editor's Choice Science & Technology Health World Crises Sports Entertainment Oddly Enough Motoring Video Pictures Home Investing YOU ARE HERE: Home > News > Health > Article	'''February 23, 2005''' The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has announced its goal to eradicate Polio from Asia in 2005. The 16 year old private-public project aims to add Poliomyelitis to the list of childhood diseases which have been eliminated. The World Health Organization, Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF are leading the Initiative and coordinating a series of overlapping immunization campaigns in the region. In 2004 Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan cut their number of Polio cases by 45%. In 2005 the goal is to cut the number of cases by 100%. The three countries are the last in Asia to have endemic polio, and the disease is confined to a small number of regions within the country. Only 186 cases were reported in 2004, down from 336 the previous year.
US President George W. Bush returned to the Group of Eight summit today after missing several hours of the meetings because of illness, a White House spokesman said. “The President had a good rest this morning,” Tony Fratto, a White House spokesman, said. "He's feeling better, not 100 per cent, but he feels good enough to rejoin the meeting. “He just left his suite a short while ago, so we are back on schedule.” Mr Bush was to carry out a short visit to Poland after the summit finishes this afternoon and then spend the night in Italy. \|\|\|\|\| Bush Falls Ill at G-8 Summit Friday June 8, 2007 9:46 AM AP Photo HLD120, HLD119, HLD118, FXC120, DEGH103 By JENNIFER LOVEN Associated Press Writer HEILIGENDAMM, Germany (AP) - Stricken with a stomach ailment that confined him to his hotel room, President Bush still met Friday with France's new president and prepared for talks in Poland on a new missile defense system. The president was already dressed when he began feeling ill in the morning, White House counselor Dan Bartlett said. He said doctors are keeping an eye on him but that Bush's illness - whether a stomach virus, a light touch of food poisoning or something else - is ``not serious.'' He stayed in bed to try to rest and recuperate, missing the morning session of the summit being held here of eight industrialized democracies. But Bush taped his weekly radio address, and - for now - was not expected to alter his travel plans for later in the day, Bartlett said. After attending the summit's final day, Bush was scheduled to fly to Poland to meet with Polish President Lech Kaczynski and then on to Rome where he was to stay the night. His sit-down with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the sidelines of the larger summit meetings went ahead as planned, only in Bush's private chambers instead of a meeting room, Bartlett said. The summit session Bush missed was a meeting with African leaders. Stepped-up Africa aid was one of Bush's priorities coming into Germany. Just before that meeting, members of the Group of Eight agreed on a program worth more than $60 billion to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and fight malaria and tuberculosis in Africa. Critics have said all the G-8 nations are lagging on the promises they made two years ago, at the British-hosted summit, to double assistance to the troubled continent by 2010. It was unclear if, or when, Bush would rejoin the summit. The last session of the gathering is a discussion with leaders from China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, all developing nations not G-8 members. Bartlett joked that Bush's decision to steer clear of the other leaders for a while was a ``precautionary step'' to avoid following in the footsteps of his father, former President George H. W. Bush. The elder Bush fell ill and collapsed in the international spotlight in January 1992 during a summit in Tokyo. A videotape of Bush's collapse at a state dinner showed him toppling unconscious from his chair and vomiting as Barbara Bush rushed to aid him. The first sign that something was amiss came when Sarkozy appeared alone before reporters after their meeting. Speaking in French, he said only that Bush was in his bedroom and that Bush's spokesmen would have to explain further. Bartlett said the two leaders discussed a myriad of issues, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, trade and missile defense. It was their first meeting since Sarkozy took office less than a month ago and only their second overall; the first was September in Washington. Sarkozy said Bush had invited him to come to the United States. ``The president felt that they established a real personal rapport,'' Bartlett said. The new French president, seen as friendly to the United States, will likely be a welcome change from the merciless tormenting Bush received from Sarkozy's predecessor, Jacques Chirac. To be sure, Sarkozy does not fall in lockstep with U.S. policies. For instance, he, like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the summit host, had pushed for hard greenhouse gas emission reduction targets out of the week's gathering. French officials said Sarkozy told Bush during a working session Thursday that ``quantitative targets'' on emissions were not negotiable. ``We cannot wait anymore,'' Sarkozy said. Turns out they will. The agreement on climate change produced by the leaders promises only to consider a goal of a 50 percent cut by 2050 as one option for tackling global warming. Instead of adopting that approach, proposed by Merkel, the leaders came around to Bush's insistence that a to-be-determined, and not necessarily binding goal be set later, by a wider group that includes emerging economies. Still, Sarkozy earned the label ``Sarko the American'' from some in France during his campaign. He is one of a couple of new leaders that make Europe a more comfortable place for Bush to be these days - even with the impending departure of Tony Blair, the British prime minister who has been Bush's most steadfast foreign ally. Germany is another place Bush can now look for friendlier ties. Merkel has made it her goal to strengthen relations with the United States. Merkel succeeded Gerhard Schroeder, who had partnered with Chirac in an alliance of unrelenting opposition against the U.S. on the Iraq war. In Poland, Bush is seeing Kaczynski at that country's equivalent to the American presidential retreat at Camp David. The three-hour stop in Poland serves as a bookend to Bush's trip-opening visit to the Czech Republic. Bush has chosen the two nations as the sites for a new missile defense system. That system has been a source of much heated dispute with Russia. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Bush with a surprise counterproposal built around an old Soviet-era radar system in Azerbaijan rather than the new defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic. Bush said he would consider it. Bartlett said Sarkozy was interested in hearing about Putin's substitute proposal, but that the discussion didn't go beyond that. He said Bush's talks with Kaczynski would be ``an important consultation. ``Don't expect to have definitive answers to a very complicated set of issues,'' he said. ``This is going to be a continuing dialogue with all interested parties.'' Azerbaijan's foreign minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, said Friday the former Soviet republic along the Caspian Sea is ready to consider proposed joint U.S.-Russian use of its radar facility.	US President George W. Bush at the G8 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. United States President George W. Bush has fallen ill and has missed the morning session of the G8 Summit, but has returned to the day's events. "The President had a good rest this morning. He's feeling better, not 100 percent, but he feels good enough to rejoin the meeting. He just left his suite a short while ago, so we are back on schedule," said a spokesman for the White House, Tony Fratto. Earlier Dan Bartlett, the White House counselor stated that Bush was dressed and ready for the meeting when he began to feel sick and that his condition is likely a "stomach virus, a light touch of food poisoning or something else" and called the situation "not serious." "Not sure if it's a stomach virus yet or something like that, but (he's) just not feeling well in the stomach, and guess he didn't want to follow in the footsteps of his father in Asia," added Bartlett. Despite being ill, Bush still taped his weekly radio address to the people of the U.S., and managed to meet with Nicolas Sarkozy, the newly elected president of France, but only on a private level and in Bush's hotel room. "I have just come out of a meeting with president Bush who is slightly unwell. He will join the working session when he can," said Sarkozy to reporters as he was leaving the meeting with Bush. The illness did not change the travel plans Bush has for the day, but doctors "are still keeping an eye on him," added Bartlett, who also said that "he Bush feels terrible about any disruption he may have caused." George H. W. Bush, a former President of the U.S. and the father of the current President, threw up and collapsed during a dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa at the Prime Minister's residence in 1992.
Government says coup attempt foiled as explosions continue to be heard in central Istanbul and Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared early on Saturday among a crowd of supporters at Istanbul's main airport, footage broadcast on local media showed, hours after an attempt by an army faction to topple the government. Erdogan's arrival in Istanbul came after Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told broadcaster NTV on Saturday that the situation in Turkey was "largely under control". In comments broadcast by Turkish media, Erdogan said those involved in the coup would receive the necessary response, no mater what institution they were from. Earlier, thousands of people had heeded a call from the president to take to the streets and protest against the attempted coup. 'Foiled coup' Late on Friday, sections of the army had officially declared a coup and martial law, saying they had "taken control of the country" as Istanbul's main airport was closed and fighter jets were seen in the skies. Turkey's intelligence agency MIT was targeted by hijacked helicopters but the coup attempt was "foiled", its spokesman told NTV television. Yildirim also told NTV that a no-fly zone had been declared over the capital, Ankara. The broadcaster also reported that nearly 50 soldiers had been arrested. However, even as the announcement by Yildirim came, at least two loud explosions were heard in central Istanbul, apparently emanating from neighbourhoods close to Taksim Square. There were also reports of an explosion at the parliament building in the capital, Ankara. Source: Al Jazeera and agencies \|\|\|\|\| Turkish Prime Minister said that 2,839 soldiers and officers implicated in an overnight coup attempt have been arrested. At least 265 people have been killed, including 104 pro-coup participants, while 1,440 people were injured in military action in Istanbul and Ankara. According to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, those arrested included ordinary soldiers and high-ranking officers. He added that about 20 of those who planned the overnight coup were killed and 30 more were wounded. Acting chief of staff of the armed forces Umit Dundar said during a press conference that more than 190 people have been killed since the attempted coup was launched. “1,563 soldiers were arrested, and 104 military who took part in the coup were killed in clashes. Ninety others were also killed, including 41 [pro-government] police officers, 2 [pro-government] soldiers and 47 civilians,” he said. Pro-government forces have seized control of the top military HQ building, but there are still some groups of rebels resisting, a Turkish official said on Saturday, as cited by Reuters. READ MORE: Military coup in Turkey LIVE UPDATES General Hulusi Akar, who heads Turkey’s armed forces, has been rescued from rebel captivity. He was the most senior military official in their hands. The rebels reportedly have several helicopter gunships in their disposal, but loyalists have threatened to shoot them down as they downed at least one aircraft carrying out attacks on government buildings. Read more A faction of the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government on Friday night, employing tanks and attack helicopters. The conspiracy appears to have failed, however, as they didn’t manage to capture any senior government officials and couldn’t win wide support from the Turkish military. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on his civilian supporters to take to the streets of Istanbul, which they did. Rebel soldiers, who called on the population to stay indoors, apparently didn’t have the resolve to launch a full-scale war against civilians in Turkey’s biggest city. The coup attempt began on Friday night when warplanes and helicopters buzzed over Ankara and rebel troops moved in to seal off the bridges over the Bosphorus Strait. Tanks attacked several government buildings, including the Turkish parliament, as lawmakers hid in shelters inside the building. Several airports were shut down and access to social media was blocked in the first hours of turmoil. The TRT state television and the Turkish branch of CNN were seized and ceased broadcasting. BREAKING: Jet drops bomb near Turkish presidential palace in Ankara. pic.twitter.com/qT6nQIJiyB — Turkey Untold (@TurkeyUntold) July 16, 2016 The tide turned early on Saturday as rebels lost momentum and failed to win support. Read more Government officials accused Fethullah Gulen, an influential cleric in self-imposed exile in the United States, of instigating the plot. Gulen used to be an ally of Erdogan, but turned into his fierce opponent. In 2013, Turkey was shaken by a corruption scandal involving senior government figures. Erdogan claimed it had been set up by Gulen and launched a crackdown on his supporters in the police and judiciary. Even though Erdogan appears to have kept his hold on power, the coup attempt is a clear signal that some of his policies are badly failing, Sreeram Chaullia from the Jindal School of International Affairs told RT. Under his watch, Turkey has picked a fight with Kurdish insurgents, contributed to the chaos in Syria and Iraq, antagonized Iran and Russia, and to some extent made Turkey a liability to NATO, he explained. “I have a feeling that this coup is linked to the security crisis. A series of terrorist attacks signal the inability of the Turkish government to stop these attacks. It has angered some sections of the security establishment that believe that they can do a better job because Erdogan is just playing politics with everything,” he said. Modern Turkey has undergone three successful military coups over its century-long history, the latest in 1980. The Turkish military has traditionally been the guarantor of the country’s secularity, while Erdogan’s platform is Islamist in nature. Critics accuse the Turkish president of trying to turn the country into an Islamic state with him as its dictatorial head. Erdogan, who has been in power since 2002, has faced being toppled by the military before, but the alleged plot dubbed Operation Sledgehammer was prevented in 2010 by a series of arrests. Some 300 alleged conspirators were sent to prison at that time. Turkey is a member of NATO and a key US ally in the region, providing its airbase for the ongoing military campaign in neighboring Syria. It also hosts American nuclear weapons, with an estimated 50 to 90 B61 bombs stored at the Incirlik base. \|\|\|\|\| Members of the Turkish military said a coup was under way in the country, despite its elected president claiming that the attempt had failed and his government remained in power. In a statement released through Turkish television channels on Friday night, people claiming to speak for the Turkish military said the army was now in charge of the country, and promised to uphold human rights. In response, a spokesman for the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the coup had been attempted by only a faction of the army, and that he was still in command of the country. “Turkey’s democratically elected president and government are in power. We will not tolerate attempts to undermine our democracy.” He added: “A group within the armed forces has made an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government outside the chain of command. The statement made on behalf of the armed forces wasn’t authorised by the military command. We urge the world to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people.” Gunshots were heard in the capital Ankara as military planes flew low overhead. Army vehicles fanned through Istanbul, Turkey’s second city, with tanks seen outside the country’s main airport, and military trucks were filmed blocking the bridges connecting the city’s Asian and European sides. A soldier was filmed telling passersby: “It’s a coup, go home.” Turkey’s prime minister, Binali Yildirim, echoed his presidency’s words, saying: “Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command. The government elected by the people remains in charge. This government will only go when the people say so.” Turkey has a long history of coups, the most recent occurring in 1997, and one of the most brutal in 1980. President Erdogan’s Islamist-leaning government was believed to be in a stronger position than most civilian administrations, shoring up his position during a decade of economic success. But recent events in Turkey and across Middle East have destabilised the country, with Kurdish rebels fighting a new insurgency in the south-east of the country. The Syrian civil war has also spilled over into Turkey, most notably with Islamic State mounting a series of terror attacks across the country in the past year, killing hundreds.	In an unsuccessful attempt apparently by elements of the Turkish in Istanbul and Ankara, 265 people were killed and 1440 were injured, Turkish Prime Minister reported on Saturday. Following the incident, 2,839 soldiers and officers were detained and, according to another military official, 104 coup plotters were killed. General , held by the rebels, was later freed. File photo of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 2016. On Friday, the rebels declared martial law claiming to have "taken control of the country" and said Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government was responsible for damaging Turkey's secular tradition. They shut down Istanbul Atatürk Airport and blocked the two bridges over the , with gunfire and, by some reports, jets dropping bombs in Istanbul and Ankara. Social-networking websites were blocked in the country and news channel CNN stopped broadcasting. Tank fire and explosions were reported at the parliament. Prime Minister Yıldırım declared a no-fly zone over Ankara. Erdoğan was in during the coup attempt. Erdoğan after reaching Instanbul on Saturday, said, as he announced he would remain president. General Zekai Aksakalli told , "Those who are attempting a coup will not succeed. Our people should know that we will overcome this". Erdoğan supporters were seen carrying the Turkish flag on the streets of Istanbul. During Erdoğan's address to citizens, coup supporters were seen surrendering, abandoning military tanks, given citizen opposition to the coup. Eight people fled the country seeking asylum in the Greek city of , according to Greek officials. Officials claimed , who is currently in the United States on an exile, was responsible for the coup; reported Gülen condemned the attempt.
Britain, Europe poised to toughen anti-nuclear sanctions on Iran The European Union said Monday it was ready to issue stronger financial sanctions against Iran to discourage Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Word of the agreement came after British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced at a London news conference with U.S. President George W. Bush that Britain is freezing the assets of Iran's largest bank, Bank Melli. Brown said Britain was urging — and that Europe "will agree"— to impose further sanctions because of Iran's refusal to halt the enrichment of uranium to the point that could be used for nuclear weaponry. The EU has not yet announced stronger sanctions but Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana, said European foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday were prepared to take formal action and agreed on the need for stronger sanctions. "It is clear they are ready to move further. We will definitely take a formal decision," she said. Gallach would not speculate on the timing of a final decision. Announcement expected soon After the news conference with Brown, Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, told reporters that an announcement was expected Monday from the Luxembourg meeting. Hadley and Brown's spokesman, Michael Ellam, both indicated that European nations had agreed in principle to target Iran's Bank Melli. The United States last year accused the bank of providing services to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Iran denies it is trying to produce nuclear weapons with enriched uranium, saying its atomic program is aimed at generating electricity. The UN Security Council has imposed three sets of limited sanctions against Iran for refusing to halt uranium enrichment. Hadley said a new round of European sanctions would be a significant hardening of resolve against Tehran. He said European foreign ministers are examining plans for sanctions on Iran's oil and gas sectors. With files from the Associated Press \|\|\|\|\| Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Gordon Brown and President George Bush have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face tough sanctions and international isolation. The UK prime minister said he wanted to maintain a dialogue with Tehran, but if Iran ignores UN resolutions then sanctions would be intensified. Europe would freeze overseas assets of Iran's biggest bank and impose new oil and gas sanctions, he said. But the EU foreign policy chief said no new sanctions had so far been agreed. Javier Solana was speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. Iran's nuclear ambitions Mr Brown and Mr Bush were speaking at a press conference after talks in London. The trip is part of Mr Bush's European tour - although he dismissed reports that it would be his last before leaving office as "speculation". In their talks on Monday the two leaders discussed issues including Iraq and Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe and oil and food prices. Iran has been accused of not co-operating with the UN over its nuclear programme, amid fears it is enriching uranium to use in weapons. The prime minister said the Iranians did not have to choose a "path of confrontation" and Britain would do "everything possible" to maintain dialogue with Tehran. They face serious isolation and the people who are suffering are the Iranian people President Bush UK to boost Afghan troops Sketch: The Bush and Brown show But he said if it ignored UN resolutions, they would intensify sanctions and face "further isolation". President Bush said Tehran's demand for nuclear power for civilian purposes was "justifiable" - but could be met by Russia's offer to supply them with fuel. In a message to Tehran, he said: "You bet you have a sovereign right, absolutely, but you don't have the trust of those of us who have watched you carefully when it comes to enriching uranium." Mr Brown said Britain would urge Europe to impose "further sanctions" on Iran and Europe would take action to freeze the overseas assets of the country's biggest bank and impose new sanctions on oil and gas. Troop numbers President Bush thanked Mr Brown for his "strong statement" and added: "The Iranians must understand that when we come together and speak with one voice we are serious." Let me thank President Bush for being a true friend of Britain Gordon Brown Bush and Brown in Belfast In Pictures: Bush visit He said pressure was necessary to "solve this problem diplomatically" - but added: "Iranians must understand, however, that all options are on the table." Mr Brown, who became prime minister a year ago, and President Bush, who leaves office in six months' time, also discussed Afghanistan, with Mr Brown announcing there would be an increase in British troop numbers. Mr Brown described the US president as a "true friend of Britain" while President Bush praised Mr Brown for being "tough on terror" and said it was in "all our interests" to help people in Afghanistan and Iraq. HAVE YOUR SAY Unless he comes on bended knees begging for forgiveness, I don't think it will achieve very much - just wasting more of the US taxpayers' money. Jon, Switzerland And he dismissed reports of a split between the UK and US on troop numbers in Iraq as "typical". "He's left more troops in Iraq than initially anticipated and like me, we will be making our decisions based on conditions on the ground... without an artificial timetable." President Bush said history would judge whether the military tactics could have been different in Iraq, but he stood by the decision to remove Saddam Hussein as the right one for "our security", for peace and for 25 million Iraqis. He said it was important to support democracy "at the heart of the Middle East". "It's a democracy that's not going to look like America, it's not going to look like Great Britain, but it's a democracy that will give government responsive to the people." He said it had "absolutely" been worth it and democracy in Iraq would make it easier to deal with "the Iranian issue" and would send a message to reformers and dissidents. He dismissed the idea that "perhaps freedom is not universal - maybe it's only western people who can self govern" as "the ultimate form of political elitism". After the press conference in Downing Street, Mr Bush and Mr Brown travelled to Stormont, Belfast, for talks with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and his deputy, Martin McGuinness. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| Iran removes $75bn from Europe as Brown warns assets will be frozen if they fail to stop nuclear development By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 2:01 PM on 16th June 2008 Pre-emption: President Ahmadinejad is said to have ordered the withdrawal of $75bn in assets from Europe ahead of possible new sanctions Iran has withdrawn around $75billion from Europe to stop its assets being frozen under new sanctions aimed at its nuclear programme. As Gordon Brown promised harsher sanctions against the regime, there were claims it was already moving money from Europe to Asia or converting it into gold. Shahrvand-e Emrouz, an Iranian weekly, magazine, said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had personal ordered that the money be moved out of Europe. The magazine claimed: 'About $75 billion of Iran's foreign assets which were under threat of being blocked were wired back to Iran based on Ahmadinejad's order.' It quoted Mohsen Talaie, deputy foreign minister in charge of economic affairs, as saying: 'Part of Iran's assets in European banks have been converted to gold and shares and another part has been transferred to Asian banks.' Iran's Eternad-e Melli newspaper has already reported that the country was withdrawing assets from European banks but did not give any figures. The Prime Minister warned today that Britain would be pressing for stronger action against Tehran if it failed to curtail its nuclear ambitions. At a joint press conference with President George W. Bush in Westminster, he warned Iran they must not 'choose a path of confrontation with the West'. While insisting Britain would do everything to keep up a dialogue, he announced a new phase of sanctions to hit their assets in Europe and gas and oil reserves. The Premier said: 'I will repeat that we will take any necessary action so that Iran is aware of the choice it has to make to start to play its part as a full and respected member of the international community - or face further isolation.' Tough talk: Gordon Brown and George W. Bush both delivered harsh warnings to Iran today at their joint press conference in Westminster Referring to talks held at the weekend with Iran and the international community, he said: 'Once again, we put our enhanced offer on the table - including political and economic partnership and help with nuclear technology for civilian use. 'We await the Iranian response and will do everything possible to maintain the dialogue. 'But we are also clear that if Iran continues to ignore (United Nations) resolutions, to ignore our offers of partnership, we have no choice but to intensify sanctions. 'And so today Britain will urge Europe, and Europe will agree, to take further sanctions against Iran. 'First of all, we will take action today that will freeze the overseas assets of the biggest bank in Iran, the Bank Melli. 'Second, action will start today for a new phase of sanctions on oil and gas.' President George Bush said he wanted to send a 'focused message' to Iran and, when asked about military action, stressed that 'all options are on the table'. He accepted Tehran had a 'sovereign right' to have a civilian nuclear programme but they did not have the 'trust' of the West when it came to its desire to enrich uranium. He said Tehran had to understand that when the international community spoke 'with one voice', it was serious. While admitting the Iranian demand for a nuclear power programme was 'justifiable', he told reporters: 'When the Iranians say we have a sovereign right to have one the answer is 'You bet you have a sovereign right, absolutely'. 'But you don't have the trust of those of us who have watched you carefully when it comes to enriching uranium because you have declared that you want to destroy democracies in the neighbourhood, for example. 'Therefore, and this is a Russian proposal by the way, we will provide fuel for you and we will collect the fuel after you have used it so you can have your civilian nuclear power.' Fears: An aerial view of the Natanz Nuclear facility. Iran halted its nuclear weapons development program in 2003 but is still enriching uranium The President added: 'What these nations need to see is we are serious about solving these problems and the United States spends a lot of time working with our partners to get them solved.' On Saturday, Iran again ruled out suspending uranium enrichment despite the offer by six world powers of help in developing a civilian nuclear programme if it stopped activities the U.S. and others suspect are designed to make bombs. The offer - agreed last month by the United States, Britain, Russia, China, Germany and France - is a revised version of one rejected by Tehran two years ago. Iran's refusal to suspend nuclear enrichment, which can provide fuel for power plants or material for weapons if refined much more, has drawn three rounds of U.N. sanctions since 2006. EU diplomats have said the bloc is preparing an asset and funds freeze on Iran's biggest bank, state-owned Bank Melli, but that it first wants to see how Tehran responds to the new offer. Iran is also currently making windfall gains from record global oil prices and said in April its foreign exchange reserves stood at more than $80 billion. Western countries suspect Iran is seeking the ability to make nuclear weapons but Tehran insists its secretive programme is purely aimed at generating energy.	U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have promised new sanctions on Iran if the Gulf country continues to enrich weapons-grade uranium. At a joint press conference in London today, Brown announced that "today we will urge Europe - and Europe will agree - to take further sanctions against Iran." Britain is pressuring the European Union to freeze the overseas assets of Iran's Bank Melli, which the United States accuses of supporting Iran's missile programs. European Union spokesperson Cristina Gallach says that Europe is prepared to take action. Iran denies its enrichment program is aimed at the creation of nuclear weapons, insisting that they will use the technology to generate electricity. In response, Brown announced that during weekend negotiations, "we put our enhanced offer on the table - including political and economic partnership and help with nuclear technology for civilian use. We await the Iranian response and will do everything possible to maintain the dialogue." In response to the announcement, Iran has withdrawn approximately $75 billion of its European foreign assets. "Part of Iran's assets in European banks have been converted to gold and shares" said Iranian deputy foreign minister Mohsen Talaie, "and another part has been transferred to Asian banks." The Iranian government gauges its foreign exchange reserves at $80 billion.
Anti-government rallies have been held in Bangkok for months A grenade blast has wounded eight anti-government protesters camped outside the Thai prime minister's office in Bangkok, emergency services say. Demonstrators from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) group have occupied the area since August. The attack comes two days after another grenade attack on the protesters killed one person and injured more than 20. The PAD wants the government to resign, saying it is too close to ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The grenade exploded just after 0200 on Saturday (1900 GMT on Friday), and hit a checkpoint staffed by volunteer guards from the PAD, police said. The protesters have been targeted by small bomb attacks in recent weeks. Street violence The PAD is an alliance of conservative and royalist activists. They accuse Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his recently ousted predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, of being proxies for Mr Thaksin. The former prime minister, who is Mr Somchai's brother-in-law, was forced from office in a military coup in 2006 and remains in exile. The PAD wants to replace Thailand's one-man, one-vote system with one in which some representatives are chosen by professions and social groups. The protests have seen some of the worst street violence since pro-democracy activists challenged Thailand's army in 1992. \|\|\|\|\| 8 injured in bomb attack outside Government House Eight protesters were injured, one brain-dead, after two assailants launched a grenade at them at the Misakawan Intersection outside the Government House early Saturday. The attack was made at 2:10 am against a group of some 20 protesters who were standing and talking outside a gate of the Government House. Anupong Samerphak, a PAD guard, 22, was hit by bomb shrapnel at his body and neck. Ramathibodi Hospital doctors put him on respiratory system. Earlier, there were confusing reports that he succumbed to brain injuries. But Doctor Than Suphatphan, the director of the hospital said at 1:20 pm that Anupong was still living on the respiratory system. He said doctors would not pull the plug but would let him to live as long as possible. He was initially declared brain-dead by the hospital but later pronounced dead. Eyewitnesses said two teenagers parked their motorcycle near the back gate of the Metropolitan Police head office and used a grenade launcher to launch a grenade at the protesters. The two fled the scene on Phitsanulok Road. The injured protesters were standing near the Fifth Gate of the Government House Complex opposite from the Education Ministry. The explosion caused a small hole in the ground and damaged two pick-up trucks, a sedan car and a motorcycle near the scene. Maj Gen Anan Srihiran, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1, rushed to the scene with bomb disposal officers to carry out an investigation. Pongchai Saetang, 42, a taxi driver, told police that he was waiting at the intersection for passengers when he saw a red light in the air, which was followed by a loud noise shortly. He said the explosion occurred at the spot where about 20 people were talking. The taxi driver said he saw two young men fleeing on their motorcycle on Phitsanulok heading to the Wang Daeng intersection. The two men were about 200 metres away from the explosion spot when they ran to their motorcycle and fled, the taxi driver said. The seven other injured were identified as Wirat Piangsajja, 54, Somchai Wongsonthi, 44, Pongchanok Kanchana-amorndej, 31, Samrerng Buachan, 26, Prakrong Hachai, 38, Narong Nakiam, 64 and Ekkapol Sahawat, 33. All of them were rushed to the Ramathibodi Hospital by the PAD guards. It was the second bomb attack after the tacit ceasefire during the royal cremation period. Early Thursday, a grenade was launched at protesters inside the Government House complex, killing one and injuring more than 20 others. The Thursday bomb prompted the PAD to declare war and plan a mass rally outside Parliament Sunday to try to speed up the downfall of the government. The Manager Online reported that all leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy will hold an urgent meeting at the Manger Group head office following the latest bomb attack. After three hours of meeting, the PAD leaders held a press conference at 1 pm to announce that the mass rally would be held Sunday morning. Chamlong Srimuang said the PAD learnt that the government would move up the charter amendments on the agenda when the House and Senate hold a joint sitting Sunday. Chamlong said the bomb appeared to be fired from a corner near the Metropolitan Police head office. The attack showed that police would no carry out their duty to provide security for the demonstrators, he said. \|\|\|\|\| BANGKOK (Reuters) - A grenade blast wounded 8 protesters occupying the Thai prime minister’s office on Saturday, raising tension on the eve of a major anti-government rally, police and protest leaders said. “An M-79 grenade exploded 50 meters outside our camp and wounded our brothers as they patrolled nearby,” Chamlong Srimuang, a co-leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), told supporters at Government House. Two PAD guards were seriously wounded in the attack which occurred around 2 a.m., police said. The PAD is calling Sunday’s march on parliament “its final battle” to oust the government, which it blames for a grenade attack on their Bangkok protest site on Thursday that killed one person and wounded 23. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, whom the PAD accuse of being the puppet of exiled leader Thaksin Shinawatra, his brother-in-law, has denied any involvement in the grenade blast. Somchai is attending an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru until the latter half of next week. Police are braced for violence at the Sunday rally and have asked the army for reinforcements to prevent a repeat of last month’s bloody street battles, in which two people were killed and hundreds wounded. Major bloodshed would raise the chances of a military coup only two years after the army’s removal of Thaksin, although army chief Anupong Paochinda has said repeatedly a putsch would do nothing to resolve Thailand’s fundamental political rifts. Public sector unions have called for a nationwide strike on Tuesday unless Somchai stands aside, a threat that, if carried out, would deepen the economic impact of a political crisis now in its fourth year. The PAD is led by a group of royalist businessmen, academics and activists who say they are fighting to prevent Thaksin, now living in exile, from returning to power following his removal in a bloodless 2006 coup. Its campaign, which started in late 2005 and contributed heavily to the coup, has paralyzed government decision-making and exacerbated the threat of recession in Thailand as its export-oriented economy takes a hit from a global slowdown.	People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters camped in the grounds of Government House Early this morning, a grenade attack on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters at Thailand's Government House injured eight, two seriously. This is the second attack this week, following an earlier grenade attack on Thursday which killed one and injured between 20 and 29. The earlier attack prompted planning for a rally and march on parliament tomorrow where the PAD aims to try and topple the current People's Power Party (PPP) government. According to Thailand's English-language paper, ''The Nation'', doctors have stated that one of those injured in the blast is brain dead. Anupong Samerphak, one of the PAD security staff, was hit in the body and neck by shrapnel from the grenade and remains on a respirator. Further details of ''The Nation's'' report state that eyewitnesses claim two teenagers made use of a grenade launcher to carry out the attack before making their escape on a motorcycle. In addition to the eight casualties, two pick-up trucks, a car, and a motorcycle were damaged; the blast left a crater near the Fifth gate of the Government House compound. The anti-government PAD protesters have now been occupying the Government House compound for over three months, demanding the dissolution of the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. They assert that the PPP is acting on behalf of deposed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist Thai Rak Thai (lit. Thais love Thais) government was overthrown by a military coup in 2006 and later outlawed. Both Somchai and his predecessor in the post of PM, Samak Sundaravej, have faced fierce criticism from the yellow-shirted protest movement. Samak was forced out of office in September, with Somchai, Thaksin's brother-in-law, acting as caretaker until officially assuming the office later in September. The embattled current PM, Somchai, expressed fears to journalists over the planned PAD protest for tomorrow and Monday. Speaking in Peru, where he is attending an APEC summit, he highlighted the possibility of the demonstrations impeding the passage of 24 new laws related to the country's involvement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Delegations from other nations attending the APEC summit have expressed surprise that Thailand has not taken action to dislodge the protesters from Government House.
Many of the estimated million people made homeless need food and water Foreign aid is beginning to arrive in Burma, devastated by a cyclone that has left more than 22,000 people dead. In the worst-affected area, the vast Irrawaddy delta in the south-west, witnesses speak of survivors walking for days past dead bodies to find help. The head of the US embassy in Burma has warned that without speedy action the death toll there could top 100,000. Amid accusations of foot-dragging, the UN has urged Burma's junta to give fast access to aid staff and supplies. Survivors of Saturday's cyclone are hungry, thirsty and vulnerable to disease - but given the huge area affected, and blocked roads, the challenge for aid workers is enormous, say reports. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement The last Burmese death toll, on Tuesday, said 22,464 people had now been confirmed dead and another 41,054 people were missing as a result of high winds and the tidal surge. Disease risk What remains is for the Burmese government to allow the international community to help its people. It is not a matter of politics US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Keeping a lid on chaos Up to a million people are thought to have been left homeless in the crisis, which has left thousands of square kilometres of the Irrawaddy delta under water. Shari Villarosa, the charge d'affaires of the US embassy in Burma - also known as Myanmar - said food and water were running short in the delta area and called the situation there "increasingly horrendous." "There is a very real risk of disease outbreaks as long as this continues," Ms Villarosa said, according to Associated Press. The death toll could reach or exceed 100,000 as humanitarian conditions worsen, she said - based on information from a non-governmental organisation that she would not name. Before and after: extent of flooding clear in Nasa satellite images Enlarge Image Accounts from the Irrawaddy delta have spoken of fistfights breaking out between survivors desperate to seize dwindling supplies of food and water. Some are breaking open coconuts for the water inside, while others are driven to eating dead fish. Poor sanitation, rotting bodies in the water, and flooding could all bring disease, aid agencies warn. They highlight the risk of mosquito-borne malaria and dengue fever, along with water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Calls for access The Burmese authorities have attracted criticism over claims they are refusing to provide visas to waiting foreign aid workers and have spurned some offers of help, such as a US offer to deploy three naval ships and two planes in the region. The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is the latest to voice such criticism, telling reporters: "What remains is for the Burmese government to allow the international community to help its people. It should be a simple matter. It is not a matter of politics." Earlier, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged authorities in Burma to assist the entry of foreign aid workers and supplies into the country "in every way possible" - strong diplomatic language, says the BBC's correspondent at the UN, Laura Trevelyan. Speaking to reporters, the UN's humanitarian chief John Holmes accepted that aid agencies had faced difficulties accessing the disaster zone. Aid arrives But, he said, co-operation from the Burmese authorities was "reasonable and heading in the right direction". EXTENT OF THE DEVASTATION UN map showing worst-hit areas, based on satellite imagery [1.13MB] Most computers will open PDFs automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here See how satellites tracked cyclone Send us your comments He dismissed a suggestion by the French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner that the UN Security Council should adopt a resolution allowing aid to be flown into the country by force as unnecessarily confrontational. Mr Holmes said 24 countries had pledged assistance so far worth $30m (£15m), and a flash appeal would be launched on Friday once an initial assessment of need was complete. An assessment team was due in Burma on Thursday. A stream of aid is now in, or on its way, to Burma: The UN says a plane loaded with 25 tonnes of supplies and a small team of rescue staff will arrive in Burma within days The UN's World Food Programme has dispatched an additional four planes loaded with supplies including high-energy biscuits Chinese media say a plane carrying 60 tonnes of aid has landed in the biggest city, Rangoon Planes from Thailand, India and Indonesia are also being dispatched The WFP has already begun to distribute existing food aid stocks in and around Rangoon, and the Red Cross has a handful of expatriate and many local staff on the ground. Are you in Burma, or do you have friends and family there? Have you - or they - been affected by the cyclone? Send your comments and pictures using the post form below. You can also send your comments via text to +44 7624 800 100: Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Name Your E-mail address Town & Country Phone number (optional): Comments The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| Join the recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist cyclone victims in Myanmar. Your donation to either of these organizations will help survivors of the cyclone and other natural disasters rebuild their communities, and their lives. Donate to UNICEF For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in over 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect children and their development. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. 100% of your contributions through Google Checkout will reach the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support emergency relief efforts for children in Myanmar. $ Donate to Direct Relief Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people victimized by poverty, disaster and civil unrest. Direct Relief is non-sectarian, non-governmental and entirely privately funded. All programs are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, or ethnic identity. 100% of all cash donations go to programs, and not to administration or fundraising. $ \|\|\|\|\| A Myanmar Buddhist Monk makes his way past a fallen tree following a devastating cyclone, Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Yangon. The death toll from the cyclone has risen to almost 4,000, a Myanmar state radio station has said. The radio station broadcasting from the country's capital Naypyitaw said Monday that almost 3,000 more people are unaccounted for in a single town in the country's low-lying Irrawaddy River delta area. (AP Photo/Barry Broman) Myanmar state radio says cyclone death toll soars above 22,000 YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The death toll from the cyclone that battered Myanmar last weekend has risen above 22,000, state radio has reported. A news broadcast on government-run radio said Tuesday that 22,464 people have now been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis, which tore through the country's heartland and biggest city of Yangon early Saturday. The broadcast added that thousands more are missing. Relief efforts for the stricken area, mostly in the low-lying Irrawaddy River delta, have been difficult, in large part because of the destruction of roads and communications outlets by the storm. The first assistance from overseas arrived Tuesday from neighboring Thailand. Officials had said today that the toll could continue to climb higher than the 14,000 already feared dead from the Southeast Asian nation's devastating cyclone as the international community prepared to rush in aid. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, state radio reported that the government was delaying a constitutional referendum in areas hit hardest. Myanmar's Information Minister Maj. Gen. Kyaw Hsan confirmed at a news conference that some 4,000 people had died in Yangon and the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region. He added that another 10,000 people could be dead in the delta. Kyaw said tidal waves killed most of the victims in that region. Earlier, Foreign Minister Nyan Win was quoted by state-run television as saying that more than 10,000 people had perished in Irrawaddy while a smaller number died in and around Yangon, the country's largest city. "News and data are still being collected, so there may be many more casualties," he said. It was not known why the two ministers presented different death tolls. The World Food Program, which was preparing to fly in food, added its own grim assessment of the destruction: Up to 1 million people may be homeless, some villages have been almost totally eradicated and vast rice-growing areas are wiped out. A state television report gave two different numbers — 59 and 130 — for the dead in what is known as Yangon division. It did not explain the differing tolls. The country's ruling junta, which has spurned the international community for decades, urgently appealed for foreign aid at a meeting Nyan Win held with diplomats Monday in Yangon. The U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator said Tuesday the government had indicated it was ready to start accepting international aid. The U.N., Red Cross and other aid organizations have been organizing supplies in preparation for shipping them to the country. Some aid agencies reported their assessment teams had reached some areas of the largely isolated region but said getting in supplies and large numbers of aid workers would be difficult. A military transport plane flew from Bangkok to Yangon Tuesday with emergency aid from Thailand while a number of other countries and organizations said they were prepared to follow. Richard Horsey, Bangkok-based spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid, said Yangon's airport is the closest to the region hardest hit. "For those places accessible by land, there will be cars and trucks from those areas to meet at the halfway point with vehicles from Yangon," he said. "For remote areas, assessment teams and assistance teams will need to go by helicopters and boats." The delta is riddled with waterways but Horsey said they are not easily accessible, even during normal times. Based on a satellite map made available by the United Nations, the storm's damage was concentrated over about a 11,600-square-mile (30,000-square-kilometer) area along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban coastlines — less than 5 percent of the country. But the affected region is home to nearly a quarter of Myanmar's 57 million people. Images from state television showed large trees and electricity poles sprawled across roads and roofless houses ringed by large sheets of water in the delta region, which is regarded as Myanmar's rice bowl. "More or less all the landlines are down and it's extremely difficult to get information from cyclone-affected areas. But from the reports we are getting, entire villages have been flattened and the final death toll may be huge," said Mac Pieczowski, who heads the International Organization for Migration office in Yangon, in a statement. State radio reported Saturday's vote on a draft constitution would be delayed until May 24 in 40 townships around Yangon and seven in the Irrawaddy delta, which bore the brunt of the killer storm. It indicated that in other areas the balloting would proceed as scheduled. The appeal for assistance was unusual for Myanmar's ruling generals, who have long been suspicious of the international organizations and have closely controlled their activities. Foreign governments were poised Tuesday to rush aid to the devastated nation. The United States, which has slapped economic sanctions on the country, said it likewise stood ready. The U.S. Embassy is providing $250,000 in immediate aid from existing emergency fund. But first lady Laura Bush said Monday the U.S. would provide further aid only if one of its own disaster teams is allowed into the country. The European Commission was providing $3 million in humanitarian aid while the president of neighboring China, Hu Jintao, promised $1 million in cash and supplies. The government had apparently taken few efforts to prepare for the storm, which came bearing down on the country from the Bay of Bengal late Friday. Weather warnings broadcast on television would have been largely useless for the worst-hit rural areas where electricity supply is spotty and television a rarity. "The government misled people," said Thin Thin, a grocery story owner in Yangon. "They could have warned us about the severity of the coming cyclone so we could be better prepared." Yangon was without electricity except where gas-fed generators were available and residents lined up to buy candles, which have doubled in price since the storm hit. Most homes were without water, forcing families to stand in long lines for drinking water and bathe in the city's lakes. Most telephone landlines appeared to be restored by late Monday, but mobile phones and Internet connections were down. Some in Yangon complained that the 400,000-strong military was only clearing streets where the ruling elite resided but leaving residents, including Buddhist monks, to cope on their own in most other areas. Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. Its government has been widely criticized for suppression of pro-democracy parties such as the one led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for almost 12 of the past 18 years. At least 31 people were killed and thousands more were detained when the military cracked down on peaceful protests in September led by Buddhist monks and democracy advocates. \|\|\|\|\| A Myanmar Buddhist Monk makes his way past a fallen tree following a devastating cyclone, Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Yangon. The death toll from the cyclone has risen to almost 4,000, a Myanmar state radio station has said. The radio station broadcasting from the country's capital Naypyitaw said Monday that almost 3,000 more people are unaccounted for in a single town in the country's low-lying Irrawaddy River delta area. (AP Photo/Barry Broman) Myanmar state radio says cyclone death toll soars above 22,000 YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The death toll from the cyclone that battered Myanmar last weekend has risen above 22,000, state radio has reported. A news broadcast on government-run radio said Tuesday that 22,464 people have now been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis, which tore through the country's heartland and biggest city of Yangon early Saturday. The broadcast added that thousands more are missing. Relief efforts for the stricken area, mostly in the low-lying Irrawaddy River delta, have been difficult, in large part because of the destruction of roads and communications outlets by the storm. The first assistance from overseas arrived Tuesday from neighboring Thailand. Officials had said today that the toll could continue to climb higher than the 14,000 already feared dead from the Southeast Asian nation's devastating cyclone as the international community prepared to rush in aid. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, state radio reported that the government was delaying a constitutional referendum in areas hit hardest. Myanmar's Information Minister Maj. Gen. Kyaw Hsan confirmed at a news conference that some 4,000 people had died in Yangon and the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region. He added that another 10,000 people could be dead in the delta. Kyaw said tidal waves killed most of the victims in that region. Earlier, Foreign Minister Nyan Win was quoted by state-run television as saying that more than 10,000 people had perished in Irrawaddy while a smaller number died in and around Yangon, the country's largest city. "News and data are still being collected, so there may be many more casualties," he said. It was not known why the two ministers presented different death tolls. The World Food Program, which was preparing to fly in food, added its own grim assessment of the destruction: Up to 1 million people may be homeless, some villages have been almost totally eradicated and vast rice-growing areas are wiped out. A state television report gave two different numbers — 59 and 130 — for the dead in what is known as Yangon division. It did not explain the differing tolls. The country's ruling junta, which has spurned the international community for decades, urgently appealed for foreign aid at a meeting Nyan Win held with diplomats Monday in Yangon. The U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator said Tuesday the government had indicated it was ready to start accepting international aid. The U.N., Red Cross and other aid organizations have been organizing supplies in preparation for shipping them to the country. Some aid agencies reported their assessment teams had reached some areas of the largely isolated region but said getting in supplies and large numbers of aid workers would be difficult. A military transport plane flew from Bangkok to Yangon Tuesday with emergency aid from Thailand while a number of other countries and organizations said they were prepared to follow. Richard Horsey, Bangkok-based spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid, said Yangon's airport is the closest to the region hardest hit. "For those places accessible by land, there will be cars and trucks from those areas to meet at the halfway point with vehicles from Yangon," he said. "For remote areas, assessment teams and assistance teams will need to go by helicopters and boats." The delta is riddled with waterways but Horsey said they are not easily accessible, even during normal times. Based on a satellite map made available by the United Nations, the storm's damage was concentrated over about a 11,600-square-mile (30,000-square-kilometer) area along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban coastlines — less than 5 percent of the country. But the affected region is home to nearly a quarter of Myanmar's 57 million people. Images from state television showed large trees and electricity poles sprawled across roads and roofless houses ringed by large sheets of water in the delta region, which is regarded as Myanmar's rice bowl. "More or less all the landlines are down and it's extremely difficult to get information from cyclone-affected areas. But from the reports we are getting, entire villages have been flattened and the final death toll may be huge," said Mac Pieczowski, who heads the International Organization for Migration office in Yangon, in a statement. State radio reported Saturday's vote on a draft constitution would be delayed until May 24 in 40 townships around Yangon and seven in the Irrawaddy delta, which bore the brunt of the killer storm. It indicated that in other areas the balloting would proceed as scheduled. The appeal for assistance was unusual for Myanmar's ruling generals, who have long been suspicious of the international organizations and have closely controlled their activities. Foreign governments were poised Tuesday to rush aid to the devastated nation. The United States, which has slapped economic sanctions on the country, said it likewise stood ready. The U.S. Embassy is providing $250,000 in immediate aid from existing emergency fund. But first lady Laura Bush said Monday the U.S. would provide further aid only if one of its own disaster teams is allowed into the country. The European Commission was providing $3 million in humanitarian aid while the president of neighboring China, Hu Jintao, promised $1 million in cash and supplies. The government had apparently taken few efforts to prepare for the storm, which came bearing down on the country from the Bay of Bengal late Friday. Weather warnings broadcast on television would have been largely useless for the worst-hit rural areas where electricity supply is spotty and television a rarity. "The government misled people," said Thin Thin, a grocery story owner in Yangon. "They could have warned us about the severity of the coming cyclone so we could be better prepared." Yangon was without electricity except where gas-fed generators were available and residents lined up to buy candles, which have doubled in price since the storm hit. Most homes were without water, forcing families to stand in long lines for drinking water and bathe in the city's lakes. Most telephone landlines appeared to be restored by late Monday, but mobile phones and Internet connections were down. Some in Yangon complained that the 400,000-strong military was only clearing streets where the ruling elite resided but leaving residents, including Buddhist monks, to cope on their own in most other areas. Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. Its government has been widely criticized for suppression of pro-democracy parties such as the one led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for almost 12 of the past 18 years. At least 31 people were killed and thousands more were detained when the military cracked down on peaceful protests in September led by Buddhist monks and democracy advocates. \|\|\|\|\| The death toll from the cyclone that slashed through Myanmar has soared to more than 15,000 people, official sources said late Monday. Sources said casualties from Cyclone Nargis are expected to reach at least 10,000 in the city of Bogalay alone, with another 1,000 dead in the city of Laputta, both in the country's Irrawaddy delta region, Xinhua reported. The state-run Chinese news agency also cited government sources saying at least 20,000 homes had been destroyed on Haing Kyi island in the river delta, leaving more than 97,000 people without shelter. The Myanmar government also said thousands more were injured and missing in the aftermath of the storm, which slogged through Yangon and the Irrawaddy delta packing dangerous rains and winds of more than 130 miles per hour, Radio New Zealand reported Tuesday. Foreign Minister Nyan Win said the government would accept international assistance, and aid shipments were being prepared. The United Nations says Myanmar's military government agreed to allow U.N. aid agencies to operate in the country formerly known as Burma to help survivors. "The U.N. will begin preparing assistance now to be delivered and transported to Myanmar as quickly as possible," said Paul Risley of the World Food Program. © 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form. YANGON, Myanmar, May 5 (UPI) --	Aid has started to reach Myanmar after a recent cyclone in the region killed thousands. This is despite complaints that the government of the country is not allowing aid agencies full access. Large companies, including Google, have tried to encourage people to donate to aid agencies. On its website, Google wrote, "join the recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist cyclone victims in Myanmar. Your donation to either of these organizations will help survivors of the cyclone and other natural disasters rebuild their communities, and their lives." Government officials in Myanmar have said that 22,464 people have been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis. Only once the rescue workers reached the most hard hit areas of the storm did they begin to realize the damage that had taken place. At least 10,000 people died in one town alone, Bogalay in the Pyapon District of Myanmar. Hundreds of thousands are homeless and another three thousand have been injured by the storm. Drinking water is contaminated and food is becoming scarce as the United Nations (U.N.) and other organizations try to get supplies to the region.
Japanese raiders Delta Blues and Pop Rock pulled off an unprecedented Melbourne Cup one-two for trainer Katsuhiko Sumii at Flemington this afternoon. Delta Blues, ridden by Japanese jockey Yasunari Iwata, held off a fast-finishing Pop Rock (Damien Oliver) by a half-head in one of the most thrilling finishes to the Cup in recent years. Saab Quality winner Maybe Better, trained by Brian Mayfield-Smith and ridden by Chris Munce, was a game third with Zipping (trained by Graeme Rogerson, ridden by Glenn Boss) fourth. Delta Blues, who finished a fine third to Tawqeet in the Caulfield Cup last month in his only lead-up run on Australian soil, is just the third horse from outside either Australia or New Zealand to win the Melbourne Cup, following Vintage Crop (1993) and Media Puzzle (2002). The win is a first for an Asian horse and the first time a stallion has saluted since Jeune in 1994. "I'm so happy. This is my biggest win ever," Iwata said. Two-time Cup winner Oliver could not hide his admiration for Sumii and Iwata. "When we crossed the line I held his (Iwata's) hand up, I thought he'd got me," he told Channel 7. "It was a bit of a dual celebration because it was a fantastic feat for the Japanese to come here and quinella the Cup, it's just an extraordinary effort. "I've got so much admiration for the Japanese horses, I've spent a couple of seasons there. I know how good they go and when I was offered the ride on one of them, I was pretty keen to take it up." Oliver said he thought Pop Rock could catch Delta Blues. "I thought I was going to pick him up, I got to him but to the other horse's credit, the winner, he really fought when I came to him. "He's just a bit more seasoned and a bit tougher than my horse and he fought him off. He's the deserved winner, my horse had his chance." Oliver dismissed any suggestion that Delta Blues shifted in front of Pop Rock down home straight. "If anything I thought my horse shifted in, so it wasn't really a consideration for me," he said. "My horse wanted to lay in a little bit under pressure but I think that's the reason he did it, because he was feeling the pressure." Oliver said he would not be surprised if other Japanese trainers brought their horses to Australia to try their luck. "Perhaps they will, as I said they're very good horses over there and with the prize money that's on offer over here for the Melbourne Cup, there could be more of them coming." Yeats fades The six-horse international contingent provided both the surprises and the disappointments of this year's race. The next visiting horse home was the English galloper Land 'N Stars, who made vast improvement on his only other Australian start by finishing fifth. He is to remain in Australia to be prepared for the Perth Cup, run on New Year's Day. Behind him came Ireland's champion stayer and pre-race favourite Yeats, who took up the running before the home turn only to fade into seventh place. Jockey Keiran Fallon said the pace had not suited his horse. "I had trouble getting the tempo right, it changed a lot," Fallon said. "We needed a faster pace and he didn't get it." The English horse Glistening ran to his ability, finishing 10th, his trainer Luca Cumani expressing satisfaction with the run "under the circumstances". "We had our problems from the time we arrived, but over the past week or so he had improved a lot," Cumani said. "I would say he ran as well as he could." The main disappointment of the internationals was Geordieland, who was formerly trained in France. Now with English trainer Jamie Osborne, the horse finished 18th after suffering a bleeding attack. Pop Rock started equal favourite at 5-1, along with Tawqeet, who finished 19th. -ABC/AFP \|\|\|\|\| Japanese horses have stolen the show at the 2006 Melbourne Cup, recording a remarkable quinella with Delta Blues nosing out Pop Rock. In a dramatic finish to the famous two-mile race, Delta Blues held off a strong challenge from its compatriot. Both horses were trained by Katsuhiko Sumii and the Japanese 1-2 finish is sure to spark massive interest from Japan in the Melbourne Cup in coming years.	File photo of ''Delta Blues'' in the mounting yard prior to another race The Japanese owned ''Delta Blues'' ridden by Iwata Yasunari has won the AU$5.1 million 2006 Melbourne Cup. Trainer Katsuhiko Sumii also achieved the Quinella winning bet with stablemate ''Pop Rock'', ridden by Damien Oliver, placing second in the race. ''Maybe Better'' came in at third, with ''Zipping'' posting a fourth place finish. Pre-race favourite ''Yeates'' missed the start, finishing seventh. After the race, jockey Iwata joyfully shouted "Very happy, very happy. My biggest winner ever." ''Zabeat'' was the last finisher in a 23-horse field that was reduced in number after the early morning scratching from the race of ''Efficient'' with leg soreness. Australians bet over $50 million dollars on the race, with ''Delta Blues'' paying $17.50 for the win, which made it the first horse from Japan to have won the race in the 145 year history of the Melbourne Cup.
NEW YORK \| NEW YORK (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's threatened Monday to downgrade the United States' prized AAA credit rating unless the Obama administration and Congress find a way to slash the yawning federal budget deficit within two years. S&P, which assigns ratings to guide investors on the risks involved in buying debt instruments, slapped a negative outlook on the country's top-notch credit rating and said there's at least a one-in-three chance that it could eventually cut it. A downgrade, which would leave Germany and France with a higher rating, would erode the status of the United States as the world's most powerful economy and the dollar's role as the dominant global currency. If investors start demanding higher returns for holding riskier U.S. debt, the rise in bond yields would crank up borrowing costs for consumers and businesses. That would threaten to hurt the economy as it recovers from the worst recession since World War II. "This new warning highlights the need for the U.S. to take better control of its fiscal destiny if it is to avoid higher borrowing costs and maintain its central role at the core of the global economy," said Mohamed El-Erian, chief executive at PIMCO, which oversees $1.2 trillion in assets and has a short position on U.S. government debt. Major U.S. stock indexes fell than 1 percent on the day. Longer-dated government bond prices initially fell but recovered to post solid gains as falling stocks took over as the main driver for price action in the Treasury market. Bond prices frequently trade inversely to stocks. The dollar also rose as more immediate fiscal problems in Greece hurt the euro and supported some U.S. assets. The cost of insuring Treasury debt against default at one point Monday neared a 2011 high, though it was well below lofty levels hit two years ago when fears of a double-dip U.S. recession raged. BUDGET BATTLE The threat of a downgrade raises the stakes in the struggle between President Obama's Democratic administration and his Republican opponents in the House to get control over a nearly $1.4 trillion budget deficit and $14.27 trillion debt burden. The White House last week announced plans to trim $4 trillion from the deficit over the next 12 years, mostly through spending cuts and tax hikes on the rich. Congressional Republicans want deeper spending cuts and no tax increases. The deficit problem has become crushing since the financial crisis of 2008. Now for every dollar the federal government spends, it takes in less than 60 cents in revenue. A budget deficit running at nearly 10 percent of output and expected to grow will likely further swell a public debt load that's already more than 60 percent of the country's gross domestic product. "Because the U.S. has, relative to its AAA peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness, and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable," S&P said. Even so, Austan Goolsbee, the top economist at the White House, downplayed S&P's move, telling CNBC Monday it was a "political judgment" that "we don't agree with." DoubleLine Chief Executive Jeffrey Gundlach said Monday that the S&P warning "should serve as an effective cattle prod in pushing the politicians toward a program of spending cuts and tax increases." "NOT THE END OF THE WORLD" Some on Wall Street also downplayed the immediate impact. "If a corporate entity had the same kind of unsustainable leverage problems, it would have been downgraded long ago," said Robert Bishop, chief investment officer of fixed income at SCM Advisors in San Francisco. "But from the standpoint of the sovereign, being on outlook negative is not the end of world," he added. "Japan, for example, is a double-A credit." S&P downgraded Japan's rating earlier this year for the first time since 2002, saying Tokyo had no plan to deal with its mounting debt burden. But unlike the United States, almost all Japanese debt is held by domestic investors. That means the country need not depend on foreigners for financing. Axel Merk, president of Merk Hard Currency Fund in Palo Alto, California, said Monday's warning was "a wake-up call that we need to do something in the U.S." S&P is "absolutely correct that this is something serious that needs to be addressed." Moody's, S&P's main rival in the ratings business, also maintains a Aaa credit rating - its highest - on the United States. For PIMCO, the world's largest bond fund, the picture had become bleak enough to prompt it to announce in February it had sold all U.S. Treasuries in its $236 billion Total Return Fund. Bill Gross, PIMCO's chief investment officer, said he expected interest rates to climb, the dollar to fall and the United States to eventually lose its AAA credit rating. The ratings agency said neither the White House nor Republican plan does enough to fix the shortfall, and the tension between the parties has cast doubt on whether they will be able to work together on a long-term solution. "Looking at the gulf between the parties, it has never been wider than now," David Beers, S&P's global head of sovereign ratings, said Monday. "It takes a lot of political will to bridge this gulf." A U.S. congressional report last week blamed ratings companies such as S&P and Moody's Corp for triggering the financial crisis when they cut the inflated ratings they had applied to complex mortgage-backed securities. George Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International, said that casts doubt on S&P's outlook. The ratings agency "does not have the intellect or systems to judge the ability of the U.S. economy or political system to resolve its issues of taxation and needed budget cuts," he said. Moody's put some issues of U.S. Treasury debt on watch for a downgrade in 1996 when the White House and Congress failed to extend the government's debt ceiling. The two sides are heading for a similar showdown over the $14.3 trillion legal borrowing limit, which will have to be extended within weeks. SOURING ON THE DOLLAR The U.S. debt burden has grown exponentially after a housing bubble burst in 2007 and set off a world financial crisis that toppled several Wall Street banks, drove up the jobless rate and thrust the global economy into recession. Governments around the world were forced to increase public spending to prevent their economies from lurching into an even worse depression. The tactics helped spark a recovery but left the United States and other advanced economies, which were hit hardest by the crisis, with staggeringly large debt burdens. Though it rose Monday, the dollar is down about 5 percent against major currencies in 2011. S&P's move, coupled with record low U.S. interest rates, will do little to make it more attractive, said Kathy Lien, director of research at GFT. "Even though I don't think an actual downgrade would occur, in this very sensitive or vulnerable time for the U.S. dollar, it's enough to spook investors from holding or buying dollars," she said. (Additional reporting by Richard Leong, Jennifer Ablan, Herb Lash, Al Yoon, Dena Aubin, Wanfeng Zhou and Frank Tang; editing by Frank McGurty) \|\|\|\|\| The divide between Republicans and Democrats in Congress over combating the nation’s debt was spotlighted by Standard & Poor’s lowering of the U.S. credit outlook to “negative,” with each side saying the change bolstered their competing arguments. Democrats said the revision issued yesterday by New York- based S&P helps make the case for a broad agreement based on the debt-cutting plan President Barack Obama outlined last week. Republicans said the ratings firm’s report reinforces their call for deeper spending cuts than the president and other Democrats have been willing to consider. Charles Schumer of New York, the Senate’s third-ranking Democrat, said bipartisan agreement exists on the need to reduce the debt by $4 trillion over roughly the next decade. “Now we just need to resolve how to do it,” Schumer, who is traveling in Asia during a two-week congressional break, said in a statement. Obama’s “balanced plan -- which relies on shared sacrifice, as opposed to simply ending Medicare -- makes a long-term deal highly possible,” the senator said. Republicans have proposed scaling back entitlement programs such as Medicare and reject Obama’s push for tax increases to help reduce debt. ‘Wake-up Call’ House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, called the S&P revision “a wake-up call for those in Washington asking Congress to blindly increase the debt limit” without significant spending cuts. The negative outlook on long-term U.S. debt issued by S&P “makes clear that the debt-limit increase proposed by the Obama administration must be accompanied by meaningful fiscal reforms that immediately reduce federal spending and stop our nation from digging itself further into debt,” Cantor said. Congress is facing a vote as early as next month on raising the government’s $14.29 trillion legal debt limit. The Treasury Department projects that it will hit the cap on May 16, though it could use emergency measures to avoid default until about July 8. Obama and members of his economic team have said that failure to approve an increase could have catastrophic consequences for the U.S. economy and financial markets. S&P’s Concern S&P revised the U.S. government’s long-term outlook to negative on concern the White House and Congress will fail to reach agreement on cutting medium- and long-term debt. As part of the debate on the government’s spending, which also includes hammering out a 2012 budget, Obama last week offered the outlines of a plan to slash the debt by $4 trillion over 12 years through a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. A group of six Republican and Democratic senators are trying to strike a compromise along the lines suggested by the two co-chairmen of a debt commission Obama set up last year. That plan recommended trimming the budget by $3.8 trillion over a decade through a mix of spending reductions and tax increases. Members of the so-called Gang of Six said the S&P revision shows the markets are watching for signs that policy makers are serious about confronting the debt issue. “I still believe we must act sooner rather than later, and we should work in a bipartisan way to cut spending, including defense spending, begin to strengthen and reform entitlement programs and implement tax reform,” Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the group’s Democratic leader, said in a statement. ‘Brinkmanship’ Caution “If we fail to take this seriously, and if our deficit and debt discussions turn into just another game of political brinksmanship, this could result in the most predictable economic crisis in our history,” he said. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, a Republican member of the group, said the S&P’s change should create a sense of urgency for tackling “our debt crisis.” “If we refuse to negotiate within our own government, we will soon find ourselves negotiating with foreign governments and the international financial community on terms far less favorable than we enjoy today,” Coburn said in an e-mailed statement. Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee said a proposal he is pushing to cap federal spending at 20.6 percent of gross domestic product within a decade should be a condition of any debt-limit increase, and that the S&P action increases the momentum for the move. Good Timing “I don’t think any American likes seeing the outlook for our country’s financial situation downgraded, but it couldn’t come at a better time, if it had to happen, than now, when we’re negotiating about how to get spending under control,” Corker said in an interview. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the Senate’s third- ranking Republican, said the S&P’s revision reminds the president and Congress that “we must deal with Washington spending money that we don’t have.” Speaking in his home state, he said, “We can fix it, but we have to start now and have the political will to do it.” Republican Representative Kevin Brady of Texas, vice chairman of Congress’s Joint Economic Committee, said the move builds the case for a budget plan by Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. His proposal would slash spending by $6 trillion over a decade, in part by privatizing Medicare and capping Medicaid. Obama “needs to stop ridiculing Representative Ryan’s plan, which begins to seriously address our country’s long-term spending issues, and start supporting it as the best way forward,” Brady said. Dwindling Confidence Representative Jeb Hensarling of Texas, head of the House Republican Conference, said confidence in the U.S. economy is “sure to dwindle” when Obama “chooses to treat our national debt as campaign fodder and insists on more spending and more taxes.” House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland said the S&P’s decision “shows the urgent, bipartisan action needed to put our nation on a serious path to reduce deficits.” It “demonstrates that Republicans cannot hold the debt limit hostage over partisan, divisive issues,” he said. Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said in a statement the S&P’s revision “underscores the need to put together a bipartisan plan now to reduce the deficit in a balanced, steady, and responsible way as we build the foundation for shared prosperity and long-term economic growth.” Market Reaction The S&P 500 index (SPX) was down 1.1 percent at the 4 p.m. close of trading yesterday to 1,305.14 after declining as much as 1.9 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 140.24 points, or 1.1 percent, to 12,201.59. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note jumped as high as 3.45 percent yesterday in the minutes after the S&P report. The yield was back down to 3.37 percent at 4:27 p.m. in New York yesterday as investors focused on speculation that Greece will be unable to avoid a default, driving them to the relative safety of U.S. debt. In trading today, 10-year yields were little changed at 3.38 percent as of 10:27 a.m. in Tokyo, according to Bloomberg Bond Trader prices, as Japanese Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano said U.S. Treasuries are “extremely good- quality securities.” A gauge of the dollar advanced the most since November against the currencies of major trading partners on increased demand for a refuge as Europe’s debt crisis outweighed the negative S&P U.S. credit-rating outlook. IntercontinentalExchange’s Dollar Index increased 0.9 percent to 75.508 at 5 p.m. in New York yesterday from 74.832 on April 15. The gauge, which tracks the dollar against the euro, yen, pound, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Swedish krona, earlier gained 1.3 percent in the biggest intraday advance since Nov. 23 and touched 75.810, the highest level since April 7. The dollar appreciated 1.4 percent to $1.4235 per euro in New York from $1.4430 on April 15. The U.S. currency decreased 0.6 percent to 82.66 yen from 83.13. To contact the reporter on this story: Julie Hirschfeld Davis in Washington at jdavis159@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mark Silva at msilva34@bloomberg.net \|\|\|\|\| US warned on top credit rating by Standard & Poor's Republicans are pushing for plans to massively cut US government spending The US has been warned that the credit rating on its government debt could be cut by Standard & Poor's. S&P is concerned that Democrats and Republicans will not be able to agree a plan to reduce the growing US deficit. It has downgraded its outlook from stable to negative, increasing the likelihood that the rating could be cut within the next two years. The US Treasury responded that S&P had underestimated its ability to tackle the national debt. "Because the US has, relative to its 'AAA' [top-rated] peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable," the agency said in a statement. The surprise move sent US and European shares lower. The S&P 500 fell the most in a month, and the US dollar dropped against the euro and Swiss franc. Oil was also sharply lower. In Europe, the main UK, German and French indexes all fell by at least 2%. The US federal deficit currently stands at $1.4tn (£858bn) and is expected to reach $1.5tn in the current fiscal year. Budget battle President Barack Obama suggested that the world could plunge into a new recession if the ceiling on money the US can borrow is not raised in the next few weeks, before the current debt limit of $14.3tn is reached. Mr Obama and the Republicans are locked in a battle over the extent of spending cuts. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed a 2012 budget plan that aims to cut $6.2tn in spending by the government over the next decade. But the bill is not expected to make it through the Democrat-led Senate. The current fight is over spending from 1 October onwards. Last week, Congress passed a budget bill that would cut $38.5bn in government spending over the rest of the current fiscal year, to 30 September. Last week, Mr Obama laid out his plan to reduce the budget deficit by $4tn over 12 years. 'Political judgment' Austan Goolsbee, the chief economist of the president's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, dismissed the change in outlook while making the rounds on US cable networks. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. "What the S&P is doing is making a political judgment and it is one that we don't agree with," he told CNBC. The S&P outlook cut comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned last week that the size of the US deficit created instability in the financial markets. In a statement, S&P was positive about the general state of the US economy, but said: "We believe there is a material risk that US policymakers might not reach an agreement on how to address medium- and long-term budgetary challenges by 2013. "If an agreement is not reached and meaningful implementation is not begun by then, this would in our view render the US fiscal profile meaningfully weaker than that of peer 'AAA' sovereigns." 'Wake-up call' The US has the top AAA credit rating on its long-term bonds. Since the US is the world's largest economy, and its debt is considered the backbone of the world's financial system, any concern over the US ability to pay its debt creates huge ripples in the world economy. "It's a wake-up call that we need to do something," said Axel Merk, a currency fund manager in California. S&P is "absolutely correct that this is something serious that needs to be addressed." But the US Treasury responded strongly to the change in outlook. "We believe S&P's negative outlook underestimates the ability of America's leaders to come together to address the difficult fiscal challenges facing the nation," it said.	Logo of Standard & Poor's U.S.-based agency (S&P) announced Monday its decision to downgrade its outlook for the U.S. long-term debt from "stable" to "negative", saying it is not confident the U.S. Congress and will be able to reach an agreement to meaningfully cut the country's fast-growing budget deficit within a two-year framework. Although the U.S. continues to have a top AAA credit rating at the moment, S&P says that there is at least a 33 percent possibility it will lower the country's long-term bond rating within the next two years. The U.S. now has $1.4 trillion budget deficit and a $14.27 trillion debt burden. Currently, payments and interest on the debt consume more than 60 percent of the U.S. with the amount only expected to grow. The predicts the country will reach its $14.29 trillion legal debt limit as early as May 16. Congress must vote to raise the debt limit within the next few weeks, or risk defaulting on debt payments. The has said that failure to raise the debt limit will have a disastrous effect on the economy. Last year, appointed a debt commission which produced a plan for cutting the country's budget by $3.8 trillion, over ten years, through spending reductions and tax increases. Currently, a bipartisan group of and are trying to reach a compromise over this plan. But, negotiations are currently deadlocked. Congress has failed to produce a budget for fiscal year 2011, the first time it has failed to produce a budget in 36 years, leaving the various appropriation committees no budgetary guidelines to follow. Standard & Poor's Headquarters in New York City S&P said, "Because the U.S. has, relative to its AAA peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness, and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable." A decrease in the nation's credit rating would make it more difficult for it to borrow money, and the money it is able to borrow would come at a higher interest rate, further increasing the national debt. The U.S. currently borrows 41 cents of every dollar it spends, according to a report released by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 19. Last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the U.S. deficit was causing financial instability around the world. The U.S. stock market closed down 1.5 percent, with trading volume 2.3 percent lower on Monday in light of the announcement.
Author: Sal Saturday, 1st August, 2009 at 2:44 pm, Isle of Wight UPDATE: Gallery of photos and video added below Food from the Unison union on the Island was just delivered by an RMT representative with the full co-operation of the police and an escort from them. This follows news that a prominent Human Rights lawyer, Louise Christian has got involved with the dispute. Update: We’ve spoken to the senior police officer on the scene who said that they were happy for one set of bags going in but there won’t be another lot going in. The senior RMT representative said they want the people inside to be able to select their own food depending on dietary need and have it carried in by RMT people not the security personnel. Gallery after the jump Video of those inside celebrating about receiving food Another video - the food going in on the way tomorrow Green Issues, Newport, Vestas Sit-In \|\|\|\|\| Mass walkouts could be commonplace in a new "age of militancy" as pay deals are curbed, according to Policy Exchange. The stark message came as fears grew of a summer of discontent with a series of strikes already planned or likely, including a possible national postal strike. Holidaymakers and railway passengers could all be hit while the row over foreign workers is set to deepen with plans to ballot workers at power stations and oil refineries following the recent unofficial action. One union warned British workers have become increasingly militant and angry with pay the cost of a recession "they did not create". Neil O'Brien, director of Policy Exchange, said: "There is a slight increase in militancy at the moment but that is nothing compared to what is going to happen once the brakes are slammed on public spending. "This could be a taste of things to come. A possible new age of militancy. "When we suddenly go from a very very rapid increase in pay to huge pressure on public spending, it is possible that we could have something develop like the 1970s." During the 1970s the number of strikes averaged between 2,000 and 3,000 every year, peaking in 1979 when almost 30 million working days were lost due to industrial action. Geoff Martin, a spokesman for RMT, said workers are becoming increasingly militant. "I think what is happening is people are being expected to pay a heavy price for a recession that they did not create," he said. "Increasingly people are realising there are expected to carry the can for what is none of their doing. "That's why we are getting this rise in militancy. A summer of discontent is an overused phrase but the RMT is not surprised people are angry enough and saying 'we have had enough of this and better do something about this'." As the recession deepens there is growing unrest among workers and the country is already bracing itself for a number of walkouts over the coming weeks. Postal services face being crippled with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) almost certain to call a national ballot on whether to strike over jobs, pay and services. A series of regional strikes have already been held, with more planned over the summer, but sources at the union said a national vote is now almost certain to be called in the coming weeks. Holidaymakers face disruption with a two day strike among some UK Border Agency staff due to start on Wednesday (Aug 5), in a dispute over plans to merge the duties of immigration and customs staff. Talks were continuing yesterday to resolve the dispute. Hundreds of thousands of rail passengers also face delays with planned stoppages by members of the Rail, Maritime and Maritime union and train drivers' union ASLEF. Three further 48-hour stoppages have been called over the next three weeks as a result of a dispute with the train operator, National Express East Anglia. Industrial action is also planned on a number of other lines over the coming weeks. On Arriva Cross Country members of RMT are refusing to collect litter, meaning that passengers will have to travel on rubbish-strewn trains. This will mean disruption on trains linking Liverpool Street to Colchester, Norwich and Southend Victoria. Passengers on Northern Rail also face disruption on Aug 6 as a result of a joint strike by both RMT and ASLEF. In addition passengers on London Midland could also face disruption with station staff, who are members of ASLEF, also balloting on industrial action. The GMB is also to ballot for official strike action among members involved in power stations and oil refinery sites. It follows a series of unofficial strikes this year in a row over the hiring of migrant workers over British staff. And workers are still occupying the Vestas wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight in a bid to stop it being closed. \|\|\|\|\| Vestas has blamed the closure on a drop in demand A union has complained to police over claims that workers occupying a wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight are having their human rights breached. Protesters have been staging a sit-in at the Vestas turbine blade factory in Newport over plans to axe 625 jobs. Union bosses accused the firm of trying to "starve" the workers out by restricting access to food and drink. A rally has been held outside the factory, the latest in a series of events staged to support them. The factory was due to close on Friday but is now set to shut on 10 August. We will fight with every tool available to get food into the workers on the inside Bob Crow RMT general secretary Responding to the rally in a statement, the protesters said: "It is great to see you all out there despite the awful weather. "You guys being here today just proves the support continues to grow and grow." The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced earlier it had lodged a formal complaint to police in Newport over the actions of security guards working for Vestas after it received advice from a human rights lawyer. The lawyer, Louise Christian, said: "There is a positive obligation under the Human Rights Act on the State and its agents, i.e the police, to prevent private individuals from depriving others of their liberty. "It therefore appears to me that the local police have a positive obligation to prevent the security agents employed by Vestas stopping people coming in to deliver food to those in occupation." The protesters, who began the sit-in on 20 July, have been receiving about two meals a day from Vestas, but the union said it had not been enough. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "It's disgusting that Vestas are trying to starve the workers out. Removal bid "We will fight with every tool available to get food into the workers on the inside whose only crime is to fight for their livelihoods and the future of green energy." The protesters say 25 of them have been inside the factory but only 11 workers, who the firm has identified, have been sacked. The Danish firm's bid to have the workers removed failed on Wednesday when a judge ruled removal papers had not been served in accordance with legal rules. The case at Newport County Court was adjourned until Tuesday. Peter Kruse, spokesman for Vestas, told the BBC: "We can only hope that the people on the inside will also realise that this has implications for people outside." Vestas has blamed its decision to close the factory on a lack of demand for wind turbines in the UK market. Do you or someone you know work at the Vestas factory? Are you affected by the issues in this story? Send us your comments using the form below. A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. Name Your E-mail address Town & Country Phone number (optional): Comments The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Police on the Isle of Wight will be asked to ensure food reaches men occupying the Vestas wind turbine factory tomorrow, after lawyers advised that the company could be breaking the law by preventing supplies from getting through. Around 10 workers have staged a sit-in at the Danish-owned plant in Newport for almost two weeks. They complain the management are attempting to starve them out of the facility, and claim they have been given only sporadic meals – sometimes just a small sandwich and slice of pizza per day. Attempts by their supporters to throw them additional food parcels have been impeded by security staff and one worker emerged on Thursday to be told by ambulance staff that his blood sugar levels were dangerously low. Union officials will meet with police tomorrow to lodge an official complaint after Louise Christian, the human rights lawyer, advised that in preventing food from getting through, Vestas and its security firm were committing a criminal offence under the Protection from Harrassment Act (1997). Christian added police have an obligation under the Human Rights Act to ensure Vestas was not preventing access to sufficient food. "This advice confirms our concerns about the rights of the Vestas workers to decent food and we will be making immediate representations to the police in Newport to stop the private company from blockading these essential supplies," said Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT union. "We will not allow the company and their private guards to starve the workers out. With the closure now pushed back it is even more important that the workers inside get nutritional meals on a regular basis." The Newport factory, the only major manufacturer of wind turbine blades in the UK, was due to close today with the loss of around 625 jobs. Vestas said "complications" arising from the industrial dispute had led it to extend its consultation period until at least 10 August. Peter Kruse, a vice-president at the company, said the men were being catered for. "We do not starve people," he said. Vestas failed its legal attempt to secure a possession order from the local country court this week, a move that would have enabled bailiffs to be called. A judge at Newport County Court told lawyers for the company that papers had not been properly served on the men and adjourned the hearing until Tuesday. Kruse said there was nothing the UK government could do to save the factory, which is being abandoned because there is "not enough in the pipeline" in terms of projected growth in the UK onshore market. "They can't create a big enough market overnight with the click of a finger," he said. \|\|\|\|\| A Danish wind turbine company will appear before a court in the Isle of Wight today seeking to end the occupation of its factory by the workforce. Around 20 men at the Vestas plant near Newport have occupied the building for the past nine days to protest against its imminent closure. The company says its factory must close, with the loss of 625 jobs, because the UK wind turbine market is not growing fast enough. Today its lawyers will seek a possession order from Newport County Court, a move that will set in train the process expected to authorise the arrival of bailiffs to remove the workers by force. Hundreds of environmental protesters, who have supported the workers' campaign, are planning to attend a rally outside today's hearing, which is being heard in a neighbouring crown courtroom to accommodate the large number of press and interested parties. More activists are expected to arrive today. Ticketholders who had planned to attend the recently cancelled Big Green Gathering - a four-day event in Somerset featuring music, debates and practical green living demonstrations that was to have begun today - have been urged to head to the Isle of Wight instead. If the possession order is granted, it is not clear how soon bailiffs could be called, or if additional permission will need to be sought from the court to end the occupation. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which will represent the workers in court, has advised workers that bailiffs could be "waiting in the wings" to empty the factory quickly. Bob Crow, the RMT's general secretary, will address a second rally outside the plant later in the day. Last night, Vestas sacked 11 employees it has identified as participating in the "sit-in", a move that will prevent them from receiving compensation for their redundancy. The workers were informed in letters inside food parcels delivered to them by the company. "Underneath each slice of pizza we had a letter saying we had been sacked and we're not receiving any money," said Michael Godley, 26, speaking from inside the plant on his mobile phone. "Everyone's gutted – there's some people in here who have lost a lot of money. But it hasn't deterred us in any way – we're still as determined as ever and we're going to carry on fighting." The letter from a representative of Vestas had yesterday's date scribbled in pen, and stated: "As a result of your participation in the industrial action and refusal to give up that action, you leave this company with no choice other than to terminate your contract of employment with immediate effect." Godley added that if bailiffs arrived the workers would "go peacefully", but their intention was to stay. "We'll stay in here until they come and get us out, or until we get what we want. We're here for the long haul. We don't plan to leave any time soon." The Vestas occupation began after lobbying of the workforce from Workers' Climate Action, a group of socialist environmental campaigners who have camped on the island for the past month. \|\|\|\|\| Vestas workers are occupying their factory on the Isle of Wight. Bosses want to move production abroad to China and the US with the loss of 625 jobs. This is despite making over £34 million in profits in the first quarter of this year alone - up 70 per cent on last year. Workers a the wind turbine production plant are demanding nationalisation and restoration of their jobs. Trade Unionists and climate change activists are supporting them. Solidarity Executive member David Kerr said:- "We are behind the Vestas workers 100 per cent. British jobs must be protected."	Food deliveries from the RMT were allowed into the Vestas plant in Newport, England yesterday, but were cut off by Vestas management this afternoon. Protesters at the Isle of Wight factory celebrated the delivery of supermarket bags filed with groceries, which entered with a police escort. This morning, the sixteen remaining occupiers were told to prepare a list of items for future deliveries. But, according to "Mark", an occupier in the Vestas plant, this afternoon Vestas management reversed their decision, terming the August 1 food delivery a one-time "goodwill gesture" and saying food would no longer be allowed in. The food delivery followed a formal complaint by the RMT that denying the occupiers food was a violation of their human rights. The people inside the factory have been conducting their occupation since July 20, in protest against the closure of the factory, which produces wind turbine blades for the generation of wind power, and the loss of 625 jobs in the Isle of Wight and nearby areas. Mark went on to praise the "brave people" who have circumvented the security ring around the plant in order to get food and other items to the occupiers. An electric kettle thrown at the end of a rope up to the occupiers is said to be working well. Mark also noted that Louise Christian, a prominent British human rights lawyer, is now representing the Vestas occupiers. While the number of occupiers at the Vestas plant — originally nearly thirty, now only sixteen — have dwindled, Mark says the ones who remain are "very determined" and furthermore hold no ill will toward their co-workers who have left the occupation. In particular, the occupiers offered sympathy for Luke Paxton, who they say left the occupation due to a combination of personal issues and malnutrition brought on by the deprivation of food. Paxton, Mark said, has the remaining occupiers' "full support" and continues to campaign for the Vestas workers. Mark also clarified the origins of the occupation. In contrast to claims that green socialist group Workers' Climate Action were behind the occupation, Mark presented a more nuanced picture: the Vestas workers' initial contacts were with veterans of the occupation of Visteon's auto parts plants, with the AWL, SWP and Socialist Party becoming involved later with "quite a big involvement" from all groups. Members of Workers' Climate Action attended Vestas workers' meetings and gave their opinions, but, Mark says, a committee organised by the workers and composed of workers was making all the decisions. Mark also strongly rejected the support of Solidarity, a "nationalist trade union" closely associated with the BNP. In a July 24 statement, Solidarity backed the Vestas workers, with union executive member David Kerr saying "We are behind the Vestas workers 100 per cent. British jobs must be protected." Mark, in reply, told ''Wikinews'': "We do not want their support...they go against a lot of the things people believe in here. We have Polish workers with us. They're our friends." Most of the Vestas occupiers remain independent of trade unions, with only three of the sixteen people inside being members of any union. Mark closed with a message of solidarity with the occupiers of two Thomas Cook branches in Dublin, Ireland, whose employees began a sit-in at their offices on Friday after the announcement of surprise closures. "We fully support what you're doing. Don't back down...do not be pushed around, do not be intimidated". The Vestas occupiers have also exchanged messages of solidarity with SsangYong Motor Company in South Korea. Workers at SsangYong have been occupying their factory since May 22 in protest against a 36% cut in employees there. The occupation continues accompanied by a warning of increased union unrest in Britain. Neil O'Brien of centre-right think tank Policy Exchange told ''The Daily Telegraph'' that, while labour unrest had increased, the current state of affairs is "nothing compared to what is going to happen once the brakes are slammed on public spending."
Afghan president's brother, Ahmad Wali Karzai, killed Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. The half-brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been assassinated in Kandahar, officials say. Ahmad Wali Karzai, a leading power broker in the country's south, was shot dead at his home in a blow to Nato's battle against the Taliban in the area. He was shot twice by his long-time head of security Sardar Mohammed, who was himself killed almost immediately. The Taliban said they carried out the attack, calling it one of their top achievements in 10 years of war. Sardar Mohammed's motives remain unclear, but the killing will raise questions about securing Afghanistan's top officials. Previous assassination attempts Ahmad Wali Karzai's killing is the latest and most high-profile in a series of assassinations of senior politicians and security commanders across the country. Continue reading the main story Analysis The last time I saw Ahmad Wali Karzai in his heavily protected compound, he said the war against the Taliban in Kandahar was being won. He wanted foreign troops to stay the course - even though his brother, the president, didn't. The man they called Mr Kandahar was asked to solve every problem from tackling Taliban strongholds to solving the personal problem of anyone who made it to his door. President Karzai relied on him to consolidate his tribal and political sway in the restive south - he must now be deeply worried. Nato officials had often spoken of putting Ahmad Wali Karzai "on notice" over allegations of drug deals, and corruption. He challenged everyone to prove it. There's an old Afghan saying "whoever controls Kandahar, controls Afghanistan". Ahmad Wali Karzai was the lynchpin in so many areas, his death now leaves a dangerous vaccum. The Afghan president said the assassination reflected the suffering of all Afghan people. "This is the way of life for the people of Afghanistan," said Mr Karzai. "The homes of all Afghans feel this pain. Our hope is this (violence) will come to an end and peace and happiness come to our homes and will come to rule in our country." Critics said Ahmad Wali Karzai was a warlord mired in corruption who was openly involved in the drugs trade and had a personal militia at his disposal. His supporters saw him as a defender of Pashtun rights. The president repeatedly defended him, denouncing accusations that his brother was involved in criminal activities. Security was intensified in Kandahar following Tuesday morning's shooting, as the body of Ahmad Wali Karzai, who was born in 1961, was taken to a nearby hospital. As head of the Kandahar Provincial Council, he was a staunch ally of US and allied forces in Afghanistan, says the BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Kabul, to the extent that they turned a blind eye to accusations he was involved in drug trafficking. "Despite our worries about Ahmad Wali Karzai, he was someone the US could work with and he kept a lid on things in Kandahar," a US official told the BBC. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote [Ahmad Wali Karzai] was someone the US could work with and he kept a lid on things in Kandahar” End Quote US official It is hard to overstate how important he was in the south of Afghanistan and in Nato's efforts to combat the Taliban in their stronghold there, adds our correspondent. The Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, US General David Petraeus, condemned the assassination, and said ISAF would work with the Afghan government to bring anyone involved to justice. "President Karzai is working to create a stronger, more secure Afghanistan, and for such a tragic event to happen to someone within his own family is unfathomable," said Gen Pertraeus. Ahmad Wali Karzai had survived attempts on his life before, most recently in a rocket and machine gun attack in 2009 as his convoy was travelling towards Kabul. The previous year, he was chairing a meeting in a government building when a bomb-filled fuel tanker exploded close by. Although Mr Karzai escaped unhurt, six people were killed and 40 wounded in the blast. He and other officials blamed Taliban militants for the bombing. In 2003, Mr Karzai's house in Kandahar city was hit by an explosion which he said was caused accidentally when some weapons were being moved. Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions Afghanistan: The Unknown Country is on BBC 2 at 2320 BST Tuesday 12 July and iPlayer. It is not available to viewers outside the UK \|\|\|\|\| Wali Karzai (R), reportedly a paid asset of the CIA, had survived multiple attempts on his life [EPA] Ahmed Wali Karzai, half brother to the Afghan president and one of the most powerful men in the country, has been killed in Kandahar city by a close associate, according to government officials and a member of his security team. Wali Karzai, the head of the Kandahar provincial council, was shot dead on Tuesday morning inside his house by Sardar Mohammad, a "dear" friend who regularly visited him, according to the security source and a member of the provincial council. Mohammad shot Wali Karzai in the stomach and chest as he emerged from a bathroom and was then shot and killed by other bodyguards, the security source said. Karzai at Tuesday's press conference. His father was assassinated in 1999 in Pakistan. [AFP] Hamid Karzai, the president, betrayed little emotion as he attended a scheduled press conference on Tuesday afternoon with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He confirmed his brother's death. "My younger brother was martyred in his house today. This is the life of all Afghan people, I hope these miseries which every Afghan family faces will one day end," Karzai said. Assassin an "illiterate" security commander A Taliban spokesman told Al Jazeera that they were behind the killing and had assigned Mohammad to carry it out a "long time" ago. But Afghan analysts say the hardline Islamic movement often claims credit for acts it may not have organised, and according to officials, Mohammad had been close to Wali Karzai for many years. Mohammad was the commander of checkpoints in the Zakir Sharif area, where the Karzai family's paternal hometown of Karz is located, around five kilometres south of Kandahar, a spokesman for the provincial governor told Al Jazeera. Mohammad was around 35 years old, had 150 people under his command and was "totally illiterate," spokesman Zalmay Ayoubi said. Some analysts speculated that the killing may have been the result of a personal dispute between the two men. But Haji Ehsan, a member of the provincial council, said Mohammad was "very dear" to Wali Karzai and became a commander on his recommendation. "This morning, they had spoken on the phone before [Mohammad] went to visit him," Ehsan told Al Jazeera. "This can't be a personal feud. They were too close. This is definitely a conspiracy against Ahmed Wali, it is difficult to say at this point by who." Wali Karzai's death comes two weeks after an attack on the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul, which the Taliban said was their work. Nineteen people died in that assault. It was the second major assassination in Kandahar province in three months: In April, a suicide bomber killed provincial police chief Khan Mohammad Mujahed. In response to the assassination, police mobilised a massive response in Kandahar city, according to Kabul-based journalist Matthieu Aikins, who spoke to a resident. Checkpoints were "locked down," helicopters hovered overhead, and the road to the hospital, where Wali Karzai's body was taken, was blocked off, Aikins wrote on Twitter. 'Super governor' of southern Afghanistan Wali Karzai was considered a Popalzai tribal elder, but his power extended far wider in Afghan business, politics and security. He has been described in various media reports as a "warlord" involved in drug smuggling and as a paid asset of the Central Intelligence Agency. "He was effectively the super governor of southern Afghanistan," said Al Jazeera's James Bays, who met Wali Karzai on multiple occasions and has reported extensively from the country. In fact, influential pro-government Kandaharis had lobbied the president as recently as June to appoint Wali Karzai governor of the province, a prospect which seemed close to becoming a reality, Aikins wrote in Harper's magazine. The current governor, Tooryalai Wesa, spent the majority of the past two decades in Canada and was considered far less influential than the head of his provincial council. Ex-intelligence chief calls for unity Amrullah Saleh, the former Afghan intelligence chief, said the government should use Wali Karzai's killing to come together against common enemies: al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Pakistani armed groups. "Ahmed Wali Karzai was standing against these forces," he said. "This has boosted the morale of our enemies and given them more opportunities to infiltrate our ranks." US General David Petraeus condemned the killing in a statement and said NATO forces would help the Afghan government try to bring to justice those involved in Wali Karzai's killing. "President Karzai is working to create a stronger, more secure Afghanistan, and for such a tragic event to happen to someone within his own family is unfathomable," the statement said. Saad Mohseni, the director of a large Afghan media group, wrote on Twitter that Wali Karzai's assassination "is a big loss for the president as he helped hold the greater Kandahar region together." There had been several previous attempts on Wali Karzai's life, and even the United States once warned that they could kill him. In May 2009, Wali Karzai said he had been ambushed on the road to Kabul by Taliban fighters, who killed one of his bodyguards. Six months earlier, he happened to be away when a Taliban attack on government buildings in Kandahar left six people dead. In March 2010, a senior US military official told the Reuters news agency that Wali Karzai could be targeted for killing or capture if it were ever proved that he provided arms or assistance to insurgent groups. "We'd rather not have a guy like that down there because he's so divisive," the official said. "But there's nothing that we can do unless we can link him to the insurgency." Allegations of CIA payments Rumours of Wali Karzai's involvement in Afghanistan's opium trade have circulated in Afghanistan for years. Wali Karzai had once personally ordered a local commander in the security forces to release a large truck carrying heroin, the New York Times reported in 2007. But he repeatedly denied any role in the drug trade and said he was the "victim of politics". Confronted once in 2009 by a McClatchy news agency reporter who had interviewed officials and elders implicating him in drug trafficking, Wali Karzai threatened to beat the reporter and ordered him to leave his house. A year later, the Times reported that Wali Karzai had received regular payments from the CIA for the previous eight years, in part to fund an Afghan paramilitary force that operated at the CIA's direction. Wali Karzai was paid to allow the so-called Kandahar Strike Force to use a large compound outside the city, and a senior US official referred to him as "our landlord". Mujib Mashal contributed reporting.	Wali Karzai speaking to media in 2010 , the half-brother of the Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, has been shot dead in . Wali Karzai was head of the Kandahar Provincial Council at the time of his assassination. The perpetrator was Sardar Mohammed, the head of security in charge of protecting Karzai. Mohammed was killed instantly after the assassination. President Karzai released a statement after the killing of his brother. He said "This is the way of life for the people of Afghanistan. The homes of all Afghans feel this pain. Our hope is this (violence) will come to an end and peace and happiness come to our homes and will come to rule in our country." The motive as to why Mohammed would have killed Karzai remain unclear, but the Taliban have claimed responsibility for the assassination. Local politician said he was sceptical about the Taliban's involvement. The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks and killings without evidence of their involvement. Karzai had survived several assassination attempts before. He escaped uninjured after a fuel tanker filled with bombs exploded near a building where he was hosting a meeting in 2008, and again in 2009 when his convoy was attacked by machine guns and rocket attacks. General , the commander of the , said "President Karzai is working to create a stronger, more secure Afghanistan, and for such a tragic event to happen to someone within his own family is unfathomable." Another US offical told the BBC, "Ahmad Wali Karzai had his unsavoury side, but he was someone we could work with and he kept a lid on things in Kandahar." == Sources == * *
Campbell Bridges was credited with discovering the rare stone Tsavorite A leading Scottish gemstone expert has been killed in Kenya by a gang armed with clubs, spears, bows and arrows. Campbell Bridges, 71, was attacked by 20 men in the grounds of his 600-acre property near the southern town of Voi. He fought off the mob with his son Bruce and four Kenyan staff but died of his injuries on arrival at hospital. Police are investigating the attack which is reportedly connected to a three-year dispute over access and control of Mr Bridges' gemstone mines. Police said he was driving his pick-up truck in the grounds of his home within a national park when he was ambushed by about 20 men brandishing crude home-made weapons. Witnesses said his injuries were caused by stab wounds from a knife. No-one else was injured in the attack on Tuesday. Mr Bridges' body has since been flown to the capital Nairobi. He would stand up to anyone. He would have gone in with his fists flying if someone attacked him The Rev John Ellison Victim's friend Murdered gems expert's son speaks A close friend, the Rev John Ellison, 72, from Alton, Hampshire, told the BBC Scotland news website that the internationally-renowned gemmologist would have put up a strong fight. "He was very fit, strong and confrontational but a lovely man nevertheless," he said. "He would stand up to anyone. He would have gone in with his fists flying if someone attacked him." He added that his "wonderful" friend had "a quick fuse if anyone was dishonest". Mr Bridges was brought up in Scotland but had lived in the African country most of his life. He is credited with discovering the green Tsavorite gem, a rare stone unique to the region, and also worked as a special consultant to the New York jewellers, Tiffany and Co. Mr Ellison revealed that Mr Bridges had previously been threatened as he owned mining rights and therefore knew where the deposits were. "He was very well known in Africa and the gemstone industry, which gave him a lifetime achievement award," he said. "He had a fund of stories and I was privileged to have been the first person outside his family to know of his discovery in 1971. This is terrible news." A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of Campbell Bridges on 11 August following injuries sustained in an attack near Voi in Kenya. "British consular officials are liaising with the local authorities who have confirmed that an investigation is under way." Mr Bridges leaves a wife, Judy, and two grown-up children, Laura and Bruce. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Login Enter your details below to login Email address Password Keep me logged in information Keeps you logged in for a rolling 15 days or until you logout Forgot your password?	The Tsavorite Gem which Bridges discovered A mob of 20 men have killed a leading British gemologist in the town of Voi in Kenya. Campbell Bridges who was born in Scotland was killed at his 600-acre property located within a national park. The attack is reported to be linked to a 3 year dispute over control of the gemstone mines owned by Mr. Bridges. Police reported that Bridges was driving his pick-up around his land when he was ambushed by 20 men wielding homemade clubs and spears as well as bows and arrows. Bridges fought off the mob with the help of his son and four Kenyan staff. He was transported to hospital but later died. No one else was seriously injured in the attack. Bruce Bridges, Campbell’s son spoke to reporters about his ordeal. He spoke of how he fled to the capital Nairobi with his father’s body. “As we drove towards our mining camp we found huge thorn trees blocking the road. Eight men with machetes, spears, clubs, knives, bows and arrows appeared, shouting, ‘We’re going to kill you all!’ Then more people came down the mountain like ants — 20 or 30 of them” he said. Campbell was renowned in the gemstone business. He worked as a special consultant for jewelers Tiffany & Co. He is also credited with the discovery of tsavorite and also involved in the discovery of tanzanite.
Rangers win 4-2 on penalties By Clive Lindsay Rangers were delighted with their victory in Italy Ten-man Rangers edged into the Uefa Cup final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina. The Italians dominated and Sasa Papac cleared Mario Alberto Santana's clever backheel off the goalline. Adrian Mutu and Christian Vieri also went close, while Steven Whittaker forced a good save at the other end. Daniel Cousin was sent off in extra time, but the tie ended goalless and Nacho Novo fired the winning penalty after Vieri drove his kick over. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. And that took Rangers to their first European final since they lifted the Cup-Winners' Cup in 1972. The scene had been set for Rangers to follow Dick Advocaat to the City of Manchester Stadium on 14 May, the former Ibrox boss having earlier led Zenit St Petersburg to their first European final with a 5-1 aggregate hammering of Bayern Munich. MY SPORT: DEBATE Signs were good for Walter Smith's side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi when veteran Scotland defender David Weir took to the field having recovered from injury. Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson also returned from the suspensions that ruled them out of the first leg to bolster Rangers' midfield. The Glasgow outfit made a more assured start than they had at Ibrox and it took Fiorentina 19 minutes to threaten. But the pressure started to build and, when goalkeeper Neil Alexander failed to collect a dangerous Massimo Gobbi cross, Papac was forced into a hasty headed clearance. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Marco Donadel's return from suspension was cut short as he hobbled off, to be replaced with Zdravko Kuzmanovic. Minutes later, his Fiorentina team-mates joined him in the changing room having failed to breach the Rangers defence. Fiorentina continued to press after the break, Giampaolo Pazzini firing just wide and Tomas Ujfalusi flashing a drive narrowly over. Rangers forced Sebastien Frey into his first save on 76 minutes, though Steven Davis' prodded effort from 14 yards was easily held by the goalkeeper. Vieri almost became an instant hero with his first touch after coming on as a substitute but sat on the ball instead of turning it into the net from just three yards out. Rangers' Cousin lost the plot by aiming a butt at Liverani Frey pushed away a fine curling effort from Whittaker at full stretch as Rangers threatened on the break, but the Italians held the greater threat as the game went into extra time. Vieri missed the target with three attempts, while a Kuzmanovic header flew narrowly wide. Carlos Cuellar sent a powerful header straight at Frey and a Cousin drive looped over the bar. But Rangers were reduced to 10-men when substitute Cousin, already booked, head-butted Fabio Liverani and received a second yellow card. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Rangers played out the final 10 minutes to take the game to penalties. And, although Rangers captain Ferguson had his spot-kick saved, Alexander denied Liverani before the veteran Vieri became the villain of a thrilling semi-final. Fiorentina: Frey, Jorgensen, Gamberini, Ujfalusi, Gobbi, Donadel (Kuzmanovic 42), Liverani, Montolivo, Santana (Semioli 94), Pazzini (Vieri 79), Mutu. Subs Not Used: Avramov, Dainelli, Osvaldo, Pasqual. Rangers: Alexander, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Weir, Papac, Hemdani, Davis (Novo 81), Ferguson, Thomson, Whittaker, Darcheville (Cousin 65). Subs Not Used: Graeme Smith, Buffel, Boyd, Dailly, Faye. Sent Off: Cousin (110). Booked: Thomson, Weir, Cousin Att: 39,130 Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium). BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Rangers' Carlos Cuellar 7.17 (on 90 minutes). • Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished. Player Rater Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| 2ND LEG: 0 - 0 (Agg) Rangers win 4-2 on penalties Rangers oust Fiorentina on penalty kicks Nacho Novo and Neil Alexander were the heroes as Rangers booked a place in the UEFA Cup final following an epic semi-final clash against Fiorentina, which they won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Novo kept his cool to convert the decisive spot-kick after Alexander had saved from Fabio Liverani and Christian Vieri had missed in a tense penalty shoot-out. The full 210 minutes of football failed to separate the two clubs as the tie finished goalless. But Rangers will now feature in their first European final since lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup back in 1972, when they face former Light Blues boss Dick Advocaat's Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester on May 14. Rangers were handed a massive boost ahead of kick-off with the news that David Weir had passed a late fitness test after initially being ruled out with a groin injury sustained in Sunday's Old Firm derby. His quick recovery allowed Walter Smith to name his preferred central defensive pairing of Weir and Carlos Cuellar for the first time since the midweek defeat to Celtic on April 16, as a result of suspensions for both players since then. Jean-Claude Darcheville started as the lone striker ahead of Daniel Cousin, with Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson both included after missing the first leg through suspension. Rangers found themselves under pressure early on when Steven Whittaker's foul on Martin Jorgensen provided Fiorentina with a free-kick in a dangerous area. Fabio Liverani presided over the set-piece 25 yards out but failed to trouble Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander, who gathered comfortably at the far post. A scuffed shot from Adrian Mutu - the club's top scorer in Europe this season with six goals - was also collected by the goalkeeper, before Riccardo Montolivo blasted well over. Thomson, back in action after serving a European ban, added to his collection of yellow cards when he picked up the first booking of the game with 28 minutes gone for dissent after fouling Mario Santana. Good play between Ferguson and Darcheville allowed Rangers to push into the box shortly before the break, their only real attack at that stage, but the offside flag was raised before Ferguson could unleash a shot. Marco Donadel - suspended for the first leg - hobbled out of the action four minutes before the interval and was replaced by Zdravko Kuzmanovic, as the Italians reverted to the starting 11 from Glasgow. Mutu attempted to spark the tie into life after the restart when he collected a long ball from Santana only to screw wide under pressure from Kirk Broadfoot. The former Chelsea striker then turned provider when he whipped a teasing cross to the feet of Giampaolo Pazzini who stabbed inches wide of the near upright. A blocked shot from Liverani broke to Fiorentina skipper Tomas Ujfalusi who unleashed a ferocious shot that dipped just over the crossbar as the home side cranked up the pressure another notch. With 25 minutes remaining, Rangers made their first change when Darcheville was replaced by Cousin. Only the heroics of Alexander kept the scoreline level when Liverani tapped a free-kick to Mutu and the goalkeeper did well to block a thunderous 30-yard shot from the Romanian. Alexander failed to hold the ball but managed to smother just in time as Pazzini bore down on goal for the rebound. Weir and Cousin both went in the referee's book before Steven Davis saw his flick held by Sebastien Frey after the Viola goalkeeper's defence had failed to clear the danger. Vieri was thrown into the action with 10 minutes to go and he immediately squandered a great opportunity, stumbling over the ball in front of goal and allowing Alexander to come to the rescue again. With the clock running down, Davis made way for Nacho Novo but it was Whittaker who drew an excellent save from Frey with a curling left-footed shot as the 90 minutes ended goalless and extra-time beckoned. Vieri saw a shot fizz across the face of goal in the first minute of extra-time, before Cousin's header was held by the goalkeeper and a shot from the Rangers striker was deflected over. With this epic tie destined to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out, Rangers were dealt a blow when Cousin saw red after picking up his second booking of the night for clashing with Liverani after 109 minutes. Penalties soon arrived as Rangers, with 10 men, held off the Serie A giants, riding their luck at times. Ferguson took the first penalty and saw his kick saved to hand the advantage to the Italians. But Alexander blocked from Liverani and Vieri blasted over, allowing Novo to keep his cool and Rangers into the final.	0-0 on aggregate. After extra time. Rangers won 4–2 on penalties. After 210 minutes of goalless football between Italians Fiorentina and Scottish club Rangers, a penalty shootout decided who would progress to the 2007-08 UEFA Cup Final. In a match that contained thirteen shots on goal, neither team could find the back of the net, and so to penalties it went. Barry Ferguson missed the opening spot-kick, seeing it saved by Sebastien Frey. Zdravko Kuzmanovic put the home side ahead. Steven Whittaker succeeded where his captain could not, slotting the ball home. Riccardo Montolivo maintained Fiorentina's lead before Sasa Papac put away Rangers' second. Fabio Liverani was next up, and his effort was saved by Neil Alexander. The shootout was now level, with one miss apiece. Brahim Hemdani scored a third for Rangers, and then returned to the centre circle to witness Christian Vieri miss Fiorentina's second successive effort. It was left to Spaniard Nacho Novo to give Rangers victory, and he put his strike into the back of the net. Rangers, who were reduced to ten men with ten minutes of extra time remaining after Daniel Cousin was sent off for an apparent headbutt on Fabio Liverani, will meet Zenit Saint Petersburg in the final in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2008. Zenit are managed by former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat.
Versión en Español Earthquake Summary Tectonic Summary The Torres Islands, Vanuatu earthquake of October 7, 2009, occurred on or near the plate boundary between the Australia and Pacific plates. In the region of the earthquake, the Australia plate moves to the east-northeast with respect to the Pacific plate at a velocity of about 91 mm/year. The Australia plate thrusts under the Pacific plate at the New Hebrides trench and dips to the east-northeast. The October 7 earthquakes location, depth, and focal mechanism are consistent with the earthquake having occurred as thrust-faulting associated with subduction along the Australia-Pacific plate boundary. The Vanuatu region experiences a very high level of earthquake activity, with over a dozen events of magnitude 7 and larger having been recorded since the early decades of the twentieth century. The subducting Australia plate is seismically active to depths of about 350 km beneath the islands. Recent large earthquakes near the October 7 event include a M 7.2 earthquake in 2007 and a M 7.3 earthquake in 1999. Tsunami Information \|\|\|\|\| WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Reuters) - An 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the northwest of Santo, Vanuatu, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday.The epicenter of the quake was located 232 miles (373 km) north-northwest of Santo, Vanuatu, at a depth of 20.5 miles (33 km), the agency said.There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and no tsunami warning was issued.(Writing by World Desk Americas) \|\|\|\|\| A Pacific tsunami warning issued following strong earthquakes off Vanuatu has been lifted, after only a tiny wave was generated. The first quake with a magnitude of 7.8 was followed about an hour later by one of 7.1, the US Geological Survey said. The first epicentre was 295km (180 miles) north-northwest of Vanuatu's largest island, Santo, at a depth of 35km (21.7 miles). People had already begun to move to higher ground. In Vanuatu residents evacuated low-lying areas and fled to higher ground. In New Caledonia, schools in coastal areas were evacuated. More than 170 people died last week when a tsunami triggered by a quake hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. All three nations were initially included in a "tsunami watch" - a lower level of alert than a tsunami warning - but were later upgraded to the warning level, before the warnings were cancelled. Earlier on Wednesday, a 6.7-magnitude quake struck off the Philippines, but no tsunami warning was issued.	Location of Vanuatu within the South PacificAccording to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Vanuatu region in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. The quake was followed by a large aftershock with a magnitude of 7.3. So far there are no reports of damage or injuries. Both of the quakes' epicenters were centered roughly 373 kilometres northwest of the Vanuatu city of Santu, at a depth of 33 kilometres. Vanuatu was placed under a tsunami warning after the earthquake started, however, it has since been removed, as the tremors managed to produce only small waves. The earthquake comes a week after another heavy tremor caused tsunamis in the South Pacific. That quake killed 170 people on the islands of Tonga, Samoa, and American Samoa.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Thursday, July 10, that it had agreed to pay 2.83 million pounds (3.56 million euros, $5.6 million) in compensation to the relatives of Baha Mousa, who died from being beaten while in British detention in Basra in September, 2003, and nine other men who suffered mistreatment by soldiers. The pay-out was agreed during two days of "intensive negotiations" between the group and the Ministry of Defence in London, said the law firm Leigh Day & Co. "Our clients have been through hell over the last few years and this settlement will go some way to enabling our clients to have some semblance of a decent future life," said Martyn Day, senior partner in the firm. "The settlement is with an admission of liability by the Ministry of Defence ... for substantive breaches of Article 2 (right to life) and 3 (prohibition of torture) of the European Convention on Human Rights," the MoD said in a statement. Calls for broader inquiry The death in detention of Mousa, a 26-year-old hotel receptionist, and the maltreatment of nine other men, cast a dark shadow over the conduct of British forces in southern Iraq soon after the invasion and led lawyers to call for a "broad inquiry into the British Army's detention policy." The government and the army have apologized for the "disgraceful incident" while stressing that the vast majority of Britain's troops in Iraq had conducted themselves "to the highest standard of behavior." Investigations showed that Mousa, a father of two, died from 93 separate injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken nose, after British troops raided the hotel for weapons and accused him of being an insurgent. Mousa's father, Daoud, who has been leading the fight for compensation, told the High Court in London in 2004 that he was "horrified" by the state of his son's body, which he was asked to identify. "I burst into tears and I still cannot bear to think about what I saw. Every time I tell this story I break down," he said. A large part of the compensation is for Mousa's two young sons, who were orphaned as their mother died from cancer shortly before the hotel raid. A court martial held in Britain last year heard that Mousa and the other men were tied and hooded and repeatedly kicked and assaulted by troops during the raid. Witness Ahmad Taha Musa Al-Matairi told the court martial that the seven soldiers involved in the raid took bets on who would make Mousa fall down. "They celebrated beating him and a group of other Iraqis like it was Christmas," said the witness at the court martial. Most implicated soldiers acquitted The military trial, dismissed by critics as an "inadequate tool" to tackle human rights offences, ended in March 2007 with the acquittal of six of the men. A seventh, Corporal Donald Payne, who admitted to having treated the Iraqis "inhumanely," was jailed for a year and dismissed from the army. But his seniors in the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, including commanding officer Colonel Jorge Mendonca, were cleared of all charges. The prosecution alleged that Mendonca, the highest-ranking British soldier ever to face a court martial, had never "questioned the legality" of his men's conduct and allowed them to abuse the Iraqis in direct breach of human rights conventions. When asked by the prosecution if he had heard screams coming from the building where the alleged abuse took place, Mendonca told the court martial: "I express incredulity at that comment." \|\|\|\|\| LONDON, July 11 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense has agreed to pay compensation and apologize to Iraqis tortured by British troops and the family of a man who died. Leigh Day & Co., a British law firm representing the Iraqis, announced the settlement Thursday, The Scotsman reported Friday. The company said the damages come to 2.83 million pounds, about $5.7 million. The 10 men involved in the litigation were picked up by soldiers in the Queen's Lancashire Regiment in Basra, Iraq, in 2003. At the time, a few months after the invasion of Iraq, the situation was beginning to deteriorate with sectarian violence aimed at Iraqis and at Coalition troops becoming more common. The man who died, Baha Mousa, was a young clerk at a hotel where soldiers found weapons, which the staff said were for security. He died in British custody. General Freddie Viggers, who was present at a mediation session with family members, apologized, the law firm said. "The British Army apologized for the appalling treatment that you suffered at the hands of the British Army," Viggers was quoted as saying. "The appalling behavior of British soldiers made us feel disgusted." \|\|\|\|\| "The British Army in Iraq has performed exceptionally well under extraordinarily testing conditions and of that there is no doubt. But in September 2003, a number of Iraqi civilians were arrested and taken into custody by soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment. One of those civilians, Mr Baha Mousa, died while being held in Army detention and the subsequent post mortem examination showed that he had suffered asphyxiation and some 93 injuries to his body. "Ever since Mr Baha Mousa died, my predecessor, General Sir Mike Jackson and I have been determined to establish how and why this occurred. The Army has a duty to investigate all serious cases of abuse and this incident has been subject to the most intensive investigation. The Court Martial of Corporal Payne and others last year and the publication of the Aitken Report earlier this year have gone some way to shed light on this disgraceful incident; the Aitken Report in particular was rightly critical of the Army in certain areas and revealed a number of important lessons to be learned which we have taken steps already to put right. I am therefore confident that all soldiers deploying on operations now are fully trained in their legal responsibilities, in particular concerning the humane treatment of detainees. "But we cannot escape the fact that, there are important questions that have yet to be answered in connection with Mr Baha Mousa’s death. Although the Aitken Report identified important lessons to be learned, it was not able to fully explain how and why these circumstances occurred and I therefore welcome the announcement today by the Secretary of State for Defence of a Public Inquiry that will examine all the circumstances leading up to and surrounding, the death of Mr Baha Mousa. The terms of the reference of the Public Inquiry will be announced in due course and the Army will give the fullest cooperation. There is no wish to hide anything in the Inquiry’s quest to understand and report on what happened. "As soldiers, we know only too well that the conduct of military operations is both difficult and dangerous but we also know that it is our duty to behave in accordance with both the law and the Army’s core values. These core values include courage, integrity and discipline as well as loyalty, selfless commitment and crucially in this case - respect for others. The Army’s operational effectiveness and reputation depend on this. "And whilst the Army is an extremely professional war-fighting force, committed to campaigns in both Iraq and Afghanistan, a small number of individuals have let us down and we need to understand how and why this came about. All our soldiers know that collectively and individually, we can, and should, be called to account when things go wrong. Our perseverance in this case should therefore come as no surprise and I welcome the transparency that a Public Inquiry will provide. "As Chief of the General Staff and in all my previous appointments, I have made it clear that I expect all commanders to set an example to their subordinates, and to provide the leadership and supervision that will ensure the delivery of the required outcomes, as well as professional behaviour. The Army knows that Mr Baha Mousa should have been treated properly and lawfully but he was not. "This was not a case of misjudgment in the heat of battle, or in the heat of the moment. There can be no excuse. We have a genuinely world class reputation and therefore I am determined that we must never allow a few of our people to damage the reputation of the majority in this manner again. That is why I welcome the announcement of the Public Inquiry today as the right thing to do as we endeavour to find out how and why it came to be that Mr Baha Mousa died in September 2003."	The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Thursday that it has agreed to pay compensation to victims of abuse in Iraq, who were in British custody at the time. Iraqi civilian Baha Mousa, a 26-year-old hotel receptionist, died in September 2003 at a British base. Mousa and nine other Iraqis were arrested by a patrol of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and suffered ill-treatment for over 36 hours. At a British court-martial last year, it was learned that Mousa and the other men were tied and hooded and repeatedly kicked and assaulted by troops. Basra, Iraq A witness in the case, Ahmad Taha Musa Al-Matairi, told the court that the seven soldiers involved "celebrated beating him and a group of other Iraqis like it was Christmas." During the court-martial, Donald Payne plead guilty to a war crime and served a year in prison. The other six soldiers were acquitted. Leigh Day & Co., the British law firm which represented the Iraqis, said that the MoD has agreed to pay £2.83 million pounds (€3.56 million euros, US$5.6 million) in compensation after "intensive negotiations". The bulk of the settlement is expected to go to the family of Mousa. A statement released by the MoD reads: "The settlement is with an admission of liability by the Ministry of Defence ... for substantive breaches of Article 2 (right to life) and 3 (prohibition of torture) of the European Convention on Human Rights." According to the lawyers, Adjutant General Lieutenant General Freddie Viggers told the surviving victims and families: "The British Army apologized for the appalling treatment that you suffered at the hands of the British Army. The appalling behavior of British soldiers made us feel disgusted." "I hope this independent inquiry will reassure the public that no stone has been left unturned. The Army and the Ministry of Defence will be giving the fullest co-operation to this inquiry," said UK Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, at the onset of the inquiry in May 2008.
Two arrested as murder investigation is launched (Bishopsworth) Family release statement UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:51 UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:51 Image Jack Steadman Police have named the man who died following an incident at the Elm Tree pub in Bristol. Jack Steadman, aged 19, from Hartcliffe died following the incident on April 2. Jack was born and raised in Hartcliffe and attended Bedminster Down School. After leaving school he worked as a carpenter before enrolling on a Prince's Trust training course. In January 2008 he began working as a tyre fitter which he really enjoyed. He enjoyed all sports and had played rugby for St Bernadettes and was a supporter of Liverpool and Bristol Rovers. His family have released the following tribute: "Jack is obviously dearly missing by all of his family. He was a much loved son and brother. "Nothing can ever fill the hole that has been left in our lives. "We know that Jack had a lot of friends, but we have been amazed by the amount of messages that people have left. "We can not believe Jack has gone, we all keep expecting him to walk back in. Jack was an angel, he was amazing." A photograph of Jack is available on the force website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk The family have requested that the media respect their privacy during this difficult time. Man charged after car park death UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:39 UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:39 Image Force crest A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder at Bristol Magistrates Court this afternoon (Friday April 4). This is in relation to an incident outside a pub in Bristol on April 2. Jonathon Martin, 23, from the Bishopsworth area of the city, was charged following the death of a 19 year old man and has been remanded in custody until April 11. The second man arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail. Two arrested as murder investigation is launched (Bishopsworth) ADDED: 3/04/2008 11:08 ADDED: 3/04/2008 11:08 Image Police cordon Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident in a pub car park in Bristol. Some time around 20.30hrs yesterday (Wednesday April 2) there was an incident in the car park of the Elm Tree pub in Highridge Road. A local man aged 19 was involved in a collision with a Ford Fiesta car. He sustained serious multiple injuries from which he subsequently died at the BRI a few hours later. Two local men in their early 20s have been arrested in connection with this incident. Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident in the car park or who was in the pub or the vicinity of the pub prior to the incident. Anyone who can help should call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Bristol CID on 0117 945 5355. Related areas on the website Anyone who can help should contact us through our secure Crimestoppers contact form > Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and you could receive a reward. Other ways to access this information \|\|\|\|\| Police want to talk to people who were drinking in the Elm Tree Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident in a pub car park in Bishopsworth, Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said a local 19-year-old man "was in collision with a Ford Fiesta" in the Elm Tree pub car park on Highridge Road. He died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary of serious multiple injuries later on Wednesday evening. The two men arrested are in their early 20s and from south Bristol. Police are now appealing for witnesses. They particularly want to talk to anyone drinking in the Elm Tree.	The family of the 19 year old who was 'murdered' in a pub car park two days ago have made a statement regarding the death of their child. They said that "Jack is obviously dearly missed by all of his family. He was a much loved son and brother." "Nothing can ever fill the hole that has been left in our lives," they continued. "We know that Jack had a lot of friends, but we have been amazed by the amount of messages that people have left. " The family continued "we can not believe Jack has gone, we all keep expecting him to walk back in. Jack was an angel, he was amazing." The death, which was treated as murder, resulted in two arrests. The murder, which occurred on Wednesday evening, took place near Highridge Road in Bishopsworth, Bristol.
Login Enter your details below to login If you are an existing member of The Times and The Sunday Times enjoying the full benefits of thetimes.co.uk, then simply enter your Times+ login details below and press 'Enter' Enter your details to login Email address Password Keep me logged in information Keeps you logged in for a rolling 30 days or until you logout \|\|\|\|\| TREASURER Peter Costello would continue the spirit of John Howard's vision when he eventually replaced him, Health Minister Tony Abbott said today. Mr Howard last night announced that if returned to power at the federal election he would retire and hand over the leadership, most likely to Mr Costello, well into the next term of government. "Ever since Peter's been in public life, Peter's been getting his vision from (Mr Howard), but his vision and the prime minister's vision are very similar," Mr Abbott told reporters. He said that shared vision was a good thing for the country. "What's now absolutely crystal clear is that at some point towards the end of the next term of parliament, there will be a transition from a government led by John Howard to a government that will be true to the spirit of John Howard, really true to the spirit of John Howard, not falsely true to the spirit of John Howard," Mr Abbott said. "If you like the policies of this government, if you think that this government has done well, the best thing you can do is to keep voting for this government and that's what the prime minister has made clear." Mr Abbott said Mr Howard's retirement announcement was not a decision made on the run. "This was a decision which was announced yesterday but which has been in the making for quite some time," he said. "It was obvious that there was going to have to be a new way of approaching this because what's acceptable for a 65-year-old is obviously not going to be quite the same for a 68-year-old. "Plainly this matter had to be resolved. I think it needed to be resolved in good time to call the election. "It's now been resolved and I want congratulate the PM and the treasurer on the way it's been handled." \|\|\|\|\| Howard to step down during next term Posted Updated Prime Minister John Howard has acknowledged that a vote for the Coalition at this year's election will effectively be a vote for two prime ministers - him and Peter Costello. Mr Howard has revealed if he is re-elected he would retire during his next term, and would most likely hand over his leadership to the Treasurer. Mr Howard's leadership was unchallenged during Wednesday's Liberal party room meeting and he says there was no evidence of a desire for a leadership change. He has told the ABC's 7:30 Report he is not sure whether he would quit politics entirely and force a by-election in his seat of Bennelong, or serve out the remainder of his final term on the backbench. "Depending on when I went, whether there would be a by-election or not is something that I would determine then," he said. "Because it has not been unknown for people in those circumstances to serve out their term and it would depend entirely on circumstances." Mr Howard denies his decision to retire within the next three years if he wins government is an acknowledgement his leadership has been weakened. He says all things must come to an end. "I won't find it easy, if I am re-elected, to retire," he said. "Because I'm very committed to this job, and I will not like leaving it." Labor's Julia Gillard says Mr Howard wants to be re-elected, only to retire afterwards. "I saw a man who didn't have plans for this nation's future, other than asking to be re-elected so that he can retire," she said. Ms Gillard says the revelation of Mr Howard's plans is telling. "Labor, of course, is arguing that this nation has some big picture challenges for the future," she said. "They require long-term thinking. "The Prime Minister's revealed his plans for retirement but he hasn't revealed his long-term agenda for this country's future, and how can you have a long-term agenda when you're not staying for the long term?" Mr Howard insists he wanted to be up-front with voters about his intentions. "I'm asking people to vote for somebody who levels with them," he said.	File photo of Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. Speaking on the ABC's 7.30 report on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, admitted that if he is re-elected at the forthcoming election he will not serve a full three-year term as Prime Minister. The announcement follows a Liberal party meeting early on Wednesday where Mr Howard told his party that they needed to unite behind him before the election amid intense leadership speculation. Mr Howard told his party that he would step aside in favour for treasurer Peter Costello late into his next term if re-elected. If Howard is re-elected he will enter his fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister. Mr Howard is now aged 68. Mr Howard told ABC that he needed to be honest with the electorate about his intentions. “I won’t find it easy, if I am re-elected, to retire. I won’t find it the least bit easy because I am very committed to this job and I will not like leaving it. But everything comes to an end . . . and we must be honest and candid and adult about it," "I'm asking people to vote for somebody who levels with them," he said. The Prime Minister said he still had vision and would step aside only after he achieved what he intended to achieve. "If the Australian people are good enough and kind enough to re-elect me again, there are a lot of things I want to do and I would want to approach those things with enormous energy," "But I would expect, well into my term, that after those things have been implemented and bedded down I would probably or certainly form the view well into my term that it will make sense for me to retire," "I would expect, although it would be a matter for the party to determine, that Peter would take over. That's the honest position." Julia Gillard, deputy leader of the Labor Party, which is in opposition to Howard's coalition said that Mr Howard has no plans for the country's future. "I saw a man who didn't have plans for this nation's future, other than asking to be re-elected so that he can retire." "The Prime Minister's revealed his plans for retirement but he hasn't revealed his long-term agenda for this country's future, and how can you have a long-term agenda when you're not staying for the long term?" said Ms Gillard.
Sunday, April 22, 2012 The University Club 1 West 54th Street New York, NY Brunch begins promptly at noon. Nancy Keenan President, NARAL Pro-Choice America Ticket Prices $2,500 Multi-Generation Table (10 seats and 10 raffle tickets) $1,000 Sponsor Package (four brunch tickets and four raffle tickets) $500 Multi-Generational Package (one pre-Roe and one post-Roe brunch ticket and two raffle tickets) $250 Multi-Generational Tickets (one pre-Roe and one post-Roe brunch ticket) $200 Pre-Roe Ticket (one brunch ticket for guest born before 1973) $75 Post-Roe Ticket (one brunch ticket for guest born in 1973 or later) Purchase tickets online If you are unable to attend the event, you can still support NARAL Pro-Choice America with a donation. For more information, please contact Tracy Ricciardi at TRicciardi@ProChoiceAmerica.org or 202.973.3090. Please make your donation payable to NARAL Pro-Choice America, a 501(c)(4) organization, or NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to NARAL Pro-Choice America are not tax-deductible. No funds will be earmarked or reserved for any political purpose. The first $10 of your annual gift keeps your membership status active for an additional year. Contributions to NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation are tax-deductible, with the exception of the value of the benefits provided and meal per person that you indicate will be attending the event. Value will be specified in the receipt, which will be forthcoming. \|\|\|\|\| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2012 NARAL Pro-Choice America to Honor Sandra Fluke at Third Annual Multi-Generational Brunch The organization’s Future Direction Committee of young professionals will gather pro-choice supporters to mark the importance of personal stories Washington, D.C. – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, today announced that Georgetown Law student and reproductive-justice advocate Sandra Fluke will receive the organization’s Stand Up For Choice Award at a multi-generational event slated for April 22 in New York City. Fluke gained national attention after she was initially denied the opportunity to testify before a congressional committee in support of the Obama administration’s contraceptive-coverage policy. Fluke withstood vile attacks from conservative right-wing media and other opponents of birth control as she spoke out for improving women’s ability to get birth control without a copay. Her work even prompted a call of support from President Obama. “We are thrilled to honor Sandra Fluke with the Stand Up For Choice Award at this year’s multi-generational brunch,” said Amanda Hirsh, chair of the Future Direction Committee. “Attempts to silence voices like Sandra’s have failed. Young leaders across the country are looking to Sandra as an inspiration. We have cheered for her as she eloquently outlined her support for contraceptive coverage, and we can’t wait to commend her strength and perseverance in person. “ NARAL Pro-Choice America’s Future Direction Committee is made up of young professionals who represent the next generation of pro-choice leaders. It is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts, including ground-breaking public opinion research, to further engage members of the Millennial Generation in the pro-choice cause. Keenan said working with leaders like Fluke and listening to and learning from the experiences of these younger individuals is critical, given that the Millennial Generation will account for 40 percent of eligible voters by 2020. “Sandra is a remarkable leader and a true hero in the reproductive-rights community,” Keenan said. “This event brings together women and men from many generations, and the one thing that unites us all is the personal stories that are the reason for our joining this cause. Without a doubt, many people have witnessed Sandra’s strength over these last few weeks and have been inspired to join her in standing up for women’s freedom and privacy. Her story is one of courage and conviction, and it’s a reminder of why we must continue to connect the personal to the politicial, as who sits in the seats of power makes a difference in our lives.” Contact: Ted Miller, 202.973.3032	Women's rights advocate and law student Sandra Fluke was recognized Sunday, April 22 with the ''Stand Up for Choice Award''. Fluke was given the ''Stand Up for Choice Award'' at the "Third Annual Multi-Generational Brunch" of the organization which was held in New York City (NYC), New York in the United States. Sandra Fluke reading her prepared testimony The organization's president, , attended the event and had previously spoken in favor of Fluke in a press release announcing the award. "Sandra is a remarkable leader and a true hero in the reproductive-rights community. This event brings together women and men from many generations, and the one thing that unites us all is the personal stories that are the reason for our joining this cause. Without a doubt, many people have witnessed Sandra's strength over these last few weeks and have been inspired to join her in standing up for women's freedom and privacy." Chair of the NARAL Pro-Choice America’s Future Direction Committee Amanda Hirsh released a statement in support of Fluke saying, "we are thrilled to honor Sandra Fluke with the ''Stand Up For Choice Award'' at this year's multi-generational brunch. Attempts to silence voices like Sandra's have failed. Young leaders across the country are looking to Sandra as an inspiration." Fluke responded to a post on from NARAL congratulating her on receiving the award, stating, "I was honored to receive it! Thank you! I'm very humbled by the inspiring stories women told of their own lives." Fluke received a nomination in March as a candidate for '''' magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. The list is released annually as a special edition of ''Time'' magazine, titled ''''. She gave testimony to the US Congress on February 23 before the on a hearing about and . She also worked for Sanctuary for Families in NYC which worked to crackdown on human trafficking and domestic violence.
AP - 54 mins ago PARIS (AP) — France said Tuesday it has confirmed that the nerve gas sarin was used "multiple times and in a localized way" in Syria, including at least once by the … More » \|\|\|\|\| Kim May is a civil engineer specializing in septic tanks and drainage systems. His Port Orchard home doubles as his office. He's the secretary, coffee maker and CEO. In 2003, when the National Guard called May to go to Iraq for a year, his one-man company went into hibernation. And the 48-year-old sergeant and father of two wasn't sure it would ever revive. "He told me, 'I've been at this eight years, and now I've got to give it all up,' " said Kurt MacKenzie, who owns a rival septic and drainage company. "That's pretty tough." But four months after his return from overseas, May's company, Alternative Designs, is once again a full-time endeavor. May's tentative success is due, in part, to a buoyant state economy and a community of Kitsap County contractors who wanted to see May get back on his feet. A family at his church even waited eight months to fix a septic system so it could be his first customer when he returned. 81st Brigade Combat Team Formed in 1968 and includes armored, infantry and cavalry battalions. About 4,500 members — 3,400 from Washington state — with ages ranging into the 50s. Deployed in a massive send-off at the Tacoma Dome in February 2004. Returned this spring. Members served in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Members killed: Nine: three from Washington, five from California and one from Michigan. Wounded in action: 212. Missions completed: 9,075 combat patrols, 77 combat raids, 197 cordon and searches, 162 combat engagements. While last year's Iraq deployment of the Washington Army National Guard 81st Brigade Combat Team scrambled the lives of all its citizen soldiers, perhaps no one was more anxious about the long mobilization than the self-employed. Federal law guarantees workers who leave for Guard duty their same pay and status when they return. There's no such safety net for people who own their own business. When he came home, May didn't know if anyone would remember his business. And he was surprised by what he discovered. "It's humbling to know people will wait for you," he said. Putting life on hold A Navy veteran, May joined the Army National Guard in 1986. After earning an engineering degree from the University of Washington, he started his own business in 1997. He designs roads, sewage systems and storm drains. The business brings in about $50,000 annually. His wife works for the state Department of Health in its bioterrorism group, so health insurance for May isn't the burden it is for many other small-business owners. May said he remained in the National Guard because he enjoyed the work and if he stayed in 20 years, he would be eligible for retirement pay, about $1,200 a month. "Being self-employed, it's all 401(k)s and IRAs and that kind of stuff," he said. "So every little bit helps." On Oct. 23, 2003, the Army placed May's unit on alert that it would soon be deployed to Iraq. The 4,500-member 81st includes units from across the state. Its deployment marked the largest mobilization of the state's National Guard troops since World War II. Before he reported for duty, May left a message on his answering machine, telling callers he would be back in about 18 months. It was not auspicious timing. May's daughter was heading off for her first year at Pacific Lutheran University, and the family scrambled for scholarships, loans and grants. Still, the Mays dipped into savings. In Iraq, May was stationed at Camp Victory, on the grounds of Baghdad International Airport. His unit was responsible for perimeter security for the sprawling base. During active duty, his monthly pay was about $6,000. When May finally came home March 5, he didn't know how the business climate had changed, or how long it would take him to put his life together again. Competitors help out As it turned out, May and the rest of the 81st discovered the state's economy had dramatically improved since they activated. In October 2003, the unemployment rate stood at 7.3 percent. Last March, when most returned home, it was 5.2 percent. During the time May spent at Camp Victory, the state added about 98,000 new jobs, according to the state Department of Employment Security. That was good news for the contracting business. But May also discovered many unforeseen complications to restarting Alternative Designs. Civil engineers must have liability insurance, which May let lapse when he was gone. The cost was $1,600 annually before he deployed but rose to $2,400 when he got back. Without an advertising budget, it was up to May personally to let potential customers know he had returned. "The first order of business was going around, letting people know I was back, shooting out some e-mails, testing the water to see what was going on," May said. To get the money rolling again, he took a part-time job at the Kitsap County permitting desk. But it wasn't long before his phone started ringing. Caseco Associates, a commercial excavator that worked with May before he deployed, saved some design work on a potential gravel pit. "We could have done it while he was gone, but Kim is our local engineer," said Brad Paige, owner of Caseco. "We knew he'd be back. There were a lot of people who were waiting to see him." MacKenzie, owner of Apex, was one of them. Also a designer of septic systems, MacKenzie said he and May are occasional competitors, although they mostly collaborate, sharing the work the other can't do. "I did everything I could to help him to get back on his feet," said MacKenzie, who showed May changes in regulations and passed on job prospects. MacKenzie said his motivation was equal parts friendship, patriotism and professional courtesy. "Frankly, I thought it was an obligation to help him out. He's over there fighting for our behalf," MacKenzie said. "There's enough adversity in construction development. People appreciate a break in the adversarial stance." If federal statistics are any indication, self-employed guardsmen across the state are doing fine. Since 2001, only five people from Washington have applied for a Small Business Administration program that offers low-interest loans to citizen soldiers or entrepreneurs whose key employees deployed. Three applications were accepted and about $157,700 loaned. Back at work June 2 was May's first day working for his company full time after leaving his county job. He estimates that it may take a year to get back to where his business was before the mobilization. And that's only if the economy doesn't sputter. "It will take time to see the full impact of this deployment," May said. Meanwhile, he contemplates how different his experience coming home from Iraq has been compared to soldiers arriving from some past conflicts. The country may be divided about the Iraq war, he said, but it is seemingly united in welcoming home the warriors. "You can't help but think about Vietnam," he said. "Whether you agree with the [Iraq] war or not, it's not [GI] Joe's fault. And I think we've gotten through that." Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com	A U.S. Army report finds stress is weighing heavily on Iraq War-era troops with 54 percent of soldiers rating their units' morale as low or very low. This is better than the comparable figure in a year-earlier Army survey. Reportedly, most bothersome to the soldiers was the length of their required stay in Iraq, which was at least 1 year. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said that the Army's 12-month requirement is linked to reorganization. "I've tried to get the Army to look at the length of tours and I think at some point down the road they will," Rumsfeld said.
All indications are the Democrats' final relief bill will include $1,400 stimulus checks. But the question of who will actually receive them remains far from settled. 'Congress should go ahead and send 'em' » \|\|\|\|\| WASHINGTON - Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, a fixture at Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's side during the Sept. 11 attacks, has been tapped to run the Department of Homeland Security, a senior administration official said Thursday. If confirmed by the Senate, Kerik will replace Tom Ridge, who announced Tuesday that he's stepping down as the nation's anti-terror chief. President Bush is expected to officially nominate Kerik on Friday. Bush continued to move quickly Thursday to fill his new Cabinet, selecting two-term Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns to head the Department of Agriculture. Johanns, who will replace Ann Veneman, is the son of a dairy farmer and has championed ethanol and other alternative energy sources. Johanns and Kerik brought to seven the number of new Cabinet nominees Bush has chosen for his second presidential term, and more are expected. Previously, Bush announced new choices for the departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, Justice and State. In another development, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth submitted his resignation after less than six months on the job. There was no immediate word on a replacement. A spokesman for Danforth said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Sally, and retire to his native St. Louis. Danforth, who made Sudan's humanitarian crisis a priority and had been mentioned as a possible secretary of state, never developed a solid relationship with Bush, another senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Kerik, a onetime beat cop and narcotics detective with a black belt, has risen rapidly through the ranks. He hit the political trail this fall stumping for Bush and delivering a primetime speech at the Republican Convention, leading some to speculate that the Giuliani protege might have his eye on elected office himself. Most recently, Kerik, 49, traded in New York for Iraq, leading the effort to build up the Iraqi police force. "Baghdad Bernie," as he was dubbed in some of New York tabloids, won praise from Bush. "Because of his leadership, his knowledge and his experience, he was able to stand up a police force in Baghdad in a very quick period of time," Bush said in an appearance with Kerik on the South Lawn in early October 2003. But some officials grumble privately that Kerik left before the job was finished and seemed more interested in the TV lights than the hard work of training and recruiting an Iraqi police force. Kerik will inherit a sprawling two-year-old department of 180,000 federal employees that has had its share of growing pains from incompatible computers, hiring freezes, low morale, turf battles with the Department of Justice and a color-coded terror alert level that's become fodder for late-night comedians. A childhood troublemaker who dropped out of school, Kerik found his path after serving in the U.S. Army. He got his first taste of antiterrorism work as a private security worker in Saudi Arabia. He joined the New York Police Department in 1986 and soon took over the city's department of corrections. He was named police commissioner in 2000 with the department still reeling from racially charged scandals involving Abner Louima, the Haitian immigrant assaulted in a station house with a broomstick, and Amadou Diallo, the West African immigrant who was shot 41 times by police who mistakenly believed he was reaching for a gun. But it was Kerik's steady leadership through the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and their aftermath that earned him a national reputation. Kerik penned a best-selling autobiography, "The Lost Son," about his blue-collar roots, his work in law enforcement and his mother, who had abandoned him as a young boy. Kerik is a senior vice president at Giuliani Partners, the New York-based consulting firm that the former mayor set up with a number of top aides after leaving office. He's been a staunch supporter of Bush and the war in Iraq. "It's better to fight terrorists in Iraq than in New York or Washington," he said recently. --- (Knight Ridder Newspapers correspondents Warren P. Strobel and Ron Hutcheson contributed to this report.)	U.S. President George W. Bush nominated Bernard B. Kerik, the police commissioner of the during the , to succeed Tom Ridge as the . Kerik resigned as police commissioner two months following the terrorist attacks, citing the desire to spend more time with his family, but has since kept a very high profile. Following the invasion of Iraq, he chose to lead the training of Iraqi law enforcement. He campaigned for President George W. Bush in the and delivered a prime time speech at the . Among other security qualifications, he has served in the , as narcotics detective in the NYPD and as private security worker in . Kerik faces the daunting task of running the DHS, an agency assembled from 22 other agencies with over 180,000 employees.
By Andrew Benson BBC Sport at Silverstone Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel scored a crushing victory in the British Grand Prix as championship leader Jenson Button's Brawn struggled to sixth. Vettel took advantage of his team-mate Mark Webber being caught behind Brawn's Rubens Barrichello to build a decisive lead in the first stint of the race. Webber passed Barrichello at the first pit stops to complete a Red Bull one-two ahead of the Brawn driver in third. Last year's winner Lewis Hamilton was 16th in a car he said had "no grip". Felipe Massa's Ferrari was fourth after winning a battle with the Williams of Nico Rosberg. Behind Button, Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen took the final points positions in seventh and eighth. We can really mount a championship challenge from here Red Bull's Christian Horner The result leaves Button with a reduced but still substantial championship lead of 23 points over Barrichello, with Vettel two further points adrift and 3.5 ahead of Webber. Button's advantage is still more than two clear victories but, with more than half the season still to go, he will be concerned by the startling pace shown by Red Bull, who introduced a major upgrade to their car and were in a league of their own throughout the weekend at Silverstone. "It was a completely seamless race by both drivers and they completely dominated it," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. "We can really mount a championship challenge from here." Brawn's potential was reduced by the low temperatures in Northamptonshire - both Button and Barrichello struggled to get their tyres up to the temperature at which they give their optimum grip. That put the season's dominant team back into the battle with Williams, Toyota and Ferrari behind the leaders - a position from which they did well to finish third and sixth. Red Bull, by contrast, had looked strong favourites as soon as their updated RB5 car showed its pace in practice in Friday. Vettel was on pole by more than half a second and he made the most of the fact that Webber, after a frustrating qualifying session, was stuck behind Barrichello on the grid and could not pass him in the opening laps. The German rising star, 21, pulled away by about a second a lap over the first stint, and was nearly 20 seconds in front of Barrichello by the time the Brazilian became the first of the top three to stop on lap 19. "It's never easy it's a long race - you have to stay focused and keep your eyes open all the time," said Vettel. "The start was very important and in the first stint I tried to push as hard as I could and make a gap. "That worked perfectly and I had a fantastic car. The tyres were fantastic as well. This was a step in the right direction." Webber, who spent the first stint less than a second behind the Brawn, came in on the next lap, and made up enough time to exit the pits just ahead of Barrichello. 606: DEBATE An absolute supreme performance from the young German. His first win in the dry and on is way to victory he's blitzed his team mate and bulldozed the rest of the grid... King_Alonso786 From that moment, a Red Bull one-two was locked on barring any unforeseen misfortune. Barrichello found himself holding off the Williams of Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa's Ferrari - a battle he won by staying out for a couple of extra laps before his final stop and rejoining with a comfortable advantage. Massa jumped Rosberg at their final stops and in the closing laps they found themselves coming under increasing pressure from Button. Brawn had decided to save a set of the quicker softer tyres until the final stint, when both Massa and Rosberg were on the harder and slower of the two tyre compounds teams are obliged to use in the race. That meant Button was much faster than the Ferrari and Williams in the final few laps. The home crowd cheered him on, but although the Englishman closed in on them he was unable to pass. "I didn't know what was going happen today," he told BBC Sport. "I had good pace when I was on the soft tyres. The pace in the last stint compared to Rosberg and Massa was magnificent. [But] I had nowhere to go at the start. Everybody shot by on the outside. It is down to [our] tyre temperatures today." World champion Hamilton - now 11th in the 2009 drivers' championship - started the race in 19th and, after a brief but engaging battle with Renault's two-time former world champion Fernando Alonso, finished 16th. "I was pushing all the way and I the most important thing for me today was to give something to the fans," he said. "All I could do was try my best. "This has been the best race in terms of the crowd for a long time in F1. I enjoyed it because of the fans and they gave me so much energy today, regardless of how bad we are doing." Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| At last, 2009 is turning into a two-horse race. Thank the lord, Jenson Button did not win the British grand prix. OK, my back is braced for a volley of knives. But, for any partisan Brits who are reading this, I prefer not to see one driver dominate the championship. Just because he hails from these shores and began the year as more of a ten-foot-underdog than a mere unfancied runner, it doesn't mean we should all jump out of our socks when he takes the chequered flag every other weekend. Myself, I'm a Heinz supporter - I prefer a bit of variety. Given Brawn GP's form this year - or, rather, their rivals' lack of pace - I've nervously been expecting a repeat of 1988, when the McLaren pairing of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 out of the 16 grands prix. We know now we're not going to see such domination. The Red Bull cars had the edge on the Brawns at Silverstone this weekend; Sebastian Vettel could ease off to save his tyres without breaking into a sweat that his victory was in doubt. Mark Webber, ever the bridesmaid, took a straightforward second. Meanwhile, Rubens Barrichello had to get his toe down to stymie Felipe Massa's attack on third place. Ross Brawn and co will decamp to Brackley with a sense of urgency: their rivals from Milton Keynes have found something, and they need to discover what it is and respond. Is it all down to the cold British weather? And if it is, then what next? The next stop is the Nurburgring; hardly the hottest race on the calendar. There are nine grands prix yet and Vettel is 25 points adrift of Button. The man from Frome by no means has the 2009 champion's trophy - perhaps the last ever, if the Fota breakaway materialises - in his race suit's pocket. And that's exactly how it should be.	previously won Grand Prix Red Bull Racing driver, Sebastian Vettel won the FIA Formula One 2009 Santander British Grand Prix from pole at the Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, England. His teammate, Mark Webber, came second. As the current leader of this season Jenson Button started sixth on the grid of his home Grand Prix, his Brawn-Mercedes teammate Rubens Barrichello took third joining Red Bull's drivers on the podium. Felipe Massa came fourth for Ferrari) despite starting eleventh. Jenson Button came very close to Massa and and Nico Rosberg from Williams but was unable to pass them and came only sixth gaining three points for the Brawn team. Jarno Trulli (Toyota) and Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) closed the top eight. Trulli's teammate, Timo Glock came ninth with Giancarlo Fisichella on his back - a good result for the Force India team. Jenson Button still leads the drivers' standings with 64 points so far, 23 points ahead of his teammate and 25 ahead of Vettel. The constructor's championship is topped by Brawn GP with more than a hundred points, Red Bull follows 30.5 points behind. This year the British Grand Prix was expected to be the last held at Silverstone as Donington Park continues reconstruction to meet Formula One next year.
The attacks were carried out on Saturday in the Orazkai and Khyber regions near the border with Afghanistan, they said. The Pakistani military has killed nearly 100 people in air raids in tribal areas in the country's northwest, officials say. In Orakzai, 54 people said to be "militants" by the Pakistani army were killed during clashes over a checkpoint near the town of Baizoti, Samiullah Khan, a local official, told the Associated Press news agency on Saturday. His comments came after it emerged that another raid had killed more than 40 people in the Tirah area of the Khyber region. "At least 42 militants of Lashkar-e-Islam were killed and two militant hideouts were also destroyed," Shafeerullah Wazir, the Khyber administration chief, said. "The death toll may rise as dozens of others were also injured in the airstrike." Death toll confirmed A military official confirmed that the incident had taken place and the death toll was correct. "The air strike was launched on a tip-off that a meeting of the Lashkar-e-Islam group was going on in Tirah," the official told the Agence France Presse news service. The area where the attack took place adjoins the northwestern city of Peshawar, scene of a series of bomb attacks blamed on the Taliban in recent months and increasingly viewed as a seat of instability in Pakistan. "There was an attack by a fixed-wing aircraft," Kamal Hyder, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Pakistan, said quoting witnesses. "A jirga [tribal meeting] was hit. After that nearby residents came to pull people out of the rubble. Then a second and, maybe, even a third wave of attacks hit them." The violence came as a Pakistani military offensive against Taliban-allied fighters in Orakzai entered its 18th day. The UN announced on Friday that the deteriorating security situation in Orakzai and Kurram has forced 200,000 civilians to flee since November last year. \|\|\|\|\| Officials say Pakistani strikes kill 96 militants PARACHINAR, Pakistan — Pakistani airstrikes killed nearly 100 suspected militants in two northwest tribal regions Saturday, an apparent intensification of efforts by the army to mop up Taliban fighters fleeing a military operation farther south. The strikes were carried out in the Orakzai and Khyber tribal regions. In Orakzai, some 54 alleged militants were killed during ongoing clashes over a checkpoint in the Baizoti town area, local official Samiullah Khan told The Associated Press. Another 42 people, most of them suspected insurgents, died in the Khyber tribal region when military jets pounded a hide-out the in Sra Walla area. The location was believed to be a gathering point for the Lashker-e-Islam insurgent group. Two intelligence officials said jets pounded the area twice — once when local tribesmen were retrieving bodies from the rubble. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media on the record. Local government official Rehan Khattak confirmed the strikes but refused to give a death toll. The information could not be independently verified because access to the tribal areas is largely restricted. The U.S. has endorsed Pakistan's efforts to eliminate militants using its tribal areas to wage attacks against Islamabad as well as Western troops across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan began an operation in Orakzai in mid-March and so far about 350 militants have been killed there. Nearby Kurram tribal area has also witnessed fighting, while there have long been on and off operations against militants in Khyber. All three regions are believed to have become key destinations for Pakistani Taliban militants fleeing an army offensive against their network in the South Waziristan tribal area. Associated Press writers Ishtiaq Mahsud in Dera Ismail Khan and Riaz Khan in Peshawar contributed to this report. Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.	According to officials, almost a hundred people suspected to be insurgents were killed in northwestern Pakistan early on Saturday by air strikes conducted by the military. The strikes were made in tribal areas in the Orazkai and Khyber regions, located close to the Afghan border. The reports say that in Orakzai, 54 people alleged to have been rebels were killed during an ongoing conflict at a checkpoint near the town of Baizoti. A further 42, suspected of being insurgents, were killed after military aircraft bombed a location believed to be a gathering place for members of the Lashkar-e-Islam rebel group, according to a local official speaking to the Associated Press. "At least 42 militants of Lashkar-e-Islam were killed and two militant hideouts were also destroyed. The death toll may rise as dozens of others were also injured in the airstrike," commented Khyber administration chief Shafeerullah Wazir. An unnamed official for the military also confirmed the air raids occurred, saying to the Agence France-Presse news agency that "the air strike was launched on a tip-off that a meeting of the Lashkar-e-Islam group was going on in Tirah."
An inside source says that the grassroots effort to replace Bob Barr as the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee, in response to “Snubgate,” has been rejected by the LNC, with not a single person on the 17-member body willing to make the motion. Instead, LNC at-large rep Mary Ruwart supports a resolution to “apologize” to Ron Paul. The “pro-Barr faction,” led by Treasurer Aaron Starr, favors a resolution “chastising” Ron Paul — presumably for not endorsing Bob Barr and “splitting the Freedom Movement.” Neither resolution is said to have enough votes to pass. \|\|\|\|\| Bob Barr Snubs Ron Paul And Other Third Party Candidates The GOP and the Democratic Parties may have a monopoly on mainstream press coverage, but they certainly don’t have one on drama in presidential campaigns. While talk of lipstick and pigs has dominated the airwaves the past couple days, the impudence from the rest of the campaign has gone unnoticed. Yesterday, Ron Paul held a press conference at the National Press Club to discuss third party issues. See our post on this event here. Joining Paul at this event were third party candidates Cynthia McKinney (Green Party), Ralph Nader (Independent) and Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party); Bob Barr was supposed to attend, but he was a no-show. And so the drama begins… Asked about Barr’s apparent no-show, Libertarian Party Media Director issued the following statement: The real question is why Bob, who is a major player in this election, want to be on stage with people like McKinney, who stands against everything the LP does, and Baldwin, who is barely on enough ballots to have a statistical chance of winning. Barr is not a minor party candidate. Barr is a major player this year. He is holding his own press conference right now. According to the AP, Barr’s stated reason for not attending the event was that Paul did not endorse a specific candidate. So, clearly there is a bit of a tension there between the Libertarian Party’s communications and Barr’s. Don Rasmussen, Campaign For Liberty Events Coordinator, tells of being told to “go fck himself” by the Barr campaign when he questioned Barr’s no-show [h/t IPR]: I asked Barr Communications Director Shane Corey after the event why they pulled this stunt and was told to go f** myself. Barr Campaign Manager Russ Verney may have fanned the flames by criticizing Paul’s efforts in his explanation for backing out of the event, saying: It became evident to me after meeting with Ron Paul’s staff that this media event was not about promoting the liberty agenda; it was about promoting a man. That’s not what we’re in this for. After rumors were spread in advance of the news conference that Bob Barr was dropping from the race - just to hype the event - I became even more hesitant to attend. Those tactics were unacceptable and when asked about it, Ron Paul’s staff simply smiled and said it would attract the press. When I was provided a copy of Ron Paul’s prepared remarks just hours before the start of the planned news conference it became clear to me that the message Ron Paul intended to deliver was essentially to scatter the votes for the liberty agenda to the four winds. His remarks not only encouraged anyone listening to support any one of four candidates, he also applauded ‘non-voters’. To me encouraging people not to vote is not principled leadership for the Liberty agenda. I made the decision that attending that news conference was not consistent with Bob Barr’s principled leadership for the Liberty agenda. Once I informed Ron Paul’s staff of my decision I was rudely informed that my decision would have permanent ramifications, I was personally threatened and Bob Barr was politically threatened. That’s a far cry from principled leadership. Obviously, the story is somewhat messy and in part based on sources that cannot fully be corroborated. From a political perspective, I’m not sure I quite understand the Barr Campaign’s rationale for not attending the event. It seems that attracting Paul supporters would benefit them and this would have been one way to do so. I’m also not convinced that the event was all about Ron Paul, given that the candidates spent quite a bit of time speaking as well. With respect to their argument that Barr is a major candidate and thus shouldn’t have attended…Let’s assume for a moment Barr was a major candidate, I’m not sure that alone would be sufficient reasoning to justify not showing up for an event that his campaign already committed to attending, nor, do I think it support hosting a rival press conference. Strange. And for the record, Barr is currently on 48 ballots, Nader is currently on 45, so they aren’t that far off; nor has Barr raised nearly the kind of money or demonstrated that he has the kind of support that Paul had/has. If you’re interested in following this story further, you can do so here.	Former Congressman The (LNC) was reported to be in a deadlock Sunday night over how to address the growing controversies surrounding their party's U.S. presidential nominee, former . Many libertarians have spoken out against Barr since his last minute refusal to attend former presidential hopeful 's third party unity conference at the in on Wednesday. The effort to replace Barr as the nominee has been rejected. Not a single person on the 17-member LNC was willing to make the motion. However, at-large representative — who lost the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination to Barr at the in May by only a few votes — is supporting a resolution to apologize to Paul. This is being countered by Treasurer Aaron Starr, who favors a resolution to chastise Paul for not endorsing Bob Barr and “splitting the Freedom Movement.” Currently, neither resolution has enough votes to pass.
The educational system must be revamped to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to succeed, Gov.-elect Chris Christie told a Martin Luther King Day interfaith breakfast in Morristown today. Throwing money at the problem is not the answer, asserted the governor-elect, who takes office on Tuesday. During a 20-minute speech, he contrasted the parochial school education that his children receive in Morristown and Morris Township with dismal graduation statistics from urban public school districts in New Jersey. He said "special interests" exert too much control over public schools. If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, education reform probably would top his agenda, Chris Christie said. The incoming governor also reflected that his late mother probably would gently remind him: Don't mess things up! Today's event marked the 25th anniversary of Morristown's Interfaith Breakfast, and the 40th anniversary of the town's Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Committee. A who's-who of area clergy and public officials, the breakfast at the Hyatt Morristown included a collection for earthquake relief in Haiti. Carol Hawthorne, executive of Dayspring Ministries in Chester, said her organization is trying to get a doctor to its orphanage in Bon Repos, about 10 miles north of Port au Prince. Some people were injured at the Dayspring compound, "but most arte okay," Carol said. The Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown also is making special collections, and at some point hopes to send members to the Haitian town of Cabaret, where the church built a well, said Sharon Dunlap, a Calvary member who has done missionary work in Haiti. Last year, she said, a flood washed a small church off a hillside in Cabaret. Sharon sponsors a Haitian named Bendy; she has not been able to contact the teenaged orphan since last week's devastating quake rocked the Caribbean nation. "My heart is in Haiti," she said. \|\|\|\|\| Originally published Monday, January 18, 2010 at 5:08 PM Comments (22) E-mail article Print view Share In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a crowd estimated to be 600 to 1,000 strong rallied at Seattle's Garfield High School on Monday morning before marching to the Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle. It has been billed as one of the nation's longest-running marches in honor of the slain civil-rights leader — 28 consecutive years and counting. It's also the region's largest dedication to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., according to those behind it. But one by one, organizers of Monday's event in Seattle reiterated that the numbers and records aren't as important as the message — that giving back and contributing to society are the real bragging rights here. "The best way to pay tribute is to get involved in the community," said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, chair of the MLK Celebration Committee. "You have to get involved in your school, community, church, workplace. There is no greater way to pay tribute." A crowd estimated to be 600 to 1,000 strong rallied at Garfield High School on Monday morning before marching at noon to the Jackson Federal Building on Second Avenue in downtown Seattle. But before all the pageantry, in a quieter setting, organizers held 20 community workshops with titles such as "Recruiting Mentors to Save a Generation," "HIV in the Black Community: Prevention & Education" and "Community Building." "We wanted to give them [participants] an outlet to get information and to be inspired" to give back, said Lem Charleston, Program Committee Chair of Seattle's MLK Celebration. The workshops echoed this year's theme: "Justice Now! Healthcare, Housing, Jobs and Education!" Later, at the rally inside the school gym, the crowd overflowed into the hallway, with many spectators watching from a monitor in another room. Many participants were local labor-union members, anti-war protesters, African Americans and other minorities. "Look," Charleston said, "there are so many teens out there. They outnumber the rest of us, which is beautiful. That's what you want to see." Lester Taylor, 55, a Garfield High graduate, class of 1972, has participated in most of these marches, taking his three children, his girlfriend's children and the neighbors' children, too. "And I make them march the whole route, too," he said. They need to know what the civil-rights movement was about, what King was about, he said. Nearby stood Lafect Campbell, 52, an immigrant from Panama who has participated in most of the King Day marches over the past decade. He moved to the United States 17 years ago, too late to witness the racial conflict and tensions of the civil-rights era in his new homeland. But a lot of ethnic groups can relate to racism and feeling different, and the "ideas that King represents — truth and justice — are universal," he said. Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com \|\|\|\|\| President Obama sought to transmit Martin Luther King Jr.'s message across generations today, speaking with a group of senior citizens and their grandchildren at the White House. The older people discussed their actions during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, including encounters with King himself, Obama said. It was a good way to remind the other guests that young people played a major role in "one of the great moments in United States history." The younger people asked many questions as they realized how King's work is "living history," Obama said after the meeting in the Roosevelt Room, steps from the Oval Office. The group heard from author Taylor Branch, whose three-volume history of the King years is the standard work. Obama made special note of two guests. "Mr. Joseph Harvey is 105, and Ms. Mabel Harvey here is the spry young one at 102," Obama said. "And Ms. Harvey just now was whispering in my ear, as you guys were walking in, that this must be the Lord's doing, because we've come a mighty long way." Obama's full remarks after the jump. THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. We have just had a wonderful conversation. I want to just tell you a little bit about why we did this. I think sometimes in celebration of Dr. King's birthday we act as if this history was so long ago. And the reason we brought together some elders and some young people very briefly was not just to visit the Oval Office and see the Emancipation Proclamation, which is going to be on loan to us, but it's also just to remind us that there were some extraordinarily courageous young people like Dr. Dorothy Height, like Mrs. Eleanor Banks and Romaine Thomas and her husband, and others who were actively involved in bringing about one of the great moments in United States history. And so what we've done is we've heard some stories, shared -- Dr. Height has shared with us what it was like meeting Martin Luther King when he was a 15-year-old at Morehouse, visiting there. We heard from Ms. Glanton, Willie Glanton, who is a great activist in Iowa, about the work that she's done there on behalf of the civil rights movement, reminding us that it wasn't just isolated in some areas. I am especially proud to have the Harveys here -- Mr. Joseph Harvey and Ms. Mabel Harvey. Mr. Joseph Harvey is 105, and Ms. Mabel Harvey here is the spry young one at 102.(Laughter.) And Ms. Harvey just now was whispering in my ear, as you guys were walking in, that this must be the Lord's doing, because we've come a mighty long way. (Laughter.) That's what she said. And so that's wonderful to hear. We've heard from some young people who were sharing in these stories and understanding that this is a living history. And I was very pleased to hear from Taylor Branch, author of one of the definitive biographies of the civil rights movement and Dr. King. He shared, I thought, a really interesting idea, which is that not only is Dr. King's birthday a time to celebrate service, to reflect and study on how we had helped to perfect our union, but that it should be a day in which each of us individually also try to stretch out of our comfort zones and try to do something for others and to reach out and learn about things that maybe we've shied away from -- because part of what the civil rights movement was all about was changing people's hearts and minds and breaking out of old customs and old habits. That's, I think, an important lesson for all of us on this day -- are the things that we can try to do that might have seemed impossible but we know are worth doing, and can we apply those principles that we know to be true in our own lives and our society. So I'm just so grateful that we had this opportunity to share with everybody. And I want to wish everybody around the country a day in which they reflect on the extraordinary contributions that ordinary people can make each and every day to make America the most hopeful country in the world. Thank you very much, everybody. \|\|\|\|\| Click here for more tweets from NBC's D.C. bureau. Jan. 19: With President Obama set to give the State of the Union next week, political analyst, Darrell West, of the Brookings Institute, gives his opinion on the ups and downs of the president's first year in office and previews the challenges and opportunities he faces in 2010. WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama served plates of steaming hot lunches to the needy on Monday, one of several ways the nation's first black president paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday that honors the slain civil rights leader. Obama also scheduled a White House talk with black elders and their grandchildren about the movement for racial equality that King led until he was assassinated in 1968. The president also was to speak later Monday during a musical celebration of King's legacy at the Kennedy Center. His outing was part of an array of holiday tributes. Worshippers at King's Ebenezer Baptist Church heard Princeton University scholar Cornel West deliver a passionate keynote address in Atlanta, urging them not to "sanitize" King's legacy. In Washington, Obama spent the day with King observances. "How are you sir? God bless you," the president said, greeting one man among the dozens of men and women who filed into the dining room at SOME, or So Others Might Eat. The organization, just a short ride from the White House, provides the poor and homeless with food and other services. Obama handed them pre-assembled lunch plates of chicken, potato salad, mixed vegetables and bread. He brought the whole family: first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, mother-in-law Marian Robinson and some aides. Mrs. Obama poured hot coffee while 8-year-old Sasha tagged along and handed out packets of sweetener. Mrs. Robinson walked around serving danishes from a baking sheet. Malia, 11, walked among the rows of diners, chatting with them and shaking hands. One woman asked Mrs. Obama if she had brought the family dog, Bo. (She did not.) It was the president's second straight day of reflection on the legacy of King, whom Obama credits with paving the way for his 2008 election. On Sunday, at a Baptist church founded by freed slaves, Obama spoke of his reliance on faith, recalled King's work and urged hundreds of worshippers to take heart in hard times and celebrate progress — however small. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. \|\|\|\|\| WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will spend much of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrating the civil rights leader's life and legacy. Following a Monday morning meeting with senior advisers, the president and first lady Michelle Obama will participate in a public-service event. Later at the White House, Obama will host a conversation with a small group of African American seniors and their grandchildren on the legacy of the civil rights movement. In the evening, the president and Mrs. Obama plan to attend the "Let Freedom Ring" concert at the Kennedy Center. The concert features nationally renowned artists and choir members from Washington area churches.	Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leaning on a lectern. (Circa 1964) On Sunday, at a Bapist church originally founded by freed slaves, US President Barack Obama addressed the congregation about the "Dream" of slain civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—whom Obama credits with paving the way for his 2008 election—and about the importance of hope and faith in his own life. On Monday, Obama, with his family in tow, served hot lunches at a local Washington soup kitchen—one of several ways America's first black president planned to pay tribute to the late Dr. King on the federal holiday that honors his legacy and lasting impact upon society. Later at the White House, Obama will host a gathering consisting of small selected group of African-American seniors and their grandchildren where they will discuss the meaning of the civil rights movement and how it still effects them to this day. Following which, that evening, the Obamas are slated to attend the "Let Freedom Ring" concert at the Kennedy Center. A musical event that will feature gospel artists and choir members from various area churches among other houses of worship. Another prominent American politician, governor-elect of New Jersey, Chris Christie held a banquet on Monday evening to honor the importance of Dr. King's message as well. Other commemorations included a march in Seattle where participants rallied for issues in the African-American community.
4. Dianetics, the Original Thesis by L. Ron Hubbard (Author) Average Customer Review: Publication Date: July 14, 2007 Usually ships in 4 to 6 weeks List Price: $25.00 Price: $16.50 You Save: $8.50 (34%) 2 used & new from $14.98 5. The Problems of Work by L. Ron Hubbard (Author) Average Customer Review: Publication Date: July 14, 2007 Usually ships in 4 to 6 weeks List Price: $25.00 Price: $16.50 You Save: $8.50 (34%) 2 used & new from $16.50 \|\|\|\|\| If every last allegation that Church of Scientology (CoS) defector Nancy Many charges in My Billion Year Contract is true, then her book should inspire several FBI raids and a Lifetime mini-series to rival any Charles Manson documentary. But even if just some of her trials really happened — we'll leave that debate to Many and her ex-cronies — her new memoir might still be the most shocking nonfiction work featured at this week's American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Boston. The title of Many's tell-all refers to a pledge that the Greater Boston native signed in 1972, when she was an impressionable Salem State sophomore. As a perfect personal and spiritual storm flooded her life, she found in Scientology a refuge offering sympathetic friends with sensible advice. Better yet, since ringleader L. Ron Hubbard was recruiting servants in New England at that time, Many earned an opportunity to join his inner-circle Sea Organization (thus making her a high-ranking church official) at the onset of her involvement. It felt natural; she left college and eventually moved to CoS headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. Having agreed to "fully and without reservation subscribe to the discipline" dictated by superiors, Many says she performed duties ranging from the mundane to the malicious. As a registrar, she lured in new recruits — including celebrities who she does not name — and sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of courses, books, and services. Later, as a spy for Hubbard's secret-intelligence unit, she claims to have infiltrated the mental-health-care community (a perceived enemy of Scientology's) in Boston. (Many claims that one of her associates — another mole involved in the now-infamous Operation Snow White reconnaissance missions, for which several CoS honchos were jailed — found janitorial employment with Boston Globe attorneys in order to steal files regarding that newspaper's developing exposé on Scientology.) My Billion Year Contract is a horror story. At one juncture, seemingly overnight, Many is extracted from her leadership role, separated from family members, and forced to perform hard labor and live in a parking garage. She was five-months pregnant at the time; the experience steered her toward a complete mental meltdown, and onto a trajectory that ultimately led to her deserting the church in 1996 and testifying against former associates. Many will be joined by foes and allies at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center this week. The anti-Scientology group Anonymous is expected to demonstrate outside the ALA conference, while representatives from the CoS-related Galaxy Press and Bridge Publications will also be onsite (though the latter will not be exhibiting). It took a journey to Clearwater and back for her to realize it, but Many says her years as a Dianetics pitch girl prepped her well for a new, much happier life away from Scientology. "I started in Boston, selling books, so this is going to be full circle," says Many, who used to average 30 sales a day in Copley Square and the Logan Airport terminals. "I have no real idea what to expect. Basically, I just want this book out there so it gets read. I'm not in it for the money. This is about the psychosis and mental abuse that I suffered. I'm in it to help people." \|\|\|\|\| printable version - fixed-width version Human Rights Activists Celebrate 2009's Many Wins Against Scientology Cult by Lilly von Marcab Thursday Dec 24th, 2009 7:16 PM The Scientology organization suffered many crippling blows in 2009, as the Anonymous human rights activist network turned up the pressure, journalists and judges stopped pulling their punches, and cult members continued to bail out in droves. 640_wipeout.jpg original image ( 750x1013) As 2009 comes to a close, the Scientology organization is reeling from another year of high-level defections, criminal convictions, journalistic exposes and books detailing the cult's criminal practices, and intense pressure from human rights activists. The Anonymous global network of human rights activists are keen to hold Scientology's leaders accountable for their crimes, which include organized fraud, human trafficking, kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and toxic waste dumping. Here are just a few of the many recent victories against the Scientology organization, which until quite recently believed itself immune to all criticism, able to do as it pleased in its insane quest to "clear the planet" of non-Scientologists through the "global obliteration of psychiatry." Monthly and flash protests continue at Scientology offices worldwide: The Anonymous activists continued their monthly protests for a second solid year. These and frequent "flash" spontaneous protests at Scientology buildings continued to shine a spotlight on the crime-cult's activities. Numerous major lawsuits were filed against Scientology, for causes ranging from wrongful death to human trafficking. All of these lawsuits are presently going forward in ways that are favorable to the plaintiff in each case (i.e. Scientology's motions are generally denied and the plaintiff's motions are generally granted). The St. Petersburg Times published a major series of articles detailing the violent outbursts of Scientology's leader David Miscavige, as well as Scientology management's general criminality and abusive behavior. This series can be read at www.truthrundown.org California's KESQ television and reporter Nathan Baca brought an excellent investigation of the human rights and other abuses taking place at Scientology's "Gold Base" desert compound. At Gold Base, a paramilitary cadre of Scientologists called the "Sea Org" work 100-hour weeks for less than $50 per week, live in filthy, crowded barracks, and are watched carefully to prevent escape. Indeed, the fence around Gold Base features razor-sharp spikes pointing inward to prevent escape. Also, in an interview with hapless Scientology spokesmodel Tommy Davis, reporter Baca led Davis into admitting that an evil galactic dictator from 75 million years ago, "Lord Xenu," was an integral component of Scientology "scripture. Australia's Nine News television program also featured quite a lot of hard-hitting Scientology coverage, as did the Nightline program in the USA. In the latter program, hosted by journalist Martin Bashir, Tommy Davis fled the set in a bizarre tantrum as Bashir asked for clarity about the Xenu question. Two main branches of Scientology in France were convicted of organized fraud, and sentenced to pay fines of over €600,000 (£550,000). Four leading cult officials received suspended prison sentences of between 18 months and two years, as well as fines ranging from €5,000 to €30,000. This was only the latest of several fraud convictions for Scientology in France; indeed, the cult's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, was convicted of fraud there in 1978. Several important new books told the story of top-level defectors from behind the scenes in Scientology. John Duignan's "The Complex: An Insider Exposes the Covert World of the Church of Scientology" was published in February; Nancy Many's "My Billion Year Contract: Memoir of a Former Scientologist" was published in October; and Marc Headley's "Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology" was published in November. At the present time, "Blown for Good" is the #1 bestselling book about Scientology on Amazon.com; "My Billion Year Contract"" is #3. Hollywood writer and director Paul Haggis publicly left Scientology in October, upset at Tommy Davis' denial of Scientology's vicious practice of "Disconnection" from all loved ones who may be critical of Scientology, as well as of the cult's support of California's anti-family Proposition 8. Haggis knew "Disconnection" to be a core cult practice because his own wife was ordered to stop talking to her parents. In November, Australian Senator Nick Xenophon called for a Senate inquiry into Scientology's criminal activities in that country. Meanwhile, Australian police investigators openly criticized the cult for obstructing their investigation of a young soldier's suicide. This young man, Edward McBride, had spent $25,000 on Scientology courses in the preceding months, and was heavily being pressured by dozens of calls and text messages from Scientology offices in the day before his death. These are just some of the many, many excellent wins against the Scientology criminal organization in the past year. Notwithstanding all of Scientology's posturing in incessant floods of press releases about its alleged "explosive growth" and "tremendous worldwide expansion," the fact remains that Scientology is the world's fastest shrinking cult, with perhaps 50,000 people in the world who would be willing to admit their membership. There aren't any comprehensive worldwide surveys of what people believe, but there is plenty of other evidence to show that there aren't really very many Scientologists in the world. In 2001, the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reported that there were 55,000 adults in the United States who consider themselves Scientologists. In 2008, the same survey team estimated there to be 25,000 Americans identifying as Scientologists. The 2001 United Kingdom census contained a voluntary question on religion, to which approximately 48,000,000 chose to respond. Of those living in England and Wales who responded, a total of 1,781 said they were Scientologists. In 2001, Statistics Canada, the national census agency, reported a total of 1,525 Scientologists nationwide. In the 2006 New Zealand census, 357 people identified themselves as Scientologists In 2006, Australia's national census recorded 2,507 Scientologists nationwide. In 2008, the Pew Forum's Statistics on Religion in America Report didn't even bother to mention the number of Scientologists they found, though their analysis noted religious affiliations down to less than 0.3%, with such beliefs as "Wiccan" and "Pagan." Scientology's spokesmen have sometimes attempted to refute the statistical estimates by saying that perhaps the respondents were also Christians or members of other religions, and that it is possible to be both a Scientologist and a member of another religion. Such claims are patently false, both in the essentials of belief as well as in Scientology's explicit declaration that "as a practical matter Scientologists are expected to and do become fully devoted to Scientology to the exclusion of other faiths." Despite Scientology's attempts to create a perception of "massive growth," there is an abundance of evidence, even beyond the census and survey data, that the cult has never been particularly large, and is rapidly getting smaller. ABOUT SCIENTOLOGY: Scientology is much more than just a weird and wacky Hollywood fad, in which celebrities make fools of themselves and provide material for gossip magazines. Beyond its status as a "religion" in the USA, which it obtained through a secret deal with the Internal Revenue Service, and which give it extraordinary benefits not permitted to any other group, Scientology is also a multinational criminal racket. The average person would be shocked to learn the amount of influence Scientology wields, mostly due to blackmailing and intimidation of government officials. Scientology's primary goals are to "clear the planet" and to "obliterate" psychiatry and the mental health profession, replacing it with Scientology. They are prepared to do this by any means necessary, and are adept in using their many front groups to portray the cult as concerned humanitarians. The opposite is true. Indeed, according to L. Ron Hubbard, critics of Scientology are to be considered "fair game," and "[m]ay be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." (L. Ron Hubbard, "HCOPL 18 October 67 Issue IV, Penalties for Lower Conditions"). ABOUT ANONYMOUS: The Anonymous worldwide human rights activists are a network of thousands of ordinary people from around the world who are appalled and horrified by the Scientology organization and its abuses, and are working to stop it. http://www.xenu-directory.net \|\|\|\|\| A Response to a Scientologist: The Truth Shall Make You Free By Randy Sly 11/30/2009 Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) Story on forced abortions within Scientology drew a letter from the Sacramento Public Affairs office of Scientology. My response. I have filed eight stories on Scientology since June, 2009. As we researched for these articles, the witnesses we found included former members, investigators, affidavits from litigation, etc. The amount of information available regarding false declarations, questionable practices, and suspicious relationships is enormous; its impact is global. WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) ï¿½ Catholic Online received a letter this past week from Mike Klagenberg, Public Affairs, Church of Scientology, Sacramento. Mr. Klagenberg was writing with regard to the piece I authored on forced abortions within Scientology. I do want to acknowledge the writerï¿½s civility and courtesy, even though we disagree on the matter at hand. He indicated that the story on forced abortions was based on fabricated lies brought forth by ï¿½a very few disgruntled membersï¿½ who are using us (Catholic Online). I have filed eight stories on Scientology since June, 2009. As we researched for these articles, the witnesses we found included former members, investigators, affidavits from litigation, etc. The amount of information available regarding false declarations, questionable practices, and suspicious relationships is enormous; its impact is global. I knew of Scientology for many years and even remember thumbing through L. Ron Hubbardï¿½s book, ï¿½Dianetics,ï¿½ as a young man. For me, it made little sense. Obviously, for many this has not been the case as Scientology has grown into a worldwide organization in the past half-century with what they report to be 12 million followers. This prominence and influence in peopleï¿½s lives not only requires a serious inquiry but demands it, especially when individuals come forward with reports of abuse. Let me quickly add, to address those who left comments that Catholic Online should look at abuses closer to home ï¿½ we do and we have. We have reported about abuse within the Church and acknowledge that all groups, whether they are faith-based or not, must be accountable for any abuse of or by their members. From the judicial finding of fraud arising out of the legal action in France to the serious concerns entered into the Parliamentary record by Senator Xenophon of Australia, there are many voices across the world right now calling for a serious examination of the organization called Scientology. One major force of opposition facing Scientology ï¿½ and probably the one that Mr. Klagenberg was referencing ï¿½ does not come from without but from within. Former Scientologist and Oscar-winner Paul Haggis publicly resigned publicly criticizing the Church of Scientology, as have OTVIII Geir Isene and former high-ranking Sea Org executive Marty Rathbun. Isene and Rathbun remain practitioners of Scientology, and their websites and forum are drawing many Scientologists who have been driven out of the official Church of Scientology by its abuses under the leadership of David Miscavige. Former Scientologists have become involved in a leaderless Internet-based cadre called Anonymous. One of my contacts describes them as follows: "Anonymous is a world-wide movement of university students and young Information Technology professionals, who have been joined by older and young generations, and are dedicated to engaging public action to end the Church of Scientology's suppression of free speech and its human rights abuses." Anonymous has given those opposed to Scientology are stronger forum and additional technological as well as human resources. For example, as many as 11,000 "anons" have been a part of protests in 130+ cities in 30+ countries. 600 "anons" protested in London at the first on February 10, 2008, on the birthday of Lisa McPherson, whose death has become a symbol of Scientology abuse. Group members, for the most part, do not know each otherï¿½s names; there is no central office, no hierarchy and no official spokesperson. The Internet is the main ï¿½turfï¿½ for their conflict with Scientology. Beginning with cyber-pranks, some who identified with the group later became more aggressive in their attacks on Scientology websites. Recently, Anonymous member Dmitriy Guzner was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and ordered to pay $37,500 in restitution to the Church of Scientology for his part in an attack on the Church's websites. Guznerï¿½s actions were reportedly a part of ï¿½Project Chanologyï¿½, a campaign to take down Scientology on the Internet. Critics of Scientology are not all sympathetic to the methods and motivation of this undertaking. This project was initiated after Scientology attempted to remove material from a Tom Cruise interview on the web. Anonymous also organizes public demonstrations against Scientology at numerous sites around the world, encourages legal and political efforts against Scientology and provides online documentation concerning abuses within the organization. They are committed to discrediting as well as disrupting the work of Scientology. Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quï¿½bec defended the right of the group to oppose Scientology last February. He received a letter from ï¿½Anonymous Quebecï¿½ documenting a number of issues after publicly declaring that ... Comments "Also you should have been more understanding and aware that many who no longer associate themselves with the Church are part of a growing Protestant movement something you Church has experienced itself many centuries ago. At a time when you were burning witches and torturing heretics during the Inquisition. Yet for some reason you fail to note the Historical parallel. Why is that?" Why do you defend murder, human trafficking, family disconnection and torture? 1. Your evasive stance based upon actions occurring over 400 years ago, does not strengthen your argument, it only supports your glib viewpoint. Author this is a typical Scientology mindset resulting in logical and academic errors. Attack never defend, right? 2.You also know very little about the Spanish Inquisition, and sound like a typical OSA bug. Don't preach to Catholics about their own history, we unlike Scientology, keep our sacred documents in most hotel bureaus. 3. I don't even need this third point, that's how much you fail, at being an L Ron Hubbard Troll. Fail. Pat Broeker \| 12/2/2009 "Also you should have been more understanding and aware that many who no longer associate themselves with the Church are part of a growing Protestant movement" Wow, what an unbelievable pile of bs Pok \| 12/1/2009 Jens Jensen and Kim Cod are two (or possibly one) obvious scientologists. Kims comment is especially ironic as CoS members are notorious for abusing flagging systems to get critical comments deleted. Some very good points have been made in this article, but scientology has always been a two faced operation and they will say anything to get people off their backs. The more ex-scientologists that come forward with their stories the less convincing those who are still in sound. Quoting policies contrary to what former members are claiming is no longer enough Scientology! You must prove that what you quote is actually being followed through, none of this will go away until you do. MJ \| 12/1/2009 Post your Comment Comments that include profanity, personal attacks, antisocial behavior such as "spamming" and "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will not be posted on Catholic Online. Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of service . While Catholic Online invites robust discussion, we maintain the right to not print material that is patently false in its claims concerning the teaching of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, overtly anti-Catholic or which, in the opinion of the moderator, are intended to mislead readers as to what the Catholic Church teaches. Comments DO NOT necessarily reflect the opinion or views of Catholic Online. Name: Email: Comments: RATE THIS Was this helpful to you? Would you like to see more on this subject? Very Helpful Yes, I am Interested Somewhat Helpful No, I am not Interested Not Helpful at All	''Wikinews'' interviewed author Nancy Many about her book ''My Billion Year Contract'', and asked her about life working in the elite Scientology group known as the "Sea Org". Many joined Scientology in the early 1970s, and after leaving in 1996 she later testified against the organization. Published in October, Many's book has gone on to become one of the top selling new books on Scientology at Amazon.com.
Lordi To Support Type O Negative Band Photo: Type O Negative (?) Finland's monster rockers LORDI will support TYPE O NEGATIVE on the band's upcoming US tour. Confirmed dates are as follows: October 12 - New Haven, CT - Toad’s Place 13 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium 14 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights 16 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock 20 - Milwaukee, WI - The Eagles Club 21 - Chicago, IL - The Vic 23 - Knoxville, TN - Blue Cats 24 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade 26 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s 27 - Detroit, MI - Harpo’s 29 - New York, NY - The Fillmore at Irving Plaza 30 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero 31 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom Source: BW&BK; \|\|\|\|\| Share. Tour in support of latest album gets underway in October. Tour in support of latest album gets underway in October. Type O Negative, whose most recent release, Dead Again, came out earlier this year, will be hitting the road with Lordi for a spate of live shows this October. Consisting of Peter Steele (vocals, bass), Josh Silver (keyboards), Kenny Hickey (guitar) and Johnny Kelly (drums), the Brooklyn-based band will perform selections from their seventh album as well as delving into their revered back catalog during the jaunt. Type O Negative Fall 2007 Tour October 12 New Haven, CT Toad's Place 13 Worcester, MA The Palladium 14 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights 16 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Café 17 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom 20 Milwaukee, WI The Eagle's Club 21 Chicago, IL The Vic 23 Knoxville, TN Blue Cats 24 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade 25 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel 26 Louisville, KY Headliner's Music Hall 27 Detroit, MI Harpo's 29 New York, NY The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza 30 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero 31 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom \|\|\|\|\| Goth-metal outfit Type O Negative will embark on a fall tour next month as the band continues to support its latest album, "Dead Again." The outing is set to kick off Oct. 12 in New Haven, CT, and travel around the eastern half of the US until the Oct. 31 finale in Sayreville, NJ. Finnish rockers Lordi will open all dates, which are listed below. Type O Negative has been touring behind "Dead Again" since spring. The album--the band's seventh and first for SPV Records--surfaced in March, debuting at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the magazine's Top Independent Album's chart. The set is the Boston-based rockers' first studio album since 2003's "Life is Killing Me Again," which itself emerged after a four-year gap following 1999's "World Coming Down." "Spacing the records far apart is how you achieve diverse results," keyboardist Josh Silver said in a statement. "When you're forced to write an album every year or eight months, you haven't changed--you're still the same a--hole you were eight months ago. We've been different a--holes every record. We've retained our identity through all the changes." A few songs from "Dead Again" are streaming at Type O Negative's MySpace page. The band, which has been around for 17 years, has earned its loyal fanbase through hard work. "We were never a big radio band," keyboardist Josh Silver told LiveDaily earlier this year. We were never a big MTV blow-up thing." "We just went out and earned fans the hard-core, old-fashioned way: touring."	Type O Negative during a performance. American Gothic doom metal band Type O Negative have announced details of their upcoming tour of the United States. The supporting act for the entire tour is confirmed to be Lordi, a Finnish melodic hard rock band known for their monster costumes and lyrical themes. The tour is spread across fifteen dates, and is in support of Type O Negative's new album, ''Dead Again''. The album is the band's seventh, and reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the magazine's Top Independent Album's chart. "Spacing the records far apart is how you achieve diverse results," said a statement by keyboardist Josh Silver. "When you're forced to write an album every year or eight months, you haven't changed - you're still the same asshole you were eight months ago. We've been different assholes every record. We've retained our identity through all the changes." The dates announced for the tour are as follows: * October 12 New Haven, Connecticut - Toad's Place * October 13 Worcester, Massachusetts - The Palladium * October 14 Clifton Park, New York - Northern Lights * October 16 Allentown, Pennsylvania - Crocodile Rock Café * October 17 Buffalo, New York - Town Ballroom * October 20 Milwaukee, - Wisconsin The Eagle's Club * October 21 Chicago, Illinois - The Vic * October 23 Knoxville, Tennessee - Blue Cats * October 24 Atlanta, Georgia - The Masquerade * October 25 Asheville, North Carolina - The Orange Peel * October 26 Louisville, Kentucky - Headliner's Music Hall * October 27 Detroit, Michigan - Harpo's * October 29 New York, New York - The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza * October 30 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Trocadero * October 31 Sayreville, New Jersey - Starland Ballroom
Polish homosexuals flee persecution in exodus to UK Last updated at 13:30 20 June 2007 Polish gay rights groups say thousands of homosexuals have fled the country to the UK to escape increasing persecution. Robert Biedron, a left wing party activist and head of the Polish Foundation Against Homophobia, said "huge numbers" of Polish gays had now fled the country following the rise to power of the current right-wing conservative government. He said: "It is incredible. The Polish gay community has just moved away because of the climate of fear and persecution. "Most of the people I know are now in England because of the current political situation. Not for economic reasons, but because of the persecution of homosexuals going on here. "It’s impossible for gays to be themselves in Poland. Around two million Poles have left the country seeking work and thousands of gays are joining them. "Many gays are approaching our foundation for help in emigrating to the UK." Poland’s Catholic, conservative right-wing government has members who are openly anti-gay and the health ministry has created a special committee responsible for "curing" gays, according to local media. Deputy health minister Marek Grafowski said the ministry was also planning to identify how many people in Poland were gay and work out a set of behavioural guides to assist parents and teachers in recognising warning signs of potential "gay" behaviour. The police have also been compiling a database on gays and the gay community in Poland which although illegal under EU law, is apparently being done as part of a police investigation into a bomb threat two years ago by a gay man. He had reportedly identified himself as a meber of the gay community angry when a gay rights march was banned in Warsaw. "The Police are not allowed to catalogue ‘homosexual data’ but it’s enough to look into the police investigation associated with the bomb in order to establish a list of names and addresses," said Ewa Kulesza, a former personal data protection general inspector. \|\|\|\|\| Polish gay rights groups claim thousands of homosexuals have fled the country to escape increasing persecution. Robert Biedron, 27, the head of the Polish Foundation Against Homophobia, said that 'huge numbers' of Polish gays had left the country following the rise to power of the right-wing government. He said: 'It is incredible. The Polish gay community has just left because of the climate of fear and persecution. 'Most of the people I know are now in England because of the current political situation. Not for economic reasons, but because of the persecution of homosexuals going on here. It's impossible for gays to be themselves in Poland.' He added: 'Around two million Poles have left the country seeking work and thousands of gays are among them. Many gays are approaching our foundation for help in emigrating to the UK.' Kamil Zapasnik, 22, a gay student who moved to London because he wanted to marry, said: 'It's very important to me that I am able to have a civil partnership and adopt children. In the UK I have that freedom.' Poland's Roman Catholic right-wing government has openly homophobic members and Polish media recently announced that the Health Ministry had created a special committee responsible for 'curing' gays. The Deputy Health Minister, Marek Grafowski, said that the ministry was also planning to identify how many people in Poland were gay and work out a set of behavioural guides to assist parents and teachers so that they can recognise any warning signs of potential 'gay behaviour'. Polish police have also been compiling a database on gays and the gay community in Poland which, although illegal under EU law, is apparently being done as part of a police investigation into a bomb threat two years ago by a gay man. He had reportedly identified himself as a member of the gay community who was angry when a gay rights march was banned in Warsaw. 'The police are not allowed to catalogue "homosexual data", but it's enough to look into the police investigation associated with the bomb in order to establish a list of names and addresses,' said Ewa Kulesza, a former personal data protection general inspector. It is not just the police who are openly homophobic. Lech Wojtewski, 23, from Warsaw, said his doctor had referred him to a vet when he went to for a check-up. 'He told me there was a specialist for people like me and gave me an address. When I got there it was a vet. 'I called him and he said, "What did you expect? You are an animal".' When Krystian Legierski, 29, opened a gay club, Le Madame, it was shut down by Warsaw local authorities who hired private security guards to break down the doors, despite an appearance there by John Malkovich a day earlier. 'I understand why people emigrate, but injustice can only be rectified by resistance, not emigration,' Legierski said.	Following the rise to power of Poland's Roman Catholic right-wing government, including some openly homophobic members, Polish gay rights groups claim that thousands of Polish gays have emigrated to United Kingdom to escape increasing persecution including the Health Ministry's "special committee responsible for 'curing' gays". The Deputy Health Minister, Marek Grafowski, stated the ministry was developing guides "to assist parents and teachers so that they can recognise any warning signs of potential 'gay behaviour'." ''Guardian unlimited'' reports that the Polish police have also begun compiling a database on gays in Poland. Although illegal under European Union law, this is allegedly being done under the auspices of an investigation into the gay community following a bomb threat two years ago by a gay man, who was reportedly angry when a gay rights march was banned in Warsaw. "The police are not allowed to catalogue 'homosexual data', but it's enough to look into the police investigation associated with the bomb in order to establish a list of names and addresses," said Ewa Kulesza, a former personal data protection general inspector. Homophobia appears to be a problem beyond the government as well. One person said his doctor had referred him to a vet when he went for a check-up. "He told me there was a specialist for people like me and gave me an address. When I got there it was a vet. I called him and he said, ‘''What did you expect? You are an animal''’. A gay club, Le Madame, was recently shut down by Warsaw local authorities who hired private security guards to break down the doors. Robert Biedroń, the president of the Polish Campaign Against Homophobia society, believes that most of the Polish gays emigrate to the UK not for economic reasons but because of persecution in Poland. "Most of the people I know are now in England because of the current political situation. Not for economic reasons, but because of the persecution of homosexuals going on here. It's impossible for gays to be themselves in Poland", says Biedroń.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement Rachel Rice has been named as the £100,000 winner of this year's Big Brother, beating bookies' favourite Mikey Hughes into second place. The trainee teacher, 24, was greeted by cheers and fireworks as she left the house after 93 days. Australian Sara Folino, 27, came third ahead of fourth-placed chef Rex Newmark, 23, and 26-year-old Darnell Swallow was fifth. Viewing figures for the ninth series have been the lowest yet. 'Quite flirty' When Rachel and Mikey faced each other in a head-to-head phone vote after the others had left the house, she received 51.3% of the votes to Mikey's 48.7%. Rachel told host Davina McCall she had put up with accusations from her fellow housemates that she was fake and had sat on the fence by "being true to who I am". FINAL BIG BROTHER POSITIONS 1. Rachel 2. Mikey 3. Sara 4. Rex 5. Darnell "People can try and tell you you're fake and try and break you down but I know who I am - it's fine," she said. She added: "You dream about going into Big Brother, that's like a dream, and people say you'll never get in and then when you win… it's amazing." Blind radio producer Mikey, 33, told McCall he was proud to have been so outspoken throughout his stay in the house. "Ask anybody about work and I've had countless warnings and I've stood up to all the bullies that we've had in the house this year." Sara, whose on-off relationship with Darnell has been a dominant storyline in recent weeks, told McCall: "I'm quite flirty anyway and I'm single but I do like Darnell, yes I do." Asked if their friendship could develop into something more she said: "I'm so confused right now. I don't really know but I guess we'll see." Latecomer Sara, who entered the house after four weeks, was presented with a cheque for £25,000 which she won last week after competing in a live "nomination face-off". She had 30.1% of the vote when lines closed ahead of her eviction. I absolutely love to wind people up Rex Newmark Rex, whose girlfriend Nicole Cammack joined him as a housemate for two weeks earlier in the series, was booed when he left the house by the waiting crowd. Responding to the boos he told host McCall: "If you take BB too seriously then you're on the wrong show - you have to take everything with a pinch of salt." Rex, who received 22.5% of votes, admitted he had been a difficult housemate to live with saying: "I absolutely love to wind people up." Darnell, who was born in Ipswich but raised in the US, was greeted by cheers. In his post-eviction interview, the 24-year-old - who had 14.9% of the vote - told McCall: "I never felt this much love in my entire life." HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS Fake marriage Mario Marconi, 42, and Stephanie McMichael, 19, got "married" as part of a secret task to hide his real romance with Lisa Appleton Booted out Alexandra De-Gale was thrown out for intimidating housemates while Dennis McHugh was ejected for spitting at Mohamed Mohamed Unlikely romance Geeky but amusing Luke Marsden and party girl Rebecca Shiner ended up kissing under the duvet Rex and Nicole Despite Rex Newmark's endless talk of girlfriend Nicole Cammack, the two bickered when BB put her into the house. She was soon evicted Bogey Mo Mohamed lived up to his nickname of Greedy Mo by eating Michael Hughes' bogey in exchange for cider He told McCall she was "a stunning, beautiful amazing woman even though you have been the voice of torment over the last three months". The Channel 4 show was watched by an average of 3.2 million people during this year's run - 300,000 down on 2007. The audience has declined steadily since the launch night in June, when it was 5.3 million strong. Big Brother editor David Williams has remained bullish, though, saying the show was looking forward to celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009. Big Brother has not been without controversy this year, with contestant Alexandra De-Gale removed for intimidating her fellow housemates. And dance student Dennis McHugh was also thrown out for spitting in the face of Mohamed Mohamed. Programme makers tried to generate interest by including a couple, Mario Marconi and Lisa Appleton. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| ©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries, Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here.	The logo for this series of Big Brother Rachel Rice has won the 2008 series of Big Brother. The trainee teacher won the ninth series with 51.3% of the final vote. She defeated blind radio producer Mikey Hughes despite him being the bookies favourite. Others eliminated on the night included Sara Folino, Rex Newmark and Darnell Swallow. As well as training to be a teacher Rice is also an actress and model. She has appeared in the television adaptions of novels The Prince and the Pauper and The History of Mr Polly as well as the film Night Train to Venice. She came second in the 2003 contest of Miss Wales. She was beaten by Imogen Thomas who appeared in the 2006 series of Big Brother. This years series brought on controversy and media watchdog Ofcom and Channel 4 had collectively received over 433 complaints about housemate Alexandra De-Gale. She was later removed for intimidating housemates. Dance teacher Dennis McHugh was removed after he spat in the face of housemate Mohamed Mohamed. This series has been the lowest rated series of all with an average viewing of 3.2 million people. This is an average of 300,000 less than last year. The series started out strong with around 5.4 million viewers but soon started to decline. The show has been reinstated for another series next year.
The number of people claiming jobless benefits has also risen to an 11- year high [GALLO/GETTY] The number of people claiming jobless benefits has also risen to an 11- year high [GALLO/GETTY] The number of jobless increased by 210,000 in the three months leading up to July, figures showed on Wednesday, taking the unemployment rate up to 7.9 per cent, Britain's highest since November 1996. Unemployment in Britain has climbed to its highest rate in nearly 13 years, with 2.47 million people out of work in the recession-hit country, official data has shown. Analysts have also warned that while layoffs may be slowing, the rate could rise to three million by next year. "While the deepest job losses are now probably over, the outlook for the labour market remains far from encouraging," Howard Archer, a UK economist at Global Insight, an economic forecaster, said. "Doubts and concerns over the strength and sustainability of any recovery are likely to encourage businesses to keep their labour forces as tight as possible." Youth affected Data released by the Office for National Statistics also painted a gloomy picture for young people out of work, with just under one in five of 16- to 24-year olds looking for employment. "Even if the recession is technically over, it will continue to feel like one for many people for a long time yet" Vicky Redwood, economist, Capital Economics "More workers, particularly young workers, are paying a devastating price for the bankers' recession and there is some way to go before unemployment stops rising," Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said. The number of people claiming jobless benefits also rose by 24,400 to 1.61 million in August, the highest since May 1997. The statistics office said that average earnings, including bonuses, increased by only 1.7 per cent in the three months to July from the year before. Vicky Redwood, an economist at Capital Economics, said the slowing of pay growth was "most worrying". "Even if the recession is technically over, it will continue to feel like one for many people for a long time yet," she said. On Tuesday, Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, told a Trade Union Congress conference that public sector spending will need to be cut to tackle the country's soaring debt. Unions claimed cuts would prolong the recession and increase unemployment, but all political parties have accepted that there is little alternative. \|\|\|\|\| In Britain, unemployment rises again, reaching its highest level since 1996. LONDON (TheStreet) -- U.K. unemployment reached nearly 8%, its highest level in 13 years, the British government reported Wednesday. Since the year began, 743,000 Brits have lost their jobs -- 210,000 in the most recent quarter, which ended in July. Many expect the U.K.'s total unemployment figure to reach 3 million by next year. According to the report, issued by the Office for National Statistics, Britain's jobless rate rose 0.7 points to 7.9% in the period, while a different gauge showed that the number of newly unemployed entering the public doll rose 24,400 in August to about 1.6 million, a smaller increase than economists were expecting. Young workers (from 16 to 24 years old) have felt the brunt of the downturn, with 947,000 having lost their jobs, the most since record-keeping began. Investors appeared to shrug off the news. London's FTSE gained 1.5% Wednesday, following global markets higher, as investors chose to focus on signs of recovery. One recent economic report showed that services businesses grew in August at their quickest rate since 2007. -- Written by Scott Eden in New York Follow TheStreet.com on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Copyright 2009 TheStreet.com Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.	Data released on Wednesday from the British government says that the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom has reached its highest level in thirteen years, with the jobless rate at 7.9%. 2.47 million people are now out of work in the UK, up 210,000 or 0.7% in the quarter leading to July. The unemployment level has not been this high since November 1996. Young people, aged 16 to 24 years old, have been affected the most by the recession, with 947,000 having been out of jobs, the highest level recorded. Some economic analysts have suggested that the jobless rate may eventually reach three million, even if layoffs slow. "While the deepest job losses are now probably over, the outlook for the labour market remains far from encouraging. Doubts and concerns over the strength and sustainability of any recovery are likely to encourage businesses to keep their labour forces as tight as possible," economic forecaster Howard Archer for Global Insight said.
Sir Derek Jacobi and Mark Rylance (left and right) are in the group Almost 300 people have signed a "declaration of reasonable doubt", which they hope will prompt further research into the issue. "I subscribe to the group theory. I don't think anybody could do it on their own," Sir Derek said. The group says there are no records of Shakespeare being paid for his work. While documents do exist for Shakespeare, who was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, all are non-literary. In particular, his will, in which he left his wife "my second best bed with the furniture" contains none of his famous turns of phrase and it does not mention any books, plays or poems. Illiterate household The 287-strong Shakespeare Authorship Coalition says it is not possible that the bard's plays - with their emphasis on law - could have been penned by a 16th Century commoner raised in an illiterate household. The group asks if one man alone could have come up with his works "How did he become so familiar with all things Italian so that even obscure details in these plays are accurate?" the group adds. Conspiracy theories have circulated since the 18th Century about a number of figures who could have used Shakespeare as a pen-name, including playwright Christopher Marlowe, nobleman Edward de Vere and Francis Bacon. "I think the leading light was probably de Vere as I agree that an author writes about his own experience, his own life and personalities," Sir Derek said. The declaration, unveiled at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester, West Sussex, also names 20 prominent doubters of the past, including Mark Twain, Orson Welles, Sir John Gielgud and Charlie Chaplin. 'Legitimate question' A copy was presented to Dr William Leahy, head of English at London's Brunel University and convenor of the first MA in Shakespeare authorship studies, to be launched later this month. "It has been a battle of mine for the last couple of years to get this into academia," Dr Leahy said. "It's a legitimate question, it has a mystery at its centre and intellectual discussion will bring us closer to that centre. "That's not to say we will answer anything, that's not the point. It is, of course, to question." \|\|\|\|\| The literary conspiracy theory that refuses to go away, and which has a growing army of supporters all over the globe, reared its head in Chichester this weekend. Two of Britain's most distinguished Shakespearean actors, Sir Derek Jacobi and Mark Rylance, the original artistic director of the new Globe Theatre, have launched a formal 'Declaration of Reasonable Doubt' about the identity of the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon. The actors said the document, which has been signed by 300 people, is an effort to provoke academic debate. After the last matinee performance of I Am Shakespeare, a play that questions the identity of Shakespeare, at the Minerva Theatre in the West Sussex town yesterday, Rylance, the star, joined Sir Derek to present the controversial declaration to Dr William Leahy, the head of English at Brunel University in west London. Later this month Leahy is to convene the first MA in Shakespeare authorship studies. The key belief of the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition is that a body of literary works which displays an understanding of law, history and mathematics could not have been written by a mere commoner from an illiterate household in Warwickshire. What is more, no records exist that the man usually assumed to be the greatest playwright in western literature ever received payment or personal preferment for his writing. Shakespeare's detailed will, in which he notably left his wife 'my second best bed with the furniture', fails to refer to any theatrical legacy. The coalition contends it is proof of cause for doubt. Since the 18th century rival candidates for the authorship of the works have been put up by those convinced that William Shakespeare was just a pen-name. Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon and the Elizabethan nobleman Edward de Vere, have all been mooted as contenders and Sir Derek was happy to reveal yesterday which one would get his vote. 'I think the leading light was probably de Vere, as I agree that an author writes about his own experiences, his own life and personalities,' he said. The coalition's declaration lists 20 other well-known doubters of the past, including Mark Twain, Orson Welles, Sir John Gielgud and Charlie Chaplin. Central planks in the document include suspicion surrounding the fact that all of the plays are chiefly set among the upper class and about the author's familiarity with Italian culture. There are questions too about his failure to mention Stratford or anything relating to his own life, including the death of his 11-year-old son, Hamnet. (Although there is no explanation why he might have given his only son a name so close to that of the playwright's most famous protagonist). Dr Leahy said the new course at Brunel would simply aim to open up the question of the authorship: 'It has been a battle of mine for the last couple of years to get this into academia. It's a legitimate question, it has a mystery at its centre and intellectual discussion will bring us closer to that centre.' The coalition first drew up its declaration in California last spring, where the organisation is spearheaded by the academics and sceptics John Shahan and Virginia Renner (a former head of Reader Services at the prestigious Huntington Library). 'We have nothing against the man from Stratford-upon-Avon,' the declaration reads, 'but we doubt that he was the author of the works. Our goal is to legitimise the issue in academia so students, teachers and professors can feel free to pursue it. This is necessary because the issue is widely viewed as settled in academia and is treated as a taboo subject.' More mysteries Who was he? Some say the works were written by the poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe, others that Francis Bacon wrote them in his spare time, while some point to the nobleman Edward de Vere. Others argue they are collaborations penned by a brilliant team of anonymous writers. What was he? Contradictory theories include the idea that the Bard was also a Catholic spy, a secret agent working abroad, a religious recusant in hiding, a teacher or possibly a European cultural ambassador. Who was his lover? The true identities of the Dark Lady and the Fair Youth of the sonnets are still in dispute; some say the poems addressed to a young man are about the Earl of Pembroke, others the Earl of Southampton, while the lady could have been a Mary Fitton or the poet Emilia Lanier.	William Shakespeare, 16th century playwright. A debate has been launched by almost 300 people, seeking further research into William Shakespeare and the many masterpieces attributed to him. The group, named the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition, are reluctant to believe that the Bard wrote all of the plays that make him internationally famous, and are keen to unravel the mysteries surrounding his life and work. Although it is widely accepted that Shakespeare existed and penned many works, the group question why all records of Shakespeare are non-literary, and how so many high-quality plays could be written by someone born into an illiterate household. The Coalition also asks why none of his plays mention his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and also how a 16th Century commoner could have such extensive and accurate knowledge of the worldwide settings in which they take place. Conspiracy theories since the 18th century have claimed that the works could have been written by authors using the pen name Shakespeare, particularly Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe and Edward de Vere. Sir Derek Jacobi, actor and member of the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition, believes that the famous plays could have been written by more than one writer. "I subscribe to the group theory," Sir Derek said. "I don't think anybody could do it on their own." A "declaration of reasonable doubt" was presented to Dr William Leahy, Head of English at London's Brunel University. Speaking about the conspiracies, he said, "It's a legitimate question, it has a mystery at its centre and intellectual discussion will bring us closer to that centre." The Coalition has set up a website, inviting people to sign the declaration and keep up-to-date with new research.
A police commander has owned up to being caught driving 176 kilometres an hour in a 100 zone in southern New South Wales earlier this month. Police revealed this week that a senior officer had been caught speeding near Junee earlier this month. Wagga Wagga local area commander Frank Goodyer has told the Daily Advertiser he is the officer involved. Superintendent Goodyer has been charged with driving more than 45 kilometres an hour over the speed limit and had his licence suspended. He is quoted as saying he does not condone speeding and that he will continue on as local area commander while an investigation is carried out. Superintendent Goodyer has not been available for comment this morning but is expected to hold a press conference later today. \|\|\|\|\| A senior NSW Police officer says he will continue to encourage safe driving, despite having his licence suspended for driving at more than 75kmh over the speed limit. Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander Superintendent Frank Goodyer was on duty, in an unmarked police car, when he was clocked at 176kmh in a 100kmh zone by his own highway patrol officers. The 45-year-old said he had apologised to his fellow officers for the incident on the Olympic Highway at Junee on October 13. "I accepted the penalty. I accept that I've done the wrong thing and, as I say, it is still my job as a senior police officer to encourage safe driving and I will continue to do that regardless of my actions," Mr Goodyer told ABC Radio. He has been issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45kmh. The offence attracts a $1674 fine and six demerit points. The Daily Advertiser newspaper in Wagga Wagga said Superintendent Goodyer's licence had been suspended for six months, and that he would face an internal review. "There will be an internal process that takes place and my senior officers will have their say on what repercussions I should face following my illegal actions," he told the newspaper. "I think this incident shows the integrity of Wagga's highway patrol staff, which I rate as one of the best in the state. "They acted without fear or favour, that reflects well on our local command and gives me faith that I command the finest officers." AAP \|\|\|\|\| October 23, 2008 - 3:59PM A senior NSW police officer says he will continue to encourage safe driving, despite having his licence suspended for driving at more than 75km/h over the speed limit. Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander Superintendent Frank Goodyer was on duty, in an unmarked police car, when he was clocked at 176km/h in a 100km/h zone by his own highway patrol officers. The 45-year-old said he had apologised to his fellow officers for the incident on the Olympic Highway at Junee on October 13. "I accepted the penalty, I accept that I've done the wrong thing and, as I say, it is still my job as a senior police officer to encourage safe driving and I will continue to do that regardless of my actions," Mr Goodyer told ABC radio. He has been issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. The offence attracts a $1,674 fine and six demerit points. The Daily Advertiser newspaper in Wagga said Supt Goodyer's licence had been suspended for six months, and that he would face an internal review. "There will be an internal process that takes place and my senior officers will have their say on what repercussions I should face following my illegal actions," he told the newspaper. "I think this incident shows the integrity of Wagga's highway patrol staff, which I rate as one of the best in the state. "They acted without fear or favour, that reflects well on our local command and gives me faith that I command the finest officers."	Robert Myers'' An on duty superintendent in the New South Wales Police Force was caught speeding in an unmarked police car at 176km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Olympic Highway near Junee, New South Wales on October 13. Superintendent Frank Goodyer, who was caught by his own officers in the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, was charged with driving at more than 45km/h over the speed limit, had his automatically license suspended for six months and fined A$1674. It was reported by Sydney radio station 2GB that it was Superintendent Frank Goodyer as the officer who was caught speeding by his own officers after the New South Wales Police released a media release which did not name the officer who was caught. Superintendent Frank Goodyer told ABC Radio, "I accepted the penalty. I accept that I've done the wrong thing and, as I say, it is still my job as a senior police officer to encourage safe driving and I will continue to do that regardless of my actions".
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. The US and France have vowed to work together to push for new UN sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme. After talks in Washington with French leader Nicolas Sarkozy, US President Barack Obama said he hoped to have the sanctions in place "within weeks". Mr Sarkozy promised "all necessary efforts to make sure Europe as a whole engaged in the sanctions regime". Western powers suspect Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear arms capability. Tehran denies this. It says its atomic programme is entirely peaceful. 'Mad race' In a joint news conference with Mr Sarkozy at the White House, Mr Obama said he was not interested in waiting months for new sanctions. "My hope is that we are going to get this done this spring," he said. "I am interested in seeing that regime in place within weeks." For his part, President Sarkozy said Iran could not continue its "mad race" to try to complete its suspect nuclear programme. "The time has come to take decisions. Iran cannot continue its mad race," Mr Sarkozy said at the joint press conference. He said that he would work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to get European backing for the sanctions regime. Mrs Merkel has suggested that if the UN Security Council cannot agree on the matter, Germany and other like-minded countries might pursue their own sanctions. Chinese reluctance There have been three rounds of UN sanctions against Iran, blocking trade of "sensitive nuclear material", freezing the financial assets of those involved in Iran's nuclear activities, banning all of Iran's arms exports, and encouraging scrutiny of the dealings of Iranian banks. The US and its allies on the UN Security Council have been pushing for a fourth round of sanctions, which would target Iran's oil trade. While Russia is thought to be more inclined than before to endorse the new sanctions, efforts to persuade China to go along have yet to bear fruit, the BBC's Paul Adams reports from Washington. China insists fresh sanctions would "complicate the situation" and could derail diplomatic efforts. \|\|\|\|\| Related: G-8 nations call for Iran sanctions With the president of France at his side, US President Barack Obama declared Tuesday he hopes to have international sanctions against Iran in place "within weeks," not months, because of its continuing nuclear program. He acknowledged he still lacks full support at the United Nations."Do we have unanimity in the international community? Not yet," Obama said. "And that's something that we have to work on."Obama said he and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are "inseparable" in their thinking on the subject.For his part, Sarkozy told reporters, "Iran cannot continue its mad race" toward acquiring nuclear weapons."The time has come to take decisions," Sarkozy said.Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, not nuclear weapons.On the UN Security Council, veto-holding permanent members Russia and China have expressed reservations toward a tougher set of sanctions, as have several of the rotating members who do not have veto powers.Obama said he understands that countries that have business ties with Iran, especially those who depend on Iran for oil, might have reservations.Still, Obama said that, while "the door remains open if the Iranians choose to walk though it," there have been no signs that they are close to moving back from their nuclear program, and patience has all but run out."My hope is that we are going to get this done this spring. So I'm not interested in waiting months for a sanctions regime to be in place. I'm interested in seeing that regime in place in weeks."Earlier Tuesday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton predicted new sanctions would be forthcoming, hinting that skeptical nations such as China and Russia eventually would come along. At the conclusion of an international meeting of eight major powers in Quebec, Clinton cited a growing alarm around the world about the consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran.A senior French official said after the White House meeting that major Western players, including France, are ready to consider unilateral sanctions if they cannot get a strong enough UN resolution passed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the French president's office rules.Obama said he and the French president discussed a wide range of global issues, including the financial regulatory overhaul and peace negotiations in the Middle East.Sarkozy also said he stands with the United States in condemning recent Israeli construction plans in east Jerusalem.While his own commitment to Israel's security is well known, Sarkozy said, the activity "contributes nothing."Sarkozy praised Obama for trying to engage the two sides in peace talks. Sarkozy said that the "absence of peace" in the region "is a problem for all of us" that feeds terrorism around the world.On a subject on which the two presidents do not see eye-to-eye, Sarkozy expressed a widespread European contention that the award of a $35 billion US Air Force refueling tanker plane was rigged to favor US aerospace giant Boeing over an alliance of the parent company of Europe's Airbus and the US Lockheed-Martin company.Sarkozy said he believed it would be "fair to share this contract with the Europeans" instead of awarding it solely to Boeing.Obama said that while "the process will be free and fair," the final decision would be made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates."The secretary of defense makes procurement decisions. The president does not meddle in these decisions," Obama said.Obama hailed France as one of the United States' oldest and best allies, noting the two countries have fought together on battlefields from Yorktown in the US Revolutionary War to Afghanistan now.However, the two have had clear differences on Afghanistan, with the Obama administration pressing France as well as other European nations to send more troops, and Sarkozy largely resisting such requests.Obama did not go into Tuesday's meeting intending to urge Sarkozy to send more troops, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said ahead of the meeting. "There's no specific 'ask' on the table," Gibbs said at his daily news briefing.Instead of troops, France is ready to consider sending more military or police trainers to Afghanistan, according to the French official. He would not elaborate on how many could go or when, saying only, "There is no deadline. There is the certitude that there is a need for trainers."The two presidents discussed the possibility of training Afghan forces outside Afghanistan because infrastructure there is so poor, the official said.Instead of troops, Obama will seek more French military or police trainers, according to two Western diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity because the presidential discussions were private.French trainers have been among those killed in Afghanistan this year, and polls show most French voters do not support the effort.Both presidents went to extraordinary lengths to defuse trans-Atlantic speculation of a chilly relationship. Obama repeatedly referred to Sarkozy by his first name and spoke fondly of his trip to Paris last year. "We respect one another and understand one another," Obama said. The private dinner invitation also was a gesture rarely extended to foreign leaders.Just a day earlier in New York, Sarkozy spoke bluntly about the US role in foreign affairs, saying the world needed an America that listens. Yet when asked directly whether he thinks Obama listens to him, Sarkozy offered a long defense of his relationship with Obama. He called it candid and productive."President Obama, when he says something, keeps his word," Sarkozy said. "His word is his bond. And that is so important."	The United States and France have announced their intention to work together in an effort to implement additional United Nations sanctions on Iran. The announcement came after a meeting between US President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. According to Obama, the two nations planned on having the new sanctions implemented "within weeks." Sarkozy pledged that the whole of Europe would be part of the plan, saying that he would make "all necessary efforts to make sure Europe as a whole engaged in the sanctions regime." He said that he planned to specifically work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his efforts. Merkel has previously said that if the UN will not agree to implement sanctions, Germany, in concert with other nations, may introduce sanctions of their own. Obama said that the US would not wait for an extended period of to implement new sanctions, saying that he was "interested in seeing that regime in place within weeks." Despite his commitment to the new sanctions, Obama also acknowledged the divisiveness that they provoked in other countries, saying that it was "something that we have to work on." Most notable among the opposition is China, which says that sanctions could "complicate the situation." There have already been three rounds of sanction enacted, which have banned trade of nuclear material, frozen financial assets of individuals and corporations engaged in nuclear activities, blocked all arms exports from Iran, and advocated for examination of Iranian banks. The proposed fourth round would target the oil trade in Iran.
Charlie Sheen spent the better part of Christmas Day in a Colorado jail cell after being arrested on domestic violence allegations. Share Richards offers a revealing look into life as a Hollywood Mom. More Photos The 44-year-old actor was taken into custody Friday morning by officers responding to a 911 call from a house in this ski resort town about 200 miles west of Denver. An ambulance went to the house, but the accuser was not taken to the hospital. Sheen, the star of CBS' "Two and a Half Men," was taken to the Pitkin County jail and booked for investigation of second-degree assault and menacing, both felonies, along with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro said. He was released in the late afternoon after posting $8,500 bond and being advised by a county judge on the conditions of his release, she said. Dasaro declined to name Sheen's accuser, citing a department policy prohibiting the identification of potential victims in domestic violence cases. Aspen attorney Richard Cummins said late Friday that he was representing Sheen in the case. He declined to name Sheen's accuser or discuss details, but he cautioned against any rush to judgment. "I think at the end of the day it will be much ado about nothing," Cummins told The Associated Press. "I don't think there's any criminality about what went on." Cummins said a court date was set for Feb. 8. "That may be to determine whether a case goes forward or not," he said. Sheen's publicist Stan Rosenfield also warned against making assumptions. "It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion," he said. Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor-director Emilio Estevez. He is married to Brooke Mueller Sheen, a real estate investor who gave birth to the couple's first children, twin boys, in March. They married in May 2008 following Sheen's bitter divorce and custody battle with actress Denise Richards. \|\|\|\|\| Enlarge Aspen Police Department via Getty Images Charlie Sheen was booked for second-degree assault on Christmas Day. Charlie Sheen Aspen Police Department ASPEN, Colorado (AP) A woman who identified herself as the wife of Charlie Sheen said in a 911 call to Aspen police that the actor threatened her with a knife and that she feared for her life. Police released the audio of the call on Monday, three days after Sheen was arrested on suspicion of menacing, second-degree assault and criminal mischief. Authorities haven't identified the accuser, but the woman on the 911 call says her name is Brooke and that her husband is Charlie Sheen. Sheen is married to Brooke Mueller Sheen. The woman can be heard weeping and sometimes her words are inaudible. At one point she says, "My husband had me (inaudible) with um, with a knife, and (inaudible) he threatened me." Later, she says, "I thought I was gonna die for one hour." Sheen was taken to the Pitkin County jail Friday morning and booked for investigation of second-degree assault and menacing, both felonies, along with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro said. He was released in the late afternoon after posting $8,500 bond and being advised by a county judge on the conditions of his release, she said. She didn't know whether a court date had been set. Dasaro declined to name Sheen's accuser, citing a department policy prohibiting the identification of potential victims in domestic violence cases. It wasn't immediately known whether Sheen had retained an attorney. His publicist issued a statement urging against a rush to judgment. "It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion," Stan Rosenfield said. Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor-director Emilio Estevez. His wife, Brooke Mueller Sheen, is a real estate investor who gave birth to the couple's first children, twin boys, in March. They married in May 2008 following Sheen's bitter divorce and custody battle with actress Denise Richards. The star of Platoon, Wall Street and the Hot Shots! movies has had run-ins with the law before. In December 1996, he was arrested and charged with attacking a girlfriend at his Southern California home. He later pleaded no contest and was placed on two years' probation. In 1998, his father turned him in for violating his parole after a cocaine overdose sent him to the hospital. He was later ordered to undergo a rehabilitation program. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more \|\|\|\|\| (CNN) -- Actor Charlie Sheen was released from a Colorado jail Friday after he was arrested on domestic-violence-related charges, Aspen police said. Sheen, 44, was charged with second degree assault and menacing, both felonies, and criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, police said. Additionally, Colorado law mandates a protective order between someone arrested for domestic violence and the victim. Police said the alleged victim, whom they did not identify, did not require a trip to a hospital. Sheen was released from the Pitkin County Jail at 7 p.m. local time after posting $8,500 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court February 8. His spokesman, Stan Rosenfield, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. "Do not be misled by appearance," Rosenfield said. "Appearance and reality can be as different as night and day." Sheen has been married to sometime actress and real estate investor Brooke Mueller Sheen, his third wife, since May 2008. The couple has twin sons born in March. Sheen stars in the popular television comedy "Two and a Half Men" with Jon Cryer. Sheen -- whose real name is Carlos Irwin Estevez -- is the son of actor Martin Sheen. He has two brothers and a sister -- Emilio, Ramon and Renee Estevez -- who are also actors. \|\|\|\|\| Advertisement Search CBS News The Web • » Charlie Sheen Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series E-Mail Story Print Story Sphere Share A A Text Size: A Videos Photos Charlie Sheen (GETTY IMAGES) Charlie Sheen On 'Men' (4:51) (4:51) (4:50) (4:50) (4:10) » More Videos Related Photo Essay Charlie Sheen This actor is always good for a laugh or two or "Two And A Half" (CBS) Charlie Sheen has gotten as much, if not more, press coverage for the drama in his personal life as he has for his work in film and television. Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor Emilio Estevez. His career as an actor began in 1974 at the age of 9 when he appeared alongside his dad in the TV movie "The Execution of Private Slovik." His career as a bad boy began in high school when he was expelled for bad grades and poor attendance just weeks before graduation. That didn't stop him from launching a film career in 1986 in the movie "Platoon" and then "Wall Street" the following year. Photos: Charlie Sheen His other feature film credits include "Red Dawn," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Eight Men Out," "Young Guns," "Major League," "Hot Shots!" "Being John Malkovich," "Scary Movie 3" and "The Big Bounce." He appeared for two seasons on the television comedy "Spin City." Sheen is nominated for an outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on "Three and a Half Men." Sheen dated porn stars Ginger Lynn and Heather Hunter; accidentally shot his one-time fiancée, Kelly Preston; and was on the list of notorious Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss' most frequent customers. Sheen's wife Denise Richards filed for divorce April 19, 2006. The couple have two children. Sheen has another child from a previous relationship. Charlie Sheen has gotten as much, if not more, press coverage for the drama in his personal life as he has for his work in film and television.Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor Emilio Estevez. His career as an actor began in 1974 at the age of 9 when he appeared alongside his dad in the TV movie "The Execution of Private Slovik."His career as a bad boy began in high school when he was expelled for bad grades and poor attendance just weeks before graduation.That didn't stop him from launching a film career in 1986 in the movie "Platoon" and then "Wall Street" the following year.His other feature film credits include "Red Dawn," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Eight Men Out," "Young Guns," "Major League," "Hot Shots!" "Being John Malkovich," "Scary Movie 3" and "The Big Bounce."He appeared for two seasons on the television comedy "Spin City."Sheen is nominated for an outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on "Three and a Half Men."Sheen dated porn stars Ginger Lynn and Heather Hunter; accidentally shot his one-time fiancée, Kelly Preston; and was on the list of notorious Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss' most frequent customers.Sheen's wife Denise Richards filed for divorce April 19, 2006. The couple have two children. Sheen has another child from a previous relationship. ©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. E-Mail Story Print Story Sphere Share A A Text Size: A \|\|\|\|\| Charlie Sheen in hospital for drug, alcohol problems May 22, 1998 Web posted at: 1:47 a.m. EDT (0547 GMT) THOUSAND OAKS, California (CNN) -- Actor Charlie Sheen was admitted Wednesday to a Los Angeles hospital after consuming excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. Sheen's body "gave out" as a result of the drugs and alcohol he had consumed, according to a spokeswoman for Los Robles Medical Center. The actor's condition is reported to be stable Thursday, and he is expected to recover. "He's eating. He's talking. He's aware," said Chris Caraway, spokeswoman for the medical center. Los Angeles County paramedics took Sheen, accompanied by his personal trainer, from the actor's Malibu home and arrived at the hospital about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. Sheen was conscious but complained of tingling in his hands and difficulty walking, Caraway said. He was immediately taken into the intensive care unit, but later transferred to the less-serious critical care unit. Caraway said Sheen was being treated for a drug overdose, but she didn't know what kind of drugs he used. 'Not an easy moment in our lives' Sheen's father Martin talks about his hopes for his son's recovery at Los Robles Medical Center press conference 408K/16 sec. AIFF or WAV sound His father, actor Martin Sheen, arrived at the hospital and said his son had been tested for drug use. "My son is here because of a drug overdose," Martin Sheen said, choking back tears. "This is not an easy moment in our lives, but it's a necessary one. Our hope is that he will accept recovery and be fine." Sheen, 32, who starred in "Wall Street," "Platoon" and "Hot Shots," is the son of Martin Sheen and the brother of actor Emilio Estevez. His latest film was 1997's "Money Talks." In 1990, he checked into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility because he was "suffering from extreme exhaustion due to an arduous filming schedule," publicist Jeff Ballard said at the time. In 1995, a woman sued Sheen alleging the actor struck her in the head several times when she refused to have sex with him. He also admitted in videotaped testimony at the 1995 federal trial of Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss that he ordered her call girls at least 27 times, running up a tab of more than $50,000. In early 1996, Sheen announced that he planned to divorce model Donna Peele after less than six months of marriage.	American actor Charlie Sheen was arrested Friday on domestic-violence related assault charges. The 44-year-old was charged with assault, menacing and criminal mischief. He was released on US$8,500 bond from an Aspen, Colorado jail. Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro did not identify the victim in press briefings, citing police policy. Charlie Sheen, March 2009 Sheen's publicist Stan Rosenfield said not to jump to conclusions, "It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion." Sheen is married to real-estate investor Brooke Mueller Sheen, with whom he had twins in March. Sheen has had incidents in the past, such as in 1990 when he accidentally shot his then-fiancee, Kelly Preston, in the arm. He also had a drug violation in 1998, when he injected himself with cocaine and overdosed. Sheen, born Carlos Irwin Estévez, is the son of actor Martin Sheen began his professional career in ''The Execution of Private Slovik''. However his first starring role was the the 1986 movie ''Platoon'', and he co-starred with Michael Douglas in the Oliver Stone film ''Wall Street''. His filmography also includes ''Young Guns'', ''Major League'', ''The Rookie'' and a leading role on the television show ''Two and a Half Men''.
Suspected US Drone Kills Top Militant in Pakistan Air Force MQ-9 Reaper takes off from Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, 13 March 2009 Pakistani authorities say a suspected U.S. drone attack along the Afghan border is believed to have killed an Uzbek militant leader with links to al-Qaida. Pakistani intelligence officials say a U.S. missile strike in South Waziristan in late August wounded Tahir Yuldashev and that he reportedly died a few days later. Yuldashev was the leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He began fighting in the 1990s to topple Uzbekistan's government. A Taliban spokesman has denied the report of Yuldashev's death. The Taliban gave him refuge in northern Afghanistan, but after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, analysts believe Yuldashev and his fighters fled east into Pakistan's tribal regions. Yuldashev had been involved in insurgencies in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan with the goal of creating an Islamist state across Central Asia. If authorities are able to confirm Yuldashev's death, security analyst Khalid Aziz tells VOA that this would be a major blow to the militants operating in Pakistan's tribal regions. Aziz says the power vacuum left by Yuldashev's death would provide a good opportunity to strike at his men and those of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, whose stronghold is believed to be in South Waziristan. "For the last two months, there has been a blockade of this territory and obviously the Mehsouds are feeling the pinch," said Khalid Aziz. The Pakistani military has already seen success in its prior campaign in and around Swat Valley targeting militants. But Aziz says he expects the military to change its strategy in the mountainous and isolated region of South Waziristan. "We are going to see the first snowfall in that region, and it becomes even more difficult to fight there," he said. "So one foresees counter-terrorist operations rather than large-scale military operations as in Swat." He says that type of strategy would drain the militants of their resources and put the military in a better position to respond to any threats that might arise elsewhere in the country. The government insists it is not launching any major operation in South Waziristan at the moment. But U.N. officials say about 80,000 civilians have fled the tribal area in anticipation of a new military offensive. Pakistani authorities say a suspected U.S. drone attack along the Afghan border is believed to have killed an Uzbek militant leader with links to al-Qaida.Pakistani intelligence officials say a U.S. missile strike in South Waziristan in late August wounded Tahir Yuldashev and that he reportedly died a few days later.Yuldashev was the leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He began fighting in the 1990s to topple Uzbekistan's government.A Taliban spokesman has denied the report of Yuldashev's death.The Taliban gave him refuge in northern Afghanistan, but after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, analysts believe Yuldashev and his fighters fled east into Pakistan's tribal regions.Yuldashev had been involved in insurgencies in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan with the goal of creating an Islamist state across Central Asia.If authorities are able to confirm Yuldashev's death, security analyst Khalid Aziz tells VOA that this would be a major blow to the militants operating in Pakistan's tribal regions.Aziz says the power vacuum left by Yuldashev's death would provide a good opportunity to strike at his men and those of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, whose stronghold is believed to be in South Waziristan."For the last two months, there has been a blockade of this territory and obviously the Mehsouds are feeling the pinch," said Khalid Aziz.The Pakistani military has already seen success in its prior campaign in and around Swat Valley targeting militants. But Aziz says he expects the military to change its strategy in the mountainous and isolated region of South Waziristan."We are going to see the first snowfall in that region, and it becomes even more difficult to fight there," he said. "So one foresees counter-terrorist operations rather than large-scale military operations as in Swat."He says that type of strategy would drain the militants of their resources and put the military in a better position to respond to any threats that might arise elsewhere in the country.The government insists it is not launching any major operation in South Waziristan at the moment. But U.N. officials say about 80,000 civilians have fled the tribal area in anticipation of a new military offensive. E-mail Print Digg Yahoo Buzz Facebook del.icio.us StumbleUpon \|\|\|\|\| ISLAMABAD, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Leader of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) Tahir Yuldashev was killed in a recent U.S. drone attack in tribal areas of Pakistan, according to the local media reports Friday. The private TV channel ARY NEWS said that security officials informed it late Thursday night that the leader of IMU was believed to be killed in a recent missile strike by unmanned U.S. plane. The chief of IMU Tahir Yuldashev was killed in South Waziristantribal region bordering Afghanistan by U.S. drone attack on Aug. 27, the private channel Express reported. It added that the U.S. authorities have confirmed the death of Yuldashev. However, neither Pakistan, Afghanistan nor command of the U.S.-led counter-terrorism coalition in Afghanistan have so far officially confirmed Yuldashev's death. According to the sources, the terrorist ringleader closely cooperated with Taliban and attacked security forces, giving Central Asian leaders nightmares. The death of Yuldashev had been reported many times but he himself refuted all these reports on tape or film usually released. It has also been reported that some other field commanders of his outfit had also been killed with Yuldashev. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan was trying to keep its leader's death under the lid, official sources claimed. The IMU is a militant group formed in 1998. In 2001 it was largely destroyed while fighting alongside the Taliban against U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan. Since then the IMU has reportedly opened training camps in Waziristan and is now involved with other groups attempting to overthrow the government of Pakistan.	Pakistani authorities have said that a suspected US drone attack along the Afghan border is believed to have killed an militant leader with links to . Pakistani intelligence officials say a US missile strike in in late August wounded and that he reportedly died a few days later. Yuldashev was the leader of the (IMU). He began fighting in the 1990s to topple Uzbekistan's government. A Taliban spokesman has denied the report of Yuldashev's death. The Taliban gave him refuge in northern , but after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, analysts believe Yuldashev and his fighters fled east into Pakistan's tribal regions. Yuldashev had been involved in insurgencies in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, allegedly with the goal of creating an state across Central Asia. Security analyst Khalid Aziz told that if authorities are able to confirm Yuldashev's death, this would be a major blow to the militants operating in Pakistan's tribal regions. Aziz says the power vacuum left by Yuldashev's death would provide a good opportunity to strike at his men and those of leader , whose stronghold is believed to be in South Waziristan. "For the last two months, there has been a blockade of this territory and obviously the Mehsouds are feeling the pinch," said Khalid Aziz. The Pakistani military has already seen success in its prior campaign in and around Swat Valley targeting militants. But Aziz says he expects the military to change its strategy in the mountainous and isolated region of South Waziristan. "We are going to see the first snowfall in that region, and it becomes even more difficult to fight there," he said. "So one foresees counter-terrorist operations rather than large-scale military operations as in Swat." He says that type of strategy would drain the militants of their resources and put the military in a better position to respond to any threats that might arise elsewhere in the country. The government insists it is not launching any major operation in South Waziristan at the moment. But UN officials say about 80,000 civilians have fled the tribal area in anticipation of a new military offensive. The IMU is a militant group that was formed in 1998. It was almost completely destroyed when fighting with the Taliban against US forces in Afghanistan in 2001, but has since appeared to be regaining strength, having opened training camps in Waziristan.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey recalled its ambassador to Sweden on Thursday and canceled an upcoming summit between the countries after the Swedish parliament branded the World War One killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces genocide. World \| Turkey The move comes only a week after Ankara called home its ambassador to the United States because a U.S. congressional committee approved a similar resolution. European Union member Sweden has been one of the strongest supporters of Ankara's bid to join the bloc, while the United States is generally considered a strong western ally of the NATO-member Turkey. The issue of the Armenian massacres is deeply sensitive in Turkey, which accepts that many Christian Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks but vehemently denies that up to 1.5 million died and that it amounted to genocide -- a term employed by many Western historians and some foreign parliaments. "We strongly condemn this resolution, which is made for political calculations," Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement, referring to the Swedish parliament vote. "It does not correspond to the close friendship of our two nations. We are recalling our ambassador for consultations," Erdogan said, adding that he was cancelling a Turkey-Sweden summit scheduled for March 17. The Swedish resolution passed by an extremely narrow margin, with 131 parliamentarians voting in favor and 130 against. Another 88 members of parliament were absent. The measure was opposed by Sweden's center-right coalition government, but three of their parliamentarians voted in favor of the motion, helping the opposition get it through. "DRASTIC EFFECTS" Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said in a blog post that the vote could complicate efforts between Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations after a century of hostility. The countries agreed last year to establish diplomatic ties and open their border if their parliaments approved peace accords, but the votes have not taken place and the governments have accused each other of trying to rewrite the texts. "The decision also doesn't help the debate in Turkey, which has become all the more open and tolerant as it moves closer to the European Union and resulting democratic reform," Bildt said. Zergun Koruturk, Turkey's ambassador to Sweden, told Swedish television programme Aktuellt that the vote would have "drastic effects" on bilateral relations which were unlikely to be overcome in a short time. "I am very disappointed," Koruturk said. "Unfortunately, parliamentarians were thinking that they were rather historians than parliamentarians, and it's very, very unfortunate." A Turkish government source, however, told Reuters that Koruturk would probably return to Sweden soon. "We know the Swedish government has been very active in trying to stop this resolution," the source said. Turkey has signaled that its ambassador to the United States will not return until the fate of the non-binding congressional resolution, which also passed by a razor-thin margin, is clear. The administration of President Barack Obama has vowed to stop the resolution from going further in Congress in a bid to limit the diplomatic fallout. Turkey is crucial to U.S. interests in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and the Middle East. \|\|\|\|\| A similar vote last week by a US Congressional panel angered Turkey Turkey has withdrawn its ambassador to Sweden after the parliament voted narrowly to describe as genocide the killing of Armenians in World War I. The Turkish government condemned the resolution, saying it was "based upon major errors and without foundation". The Swedish government opposed the opposition resolution but it passed by one vote after some MPs voted against party lines. It comes days after a US congressional panel passed a similar resolution. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cancelled a visit to Stockholm scheduled next week and issued a statement criticising the vote. "Our people and our government reject this decision based upon major errors and without foundation," said the statement. MASS KILLINGS OF ARMENIANS Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Armenians killed by Ottoman Turks in 1915-6 Many historians and the Armenian people believe the killings amount to genocide Turks and some historians deny they were orchestrated More than 20 countries regard the massacres as genocide Q&A: Armenian genocide dispute Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said the vote was a "mistake" but that it did not change the position of his government, which supports Turkey's entry into the EU. The Swedish vote comes less than a week after the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee approved a similar resolution - by 23 votes to 22 - despite strong Turkish lobbying not to. That vote also sparked anger from Turkey and the recall of its ambassador to Washington. Historic argument Moves between Turkey and Armenia to normalise relations have faltered recently. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians died in 1915, when they were deported en masse from eastern Anatolia by the Ottoman Empire. They were killed by troops or died from starvation and disease. Armenia says up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed, but Turkey says the figure is no more than one-third that and that many Turks died as well. Turkey accepts that atrocities were committed but argues they were part of the war and that there was no systematic attempt to destroy the Christian Armenian people. Armenia wants Turkey to recognise the killings as an act of genocide, but successive Turkish governments have refused to do so. Armenians have campaigned for the killings to be recognised internationally as genocide - and more than 20 countries have done so. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version	Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Sweden after the Swedish Parliament voted to describe Turkey's killings of Armenians in World War I as "genocide". The Swedish vote came despite the Swedish government's opposition to the resolution, as several parliament members crossed party lines in the vote, which passed the resolution by a vote of 131–130, with 88 parliament members absent. The Swedish government called the vote a "mistake," but added that it will not influence their position on the matter. The Turkish government released a statement saying, "our people and our government reject this decision based upon major errors and without foundation," and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan immediately cancelled a planned visit to Sweden. Despite the reaction, Turkey said that the moves did "not correspond to the close friendship of our two nations," and they were only recalling their ambassador for consultations. The resolution is particularly sensitive given that Sweden has long been a strong supporter of Turkey and their bid to join the European Union, and Turkey has been for years maintaining that their actions in World War I against Armenians did not amount to genocide. Despite Turkey's claims, Armenians have been heavily campaigning for the killings, which they say number up to 1.5 million, to be recognized as genocide, and over twenty countries worldwide have done so. Swedish Foreign Minister said that the vote would likely have a significant effect on the fate of negotiations between Turkey and Armenia, which have been attempting to resume normal diplomatic relations. The Turkish ambassador that was recalled said that the vote would have "drastic effects" on the negotiations, and it would have an impact for some time. The Swedish vote came not long after a similar vote by a US Congressional panel, which also approved a resolution with similar terminology, leading to the removal of Turkey's ambassador. In that case, the US government has been trying to prevent the resolution from going further, in an attempt to limit the consequences of the vote.
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Up to 10 Iranian workers died on Saturday in hospital after being badly burnt in an explosion in a gas pipeline, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The pipeline transporting gas from the Khangiran refinery in Sarakhs to the city of Mashhad in Iran's northeastern province of Khorasan-e Razavi exploded on Friday when it was accidentally struck by an excavating machine, state media reported. "About nine to 10 people were killed in the Sarakhs pipeline blast," Alireza Gharibi, director of Iran Gas Engineering and Development Company, told the semi-official Fars news agency. Iran's state television said 50 people also were injured. The explosion set off a fire covering 2 sq km (.77 sq mile) but it was brought under control, the official IRNA news agency reported. Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Javad Oji told Fars that gas transfer through the damaged Sarakhs-Mashhad pipeline will be resumed within the next 24-to-36 hours. Iran is the world's fourth-largest oil producer and also sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves and the country's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi, Editing by Michael Roddy) \|\|\|\|\| The fire caused by the accident raged for three hours before firefighters brought the blaze under control A gas pipeline explosion has killed 10 people and injured more than 20 in the city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran. The accident on Friday, set off when an earth-moving machine struck a local pipeline, ignited a large blaze in the area, the official ISNA news agency reported on Saturday. Ali Reza Gharibi, the director of the National Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company, said the machine lost balance in the mountainous terrain before falling onto the pipeline. He said workers who suffered burns were rushed to medical facilities by helicopter, and several of the deaths occured in hospital. It took firefighters three hours to bring the blaze under control. The pipeline brought gas to Mashhad from the nearby Sarakhs refinery. Gharibi said repairs will be completed within 48 hours and a crisis committee is investigating the incident. \|\|\|\|\| Four people were killed Friday by a pipeline explosion in northeast Iran, state-run media reported Saturday. Ali-Reza Gharibi, the managing director of Iran's Gas Engineering and Development Company, said provincial medical officials told him that relief workers and medical teams are working to determine the cause of the incident and the fatalities, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency. Gharibi told IRNA that contractors were connecting a 48-inch (121 centimeter) Turkmenistan gas transfer pipeline to the country's national gas network when the explosion occurred.	Up to 10 Iranian workers have been killed after a gas pipeline exploded, reports suggest. Iranian state media have said that the pipeline, which transports gas from the Khangiran refinery in to the city of in Iran's northeastern province of , exploded on Saturday, and at least ten workers were transported to hospital, where they died of their injuries. The director of the , Alireza Gharibi, said in an interview that "nine to ten people were killed in the Sarakhs pipeline blast." 50 others are reported to have been injured by the explosion, which sparked a large fire that has now been brought under control. After the initial incident, a number of workers with severe burns were taken to hospitals by helicopters. Gharibi stated that the explosion occurred while contractors were constructing a separate pipeline, which is to run nearby to the pipeline involved. The explosion is believed to have occurred when a construction vehicle lost balance and struck the pipeline. Iranian Deputy Oil Minister has said that the damaged pipeline will begin transporting gas again in the next couple of days. An investigation has begun into the cause of the disaster. According to the Associated Press, "Iran is the world's fourth-largest oil producer and also sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves and the country's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues." == Sources == * * * cs:Až deset mrtvých a padesát zraněných při výbuchu plynovodu v Íránu
SAANICH, B.C. -- Vancouver Island police have investigated another Internet posting advertising of a baby for sale. The ad appeared on the popular classifieds website Craigslist on Friday. Police say the posting was traced to a Saanich, B.C., home. They say the computers at the house were checked and it appears someone had hijacked the Internet address at the residence. Police say no child is in danger and the posting was a hoax. The posting follows another that was made to Craigslist in the Vancouver area earlier this week. The parents in that case admitted to posting the ad, but said it was done as a joke. The parents were initially arrested and later released, though police say they are still contemplating charges. The baby was removed from the home. \|\|\|\|\| Police are investigating after a Saanich, B.C., resident found an online ad yesterday offering a week-old baby girl for sale, the second such incident in the province in the past week. Staff Sergeant Gary Schenk said the Saanich Police Department received a call yesterday morning from a woman who was looking to post used baby items for sale on the popular buy-and-sell website Craigslist when she said she noticed the local ad. "Only $10,000! Seriously - no joke," the ad read. "A real human baby with ten fingers and 10 toes, not at all retarded. Get them while supplies last." Staff Sgt. Schenk said the ad went on to say that while the offer may seem "far-fetched," it was very much real. "The matter is under investigation, as we try to establish the origins of the listing." Police have been in contact with Internet service providers and Craigslist officials, but have not been able to locate the individual or individuals who posted it. The ad was taken down a few hours after the woman noticed it. The details of the ad are eerily similar to another incident in the Lower Mainland last week. On May 23, Vancouver police were informed by a Maple Ridge, B.C., grandmother about a week-old baby selling for $10,000 on the website. Two people, found with a newborn baby in their apartment, were arrested, but insisted the ad was a hoax. They were later released. "It would be very disturbing if it was [a copy-cat incident]," Staff Sgt. Schenk said. "But the similarities are too close to be ignored. ... There's also the remote possibility that this could be legit, and we are taking this very seriously." He said if the posting is discovered to be a hoax, investigators will pursue public-mischief charges. \|\|\|\|\| View larger image The seven-day-old baby girl that was offered for sale on Craigslist, Vancouver, B.C., May 28, 2008. (Courtesy of Facebook.com) Bethany Granholm is shown cradling her seven-day-old baby daughter, before the infant was offered for sale on Craigslist, Vancouver, B.C., May 28, 2008. (Courtesy of Facebook.com) Parents of Craigslist baby are known to police ctvbc.ca The parents of the baby girl, who was recently offered for sale on the Craigslist website for $10,000, are well known to police, CTV has learned. Court documents reveal that the tot's father, Jeremy Pete, has been convicted of car and property thefts, obstruction, and escape from lawful custody. In 2005, he was running from a stolen vehicle in New Westminster when police dog 'Nitro' gave chase and was killed under the wheels of a train. The baby's mother Bethany Granholm has a list of convictions too. They include property theft, fraud, possession of stolen credit cards, impersonation, failing to report to her probation officer, and stealing a car with the father of her child. Details about the couple's past have surfaced after a Maple Ridge, B.C. woman called police last Friday to complain about the Craigslist ad, which described a baby that seemed to be offered for sale. It described the infant as "very cute" and said it was looking for a good home. Using a cellphone number that was posted on the ad, police eventually found the baby in a Vancouver West End apartment, which was occupied by four adults including the baby's 23-year-old mother Granholm, who was breast-feeding the infant when police arrived. Granholm and Pete were arrested and later released, after police failed to find any evidence to support the public mischief charges they were trying to press. The couple claim the whole episode was really just a hoax. With a report by CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger \|\|\|\|\| VANCOUVER - For sale: Week-old baby, $10,000. A B.C. grandmother was browsing the popular classifieds website Craigslist last Friday when she came across the shocking ad that prompted her to call police. "A new baby girl, seven days old, healthy and very cute," read the ad. "Can't afford and unexpected. Looking for a good home. Please call ASAP." Within hours of her call, officers tracked the number of a stolen cellphone listed in the ad to an apartment in downtown Vancouver. When officers arrived, they found four adults inside, including the 26-year-old father and the 23-year-old mother breastfeeding the baby. Police didn't identify the couple. "Of course, the first thing out of their mouth is, they said it was just a hoax," Const. Tim Fanning, of the Vancouver Police Department, told a news conference on Tuesday. "Only they know whether it was truly a hoax or not. If they had a viable bite from somebody that came, who knows what could have happened." The baby's parents were initially arrested and later released, though police say they are still contemplating charges. The baby was removed from the home, but the provincial children's minister wouldn't say where the child was Tuesday. The woman who first came across the ad said she was horrified when she saw it, even though she assumed it was a fake. "I was shaking, and I thought, 'Come on, how did this even get through?"' Marilyn Bateman, a 62-year-old grandmother of five living in Pitt Meadows, B.C., said in an interview. "I said, well, somebody's got to do something, because what if it isn't (a fake)? Because if it is a hoax, somebody needs their wrist slapped." Bateman, who was looking for furniture, phoned police and e-mailed them the ad, then left it at that. "I was in bed, late, and a phone call came in from another detective saying that the girl was safe," she said. "And I went, 'Oh my gosh, thank God."' Both parents were initially placed under arrest. Fanning said the baby's mother was released at the scene. The father, who is from Port Coquitlam, B.C., was held on charges of mischief but later released without charges. The baby was removed from the home by a special police unit that includes a social worker, and provincial authorities have now taken over the case, said Fanning. The province's minister of children and family development, Tom Christensen, said he couldn't comment about the baby's whereabouts due to privacy laws. "Any time anything like this comes to our attention, it's obviously of great concern and we work with the police to follow through on an investigation to try and identify the child and the parents and take appropriate action," Christensen said in Victoria. Meanwhile, Fanning said police are still looking at possible charges. "It's a very unique case, and we're not sure where we're going to go with it," said Fanning. "There's so many questions here. It's very disturbing on many levels that somebody would think of putting something like that out there in the first place and we had to investigate it." Fanning said the couple have a history of substance abuse and both have criminal records, though he said he couldn't be more specific. The Craigslist ad has been removed. A spokeswoman for Craigslist didn't answer questions about the specific case, but said the website takes steps to ensure users aren't breaking the law. "Misuse of Craigslist for illegal purposes is absolutely unacceptable to us, and we will work together with law enforcement until the perpetrators have been brought to justice," Susan Best, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based site, said in an e-mail. "Craigslist is an extremely unwise choice for committing crime, since criminals inevitably leave an electronic trail to themselves that law enforcement officers will follow." There have been similar cases around the world in recent years. Most recently, police in Germany arrested a couple over the weekend after a seven-month-old boy was listed for auction on Ebay. The mother told police the ad, which listed the baby for sale for one euro (about $1.56 Cdn), was a joke, but the baby is now in the care of youth services as police investigate the possibility of human trafficking. \|\|\|\|\| The child (not pictured here) has been placed with youth services Authorities in Bavaria, southern Germany, have taken a seven-month-old boy into care after his parents offered him for sale on eBay "as a joke". The unnamed child was advertised as a "nearly-new baby" with a starting price of one euro (£0.80, $1.6). Police have launched an investigation into possible child-trafficking by the infant's father, 24, and mother, 23. The mother told a German newspaper: "It was only a joke. I just wanted to see if someone would make an offer." Speaking to Bild, she said she was also being made to undergo psychiatric tests. 'Gotten too loud' A police spokesperson in the Bavarian town of Krumbach said the mother had also told police the offer had been a "joke". "That's not yet clear," the spokesperson added. "Detectives are investigating on suspicion of child-trafficking." Police were alerted by a number of internet users across Germany who had seen the offer in the auction website. According to the police, the posting read: "Offering my nearly new baby for sale, as it has gotten too loud. It is a male baby, nearly 28in (70cm) long and can be used either in a baby carrier or a stroller." No offers were made for the child in the two hours the advert was showing, police said. EBay deleted it but assisted police in tracking down the parents, the Associated Press adds.	A couple from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada has been arrested on charges of public mischief after listing their seven day old baby girl on the popular Internet classified ads website Craigslist. The listing claimed that the baby was unexpected, "healthy and very cute". It asked CAN 10 000 for the baby. It also listed a phone number belonging to a stolen cellphone, which was used to find the couple. It was first noticed by a 62-year old grandmother browsing the website for furniture, who said "I was shaking, and I thought, 'Come on, how did this even get through?'" The couple claimed that the listing, which has since been removed, was a hoax. The father, Jeremy Pete, had a history of car thefts and evasion of police, while the mother, 23-year-old Bethany Granholm, had convictions of property theft, fraud and impersonation. The parents have now been released, but charges are still being considered. The baby has been placed in provincial care. A suspected copycat incident occurred just four days later, also offering a seven-day-old baby girl for CAN 10 000 on Craigslist. This incident turned out to be a hoax, and no child was in danger. Last week saw a similar incident in Germany, where a couple listed a seven month old baby on eBay. In this case the police have launched a child trafficking investigation, despite the parents' assertion that the listing was a joke.
Norway's hotly protested whaling season opens with quota of 797 minke whales 02:49 PM EDT Apr 29 OSLO, Norway (AP) - Norway's whaling season opened Monday for the 13th straight year, with hunters on about 30 boats preparing to stalk and harpoon 797 minke whales by the end of August. The quota, up from 670 in 2004, is the largest set by the Norwegian government since the hunts resumed in 1993. Norway, the only country to allow commercial whaling, is not bound by a ban imposed by the International Whaling Commission because the group's rules allow members to reject decisions they oppose. Japan and Iceland conduct research hunts allowed by the commission. The whaling commission stopped hunts for profit because some types of whales were endangered. In the 1990s, the Norwegian whaling season became a battleground between whalers and activists. Whaling boats were sabotaged, pursued through the oceans and even boarded by protesters, some repelled by force. "Now all that is over. It's quiet," said Per Olav Rolandsen of the Norwegian Fish Sales Association. The association, based at the centre of the Norwegian whaling industry on the Lofoten Islands of the Arctic, closely monitors the hunt. Rolandsen said it was not clear when the first boats would leave port. They usually leave quietly, fearing a resurgence of protests. Norway claims minke, the smallest of the baleen whales at up to nine metres, are plentiful along its coast, can sustain a hunt and provide essential income to many coastal communities. Greenpeace activist Truls Gulowsen, currently aboard the group's ship Esperanza in the Lofotens, said increased whaling isn't a solution for problems along the coast. "Whaling takes the focus away from the real threats to the coast," said Gulowsen, citing overfishing and the risk of oil industry pollution. For the first time since the hunts resumed, the whaling boats - usually small trawlers that fish the rest of the year - will sail without a government inspector aboard to monitor that the kills with explosive-tipped harpoons are humane. Halvard Johansen of the Norwegian fisheries directorate said this year boats will have sensors aboard to record hunt details, such as the number of harpoons fired from a cannon and the number of whales butchered. Norwegians eat the red meat of whales, mainly as steaks but also as hamburgers and sausages. © The Canadian Press, 2005 \|\|\|\|\| Norway's whaling season began with hunters allowed by the government to kill up to 797 of the mammals this year, the highest quota set by the government in more than a decade in defiance of repeated international criticism. Thirty-one boats were expected to participate in this year's hunt, fishing industry publication Fiskeribladet reported on its website. The Government announced last December that it would increase the catch quota to 797 this year from 670 last year, even though whalers failed to meet that target, mainly due to backlogs at processing factories on land. This is the largest quota allowed since Norway relaunched commercial whale hunting in 1993 in defiance of an International Whaling Commission moratorium in place since 1986. Norway expressed continuous opposition to the ban for seven years before deciding to flout it amidst a wave of international protests. The Norwegian Government has claimed that hunting the minke whale poses no threat to the species, which it estimates number about 100,000 individuals in the North Atlantic. Japan, which along with Iceland uses a loophole in the moratorium to hunt whales for so-called "scientific research", reportedly plans to expand its whaling in the Antarctic Ocean to humpback and fin whales, which are considered endangered by conservationists, as well as nearly double its catch of minke whales from the current 440. - AFP \|\|\|\|\| The Associated Press / OSLO, Norway By DOUG MELLGREN Associated Press Writer Norway's disputed whaling season opens APR. 18 2:56 P.M. ET The world's only commercial whaling season opened in Norway on Monday, with about 30 boats pursuing their highest quota since the country resumed the hunt in 1993. Hunters are allowed by the government to harpoon 797 minke whales by Aug. 31. Last year, the quota was 670. Norway is not bound by a worldwide ban imposed by the International Whaling Commission because the group's rules allow members to reject decisions they oppose. The ban was imposed to protect endangered species from extinction. Japan and Iceland conduct research hunts allowed by the commission. In the 1990s, the Norwegian whaling season became a battleground between whalers and activists. Whaling boats were sabotaged, pursued through the oceans and even boarded by protesters, some of whom were repelled by force. "Now all that is over. It's quiet," said Per Olav Rolandsen of the Norwegian Fish Sales Association. The association, based at the center of the Norwegian whaling industry on the Lofoten Islands of the Arctic, closely monitors the hunt. Rolandsen said it was unclear when the first boats would leave port. The boats typically leave quietly, fearing a resurgence of protests. Norway claims minke whales, the smallest of the baleen whales at up to 30 feet long, are plentiful along its coast, can sustain a hunt and provide essential income to many coastal communities. Greenpeace activist Truls Gulowsen, currently aboard the group's ship Esperanza in the Lofotens, said, "Increased whaling is no solution for the problems along the coast." "Whaling takes the focus away from the real threats to the coast," including overfishing and the risk of oil industry pollution, Gulowsen said. For the first time since the hunts resumed, the whaling boats -- usually small trawlers that fish the rest of the year -- will sail without a government inspector aboard to monitor that the kills with explosive-tipped harpoons are humane. Halvard P. Johansen, of the Norwegian fisheries directorate, said this year boats will have instead sensors aboard to record hunt details, such as the number of harpoons fired from a cannon and the number of whales butchered. Norwegians eat the red meat of whales, mainly as steaks but also as hamburgers and sausages. The fatty blubber, once the most valuable part of the whale, is now worthless because there is no market for it in Norway and attempts to export it have failed, Rolandsen said. The association already has destroyed hundreds of tons of stockpiled blubber and refuses to buy more, so whalers will dump the fat into the ocean, he said. Copyright 2005, by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Get BusinessWeek directly on your desktop with our RSS feeds. Add BusinessWeek news to your Web site with our headline feed. Click to buy an e-print or reprint of a BusinessWeek or BusinessWeek Online story or video. To subscribe online to BusinessWeek magazine, please click here. Learn more, go to the BusinessWeekOnline home page	Norway's whaling season started on Monday with the highest quota in over a decade. Fishermen are entitled to harpoon up to 797 whales before the end of the season on August 31st. Last years quota of 670 was raised this year despite fishermen failing to reach their quota last year. Environmental activists from groups such as Greenpeace have denounced the increase. Speaking to the Associated Press, one activist said "Increased whaling is no solution for the problems along the coast." However despite international opposition, it is unlikely Norway will end whaling anytime soon. Norway is the only country in the world to allow commercial whaling. Iceland and Japan do so solely on a research basis. Whale meat is used as steaks and in hamburgers and sausages in Norway. The number of whales caught by Norway has steadily increased since resumption of whaling in 1993, with the 226 caught that year rising to over 500 in 1997 and 670 in 2003. The economic argument is that whaling provides employment and economic stimulant for fishery, logistic, restaurant and other related industries in developed countries. However many countries continue to argue that, if properly developed, whale-watching could be far more profitable and create far more jobs than whale killing.
Author translation (ab) Date Created More details... Date Edited Tonight 6 persons were arrested in the train in Jekatarinburg. They were on the way from Omsk to St.Petersburg. Four of them are members of the SKT (Sibirian Confederation of work), one of them was [name edited for privacy reasons]. The other two belonged to different organisations. During the last talk with them, they mentioned the suspicion that during the following search articles could be smuggled into their luggage. The expulsion from the train was conducted by two railways policemen and plainclothes civil persons. It was said, that there could be illegal or dangerous objects in the luggage of the concerned. Under the thread of violence and screaming of the activists they have been taken to the railway police. A few hours later it emerged, that the arrested are still at the same location in the train station. The policemen do not dispute the circumstances of the arrest, but refuse to give any more information. The telephone number of the police department is: 8(343)358-2018 \|\|\|\|\| From Caravan2006 Reports from the Caravan to the G8 in Sankt Petersburg dzien dobry, guten tag, hello, добрый день, this wiki was set up to inform about the ongoing of the anti-g8-caravan from Berlin to St. Petersburg 2006. The riders can use it as a diary to write about there expiriences while cycling through eastern europe. Those you can not participate in the tour can use this wiki to get current informations about the caravan. It is important to have a look at it and spread informations about the tour because it is not a touristic event but a political action. In case of emergency this wiki can be one important instrument to coordinate solidarity actions. The mostly used language here will be english. but you can contribute in every other language you are used to, of course. Torún 11/6/2006 dieses wiki informiert über den Verlauf der Anti-G8-Fahrradkarawane von Berlin nach St. Petersburg 2006. Die FahrerInnen können es als eine Art 'Tagebuch' benutzen, um über die Erfahrungen auf ihrer Reise durch Osteuropa zu berichten. Diejenigen, die nicht selbst an der Karawane teilnehmen können, können dieses wiki nutzen, um sich über den Verlauf der Tour zu informieren und diese Informationen weiterzuverbreiten, denn schließlich ist die Karawane kein touristisches Unternehmen, sondern eine politische Aktion. Im Notfall kann dieses wiki ein wichtiges Instrument sein, um Soli-Aktionen zu koordinieren. Die am meisten genutzte Sprache hier wird wohl englisch sein, aber natürlich kannst du auch in jeder anderen Sprache schreiben. On the road of resistance - Brief informations about dates and stations... 04.06.06 13:00 Frankfurt The bike-caravane just passed the german town of Frankfurt (Oder) on the german-polish border. The group was yesterday warmly welcomed by local activists and stayed overnight. It rains, but all the people are strongly motivated and contitue of course the travel. 06.06.06 22:00 Poznan We stayed for a day at the ROZBRAT COLLECTIVE. 09.06.06 20:00 Torun We are for three days at this nice city. 11.06.06 Torun A critical mass with caravan-people took place... more pictures can be found at polish indymedia [1] 15th to 16th june Olsztyn in Olsztyn, Social and Cultural Center and libertarian Library in ulica grunwaldzka 23, biblioteka.warmia.net meeting with local media and local antifas, anarchists and regionalists... 16th - 18th june Rodowo We stayed for two nights in International Youth Exchange Center Rodowo, that hosted us and supported us a lot... rodowo.pl And has a really beautiful lake... On 17th, we made a street exposition with our bikes and the g8 exposition in the center of Mragowo, near to a rock concert... Detailed reports From Berlin to Poznan, 14.6.2006 From Berlin to Torun, 14.6.2006 Photos The start in Berlin -- Between Frankfurt and Poznan -- The first camp -- Finding the way -- At Rozbrat Squad Poznan -- Repacking -- Logo -- Critical Mass in Torun 1 -- Critical Mass in Torun 2 -- Preparing the exibition -- Talk -- The riders and their hosts -- Bike change -- No shower but better -- Relaxing in Olsztyn 1 -- Relaxing in Olsztyn 2 -- Help on the road -- ... to be continued ... The Caravan People The caravane against the G8 consists of an international team. Greetings to the riders :-) Even if you can't take part personally, here you can show your solidarity to the riders... greetings wenn du selbst nicht an der Karawane teilnehmen kannst, kannst du hier Grüße und Solidaritätsbekundungen für die FahrerInnen hinterlassen... greetings Reflections Reflections and conclusions on the Anti-g8 bike caravan 2006 - what can we learn out of it? 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Absolwentki i absolwenci pedagogiki mogą pracować w przeróżnych miejscach. Oprócz posady szkolnego pedagoga od niegrzecznych dzieci, więziennego... Debata publiczna, pranie mózgów i demokracja Wyniki referendum w Irlandii nie powinny być wielką niespodzianką dla tych, którzy obserwowali ten temat. Obywatele Francji oraz Holandii odrzuci... Wyniki referendum w Irlandii nie powinny być wielką niespodzianką dla tych, którzy obserwowali ten temat. Obywatele Francji oraz Holandii odrzuci... Za kapitałem podąża konflikt - wywiad z Beverly J. Silver Książka Beverly Silver "Forces of Labor" dostarcza szczegółowych informacji na temat kondycji i znaczenia ruchu pracowniczego oraz narzędzi do da... Książka Beverly Silver "Forces of Labor" dostarcza szczegółowych informacji na temat kondycji i znaczenia ruchu pracowniczego oraz narzędzi do da... Długi trzeba spłacać. Prawda Premierze? Krótki quiz dla czytelników. 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In StPetersburg during today's attempt to make antinuclear action near "Cooper rider" monument where detained 7 ecological activists from "Groza" (Storm) and "Ekozaschita" (Ecodefence). \|\|\|\|\| Libertarian Forum Moscow 8-12 of July Libertarian Forum in Moscow There will be a libertarian forum in Moscow 8-12 of July as a build up event for protests in St. Petersburg. Main theme of the forum will be energy issues, and plans of G8 for nuclear power renaissance. For G8, "energy security" means guaranteeing access of the leading industrial countries to natural resources, and diversification of exploitation of limited resources - thus nuclear energy is now an important topic for them. Problems such as lack of any long-term solutions with nuclear waste are ignored. Libertarian forum will consist of discussion, trainings and seminars. We invite anybody to propose themes for discussions, until 25th of May (for sure content of the forum may be amended later on, perhaps even on the spot, but we want to have some preliminary program). We would be especially happy for speakers on topic of energy. Actions, press-conference, concert and movie screenings are also planned. Food Not Bombs has promised to provide food to forum. Current topics for discussions and workshops are 1. Oil, energy resources and power: Capitalism and State. 2. Nuclear energy in Eastern Europe. About the plans to build new nuclear reactors, and about media complicity in changing attitudes about nuclear safety. (i.e., recent press stories claiming that Chernobyl was not too bad!) 3. Russian-Polish Energy Politics 4. Anarchists and the energy - various examples of anarchist approaches towards problem of the control over the energy resources and it distribution 5. Energy problem from point of view of Greenpeace Russia 6. Lessons from protest camps of Rainbow Keepers 7. Perspectives of ecological movement in Russia 8. Precarization, globalization and rights of workers 9. Globalization and reform of education in Russia 10. How to get the best out of Indymedia? 11. How to work with mainstream media? 12. Social forums as the sunset of the anti-globalist movement, and alternatives to them 13. Work against homophobia in Eastern Europe 14. Solidarity with anarchist prisoners 15. Reproduction of authoritarian power-relations in "anti-authoritarian" groups 16. Self-defense 17. FrontAIDS and movement for access to medicine in Russia 18. Animal rights movement in Russia 19. Information technologies and activism 20. History of anarchist movement in Russia 21. Formation of coordinatonary councils on wave of struggle against monetization of social benefits in Russia - lessons and conclusions. 22. What to do if you got arrested in Russia? Write to moscow_protiv_g8 ATT riseup.net if you want to propose a workshop, and for any questions on libertarian forum. source: Info Bulletin #1 \|\|\|\|\| Call from Russian social movements and associations to participate in the Russian Social Forum and demonstration against G8 in Saint-Petersburg Information letter to Western activists Organization Committee of the Russian Social Forum (RSF) and Counter-summit G8 call for the most possible massive participation of Western delegates from social movements. The common RSF declaration (“No to liberal policy in Russia and in the world”) has been signed during European assemblies preparing the ESF and during the WSF. It’s the second year the Russian Social Forum takes place. Only the rise of social and protest movements which occurred in the past two years made such an event possible. Massive venue of foreign participants would make the RSF-2006 an international event which will contribute to the development of the struggles in the country, to the creation of solidarity networks and to the exit of Russian social movements from their international isolation. Manifestations from the 11th to 15th of July in Saint-Petersburg 11-12 of July: seminars, supported by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation 13-14 of July: Russian Social Forum 15 of July: demonstration and meetings >From the Russian part, we are waiting for the participation of a thousand of activists from the most part of the regions, who represent associative movements, NGO, movements for housing rights, ecologist movements, leftist movements, unions, networks such as “Union of coordinating soviets”, intellectuals, anarchists, youth movements, human rights’ movements, and so on. RSF is organized in the respect of the Porto-Alegre Charter’s principals (excluding, for example, the participation of political parties). The demonstration is planed to be prepared in common with political oppositional forces. Organization committee is negotiating with the Russian authorities to have guarantees from the Russian government so that the RSF and the demo won’t be repressed. An agreement (oral) has been reached. Negotiations are still going on. The RSF program is in preparation. The principal themes are these: 1) 3 themes in the G8 agenda - opposition to commercialization of education, achievement of the program «Education for all» - campaign for safe, accessible and ecologically clean energies - access to medical assistance: for a social reform of the health policy 2) international themes in link with local reality: - struggle against housing rights’ violations, for a popular and democratic housing policy - campaign against attack on social rights, especially concerning older people - professional union solidarity, especially between West and East - human rights’ defense and democratic resistance in front of the power repressive tendency and the rise of social inequalities - struggle against nationalism, chauvinism, racism and fascism - building an alternative to neoliberalism - which perspectives for left anticapitalist and internationalist movements? International networks and representatives of foreign organizations are invited to send their proposals: either concerning already existing themes, either proposing organizing seminars on other themes. Proposal are requested to be sent to the Institute “Collective Action” (info@ikd.ru) up to the 14th of July. Logistic questions - In order to get your visa to Russia we have to send to you an invitation to the Russian Consulate of our country. So please communicate the next information: Name, surname, organization, date of born, addresses (professional and home), phone number, passport number, date of delivery and expiration, profession. - The RSF organization Committee having few resources, it will help in priority the coming of Russian activists from regions. So the foreign delegations are demanded to come on their own. The RSF Committee is trying to organized a tents’ camp in the proximity of the Forum. And negotiations are going on with universities to have cheap rooms to rent. The hotels in Saint-Petersburg are quite expensive, but the organizers can reserve some rooms in hotels if there is a demand. The food will be organized at the Forum and will not cost much. Practical-political questions - The RSF Organization Committee is doing all its best to guarantee the security of the participants, especially of the foreign ones. But it’s worth knowing that Russian authorities are far more hostile to protest action than in the West, and police forces are more eager to use brutal methods. A juridical center will be organized at the Forum. And the Russian government up to now is assuring of its willingness to respect the right to manifest. - Main forces preparing the Forum are associations, social movement activists, leftist and internationalist activists independent from the Communist party of the Russian Federation. Among the more well known in the West Russian activists taking part in the process – Boris Kagarlitski, Alexander Bouzgalin, Oleg Shein, Lev Ponomarev. General principal of the Porto-Alegre Charter will be strictly respected in the Forum. Some negotiations are going on with some political parties (Yabloko, Communist party, Civic Front Youri Kasparov’s Civic Front and so on) on the matter of their possible participation in the demo, so that it could be a massive event. Another important point is that the RSF will take place in the strictly independency from the Russian government, witch is not the case of other events organized in ling with G8, such as, for example, the “civic G8” organized with presidential administrative resources. Carine Clement, Institute “Collective Action” (www.ikd.ru ), member of the RSF Organization Committee \|\|\|\|\| Two activists from Russia had a hearing on Monday (10 July). Still there is no information about the sentence, as there is no contact with them.Two anarchists were stopped and checked by the cops after purchasing gas masks at a market in St Petersburg. Cops found flyers against the G8 they were carrying with them. Today there was a hearing and they were sentenced to ten days of detention because of "endangering public order and safety", despite the fact that purchasing gas masks is no crime in Russia. In the meantime it has turned out that this charge is also known as 'hooliganism'. Several fascists who murdered immigrants were sentenced to two or three years of detention under the same charge.Two activists from Germany were arrested on the way to their accommodation, as well as an activist from Siberia. The two were waiting at the door waiting for it to be opened when the cops where checking their passports. The activist from Siberia just opened the door, witnessing their detainment. He walked over in his underwear to ask for the reason. Although the two were carrying their passports, all three of them were taken to the police station. Despite cops only being allowed to detain persons for three hours to check their identities, all three were kept at the police station until Monday afternoon without seeing a judge. On Monday evening their trial was held, with members of the legal team and officials from the German consulate observing. They were charged with 'urination in a front garden'. Due to lack of evidence the hearing was postponed until this morning. Today the two activists from Germany were sentenced to ten days detention. The third activist's hearing is taking place right now.While the three activists are in jail, their flat was searched and three more persons were arrested in connection to that flat. Meanwhile, the activist who was arrested only wearing underwear - even in jail he did not get more clothes than that - was taken to hospital due to circulation problems. His condition is getting better considering the circumstances.Furthermore an activist travelling around the city reported that almost all trains to the city are being checked by the cops.One person was stopped leaving the train to St Petersburg. He was searched but set free afterwards. The cops warned him that he should do nothing, as they would watch him and something could happen to him otherwise.Furthermore the flat used by the Legal Team in Moscow was searched in the morning. The flat is used by Human Rights Youth and Green Alternative Organisation as a bureau. At the time of the raid one person was at the flat. He was taken to the police station and his notebook confiscated. At the station he was especially questioned about three other activists who did the legal team workshop at the libertarian forum a few days ago. The cops gained access to the flat introducing themselves as neighbours and claiming that the flat below was flooded with water. When the door was opened it turned out that they were members of the FSB (Russian intelligence service).Also on Monday morning, two Russian activists were arrested for no reason, only that they 'looked like activists'. Both were sentenced to ten days detention because of 'disturbing public order'.In Samara, Monday morning started with searches of seven activists' flats. Several computers and papers were confiscated. These seven activists all were connected to an anti-militarism action that took place on 23 February in Samara. The cops also issued summonses for questioning dated 14 July. This is also to be seen in connection with the g8 Summit, for it prevents them from taking part in the protests.six activists on their way from Omsk to St Petersburg were taken out of the train in Jekaterinburg. They were accused of carrying 'dangerous objects' in their luggage. When they denied the charge, they were taken to the police station. In a short period of phone contact they said that they suspected that the cops would plant things in their luggage. Around midnight contact to them was lost - it has still not been remade.Meanwhile the legal team is aware of more than 100 arrests and detainments.Keep up-to-date: http:/ru.indymedia.org/int	A G8 summit has been planned to take place from 15-17 July in St Petersburg, Russia. Several sources have reported that a systematic police crackdown on people participating in alternative meetings (a Libertarian Forum and the Russian Social Forum) and critical of the official meeting has begun almost a week prior to the summit. Estimates range from dozens to one or two hundred arrests and detentions. For the past several years, especially since the 27th G8 summit in 2001 in Genoa, the G8 summits of the leaders of seven of the world's richest industrialised countries and of Russia have been regularly met by popular protests by critics who assert that members of G8 are responsible for global issues such as global warming due to carbon dioxide emission, poverty in Africa and developing countries due to debt crisis and unfair trade policy, exacerbating the AIDS crisis by medicine patent policy and other problems that are related to globalization. These protests have been met by massive numbers of arrests and police violence, on some occasions. In contrast to previous G8 meetings, this time arrests have been taking place a week before the official meeting itself has started. At least 23-25 human rights activists and political activists, including two German citizens, have been detained by police in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities in Russia since 7 July. Many of them have been sentenced to ten days' imprisonment, enough to prevent them from participation in political protests until the end of the official summit. Some sources claim that the true detention rate may be much higher, such as an unconfirmed report attributed to the Siberian Confederation of Labour (Сибирской Конфедерации Труда) claiming 200 arrests. The activists' legal team claims that more than 100 arrests and detainments have occurred. Discussions on global energy issues and other themes have started at the Libertarian Forum despite the arrests, and the Russian Social Forum is expected to start on schedule on 13 July, followed by the official G8 meeting on 15-17 July. Permission to carry out a street demonstration by the Russian Social Forum has been refused by the authorities. Russian authorities say that demonstrations are permitted, but only in the location set aside for them - a sports stadium about 25 km (16 miles) from the Constantine Palace, which will house the summit. The Russian Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Chekalin said that allegations of harassment were "from the realms of supposition". "The police's actions are commensurate with the situation at hand. The situation demands particular measures, sometimes intensified. Sometimes it demands that we visit a family in their apartment," He said.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A small airplane crashed and killed three Tesla Motors employees in northern California on Wednesday, the electric car maker's chief executive said. U.S. A Cessna 310 struck an electrical tower after taking off on Wednesday morning, crashed into a residential neighborhood and killed all three people on board, according to local police. Tesla confirmed all had worked at the car company. Tesla is withholding the employees' names while it works with authorities to notify their families, Chief Executive Elon Musk said. "Tesla is a small, tightly-knit company, and this is a tragic day for us," Musk said. Tesla, a six-year-old start-up, is one of the best-known companies in the emerging electric car industry, which is growing as more people seek "clean energy" alternatives in their daily lives. Hollywood stars drive its stylish sports cars, and investors are eager to cash in on its Silicon Valley cachet. Tesla filed for an initial public offering of up to $100 million last month. The company was co-founded by and is currently run by Musk, an entrepreneur who made his fortune as co-founder of online payments service provider PayPal. Musk frequently travels in a private jet on Tesla business. The three employees were mid-level engineers, said a person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to give out details about the fatalities. The plane was registered to Air Unique Inc in Santa Clara, California. Air Unique was registered with Tesla engineer Doug Bourn. The plane left the Palo Alto Airport at about 7 a.m. PST (1500 GMT), bound for Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Southern California. It lost power before striking the tower, breaking off a wing, East Palo Alto Police Department Captain John Chalmers said. The wing hit a house, causing a fire. The rest of the aircraft struck parked vehicles, Chalmers said. There were no reports of injuries on the ground, Chalmers said. (Reporting by Jim Christie and Poornima Gupta in San Francisco. Additional reporting by Kevin Krolicki in Detroit; Editing by Philip Barbara and Robert MacMillan) \|\|\|\|\| 3 Tesla workers die when plane hits N. Calif. home EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. — A small plane crashed Wednesday in a residential neighborhood shrouded in heavy fog, killing all three aboard, igniting fires and scattering debris onto a house where a children's day care center operated, authorities said. The three killed were employees of Tesla Motors Inc., said Elon Musk, chief executive of the electric car manufacturer. There were no reports of injury on the ground, and fires caused by the crash were soon extinguished. The Cessna 310 crashed around 7:55 a.m. shortly after takeoff from the Palo Alto Airport and was bound for Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Southern California, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash site is one mile northwest of the airport, near Tesla's headquarters in San Carlos. The company would not release the employees' identities pending notification of families. "Tesla is a small, tightly knit company, and this is a tragic day for us," Musk said in a statement. The plane is registered to Air Unique Inc., and state records show that the company is owned by Doug Bourn of Santa Clara. A Tesla spokesman has said Bourn is a senior electrical engineer at the company. Menlo Park Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said the plane either struck a 100-foot electrical tower or clipped its power transmission lines and broke apart, sending debris raining down on the working-class Silicon Valley neighborhood. A wing fell onto one house, where the children's day care operated, and the rest of the plane struck the front retaining wall of another house down the street before landing onto two vehicles on the street, Schapelhouman said. Debris also struck two neighboring houses, he said. The occupants of the homes have been accounted for, although authorities can't be sure of the fatality count until crews begin clearing the wreckage, Schapelhouman said. "Either by luck or the skill of the pilot, the plane hit the street and not the homes on either side," he added. "That saved people in this community." Kate McClellan, 57, said she was walking her dog when she saw a plane descend from the foggy sky and strike the tower, causing power lines to swing wildly in the air. "It burst into flames, and then it kept flying for bit before it hit some houses and exploded," McClellan said. Pamela Houston, an employee of the day care in the house struck by the wing, said she was feeding an infant when she heard a loud boom that she initially thought was an earthquake until she "saw a big ball of fire hit the side of the house." Houston said she screamed to the others in the house — the owner, the owner's husband and their three children — and the group safely escaped before the home went up in flames. "There are not even words to describe what it felt like," she said. "I am very thankful to God that he allowed us to get out." The city of Palo Alto, which provides power through a municipal utility agency, said most of the city and surrounding area had lost power due to Wednesday's plane crash. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford Hospital both were operating on backup generators and canceled elective surgeries for the day, according to hospitals spokesman Robert Dicks. "We have multiple crews on scene investigating," said Joe Molica, a spokesman for Pacific Gas & Electric, which owns the transmission lines used by the city. "The crash appears to have affected three transmission lines that serve the city of Palo Alto's municipal utility." Thanawala reported from San Francisco. Associated Press writers Jason Dearen and Marcus Wohlsen in San Francisco also contributed to this report. Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| A small aircraft has crashed in the US state of California shortly after take-off, hitting two houses. All three people on board the twin-engine plane died in the crash in Palo Alto, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration told US media. He said the Cessna 310 had "crashed under unknown circumstances", but eyewitnesses said it hit a power line. There are no reported casualties on the ground, even though two of the houses hit caught fire. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the plane was owned by Doug Bourn, a senior electrical engineer for the electric-car company Tesla Motors. Bad weather It is not known whether Mr Bourn was on the plane when the accident happened. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk said all three victims worked for his company, but did not identify them further. The plane took off from Palo Alto Airport bound for Hawthorne Municipal Airport in southern California. A resident told local news station KTVU that she saw the plane hit a power line before it exploded and crashed into the two homes. The woman said that one of the homes operates as a day-care centre, but that there were no children in it at the time of the crash, which happened just before 0800 local time (1600 GMT). The area was experiencing poor visibility at the time of the accident, with thick fog grounding a number of Southwest Airlines flights. Widespread power cuts have been reported in the wake of the crash. \|\|\|\|\| Friends and colleagues of three Tesla Motors employees who died Wednesday during a plane crash in East Palo Alto are remembering the trio today as men who used technology to make the world a better place. The Mercury News has learned through sources close to the company that the deceased are: Doug Bourn, 56, of Santa Clara, a senior electrical engineer; Andrew Ingram, 31, of Palo Alto, an electrical engineer; and Brian M. Finn, 42, of East Palo Alto; a senior manager of interactive electronics. The National Transportation Safety Board should have some results in five days as to what caused the Cessna to clip a PG&E power line and crash on Beech Street in East Palo Alto, said aviation accident inspector Joshua Cawthra. What will help, he added, is East Palo Alto’s “shot spotter” system, the city’s high-tech sensors that detect gun shots. The noises from the plane’s engine were detected on the system, and could help explain why the plane crashed moments after taking off in heavy fog for a trip to Southern California. Cawthra did state today, however, that Bourn made “zero distress calls” from the air, and had said his last words to radio control from the ground. Federal Aviation Administration records show Bourn had his license since 1974, and had never been involved in any prior accidents or cited for any violations. “I’m imagining him like Sully,” said Bourn’s longtime neighbor, Karen Davis referring to Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, the Danville pilot who heroically landed an airliner in distress on the Hudson River. “I’m sure he would have tried to make sure his plane would avoid hitting people on the ground. He was not a reckless person.” Added Ellen Humphrey of Sacramento, who was married to Bourn for three years after having met him at a company called Zilog: “When we would go flying, I remember him taking great measures to inspect the aircraft, to figure out and file his flight plan, to make sure everything was properly planned out, logged, and communicated. I know that Doug wouldn’t fly if he thought it was dangerous. Doug was a very skilled pilot — a very safe pilot. For him to cut corners to do something unsafe would be absolutely absurd.” Not only did Bourn love flying. But he loved technology and used it for good, friends said. They recounted times when Bourn — a Stanford University graduate who had worked at IDEO a Palo Alto-based design consultant firm — happily tinkered with neighbors to fix their computers, volunteered with students at a robotics club at Castilleja Middle School in Palo Alto or bought first-rate equipment at Tesla when he volunteered for the company’s emergency response team. “Doug was a fine man, a superb engineer, an inspiration to those who knew him, and a big part of the success of Tesla Motors,” former Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard wrote in an e-mail. “I remember when Doug came to me to ask if he could use a conference room at Tesla to teach flight school to prospective pilots. Of course, I said yes, and I mentioned that I was maybe halfway through flying lessons when the tragedy of 9/11 struck, shutting down the local airports and ending my flying lessons. Doug, with his characteristic smile, tried hard to convince me to join his class and finish the program. Flying was one of his great joys and he wanted to share that joy with his friends.” Silicon Valley venture capitalist Vish Mishra’s son, Rohit, e-mailed his father from Singapore on Wednesday night to say he had known Bourn’s two passengers. Rohit Mishra had worked with Finn at Volkswagen in Palo Alto, and had graduated Harvey Mudd College in Claremont with Ingram. “It’s such a small world,” Vish Mishra said. “My son really liked both of them very much.” Klaus Schaaf, a friend of Finn’s, e-mailed Good Morning Silicon Valley writer John Murrell a sad note about losing a friend. The plane crashed about two blocks from Finn’s home in East Palo Alto. “Brian was one of the most passionate automotive engineers I have ever met,” Schaaf wrote. “Cars, that was his world.” The two met in Madison, Wis., where Finn was working on something called “active noise cancellation for cars.” He had developed a digital voice enhancement system to make it easier for drivers and passengers to speak in bigger vehicles, like vans, Schaaf wrote. Finn loved to mentor young engineers, including Schaaf’s son at San Jose State University, and ecology was a major concern for him, Schaaf wrote. Finn’s LinkedIn profile shows that before Tesla, he had worked in the Volkswagen Electronics Research Lab and had graduated from Northern Illinois University with a master’s in electrical engineering and a bachelor’s in physics. Like Bourn, Finn also loved hiking and being in the outdoors. His neighbor, Alicia Smith, recalled him bicycling with his young daughter in the neighborhood. “He was a good man, a hardworking man,” she said. Contact Lisa Fernandez at 408-920-5002.	A similar . A plane hit an in Northern California shortly after taking off Wednesday. All three of the plane's passengers were killed. The plane's wing struck a house which caught fire, along with parked cars. No injuries on the ground were reported. The crash occurred at 7:55 am local time (15:55 UTC). The said that the plane was originating from and was en route to in , California. The persons killed were employees of Tesla Motors, later identified as Doug Bourn, Andrew Ingram, and Brian Finn, all involved with electronics at the company. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, released a statement saying, in part, "Tesla is a small, tightly-knit company, and this is a tragic day for us." The plane was registered to Air Unique Incorporated, in , California, which is owned by another Tesla employee Doug Bourn.
Photos of clothes to try to trace dead baby's mother Detectives trying to trace the mother of an abandoned newborn baby who died have released photographs of his clothing and towels used to wrap him. Gwent Police are appealing for help to trace the mother of the boy, who was found behind a Spar store in Cwmcarn, in Caerphilly county, on Thursday. The baby was no more than 24 hours old, but a post-mortem examination has been inconclusive. Police say they are "extremely concerned" about the mother's health. "Perhaps if you have recently bought a present for an expectant mother and recognise the items please get in touch," said Supt Jon Burley. Someone must know who the mother is as, until recently, this lady would have been heavily pregnant Supt Jon Burley, Gwent Police The photographs of items include: • A bath size towel bought from Dunelm. The towel is white with a gingerbread man and heart design on it • A blue and white striped long sleeve top, with buttons at the neck, aged 3-6 months from Next (this is part of a three-piece set) • An orange beach towel manufactured by Arencibia, an outlet based on Gran Canaria • A George orange vest top, size 14 Mr Burley said: "The orange towel could have been brought back from a holiday and, if anyone knows a woman or girl who owns an orange vest top and wears a size 14, we would appeal for them to get in touch." Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. "Someone must know who the mother is as, until recently, this lady would have been heavily pregnant. We need these people to come forward." The baby was discovered in a lane by the son of the owner of the shop, Gursewak Singh, about 10 miles (16km) from Newport. Mr Singh said he [Mr Singh] had seen a Next carrier bag near the back of his shop on Thursday, but thought it was gym kit belonging to a patron of the nearby boxing club. He said: "We asked friends and colleagues what the bag was doing there, but it didn't belong to anyone. "A boy who works with us said it was just a towel in there and he didn't open it. I just thought it was clothes underneath and didn't want to root through them Gursewak Singh, shop owner, on finding the bag He added: "In the evening I went out to it and opened it, only saw a towel on top and didn't look thoroughly. "I just thought it was clothes underneath and didn't want to root through them. "I picked it up and hanged it on the gatepost so someone walking by might see it and recognise it as theirs. "At about six o'clock there was a power cut and my 14-year-old son went out and picked up the bag and opened it and saw a little head in there. "He called his uncle and said: 'It's not clothes, come and look'. "They came over and saw the baby in there." He said Annette Buckland, 45, from Blackwood, who works in the shop, brought the baby inside, took him out of the bag and lay him on a chiller while a customer phoned 999. He was not breathing or making any sound and the operator gave instructions for CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Mr Singh said it was raining and the baby, who looked like he had not been cleaned up since the birth, was blue. "It was shocking. We were all devastated. I wish we had checked earlier," he said. "If we had gone through the bag we could have made a difference. "I'm worried what sort of condition the person who left the bag is in. We are so concerned about her. "Other people saw the bag, but nobody thought about it. There could be a baby still alive. I wish we had checked straight away." Anyone with any information is being urged to contact Gwent Police on 101. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| The baby was found wrapped in only a towel behind the Spar shop on Newport Road, Cwmcarn, on Thursday and was later pronounced dead. Superintendent John Burley, of Gwent Police, said: ''We are extremely concerned about the health and wellbeing of the mother of the baby and are appealing for her to come forward to receive any medical treatment she may require. ''This is a tragic incident which will sadden the local community and our priority at the moment is finding the mother of the baby. ''I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store on Thursday morning or afternoon who may be able to offer any information to assist our inquiry.'' He added: "Police also ask anyone with concerns about someone they know, a friend or member of their family, who they think could possibly be connected to this incident, to contact them as soon as possible." \|\|\|\|\| Abandoned baby found dead outside shop was mistaken for forgotten gym kit By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 12:23 PM on 19th March 2010 An abandoned newborn baby was found dead after being wrapped in a towel and placed outside a shop - after villagers mistook him for a gym kit. The boy was covered in a towel in a carrier bag at the rear of the village shop. But the shop is next to a gym - and passers-by mistook the boy for towels accidentally left behind by someone after a work-out. A police officer stands by the lane in Cwmcarn, South Wales, where the child was found wrapped in a towel in a plastic bag Floral tributes have been left by villagers for the baby boy The bag was eventually checked by a 14-year-old schoolboy who called 999 - but the baby was dead when he arrived at hospital. Police investigating the baby's death are trying to track down the mother of the baby fearing she may need medical help. The towel in a cream-coloured Next carrier bag was first spotted at 1.15pm yesterday by a shopworker at Gurfewak Singh's Spar store at Cwmcarn, near Newport, Gwent. He said: 'She went out and noticed the bag and asked one of our colleagues to have a look inside. 'They saw some towels and assumed someone had been in the boxing gym and had left their bag behind.' It was at 6pm that Mr Singh's son went into the lane to talk to neighbours - and decided to look inside the bag. Mr Singh said: 'He took the first towel off and saw the baby's head. 'He quickly rushed back into the shop and my partner and a shop assistant put the baby on top of a freezer, tried to do CPR and called 999. The bag was eventually checked by a 14-year-old schoolboy who called 999 - but the baby was dead when he arrived at hospital 'Customers in the shop also tried to help, but I assumed the baby was already dead. 'He had been outside outside in the rain for five hours the towels were soaking wet. 'My son was so shocked, he was crying and asking me questions like: "How can someone just leave a baby like that in a bag? 'He said: "Why didn't the mother tell someone?" I haven't got any answers to give him. I just wish one of us had checked the bag properly. 'If the baby was alive then maybe we could have helped. We could have called an ambulance straight away.' Choking back tears Mr Singh added: 'I regret it so much. I keep going back over and over it in my mind.' An area behind the shop next to the Cwmcarn Boxing Club gym was yesterday sealed off and forensic teams were still on site. Police today stepped up their search for the child's mother and have appealed for her to come forward. Supt John Burley said: 'It does appear that the baby was recently born and we're obviously concerned that she needs medical attention as soon as possible. 'We're obviously looking at things that have happened in that rear lane during the day. 'We're appealing for witnesses really who saw anything suspicious. 'We've started house-to-house inquiries but really any members of the public who were around that area at that time who saw something that may have been suspicious or out of the ordinary, just give us a call.' Two teddy bears, and floral tributes have been left at the scene by villagers. \|\|\|\|\| Officers took the baby to the Royal Gwent Hospital A newborn boy has died after being abandoned at the back of a shop in Cwmcarn, Gwent Police have announced. The baby, found wrapped in a towel at the rear of the village's Spar store, was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport but pronounced dead on arrival. Police are "extremely concerned" about the mother's health and urged her to come forward for medical assistance. Caerphilly superintendent John Burley also appealed for witnesses after the discovery at 1815 GMT on Thursday. He said: "This is a tragic incident that will be felt in the local community. However our priority is finding the mother of the baby and we are appealing for her to come forward. "We would also appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store... who may have seen something to contact us immediately." He said anyone with concerns about a friend or relative who may be connected to events should also come forward.	Wales with Gwent highlighted in light green. According to an announcement from Gwent Police, a baby boy has died after being found abandoned behind a convenience store in Gwent, Wales. The boy, who has not yet been identified, was found behind a Spar convenience store in the town of Cwmcarn at 1815 GMT on Tuesday. The baby was found to be wrapped in a towel which was in a plastic shopping bag. Bystanders who were walking past the scene mistakenly believed that the bag had been unintentionally left there by a person who had visited the gym that is located next to the store. A 14-year-old boy, who is the son of the man who owns the convenience store, then examinied the bag and discovered the baby. He made a phone call to the emergency services, however, when the baby was taken to Royal Gwent Hospital, it was pronounced dead on arrival. The baby was younger than one day old at the time of his death. A post-mortem examination proved to be indeterminate. Gwent Police have now launched an investigation to try and determine the identity of the baby's mother. Gursewak Singh, the father of the person who discovered the baby and the owner of the shop, explained: "We asked friends and colleagues what the bag was doing there, but it didn't belong to anyone. A boy who works with us said it was just a towel in there and he didn't open it. In the evening I went out to it and opened it, only saw a towel on top and didn't look thoroughly. I just thought it was clothes underneath and didn't want to root through them. I picked it up and hanged it on the gatepost so someone walking by might see it and recognise it as theirs. At about six o'clock there was a power cut and my 14-year-old son went out and picked up the bag and opened it and saw a little head in there. He called his uncle and said: 'It's not clothes, come and look'. They came over and saw the baby in there." Singh commented that this incident "was shocking. We were all devastated. I wish we had checked earlier. If we had gone through the bag we could have made a difference. I'm worried what sort of condition the person who left the bag is in. We are so concerned about her. Other people saw the bag, but nobody thought about it. There could be a baby still alive. I wish we had checked straight away." Gwent Police member Superintendent John Burley stated about this case: "We are extremely concerned about the health and wellbeing of the mother of the baby and are appealing for her to come forward to receive any medical treatment she may require. This is a tragic incident which will sadden the local community and our priority at the moment is finding the mother of the baby. I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store on Thursday morning or afternoon who may be able to offer any information to assist our inquiry."
Todd Williamson/WireImage.com Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are back together—at least for a movie! A source tells me that Ms. Barrymore has just signed on to star opposite—yup!—her former boyfriend in the romantic comedy Going the Distance. New Line announced earlier this month that Long will star in the flick about a man and woman in a long-distance relationship. American Teen filmmaker Nanette Burstein will direct. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot are producing. As we all know, Barrymore and Long were once real-life girlfriend and boyfriend but broke up in July after dating for nearly a year. They costarred in the Barrymore-produced ensemble flick He's Just Not That Into You. Most recently, the two have raised some eyebrows and curiosity about their romantic status. They were spotted this weekend at the Farmers Market in Hollywood. So is it all work and no play for the adorable little twosome? It's still unclear, because reps decline to comment on their status. Barrymore will next be seen opposite Jessica Lange in director Michael Sucsy's Grey Gardens, premiering April 18 on HBO. Long, meanwhile, stars opposite Kristen Bell and Meg Ryan in Serious Moonlight, also out next month. \|\|\|\|\| Drew Barrymore gets 'Going' Actress to star with Long in New Line comedy By DAVE MCNARY Barrymore Long More Articles: Drew Barrymore is "Going the Distance," signing for the lead role in New Line's romantic comedy opposite Justin Long. "Distance," to be directed by Nanette Burstein, is being produced by Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot via their Offspring Entertainment shingle. Penned by tyro writer Geoff LaTulippe, "Distance" is an observational comedy about a young couple navigating their way through the perils of a long distance relationship who quickly discover that "going the distance" might cost them everything they have, including one another. The project reunites Barrymore and Long, who starred in New Line's "He's Just Not That Into You." Barrymore's Flower Films produced the ensemble comedy, which has grossed $145 million worldwide. \|\|\|\|\| Drew Barrymore cast opposite Justin Long in 'Going the Distance' Mar 30, 2009, 08:25 PM \| by Christine Spines Categories: Movie Biz New Line has cast Drew Barrymore opposite her former boyfriend, Justin Long, in the romantic comedy Going the Distance. The plot finds the pair as a couple dealing with the challenges of a cross-country romance. Documentary director Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Picture and American Teen) will make her feature debut on the project written by New Line staffer Geoff LaTulippe.	Drew Barrymore will star in the romantic comedy "Going the Distance" alongside Justin Long.Drew Barrymore and Justin Long have been cast in a romantic comedy called ''Going the Distance''. The New Line Cinema film is to be directed by documentary filmmaker Nanette Burstein, who made the films ''The Kid Stays in the Picture'' and ''American Teen''. It will be Burstein's feature film debut. ''Going the Distance'', written by New Line staffer Geoff LaTulippe, will focus on a couple dealing with challenges arising from a cross-country romance. Media reports did not indicate a release date had been determined. The film is being produced by Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot via their independent production company, Offspring Entertainment. Barrymore and Long last appeared together in the 2009 film, ''He's Just Not That into You'', which grossed $145 million worldwide. The duo dated in real life, but broke up in July after dating for about a year.
Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb general, could be extradited to The Hague within days to face genocide charges, after a Belgrade court ruled on Friday he was healthy enough to stand trial. The long-time fugitive’s family had argued that Mr Mladic, said to be suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and a kidney stone and to have suffered strokes, was too ill to be extradited. The court gave Mr Mladic until Monday to appeal, which his lawyers said he would do. Mr Mladic, arrested on Thursday after 16 years on the run, has long been sought by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to stand trial on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. He is accused of orchestrating the siege of Sarajevo during the 1992-95 Bosnian war, and the massacre of about 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica, the worst atrocity in Europe since the second world war. The speed with which the Serbian authorities are moving signals an apparent desire to end the country’s relative isolation since the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, and to accelerate its integration into the European Union. EU and other international leaders have hailed Mr Mladic’s arrest as the opportunity for a new start by the Balkan country. But the former general is still seen as a hero by many Serbs, and supporters said they planned to hold demonstrations in coming days. The nationalist Serbian Radical Party called for supporters to rally on Sunday, and sporadic protests took place in Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia’s second biggest city, on Friday. Serbian officials, asking not to be named, told Associated Press on Friday that Mr Mladic was captured in a “routine raid” in the village of Lazarevo, in the early hours of Thursday. They said they had no specific intelligence indicating that Mr Mladic was in the house, belonging to his cousin, although they had information he was in the village in the north-east of the country. \|\|\|\|\| Mladic arrest bittersweet for Bosnian survivors By Rachel Carbonell Updated Bosnian survivors continue to celebrate the arrest and impending extradition of former Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic after he was deemed fit to stand trial. Mladic was interviewed by an investigative judge at the Belgrade special war crimes court and now faces extradition to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. He is accused of orchestrating the 43-month siege of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo and the massacre of more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys from the town of Srebrenica in July 1995. Last night hundreds of members of the Australian Bosnian Islamic Society gathered at a mosque in Deer Park, in Melbourne's west, for an annual memorial service for those who died in concentration camps during the Bosnian conflict. Hajreta Custovic lost family in the massacre. She is happy about Mladic's arrest, but upset it took so long, and she says many others are also to blame. "I lost my father, I lost my grandfather, I lost my aunty, more than half of my family, males, they are all dead," she said. "We always hoped and wanted and prayed that he would pay for what he's done. But unfortunately it's not just him, there are others who helped him too, they are with him as well." Mina Kojic also lost her father in the Srebenica massacre. Her brothers survived because of her mother's desperate ingenuity. "My mum, what she did, she put on a skirt and she put on a scarf on my brothers' heads so that way they would think that they are girls instead of boys. And that's how they survived," she said. "I'm so happy, I'm thrilled, I'm really, really happy [about Mladic's arrest]. It's sort of one chapter of my life closed, that is how I see it." One man, who wished only to be referred to as Nedzad, still finds it difficult to speak of his experience as a prisoner in a concentration camp. "It was a terrible experience, it's hard to speak about that, but I survived," he said. He is also happy about Mladic's arrest, but is disappointed by how long it took. "I'm also angry because it took them 16 years to find him, [he was] maybe 80 kilometres out of Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia so, it's mixed." The president of the Australian Council of Bosnian Organisations, Senata Softic-Telalovic, says such mixed feelings are common. "There is three levels of feelings here: One is that everyone is obviously celebrating his arrest, there's no doubt about it," she said. "Then the sarcasm comes in and cynicism, which is purely 100 per cent accurate. Why has it taken 16 years? This man should have been brought before justice 16 years ago. "And then of course the third level is grief. It brings back absolutely everything. "The next level that falls into is that now you have to relive all the crimes that were committed by him and his army. "So it brings back the memories, it brings back the deaths, it brings back the rape camps, it brings back the concentration camps, it brings back home the genocide." First posted \|\|\|\|\| STARING up into the unknown, his watery blue eyes betray a mixture of fear and confusion. This is the face of former Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic – Europe’s most wanted war criminal – just moments after his dramatic arrest. Gone was the cold, menacing stare of the ranting bully who once struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. His trademark camouflage army fatigues were replaced by a scruffy black tracksuit and his closely-shorn white hair peeked from beneath a faded cap. The 69-year-old had the haunted look of a cornered animal. Age seems to have taken a heavy toll on Mladic after his 16 years on the run, although his bloated, ruddy face suggests he enjoyed a drink or two as he hid from the authorities. After suffering two strokes as well as kidney problems, he is now claiming ill-health and his die-hard supporters say he is not fit enough to stand trial. His wife Bosiljka and son Darko had recently tried to have him declared dead after claiming, unconvincingly, that they had not seen him for five years. But they were first to visit him in his Belgrade cell soon after his arrest at a remote Serbian village. Darko said later: “He is too weak to be extradited. We will ask that he be transferred to hospital.” Prosecutors believe Mladic is exaggerating his illness to try to avoid facing a war crimes tribunal in the Hague – but his ploy failed yesterday as a judge ruled he was fit enough to face justice. He now has until Monday to appeal against his extradition. Mladic’s capture has divided Bosnians, with some nationalists hailing him as an “honourable man” while others – particularly the relatives of his victims – labelling him “a monster”. Sabra Kolenovic, whose husband and son were murdered by Mladic’s troops, said: “He may seem like a frail old man now, but he’s still just as evil.” Mladic is accused of personally ordering the slaughter of more than 8,000 innocent civilians in the 1995 massacre in the UN-protected enclave of Srebrenica, and overseeing the 43-month assault on the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, in which 12,000 died. His barbaric methods were part of his genocidal plan to “cleanse” villages of Croats and Muslims. In total 100,000 people lost their lives and 1.8 million were displaced. Mladic will go to the same court as former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, who was captured three years ago and whose trial began in 2009. Another accused, former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, died of a heart attack in 2006 while in custody. \|\|\|\|\| Emma Alberici reported this story on Saturday, May 28, 2011 08:06:00 ELIZABETH JACKSON: Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb General is a step closer to facing justice after a court in Belgrade deemed him fit enough to travel to The Hague. The war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has been chasing Mladic since 1995, the same year he was accused of ordering the massacre of thousands of Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica. Lawyers for Europe's most wanted man say they'll appeal against the extradition claiming their client is too sick to face trial. Here's our Europe correspondent Emma Alberici. EMMA ALBERICI: For 16 years Ratko Mladic has been evading justice over his role in the killings of thousands during the near four-year siege of Sarajevo and the attempted extermination of Bosnia's Muslims at Srebrenica with the murder of close to 8000 of the town's men and boys. A judge in Belgrade ruled that he should be sent to The Hague to face 15 charges of war crimes. Outside the court, his son Darko Mladic said the decision would be appealed on the grounds that his father is too ill to travel. DARKO MLADIC: We are not stating anything about the trial. We are focused at this time on his health, his condition and we are calling for independent experts to verify his conditions. EMMA ALBERICI: Ratko Mladic has suffered a stroke and is partially paralysed down his right side but Vladimir Vukcevic, the chief prosecutor in Belgrade, says the 69-year-old former commander of the Bosnian Serb army understands the charges against him and is well enough to get take the two-hour flight to the Netherlands. VLADIMIR VUKCEVIC (translated): Ratko Mladic is absolutely ready to be prosecuted as far as his mental state, he's completely capable and healthy. EMMA ALBERICI: More details have emerged of the capture of Mladic who had been living under the alias of Milorad Komadic. According to officials in Belgrade, he was wearing no disguise and didn't resist arrest. He was armed with two guns but there was no time to use them. He was living at a cousin's home in Lazarevo 60 kilometres from Belgrade. His capture turns a dark page in the history of the Balkans, with this single act, Serbian president, Boris Tadic, expects his country's status as international pariah to be recast. Zlatko Lagumdzija was the deputy prime minister of Bosnia in the 90s and was among the victims of the then General Mladic's bloody campaign. ZLATKO LAGUMDZIJA: I was heavily wounded in one of those massacres on the streets of Sarajevo. I was lucky, I just spent 12 months in hospital and 12 surgeries and survived. In Sarajevo, 10,000 people were not as luck as me. EMMA ALBERICI: Zlatko Lagumdzija is a good friend of the Serbian president. ZLATKO LAGUMDZIJA: And I speak every time with him and calling him to promote the principles of shared values, of shared societies. If the world is becoming a shared society, we have to see that Europe is really closing the chapter and being a shared society in south-eastern Europe. EMMA ALBERICI: And it's in that spirit of reconciliation that some believe the time has come to welcome Serbia into the 27-member bloc of the European Union, a nod of respectability and legitimacy the country has long craved. But there are war criminals are still hiding in Serbia probably enjoying the same military and Nationalist Party protection that allowed Ratko Mladic to escape justice for so long. This is Emma Alberici reporting for Saturday AM. \|\|\|\|\| BELGRADE \| BELGRADE (Reuters) - Bosnian Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic will face trial on genocide charges in the Hague following his arrest in Serbia after 15 years on the run, with European officials expecting his extradition within 10 days. The arrest on Thursday of Mladic, the last of the three men blamed for instigating the ethnic cleansing during the 1992-5 Bosnian war, was expected to clear the way for the former pariah state of Serbia to join the European Union. "On behalf of the Republic of Serbia I can announce the arrest of Ratko Mladic. The extradition process is under way," Serbian President Boris Tadic told reporters in Belgrade. Mladic, accused of orchestrating the massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the town of Srebrenica and a brutal 43-month siege of Sarajevo, was found in a farmhouse owned by a cousin, a police official said. "Mladic was handcuffed and whisked away," said the official, who added that he had been cooperative. The once burly and widely feared general was not disguised but had false identity papers and looked haggard and much older, he said. "Hardly anyone could recognize him." European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she expected Mladic to be extradited to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague within nine or 10 days. Tadic confirmed Mladic, 69, had been detained in Serbia, which had long said it could not find a man who is still seen as a hero by many Serbs and whose Bosnian Serb Army was armed and funded by the late Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, who died in 2006 while on trial for war crimes. "This removes a heavy burden from Serbia and closes a page of our unfortunate history," Tadic said. The arrest may have come too late to place the general jointly on trial alongside his former political leader Radovan Karadzic, the Yugoslavia tribunal's prosecution office said. Mladic was indicted in 1995 together with Karadzic, who was arrested in July 2008 and went on trial in October 2009, and prosecutors initially wanted to try both men together, but separated the case shortly before Karadzic's trial started. Frederick Swinnen, special adviser to chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz, said it was too early to say for certain whether the Mladic and Karadzic cases would be rejoined, but added that doing so would also delay the trial of Karadzic. Peter Robinson, one of Karadzic's legal advisers, said that Karadzic regretted the arrest of Mladic. "Dr. Karadzic is sorry for General Mladic's loss of freedom. He looks forward to working with him to bring out the truth about what happened in Bosnia," Robinson told Reuters by email. ARRESTED NEAR BELGRADE Mladic was arrested in the village of Lazarevo, near the northeastern town of Zrenjanin around 100 km (60 miles) from the capital Belgrade in the early hours, the police official said. Bosnian Muslim survivors said the news was bittersweet. "This represents a small bit of justice for my heart, my soul and my pain," said Sabaheta Fejzic, 55, who lost her only son, her husband and many other male relatives in the massacre. Many nationalists in Serbia, which was under international sanctions over the war in Bosnia and then bombed by NATO to stop atrocities in Kosovo in 1999, idolise Mladic and one representative made clear their fury with the government. "This shameful arrest of a Serb general is a blow to our national interests and the state," Boris Aleksic, a spokesman for the ultranationalist Serbian Radical Party said. "This is a regime of liars -- dirty, corrupt and treacherous." Several dozen nationalists and soccer hooligans rallied in downtown Belgrade to protest the arrest, clashing briefly with police who dispersed them from the main square, a Reuters reporter said. Dozens of people were arrested and injured in 2008 throughout Serbia in riots following the arrest of Karadzic. Tadic said he would not allow a repeat of such violence. "This country will remain stable," he said. "Whoever tries to destabilize it will be prosecuted and punished." Washington and other capitals hailed the arrest. "The European prospects of Serbia are now brighter than ever," said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. "Serbia is a country that has suffered a lot but the fact it has delivered presumed war criminals is very good news. It's one more step toward Serbia's integration one day into the European Union," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said at a Group of Eight summit in France. Although his arrest removed a diplomatic thorn from Belgrade's side, the revelation that Mladic was in Serbia, as many suspected, raises questions as to how he eluded justice for so long. (Additional reporting by Adam Tanner in Rabat, Aaron Gray-Block in Amsterdam and David Brunnstrom in Brussels, Daria Sito-Sucic in Sarajevo and Catherine Bremer in Deauville; Writing by Michael Roddy; Editing by Louise Ireland) \|\|\|\|\| BELGRADE, Serbia – Ratko Mladic is eating strawberries and receiving family visits in a Serbian jail, but as early as Monday the ex-general could be on his way to face a war-crimes tribunal in The Hague, possibly joining his former ally Radovan Karadzic on trial for some of the worst horrors of the Balkan wars. The former Bosnian Serb army commander known for his cruelty and arrogance began issuing demands from behind bars Friday, calling for a TV set and Tolstoy novels, and regaining some of his trademark hubris after a pre-dawn raid in a Serbian village the day before ended his 16 years on the run. Now a disheveled old man, his family claim he's too ill to stand up to the rigors of a genocide trial and that he's not guilty of crimes including his alleged role in the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II, the massacre that left 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the Srebrenica enclave in Bosnia dead. Serbia's war crimes court ruled that the 69-year-old is fit to stand trial and that conditions have been met for him to be handed over to the U.N. tribunal. A defense lawyer said Mladic would appeal the decision on Monday. The former fugitive could be extradited within hours if that appeal is rejected. His defense is demanding that an "independent medical commission" examine Mladic — preferably one from Russia, a historical friend of the Serbs. Instead the government dispatched the health minister, a former friend, who deemed him stable. Serbian war crimes prosecutors argue that the defense was simply trying to delay the extradition, and the tribunal promises it is capable of dealing with any health problems. Mladic was in command of the Bosnian Serb army during the country's 1992-95 war, which left more than 100,000 people dead and drove another 1.8 million from their homes. Thousands of Muslims and Croats were slain, tortured or expelled in a campaign to purge the region of non-Serbs. Mladic's ruthlessness was legendary: "Burn their brains!" he once bellowed as his men pounded Sarajevo with artillery fire. So was his opinion of himself: He nicknamed himself "God," and kept goats which he was said to have named after Western leaders he despised. He eluded the net of war crimes investigators for years after his 1995 indictment by the U.N. war crimes court on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity — until going out into his garden for a pre-dawn walk. New details emerged Friday of the raid, revealing it was more of a shot in the dark than a pinpoint operation. Police had been conducting similar operations throughout Serbia for years. Two dozen masked, black-clad members of a team of special police had no specific intelligence that Mladic was inside a relative's yellow brick house in Lazarevo, a village they were visiting for the first time. Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information, Serbian police officials told the AP that Mladic identified himself immediately after his arrest, handing over two pistols that he was carrying without a fight. "Good work," Mladic told the officers, according to Serbian police chief Ivica Dacic. "You found the one you were looking for." A police photo of Mladic showed him looking hollow-cheeked and shrunken after a decade and a half on the run, a far cry from the beefy commander he once was. The photo taken moments after his arrest in a tiny northern Serbian village shows a clean-shaven Mladic with thinning hair and wearing a navy blue baseball hat. He looks up with wide eyes, as if in surprise. By Friday, however, after a night's sleep, Mladic was digging in his heels, refusing to remove the cap, demanding he receive money from his military pension, and requesting a visit to the Belgrade grave of his daughter Ana, who killed herself in 1994, said a judicial official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. He received a visit from his son, who said if Mladic is extradited he will argue that he's innocent of war crimes charges. "His stand is that he's not guilty of what he's being accused of," Darko Mladic told reporters outside the Belgrade court. The chief prosecutor of the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal said he was considering whether to put Mladic on trial together with former Bosnian Serb political leader Karadzic. Serge Brammertz said that ideally he would have both men in one trial, facing charges of jointly orchestrating Serb atrocities throughout the 1992-95 Bosnian war. Karadzic's ongoing trial started in 2009 and a Mladic trial would not begin for months, but Brammertz said he is confident he has "strong and credible evidence" against him. Serbia had been under intense pressure to find the war crimes suspect, with the EU insisting that his capture was necessary for its membership bid and Brammertz accusing the country of a lack of cooperation in tracking him down. While in Belgrade in the late '90s and early 2000s, Mladic showed up at soccer games, dined in plush restaurants and frequented elite cafes. Although he went underground in 2002, as recently as 2004 Mladic was seen driving a battered, boxy Yugo car in Belgrade — without the six black-clad bodyguards with shaven heads who had typically escorted him. Dacic said new police leadership increased the number of people hunting for Mladic by 50 percent. Police officials said they learned that Mladic moved into the largely Bosnian Serb village of Lazarevo about two years ago, figuring he could be safe with his relatives there. But, Mladic turns out not to have had the large support network of hardline supporters that many believed had helped him hide out for so long, Dacic said. "Mladic lived alone with his relatives, without any financial means," the chief told reporters Friday. "The stories that he had a major ring of security and many helpers turned out not to be true." Even so, some residents of Lazarevo remained defiant. "I know everybody in this village. Even if we saw him, they would have never been able to find him, if we knew," said villager Nedeljko Arsic. "we would have hidden him and they would have never been able to find him and arrest him." Serbian officials said no one will pick up the $10 million (euro7 million) reward for Mladic's arrest because police were not acting on a tip when they arrested him. The arrest was trumpeted by the government as a victory for a country worthy of EU membership and Western embrace. ______ Aida Cerkez in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Danica Kirka in Belgrade and Slobodan Lekic in Brussels contributed to this report.	Ratko Mladić in 1993 , otherwise known as "The Butcher of Bosnia," has been arrested after being sought for over a decade. The 69-year-old former Serbian general and war crimes suspect was arrested on May 26 by Serbian special police in , Serbia. Mladić was accused of war crimes shortly after the 1992–1995 . He was wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity, including the orchestration of a massacre of over 8000 Muslim Bosniak men and boys in . The arrest has prompted protests from Serbian nationalists, who herald Mladić as a national hero and patriot. However, the international reaction to Mladić's capture is more positive. French President Nicolas Sarkozy praised Serbia's actions, saying it is another step for Serbia on the path to joining the European Union. Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt gave similar praise, saying that the Serbia's prospects of joining the EU are "brighter than ever." Serbia's war crimes court ruled that Mladić is fit for trial, despite claims from family and supporters to the contrary. Ratko Mladić's son Darko claims that his father is too weak to face extradition to The Hague for trial. Mladić could face extradition within a matter of days. == Sources == * * * * * * cs:Srbové chytili Mladiće, půjde před tribunál v Haagu de:Serbien: Mutmaßlicher Kriegsverbrecher Ratko Mladić verhaftet fr:Serbie : Ratko Mladić arrêté pour crimes contre l'humanité ru:Арестован Ратко Младич sr:Ухапшен Ратко Младић
Diggers in Bathhurst were trying to come to terms with the desecration of their war memorial overnight. The diggers, who had been looking forward to the dawn service, said they were brought to tears after five teenaged girls had allegedly painted "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" on Bathurst's Carillion War Memorial. The war veterans, along with many others, were forced to work through the night to clean up the memorial in time for the dawn service. The five girls were arrested. Sergeant Andrew Holland told smh.com.au police were called to the memorial after reports that "hoodlums" had covered the sacred site with highly offensive graffiti. "Police arrived a short time later and observed that they had painted approximately one metre high, [beige coloured] slogans all the way around the exteriors of the war memorial using words such as "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" along with peace symbols," he said. "They've then taken the remnants of the four-litre paint cans and splashed these on the doors and external steps of the war memorial." When the teenagers were tracked down by police, some were allegedly still covered in paint. The group, aged between 15 and 17, were arrested and taken to Bathurst police station, he said. A 17-year-old was charged with two counts of malicious damage, break, enter and steal and offensive conduct. She is due to appear at Bathurst Children's Court on May 28. "The other four juveniles are going through the juvenile cautioning process where a determination of police action will be made by the local youth liaison officer," Mr Holland said. More than 30 people, including members of the military, Fire Brigades and local council, worked through the night to remove the graffiti before this morning's ANZAC Day dawn service, he said. Bill Abbot, president of the Bathurst RSL sub-branch, said he was horrified by the "garbage" that had been left on the memorial. "Absolutely devastated. I was in tears. It was really hard to believe. Everybody was devastated of course," the 60-year-old Vietnam veteran said. "It's very hard to comprehend really. I think that once the perpetrators sobered up, they would probably be ashamed as well." He said he was heartened by the community's efforts to clean up the site. "The NSW Fire Brigade and the local army were terrific. Fair dinkum, everyone just jumped in and give us a hand. It was really community spirit." Jim MeFerran, honorary secretary of the Bathurst RSL sub-branch, said he wanted the alleged offenders to be required to meet war veterans and war veteran widows to understand what ANZAC Day is all about. \|\|\|\|\| Teenage girls alleged to have labelled diggers "murderers" in a graffiti attack on a war memorial in NSW should be "kicked up the backside", says Premier Morris Iemma. NSW RSL president Don Rowe also said the five girls arrested over the vandalism of Bathurst's Carillon war memorial should be taught a lesson in Australian history. Police arrested the five teenagers, allegedly still covered in paint, near the memorial at about midnight after taking calls from the public. They were accused of painting peace signs and the slogan "Anzacs are murderers" on the memorial. Locals said the anti-war graffiti galvanised the community, with people pitching in to clean it off before the dawn service at the memorial.	The carillion war memorial in Bathurst in Central Western NSW was vandalised just hours before a dawn ANZAC day service. Police allege that five teenage girls aged 15 and 16 were involved. 'Diggers' who had been looking forward to the dawn service said they were bought to tears after they learned that statements saying "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" were painted on the war memorial. Police say they were called to the memorial after reports that a group of vandals had covered the shrine with offensive graffiti. Sergent Andrew Holand from Bathurst police said "Police arrived a short time later and observed that they had painted approximately one metre high, beige coloured slogans all the way around the exteriors of the war memorial using words such as "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" along with peace symbols". "They've then taken the remnants of the four-litre paint cans and splashed these on the doors and external steps of the war memorial," he said. When police located the group of five teenagers some were still covered in paint. All were taken to Bathurst Police Station where the 16 year-old girl was charged with maliciously damaging a shrine or war memorial and malicious damage to police property. It is alleged after she was arrested she damaged a police cell. The four other girls involved, all aged 15 will be cautioned under the state's Youth Offenders Act. Jim McFerran from the Bathurst Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) said he was humbled by efforts to clean up the graffiti. He said an effort involving RSL members, local army personnel, council workers, volunteer firefighters and a group of young men on their way home after a night out. "We had about a dozen young fellas that were going home from the pub, they sort of stopped and said: 'What's going on here?'," said Mr McFerran. "When they got told, they sort of walked over, bloody downed their things, grabbed ... pads and rags and starting getting in there with the rest of us." NSW Premier Morris Iemma condemned the vandalism, saying "They need a history lesson and a good kick up the backside as well."
Russia Vladimir Putin President of the Russian Federation A KGB-trained strategist, Vladimir Putin continues to use the fight against terrorism as a cover for his project of taking control of the main news media. The Beslan hostage-taking in September 2004 highlighted the growing difficulties for independent journalists to cover the operations of the Russian security services. Anna Politkovskaya of the daily Novaya Gazeta learned this. She was the victim of a strange "indigestion" after drinking tea on the plane that was taking her to Beslan. The investigation into the murder of Paul Khlebnikov, the editor of the Russian version of Forbes, has gone nowhere. Predators There are instigators and powerful people behind press freedom violations whose responsibility is not always apparent. Whether presidents, ministers, chiefs of staff, religious leaders or the heads of armed groups, these predators of press freedom have the power to censor, imprison, kidnap, torture and, in the worst cases, murder journalists. To better expose them, Reporters Without Borders has produced these portraits. \|\|\|\|\| Shortly before his poisoning, ex-spy accused Putin of involvement in Russian journalist's murder by Ted Lipien FreeMediaOnline.org Free Media Online, Dublin, CA, December 5, 2006 -- Shortly before he was poisoned by a radioactive substance polonium-210, former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko had accused President Putin of ordering the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya. She had been killed by an unknown assailant in Moscow in early October. Just before his own death from poisoning in London in late November, Mr. Litvinenko accused Mr. Putin of also being responsible for ordering his murder. None of these accusations has been substantiated. Most Western intelligence analysts doubt that Mr. Putin would have ordered assassinations of his critics. Analysts do not exclude, however, the possibility that current or former members of Russia's intelligence and security services may have been involved in these murders. No firm evidence has been produced to support these claims. In a radio interview with the Voice of America Russian Service in early October following the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, Mr. Litvinenko, who described himself as a close friend of Ms. Politkovskaya’s, told VOA that he had seen her in London shortly before her death. According to VOA's English transcript of the interview, Mr. Litvinenko was emphatic in stating his belief that Mr. Putin had been responsible for Ms. Politkovskaya's murder: "There is no doubt," he was quoted by VOA as saying, "that Russian special services killed her by Putin’s order. This was a cynical act, which was done mainly as a lesson to other independent journalists. Every journalist in Russia now understands that if this murder could happen to a celebrity, it could certainly happen to anyone." President Putin categorically denied any prior knowledge of the two murders and described them as a possible provocation instigated by Russia's enemies whom he did not specifically identify. Mr. Putin's critics in Russia and abroad point out, however, that even if there has been no direct link between the two assassinations and the Kremlin, Mr. Putin is ultimately responsible for the climate of lawlessness and suppression of free media. They argue that Mr. Putin's attacks on democratic institutions and independent journalists may have facilitated these and other murders. More than 20 journalists have been killed in Russia since Mr. Putin came to power. Most of these murders have not been solved. Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based nongovernmental organization, has called Mr. Putin "Predator of Press Freedom." Authoritarian leaders who openly disregard the law and restrict free media are sometimes surprised by unauthorized actions of their security services. Polish communist dictator General Wojciech Jaruzelski, who in 1981 had imposed martial law to prevent democratic reforms demanded by the Solidarity labor union, was apparently unaware that members of his own security services had planned and carried out the 1984 murder of Polish pro-Solidarity priest Father Jerzy Popieluszko. The brutal murder of the priest proved to be a major political and public relations embarrassment for General Jaruzelski. He was forced to put the agents responsible for the killing on trial. The court testimony during the trial showed remarkable incompetence of the priest's killers and destroyed the myth of the Polish intelligence service as being highly professional and effective. The use of a traceable radioactive substance polonium-210 to poison Mr. Litvinenko also seems to show poor planning on the part of his killers. The Polish agents who murdered Father Popieluszko were convicted by a communist court but served relatively short prison sentences. Subsequent investigations have shown that Father Popieluszko's Polish killers had contacts with the KGB Soviet agents responsible for monitoring religious activities. The KGB has been accused in media reports of organizing the unsuccessful assassination attempt on the life of Pope John Paul II in May 1981. No firm evidence has been uncovered to substantiate these accusations. Accusations that KGB-trained agents may have been behind the poisoning of the Ukrainian presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko prior to the elections in December 2004 also could not be proven. President Putin was strongly opposed to Mr. Yushchenko's candidacy and backed his pro-Russian opponent. The theory that former Russian secret service agents plotted to poison Mr. Yushchenko was advanced by his then chief of staff Oleh Rybachuk. [Link] The accusations were categorically denied by Russian officials. Discovering the truth behind the murders of Ms. Politkovskaya and Mr. Litvinenko has been made much more difficult by Mr. Putin's largely successful attempts to restrict independent journalism in Russia. At the same time, the United States government has drastically reduced its support for independent media in Russia and in other former Soviet republics. The Voice of America Russian-language radio service, which aired one of the last interviews with Mr. Litvinenko before his death, is scheduled to be closed down under the proposal approved by the White House and the bipartisan Broadcasting Board of Governors which oversees all U.S. international broadcasts. FreeMediaOnline.org, a California-based nonprofit organization which supports freedom of the press worldwide, called the decision to restrict U.S. broadcasting to Russia "a major blow to free media and a gift to dictators and authoritarian regimes in Eurasia." Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Russian-language radio programs are heard in Russia and in other countries of the former Soviet Union where Russian is still a lingua franca. Since most journalists in Russia have been intimidated by the recent wave of murders, Western-based journalists have an additional obligation to investigate Mr. Litvinenko's claim regarding Mr. Politkovskaya's murder as well as his own mysterious death by poisoning. Getting clear answers will be difficult, however, since Mr. Putin -- himself an ex-KGB official -- seems unlikely to agree to putting current or former intelligence agents on trail if they were indeed involved in these two high-profile murders or any other crimes against independent journalists and pro-democracy activists in Russia and abroad. Investigative journalists may want to look for signs of future dismissal or shake-ups within the Russian security services. Even of there is no official admission of complicity, major personnel changes within the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) could be one sign that President Putin may have uncovered unauthorized or bungled plots against his political enemies. Comment \|\|\|\|\| Voice of Russia's web site ignores poisoning death of Putin's critic by Ted Lipien FreeMediaOnline.org Free Media Online, Dublin, CA, November 28, 2006 -- The Voice of Russia's (VOR) English web site has ignored on its main opinion page the poisoning death in London of Alexander Litvinenko, a former intelligence agent who became a strong critic of President Putin. The state-funded radio station, a successor to Radio Moscow which had broadcast internationally during the Cold War, has been silent in recent years about a number of controversial news developments that proved to be highly embarrassing for President Putin. While international media are full of stories about Mr. Litvinenko's poisoning, the Voice of Russia's English web site has been focusing instead on political scandals in the United States and Great Britain. The web site has not been posting articles about current political issues in Russia that might include critical comments about President Putin's policies. Asked at the Russia-EU summit meeting in Helsinki last week about Mr. Litvinenko's poisoning and the recent murder in Moscow of an independent Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, Mr. Putin said that it would be unfortunate to endlessly politicize these issues or stigmatize only Russia for these kinds of murders. "The same thing happens in many other countries," Mr. Putin said. [Link] Observers of the Russian media point out that the Kremlin has been responsible for an unprecedented crackdown on independent journalists and media outlets which dare to criticize Mr. Putin. They also point out that the Russian authorities have not solved the vast majority of the cases of the murdered journalists. According to the International Committee to Protect Journalists, Russia is the third deadliest country in the world for journalists over the past 15 years, behind only the conflict-ridden countries of Iraq and Algeria. A new CPJ report found that 42 journalists had been killed in Russia since 1992.[ Link to the Committee to Protect Journalists press release] The Voice of Russia did not provide any in-depth coverage on its English web site about Anna Politkovskaya's murder. Her reporting on human rights violations in Czechnya angered the Kremlin. Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based international nongovernmental organization, has named Mr. Putin "Predator of Press Freedom" for his actions aimed at bringing independent broadcasting in Russia under government control. Reporters Without Borders have also called for a full and impartial investigation into Ms. Politkovskaya's murder. The most recent Voice of Russia web site postings are more reminiscent of the Cold War-type political analysis of what is wrong with the United States rather than providing detached reporting on current events in Russia. They include such topics as political corruption in the U.S. Congress, NATO's apparent expansion into protection of energy supplies viewed as potentially threatening for Russia, a call for the U.S. to avoid confrontation with Moscow by advancing common interests, an alleged U.S. mass media propaganda in support of the war in Iraq in line with the interests of the American elites, and other "continuing failures" in U.S. foreign policy. In a pattern that is also reminiscent of the Cold War Soviet media treatment of domestic Russian news stories, most of the coverage of on Voice of Russia's English web site deals with noncontroversial issues with references to history rather than to any current social or political problems. Of the nine stories listed on the Voice of Russia home page on November 28, only two dealt specifically with Russian events. One of the stories described the birth of the Russian empire in the 17th century as a response to threats and invasions from the West. The second report dealt with the growing real estate and antique purchases in Britain by Russia's rich businessmen. In contrast to the Voice of Russia's reporting, Moscow's newly created 24-hour English-language satellite television news channel, Russia Today, has covered the Litvinenko story at some length. While it reported on the Western media allegations of possible links between the poisoning of Mr. Litvinenko and the FSB Russian security service, the successor to the KGB, Russia Today focused largely on challenging such reports as unsubstantiated speculations. On September 24, Russia Today carried an exclusive interview with a former KGB agent who had met with Mr. Litvinenko in London and has been linked in Western media reports to his death. The agent and now businessmen Andrey Lugovoy denied in the Russia Today interview that he had anything to do with the poisoning of Mr. Putin's critic. [Link] The Russian international TV channel with news programming in English employs a number of Western-trained journalists who try to be objective in their reporting. Russia Today has a much more balanced coverage of international news than the Voice of Russia radio programs and avoids using anti-American polemical tone typical of VOR reports. But the television channel, which now can be viewed in Europe and in North America on satellite and cable, most of the time also avoids reporting comments critical of President Putin's clampdown on press freedom and political liberties in Russia. The Bush Administration has no plans to launch a taxpayer-funded 24-hour international TV news channel in English similar to Russia Today. The Voice of America, the main taxpayer-funded U.S. international broadcaster, can offer less than 30 minutes of television news programming a day in English excluding weekends. Most of new government funding for U.S. international broadcasting goes to supporting the 24-hour Arabic television channel Alhurra TV. The White House and the bipartisan Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which oversees all civilian U.S. international broadcasting operations, have decided earlier this year to eliminate all Voice of America radio broadcasts in Russian in order to support further expansion of TV, radio and Internet programs to the Muslim world. [Link] This decision has been strongly criticized by press freedom supporters in Russia and in the United States as a major blunder in light of President Putin's clampdown on the Russian media. Some BBG members and Congressional leaders are now working on trying to reverse this decision. The BBG has also decided to eliminate most of VOA English radio programs for international audiences. At the same time, international broadcasters in other major countries, including Russia and China, have been expanding their English-language radio and television broadcasts. Al Jazeera, the highly popular Arab satellite television news channel, has recently launched a 24-hour television news program, Al Jazeera English. FreeMediaOnline.org, a California-based nonprofit organization which supports free media worldwide, has called the decision to end all Voice of America Russian-language radio programs "a blow to media freedom and a gift to dictators and authoritarian regimes throughout Eurasia." FreeMediaOnline.org has also criticized the planned reductions in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Russian programs. Some independent stations in Russia still use VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty news programs in Russian. Their number, however, has declined from well over a 100 a few years ago to less than a dozen as a result of intimidation from Russian security services. A manager of a regional radio station in Russia which used to carry VOA programs said recently that cooperation with Western broadcasters has become too dangerous under Mr. Putin's rule. Stations which continue such partnerships risk losing their broadcast licenses or are accused of engaging in financial irregularities. Last week, TV3, a Russian network which carried a weekly VOA Russian television news magazine, has stopped using the Washington-produced program. At the same time, Russia Today is expanding placement of its news programs on satellite and cable channels in Europe and North America without any politically-motivated restrictions. Voice of Russia with its Cold War-style programming has been less successful in placing its reports on radio stations in the West, but the Russian state radio broadcaster has not encountered any political obstacles in seeking affiliates in Western countries. Comment	Russia Today TV, Moscow's English-language satellite television channel, reported that Russian government officials are considering filing libel suits against international journalists over their reporting on the poisoning death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. Litvinenko was a strong critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and shortly before he died in London from radiation poisoning in late November, Litvinenko accused Putin of ordering his assassination. Putin and other Russian officials strongly denied any prior knowledge of a plot to kill Litvinenko. According to a report posted late Friday on the Russia Today TV web site, the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Media is gathering publications worldwide to be studied for libelous and offensive comments against Russia in their coverage of the Litvinenko's case. Russia Today TV reported that the Russian government intends to file law suits for libel against international media if there is evidence of journalistic misconduct. In a Voice of America interview shortly before he was poisoned by a radioactive substance polonium-210, former Russian spy Litvinenko had accused Putin of ordering the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya to silence her and intimidate other independent journalists. She had been killed by an unknown assailant in Moscow in early October. Several senior Russian politicians have said that the deaths of Politkovskaya and Litvinenko were playing into the hands of Russia’s enemies and, therefore, could not have been authorized by Moscow. The Russian government's warnings aimed at international journalists follow Putin's largely successful efforts to bring major media outlets in Russia under government control and to limit media criticism of his policies. Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based nongovernmental organization, has called Putin one of the world's top "Predators of Press Freedom." FreeMediaOnline.org, a California-based nonprofit organization which monitors media and supports press freedom worldwide, said that the latest warnings issued by the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Media would prove a major embarrassment for Putin and for Russia if they were carried out. An article on the FreeMediaOnline.org web site claims that even if there is no direct link between the two assassinations and the Kremlin, Putin is ultimately responsible for the climate of lawlessness and suppression of free media that may have contributed to these murders. FreeMediaOnline.org also noted that uncovering the truth about the murders of Politkovskaya and Litvinenko would be difficult because independent journalists in Russia have been either silenced or intimidated by President Putin's media advisors, government regulators, and security services. Putin insists he is a strong supporter of democracy and press freedom. In a speech to Russian television broadcasters in late November 2006, Putin said that the development of Russian state and society would be unthinkable without independent media, without the possibility of listening to different points of view, and without television. Putin's critics point out that he has successfully placed under the Kremlin's control all major nationwide television channels. According to FreeMediaOnline.org, journalists working for these channels no longer dare to offer any significant criticism of Mr. Putin's policies. The organization warned that restrictions on media freedom in Russia have emboldened criminal elements to engage in illegal activities. ==Sources== * * * * * *
Wed, June 8, 2005 It's soggy down south Deluge causes rivers to overflow, more rain forecast By SARAH KENNEDY, SUN MEDIA Brothers Alex and Nick Malcolm walk past a pump in Lethbridge yesterday after heavy rains threatened homes with flooding. (CP Photo/Lethbridge Herald-David Rossiter) CALGARY -- Rivalling the historic floods of 10 years ago, rain-swollen rivers and streams burst their banks yesterday, flooding southern Alberta towns and forcing rural communities to evacuate. And the worst may be yet to come with forecasts by Alberta Environment that the torrential downpour could continue for at least two more days. Between 100 mm and 170 mm of rain has pounded some water-logged communities since Sunday, forcing several areas to declare a state of emergency. About 200 residents of High River were forced to evacuate to the Highwood High School after the Highwood River breached the banks, drowning yards and basements. A voluntary evacuation also was issued for about 3,500 residents around the community's golf course. Officials were expecting the Highwood River to crest this morning, and predicted flow would increase from 450 to 750 cubic metres per second by early today. The last time the river peaked at these levels was almost 10 years ago to the day, in the worst flood to hit the province in 100 years. The floods of 1995 caused mass evacuations and more than $100 million in damages around southern Alberta. Yesterday afternoon, flood water forced the closure of a bridge and three blocks of the downtown in High River. Two separate states of emergency were also issued in the M.D. of Rocky View. In Bragg Creek, officials set up a command post and an emergency response team as water levels rose and rain continued to pound the area. As of last night, evacuation in the area was voluntary. In the hamlet of Langdon, emergency crews planned to work all night at the wastewater treatment plant to prevent any sewage backups. Residents of Claresholm also faced a foul situation as sewage wastewater backed up into their basements. Mayor Rob Steel said by yesterday afternoon 153 mm of rain had pounded down on the town within 24 hours. "It's maxed out the storm sewer system and the sanitary sewer system." Because of possible health concerns due to the sewage backup, Steel declared a local state of emergency. Schools were closed after the town was urged to limit water use. Because the town's water comes from Willow Creek, now tainted with dirt and debris from the fast-churning water, the town switched to using their 60-million-gallon reservoir. In Pincher Creek, volunteers scrambled to fill sandbags, and vacuum trucks sucked and pumped from storm drains and sewage systems. Mayor Don Anderberg also declared a local state of emergency. Anderberg said if rain continues to fall, the province may have to declare a state of emergency for the entire area. Okotoks, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Fort MacLeod were also covered by flood warnings. Parts of Highway 22, Highway 549 and Highway 762 were closed due to flooding and washouts. Back in Calgary, the city opened the valves at the Glenmore Dam yesterday morning to allow excess water to flow through the Elbow River at a manageable rate. During the 1995 floods in southern Alberta, people lost homes or businesses in a disaster that cost more than $100 million. Next story: Crash survivor was taking nap \|\|\|\|\| High River residents wait to return home About 1,000 High River, Alta., residents forced from their homes are in a tense wait to find out whether they will be allowed back into their subdivisions later Wednesday. A state of emergency has been extended for the town, south of Calgary, because of severe flooding on the Highwood and Sheep Rivers due to heavy rains over the past several days. The area has been hit with 80 millimetres over the past 24 hours. Displaced High River residents will be told when it is safe for them to return to their homes, High River public information officer Scott Kovatch told globeandmail.com. In total, people from approximately 400 homes were told to leave over the past day or so in low-lying subdivisions. About 100 have registered with a local high school, which is being used as emergency shelter, and the rest are staying with family and friends, he said. Advertisements Later Wednesday afternoon, residents living in the area between Riverside Drive and High Country Drive were allowed to return, the town announced. The good news is, Mr. Kovatch said, is that the Highwood River appears to have crested early Wednesday morning. At midnight, it was flowing at 651 cubic metres per second, and that had dropped to 601 by 4 a.m. "We're currently re-evaluating the situation," he said, adding that a decision will be made later in the day whether to allow people to return home. Although there is localized flooding to some homes and some rainwater backup, Mr. Kovatch said a true picture of the damage will not emerge until after the water recedes. He said it probably will be some weeks before the estimated cost of the mess and cleanup is established. "Our mandate is safety over property," he said. One concern is whether the weather will hold. Rains have stopped, at least for the time-being. Mr. Kovatch said a blizzard that hit nearby Kananaskis on Tuesday is a worry, snow melting too quickly in the foothills could increase the volume of the already-raging river. "That could certainly impact the flow." A heavy rainfall warning, however has been ended, Alberta Environment said Wednesday morning. A system that had been hammering the region from Montana is now dissipating. The department says only a few scattered showers are expected in the next few days. Residents of High River, meanwhile, are being warned to stay away from riverbanks, streams, bridges, golf-courses and other low-lying areas. The town's supply of drinking water is still safe for consumption, although it's being checked regularly. People are being asked to lower their water use by not using dishwashers or washing machines and by taking shorter showers. Alberta Environment has placed a flood warning on all of the southern part of the province because of the continued danger of fast-moving water, including High River, Pincher Creek, Okotoks, Turner Valley and Black Diamond. The entire area has received between 120 and 200 millimetres since Sunday night. Elsewhere in Alberta, some residents of Okotoks were also ordered to leave their homes Wednesday because of high water in the Sheep River. And a flood watch was placed on towns near the South Saskatchewan River basin, including Medicine Hat. Flows in that area were expected to rise early next week and result in more flooding. In Manitoba, meanwhile, a flash flood warning was extended in the western part of the province from Brandon north to Dauphin. Between 20 and 40 millimetres of rain are expected Wednesday. Although more flooding is expected, it will not be as severe as flooding that occurred late last week, Manitoba's Water Stewardship said in a statement. Near Winnipeg, the Red River rose 0.3 metres overnight. It is expected to rise slowly next week and then to return to normal levels by July. \|\|\|\|\| WINNIPEG People in southwestern Manitoba are mopping up after more rain fell on Wednesday than the area usually receives in half a year. The flooding situation in the area is described as even worse than the major flood of 1999, although the flash flood warning issued Thursday has been discontinued. Environment Canada reports as much as 116 millimetres fell on the Melita area on June 1 and 2. The province's Water Stewardship Department received reports of more than 122 millimetres in Elphinstone. Several people have reported rain gauges overflowing at 170 to 200 millimetres in other areas, and unofficial reports indicate as much as 270 millimetres – 11 inches – in isolated areas around Griswold and Newdale. Premier promises help where needed Premier Gary Doer surveyed the damage by helicopter Friday morning. He said the government will offer aid to people who had their homes or crops damaged by the rising water. "I just wanted people to know they're not going to get a bureaucratic run-around. We're going to work as fast as we can to settle the legitimate claims from the rain," he said. Fields, roads submerged Many farmers fear their crops will drown in all the water – if they've been able to seed at all. Scott Day, who toured the area for Manitoba Agriculture Thursday evening, said many fields are a soggy mess. "At this time of year, the crop's really young, or in some cases the fields haven't been planted yet. The soil's quite vulnerable to erosion … there is a lot of soil moving into the ditches and waterways," he said. "Then there's the fields themselves. There's many fields that are 20 per cent, 30 per cent or even more than that under water right now, and if that water doesn't get off those fields quickly, all that crop that's under water right now is going to die." All the water has also washed out roads and bridges around southwestern Manitoba. Several highways have water running over them, and other roads are too soft and muddy to support traffic. Provincial transportation officials advise drivers to stay off secondary roads in the area. "Everything that can hold water is absolutely right full of water," said Day. "Driving around last night, I encountered six places where water was still running over the road. It's an amazing amount of water." MANITOBA TRANSPORTATION: Road Conditions In Melita, where 115 millimetres of rain was reported – more than 30 millimetres in one hour – homeowner Gordon McNish hasn't slept since the deluge sent water pouring into his basement. Every 20 minutes, McNish turns on a pump to stop the water from re-entering his basement. "We went away to a band concert for an hour, and when we came home, we'd had four inches of rain in little over four hours, and came home to find 2.5 inches of rain in the basement," he said. Bob Reddaway, Melita's town foreman, said this is the most water he's seen in town since he started working there 27 years ago. "We're pumping out of our sewage lift station, and just pumping it out and it's going in the ditch now and running down," he said. Town and municipal officials say it will be a few more days before they know the extent of the damage.	Canadian forecasters are predicting more rain in the upcoming two days as floodwaters wash across southern Alberta, forcing people in West Bragg Creek and High River to evacuate their homes. As rain continues to steadily fall, Alberta Environment has issued a flood warning on more than 20 rivers as more than 100 to 170 millimetres have fallen in certain areas over the last few days. The sight of swollen rivers brings to mind the floods of ten years ago in the same region, when water levels rose to such a height that, at the time, it was considered a once in a 125-year event. About 200 High River residents have been forced to evacuate and about 3,500 people living around the community’s golf course were put under a voluntary evacuation order. Meanwhile, Manitoba has also seen more rain than usual this time of year and is facing a flooding situation that’s been described as worse than the one faced by the province in 1999. Roads and bridges have been washed out and fears are growing among farmers that their crops will drown under the watery conditions. There have been estimates that as much as 10% of crops may have been lost in Manitoba. The wet weather has also been affecting the neighbouring province of Saskatchewan, where a flood watch has been put on towns surrounding the South Saskatchewan River basin.
Pour associer votre compte PassMedia avec votre compte Paris Match en toute sécurité, validez votre email : Vous disposez déjà d'un compte sur parismatch.com avec l'email \|\|\|\|\| 3 hours 18 minutes ago. Yves Saint Laurent, who has died aged 71, was one of a handful of designers who dominated 20th century fashion, on a par with Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret.The reclusive French maestro, who had retired from haute couture in 2002 after four decades at the top of his trade, died in Paris on Sunday.He had been ill for some time.During his farewell appearance seven years ago, Saint Laurent had told reporters he had "always given the highest importance of all to respect for this craft, which is not exactly an art, but which needs an artist to exist".Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent was born in the coastal town of Oran, Algeria, on August 1, 1936, at a time when the North African country was still considered part of France.A shy, lonely child, he became fascinated by clothes, and already had a solid portfolio of sketches when he first arrived in Paris in 1953, aged 17.Vogue editor Michel de Brunoff, who was to become a key supporter, was quickly won over, and published them.The following year, Saint Laurent won three of the four categories in a design competition in Paris - the fourth went to his contemporary Karl Lagerfeld, now at Chanel.Discerning the young man's potential, de Brunoff advised Christian Dior to hire him and he rapidly emerged as heir apparent to the great couturier, taking over the house when Dior died suddenly three years later.Saint Laurent would say of his mentor: "Dior fascinated me. I couldn't speak in front of him. He taught me the basis of my art. Whatever was to happen next, I never forgot the years spent at his side."However in 1960, like many Frenchmen of his age, Saint Laurent was called up to fight in his native Algeria, where an independence war was underway.Less than three weeks later he won an exemption on health grounds, but when he returned to Paris it was to learn that Dior had already found a replacement for him, in the person of Marc Bohan.With his close associate and lover Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent resolved to strike out on his own, with Berge, who survives the couturier, taking care of the business side.Saint Laurent's success lay in the harmony he achieved between body and garment - what he called "the total silence of clothing".He was also in the right place at the right time. Having learned his trade at the house of Dior, he founded his own couture house at the start of the 1960s, at a time when the world was changing and there was a new appetite for originality.Saint Laurent rode his luck through the rise of the youth market and pop culture fuelled by the economic boom of the 1960s, when women suddenly had more economic freedom.His name and the familiar YSL logo became synonymous with all the latest trends, highlighted by the creation of the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear label and perfume, as well as astute licensing deals for accessories and perfumes.Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he set the pace for fashion around the world, opening up the Japanese market and subsequently expanding to South Korea and Taiwan.Among his many fans in his native France was the actress Catherine Deneuve, who was always seen at his shows.Saint Laurent's career was not without controversy. In 1971 a collection modelled on the styles of World War II Paris was slammed by some American critics, and his launch in the mid 1970s of a perfume called Opium brought accusations that he was condoning drug use.For fellow-designer Christian Lacroix, the reason for Saint Laurent's success was his astonishing versatility. There had, Lacroix said, been other great designers but none with the same range."Chanel, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga and Dior all did extraordinary things. But they worked within a particular style," he explained."Yves Saint Laurent is much more versatile, like a combination of all of them. I sometimes think he's got the form of Chanel with the opulence of Dior and the wit of Schiaparelli."In his later years the depression that had haunted him all his life became more oppressive, and at his farewell bash in 2002 Saint Laurent admitted to having recourse to "those false friends which are tranquillisers and narcotics". \|\|\|\|\| Yves Saint Laurent was a major name in 20th Century fashion Yves Saint Laurent, considered by many as the greatest fashion designer of the 20th Century, has died in Paris at the age of 71. Saint Laurent changed the face of the fashion industry when he became chief designer of the House of Dior at 21. He designed clothes that reflected women's changing role in society: more confident personally, sexually and in the work-place. He retired from haute couture in 2002 and had been ill for some time. Saint Laurent died on Sunday evening in the French capital, the Pierre-Berge-Saint Laurent Foundation announced. Pierre Berge, the designer's former business and personal partner, said he had died at his home after a long illness. He did not give details. French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Saint Laurent's "creative genius". 'I draw on woman' "I found my style through women," Saint Laurent once said. He was a libertarian, an anarchist and he threw bombs at the legs of society Pierre Berge Yves Saint Laurent's former partner Obit: Synonymous with elegance YSL: Life in pictures "That's where its strength and vitality comes from because I draw on the body of a woman." He changed forever what women wear, introducing trouser suits, safari jackets and sweaters, BBC arts correspondent Razia Iqbal says. Saint Laurent was a great innovator, helping to revitalise haute couture while making ready-to-wear design popular. The editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, said he had helped democratise fashion: "Before that people had small salons for rich people. "Saint Laurent brought it to the people. "He was young and groovy. Pop stars were hanging out with him and younger generations related to him." 'Devastating' news President Sarkozy said the designer had been "the first to elevate haute couture to the rank of art and that gave him global influence". Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. "Yves Saint Laurent infused his label with his creative genius, elegant and refined personality... because he was convinced that beauty was a necessary luxury for all men and all women," he added. Speaking on French radio, Pierre Berge said his former partner had empowered women. "In this sense he was a libertarian, an anarchist and he threw bombs at the legs of society," he said. "That's how he transformed society and that's how he transformed women." Famous French embroiderer Francois Lesage, who worked 40 years with the designer, said he was "devastated" by news of his death. "I have never known a designer who would give so much thought to something when it was proposed to him," he told French TV. "It is a great grief for me." Life of ill-health Born in the Algerian city of Oran at a time when the North African country was a French colony, he had a precocious talent. HAVE YOUR SAY What an absolutely exquisite designer, his fashions will be long remembered Julie, Atlanta, USA In quotes: Tributes pour in His first collection caused a sensation with its gently flared dresses and jackets that set the mould for 1950s fashion. Within three years, Dior had died and Yves St Laurent had taken his place. He took the world by storm with his trouser suits, highly coloured ethnic prints and designs inspired by the art world. Taunted as a schoolboy because of his homosexuality, Yves St Laurent suffered mental and physical ill health for much of his life and he appeared in public only rarely. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these?	Beverly Hills, California. Yves Saint-Laurent, one of the major fashion designers of the 20th century, died Sunday evening of cancer at the age of 71, after four decades at the top of his profession. Friends say he died while at his home in Paris, France. Saint-Laurent was born Yves Henri Donat Dave Mathieu-Saint-Laurent on August 1, 1936 in Oran, Algeria. Saint-Laurent was famous for designing women's clothing and at age 21 he became the head designer for the company House of Dior. He was hired to take the place of the late Christian Dior, who died in 1957. He retired from his job there and ultimately left the fashion industry in 2002, but not before starting his own clothing line and shop with Pierre Berge in 1962. It was once rumored that woman who wore his newly designed pantsuits were not allowed to eat at restaurants or stay in hotels in New York City and London, England. "Fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves," Saint-Laurent once said. Saint-Laurent not only fought the effects of cancer, but through the years dealt with drug use and depression. "I've known fear and terrible solitude. Tranquilizers and drugs, those phony friends. The prison of depression and hospitals. I've emerged from all this, dazzled but sober," stated Saint-Laurent.
SBC :NYSE - commentary research ) picked cable equipment maker SFA :NYSE - commentary research ) as its video gear supplier. In its latest bid to challenge the cable and satellite industry, the San Antonio phone giant says it will spend $195 million with Scientific-Atlanta to build a TV-over-the-Internet system. SBC's multiyear contract with Scientific calls for a cable TV-like infrastructure with video distribution handled by two super hubs that feed 41 regional hubs. Scientific will provide hardware and network management services to SBC, according to the announcement Thursday. SBC has vowed to spend $4 billion on a fiber optic network expansion plan that would deliver the so-called triple play of video, phone and Internet access. The IP-TV portion of the project promises to deliver advanced video services like high-definition programming, video-on-demand and video recording features over upgraded telephone lines. Using Internet protocol and fiber optics, SBC hopes to beat cable and satellite players at their own game by offering users more control over their TV programming. But some observers are skeptical about SBC's ability to pull it off, pointing out that it is much harder for phone companies to add video than it is for video broadcasters to add phone service. Though dollarwise the deal is only a fraction of SBC's total commitment to network spending, "This is certainly a win for Scientific-Atlanta," says Legg Mason analyst Timm Bechter. Bechter does not have a rating on Scientific-Atlanta. At midday Thursday, SBC shares were off 4 cents at $23.66, while Scientific was up 81 cents to $28.68. Shares of Scientific rival Harmonic Lightwaves (HLIT:Nasdaq - commentary - research) dropped 8% to $9.27, as investors saw the cable infrastructure supplier getting snubbed in the deal. In January, SBC announced that Microsoft (MSFT:Nasdaq - commentary - research) would provide the IP TV operating system for its future set-top boxes. And in November, SBC said it would trim its fiber spending plan to $4 billion from $6 billion, and also shortened the time frame to three years from five years. The company says that by the end of 2007, 17 million homes will be eligible for the faster network connections. New York-based Bell Verizon (VZ:NYSE - commentary - research) has said it plans to spend about $3 billion extending fiber cables directly to homes to offer its own bundle of advanced services including IP TV. Skeptics point to the seemingly prohibitive costs of the telcos' plans and the poor track record phone companies have had in previous attempts to offer video. \|\|\|\|\| Communications Taking Fiber to the Home ABSTRACT Telecom firms are struggling along a rough road in 2004, as voice businesses weaken and cable increases its lead in data services. Their plight comes just when cable companies are pushing triple-play services – video, voice, and data – to customers in one package. Some telecom firms are matching cable’s moves, but with greater trial as the two groups remain on unequal infrastructural footing. Cable can offer the triple play via one wire to the home, but telecom must work with satellite television providers to provide video. So while voice was a relatively simple addition to cable’s menu of services (marketing challenges aside), adding video to telecom’s bill of fare will prove a far more difficult challenge. To counter cable’s threat, a trio of incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) has announced plans to extend their optical networks all the way to customer premises using fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technologies. They are not alone in their fiber initiatives, however, and were even slow out of the gate. Nearly 70 FTTH deployments have been announced in North America by entities ranging from rural municipal governments to independent local telephone companies, and even real estate development firms. Still, the potential scale of the ILEC business gives FTTH equipment manufacturers the most hope for broader industry development. But with prices reaching $1,364 per household in urban areas and $2,705 per household in rural domains, and a total U.S. price tag of more than $233 billion, fiber networks will not come cheap. Even with scale-related equipment cost reductions, the length of time required to recover per-subscriber investments will be measured in years. Fiber networks could, however, prove telecom’s only long-term option to neutralize cable’s threat. It is thus very likely – despite the massive price tag – this year will see an increasing number of fiber buildouts across the country. This report details the theoretical cost to deploy such fiber networks, referred to generically as fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) networks, where the “x” represents a particular type of customer premises. The report, generated with the assistance of HAI Consulting, is the next segment in RHR’s coverage of the FTTx space. It is intended as a reference for network operators, municipal authorities, industry analysts, journalists, and academics researchers reviewing the economic feasibility of FTTx networks within the United States. Red Herring Research February 2004 Pages: 43 Format: PDF Price: $1,295.00 PACKAGE DEAL Buy both FTTH Reports: Fiber-to-the-Home Cost Profile Report + Fiber-to-the-Home Profile Report Price: $1,495.00 Red Herring Sponsors:	Regional U.S. telephone giant SBC Communications is one step closer to offering cable television to the 18 million households in its 13 state coverage area. The company announced a $195 million contract with Scientific-Atlanta Thursday to provide a video operations center and regional hubs for the new service. Under the brand name, U-verse, the SBC's television rollout is set to launch in 2006 after field trials begin later this year. The company is seeking the so-called "triple play," where a telecommunications company offers voice, data and video in one bundled package. Local telephone companies like SBC have been losing business to cable TV companies, which have added telephone and Internet services in recent years. In a slew of recent deals, SBC is looking to stop that trend. Within the past six months it has signed alliances with various technology firms to build out a fiber network to the home strategy. For instance, SBC has a $1.7 billion deal with Alcatel to build out its fiber optic network and a 10-year, $400 million, pact with Microsoft to license its IPTV technology to allow multi-channel television to stream over its Internet backbone. In most of the U.S. only cable TV companies like Comcast have been able to offer the "triple play" of voice, video and data services. But traditional phone companies like SBC and Verizon have been upgrading their copper wire telephone networks to fiber optic. SBC says it plans to spend billions of dollars to overhaul its telecommunications network, saying the aging and brittle copper wires which were originally laid in the early 1900s do not have enough bandwidth to allow television capability.
Govt to pressure Asia to cut fuel subsidies Posted Updated The Federal Government says it wants to put pressure on Asian countries to lower their subsidies on petrol. The Government hopes lower subsidies in Asia will reduce demand for petrol, ensuring prices do not continue to rise at such a rapid rate. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has told Channel Nine he backs comments on the matter made by Energy Minister Martin Ferguson. "What Martin Ferguson's suggesting is very sensible, it's important for Australia to put pressure on these other countries but of course we can't force them to make those changes," he said. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb says the Government needs to do more than lecture Asian countries. "We ought to get on with the job of dealing with the petrol crisis ourselves in our own way in Australia," he said. The Government is likely to raise the matter of subsidies through the East Asian Summit's energy task force. \|\|\|\|\| Asian countries will be pressured to remove fuel subsidies that "distort" the demand for petrol and push up prices, the federal government says. The Rudd government argues subsidies and price caps prescribed by Asian countries to promote development are artificially inflating prices across the region. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner says the government will lobby for the subsidies to be removed. "We can put pressure on other countries to remove subsidies that do distort choices that people make and do reduce the extent to which they can move into other technologies," Mr Tanner told the Nine Network. "But of course we can't force them to make those changes." Mr Tanner said there was a "once in a lifetime" transformation occurring in Asia with hundreds of millions of people moving from basic peasant lifestyles to more resource intensive ones. This benefits Australia by driving the commodity boom "but at the same time they're also demanding more petrol", he said. "That's putting huge upward pressure on petrol prices and outstripping demand and of course we have to pay those global petrol prices as well," Mr Tanner said. Energy Minister Martin Ferguson has said "the challenge of dealing with energy subsidies in our region is a serious one". "When it comes to energy, particularly oil, the world is retreating from the open markets and free trade we have worked so hard to achieve," he said. The government could use the regional Energy Working Group and the East Asian Summit's Energy Cooperation Task Force to lobby for the abolition of subsidies and price caps. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb told Sky News it was a bit presumptuous of Australia to be lecturing Asian countries. "It's a really difficult issue not just for the Asian countries but ... for every country in the world," he said. "The best thing for us is to look at our own affairs in the first instance, that way you then have some credibility in lecturing others." Mr Robb said there had been a recent pattern of "gratuitous advice" by the Rudd government, which had lectured the international community on a variety of issues, including nuclear weapons, an Asia Pacific union and OPEC about petrol. "There has been this frenzy of gratuitous advice that we've been providing to our neighbours," he said. "(They've been) putting it out by press release with no discussion. There is an Asian way of diplomacy and it seems to have gone over the head of (Prime Minister Kevin) Rudd." AAP	service station.The Australian Government is to lobby Asian counties to reduce fuel subsidies and price caps in a bid to lower fuel prices, which the Government argues that fuel subsidies are artificially inflating fuel prices across the Asia-Pacific region. Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson said that the Rudd Government does not want to be critical of countries which have used the subsidies to help promote development, however he said that "the challenge of dealing with energy subsidies in our region is a serious one". Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrew Robb told Sky News Australia that "it was a bit presumptuous of Australia to be lecturing Asian countries". "The best thing for us is to look at our own affairs in the first instance, that way you then have some credibility in lecturing others".
Email to a friend Simulations help explain fast water transport in nanotubes 9/16/08 James E. Kloeppel, Physical Sciences Editor 217-244-1073; kloeppel@illinois.edu Click photo to enlarge Photo by L. Brian Stauffer Narayana R. Aluru, professor of mechanical science and engineering, left, and doctoral student Sony Joseph have discovered the physical mechanism behind the rapid transport of water in carbon nanotubes. Image in background shows the trajectory of water molecules in a carbon nanotube moving in the direction of their orientations due to rotation-translation coupling. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — By discovering the physical mechanism behind the rapid transport of water in carbon nanotubes, scientists at the University of Illinois have moved a step closer to ultra-efficient, next-generation nanofluidic devices for drug delivery, water purification and nano-manufacturing. “Extraordinarily fast transport of water in carbon nanotubes has generally been attributed to the smoothness of the nanotube walls and their hydrophobic, or water-hating surfaces,” said Narayana R. Aluru, a Willett Faculty Scholar and a professor of mechanical science and engineering at the U. of I. “We can now show that the fast transport can be enhanced by orienting water molecules in a nanotube,” Aluru said. “Orientation can give rise to a coupling between the water molecules’ rotational and translational motions, resulting in a helical, screw-type motion through the nanotube,” Aluru said. Using molecular dynamics simulations, Aluru and graduate student Sony Joseph examined the physical mechanism behind orientation-driven rapid transport. For the simulations, the system consisted of water molecules in a 9.83 nanometer long nanotube, connected to a bath at each end. Nanotubes of two diameters (0.78 nanometers and 1.25 nanometers) were used. Aluru and Joseph reported their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters. For very small nanotubes, water molecules fill the nanotube in single-file fashion, and orient in one direction as a result of confinement effects. This orientation produces water transport in one direction. However, the water molecules can flip their orientations collectively at intervals, reversing the flow and resulting in no net transport. \|\|\|\|\| Public Affairs : Newsroom : News Releases : 2008 News Release Archive :: NR-08-08-09 News Release Printer-Friendly Contact: Anne M. Stark Phone: (925) 422-9799 E-mail: stark8@llnl.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2008 NR-08-08-09 LLNL researchers peer into water in carbon nanotubes LIVERMORE, Calif. – Researchers have identified a signature for water inside single-walled carbon nanotubes, helping them understand how water is structured and how it moves within these tiny channels. This is the first time researchers were able to get a snapshot of the water inside the carbon nanotubes. An NMR spectrum showing features associated with water external and internal to the carbon nanotube (see inset). Figure by Charles Chen and Yue Wu University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Click for high resolution image Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) offer the potential to act as a unique nanofiltration system. While experiments have demonstrated extremely fast flow in these channels, it is still unclear why, and few studies have experimentally probed the detailed structure and movement of the water within nanotubes. That’s where Lawrence Livermore scientists Jason Holt, Julie Herberg, and University of North Carolina’s, Yue Wu and colleagues come in. As described in an article appearing in the July edition of Nanoletters, they used a technique called Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to get a glimpse of the water confined inside one-nanometer diameter SWCNTs. The nanotubes, special molecules made of carbon atoms in a unique arrangement, are hollow and more than 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. The confined water exhibited very different properties from that of bulk water, and this allowed it to be distinguished in the NMR spectrum. Carbon nanotubes have long been touted for their superior thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, but recent work suggests they can be used as nanoscale filters. Earlier Livermore studies have suggested that carbon nanotubes may be used for desalination and demineralization because of their small pore size and enhanced flow properties. Conventional desalination membranes are typically much less permeable and require large pressures, entailing high energy costs. However, these more permeable nanotube membranes could reduce the energy costs of desalination significantly. While the technology offers great promise, there still are important unanswered scientific questions. “There have been many predictions about how water behaves within carbon nanotubes,” said Holt, the principal investigator of the project, which is funded through LLNL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD). “With experiments like these, we can directly probe that water and determine how close those predictions were.” Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a national security laboratory, with a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. \|\|\|\|\| Carbon nanotube-based membranes will dramatically cut the cost of desalination. A water desalination system using carbon nanotube-based membranes could significantly reduce the cost of purifying water from the ocean. The technology could potentially provide a solution to water shortages both in the United States, where populations are expected to soar in areas with few freshwater sources, and worldwide, where a lack of clean water is a major cause of disease. The new membranes, developed by researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), could reduce the cost of desalination by 75 percent, compared to reverse osmosis methods used today, the researchers say. The membranes, which sort molecules by size and with electrostatic forces, could also separate various gases, perhaps leading to economical ways to capture carbon dioxide emitted from power plants, to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. The carbon nanotubes used by the researchers are sheets of carbon atoms rolled so tightly that only seven water molecules can fit across their diameter. Their small size makes them good candidates for separating molecules. And, despite their diminutive dimensions, these nanopores allow water to flow at the same rate as pores considerably larger, reducing the amount of pressure needed to force water through, and potentially saving energy and costs compared to reverse osmosis using conventional membranes. Indeed, the LLNL team measures water flow rates up to 10,000 times faster than would be predicted by classical equations, which suggest that flow rates through a pore will slow to a crawl as the diameter drops. "It's something that is quite counter-intuitive," says LLNL chemical engineer Jason Holt, whose findings appeared in the 19 May issue of Science. "As you shrink the pore size, there is a huge enhancement in flow rate." The surprising results might be due to the smooth interior of the nanotubes, or to physics at this small scale -- more research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved. "In some physical systems the underlying assumptions are not valid at these smaller length scales," says Rod Ruoff, a physical chemist and professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern University (who was not involved with the work). To make the membranes, the researchers started with a silicon wafer about the size of a quarter, coated with a metal nanoparticle catalyst for growing carbon nanotubes. Holt says the small particles allow the nanotubes to grow "like blades of grass -- vertically aligned and closely packed." Once grown, the gaps between the nanotubes are filled with a ceramic material, silicon nitride, which provides stability and helps the membrane adhere to the underlying silicon wafer. The field of nanotubes functions as an array of pores, allowing water and certain gases through, while keeping larger molecules and clusters of molecules at bay.	This illustration demonstrates one form a carbon nanotube can take. Experiments during the past several years examining membranes formed from carbon nanotubes have demonstrated potential for a variety of applications, perhaps most notably economical filtration of water for desalination. But something that has consistently confused researchers is that the rate of flow for water passing through these special membranes is considerably higher than would be predicted by classical physics. In some experiments the flow rate was up to 10,000 times the speed expected. In addition, recent measurements by a team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conducted via nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the water passing through nanotubes exhibits very different properties in comparison to bulk water. In a press release Tuesday the News Bureau of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign highlighted a recent finding that offers one possible explanation for the phenomenon. The research, published in ''Physical Review Letters'' last month (), used molecular modeling to analyze the predicted behavior and interactions of individual water molecules passing through a nanotube. UIUC researchers Narayana R. Aluru, a professor of mechanical science and engineering, and doctoral student Sony Joseph found that the chemical polarity of H2O and what they describe as "confinement effects" within the bounds of smaller nanotubes cause the molecular movements to couple. Due to the water molecules interacting and orienting themselves in response to one another they flow in a more orderly helical or corkscrew pattern through the nanotube. This flow pattern may explain some of the experimental results obtained by other scientists. Hopefully this discovery is another step towards an affordable technology to produce plentiful potable water for drinking, irrigation of crops, and other purposes, a vital resource that is in short supply in many parts of the world.
Turkey tycoon Bernard Matthews dies Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Continue reading the main story Related stories Norfolk turkey tycoon Bernard Matthews has died at the age of 80, his company has confirmed. He began his business more than 60 years ago - with 20 eggs and a second-hand incubator. Mr Matthews, famous for his "bootiful" catchphrase, stepped down from the company's main board of directors in January on his 80th birthday. Noel Bartram, group chief executive of Bernard Matthews Farms, said Mr Matthews died on Thursday afternoon. Mr Bartram said: "I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family. "Rarely has any business been as synonymous with the hard work and values of one man. "It was Bernard Matthews who grew and developed this company through his entrepreneurial spirit, and clear focus." Humble beginnings Mr Matthews was famous for playing the leading role in his company's adverts, which featured his mansion home. Lord Sugar wrote on Twitter: "Shame about Bernard Matthews he was a great inspiration to people to show what can be achieved in life by hard work. National Treasure RIP." The son of a mechanic, he was born in Brooke, Norfolk, in 1930 and left school at 16. He began his rise to prominence in 1950 when he bought 20 turkey eggs and an incubator at a market in Acle. By 1952 he was producing 3,000 turkey eggs at his home and moved into poultry farming full-time. Three years later he bought Great Witchingham Hall, near Norwich - a derelict mansion with 36 acres of land which remains the headquarters of the Bernard Matthews Farms. The company had suffered some difficult years recently which had included job cuts and an outbreak of bird flu. When celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched a crusade to improve school dinners, it was Matthews' Turkey Twizzlers he wanted off plates first. Charity work Mr Bartram said: "In latter years he devoted himself to a host of charitable causes, often in an unsung manner." These included the independent Caister Lifeboat and the Nelson Museum in Great Yarmouth. The Sportspark at the University of East Anglia site named its pool after Mr Matthews. Assistant director of Sportspark Maria Rowe paid tribute and said: "He was a very generous benefactor when we were gathering funding to build the Sportspark. "He supported us from the start and ensured these excellent sporting facilities were built in Norfolk. "The Bernard Matthews Olympic pool was named after him in his honour and as a result his legacy will live on." His death, on the fourth Thursday of November, coincided with US Thanksgiving, often referred to as "Turkey Day". National Farmers' Union chief poultry adviser Rob Newbery said: "The Bernard Matthews story is an inspiration to any farmer, or entrepreneur. "Bernard Matthews is a strong rural company, brand and employer, with roots firmly in farming. He created a legacy to be proud of. Mr Bartram added: "Despite yesterday's very sad news the business will continue to thrive, as we honour his memory through our ongoing work and ensure that the business remains a great British institution, and a key part of the fabric of life in Norfolk and across East Anglia." \|\|\|\|\| 'Bootiful' Turkey Boss Bernard Matthews Dies Alison Chung, Sky News Online Turkey farmer Bernard Matthews, who grew his Norfolk-based business into a multi-million pound empire, has died aged 80. Bernard Matthews' empire began with a humble 2.50p investment Famed for his "bootiful" TV ad catchphrase, Mr Matthews passed away yesterday - while America celebrated Thanksgiving, often referred to as 'Turkey Day'. In a statement, Bernard Matthews Farms' chief executive Noel Bartram said: "It is with a great deal of personal sadness that I confirm Bernard Matthews passed away on the afternoon of the 25th November. "I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family." From humble beginnings Mr Matthews built up his poultry firm to bring cheap turkey meat to the masses. He is the man who effectively put turkey on the plates of everyday working families and in so doing became one of the largest employers in rural East Anglia and a major supporter of the local farming community. Noel Bartram, Bernard Matthews Farm's chief exec Born in Brooke, Norfolk in 1930, Mr Matthews was the son of a mechanic. He left school at 16 and began his rise to prominence in 1950 with a 2.50p investment in 12 turkey eggs and an incubator at a market in Acle, Norfolk. By 1952 he was producing 3,000 turkey eggs at his home and decided to move into poultry farming full-time. Three years later he bought Great Witchingham Hall, near Norwich, which remains the headquarters of the Bernard Matthews Farms company. Mr Matthews holding one of his birds outside No10 in 1979 The National Farmers' Union paid tribute to Mr Matthews, describing him as "an inspiration to any farmer". Chief poultry adviser Rob Newbery said: "From humble beginnings he built an innovative, and in its time, unique business. Bernard Matthews's success was poultry farming's success. "Bernard Matthews is a strong rural company, brand and employer, with roots firmly in farming. He created a legacy to be proud of." Mr Bartram added: "He is the man who effectively put turkey on the plates of everyday working families and in so doing became one of the largest employers in rural East Anglia and a major supporter of the local farming community." But during his long and successful career, Mr Matthews was often criticised by animal rights campaigners for employing "factory farming" methods. In 2005, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched a crusade to improve school dinners, and it was a Bernard Matthews product - Turkey Twizzlers - he wanted off plates first. There were more grim headlines in 2006 when an animal welfare group called for an inquiry after a court heard how two Mr Matthews' workers were filmed playing "baseball" with live turkeys. Both men admitted ill-treating birds during a hearing before magistrates in Norwich. The firm tried to restore its reputation with a full-page newspaper ad telling shoppers that its employees were "conscientious people". And there was more bad news in February 2007 when the H5N1 strain of bird flu surfaced in the UK - at a Bernard Matthews' plant at Holton, Suffolk. The virus led to almost 160,000 birds being slaughtered and caused a slump in sales.	Matthews started producing turkey eggs in 1950 , founder of the turkey company of the same name, has died at the age of 80. His death was announced by Noel Bartram, the group chief executive of the company. Matthews started in 1950 when he invested in a small number of turkey eggs and a used incubator. Within two years he had turned his production into full time and was producing 3,000 turkey eggs. Bartram released a statement on Matthews death. He said "It is with a great deal of personal sadness that I confirm Bernard Matthews passed away on the afternoon of the 25th November. I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family." Matthews died on the US holiday of , also known as "Turkey Day". He steped down as director in January of this year on his 80th birthday following a few hard years for the company. Chef targeted Bernard Matthews Turkey Twizzlers during his healthy eating campaign, and in 2007 a strain of was found at one of his farms. Following the outbreak sales dropped and staff were cut.
Mr Nashar says he was on holiday in Egypt when he was arrested An interior ministry report "made clear there was no link between Magdi al-Nashar and al-Qaeda or the bombings", a government spokesman said. British police have not formally named Mr Nashar as a suspect in their investigation. The 33-year-old, who was arrested last week, has denied having any role in the attacks that left 56 people dead. On Saturday, the Egyptian interior minister said that reports linking Mr -Nashar to al-Qaeda were "groundless" and based on a hasty conclusion. In custody Mr Nashar, who completed a PhD in chemistry at Leeds University, was arrested in Cairo as part of the inquiry into the 7 July bombings. He is reported to have admitted knowing one of the bombers, Hasib Hussain, and helping to arrange the rental of a flat in which traces of explosives were found. Mr Nashar told Egyptian investigators that he had intended to return to Leeds at the end of a holiday in Egypt, which began a week before the bombings. \|\|\|\|\| Sarah Telford United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) In a world awash with data, aid workers contend with gaps With nearly 168 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2020 -- the highest figure in decades -- there is no time, or data, to lose	The Egyptian chemist arrested in Cairo last week has no links with the London bombings, officials have said. The Egyptian interior ministry published a report which "made clear there was no link between Magdi Asdi el-Nashar and Al Qaeda or the bombings". Mr Nashar has still not been named a suspect by British police. Just after his arrest, the Egyptian interior minister said that reports linking Mr Nashar to al-Qaeda were "groundless" and based on a hasty conclusion. Mr Nashar has always denied being part of the London bombings; however he is reported to have told investigators that he helped arrange the rental of a flat for one of the bombers, Hasib Hussain. Mr Nashar has always maintained that he had intended to return to Leeds at the end of a holiday in Egypt, which began a week before the bombings.
In France the Holy Headdress brings about a sacred union Event is one of the most significant of the festivities celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral of Cahors The Holy Headdress was carried in procession through the streets of Cahors for the first time since 1940. (Photo by MICHAEL FABRE/MAXPPP) Within the context of the festivities celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral of Cahors in Southwestern France, the relic of the Holy Headdress of Christ was carried in a procession through the city's streets on April 27. This is the first time since 1940 that the relic has been carried in procession. This was made possible through the joint efforts of the diocese, the city, the State, and the civil society. Under heavy guard in police transport, the Holy Headdress was unaffected by the rain as it was brought to St Bartholomew's Church in Cahors. Under a clearing sky, around 2,000 of the faithful gathered before the church for the first procession of this great relic of the Passion of Christ in 80 years. This event was one of the most significant of the festivities celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral of Cahors. With over 100 committed volunteers who have been working hard for several months, Cahors' Catholic community processed through the narrow streets of this medieval city. Bystanders looked on, curious or astonished. Some business owners had stuck posters of the event onto their windows. "I am not a believer," said Mireille, for example, "but I am very attached to this treasure of our city, the Holy Headdress, a historic legacy." Jeanne Dumont, coordinator of the spiritual events of the cathedral's 900th anniversary, stated: "This relic is a means of deepening one's faith. It symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. Before it, we are like the apostles before the empty tomb. It also allows us to testify publicly and to reach out to all." The procession was a manifestation of popular devotion that surprised and pleased Bishop Laurent Camiade of Cahors, who returned the Holy Headdress to its place of honor. "This touches the heart of people who are not interested in other, more abstract propositions of the Church. They experience a closeness with something that they are able to see, almost touch. Our role is to be present in this process," he said. In this region, marked - as elsewhere - by de-Christianization, this procession was made possible by close collaboration between the diocese, Cahors' municipal authorities, the State and civil society. An association was formed to allow extensive festivities to celebrate the cathedral's 900th anniversary from March 12 to Dec. 8 and, over and above the cathedral itself, to celebrate the history of the city. "As the Lot department is rather anti-religious, I am astonished to see the very strong enthusiasm about this project. Different people have all made contributions and demonstrate a real commitment to our heritage," said a woman who has a good knowledge of the local situation. "The cathedral and its treasures are part of the identity of Cahors, just like the Valentré Bridge." The State, through the regional leadership of Cultural Affairs of the administrative region of Occitanie that wished to recognize the value of the Holy Headdress, was part of the driving force behind the procession, as was the municipal council of Cahors. "For rural regions like ours, this kind of project with historical monuments is fundamental," said Michel Simon, first deputy of the medieval city. "Here, in a city of 20,000 inhabitants, we have to come together or else it doesn't work." The fire at Notre Dame brought to mind the fragility of this age-old heritage. Through the promotion of the cathedral and its Holy Headdress, the common objective is to "cast a light on Cahors and to develop spiritual tourism so that the city can take its place with Rocamadour and Lourdes," said Sylvain Ginier, the general coordinator of the cathedral's 900th anniversary celebrations. The celebrations, however, were shaken by the standing down of the man who was at the origin of this project, Ronan de Gouvello, rector of the cathedral. On March 3, the Bishop of Cahors announced that he had asked him to "step down" following "serious allegations of breaches in his priestly duties." "We wondered whether we should go on," said Jean-François Masurier, one of the leaders of the volunteers committed to the 900th anniversary celebrations, who is still affected by the shock of this event that had ramifications beyond the diocese. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm about the Holy Headdress has not diminished. In the image of the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil, Cahors is hoping for the same trajectory. The showing of this important relic began on Palm Sunday in the cathedral. Another procession is already being planned. \|\|\|\|\| l'essentiel La Sainte Coiffe du Christ a été montrée au grand jour et à la grande foule, cet après-midi. Pour l’église, tout est grandeur dans cet événement qualifié « d’unique et majeur », sans le pape mais avec l’évèque. Il était une « foi »... Considérée comme le principal temps fort des événements organisés autour des 900 ans de la cathédrale de Cahors, la procession de la Sainte Coiffe du Christ a rassemblé aujourd'hui près de 2 000 fidèles dans les rues de la cité médiévale. 2 000 personnes déterminées à braver les intempéries dès le début de la journée très humide. Mais à l’instant dit « solennel et sacré » de la procession, les cieux ont gratifié le cortège d’une belle éclaircie et d’un soleil relativement généreux. Un miracle ? Dieu seul le sait. Quoi qu’il en soit, la procession de la Sainte Coiffe a été décrite comme « un moment de grâce » sur les ondes de Radio Présence qui commentait en direct ce rendez-vous, tandis que le cortège avançait doucement le long des rues du secteur sauvegardé au son des chants chrétiens et des prières. Le « Notre Père » a été prononcé dans chacune des rues où se formait une haie d’honneur empreinte de respect de la part des pratiquants ou d’étonnement pour certains, non croyants. Les chants et les prières cessaient parfois de longues minutes, laissant place à un grand silence (religieux forcément) et au recueillement. La Sainte Coiffe n’avait pas vécu pareille célébration en pleine ville depuis l’année 1940. La foi et la force des porteurs Le cortège poursuit son chemin. Les porteurs se relayent. Quelques-uns grimacent discrètement en peinant pour tenir à bonne hauteur l’imposant pavois sur lequel reposait la relique. Rappelons que celle-ci serait le linge qui aurait recouvert le visage du Christ au moment où celui-ci a été conduit au tombeau. Y croire ou en douter n’était pas la question aujourd'hui. Les porteurs, quant à eux, sont convaincus de son authenticité. Et même si leur progression ressemblait de temps à temps à un véritable chemin de croix, leurs difficultés ont été atténuées par leur foi et surtout par leur remplaçant qui venait prendre le relais. Ouf ! Pas de chute. La Sainte Coiffe est arrivée jusqu’à la cathédrale, encadrée par 33 bannières représentant la Passion du Christ. Les vêpres de la Miséricorde, puis la veillée et d’autres moments solennels consacrés au recueillement ont ponctué cette ultime étape où la Sainte Coiffe a retrouvé son écrin de pierres et de vitraux : la cathédrale. Une vieille et belle dame de 900 ans. Les mots et l'émotion de l'évêque Laurent Camiade, évêque de Cahors, était serein au départ de la procession. Ravi que le ciel soit avec lui et que la foule soit au rendez-vous. Ainsi soit-il. « C’est un moment important très ouvert qui permet à chacun de participer avec des motivations religieuses ou culturelles. C’est d’abord un rendez-vous historique. Un instant très particulier quand même. Les gens sont libres. Il y aura sans doute d’autres processions, mais peut-être pas tous les ans tout de même. Elle doit avoir lieu dans des moments forts » estime-t-il. Des moments puissants comme celui d’aujourd'hui. Laurent Camiade l’a parfaitement incarné. \|\|\|\|\| Près de 3000 personnes ont assisté à la procession de la Sainte Coiffe dans les rues de Cahors samedi 27 avril 2019, après une matinée pluvieuse, le beau temps est arrivé peu avant le départ de la procession. « Je suis agnostique. Je ne sais pas ce que je fais ici mais j’ai voulu voir, confesse cet enseignant venu passer sa retraite sur le causse de Gramat. Je me suis senti attiré jusqu’à la cathédrale ». « Moi, je sais pourquoi je suis cette procession, renchérit une fidèle pèlerine des Chemins de saint Jacques. Depuis Rodez, je viens remercier. J’avais demandé à Notre Dame de Rocamadour de pouvoir me réconcilier avec ma mère avant que celle-ci ne meure. J’ai été exaucée. Mon mari se moque de mes bondieuseries mais ce sont elles qui me conduisent à Dieu ». La vénération des reliques, un renouveau ? Alors, reliques, le retour ? Des dizaines de milliers de chrétiens assistaient à l’ostension de la Couronne d’épines tous les premiers vendredis du mois à Notre Dame de Paris. Samedi 27 avril, c’était à Cahors, l’événement-clé du 900e anniversaire de la cathédrale Saint-Etienne, célébré par le Diocèse et la Ville depuis le 12 mars jusqu’au 8 décembre 2019. Pour la première fois depuis 1940, la Sainte Coiffe a été remise à l’honneur par une procession présidée par Mgr Laurent Camiade, en présence des autorités civiles. La relique, soutenue par une équipe de Gardes d’honneur, entourée de clercs, est partie de l’église Saint-Barthélemy, a longé la rue des Soubirous, la rue du Château du Roi, place de la Libération, rue Nationale, Quai Champollion pour reprendre place au cœur de la cité, afin d’être « rendue à la cathédrale, à la vénération de tous » selon le souhait de l’évêque de Cahors. Opération réussie puisque l’ostension exceptionnelle a rassemblé à Cahors des milliers de pèlerins et visiteurs, des Lotois bien sûr, mais aussi d’autres départements d’Occitanie, de la région parisienne, des Espagnols, des Portugais et même des Polonais. Qu’on soit sensible ou non aux reliques, qu’on vive sa foi d’une manière intériorisée ou non, beaucoup se sont sentis concernés par la présentation de la Sainte Coiffe qui a fait église comble. « Un événement qui rassemble et respecte les conditions diverses, est un événement heureux » a conclu l’évêque de Cahors. La cathédrale saint Étienne, reliquaire de la Sainte Coiffe Puisqu’il a été élevé aux cieux le jour de son Ascension, il n’y a pas de reliques corporelles du Christ. Du Christ, que demeure-t-il ? Plusieurs lieux de pèlerinages abritent les reliques de la Passion. On pense aux trois linges mortuaires liés à la mise au tombeau de Jésus : le Linceul de Turin, le Suaire d’Oviedo et la Coiffe de Cahors. « Simon-Pierre entre dans le tombeau, dit l’Évangile de Jean (XX-6). Il aperçoit les linges posés à plat ainsi que le suaire qui avait entouré la tête de Jésus » : Cet écrit atteste l’existence de la Sainte Coiffe. Ces linges seront récupérés par les disciples après la Résurrection. Restés à Jérusalem, ils auraient été cédés à Charlemagne soit par le Calife Haroum El Rachid et le Patriarche Thomas de Jérusalem, soit par l’impératrice Irène de Constantinople. En 803, Charlemagne aurait donné la Sainte Coiffe à l’évêque de Cahors, Aymatus. Selon une autre tradition, elle aurait été rapportée par l’évêque Géraud de Cardaillac à son retour de Terre Sainte au début du XIIe siècle. En 1119, même si l’imposant édifice religieux cadurcien n’est pas terminé, le pape Calixte II tient lui-même à venir jusqu’à Cahors pour consacrer l’autel du Saint Suaire de la cathédrale. C’est, durant tout le Moyen Âge, une relique très vénérée. Après Conques, le Quercy est une étape importante sur la voie de Saint-Jacques. De toute l’Europe, depuis Le Puy-en-Velay, les pèlerins viennent en nombre, prier devant « le linge de la Passion de Cahors » avant de continuer leur marche jusqu’à Compostelle. Dans le respect de la tradition orale Le culte des reliques revient de très loin dans le temps. Les premiers chrétiens vénéraient les restes des martyrs pour recevoir la même force qu’eux. Parce que leur corps, habité par l’Esprit était promis à la résurrection. Les reliques fédèrent autour d’elles des groupes humains qui se reconnaissent d’un même terroir ou dans un même but. « On se fie à la tradition orale » assure Alexandra de Nantes, chargée des relations avec la presse pour l’événement et paroissienne de Figeac. « À l’époque, différents évêques l’ont reconnue comme telle » souligne-telle. L’importance accordée à cette célébration est due au fait que la Sainte Coiffe est vraiment considérée comme une relique christique ». C’est pour cette raison, qu’à l’occasion des 900 ans de la cathédrale, (aujourd’hui le monument est classé au Patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO), l’évêque de Cahors a voulu la remettre à l’honneur. « Cette tradition ancienne de vénération des différents linges de la Passion, de la mort du Christ et du tombeau vide, nous encourage à espérer davantage la résurrection promise de notre chair renouvelée par l’Esprit Saint » explique Mgr Camiade. La piété populaire est un chemin pour conduire à Dieu Les reliques sont un chemin pour conduire ceux qui en ressentent le besoin, au Christ. À travers l’objet vénéré, c’est évidemment la personne qui est honorée. La vénération des reliques doit pousser les fidèles à s’élever vers l’adoration du premier saint, Jésus Christ et à lui rendre gloire. Authentiques ou pas, elles ont soutenu la prière et la foi des générations de croyants. La prière devant des reliques a toujours été l’occasion de grandes grâces, des miracles de guérison, de conversion et de libération. Leur vénération doit être entourée d’explication historique et théologique et reliée à la célébration liturgique. Mais la primauté de la liturgie ne peut servir de prétexte pour exclure ces pratiques de piété populaire. Ces manifestations ancestrales ont leur pertinence dans le monde d’aujourd’hui. Enracinées dans une très longue tradition, dans une culture locale ou dans le registre de l’émotionnel, il faut de plus en plus prendre en compte cette religion proche du monde. Cette religion, élaborée par le peuple, traduit une soif de foi. « Nos diocèses deviennent des déserts spirituels. Le culte des reliques est un instrument précieux d’évangélisation, à condition qu’il soit accompagné, précise ce jeune prêtre du Lot. Les reliques, comme la Sainte Coiffe, peuvent être des graines qui peuvent faire éclore quelque chose ». Dimanche 28 avril la cathédrale était à nouveau comble, lors de la messe de 10 h 30 avec la participation de confréries du Lot et de tout le sud-ouest de la France. Prochains rendez-vous : procession aux flambeaux autour de Notre Dame de Fatima, samedi 18 mai 2019 à 21 h, à l’église Saint-Barthélemy et messe en l’honneur de Notre Dame de Fatima dimanche 19 mai à 10 h 30 en la cathédrale Saint Etienne. ANDRÉ DÉCUP	__NOTOC__ As part of the celebration of 900 years of the in , France, celebration ongoing through April, a precious relic was carried in procession through the streets of the city on Saturday, April 27: the of . Photo of the Sainte Coiffe during the ostension on April 27, 2019. The Holy Headdress is recognized by tradition as the veil that covered the head of when he was buried. By one tradition, brought back the relic of Jerusalem and offered it to the diocese of Cahors. The relic has been venerated in since the construction of the cathedral 900 years ago. The "Sainte Coiffe" got back into the streets of for the first time in nearly eight decades. The relic was carried in procession followed by, according to varying reports, nearly 2000 people, perhaps some hundreds more, in an event both for believers and curious. The procession made its way at the pace of hymns and prayers, through the narrow streets of the town, then on the banks of the , and ended on the forecourt of the . The event was sustained by the city of Cahors, the State of France, and the civil society, for which many people have invested themselves, including volunteers. Other celebrations and other events have been planned in Cahors until December. File:Procession de la Sainte Coiffe Rue des Soubirous.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue des Soubirous. File:Sainte Coiffe Rue du Château du Roi.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue du Château du Roi. File:Sainte Coiffe Rue du Château du Roi Relique.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue du Château du Roi. File:Procession de la Sainte Coiffe Rue nationale.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue nationale. File:Procession de la Sainte Coiffe Place Hélène Metges.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Place Hélène Metges.
Kiribati gets donor funding for Tarawa solar panels Posted at 03:12 on 26 March, 2013 UTC Kiribati has got funding to install solar panels at four sites across the capital Tarawa to feed electricity into the national power grid. Australia, the World Bank and the Global Environment Fund are providing nearly five million US dollars for the project. It is expected to reduce diesel fuel use in Kiribati by up to 230,000 litres a year and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Kiribati President, Anote Tong, says shifting the country’s focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source. “It’s the first time we are doing this. We’re excited at the prospect of even substituting fossil fuel to a small extent at this stage. What the system being envisaged will only produce around 500 kilowatts, but this is the beginning of what I hope will be a pattern, the trend in the future.” Almost half of the country’s 110,000 people live on Tarawa atoll and are dependent on expensive diesel generation for electricity. \|\|\|\|\| Renewable energy projects across the Pacific Islands are set to receive a $635 million boost after an agreement was reached today. The funding package was secured at the Pacific Energy Summit in Auckland, but falls short of the $800 million that Pacific leaders were hoping to get. The money will go towards projects to enable Pacific nations to ditch their reliance on fossil fuels, which are expensive to ship to the islands. Story continues below... Pacific countries spend 10% of their GDP on diesel to generate electricity, and, on average, a quarter of the region's import bill is spent on diesel. ONE News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver said the funding will be "so important for the islands". Regional leaders arrived in Auckland this week for the summit in a bid to drum up support for cheaper, cleaner, forms of energy. Today Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced an agreement had been reached. Partners and donors agreed to commit $255 million in grant funding and $380 million in concessional loans to support over 40 of the 79 proposed projects. Investors include co-hosts New Zealand and the European Union, Australia, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the World Bank Group, and the United Arab Emirates. "Clean and efficient modern energy services are the cornerstone of sustainable development, economic activity and poverty reduction," McCully said in a statement. Advertisement "Currently, the Pacific region meets around 80% of its electricity generation needs from expensive imported fossil fuels. Yet the region has abundant renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. "Investment projects featured by Pacific Island countries at the summit would help many of them increase their power generation from renewable resources to close to 50% of total supply." He said he expects to see action within the next three to four years. Andris Piebalgs, EU development commissioner, said the EU welcomed the opportunity to form innovative partnerships, particularly with the energy sector. "Investing in global renewable energy reflects the needs of our modern world. Working with our partner countries in the Pacific, the EU is committed to catalyse real change quickly, bringing citizens and business together to provide security, sustainability and prosperity," Piebalgs said. McCully also announced $65 million of New Zealand funding to assist Pacific Island countries to realise their renewable energy and energy efficiency plans. Support was announced for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu. Dreaver said $10 million of this money will go towards wind and solar farms. "By the end of 2020 we're expecting them to be completely off diesel, using renewable energy," she said. "In Kiribas a third of the country doesn't even have power, so we are actually giving them something that they don't have. "Government's will be able to put the money they (currently) spend on diesel into things like education and health." \|\|\|\|\| Batteries the biggest obstacle to solar power in the Pacific Monday 25th March 2013 Text too small? The rapidly falling costs of electricity produced from the using photo-voltaic cells makes solar power one of the best options for remote Pacific Islands, but the cost and short lifespan of current battery technology is still a limitation. Speaking from an international donors' conference on Pacific Island countries' energy needs, the European Union's Suva-based head of operations for the region, Renato Mele, told BusinessDesk said solar PV technology was now "very high in our set of priorities" now that PV cell costs have fallen. In New Zealand, for example, plummeting solar PV array prices can now deliver electricity at a cost lower than it comes from the national grid, although that is only true if the consumer cuts their links with the grid, meaning they have no security of supply during periods of low sunlight, including night. In more built-up, urban parts of the Pacific, solar PV also needed to be grid-connected, and required island states' electricity grids to be configured to allow variable contributions from solar PV when it was available, backed up by batteries and high efficiency diesel generators. "If the grid distribution isn't sufficient and there are excessive energy losses and the grid isn't configured to absorb production from a solar plant at full power, it doesn't work properly," Mele said. That made energy efficiency an equally important focus for Pacific Island states. For cooking, the EU is promoting bio-gas production using organic waste. The World Bank announced at the conference today a new solar cell project for Kiribati, jointly funded by the Australian government and the bank's Global Environment Facility. AusAID Australia will provide A$3.2 million for the project, with US$1 million coming from the GEF, will install solar panels at four sites in the capital, South Tarawa, and is expected to reduce diesel use by up to 230,000 litres annually. Around half the 110,000 people of Kiribati live on Tarawa atoll and are depend on diesel generators for electricity. However, Mele said while solar was a viable solution for Pacific nations, the humidity and heat of the local climate could reduce battery life, normally around five years, to as little as 12 months, creating additional costs of clean-up and replacement. While battery storage technology is also advancing swiftly, and "the cost of batteries is not as bad as the cost of diesel," he said. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News A2 Milk Co changes requirements for NZ directors ahead of ASX listing F&P Appliances subsidiary fined A$200k over misleading warranty claims NZ lamb wool price rises to 3-year high on increased demand Anzco's Harrison to fund new Lincoln University chair in trade, global value chains NZ export log prices rise to 9-month high in January as Chinese inventories fall Spark's long-term executive Chris Quin to leave in June NZ dollar touches fresh 3-year low, dips below 74 US cts, ahead of RBNZ meeting While you were sleeping: Europe extends ECB advance TeamTalk revises first half profit expectations down after poor trading; shares drop NZX 50 soars to fresh record in global equities rally and hunt for yield \|\|\|\|\| Pacific leaders discuss plans to break fossil-fuel reliance with major donors Leaders from the Pacific island nations gathered in Auckland Monday with representatives of major international donor organizations to discuss how their nations can break free of their dependence on imported diesel to generate their electricity. The tiny nation of Kiribati was one of the first to announce progress at the two-day Pacific Energy Summit with an agreement with the World Bank to deliver reliable solar energy to its 110, 000 people. The project to be jointly funded by the Australian government and the Global Environment Facility was expected to reduce diesel fuel use in Kiribati by up to 230,000 liters a year, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Kiribati faces big challenges it is remote, it is at risk from the effects of climate change, and it is vulnerable to economic shocks," Kiribati President Anote Tong said in a statement. "Shifting Kiribati's focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source for the country's people." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key welcomed the delegates on Sunday, saying the summit was intended to connect Pacific island leaders and their energy plans with donor organizations and technical experts and businesses from the private sector. More than 400 delegates and 100 companies are attending the event, which is jointly hosted by the New Zealand government and the European Union. European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs last week announced new EU funding of 10 million euros (13.04 million US dollars) to boost access to sustainable energy for the poorest and most remote Pacific islands, bringing total EU funding to more than 100 million euros. Piebalgs said in a statement that it was clear the Pacific island nations would see no development without sustainable and affordable energy. The high costs of importing fuel resulted in a real lack of access to affordable and sustainable energy that disadvantaged about 46 percent of people in the region and considerably affected health, education and trade opportunities. Most of New Zealand's Pacific neighbours should move close to achieving 50 percent of their electricity from renewable means as a result of the summit, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said last week. Currently most Pacific countries delivered well under 10 per cent of their electricity renewably, with an overriding dependence on diesel generation. "Despite years of rhetoric about climate change, Pacific nations have had too little practical assistance to make the most significant available improvement to both their environmental and economic circumstances: a shift from extremely expensive imported diesel to environmentally friendly renewable sources of electricity. In a region that possesses sunshine and wind in abundance, that is simply not good enough," McCully said in a statement. Some countries such as the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu depended on imported diesel for over 95 percent of their electricity generation, while others had a strong base for renewable energy such as Vanuatu (19 percent mostly from wind) and Samoa (40 percent from hydropower) but still needed a concerted effort from the donor community to reach their potential. In addition to most Pacific leaders, the summit is being attended by international donors such as the EU, Australia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, the World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank, and the heads of international organizations, including the International Renewable Energy Agency.	Solar panel installation in the United States Last Tuesday, Australia and the World Bank's Global Environment Fund (GEF) reached an agreement to give the government of Kiribati 5 million (4,779,000, 5,985,000, 3,885,000) to install around the country capital, located on the . According to of , AusAID promised AU$3.2 million in funding, while GEF promised US$1 million. The country was the first in the Pacific to make a deal with the World Bank. The funding was part of a US$530 million (635 million) package announced at yesterday's Pacific Energy Summit in involving New Zealand and the European Union, Australia, the , the , the , the , and the United Arab Emirates. Also at the summit yesterday, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister had announced a national commitment of USD$54,262,000 (AU$51,861,000 NZ$65 million, €42,178,000) to Pacific region energy solutions, of which US$8,348,000 (AU$8 million, NZ$10 million, €6,483,000) would be specifically earmarked for renewable energy and improved energy efficiency in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. Kiribati is heavily dependent on for most of the energy available on the national power grid, which supplies power to half Kiribati's population of 110,000. In addition, a third of the country's population lacks access to electricity. Once installation of the solar panels is complete, they are estimated to reduce diesel consumption by 230,000 liters (60,760 gallons) a year and give access to the electricity to some parts of the population that currently have no electricity. The European Union already has committed €100 million to sustainable energy in the region, with €10 million of that coming as a result of an announcement made last week. In a press release about the news, Kiribati President was quoted as saying, "Kiribati faces big challenges it is remote, it is at risk from the effects of climate change, and it is vulnerable to economic shocks. ... Shifting Kiribati's focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source for the country's people." '''' quoted Tong as saying, "It's the first time we are doing this. We're excited at the prospect of even substituting fossil fuel to a small extent at this stage. What the system being envisaged will only produce around 500 kilowatts, but this is the beginning of what I hope will be a pattern, the trend in the future." The European Union's Fiji-based head of operations for the Pacific region, Renato Mele, supported alternative energy solutions like solar power for the region, but said that solar power had limitations because climate and environmental conditions sometimes meant batteries required to power the panels had a life of only 12 months, compared to other climates where batteries normally last five years. This created the potential to drive up standard operating costs. Mele has also noted these additional costs though are still lower than the cost of diesel power. '''' Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver noted, "Governments will be able to put the money they (currently) spend on diesel into things like education and health." == Sources == * * * *

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Sixty-three-year-old Darrell Johnson told the Fort Collins Coloradoan newspaper Friday that he didn't know he had been counted among the 144 victims of the Big Thompson Canyon flood until a resident called him last year. Barb Anderson said residents didn't want his name on a memorial plaque without proof he was dead. Johnson and his family had decided to leave their shabby cabin the morning of the flood after just one night. A few hours later, the resort was washed away. How Johnson ended up on the victims list remains a mystery. He now directs funerals in Oklahoma City and acknowledges he was lucky to get the bad cabin. \|\|\|\|\| Man Listed As Flood Victim Found Alive In Okla. FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) ― A man who was listed among the missing and presumed dead in the Big Thompson flood 32 years ago is alive and living in Oklahoma.Darrell Johnson was in Estes Park around that time, but left a day early. He was one of six people missing and had been counted among the 144 killed by the Larimer County disaster."We were in Estes Park with our children," Johnson said. "We left a day early. It saved our lives."Johnson said he didn't know he had been counted among the dead.A Big Thompson Canyon resident set out to track him down because there were no details about Johnson in the coroner's records.Johnson has received a book about the flood in which his name is listed as a victim.Johnson said he actually didn't know much about the flood, but now plans to read about it. (© MMVIII CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) \|\|\|\|\| E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. Browse all e-mail newsletters Flood 'Victim' Found Alive 32 Years Later Darrell Johnson, Family Didn't Stay In Estes Park Cabin POSTED: 10:21 am MDT August 1, 2008 A man considered missing and presumed dead in the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood is alive and well and living in Oklahoma. The Big Thompson Canyon Flood on July 31, 1976 took the lives of 144 people, but now that number has to be amended to 143. The Big Thompson Canyon Flood on July 31, 1976 took the lives of 144 people, but now that number has to be amended to 143. Six of the victims were listed as missing and presumed dead on a coroner's document. But Barb Anderson, a longtime Big Thompson Canyon resident, started researching the victims for the 25th anniversary of the flood and found one of the victims -- 63-year-old Darrell Johnson -- living in Oklahoma City. Six of the victims were listed as missing and presumed dead on a coroner's document. But Barb Anderson, a longtime Big Thompson Canyon resident, started researching the victims for the 25th anniversary of the flood and found one of the victims -- 63-year-old Darrell Johnson -- living in Oklahoma City. "I just went 'Woo hoo!' I really did," Anderson said. "And he said, 'What's wrong?' And I said, 'Well, do you know you've been missing all these years and you are on this list of the six who were never found?'" "I just went 'Woo hoo!' I really did," Anderson said. "And he said, 'What's wrong?' And I said, 'Well, do you know you've been missing all these years and you are on this list of the six who were never found?'" Johnson had no idea that people thought he was dead all these years. Johnson had no idea that people thought he was dead all these years. He and his wife, Kathy, and their two young daughters took a vacation to Estes Park in July 1976 and booked a cabin at the Sleepy Hollow resort. When they arrived, they found it too rustic so they left without telling anyone. They went to Denver the morning of July 31 and visited an amusement park and the popular Casa Bonita restaurant. He and his wife, Kathy, and their two young daughters took a vacation to Estes Park in July 1976 and booked a cabin at the Sleepy Hollow resort. When they arrived, they found it too rustic so they left without telling anyone. They went to Denver the morning of July 31 and visited an amusement park and the popular Casa Bonita restaurant. When the storm and deadly flood struck that night, the cabin was washed away. When the storm and deadly flood struck that night, the cabin was washed away. But Johnson and his family were gone. They never realized how close they came to being caught in it. At the time, the family thought they got a raw deal on the cabin. But now Johnson believes the poor condition of the cabin was a blessing. But Johnson and his family were gone. They never realized how close they came to being caught in it. At the time, the family thought they got a raw deal on the cabin. But now Johnson believes the poor condition of the cabin was a blessing. Canyon residents host a memorial service every year on the anniversary of the flood. The Johnsons said they'll try to make it back to Colorado for next year's observance. Copyright 2008 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Canyon residents host a memorial service every year on the anniversary of the flood. The Johnsons said they'll try to make it back to Colorado for next year's observance.	Map of the Big Thompson River An American man presumed to be dead after the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood has been found alive in Oklahoma City. Barb Anderson, a Big Thompson Canyon resident, was researching the flood victims and found Darrell Johnson, alive and well, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Sixty-three-year-old funeral director Darrell Johnson told the ''Fort Collins Coloradoan'' on Friday that he didn't know he was on the victim list until Anderson told him last year. He was one of the six reported missing and the 144 killed, which has now been amended to 143. Johnson and his family were living in a Sleepy Hollow resort cabin in Estes Park, but decided to leave after staying for one night. A few hours later, the whole resort was washed away.
'Road Trip' Actress Mia Amber Davis Dies at 36 Email This Mia Amber Davis, known for her role in 'Road Trip,' in which she plays a voluptuous woman who seduces the geeky main character, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to a Plus Model Magazine, where Davis worked as an editor, took to their "Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her ... Today we lost our dear friend, plus size model, industry leader and colleague but we have one more heavenly angel watching over us." Mia Amber Davis, known for her role in 'Road Trip,' in which she plays a voluptuous woman who seduces the geeky main character, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to a TMZ report. She was 36.Plus Model Magazine, where Davis worked as an editor, took to their blog to comment on her death."Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her ... Today we lost our dear friend, plus size model, industry leader and colleague but we have one more heavenly angel watching over us." The cause of her death has yet to be released, but TMZ has learned that Davis underwent a routine knee surgery in Los Angeles on Monday, a day before her death. Her husband, in New York at the time, tells the site that he spoke to his wife on Tuesday and she sounded fine, but hours later heard from a cousin that she was taken to the hospital with dizziness.Not long after, he was informed that his wife had died. "I want to know what happened to my wife." \|\|\|\|\| Road Trip actress and plus-size model Mia Amber Davis dies aged 36 after routine surgery By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 9:19 AM on 12th May 2011 Actress and plus size model Mia Amber Davis has died at the age of 36. The beautiful star reportedly underwent a routine knee surgery in Los Angeles but passed away a day later. Tributes have been pouring in for the vivacious model who was a trailblazer in having equal opportunities for curvy women. Mia's husband Michael Yard told TMZ that his wife went under the knife on Monday to correct an ongoing issue on her knee which stemmed from an old college basketball injury. Sad: Plus size supermodel Mia Amber Davis has died at 36, a day after undergoing a routine knee surgery Yard was in New York at the time of Davis' surgery and said he spoke to her on Tuesday morning and she sounded normal and in good spirits. But just hours later, Yard said he received a telephone call from Davis' cousin to inform him that she was taking Davis to the hospital because she was feeling dizzy. And soon after, he received another call to tell him that his wife had passed away. Yard immediately got on a plane to Los Angeles and told TMZ that he wants answers: 'I want to know what happened to my wife'. The actress stood at over 6ft tall and reportedly weighed over 300 pounds but her personality and passion for helping others was said to be larger than life. 'Sizeism': Davis was a great advocate for fuller figure women and voiced her disdain over the prejudice larger women faced in the entertainment industry Davis was best remembered for her role in Road Trip where she played Rhonda, the heavyset girl who seduces Kyle, played by DJ Qualls. In 2009, Davis appeared on CNN to discuss obesity in America. She told host Campbell Brown: 'Sizeism is the last acceptable prejudice.. We're targets, but yet we're invisible everywhere else. 'The media doesn't showcase overweight people, overweight women are not seen in Hollywood. It's like, why are we being targets but we're invisible everywhere else?' The Facebook page of Plus Model Magazine where she was creative editor-at-large posted a message about Davis' death. 'It is with great sorrow that we are confirming that our dear friend, and plus size model Mia Amber passed away just a short time ago. Film role: Davis starred in 2000 movie Road Trip where she plays Rhonda, the heavyset girl who seduces Kyle played by DJ Qualls 'Please send your love and prayers to the family, mom and her husband... We are deeply saddened by this tragedy'. Davis is also best remembered for her worth with clothing outlet Ashley Stewart and for being the face of Jill Scott's Butterfly Bra. Plus Model Magazine Editor Madeline Jones wrote in a blog post today. 'Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her. 'Anyone else would have given up, but Mia remained steadfast in her career, knowing that she was not just doing it for her own benefit, but for women of all ages. 'Never one to put anyone down, Mia was about lifting up people and connecting them with others to help them on their journey and never asking for anything in return', she added.	Davis died in Los Angeles American plus-size model and actress has died at the age of 36 in Los Angeles, California. Davis, who appeared in the film '''', died one day after undergoing routine knee surgery. Davis was more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall and weighed over 300 pounds (136.1 kilogrammes). She was having the surgery after a prolonged basketball injury from her college days. The model returned to the hospital after feeling dizzy and later died there. Michael Yard, Davis' husband, was in New York at the time of her death. He spoke to '''', saying "I want to know what happened to my wife." Davis was also the editor of ''''. Magazine editor Madeline Jones commented on Davis' death in a blog post, writing "Mia was a super model and industry leader because it was her love for the women she represented that kept pushing her when the industry itself did not embrace her. Anyone else would have given up, but Mia remained steadfast in her career, knowing that she was not just doing it for her own benefit, but for women of all ages." Davis is best remembered for her appearance in ''Road Trip''. She played a heavyset woman named Rhonda who seduces a geek played by .
Author: simon Thursday, 6th August, 2009 at 12:33 pm, Isle of Wight In the last ten minutes an Eviction Notice has been served on the remaining Vestas workers inside the building, with the eviction time given as 12pm on Friday 7th August. The notice specifies that it will be enacted by a court bailiff, who we understand usually work with the police alongside to ensure no crime is committed. Looking at the notice, it is addressed to Christopher Ash and all other occupiers - very strange as it’s well known that Chris left the building on Tuesday after the court hearing. VB talk with Mark Smith, inside We spoke to Mark Smith shortly after the notice had been posted. When we asked how it felt reading the notice, Mark said that “No different really. I don’t feel any different at all about it.” “We’ll try and stop it happening. We want to rally as much support as we possibily can here, to stop it happening.” He appealed for people to go along at 11am on Friday morning, “Come along tomorrow to show your support for us and try and stop this happening. “Be here for 11am and try and stop the bailiffs, not physically stop them, but just show a presence and support that you don’t want this to happen.” More Police outside We understand from Jackie Hawkins, on the ground outside Vestas, that the number of police there have increased. Mark said that there are also more senior police officers outside as well. Earlier today the BBC reported that they had spoken to Newport court who told them that Vestas has applied for a warrant to have the bailiffs remove the remaining Vestas sit-in six. Hear Mark’s own words … Full size eviction notice. Click on the image to see a larger version. Green Issues, Law & Order, Newport, Vestas Sit-In, podcast \|\|\|\|\| Vestas has blamed the closure on a drop in demand Six sit-in protesters at a wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight will be removed by bailiffs at 1200 BST on Friday unless they leave beforehand. The workers have remained inside Vestas' Newport plant since 20 July in a protest at plans to axe 625 jobs. The Danish firm won a possession order on Tuesday but was forced to apply for a warrant to remove the workers. Bailiffs, who can use "reasonable force" to evict the men, gave them 24 hours notice earlier. Newport County Court told the BBC approval for the warrant was an administrative process. We have said all along we will come out peacefully when it ends Sit-in protester One of the workers inside the building said: "We are all still saying we want to stay as long as we can. "But we have said all along we will come out peacefully when it ends. "We don't want to give in to Vestas management, considering the way they have treated us." Three workers left the sit-in for personal reasons on Tuesday and another had to leave to prepare for a charity cycle ride. Six workers remain inside but the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said that at times up to 25 people were involved in the sit-in inside the factory. The sit-in protesters were served with the eviction notice on Thursday Peter Kruse, Vestas spokesman, said: "This is just the natural step in the development. "We are hoping for a peaceful outcome of this occupation. "We have always understood the frustrations of the workers but have been surprised at the length of this action." Vestas has blamed the plans to lay off the 625 workers on a drop in demand. Meanwhile five people are continuing a rooftop protest at Vestas' Venture Quays building in Cowes. The four men and one woman climbed on to the building on Tuesday and have hung banners reading "In solidarity with the Vestas workers" and "Fight for green jobs". One of them, 44-year-old Martin Shaw, said: "We will wait to see what the Vestas guys do once this warrant is served. "If they think us staying here will help the cause we will do that." Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version	Six occupiers remain inside the factory An eviction notice has been served on the occupiers remaining in the Vestas factory in Newport, Isle of Wight, England, occupiers confirm. The eviction notice states that police will remove the occupiers at noon BST tomorrow, August 7. The occupiers of the Vestas factory have pledged to go peacefully when the police enter. Only six occupiers are believed to remain in the building, of the original 25. "Mike", speaking from inside the occupation, said that the six remaining workers have no plans to leave until the police enter the factory, but also noted that protesters gathered outside the factory will try to stop them, without physical confrontation. "We're getting everyone in town down here — workers, family, trade union members." While the occupiers remain short of food, Mike describes their situation as "fine. We're used to it now." Mike expressed hope that police and the law would treat them leniently, as took place at the end of the Thomas Cook occupation in Dublin, Ireland earlier this week. The police have been "very friendly. We can't fault them" noted Mike, who pointed out that occupiers leaving the factory have not even been cautioned. After the eviction takes place the occupiers plan to continue fighting the company, first joining the demonstrators and then speaking around the country. "We will carry on even when we are taken out of here. We will continue to fight this. We aren't just going to give up." The occupiers, all employees of Vestas, began their sit-in on July 20 after Vestas announced plans to shut down production of wind turbines in Northern Europe, at the cost of 575 jobs in Newport and over 1400 jobs elsewhere in England and in Denmark. Mike says that other wind turbine companies have invited the Vestas Newport employees to apply for jobs at their locations, but those factories are in other parts of England or Europe and would require the workers to relocate.
Add a location to your Tweets When you tweet with a location, Twitter stores that location. You can switch location on/off before each Tweet and always have the option to delete your location history. Learn more \|\|\|\|\| Links location time if the fall is light or heavy and the current weather Please report ashfall to us by email or phone (786-7497). We'd like to know your. It would help us if you collect a sample for us. Here are instructions. Read the hazard report for AugustineRead the USGS Ashfall Preparedness "Before an eruption" website \|\|\|\|\| Current trajectory model (click on image for fullsize) The graphic below depicts a model simulation of prospective ash trajectory IF Redoubt Volcano was to erupt. It does not mean the volcano has erupted. These trajectories are automatically run every 6 hours independent of the state of the volcano. See here for a tutorial on interpreting trajectories. \|\|\|\|\| March 21: Steam rises from the top vent in the summit crater of Alaska's Mount Redoubt. Alaska's Mount Redoubt volcano erupted six times, sending an ash plume more than 9 miles into the air in the volcano's first emissions in nearly 20 years. Residents in the state's largest city were spared from falling ash, though fine gray dust fell Monday morning on small communities north of Anchorage. "It's coming down," Rita Jackson, 56, said Monday morning at a 24-hour grocery store in Willow, about 50 miles north of Anchorage. She slid her fingers across the hood of her car, through a dusting of ash. • Click to view photos of the volcano. • Click here for a map of Mount Redoubt. • WEBCAMS: Monitor Alaska's volcanoes live. • Click here to visit FOXNews.com's Natural Science Center. Ash from Alaska's volcanos is like a rock fragment with jagged edges and has been used as an industrial abrasive. It can injure skin, eyes and breathing passages. The young, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are especially susceptible to ash-related health problems. Ash can also cause damage engines in planes, cars and other vehicles. Alaska Airlines on Monday canceled 19 flights because of the ash. In-state carrier Era Aviation canceled four, and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage kept 60 planes, including fighter jets, cargo aircraft and a 747 commercial plane, in shelters. Five of 20 Alaska state senators were scheduled on the morning flight from Anchorage to Juneau, which was canceled. As a result, consideration of legislation, including a resolution accepting federal stimulus funds, was delayed. The first eruption, in a sparsely populated area across Cook Inlet from the Kenai Peninsula, occurred at 10:38 p.m. Sunday. The sixth happened happened at 7:41 p.m. Monday, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The wind took the ash cloud away from Anchorage, toward Willow and Talkeetna, near Mount McKinley, North America's largest mountain. There were reports of a quarter-inch of ash in Trapper Creek and up to a half-inch at a lakeside lodge near Skwentna. Dave Stricklan, a hydrometeorogical technician with the National Weather Service, expected very fine ash. "Just kind of a light dusting," he said. He said the significant amount of ash probably dropped immediately, right down the side of the volcano. "The heavier stuff drops out very quickly, and then the other stuff filters out. There's going to be a very fine amount of it that's going to be suspended in the atmosphere for quite some time," he said. "The finer ash is going to travel farther, and any ash can affect aviation safety." Jackson said she was taking a sip of coffee when she tasted something funny on her lips — ash. She was experiencing other affects, too. "My eyes are itching really bad," she said as she hurried to get out of the store and to her car. Jackson, who unexpectedly got the day off, left the grocery store to secure a motorcycle, snowmachine and vehicles under protective blue tarps at home. The 10,200-foot Redoubt Volcano, roughly 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, last erupted during a four-month period from 1989-90. In its last eruption, Redoubt sent ash 150 miles away into the path of a KLM jet and its four engines flamed out. The jet dropped more than 2 miles before the crew was able to restart all engines and land safely. The plane required $80 million in repairs. The volcano became restless earlier this year. The observatory had warned in late January that an eruption could occur at any time. Increased earthquake activity over the past 48 hours prompted scientists to raise the alert level for Mount Redoubt on Sunday. On Sunday morning, 40 to 50 earthquakes were being recorded every hour. A steam plume rising about 1,000 feet above the mountain peak was observed Saturday. Three seismometers on the mountain were damaged in the eruption but seven others remained in place, said observatory geophysicist John Power. The observatory planned a helicopter flight to the mountain Monday afternoon to sample ash, repair equipment and monitor flooding along the Drift River, which flows from a glacier of the same name. Power said the history of past eruptions of Redoubt indicate the volcano could erupt again in the next few days or weeks. "It's something we need to stay prepared for," he said. \|\|\|\|\| An Alaskan volcano 100 miles (160km) south-west of the state's largest city, Anchorage, erupted overnight, sending a plume of smoke up to 15,000 metres (50,000ft) into the air. Mount Redoubt experienced four large explosions late on Sunday and early today, according to geologists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The observatory has issued a red alert, meaning eruption is imminent or under way, with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely. The current wind patterns are taking the ash cloud away from Anchorage and instead heading toward Willow and Talkneetna, two communities near Mount McKinley, North America's largest mountain in Denali national park. Geophysicist John Power said no cities have yet reported any ash-fall from the volcano, but noted that it was still early. Using radar and satellite technology, the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting ash to start falling later today . Dave Stricklan, a hydrometeorogical technician with the NWS, said he expected very fine ash: "Just kind of a light dusting". He said the significant amount of ash probably dropped immediately, right down the side of the volcano. "The heavier stuff drops out very quickly, and then the other stuff filters out. There's going to be a very fine amount of it that's going to be suspended in the atmosphere for quite some time, but nothing to really affect anything such as aviation travel." Redoubt is a steep-sided cone-shaped volcano, about 6 miles in diameter, which last erupted nearly 20 years ago. Observatory geologists monitored the eruption and posted updates in real-time last night. At 10.35pm, they reported: "At these heightened levels of seismicity, there could be a quick escalation to eruptive activity." Three minutes later, the first explosion took place, followed by a second about 20 minutes later. The third occurred 15 minutes after midnight and the final explosion was registered at 1.39am. Geologists noted an increase in seismic activity at the volcano last week. Last Monday they reported a small explosion and "plume of gas and ash that rose to about 15,000ft above sea level" did not herald a significant eruption in the short term, but added: "Conditions may evolve rapidly." \|\|\|\|\| (CNN) -- A volcano in southern Alaska erupted anew Monday, the fifth eruption since coming back to life Sunday night. Mount Redoubt vents steam atop the crater in Alaska on Saturday. more photos » A total of five "explosive events" were recorded at Mount Redoubt, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told reporters Monday. The eruptions sent ash columns some 60,000 feet into the air above the snow-covered peak, and several communities west of Anchorage, Alaska, reported falling ash, officials said. It also raised concern about ash fallout in towns near the volcano. A "dark and cloudy environment" was noted near Cook Inlet, Salazar said. Agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey were monitoring the situation. See photos of volcano's ash and steam » Concern centers mainly on three areas, Salazar said on a Monday conference call with reporters. The first is the ash clouds' effect on air traffic in the vicinity of the volcano. Aircraft carrying a total of roughly 20,000 passengers fly through the area on any given day, Salazar said. "I understand a number of commercial flights have been canceled coming in and out of Anchorage International Airport," USGS geophysicist John Power said earlier Monday. "We could see disruptions to air travel to south central Alaska, and Alaska as a whole for a period of weeks to months." Officials are working with the aviation industry to make sure air traffic in the area is safe, Salazar said. The second area of concern is for people on the ground near the mountain, he said, but noted that most residents know what precautions to take, as experts have been warning of an eruption for some time. In Port Alsworth, where about 100 people live year-round, Mark Lang, 56, said that everyone is staying inside. "Stay indoors and stay out of it as much as you could," he advised. In the event residents have to go outside, he said, they wear masks. He said the abrasive ash is dangerous to breathe and "not good for your lungs." It could pose a problem for the town, he said, if it prevents airplanes from flying into Port Alsworth. Flying is the only way to get to the town. In Anchorage, about 100 miles from the volcano, residents were getting ready for ash. "All the masks and filters were sold out in two days," said Abi Seaver, 19, of Anchorage. Another resident of Anchorage said the city isn't too concerned. "It's so far away," she said. "And we live in the Ring of Fire, so it's not an uncommon event." The third area of concern regards facilities in the area such as he Drift River Oil Terminal, which Salazar described as a "major terminal" for the storage of crude oil. But he said measures have been taken in anticipation of an eruption, to prevent environmental damage, and "we believe everything is safe there." Experts expect the eruption to follow the same pattern as the last events in 1989 and 1990. That eruption continued for months as the mountain's lava dome grew then collapsed, raising another ash cloud, said Tom Murray, a scientist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory. The ash cloud was moving north, missing the bulk of the population in south-central Alaska, Murray said. "We are continuing to watch the volcano very closely," he said. "We could have several more phases, such as we've seen." The eruptions started at at 10:38 p.m. Sunday. Subsequent eruptions occurred at 11:02 p.m., 12:14 a.m., 1:39 a.m. and 4:37 a.m. The USGS estimated the height of the eruption cloud at 50,000 feet and warned that mudflows were possible on the Drift and Crescent rivers, and ashfall was likely near and downwind from the volcano. Ash from the volcano is expected to blow north and pass west of Anchorage, said Dave Schneider, a geophysicist with the Alaska Volcano Observatory. He described the ash as a trace -- meaning if some landed on a windshield, the driver could still see through it. Power said the ash will be about the thickness of a penny or a dime. He warned residents to take precautions. "It does pose significant problems for mechanical systems, people with respiratory illnesses and aircraft," he said, adding that residents should be prepared to stay indoors. Those in range of the ashfall should seal their windows and doors, the National Weather Service said. It also advised that residents protect electronics, minimize driving and cover air intakes and open water supplies. The alert level went to red, the highest level, when the eruptions began, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory Web page. All About Alaska • U.S. Geological Survey	Mount Redoubt releasing clouds of ash on March 15, 2009. Mount Redoubt, an active volcano west of Anchorage, Alaska, has erupted, according to the USGS Volcano Center. Between 10:38pm on March 22 and 1:39am Alaska time on March 23, the USGS recorded four explosions at the volcano, which had been giving indications of an imminent eruption since 15 March. The USGS has issued a "code red" aviation warning and a volcano warning. According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, a fifth explosion began at about 4:38am Alaska time. According to the National Weather Service, showers of volcanic ash have already been reported in Skwentna, Alaska and are possible in the Susitna Valley. Residents of those areas are advised to minimize driving, cover air intakes and open water supplies, and remain indoors. However, Peter Cervelli of the Alaska Volcano Observatory said that "Anchorage might dodge the bullet" and come through the eruption unscathed. Dave Stricklan of the National Weather Service predicted a "light dusting" of fine ash that would disrupt air travel but not seriously affect people on the ground. Mudflows may affect the Drift and Crescent Rivers. Mount Redoubt last erupted in late 1989, causing mudflows which put an oil refinery at risk while ash from the eruption stalled the engine of a passing airliner. US$160 million worth of damage was estimated to have been caused.
The ruling by the Office of Rail Regulation will see Grand Central being allowed to run a third daily service between King’s Cross and Sunderland. Grand Central was one of a number of “Open Access” operators who had sought the right to use spare capacity on the line. But finding space for additional entrants had proved difficult and triggered a fierce row between Grand Central and GNER, the previous main operator on the line. However additional paths have been found, making it possible for new entrants to compete for business on the line. As a result there will also be three new services running between Bradford Interchange and King’s Cross, run by Grand Central’s sister company, Grand Northern. Meanwhile National Express East Coast has been told that it will be able to continue running 12 additional services – six each way – between London and Leeds. The company could also bee allowed to run direct services to Harrogate, although this will need approval from the Department for Transport. Hull Trains has also been told that it can run seven weekday and five weekend services to and from King’s Cross. However another company, Platinum Trains, has failed to convince the operator of its case to run a new service between Aberdeen and King’s Cross. \|\|\|\|\| High-speed London link faces new delay The Lincoln to London high-speed rail link is hanging in the balance after regulators failed to approve plans. Train operator National Express has been told that other services on the East Coast main line would have to change their timetables to accommodate the new connection. The rail company will need to hold discussions with the Department of Transport before getting the go-ahead. The Office of Rail Regulation's decision to support the application rather than approve it means the final verdict will be given later than planned. Lincoln MP Gillian Merron said: "Evidently the key rail industry bodies concerned have more work to do and I urge them to work together so the right decision for Lincoln can be reached." The National Express bid hoped to establish a regular two-hourly service between Lincoln and London King's Cross which travelled via Newark, Grantham and Peterborough. For more details on the train service, see Friday's Echo.	The British rail regulator has announced new train services for the country's premier line. New "open access" (unregulated and non-franchised) company Grand Northern is to be given space (known in the industry as "paths") to run three train services a day between London King's Cross and Bradford, Halifax, Wakefield and Pontefract in West Yorkshire. Grand Northern's sister open access company Grand Central was given an extra path to increase services between King's Cross and Sunderland. The existing franchisee of the line, National Express East Coast, was given the right to run services to London from Harrogate, Lincoln and Bradford, but not provided with paths unless the government changes the contracts of the other franchises whose territory these services would cross. locomotive 43080 at King's Cross station Two other potential open access providers had their plans rejected by the regulator. First Group's Hull Trains had wanted to start a new service, Harrogate Trains, to run from North Yorkshire to London, whilst Platinum Trains had sought paths from London to Aberdeen in Scotland. Britain's state-owned national railway company British Rail was controversially split-up and privatized in stages between 1993 and 1997. It was replaced by a series of privately owned regional train franchises for set periods, several unfranchised open access services and a track control and maintenance company.
QANTAS' highest-ranking cargo executive in the US will serve eight months in prison and pay a $US20,000 ($A21,000) fine, becoming the first individual to be charged for involvement in the global air freight cartel. The US Department of Justice has accepted a plea agreement from Bruce McCaffrey, Qantas' former vice-president of freight for the Americas, who admitted his part in price-fixing at least $US244.4 million worth of air cargo from as early as January 2000 to at least February 2006. McCaffrey is one of six current and former Qantas employees who have been named in relation to the price-fixing scandal. Stephen Cleary, group general manager, freight, in Sydney; Harold Pang, general manager, freight sales in Singapore; Peter Frampton, former group general manager, freight; John Cooper, former general manager, freight sales; Desmond Church, a former freight employee, and McCaffrey were exempted from a plea agreement signed by Qantas in November, in which the company gave an undertaking to pay a $US61 million fine for its involvement in the cartel. McCaffrey is charged with meeting employees from other airlines and agreeing to fix cargo rates in the US and elsewhere. Under US law, he could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined $US1 million. More than 30 airlines are alleged to have been involved in the cartel. Last month, Japan Airlines was fined $US110 million. Last August, British Airways and Korean Air also pleaded guilty and were each fined $US300 million. German airline Lufthansa has been granted conditional immunity from fines for admitting its role and being the first to co-operate with authorities. McCaffrey's plea agreement strengthens a separate Australian class action by hundreds of businesses against seven airlines, including Qantas, that they believe overcharged them for freight costs. Qantas spokesman Lloyd Quartermaine said the airline could not comment because the case against McCaffrey was before the courts. "Qantas has co-operated fully with the Department of Justice and continues to work with authorities to resolve the issues," he said. Qantas shares fell 3¢ to $3.41. http://www.usdoj.gov \|\|\|\|\| A FORMER high-ranking Qantas executive has agreed to plead guilty, serve eight months in jail and pay a $21,000 fine for his part in a price-fixing conspiracy for international air cargo shipments. US authorities said Bruce McCaffrey, the airline's top freight executive in the US, had also agreed to co-operate with an investigation. The charges filed in US District Court in Washington DC said McCaffrey and his co-conspirators illegally plotted to fix rates on air cargo shipments charged to US and international customers for more than six years from January 2000. Under the plea agreement, McCaffrey -- who had managed the airline's lucrative US-Australia cargo route for more than 20 years -- agreed to pay the criminal fine and co-operate with authorities. He is charged with violating America's Sherman Act, which carries a maximum fine of $1.06 million and up to 10 years in prison for an individual. The US Department of Justice said the maximum fine could be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum. McCaffrey is the first individual to be charged in the major US probe into the air transportation industry. \|\|\|\|\| QANTAS'S former head of freight in the US, Bruce McCaffrey, has pleaded guilty and agreed to serve an eight-month jail sentence in the US for involvement in the illegal price-fixing of cargo shipments. After striking a plea bargain with the US Department of Justice on Thursday, McCaffrey is set to become the first airline executive anywhere in the world to be imprisoned for the price-fixing cartel by more than 30 airlines between 2000 to 2006. More than five months after Qantas admitted its guilt to the Justice Department and paid a $US61 million ($65 million) criminal fine to US authorities, the airline refused to comment on whether five other former and existing freight employees excluded from its plea deal could face the same fate as McCaffrey. "We can't comment on this case which involves a former staff member because it's before the courts," a Qantas spokesman said. "Qantas is co-operating fully with the Department of Justice and continues to work with authorities and regulators to resolve all outstanding issues." Qantas's senior management team, including the chief executive, Geoff Dixon, are immune from prosecution in the US. It is understood the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is now following its US counterpart in seeking admissions from airlines, including Qantas, in return for relatively light fines and immunity from further prosecution. Given that price fixing is not a criminal offence in Australia, unlike the US, four of the former and current Qantas staff based in Australia, including the former head of freight Peter Frampton, will not face extradition. In a filing to the US District Court in the District of Columbia, signed by Thomas Barnett, the Assistant Attorney-General in charge of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, McCaffrey was charged with engaging in "meetings, conversations and communications in the US and elsewhere to discuss the cargo rates to be charged on certain routes to and from the US". The law firm leading a $200 million class action against Qantas, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and British Airways over the alleged fixing of freight rates described McCaffrey's plea deal as "a major development in this case". "The jailing of the Qantas executive clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the price-fixing conduct by the airlines," said the Maurice Blackburn principal Kim Parker. "We will hope this will send a signal to Qantas it is time to talk to its customers and to make good the widespread damage," Ms Parker said.	A Qantas Airbus A330 in Singapore Bruce McCaffrey, who was formerly the vice-president in charge of freight operations in the United States for Australian flag carrier Qantas, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment and fined US$21,000 by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) for his involvement in a major air cargo price fixing cartel. McCaffrey is one of six past and present employees of the airline who have been charged over the arrangement, which is thought to have run for six years starting in 2000. He is also the first individual to be sentenced regarding the cartel. He, as well as Stephen Cleary, group general manager for freight in Sydney, Harold Pang, general manager for freight sales in Singapore, Peter Frampton, former group general manager for freight, John Cooper former general manager for freight sales and Desmond Church, a former freight employee, were all charged after being exempt from immunity granted in a plea bargain by Qantas in which the airline paid a US$61 million fine. In Australia price fixing is not actually a criminal offense, so former head of freight Peter Frampton and three other staff members in Australia will not be extradited to face charges. Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is seeking admittances of guilt from airlines whose operations fall under its jurisdiction in exchange for lighter penalties. Qantas is amongst those airlines. The cartel, which prevented competition in air freight shipments rates, is said to involve almost thirty airlines. As well as Qantas, Japan Airlines, British Airways, Korean Air and Lufthansa have all had their involvement confirmed. Whistleblower Lufthansa, a German airline, was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for exposing the operation. In August, British Airways and Korean Air pled guilty to their involvement and received fines of US$300 million each. Last month Japan Airlines also admitted to their role and paid a US$110 million fine. Amongst the others alleged to be involved are Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Hundreds of Australian businesses are involved in a class action suit against these seven airlines for AU$200 million that they believe was unfairly charged to them as a result of criminal activity. McCarthy, who ran Qantas's Australia-US cargo route for twenty years, entered a plea bargain with the authorities. Under the US Sherman Act he could have faced up to a US$1.06 million fine and up to 10 years imprisonment, but the DoJ says that the maximum fine could actually be double the gain from the offences committed or double the loss of those victimised if either were found to be higher than the normal maximum. According to the case, he was involved with "meetings, conversations and communications in the US and elsewhere to discuss the cargo rates to be charged on certain routes to and from the US". In light of the news, shares in Qantas fell 3¢ to AU$3.41.
HANOI APEC SUMIT Bush 'understands Thai coup' Surayud explains background of power seizure to Asia-Pac leaders Despite Washington's disapproval of the coup that usurped power on September 19, US President George Bush said yesterday he understood the situation in Thailand and shook hands with military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the sidelines of the Apec leaders summit here. "I believe that the president understand what's going on Thailand at the moment. He used the word 'military intervention' and he understands Thailand's position. And he also indicated that he's in a difficult position," Surayud said. After attending a meeting between the US and Southeast Asian leaders, Surayud said he had an opportunity to explain the political developments in the country. He assured the Apec leaders that the country would "proceed along the democratic path". "And on the drafting of the new constitution, we will try to put the draft of the constitution to a referendum later on," Surayud said. Bush thanked him for his explanation and expressed his support on this matter, he said. "Later on, he walked over and shook hands with me, which showed his understanding. As to our relationship, things should prosper in a better way in the future," he said. Foreign Minister Nitya Pibul-songgram described Bush's gesture towards Surayud as "beyond OK". "I think it was very good. After the meeting, the prime minister was standing in his corner, and President Bush walked across the room to pat Khun Surayud's upper arms [to show his understanding]." The US had criticised the military takeover in Thailand, saying the move was a step backward for democracy. Washington has suspended parts of military cooperation as well as bilateral free-trade negotiations, pending the election of a new government. There were also concerns that Bush would give Surayud the cold shoulder at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. But yesterday's meeting was seen by Surayud as a positive sign from Washington. He said Bush told him that his father, former president George Bush, would be granted a royal audience with His Majesty the King next month. "I think this is a special visit from the president's father to Bangkok," Surayud said. "There's a long relationship between Thailand and the US especially Mr Bush during his time as president of the US had a very close and cordial relationship with His Majesty the King." Surayud said he explained the four priorities of his interim government - political reform, restoration of national unity, reducing income inequality and strengthening the rule of law. Asked if the upcoming Bush Sr visit symbolised full acceptance of the military-backed Thai government, Surayud said it confirmed his "deep and sincere appreciation of what's going on in Thailand at the moment, especially relations at the highest level between the two countries". Apart from the political situation in Thailand, Bush also welcomed the initiative of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi to organise a "future Apec leaders" forum for the youth in Apec economies. Bush agreed to host the gathering. Surayud said he did not have the time to explain the political situation in Thailand to many more countries, only a certain group with a close relationship to Thailand. He said two more ministers were needed to help with the workload. Sommai Phasee, former deputy permanent secretary of the Finance Ministry, will become its deputy minister, and Prasit Kovilaikool, former dean of the law faulty at Thammasat University, will join the Prime Minister's Office. Assoc Professor Prasit was serving as president of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University in Samut Prakan and Sommai as the chairman of TMB Bank. They are expected to appear at a swearing-in ceremony tomorrow before His Majesty the King. Surayud said his deputy, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who is also the finance minister, had requested a deputy to assist him with the budget. "First, he thought he could do it alone. But later on, he took on several assignments and many of them are urgent." The PM's Office could use people with legal expertise, Surayud said. "We need the lawyers to coordinate and prioritise several draft bills for the National Legislative Assembly." The two will be added to the 26-member Cabinet set up last month after Surayud was handpicked by the coup-makers led by Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. Jeerawat Na Thalang The Nation HANOI \|\|\|\|\| To improve the performance of our website, show the most relevant news products and targeted advertising, we collect technical impersonal information about you, including through the tools of our partners. You can find a detailed description of how we use your data in our Privacy Policy. For a detailed description of the technologies, please see the Cookie and Automatic Logging Policy. By clicking on the "Accept & Close" button, you provide your explicit consent to the processing of your data to achieve the above goal. You can withdraw your consent using the method specified in the Privacy Policy.	According to reports from Agence France-Press (AFP), and Thai newspaper, ''The Nation'', US president George Bush has met with the recently appointed Prime Minister, Surayud Chulanont. The encounter took place at the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Hanoi. Surayud, appointed by the leaders of the bloodless September 19 coup, outlined the plans of the government to introduce constitutional reforms and political change. According to AFP there had been suggestions that Bush would not meet with Surayud, but the two shook hands cordially and Bush was said to have described the coup which ousted populist Thaksin Shinawatra as "military intervention". The US President has been making further use of the opportunities for dialogue at the APEC summit, today saw him catching up with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Discussion was said to include currently in-place sanctions against Russian arms and military aircraft manufacturers.
Bill Murray film's use of famed U.S. horse racing phrase draws lawsuit U.S. horse racing announcer Dave Johnson, who called Triple Crown races for ABC television for two decades, on Wednesday sued the makers of Bill Murray’s 2014 film "St. Vincent" for using his signature phrase "and down the stretch they come" without permission. \|\|\|\|\| New York Court Rules Gays Must Be Allowed To Marry by Beth Shapiro 365Gay.com New York Bureau (New York City) A New York State court ruled Friday that same-sex couples must be allowed to marry. State Supreme Court Judge Doris Ling-Cohan said that the New York State Constitution guarantees basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people, and that those rights are violated when same-sex couples are not allowed to marry. The ruling said the state Constitution requires same-sex couples to have equal access to marriage, and that the couples represented by Lambda Legal must be given marriage licenses. "This is a historic ruling that delivers the state Constitution's promise of equality to all New Yorkers," said Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney at Lambda Legal and the lead attorney on the case. "The court recognized that unless gay people can marry, they are not being treated equally under the law. Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says they're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do." Lambda filed the suit last March in Manhattan on behalf of 5 gay and lesbian couples. (story) The case was the first of its kind to be filed in New York since the Massachusetts high court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to full marriage under that state's Constitution. (story) In today's ruling, Judge Ling-Cohan said, "Simply put, marriage is viewed by society as the utmost expression of a couple's commitment and love. Plaintiffs may now seek this ultimate expression through a civil marriage." "I was even more moved than I thought I'd be when I heard about this ruling. All of us cried; me, Mary Jo and our 15-year-old daughter. For the first time, our family is being treated with the respect and dignity that our friends, coworkers and neighbors automatically have," said Jo-Ann Shain, a 51-year-old New York City resident who is a plaintiff in the case with her partner, Mary Jo Kennedy, 49. "Last week, Mary Jo and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary together, but we've never had all the protections and rights that come with marriage. We need these protections to take responsibility for each other and for our daughter, and we are enormously grateful that the court saw that and said our family should be treated equally." Another of the couples was Daniel Hernandez, 46, and Nevin Cohen, 42, who have been together for over six years. When the suit was filed Hernandez said they were looking for the same rights as those enjoyed by his parents. "We're lucky to both have parents who've been happily married for more than 50 years," said Hernandez. "Is it too much to want that for ourselves? Justice Ling-Cohan stayed today's ruling 30 days in case there is an appeal. Ultimately, the legality of gay marriage in New York is likely to be decided by the Court of Appeal, the state's highest court. Yesterday an Albany court ruled that marriage is not a fundamental right. Two couples, Elissa Kane and Lynne Lekakis, and Robert Barnes and George Jurgastis, were married last year by a Unitarian Universalist minister in Albany But when they tried to get marriage licenses from the Albany City Clerk's office they were refused. The four sued Albany and the state Health Department, claiming Domestic Relations Law is gender neutral and marriages without licenses are still legally binding. On Thursday, Justice E. Michael Kavanagh said state law doesn't specifically bar giving marriage licenses to same-sex couples; it just requires two people to be of age and legally competent. However, Kavnagh rule, "the statute is replete with other references ... that this was, in fact, the intent that marriage be reserved for couples of the opposite sex." ©365Gay.com 2005	Five same-sex couples won a major victory Friday as a New York State court ruled that gay couples must be allowed to marry. Doris Ling-Cohan, a New York state Supreme Court justice, said New York’s state constitution guarantees lesbian and gay people equal access to marriage rights that are violated when same-sex couples are not allowed to marry. "This is a historic ruling that delivers the state Constitution's promise of equality to all New Yorkers," Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney at Lambda Legal Defense Fund, said in a statement to reporters. In the New York State justice system, the Supreme Court is court in which cases originate, and is not the highest court. Decisions from the Supreme Court may, with reason, be appealed to the Appellate Division, and possibly beyond that to the Court of Appeals, the highest court in the New York State justice system. Justice Ling-Cohan ordered the New York City Clerk's office to start issuing marriage licences to same-sex couple within 30 days. An appeal is expected.
Scientists have discovered three new species of Australian dinosaur discovered in a prehistoric billabong in Western Queensland. Reporting on July 3 in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal, PLoS ONE, Scott Hocknull and colleagues at the Queensland Museum and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History describe the fossils of three new mid-Cretaceous dinosaurs from the Winton Formation in eastern Australia: two giant, herbivorous sauropods and one carnivorous theropod, all of which are to be unveiled in Queensland on July 3. The three fossils add to our knowledge of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is crucial for the understanding of the global paleobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. Australia’s dinosaurian fossil record is extremely poor, compared with that of other similar-sized continents, such as South America and Africa. However, the mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation in central western Queensland has, in recent years, yielded numerous fossil sites with huge potential for the discovery of new dinosaurian taxa. Between 2006 and 2009, extensive excavations have yielded many well-preserved dinosaur fossils, as well as the remains of other contemporaneous fauna. In a single, comprehensive, publication, Hocknull and colleagues describe the remains of three individual dinosaur skeletons, found during joint Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum digs in two different sites in the Winton Formation. They represent three new genera and species of dinosaur: two giant herbivorous sauropods and a carnivorous theropod. The carnivore, named by the authors on the paper Australovenator wintonensis (nicknamed “Banjo”) is the most complete meat-eating dinosaur found in Australia, to date and sheds light on the ancestry of the largest-ever meat-eating dinosaurs, the carcharodontosaurs, a group of dinosaurs that became gigantic, like Giganotosaurus. “The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile,” said lead author Scott Hocknull. “He could run down most prey with ease over open ground. His most distinguishing feature was three large slashing claws on each hand. Unlike some theropods that have small arms (think T. rex), Banjo was different; his arms were a primary weapon. advertisement “He’s Australia's answer to Velociraptor, but many times bigger and more terrifying.” The skeleton of Australovenator solves a 28-year-old mystery surrounding an ankle bone found in Victoria, which was originally classified as a dwarf Allosaurus, although this classification remained controversial until the discovery of Australovenator—the researchers are now able to confirm that the ankle bone belonged to the lineage that led to Australovenator. The two plant-eating theropods, named Witonotitan wattsi (“Clancy”) and Diamantinasaurus matildae (“Matilda”), are different kinds of titanosaur (the largest type of dinosaur ever to have lived). While Witonotitan represents a tall, gracile animal, which might have fitted into a giraffe-like niche, the stocky, solid Diamantinasaurus represents a more hippo-like species. All three dinosaurs are nicknamed after characters from a world-famous, Australian poet. Banjo Patterson composed Waltzing Matilda in 1885 in Winton, where the song was also first performed (and where the fossils were discovered). Waltzing Matilda is now considered to be Australia’s national song. In a quirky twist of fate, the song Waltzing Matilda describes the unfortunate demise of a swag-man, who steals a jumbuck (sheep) but is driven to leap into a billabong (an Australian word for a small oxbow lake) to avoid being captured by the police. He ends up drowning in the billabong alongside the stolen sheep. advertisement Banjo and Matilda were found buried together in what turns out to be a 98-million-year-old billabong. Whether they died together or got stuck in the mud together remains a mystery; however, echoing the song, both predator and possible prey met their end at the bottom of a billabong, 98 million years ago. This shows that processes that were working in the area over the last 98 million years are still there today. “Billabongs are a built-in part of the Australian mind,” said Hocknull, “because we associate them with mystery, ghosts and monsters.” The finding and documentation of the fossils was a 100% Australian effort. Both Matilda and Banjo were prepared by Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer work and philanthropy. “This is the only place in Australia where you can come off the street and be taught to be a palaeontologist and find, excavate and prepare your own part of Australian natural history,” said Hocknull. The dinosaurs will now be part of a museum collection and this effort will enable future generations of scientists to be involved in a new wave of dinosaur discoveries and to bring the general public in touch with their own natural heritage.” This collaborative effort links closely with PLoS ONE’s philosophy of making science freely accessible to the general public. “One of my major motivations for submitting to PLoS ONE was the fact that my research will reach a much wider community, including the hundreds of volunteers and public who gave their time and money to the development of natural history collections,” said Hocknull. “They are the backbone of our work (excuse the pun) and they usually never get to see their final product because they rarely subscribe to scientific journals.” All three new taxa, along with some fragmentary remains from other taxa, indicate a diverse Early Cretaceous sauropod and theropod fauna in Australia, and the finds will help provide a better understanding of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is, in turn, crucial for the understanding of the global palaeobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. The authors agree that even though hundreds of bones have already been found at the site, these fossils are just the tip of the iceberg. “Many hundreds more fossils from this dig await preparation and there is much more material left to excavate,” they said. Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum staff and volunteers will continue to dig at this and other sites in 2010. The fossils will be unveiled at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Queensland, Australia, July 3 by Anna Bligh, the Premier of Queensland. Stage 1 of the museum, a non-profit, volunteer-driven, science initiative that aims to bring Australian dinosaurs to the world, will also be opened by Ms Bligh on July 3. \|\|\|\|\| Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Australian palaeontologists say they have discovered three new dinosaur species after examining fossils dug up in Queensland. Writing in the journal PLoS One, they describe one of the creatures as a fearsome predator with three large slashing claws on each hand. The other two were herbivores: one a tall giraffe-like creature, the other of stocky build like a hippopotamus. The fossils date back nearly 100 million years. They were found in rocks known as the Winton Formation. The dinosaurs have been named after characters in Australia's famous song Waltzing Matilda. The carnivore, which has the scientific classification Australovenator wintonensis, has therefore been dubbed "Banjo" after Banjo Patterson, who composed the song in Winton in 1885. Queensland Museum palaeontologist Scott Hucknell said the creature would have been a terrifying prospect. "The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile. He could run down most prey with ease over open ground," he told reporters. FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. More from BBC World Service The two plant-eating, four-legged sauropod species are new types of titanosaurs - the largest animals ever to walk the Earth. "Clancy" (scientific name: Witonotitan wattsi) was a tall slender animal, while Matilda (Diamantinasaurus matildae) was more stocky and hippo-like. Banjo and Matilda - possibly predator and his prey - were found buried together in a 98-million-year-old billabong, or stagnant pond. A comparison of all three: "Matilda" (L), "Clancy" (C) and "Banjo" (R) The findings have been published in the public access journal Public Library of Science One (PLoS One), and were announced by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Winton. She said the discoveries were a major breakthrough in the scientific understanding of prehistoric life in Australia. Museum Victoria palaeontologist John Long described the fossils as "amazing". The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper quoted him as saying that the creatures put Australia back on the international map of big dinosaur discoveries for the first time since 1981, when the unearthing of Muttaburrasaurus, a large four-legged herbivore that could rear up on two legs, was announced. The new species will be part of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History under construction in Winton. It should be completed in 2015. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Triple Fossil Find Puts Australia Back on the Dinosaur Map 11.30 A.M. Australian Eastern Standard Time - Fri, July 3 2009 Reporting on July 3 in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal, PLoS ONE, Scott Hocknull and colleagues at the Queensland Museum and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History describe the fossils of three new mid-Cretaceous dinosaurs from the Winton Formation in eastern Australia: two giant, herbivorous sauropods and one carnivorous theropod, all of which are to be unveiled in Queensland on July 3. The three fossils add to our knowledge of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is crucial for the understanding of the global paleobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. Australia’s dinosaurian fossil record is extremely poor, compared with that of other similar-sized continents, such as South America and Africa. However, the mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation in central western Queensland has, in recent years, yielded numerous fossil sites with huge potential for the discovery of new dinosaurian taxa. Between 2006 and 2009, extensive excavations have yielded many well-preserved dinosaur fossils, as well as the remains of other contemporaneous fauna. In a single, comprehensive, publication, Hocknull and colleagues describe the remains of three individual dinosaur skeletons, found during joint Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum digs in two different sites in the Winton Formation. They represent three new genera and species of dinosaur: two giant herbivorous sauropods and a carnivorous theropod. The carnivore, named by the authors on the paper Australovenator wintonensis (nicknamed “Banjo”) is the most complete meat-eating dinosaur found in Australia, to date and sheds light on the ancestry of the largest-ever meat-eating dinosaurs, the carcharodontosaurs, a group of dinosaurs that became gigantic, like Giganotosaurus. “The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile,” said lead author Scott Hocknull. “He could run down most prey with ease over open ground. His most distinguishing feature was three large slashing claws on each hand. Unlike some theropods that have small arms (think T. rex), Banjo was different; his arms were a primary weapon. “He’s Australia's answer to Velociraptor, but many times bigger and more terrifying.” The skeleton of Australovenator solves a 28-year-old mystery surrounding an ankle bone found in Victoria, which was originally classified as a dwarf Allosaurus, although this classification remained controversial until the discovery of Australovenator—the researchers are now able to confirm that the ankle bone belonged to the lineage that led to Australovenator. The two plant-eating theropods, named Witonotitan wattsi (“Clancy”) and Diamantinasaurus matildae (“Matilda”), are different kinds of titanosaur (the largest type of dinosaur ever to have lived). While Witonotitan represents a tall, gracile animal, which might have fitted into a giraffe-like niche, the stocky, solid Diamantinasaurus represents a more hippo-like species. All three dinosaurs are nicknamed after characters from a world-famous, Australian poet. Banjo Patterson composed Waltzing Matilda in 1885 in Winton, where the song was also first performed (and where the fossils were discovered). Waltzing Matilda is now considered to be Australia’s national song. In a quirky twist of fate, the song Waltzing Matilda describes the unfortunate demise of a swag-man, who steals a jumbuck (sheep) but is driven to leap into a billabong (an Australian word for a small oxbow lake) to avoid being captured by the police. He ends up drowning in the billabong alongside the stolen sheep. Banjo and Matilda were found buried together in what turns out to be a 98-million-year-old billabong. Whether they died together or got stuck in the mud together remains a mystery; however, echoing the song, both predator and possible prey met their end at the bottom of a billabong, 98 million years ago. This shows that processes that were working in the area over the last 98 million years are still there today. “Billabongs are a built-in part of the Australian mind,” said Hocknull, “because we associate them with mystery, ghosts and monsters.” The finding and documentation of the fossils was a 100% Australian effort. Both Matilda and Banjo were prepared by Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer work and philanthropy. “This is the only place in Australia where you can come off the street and be taught to be a palaeontologist and find, excavate and prepare your own part of Australian natural history,” said Hocknull. The dinosaurs will now be part of a museum collection and this effort will enable future generations of scientists to be involved in a new wave of dinosaur discoveries and to bring the general public in touch with their own natural heritage.” This collaborative effort links closely with PLoS ONE’s philosophy of making science freely accessible to the general public. “One of my major motivations for submitting to PLoS ONE was the fact that my research will reach a much wider community, including the hundreds of volunteers and public who gave their time and money to the development of natural history collections,” said Hocknull. “They are the backbone of our work (excuse the pun) and they usually never get to see their final product because they rarely subscribe to scientific journals.” All three new taxa, along with some fragmentary remains from other taxa, indicate a diverse Early Cretaceous sauropod and theropod fauna in Australia, and the finds will help provide a better understanding of the Australian dinosaurian record, which is, in turn, crucial for the understanding of the global palaeobiogeography of dinosaurian groups. The authors agree that even though hundreds of bones have already been found at the site, these fossils are just the tip of the iceberg. “Many hundreds more fossils from this dig await preparation and there is much more material left to excavate,” they said. Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum staff and volunteers will continue to dig at this and other sites in 2010. The fossils will be unveiled at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History in Queensland, Australia, July 3 by Anna Bligh, the Premier of Queensland. Stage 1 of the museum, a non-profit, volunteer-driven, science initiative that aims to bring Australian dinosaurs to the world, will also be opened by Ms Bligh on July 3. The full scientific findings are set out in the paper, “New Mid-Cretaceous (Latest Albian) Dinosaurs from Winton, Queensland,” Australia, published July 3 in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE.	Scientists in Queensland, Australia have discovered three new species of dinosaur in the mid-Cretaceous Winton Formation. The find has been published in the 2009 online journal ''PLoS ONE'' by Queensland Museum palaeontologist, Scott Hocknull ''et al.'' Winton, Queensland, Australia Skeletal remains of two giant (titanosauriform) herbivorous sauropods along with one lightweight carnivorous theropod were found. ''Diamantinasaurus matildae'' (meaning "Matilda's Diamantina River Lizard") derives its name from the Diamantina River which meanders through Queensland, Australia, and the Greek word ''sauros'', which means lizard. The name ''matildae'' honours a national song of Australia, "Waltzing Matilda" penned by poet and writer A.B. "Banjo" Patterson whilst visiting near the town of Winton. ''Diamantinasaurus'' was a very large and heavy lithostrotian sauropod which has been compared to a gigantic modern-day hippopotamus. The discoverers' impression of ''Diamantinasaurus'' ''Wintonotitan wattsi'' was named firstly for the town of Winton, followed by Titan, a giant in Greek mythology. ''Wattsi'' honours Keith Watts, the original person who discovered the bones and donated them to Queensland Museum back in 1974. This plant-eating, tall, basal sauropod was nicknamed "Clancy" and has been said to resemble a present-day giraffe. A reconstruction of ''Australovenator'', showing known fossils. ''Australovenator wintonensis'' (meaning "Winton's Australian hunter") is named after Australia (from Latin ''Australis''), and ''venator'', the Latin word for hunter. The name ''wintonensis'' again means from the town of Winton. This allosauroid was nicknamed "Banjo". "The cheetah of his time, Banjo was light and agile. He could run down most prey with ease over open ground," said Hucknell. “He’s Australia's answer to ''Velociraptor'', but many times bigger and more terrifying.” "Banjo" and "Matilda" were both found entangled together in a 98- to 95-million-year-old billabong. Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland, was called upon to unveil the fossil remains on July 3 at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History. “The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Queensland Museum have successfully partnered to uncover this greatest concentration of dinosaur bones ever found in Australia,” said Bligh. “This State Government-funded initiative has revealed to the world the first new sauropods to be named in Australia in over 75 years, and the most complete carnivorous dinosaur skeleton ever found in our country.”
Rabobank:Rasmussen løj om Mexico Foto: Scanpix Rabobank oplyser sent onsdag aften, at Michael Rasmussen er blevet trukket ud af Tour de France, fordi han har løjet om sine tidsplaner, nærmere bestemt det meget famøse ophold i Mexico. "Han sagde adskillige gange, hvor han trænede, og det viste sig at være forkert. Holdets ledelse modtog disse informationer adskillige gange, og i dag fik vi nye informationer," siger manager Theo de Rooij om beslutningen. "Vi fik onsdag eftermiddag at vide, at Michael Rasmussen ikke havde været i Mexico, som han ellers havde sagt. I lyset af de informationer spurgte holdets ledelse Michael Rasmussen, om han kunne bekræfte disse oplysninger, og til sidst indrømmede han, at han havde været i Italien. For holdets direktør, Theo de Rooij var det dråben, der fik bægeret til at flyde over, og det er baggrunden for, at vi har valgt ikke at lade Michael Rasmussen stille til start torsdag," siger holdets talsmand ifølge L'Equipe. Rasmussen har oplyst, at han var i Mexico fra den 4. til den 26. juni, men onsdag fortalte den tidligere toprytter og nuværende kommentator for italiensk tv, Davide Cassani, at han havde set Rasmussen i Italien den 13. og 14. i Dolomitterne. "Rabobank er chokeret og enormt skuffet over, at Rasmussen har løjet om sit opholdssted," skriver Rabobank i en meddelelse. Danskeren har været i strid modvind, siden det kom frem, at han i flere tilfælde havde fået advarsler for ikke at overholde indberetningsreglerne. \|\|\|\|\| Michael Rasmussen ude af Touren Foto: Scanpix Michael Rasmussen er ude af dette års Tour de France. Det er danskerens hold Rabobank, der har besluttet at trække ham ud af løbet, fordi han har overtrådt holdets regler. Ifølge Reuters er Rasmussen blevet fyret af holdet. Han har været under hård beskydning, siden det kom frem, at han har fået fire advarsler for ikke at overholde reglerne om at oplyse, hvor han befandt sig. Indtil videre har Rabobank dog stået bag Rasmussen, og holdet havde blandt andet på hviledagen sin advokat til at udlægge teksten for den forsamlede presse. Det er derfor usikkert, hvad der har forårsaget kovendingen. Dog kunne den tidligere toprytter og nuværende kommentator for italiensk tv, Davide Cassani, tidligere onsdag ifølge DR berette, at han havde set Michael Rasmussen i Italien på et tidspunkt, hvor Rasmussen hævder at have været i Mexico. Rasmussen har afvist påstanden. \|\|\|\|\| Rasmussen-sagen 2009: 18. maj: Den østrigske statsadvokatur vil forfølge, om Michael Rasmussen har deltaget i bloddoping og på den måde har forbrudt sig mod det østrigske antidopingreglements paragraf 22a. Han mistænkes for bl.a. sammen med en anden dopingudelukket rytter, østrigske Bernhard Kohl, at have været med til at købe en blodcentrifuge til brug for bloddoping. Den internationale sportsdomstol (CAS) afviser Michael Rasmussens anke og fastholder dommen på to års karantæne. Karantænen udløber 27. juli 2009. Den internationale sportsdomstol (CAS) meddeler efter en høring i Lausanne, at Michael Rasmussen kan forvente en afgørelse i forbindelse med danskerens anke af den toårige karantæne inden jul. Den internationale sportsdomstol, CAS, indkalder Michael Rasmussen til høring i forbindelse med danskerens anke af den toårige karantæne. Høringen er sat til den 14. november. Michael Rasmussen bliver ved en domstol i Utrecht blevet tilkendt en erstatning på omkring fem millioner kroner, som hans tidligere hold Rabobank skal betale. Michael Rasmussen er blevet idømt to års karantæne af Monacos cykelforbund, der har danskerens cykellicens. Det skriver cyclingnews.com, som har talt med Rasmussens manager, Moreno Nicoletti. Forbundet har idømt Rasmussen den toårige karantæne, fordi han er udeblevet fra dopingkontrol op til Tour de France. Karantænen virker efter al sandsynlighed med tilbagevirkende kraft, hvilket betyder, at den startede den dag Michael Rasmussen blev taget ud af Tour de France den 25. juli 2007. Michael Rasmussen siger, at han føler sig overbevist om, at han nok skal finde sig en ny arbejdsgiver: - Jeg er ikke et øjeblik i tvivl om, at jeg nok skal finde en arbejdsgiver. De hold, der er interesserede, venter bare på en afgørelse. Fysisk er jeg fuldstændig klar, siger han til Politiken. En af Michael Rasmussens tidligere holdkammerater hos Rabobank, Max van Heeswijk, siger, at holdet vidste, at danskeren ikke var i Mexico forud for Tour de France. Det kan være en vigtig brik i Rasmussens sag om uberettiget fyring fra Rabobank.Torsdag den 17. januar: Michael Rasmussen fortæller selv, at UCI har bedt Monacos cykelforbund om at rejse en sag mod danskeren. Sagen skal tage udgangspunkt i en paragraf i antidopingreglerne, der handler om at lyve om sit opholdssted. Det betyder, at han maksimalt kan blive idømt et års karantæne. Michael Rasmussen bliver af den tyske tv-station ARD beskyldt for at være kunde hos en illegal østrigsk blodbank, hvor han skulle have modtaget bloddoping. Danskeren afviser beskyldningerne. Rasmussen meddeler, at han indenfor den nærmeste fremtid vil stævne Rabobank for et "betragteligt millionbeløb." Michael Rasmussen siger, at han har fået at vide, UCI har besluttet at åbne en sag mod ham. UCI har sendt sagen til Monaco, hvor Rasmussen har licens. Han risikerer at få to års karantæne. Rabobank afviser, at sagen mellem parterne kan slutte i et forlig. - Hans advokater har kontaktet os og spurgt, om der var mulighed for et forlig. Det sagde vi nej til. Vi har ikke tænkt os at give ham penge, siger manager Henri van der Aat til B.T. Michael Rasmussen oplyser, at han har hyret to hollandske advokater fra firmaet Brantjes Veerman Advocaten, og de skal med bistand fra Rasmussens danske følge forsøge at få et stort erstatningsbeløb vristet ud lommerne på Rabobanks ledelse. Rabobank offentliggør en rapport, hvor hollænderne konkluderer, at det var korrekt at udelukke Rasmussen fra Tour de France. Hold-ledelsen burde dog allerede havde reageret før Touren og ikke ladet Rasmussen starte på grund af, at han havde løjet om sine opholdssteder. Rapporten fastslår, at der ikke er nogle beviser for, at Rasmussen har været dopet. Michael Rasmussen erkender, at han ikke var i Mexico forud for Tour de France, men tværtimod opholdt sig i Italien og Frankrig. Han hævder dog, at Rabobank hele tiden har kendt til det. Formanden for det franske antidopingagentur, Pierre Bordry, bekræfter, at der er fundet spor af Dynepo i danskerens urin under det franske etapeløb. Stoffet er så nyt, at det ikke optræder på dopinglisterne, og derfor blev der ikke indledt nogen sag under det franske etapeløb. - Rasmussens test kunne ikke blive erklæret positiv på grund af Det Internationale Antidopingagenturs (WADA) kriterier, oplyser den franske antidopingformand. Rabobanks nye manager, Henri van der Aat, siger, at beviserne mod danskerens fusk med de såkaldte whereabouts er klare. Og derfor frygter van der Aat heller ikke, at sagen om Rasmussen kan risikere at få et retligt efterspil. - Vi ved helt sikkert, at han på et tidspunkt i juni ikke var i Mexico, som han ellers havde fortalt os, at han var. Det står helt klart, siger holdmanageren til Ritzau. Michael Rasmussen er i La Gazetta dello Sport citeret for at have indrømmet, at han var i Dolomitterne inden Touren. I den periode hvor han burde have opholdt sig i Mexico. Det passer ikke, siger Rasmussen. Journalisten bag artiklen fastholder, at han har talt med danskeren. Michael Rasmussen bliver modtaget med jubel og klapsalver, da han for første gang siden Tour de France-udelukkelsen kører cykelløb i Danmark. Han stiller op i gadeløbet Tour de Charlottenlund. CSCs pressechef, Brian Nygaard, siger, at en af grundene til, at CSC ikke forlængede kontrakten med Michael Rasmussen i 2002 var, at rytterens interne dopingprøver viste uregelmæssigheder. Michael Rasmussen siger til Politiken, at han ikke vil komme med beviser på sin uskyld på nuværende tidspunkt. Hans advokat skal i stedet tage sig af sagen. Michael Rasmussen fastholder overfor bla. B.T. og Berlingske Tidende, at han ikke har været i Italien den 13.- 14. juni. Rabobank meddeler, at Michael Rasmussen bliver trukket ud af Tour de France, fordi han har forbrudt sig mod holdets regler. Samme aften har Aftentour på DR1 fortalt, at en italiensk rytter har mødt danskeren på en træningstur i Italien den 13. - 14. juni, hvor Rasmussen ellers har oplyst, at han var i Mexico. På hviledagen i Tour de France indkalder Rabobank og Michael Rasmussen til pressemøde, hvor man afviser alle anklager mod danskeren. Rasmussen erkender at have modtaget én alvorlig advarsel fra UCI. Advarslen fra 2006 fra ikke en 'recorded' advarsel og dermed ikke betydende, ifølge Rabobank. Den tyske dopingekspert Dr. Werner Franke mener ikke, at Michael Rasmussen er troværdig, når han i 22 dage i juni opholdt sig i Mexico uden at være under overvågning af UCI. - Den, der ikke oplyser sit opholdssted, er aldrig troværdig. Så dækker man over noget med vilje, siger Dr. Werner Franke. Direktøren for Danmarks Cykle Union, Jesper Worre, siger til DR Sporten, at Michael Rasmussen var udenfor antidoping-myndighedernes rækkevidde i tre uger. Michael Rasmussen erkender at have modtaget fire advarsler. To fra Den Internationale Cykelunion (UCI) og to fra Anti Doping Danmark (ADD). Men han siger, at han ser dem som én sag, da de tre advarsler stammer fra samme periode. En amerikansk mountain-bike rytter hævder, at Michael Rasmussen i 2002 forsøgte at få ham til at tage en skoæske med fra USA til Italien. Skoæsken indeholdet angiveligt dopingstoffer. Direktør i Danmarks Cykle Union Jesper Worre fortæller til DR, at man har besluttet at udelukke Rasmussen fra det danske landshold. Og dermed ryger i første omgang VM og sandsynligvis også OL 2008. Det skyldes de fire advarsler, som Rasmussen havde indkasseret. DR Sporten bringer historien om, at Michael Rasmussen i løbet af 2006 og 2007 har modtaget flere advarsler for ikke at oplyse dopingmyndighederne om, hvor han befinder sig, når han træner. Tre advarsler fra samme instans kan udløse en karantænedom. Rasmussen afviser historien. UCI modtager et brev fra Michael Rasmussen dateret 12. juni. DCU beslutter på et bestyrelsesmøde, at Michael Rasmussen skal udelukkes fra landsholdet. Michael Rasmussen kommer hjem til Italien og sender forklaring til UCI på fax. ADD forsøger at teste Michael Rasmussen i Italien uden held. Michael Rasmussen bliver i Mexico og sender nyt brev til UCI om opholdet fra 12. - 28. juni. Dette brev når ikke frem før 29. juni. UCI modtager brevet dateret 4. juni Brevet til UCI postes i Italien Michael Rasmussen tager til Mexico. Skriver brev om opholdet fra den 4. til 12. juni. Dette brev når først frem den 11. juni. ADD forsøger at teste Michael Rasmussen i Italien uden held.	Michael Rasmussen Current yellow jersey, Michael Rasmussen has been withdrawn from the 2007 Tour de France by his team Rabobank for lying to the team about his whereabouts in June, saying he was in Mexico while he was, in fact, in Italy. An Italian Tour de France commentator mentioned he had met Rasmussen in June on a training camp in Italy. It has been reported that the hotel, where Rabobank's team was staying, was raided and searched late Wednesday by the police. There is no word on whether the search turned up anything. Rasmussen had come under heavy fire for having received four warnings from cycling authorities before the race, because of him failing to inform about his whereabouts. Before today's stage, which he won, Rasmussen said: "I want to make absolutely clear I've had out-of-competition tests prior to the Tour de France, 14 tests during the Tour and all the results are negative ... I do support my team in the fight against doping and for a clean sport." "Michael Rasmussen has been sent home for violating the team's internal rules," said Rabobank spokesman Jacob Bergsma. According to Danish news channel TV 2 News, the rest of the Rabobank team will be allowed to finish the race if they wish to do so. TV 2 News also says Rasmussen has left Rabobank's hotel. Davide Cassani, a former Tour de France cyclist and now a TV commentator for Italy, said that he had seen Rasmussen in the Dolomites area of the Alps on both June 13 and 14, 2007. Rasmussen had filed information with his team that he was in Mexico from June 4 through June 26. ===Reactions===
WINNERS AT 2015 BALLON D'OR Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi Women's World Player of the Year: Carli Lloyd Puskas Award: Wendell Lira Men's World Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique Women's World Coach of the Year: Jill Ellis Fair Play Award: All football organsations supporting refugees FIFA/FIFPro World XI: Manuel Neuer; Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves; Andres Iniesta, Luka Modric, Paul Pogba; Lionel Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d'Or 2015 winner Lionel Messi did not pick up another major individual prize in Switzerland on Monday, as Wendell Lira won the Puskas Award. Messi's Copa del Rey Final goal for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao at the Nou Camp failed to be adjudged the Goal of the Year. Argentine superstar Messi and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi were beaten to the prize by 27-year-old Brazilian, Lira, at the Kongresshaus, Zurich ceremony hosted by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt and Sky Sports News presenter Katie Abdo. Lira, who now plays for Vila Nova, netted a superb bicycle kick for Goianesia away at Atletico Goianiense on March 11 last year to round off a terrific team goal. 'It is an honour to be here to get to know famous players I've only seen on the screen before,' Lira said in accepting the award. 'I thank my family and all those who voted for me. I should like to thank my wife and my daughter.' Lira received 46.7% of the vote, well ahead of Messi's 33.3% and Florenzi's 7.1%. The result was determined by a public vote through FIFA's website, and you can watch all three of the top three goals below. Vila Nova's Brazilian forward Wendell Lira, formerly of Goianesia, delivers a speech on January 11 Lira wept after winning the FIFA Puskas Award ahead of Lionel Messi at the Kongresshaus in Zurich Lira poses for a portrait prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Park Hyatt hotel on January 10 The 27-year-old held up a portrait of himself having traveled to Switzerland for the Monday ceremony Messi of Argentina and Barcelona is interviewed by Ballon d'Or hosts, James Nesbitt and Katie Abdo Messi celebrates after scoring in the Copa del Rey Final against Athletic Bilbao on May 30, 2015 THE WINNER Wendell Lira - Atletico-GO vs GOIANESIA, Brazilian Goiano, March 11 The team goal of the three, but one that still involved a magnificent finish at the end of it, Lira's strike was a joy to watch. After playing the ball into a team-mate on the edge of the box, Lira ran through the defence, dummied the return pass, and eventually received a delightful chip with his back to goal. Barely breaking stride the Brazilian unleashed a peach of a bicycle kick past the goalkeeper, the perfect end to a wonderful move, which earned his side a 2-1 win. THE RUNNERS-UP Lionel Messi, BARCELONA vs Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey, May 30 Not only was this a brilliant goal, but the fact that it came in a cup final, to open the scoring, adds even more weight to its status as the best strike of the year. When Messi picked the ball up on the right hand side, there was nothing on. Tightly marked, facing towards his own goal, the only option seemed to be to play the ball back to his defenders. Not for Messi. He turned past the first defender, beat two more as they came across to cover, burst back past the original opponent, cut inside - beat another man - and then fired in at the near post. Even in slow motion it was all over so quickly, with four defenders and a goalkeeper beaten inside a couple of seconds, and an individual goal out of absolutely nothing. Alessandro Florenzi - ROMA vs Barcelona, Champions League, September 16 After picking up possession deep inside his own half, Florenzi carried the ball past a couple of Barcelona defenders and up to the halfway line. Looking up, the 24-year-old full back saw nothing that interested him, in terms of team-mates making runs, but did spot Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen off his line. Showing not only incredible confidence and vision, but also sensational technique, Florenzi shot from the touchline, 50 yards out, lobbing Ter Stegen and finding the back off the net via the inside of the post. \|\|\|\|\| Ballon d'Or Brazilian lands best goal of 2015 ahead of the Argentine and Florenzi Brazilian Wendell Lira landed this year's Puskas Award for goal of the year at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala at Zurich's Kongresshaus. Wendell Lira pips Messi to Puskas Award Wendell Lira's acrobatic effort for Goianesia, during a Brazilian second division game, got the nod ahead of Barcelona striker Lionel Messi's winding run and near-post finish against Athletic Bilbao in last season's Spanish Cup final and Roma's Alessandro Florenzi's 50-metre cannonball in last year's Champions League, coincidentally against Barça. Messi Goal Florenzi Goal The winner of the Puskas Award for goal of the year is voted for by fans via fifa.com. \|\|\|\|\| Up until a few short months ago Wendell Lira was an unknown even in his native Brazil and was looking for a club to play for. An avid viewer whenever Lionel Messi and Barcelona are on television, he had never been to Europe, until this month that is. Making the journey to Zurich for Monday’s FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala, the 27-year-old forward made himself known to millions of fans the world over, polling more votes than his idol Messi to win the FIFA Puskás Award for the most outstanding goal of the year. “It honestly feels like a dream,” said a disbelieving Lira, clutching the trophy in his hands. “I’ve been struggling to get my head around meeting so many stars, let alone being up for award with Messi and then having my goal beat his in the vote.” Lira received 46.7 per cent of the more than 1.6 million votes cast since the ten-goal shortlist was announced in November, eclipsing the aforementioned Messi’s solo effort against Athletic Bilbao (33.3 per cent) and the Italian Alessandro Florenzi’s strike against Barcelona (7.1 per cent). Even the Argentinian ace, who landed the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or, was in agreement with the result. “The fact is it’s a great goal and he deserved it. The award is in good hands.” “When I scored that goal, in a Goias regional championship match watched by a crowd of 297, I could never have guessed that it would change my life so much,” added an emotional Lira, recalling his wondrous spinning bicycle-kick, which helped give his then club Goianesia victory over Atletico Goianiense on 11 March 2015. Wendell was then released by Goianesia and was still unattached when his goal was announced as one of the ten Puskás Awards finalists. The very next day, thanks no doubt to the media coverage generated by the announcement, the Brazilian received an offer from his current club Vila Nova, with his fairy tale receiving its happy ending in Zurich on Monday evening, where he and the rest of the football world got to know each other. “I still can’t believe it,” he exclaimed. “It’s like everything was already written.”	, a Brazilian , won the 2015 in Zürich on Monday. The Puskás Award is given to the football player voted by the public to have scored the best goal of the year. Lira's goal was a , in a 2–1 victory for on March 11; he has since moved to . His goal won 46.7% of the vote, with about 1.6 million people voting. He won the award ahead of five-time winner Lionel Messi, whose solo goal against in the final won 33.3% of the vote. , who plays for AS Roma, scored a 50 long-range goal against FC Barcelona in a group stage match and came third with 7.1% of the vote. When Lira's name was announced he broke into tears. He said "It honestly feels like a dream." Only 297 spectators were present in the stadium, Lira said, when he scored the goal in a regional championship of the second division. He added "I could never have guessed that it would change my life so much". This was his first time in Europe. As a player of a second division football club, he said "I've been struggling to get my head around meeting so many stars, let alone being up for the award with Messi and then having my goal beat his in the vote." Lira also thanked "my family and all those who voted for me." Messi praised the goal. "The fact is it's a great goal and he deserved it. The award is in good hands".
The recount may lead to a run-off between presidential candidates Election officials in Zimbabwe have started recounting some of the votes cast in disputed polls held last month. The recount in 23 of 210 constituencies could overturn the parliamentary result which saw Zanu-PF lose its majority. Results of the presidential poll, which the opposition MDC says it also won, have not been released. It is thought the recount may lead to a run-off vote. Meanwhile, a Chinese ship carrying arms to Zimbabwe has left a South African port after workers would not unload it. The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, is adamant he won the presidential election outright. His party has said Mr Tsvangirai will not contest a run-off unless certain conditions are met - such as a secure environment, with thorough international monitoring. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it cannot release the results until it investigates anomalies. The MDC's secretary general, Tendai Biti, said the party would not accept any recount in respect of parliamentary seats "because ballot boxes have been stuffed". "Those ballot boxes have become pregnant and reproduced," he said. Suspicion of bias On Friday, the high court rejected an application by the MDC to stop a partial recount taking place this weekend. "I find no merit in the application," said Justice Antonia Guvava. "Accordingly, the application is dismissed with costs." Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Arms ship 'on the move' Why Mugabe is deaf to the West Spreading fear in Zimbabwe The ruling paved the way for all presidential, parliamentary, senate and council votes cast in 23 out of 210 constituencies to be recounted. A change in the parliamentary result by nine seats could see President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party regain its lost majority in the assembly. The BBC's Will Ross said the independent electoral commission's decision to withhold the results and then recount the ballot papers has led to widespread suspicion of bias, especially as Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF complained about the initial count. On Friday, Mr Mugabe gave his first speech since the disputed elections. Thousands of people gathered at the Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, a suburb of Harare, to hear Mr Mugabe speak at a rally celebrating the anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence from Britain and the end of white minority rule. The 84-year-old played a key role in the 1970s war of independence and took power as Zimbabwe's first prime minister in 1980 on a wave of popular support. Dockers intervene Mr Mugabe took to the stage to rapturous applause to celebrate what he described as the day on which the "nation finally shook off the chains of British racist settler colonialism". HAVE YOUR SAY I predict that the situation will end up like Kenya. Mugabe will be encouraged by the African Union to form a national unity government Frank Hartry, South Africa In his speech Mr Mugabe denounced both the opposition MDC and Britain and called on Zimbabweans "to maintain utmost vigilance in the face of vicious British machinations and the machinations of our other detractors, who are allies of Britain". Meanwhile, Chinese cargo ship the An Yue Jiang was forced to move after a South African court refused to allow the weapons destined for Zimbabwe which are on board to be transported across the country. Dock workers had refused to unload the weapons shipment from the vessel, which had been anchored off the port of Durban for four days. The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union had said it did "not agree with the position of the government not to intervene". Reports say the An Yue Jiang is carrying three million rounds of ammunition, 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades and 2,500 mortar rounds. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| (CNN) -- Zimbabwe officials on Saturday began recounting ballots from the country's disputed election in a move that could overturn a claimed victory by opponents to President Robert Mugabe. Robert Mugabe delivers his speech at the 28th Independence Celebrations in Harare. The electoral commission began recounting parliamentary and presidential ballots in 23 of Zimbabwe's 210 voting districts Saturday morning, officials said. The country's High Court cleared the way for the partial recount Friday when it rejected a petition by the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The MDC argued the recount would be illegal since the initial presidential results were never announced. The delayed presidential election results have raised fears that Mugabe, who has been in office for 28 years, is trying to cling to power. MDC presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai has declared himself the winner over Mugabe, based on vote tallies posted outside precincts. The electoral commission had already announced the MDC won the majority of the parliamentary seats in the March 29 election. However, Mugabe's party, ZANU-PF, has vowed to contest 16 seats in that race, and it says there was cheating. It isn't clear whether those seats are among the constituencies to be recounted. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said the recount would take five days. Meanwhole, a Chinese ship loaded with arms and ammunition bound for Zimbabwe has turned away from a South African port after dockworkers refused to handle the cargo, their representative said. The An Yue Jiang sat anchored outside Durban's harbor in South Africa on Thursday. The ship was "probably going to the nearest port, which is Maputo, Mozambique, from where it could also be transshipped to Zimbabwe," David Cockroft, general secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation, told CNN International on Friday. E-mail to a friend Copyright 2008 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report. All About Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai	Zimbabwe election officials have today begun to recount 23 out of 210 constituencies' ballots after president Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party accused the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), of bribing election officials. Several arrests have since been made in relation to the recount. The ballots are from the parliamentary elections held on March 29. The opposing MDC made an appeal to Harare's High Court for the recount to be stopped. However it was rejected, Justice Antonia Guvava saying "I find no merit in the application... Accordingly, the application is dismissed with costs." Despite this MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is currently staying in South Africa for his own safety, claims to have won both parliamentary and presidential elections outright. Opponents of Mugabe's regime have accused him of being biased and are certain that he will cheat. "Clearly these guys have tampered with the boxes. They can't deny that," the MDC's spokesman Nelson Chamisa said. "How do you expect us to have confidence in the process?". British prime minister Gordon Brown also criticised Mugabe, claiming before the United Nations Security Council in New York on Wednesday that "no one thinks" he won the election. Mr. Mugabe needs 9 of the 23 recounted ballots to be in his party's favour to retain a parliamentary majority. "The vote recounting process has started, and it's going to be a thorough exercise. We expect it to take about three days," a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission official told Reuters earlier today. A team from the international Southern African Development Community as well as various diplomats are observing the recounts. This recount comes after a chain of controversies in Zimbabwe including arms deals with China, suspected violent intimidation of opposition and denunciation of international opponents.
Sir Elton John performs in the 2010 Electric Proms. Photograph: Brian Rasic/Rex Features BBC Radio 2's Electric Proms has fallen victim to the corporation's latest-round of cost-cutting with last year's event, featuring Robert Plant, Neil Diamond and Sir Elton John, set to be its last. The Radio 2 controller, Bob Shennan, said the five-year-old spin-off from the classical music Proms was being axed because of efficiency savings. Shennan added that he was "disappointed" to lose the annual festival but pledged more high quality live music programming in an "alternative, more cost-effective way". The BBC director general, Mark Thompson, is looking to make 20% of savings over the next four years, higher than the original target of 16% imposed by the freeze in licence fee funding, to free up more resources for programming and technology. Last week Thompson unveiled up to 650 job cuts at the BBC World Service as part of these cuts. More than 2,000 job losses are expected across the corporation in the coming years as the BBC tightens its belt. Shennan said: "In the current climate, we are faced with making difficult decisions, including how best to deliver high-quality live music programming throughout the year in light of continuing efficiency savings. "I feel that Radio 2 can achieve the same impact of the Electric Proms in an alternative, more cost-effective way. I'm disappointed that the lifetime of Electric Proms has come to an end, but very proud of its fantastically rewarding run of creating new moments in music for the past five years." The Electric Proms was launched in 2006 as a modern music equivalent of the Proms, promising a "celebration of new and innovative musical styles", featuring James Brown, Nitin Sawhney and Damon Albarn's The Good, The Bad & the Queen. It was broadcast over a wide range of BBC outlets, including Radio 2 and 6 Music, which Shennan also oversees. Jeff Smith, head of music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: "Radio 2 remains as committed as ever to live music programming, and we will replicate the spirit of Electric Proms within the live music schedule. "In addition to Electric Proms last year, Radio 2 featured live performances ranging from Paolo Nutini performing in Paisley to Paloma Faith at the Cheltenham jazz festival; Scissor Sisters performing live on Ken Bruce's mid-morning show to Bryn Terfel singing Christmas classics at the Mermaid theatre for Friday Night is Music Night." Radio 2 broadcast an exclusive live Manic Street Preachers gig from their home town of Blackwood in Wales last week, later made available on-demand online and on digital TV. Smith added: "We intend to create more of these special moments throughout 2011. It's also our ambition to work with BBC2 again very soon as the radio/television/online offering was hugely enjoyed by listeners and viewers." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". \|\|\|\|\| Electric Proms cancelled by BBC Continue reading the main story Related stories The BBC has axed its annual Electric Proms season after five years, citing financial considerations. Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said it could be achieved "in an alternative, more cost-effective way". Sir Elton John, Robert Plant and Neil Diamond were among the artists who took part in the 2010 event. Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2, said the the station would "replicate the spirit of Electric Proms within the live music schedule". Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Shirley Bassey, Oasis and Robbie Williams are among others who have performed at the event during its five-year history. Since its inception in 2006, the October event had taken place at the Roundhouse and other venues in Camden, north London. Mr Shennan said he was "disappointed" the Electric Proms was finishing but remained "very proud of its fantastically rewarding run". Marcus Davey, the Roundhouse's artistic director, called the decision "sad" but said he hoped the venue would develop other projects with the BBC "in due course".	The BBC have announced they are to axe annual music festival from their schedule for financial reasons. The festival first took place in October 2006. The 2011 event will not go ahead, with last year's festival being the last. , controller of BBC Radio 2, said he was "disappointed" with the decision to cancel the festival. He said "In the current climate, we are faced with making difficult decisions, including how best to deliver high-quality live music programming throughout the year in light of continuing efficiency savings. I feel that Radio 2 can achieve the same impact of the Electric Proms in an alternative, more cost-effective way. I'm disappointed that the lifetime of Electric Proms has come to an end, but very proud of its fantastically rewarding run of creating new moments in music for the past five years." During the festival's five year run it has featured performances from stars such as Elton John, , and . The decision to axe the festival comes at a time when the BBC are planning a 20% savings cut. Last week BBC director general announced 650 job losses after dropping five languages from the .
Court blocks access to YouTube in Turkey PARIS: A court in Turkey on Wednesday ordered blockage of all access to YouTube, the popular video-sharing Web site, over a video deemed insulting to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. The ban followed a week of what the media in Turkey dubbed a "virtual war" of videos between Greeks and Turks on YouTube and came as governments around the world — including France — grappled with the freewheeling content now readily posted on the Internet. The largest Internet provider in Turkey, Turk Telecom, immediately complied with the ban and cut off access to the site. "We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an insult, that it was right or wrong," Paul Doany, the chairman of Turk Telecom, told the state-run Anatolia news agency. "A court decision was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says." Visitors to the site in Turkey on Wednesday afternoon were greeted with the message first in Turkish and then in English: "Access to www.youtube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court." YouTube expressed dismay over the move, adding that the offending video had been removed and that the company was working with the government to resolve the situation. "We are disappointed that YouTube has been blocked in Turkey," the company said in a statement. "While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges." A later court ruling said the service could be restored after YouTube removed the offending material, Anatolia reported, but it was not clear when that would be. The ban comes as Turkey struggles to prove its human rights credentials to the European Union and as governments around the world grapple with content posted to the Internet by private citizens. YouTube faced a court-ordered national ban in Brazil for several days in January after footage of a model cavorting in the sea with her lover kept reappearing on the site. Separately, activists in France this week warned that a recent law against posting video of violent acts would stifle free expression. The French law, which was intended to criminalize "happy slapping" — acts of violence committed for posting on the Internet — could also criminalize the recording of police brutality, activists said. "I don't think the French government intended to attack user-generated content, but that is the effect," said Julien Pain, a spokesman for the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders. "If someone films a policeman wrestling someone to the ground, that can be considered a criminal act." While the French law has provisions to protect professional journalists or those who record violence to turn it over to the authorities, passersby remain liable for fines of as much as €75,000, or nearly $100,000, and five years in prison, Pain said. "This law removes protection for citizen-journalists or bloggers who would want to record the violence if riots start again in the Paris suburbs," Pain said. "The distinction between professional and amateur journalists is no longer valid since all Internet users are now in a position to create and disseminate information." The video that prompted the ban in Turkey allegedly said that Ataturk and the Turkish people were homosexuals, according to news reports. Insulting Ataturk is a criminal offense in Turkey. In a front page story, the newspaper Hurriyet said thousands of readers had written to YouTube complaining about the video. For Turkey, the ban will present a further hurdle as concern grows in Brussels that Ankara is flouting free- speech norms necessary to join the European Union. In recent weeks, Turkey has pledged to revise a controversial law that makes insulting Turkishness a crime. The law — Article 301 of the Turkish penal code — has resulted in prosecutions against leading Turkish intellectuals, including the author Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel laureate, and Hrant Dink, an Armenian-Turkish journalist murdered in January. But the government has refused to drop Article 301 altogether, while the law against insulting Ataturk, which has given rise to the YouTube case, is considered even more sacrosanct. The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, has been particularly concerned by Article 301, which attracted global criticism last year when Pamuk was put on trial for telling a Swiss newspaper that more than a million Armenians were massacred by Ottoman Turks during World War I. Krisztina Nagy, spokeswoman for the EU expansion commissioner, Olli Rehn, who is overseeing Turkey's EU accession process, declined to comment, saying the commission was still trying to confirm the facts surrounding the YouTube case. \|\|\|\|\| A Turkish court today ordered access to YouTube to be blocked because of videos allegedly insulting the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Paul Doany, head of Turk Telekom, Turkey's largest telecommunications provider, said his company had enforced the ban immediately. "We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an insult, that it was right or wrong," Mr Doany said in remarks to the state-run Anatolia news agency. "A court decision was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says." The vast majority of Turkish internet users use Turk Telekom, a former state-run monopoly that was privatised in 2005. Visitors to the YouTube site from Turkey were greeted with the message: "Access to this site has been blocked by a court decision!" And a message in both Turkish and English at the bottom of the page read: "Access to YouTube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court." Mr Doany said Turk Telekom would allow access to the popular video-sharing site again if the court decision were rescinded. Access from Turkey may be possible through other service providers, he said. Over the past week, Turkish media publicised what some called a "virtual war" between Greeks and Turks on YouTube, with people from each side posting videos to belittle and berate the other. The video prompting the ban allegedly said Ataturk and the Turkish people were homosexuals, according to news reports. The CNN-Turk Web site featured a link allowing Turks to complain directly by email to YouTube about the "insult." On its front page on Wednesday, the newspaper Hurriyet said thousands of people had written to YouTube, and that the Ataturk videos had been removed from the site. "YouTube got the message," the headline said. Insulting Ataturk or "Turkishness" is a crime in Turkey punishable by prison. Turkey, which hopes to join the European Union, has been roundly condemned for not doing enough to curb extreme nationalist sentiments and to protect freedom of expression. \|\|\|\|\| YouTube attracts a monthly audience of 70 million people The ban was imposed after prosecutors told the court that clips insulting former Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk had appeared on the site. According to Turkish media, there has been a "virtual war" between Greek and Turkish users of the site, with both sides posting insulting videos. The clip prompting the ban reportedly dubbed Ataturk and Turks homosexuals. Insulting Ataturk, the founding father of modern Turkey, or "Turkishness" is an offence which can result in a prison sentence. The offending videos sparked a storm of complaints to YouTube and the clips were removed, but the court order goes further, blocking all access to the site. Freedom of speech Turkish visitors to the site are now greeted with a message in English and Turkish reading "Access to www.youtube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court". Paul Doany, the head of Turk Telecom, the country's largest telecoms company, said that they had blocked access to the site as soon as the court order came through. "We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an insult, that it was right or wrong," Mr Doany told Anatolia news agency. "A court decision was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says." Mr Doany said that for its part Turk Telecom will continue to enforce the ban as long as the order stands. The European Union, which Turkey is hoping to join, has long called for an easing of Article 301 - the law which prevents insults to Turkish culture - arguing that the law places severe restrictions on free speech in Turkey. About 50 writers in the country have been put on trial for allegedly contravening the rule, including Nobel prizewinner Orhan Pamuk, though most cases have eventually been dismissed by the judge.	Flag of Turkey. A court in Istanbul has issued an order to block all access to YouTube in Turkey, after a series of insults between Greek and Turkish users of the site escalated. The largest internet provider and privatised state company, Türk Telekom, has put the order into effect, while some smaller internet providers still allow access to the site. Internet users accessing via Turk Telecom get a message in Turkish saying "Access to this site has been denied by court order! ..." and in Turkish and English "Access to www.youtube.com site has been suspended in accordance with decision no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court." The row between Turkish and Greek YouTube users started when Greek videos claimed that Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish state, and the Turkish people, were homosexual. There were also profanities on the Turkish flag. A Turkish user responded saying that Greece was the birth place of homosexuality. The dispute received a lot of attention in the Turkish media, which they labelled a "virtual war". YouTube agreed to take down the offending videos, but nonetheless the prosecutor in Istanbul got a court order, based on charges of insulting Atatürk, which is illegal in Turkey. YouTube responded that it had taken down the videos and was cooperating with the government, adding that "While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges." Article 301 of the Turkish penal code, which makes insulting Turkishness a crime in Turkey, received a lot of attention because it resulted in the prosecution of intellectuals like Literature Nobel Prize Winner Orhan Pamuk and murdered journalist Hrant Dink. The European Commission has shown concern over the law article, and Turkey has pledged to revise it. Turkey wants to join the European Union but the negotiations have not been without obstacles so far, for example in the field of freedom of expression.
A replacement coach service will connect passengers with other trains Virgin has accused Network Rail of breaking its licence agreement by closing part of the West Coast mainline near Rugby at short notice. An estimated 60,000 passengers expected to use the line on New Year's Eve face an extra hour on their journey times. Network Rail has apologised but insists key work must be done over the festive period when passenger numbers are down. The line was due to be closed on 27 December for three days but Network Rail added an extra day of work, which is part of the £8bn upgrade of the line. The Office of Rail Regulation said it is investigating the complaint but ruled the work must go ahead. Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said: "Scheduling track works on December 31 is misguided and Network Rail should think again about this decision and the inconvenience it will cause for passengers." Network Rail is extremely sorry and apologises to passengers for the inconvenience Network Rail spokesman The latest disruption will affect mainly Virgin Trains to and from the West Midlands, north Wales, north-west England and Scotland. A coach service will replace trains between Northampton and Birmingham International. Some London Midland and First ScotRail Sleeper services that would have passed through Rugby will also be affected. Anthony Smith, chief executive of Passenger Focus said: "This is unbelievable. Thousands of passengers have booked or planned New Year travel in good faith. Newspaper adverts "We feel very let down and want re-assurances that the huge amount of engineering work planned for next year will not run into similar problems." Up to 60,000 travellers are expected to use the line on New Year's Eve and Virgin has warned them in a series of newspaper adverts to add at least an hour to journey times. A message on its website guarantees that every passenger will get to their destinations in time to celebrate the New Year. Chris Gibb, managing director of Virgin Trains, said: "I am extremely disappointed that Network Rail have informed us of this new disruption at such short notice. Network Rail have insisted this work goes ahead on this crucial travel day." 'Key work' The engineering work is part of a major overhaul of the West Coast Main Line which began in the mid-90s. A Network Rail spokesman said: "Work will be ongoing for most of the next year, but the Christmas period is the last major opportunity we have to do key work while passenger numbers are down during the relatively long holiday period." He added: "It was only realised at the beginning of December that work was falling behind. Rail companies are usually given 12 weeks notice of engineering work. Virgin were told only at the beginning of the month, so that is very late. "Network Rail is extremely sorry and apologises to passengers for the inconvenience." \|\|\|\|\| The £415m work at Rugby / Nuneaton forms part of a bigger scheme that looks to significantly increase the frequency and reduce the journey time of services on the West Coast Main Line from December 2008. The work at Rugby over the Christmas break is a vital component to the overall scheme introducing new tracks, and enabling the next stages of work to commence as planned. The work at Rugby includes:	Virgin Trains Pendolino on the West Coast Main Line; Virgin will be worst affected by the closure. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), the regulatory authority for Great Britain's railway network, has launched an investigation of Network Rail procedures following a complaint from Virgin Trains regarding over-running engineering works on New Year's Eve. Network Rail, who are responsible for the British railway infrastructure, have announced that as part of ongoing engineering work to improve the West Coast Main Line, no services will be able to pass through Rugby on December 31. The closure will affect services operated by Virgin Trains, London Midland and First ScotRail. Chris Gibb, the Managing Director of Virgin Trains said, "I am very disappointed that Network Rail (NR) has given us so little opportunity to warn our passengers of this further disruption. We were first warned of the possibility of this additional work on 6 December." "Because of the seriousness of the situation we felt it necessary to refer the matter to the Office of Rail Regulation. We simply cannot have NR bullying train operators in this way just because their engineering planning processes are in a mess." The company has warned passengers that journeys are likely to be extended by an hour or more in some cases. Whilst the ORR will be investigating the complaint from Virgin, they have ruled that the work should still go ahead. A spokesman for Network Rail said, "Work will be ongoing for most of the next year, but the Christmas period is the last major opportunity we have to do key work while passenger numbers are down during the relatively long holiday period. "It was only realised at the beginning of December that work was falling behind. Rail companies are usually given 12 weeks notice of engineering work. Virgin were told only at the beginning of the month, so that is very late. "Network Rail is extremely sorry and apologises to passengers for the inconvenience." According to the company, the engineering works will contribute to enabling increases in service frequencies and reductions in journey times on the West Coast Main Line from December 2008.
This holding page has replaced the original site Earlier this week the company released a screensaver that bombarded the sites with data to try to bump up the running costs of the websites. But the site hosting the screensaver now displays a pink graphic and the words "Stay tuned". No one at Lycos was available for comment on latest developments in its controversial anti-spam campaign. Data storm Lycos Europe's "Make love not spam" campaign was intended as a way for users to fight back against the mountain of junk mail flooding inboxes. People were encouraged to download the screensaver which, when their PC was idle, would then send lots of data to sites that peddle the goods and services mentioned in spam messages. Lycos said the idea was to get the spam sites running at 95% capacity and generate big bandwidth bills for the spammers behind the sites. But the plan has proved controversial. Offline sites Monitoring firm Netcraft analysed response times for some of the sites targeted by the screensaver and found that a number were completely knocked offline. Attacking a spammer's website is like poking a grizzly bear sleeping in your back garden with a pointy stick Graham Cluley, Sophos In such attacks thousands of computers bombard sites with data in an attempt to overwhelm them. Laws in many countries do not explicitly outlaw such attacks but many nations are re-drafting computer use laws to make them specific offences. Lycos Europe now appears to have put the plan on hold. The site hosting the screensaver currently shows a holding page, with the words, "Stay tuned". The numerical internet address of the site has also changed. This is likely to be in response to spammers who have reportedly redirected traffic from their sites back to the Lycos screensaver site. The campaign has come under fire from some corners of the web. Many discussion groups have said that it set a dangerous precedent and could incite vigilantism. "Attacking a spammer's website is like poking a grizzly bear sleeping in your back garden with a pointy stick," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "Not only is this screensaver similar in its approach to a potentially illegal distributed denial of service attack, but it also is in danger of turning innocent computer users into vigilantes, who may not be prepared for whatever retaliation the spammers care to dream up." \|\|\|\|\| There's a disease out there! Is spam taking out your e-mail? Take out spam with our new anti-spam-weapon! It's free to be free! Lycos Home \| Search Choose your country Italy France Germany Netherlands Spain Sweden United Kingdom ------------------- International English International Spanish Copyright © 2004 Lycos, Inc. All Rights Reserved. \|\|\|\|\| Sites selling spam goods and services are being targeted Internet portal Lycos has made a screensaver that endlessly requests data from sites that sell the goods and services mentioned in spam e-mail. Lycos hopes it will make the monthly bandwidth bills of spammers soar by keeping their servers running flat out. The net firm estimates that if enough people sign up and download the tool, spammers could end up paying to send out terabytes of data. Cost curve "We've never really solved the big problem of spam which is that its so damn cheap and easy to do," said Malte Pollmann, spokesman for Lycos Europe. "In the past we have built up the spam filtering systems for our users," he said, "but now we are going to go one step further." Before now users have never had the chance to be a bit more offensive Malte Pollmann, Lycos By getting thousands of people to download and use the screensaver, Lycos hopes to get spamming websites constantly running at almost full capacity. Mr Pollmann said there was no intention to stop the spam websites working by subjecting them with too much data to cope with. He said the screensaver had been carefully written to ensure that the amount of traffic it generated from each user did not overload the web. "Every single user will contribute three to four megabytes per day," he said, "about one MP3 file." But, he said, if enough people sign up spamming websites could be force to pay for gigabytes of traffic every single day. Lycos did not want to use e-mail to fight back, said Mr Pollmann. "That would be fighting one bad thing with another bad thing," he said. Slow down The sites being targeted are those mentioned in spam e-mail messages and which sell the goods and services on offer. Bill Gates is reportedly the world's most spammed person The list of sites that the screensaver will target is taken from real-time blacklists generated by organisations such as Spamcop. To limit the chance of mistakes being made, Lycos is using people to ensure that the sites are selling spam goods. As these sites rarely use advertising to offset hosting costs, the burden of high-bandwidth bills could make spam too expensive, said Mr Pollmann. Sites will also slow down under the weight of data requests. Early results show that response times of some sites have deteriorated by up to 85%. Users do not have to be registered users of Lycos to download and use the screensaver. While working, the screensaver shows the websites that are being bothered with requests for data. The screensaver is due to be launched across Europe on 1 December and before now has only been trialled in Sweden. Despite the soft launch, Mr Pollmann said that the screensaver had been downloaded more than 20,000 times in the last four days. "There's a huge user demand to not only filter spam day-by-day but to do something more," he said "Before now users have never had the chance to be a bit more offensive." \|\|\|\|\| Make Love, not Spam! p2pnet.net News:- Lycos Europe is now has a screen saver with a difference. Called Make Love, not Spam, it's a program for Windows or MacOS that, "constantly visits websites for which spam has been sent," says Heise Online, quoting Lycos as saying, "The more users download and use the screen saver, the lower the performance of the sites sending out the spam, and the greater the costs for the operators." It's apparently counting on a large number of its European users - 20 million, it claims - to download the screen saver. But users don't have to be registered with Lycos to download and use it. "If it is activated, it shows a map indicating where the web server currently being attacked is located," says Heise. "Various permanently displayed live data show how many users are currently taking part in the attack and whether the performance of the server under attack is suffering to the extent desired." Sites the screensaver will target are on real-time blacklists generated by organisations such as Spamcop, says the BBC, quoting Lycos Europe spokesman Malte Pollmann as saying to limit the chance of mistakes, Lycos is using people to ensure that the sites are selling spam goods. "As these sites rarely use advertising to offset hosting costs, the burden of high-bandwidth bills could make spam too expensive," says the BBC, adding, "Sites will also slow down under the weight of data requests. Early results show that response times of some sites have deteriorated by up to 85%." However, "According to Joerg Heidrich, a legal consultant at Heise Zeitschriften Verlag, Lycos' call on people to take matters into their own hands is questionable at best," Heise states. "The general consensus among lawyers is that an intentional DoS attack with the aim of taking servers out of commission constitutes a manipulation of data in accordance with Section 303a as well as computer sabotage in accordance with 303b of the German Penal Code. Heidrich did, however, doubt that these laws apply if the servers under attack are not shut down, but their performance merely inhibited, as intended in the Lycos project." Unfortunately, Make Love, not Spam only covers Italy, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. =================== \|\|\|\|\| 26.11.2004 16:43 << Previous \| Next >> Lycos users are to attack spammers In its campaign "Make Love, Not Spam", Lycos Europe is now sending a very special screen saver to its users. This program for Windows or MacOS constantly visits websites for which spam has been sent. "The more users download and use the screen saver, the lower the performance of the sites sending out the spam, and the greater the costs for the operators," Lycos explained. Apparently, the portal operator is banking on a large number of its European users - 20 million according to its own figures - to actually download the screen saver. If it is activated, it shows a map indicating where the web server currently being attacked is located. Various permanently displayed live data show how many users are currently taking part in the attack and whether the performance of the server under attack is suffering to the extent desired. Currently, Lycos is waging war against the notorious spammers blacklisted at Spamcop. According to Joerg Heidrich, a legal consultant at Heise Zeitschriften Verlag, Lycos' call on people to take matters into their own hands is questionable at best. The general consensus among lawyers is that an intentional DoS attack with the aim of taking servers out of commission constitutes a manipulation of data in accordance with Section 303a as well as computer sabotage in accordance with 303b of the German Penal Code. Heidrich did, however, doubt that these laws apply if the servers under attack are not shut down, but their performance merely inhibited, as intended in the Lycos project. Regardless of how the penal code will be interpreted in this case, Heidrich stated that Lycos is committing an encroachment of business operation according to Section 823 of the German Civil Code as well as malicious damage according to Section 826 of the German Civil Code. However, claims for damages based on the civil code would require the spammers to reveal their identity. (Craig Morris) / (anw/c't) Print version << Previous \| Next >>	Internet portal and mail-provider Lycos Europe has launched a program to increase spammers' bills by having thousands of voluntary users' computers repeatedly query websites from which spam originates. Such a tactic would increase the bandwidth costs for these websites. However, it also faces legal questions. Spamming, the mass sending of unsolicited emails, is lucrative in part because each email can be sent for nearly insignificant costs. With such low costs, a commercial spammer needs only to have a very small number of recipients buy their product to make a profit. The goal of many anti-spam proposals has been to increase the cost of spammers sending messages. Lycos' approach is to make it more expensive to maintain servers that send spam. Volunteers may download the screensaver from the Lycos website for it. The program would run on a user's computer in the background and request about three megabytes (3MBs) of data every day. The screensaver shows which spam server is being targeted by the user, where the server is located, and how many others are attacking it at that moment. Target email servers are selected from blacklists from anti-spam organizations, with Lycos' own verification. Legal issues arise over whether this can be interpreted as a denial of service attack. In such an attack, computers overwhelm a webserver with requests for data to the point where it does not have the resources to fulfill its normal function. Lycos, in explanatory material on the screensaver's dedicated website ( http://makelovenotspam.com ), claims that its technology closely monitors the screensavers' effects on targeted websites and prevents any of them from being completely shut down by information requests. Lycos Europe operates in Germany where, according to Joerg Heidrich of Heise Zeitschriften Verlag, less than completely shutting down a server is not clearly illegal under the penal code. It may, however, be actionable under the civil code. But Lycos may be betting that no one will file a suit, as that would require those participating in illegal spamming to reveal their identity. The website no longer allows downloads of the screensaver, and users of the screensaver cannot connect to spam sites, but are instead given the message 'Stay Tuned'
Mumbai manhunt for 'four Lashkar-e-Taiba militants' Mumbai police have released a picture of one of the suspects and named him as Walid Jinnah Continue reading the main story Related stories Police are scouring Mumbai for four Pakistani alleged militants believed to have entered the city to carry out an attack, a top police official said. There was credible information that at least four members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group were in the city, said the police commissioner. Police have released a sketch of one of the suspects, set up checkpoints and placed extra officers on patrol. India blames LeT for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai which killed 166 people. Roads were closed on Friday in and around the luxury Taj Mahal Palace hotel - the focus of the deadly siege two years ago - and armed police were patrolling at high-profile sites, including consulates. Joint police commissioner Himanshu Roy told a news conference on Thursday evening: "The four men are planning violent attacks that are going to cause destruction." "The four have recently arrived in Mumbai. We believe the threat is serious," he added. Indian police issued a similar warning in September about a possible attack by two Islamist militants in the city, which is India's financial capital, but nothing happened and no arrests were made. \|\|\|\|\| NEW DELHI - A day after issuing a terror alert for the holiday week, police in India's commercial capital of Mumbai launched a manhunt Friday for four terrorist suspects thought to have sneaked into the city. "The police [are] on high alert all over the city. We cannot take any of these intelligence inputs lightly in the holiday season," said Nisar Tamboli, deputy commissioner of police in the Mumbai crime department. "Since yesterday, we are checking all the possible hideouts, small lodges and guesthouses, railway stations. We are checking all the vehicles that are coming into the city." Mumbai was the site of a deadly three-day siege in November 2008 when gunmen attacked two five-star hotels, a train station, a cafe and a Jewish prayer center, killing more than 160 people. At a news conference Thursday, Mumbai police said four suspects had sneaked into the city four days earlier to carry out terrorist attacks. Authorities released a hazy sketch of a bearded man called Walid Jinnah. Holding up his image, senior police officer Himanshu Roy said the four men were members of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-i-Taiba and were between 20 and 30 years old. He appealed to people to call police if they see any suspicious activity. Roy did not share information about the nationality of the suspects or the route they might have taken to enter Mumbai. India's Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued an alert, saying the western cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad are particularly vulnerable. On Friday, police deployed in force at several crowded spots, government buildings and hotels in Mumbai. "We are going to be on alert until the holiday week is over," Tamboli said. "If we are satisfied, we may withdraw the alert after the New Year celebrations." This is the second time a terrorism alert has been issued in three months in Mumbai. In September, police released two pictures of suspects days before a popular Hindu festival during which tens of thousands of people dance and sing in the streets. Relations with neighboring Pakistan have been strained since the 2008 attacks on Mumbai. India accused Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Taiba of engineering the assault. Indian police arrested the lone surviving gunman, who is now on trial in Mumbai. Earlier this year, a lower court sentenced the gunman to death, and he has appealed. The Indian government wrote to Pakistani authorities Thursday seeking permission to question seven suspects in the case who have been jailed in Pakistan. Two bombings have been carried out in India this year - one in the western city of Pune in February that killed 17 people and another this month in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi that killed a child. The attacks were attributed to homegrown militants. Neither case has been resolved. \|\|\|\|\| The men are planning to attack Mumbai over the Christmas and New Year period and police have released a sketch of one of them. "It is going to be a violent attack which will cause disruptions," said Himanshu Roy, joint commissioner of Mumbai Police. "They have recently arrived in Mumbai. We are not in a position to reveal their nationalities now but they are LeT members." The four men were named as Abdul Karim Musa, Noor Abul Elahi, Walid Jinnah and Mehfooz Alam. A US counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the possibility LeT might attempt to strike over the holidays. "There's no question LeT remains interested in pulling off another large-scale attack in India, and we are alert to the possibility that LeT might again try a holiday attack," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. LeT is widely believed to have been behind the 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai that killed 166 people. A second attack on Mumbai could damage India's economy and an attack originating from Pakistan could force a swift Indian response, which would destabilise regional security. A US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks earlier this month and written in September 2009 claimed that the Pakistan government continues to support four militant groups, including the Taliban's Haqqani network and LeT, and could not be persuaded to abandon them. On November 26, 2008, 10 heavily armed gunmen stormed downtown Mumbai, opening fire in the city's main train station and a bar popular with tourists. They sieged two luxury hotels and a Jewish centre for three days, killing 166 people and injuring hundreds. The lone surviving gunman, Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, was sentenced to death in May. Tensions have remained high in Mumbai since the attacks, with increased security at the city's hotels, train stations, sea port and airports.	A police official in Mumbai has warned four suspected militants of Pakistani origin have entered the city, the capital of Maharashtra, India, and claims they are plotting attacks in the city. Police are now searching for the four people, thought to be members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Islamic militant group the Indian government holds responsible for the coordinated attacks which hit Mumbai in 2008. Joint police commissioner Himanshu Roy says intelligence suggests "the threat is serious." Lashkar-e-Taiba are thought to be responsible for the coordinated attacks which hit Mumbai in 2008. A United States counter-terrorism official said the attacks are likely imminent, and will occur over the Christmas and New Year period. "There's no question LeT remains interested in pulling off another large-scale attack in India," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, "and we are alert to the possibility that LeT might again try a holiday attack." Speaking at a press conference, Roy said "they have recently arrived in Mumbai. We are not in a position to reveal their nationalities now but they are LeT members." Armed police have been posted around high-profile destinations in the city, and roads around the —seiged by militants in the 2008 attacks—have been closed. Police have released a sketch of one of the militants believed to be in the city. "The police are on high alert all over the city. We cannot take any of these intelligence inputs lightly in the holiday season," another Mumbai official said. "Since yesterday, we are checking all the possible hideouts, small lodges and guesthouses, railway stations. We are checking all the vehicles that are coming into the city." 166 people died and hundreds more were injured in the 2008 attacks, in which multiple gunmen attacked the railway station, a hospital, a police station, and numerous hotels, amongst other sites. The attacks were dubbed "India's 9/11" by local media. Only one militant survived the attacks, Ajmal Amir Kasab; in May this year he was sentenced to death by hanging, on 86 charges, including murder, terrorism, and waging war against India.
Microsoft may not be off the hook with the European Commission (EC), despite this week's sweeping promise to license Windows Server communications source code. An EC spokesperson has reportedly called it "premature" to assume that access alone to the code would solve the problem of Microsoft's failure to comply. Microsoft had hyped its licensing offer, by claiming the company is "going far beyond European Commission's March 2004 decision and its legal obligations to provide technical specifications". The Commission in March 2004 had ruled that Microsoft had abused its dominant market position on the desktop to harm the competition in low-end servers and media players. "The company hopes to dodge the EC's threatened $2.4m-a-day fine for non-compliance with the EC's ruling that it open up Windows. Microsoft's offer would allow software developers to view, but not alter, the Windows source code. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the EC seems to be aware of the difficulties with a similar Microsoft program in the US - the Microsoft Communications Protocols Program (MCPP) - covering the release of Windows communications protocols. MCPP was created by Microsoft in August 2002 to demonstrate "good will" and help minimize the impact of the, then, pending anti-trust settlement with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and prosecuting states. It has been consistently criticized and "substantially" revised during its four-year life, with Microsoft compelled to reduce the price it charged ISVs to license Windows protocols, to eliminate nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with ISVs, and to slash the amount of paperwork associated with licensing. MCPP came in for its latest criticism this week, ahead of the company's offer to the EC, with the DoJ accusing Microsoft of having "fallen significantly behind" in submitting technical documentation to officials overseeing its program. In a new twist, Microsoft said it would offer the DoJ the same terms for the MCPP for licensing of Windows protocols as it has proposed in Europe on sever protocols to "foster consistency between both licensing programs." ® \|\|\|\|\| European Commission spokesperson says Microsoft's offer to license pieces of source code might not be adequate to avoid daily fine Microsoft's offer to license part of its Windows source code to competitors is "not necessarily enough" to head off €2 million (US$2.43 million) in daily fines for the company, a European Commission spokesman said on Thursday. Free IT resource Sponsored by HP Free IT resource Sponsored by Google Asked whether the move by Microsoft would be enough to bring the company into line with the Commission's March 2004 antitrust ruling, Jonathan Todd, spokesman for European competition commissioner Neelie Kroes, said: "It would be premature to conclude access to the source code would resolve the problem of the lack of compliance with our decision." On Wednesday, Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith announced that the company would license source code for communications protocols used by its workgroup server software in an effort to meet the Commission's complaints that Microsoft was still failing to comply with the terms of its antitrust decision. Smith said Wednesday that Microsoft had already complied with the Commission's demands on server interoperability by providing 12,000 pages of documentation on the protocols. Todd responded Thursday that, "It's a question of the quality of the information, not the quantity." "They could give us half a million pages, but if it's not the right information to allow competitors to make Microsoft-compatible workgroup server products it doesn't solve the problem of compliance," he said. Microsoft's offer was dismissed by some of its rivals as a "public relations ploy" that would inundate developers with useless information. U.K. analyst company Ovum Ltd. also criticized the offer, calling it "superficially appealing." "There's no doubting that the source code for software represents the most accurate and reliable documentation," Ovum analysts Gary Barnett and David Mitchell wrote in an e-mail to clients. However, "source code is of little practical benefit to those trying to develop interoperable code -- there is simply too much of it, and it's too hard to understand." Instead, Microsoft should work with the Commission to figure out what's wrong with the technical documentation it has provided, the analysts said. "This would represent a far more suitable and sincere attempt to bring this saga to a close, rather than adding another dimension to an argument that is already confused," the analysts wrote. The technical documentation is supposed to help competitors develop products that can interoperate well with Microsoft's dominant Windows software. The Commission believes this will help level the playing field for competition. In a statement issued Thursday, Microsoft said it welcomes the Commission’s comments that it would "seriously consider our offer to license the Windows source code to competitors." The statement said that, in addition to the source code, programmers would get a set of detailed technical specifications as well as free technical support from Microsoft engineers. This is the equivalent, the statement claimed, of "providing the finished airplane, a complete set of blueprints and free flying lessons" and would give programmers everything they need to work with Windows communication protocols. Microsoft added that it was prepared to “do more” to make the necessary technical documentation available if the Commission requests it. \|\|\|\|\| Microsoft Goes Beyond EU Decision by Offering Windows Source Code Announcement underscores Microsoft’s commitment to resolve compliance issues by giving licensees access to its source code. BRUSSELS, Belgium — Jan. 25, 2006 – Today, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith announced Microsoft’s decision to license all the Windows Server source code for the technologies covered by the European Commission’s Decision of March 2004. The company is making this voluntary move in order to address categorically all of the issues raised by the Commission’s December 22, 2005 Statement of Objections. That document asserted that Microsoft’s prior technical documentation provided insufficient information to enable licensees to implement successfully certain Windows Server communications protocols. “Today we are putting our most valuable intellectual property on the table so we can put technical compliance issues to rest and move forward with a serious discussion about the substance of this case,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The Windows source code is the ultimate documentation of Windows Server technologies. With this step our goal is to resolve all questions about the sufficiency of our technical documentation.” With today’s announcement, Microsoft is going far beyond the European Commission’s March 2004 decision and its legal obligations to provide companies with the technical specifications of its proprietary communications protocols. A reference license to the Windows Server source code will provide software developers the most precise and authoritative description possible of the Windows protocol technologies. With it, software developers will be entitled to view the Windows source code in order to better understand how to develop products that interoperate with Windows, but not to copy Microsoft’s source code. “We have now come to the conclusion that the only way to be certain of satisfying the Commission’s demands is to go beyond the 2004 Decision and offer a license to the source code of the Windows server operating system,” said Smith. “While we are confident that we are presently in full compliance with the Decision we wish to dispel any notion that Microsoft’s technical documents are insufficient.” For server software developers who take a license under this program, Microsoft previously had created more than twelve thousand pages of technical documentation covering specifications for the communications protocols covered by the 2004 Decision as well additional technology going beyond those protocols. In addition, Microsoft previously offered voluntarily to provide up to five hundred hours of free technical support from experienced Microsoft professionals who can answer any questions licensees might have. With today’s announcement Microsoft has supplemented these resources with a new license for all of the Windows Server source code that implements all of the communications protocols covered by the 2004 Decision. Microsoft has a similar protocol licensing program that was established in the United States pursuant to a consent decree there, covering certain protocols in the Windows desktop operating system. More than 20 companies have taken licenses to Microsoft’s protocols under that program and many are shipping products incorporating such protocols. To continue to foster consistency between both licensing programs, Microsoft has decided to make available for the desktop protocols the same reference license for source code it is offering for server protocols, and the company will provide competition authorities in the United States with information so they can consider the matter. The merits of the 2004 Decision are being reviewed by the European Court of First Instance. While Microsoft contests the merits of the 2004 Decision through that judicial process, today’s announcement underscores the company’s resolve to satisfy the Commission’s compliance demands. In addition, Microsoft will continue to move forward to prepare its response to the December Statement of Objections, which is now due on 15 February. For more information on the licensing program, please visit the WSPP (Windows Server Protocol Program) at: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/legal/eudecision/. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx. \|\|\|\|\| There are two basic license agreements offered under the Microsoft Work Group Server Protocol Program (WSPP). Each of these two agreements is subject to further review and comment by the European Commission. 1. The Microsoft Work Group Server Protocol Program License Agreement for Development and Product Distribution ("WSPP Development Agreement") grants to licensees, on a royalty basis, certain of Microsoft European intellectual property rights for the purpose of interoperability with Microsoft client and server operating systems. Specifically, licensees will obtain the rights to use the licensed Microsoft technical documentation to develop implementations of the WSPP communications protocols for the available server tasks enabled by the WSPP protocols that the licensee selects. In particular, this Program makes available, under the license, the communications protocols implemented in Windows Server Operating Systems1 and that are used by a Windows Work Group Server2 to deliver file and print services and group and user administration services (including the Windows Domain Controller Services, Active Directory services, and Group Policy services) to Windows Work Group Networks3. Under the Program license terms, the technical documentation for these protocols, which will be provided to licensees through secured access, can be used in the development and distribution of work group server operating system products within the European Economic Area to accomplish one or both of the specific work group server tasks identified above. All licenses available under the Program require completion of the program entry requirements and payment of fees. As mentioned above, the terms of the WSPP Development Agreement are subject to revision upon comment by the European Commission. 2. An Evaluation Agreement is also available for companies that wish to review the technical documentation for potential license under a WSPP Development Agreement. Upon payment of the Evaluation Agreement license fee, a potential licensee is able to review, for up to two business days, the documentation offered under the WSPP Development Agreement. As mentioned above, the terms of the Evaluation Agreement are subject to revision upon comment by the European Commission. For more information regarding the WSPP Development Agreement and/or the Evaluation Agreement, please contact the Microsoft Protocol Licensing team. Microsoft Windows Version Without Windows Media Technologies Microsoft will also comply with the European Commission direction to release a version of Microsoft Windows in Europe that does not include certain Windows multimedia technologies. Additional information will be made available in the near future, so please check this site again for details. \|\|\|\|\| Microsoft is to open up the source code behind its server communication protocols, in an attempt to get the European Commission off its back. The announcement covers the source code behind the communication protocols for Windows Workgroup Server and Windows Desktop. Microsoft already offers 12,000 pages of technical documents and 500 hours of free technical support to anyone applying for a license. Companies making software which interacts with Microsoft servers use those licences to make their products work properly with Microsoft ones. Such license-holders will now also get to look at the source code, but will not have the right to publish the code or include it in their own products. In December the commission said it was unhappy with the documentation Microsoft had provided. It published a statement of objections expressing its view that Microsoft was not doing enough to comply with the anti-trust agreement. Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith said in a conference call: "The commission asked for specifications. If you want to understand the protocols the source code is even better. This is the ultimate documentation. "This is a substantial step and a significant change, but it doesn't lay to rest everything over compliance - the EC is still looking at the price we charge for this." There will be no additional charge for access to the code. Microsoft has previously opened up source code to a restricted list of customers and governments, but never to a direct competitor. Smith noted that the case has now taken eight years. Microsoft is back in court with the commission between April 24 and 28.® \|\|\|\|\| "There will be no impact on the price, but the value of the information will be greater," he said. Microsoft would be open to negotiating prices for the package of technical information and the source code details with companies or developers interested in buying the license, he added. \|\|\|\|\| IP/04/382 Brussels, 24 March 2004 Commission concludes on Microsoft investigation, imposes conduct remedies and a fine The European Commission has concluded, after a five-year investigation, that Microsoft Corporation broke European Union competition law by leveraging its near monopoly in the market for PC operating systems (OS) onto the markets for work group server operating systems(1) and for media players(2). Because the illegal behaviour is still ongoing, the Commission has ordered Microsoft to disclose to competitors, within 120 days, the interfaces(3) required for their products to be able to 'talk' with the ubiquitous Windows OS. Microsoft is also required, within 90 days, to offer a version of its Windows OS without Windows Media Player to PC manufacturers (or when selling directly to end users). In addition, Microsoft is fined € 497 million for abusing its market power in the EU. "Dominant companies have a special responsibility to ensure that the way they do business doesn't prevent competition on the merits and does not harm consumers and innovation " said European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti. "Today's decision restores the conditions for fair competition in the markets concerned and establish clear principles for the future conduct of a company with such a strong dominant position," he added. After an exhaustive and extensive investigation of more than five years and three statements of objections(4), the Commission has today taken a decision finding that US software company Microsoft Corporation has violated the EU Treaty's competition rules by abusing its near monopoly(5) (Article 82) in the PC operating system. Microsoft abused its market power by deliberately restricting interoperability between Windows PCs and non-Microsoft work group servers, and by tying its Windows Media Player (WMP), a product where it faced competition, with its ubiquitous Windows operating system. This illegal conduct has enabled Microsoft to acquire a dominant position in the market for work group server operating systems, which are at the heart of corporate IT networks, and risks eliminating competition altogether in that market. In addition, Microsoft's conduct has significantly weakened competition on the media player market. The ongoing abuses act as a brake on innovation and harm the competitive process and consumers, who ultimately end up with less choice and facing higher prices. For these very serious abuses, which have been ongoing for five and a half years, the Commission has imposed a fine of € 497.2 million. Remedies In order to restore the conditions of fair competition, the Commission has imposed the following remedies: As regards interoperability, Microsoft is required, within 120 days, to disclose complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers. This will enable rival vendors to develop products that can compete on a level playing field in the work group server operating system market. The disclosed information will have to be updated each time Microsoft brings to the market new versions of its relevant products. To the extent that any of this interface information might be protected by intellectual property in the European Economic Area(6), Microsoft would be entitled to reasonable remuneration. The disclosure order concerns the interface documentation only, and not the Windows source code, as this is not necessary to achieve the development of interoperable products. As regards tying, Microsoft is required, within 90 days, to offer to PC manufacturers a version of its Windows client PC operating system without WMP. The un-tying remedy does not mean that consumers will obtain PCs and operating systems without media players. Most consumers purchase a PC from a PC manufacturer which has already put together on their behalf a bundle of an operating system and a media player. As a result of the Commission's remedy, the configuration of such bundles will reflect what consumers want, and not what Microsoft imposes. Microsoft retains the right to offer a version of its Windows client PC operating system product with WMP. However, Microsoft must refrain from using any commercial, technological or contractual terms that would have the effect of rendering the unbundled version of Windows less attractive or performing. In particular, it must not give PC manufacturers a discount conditional on their buying Windows together with WMP. The Commission believes the remedies will bring the antitrust violations to an end, that they are proportionate, and that they establish clear principles for the future conduct of the company. To ensure effective and timely compliance with this decision, the Commission will appoint a Monitoring Trustee, which will, inter alia, oversee that Microsoft's interface disclosures are complete and accurate, and that the two versions of Windows are equivalent in terms of performance. The investigation In December 1998, Sun Microsystems, another US company, complained that Microsoft had refused to provide interface information necessary for Sun to be able to develop products that would "talk" properly with the ubiquitous Windows PCs, and hence be able to compete on an equal footing in the market for work group server operating systems. The Commission's investigation revealed that Sun was not the only company that had been refused this information, and that these non-disclosures by Microsoft were part of a broader strategy designed to shut competitors out of the market. This relegated to a secondary position competition in terms of reliability, security and speed, among other factors, and ensured Microsoft's success on the market. As a result, an overwhelming majority of customers informed the Commission that Microsoft's non-disclosure of interface information artificially altered their choice in favour of Microsoft's server products. Survey responses submitted by Microsoft itself confirmed the link between the interoperability advantage that Microsoft reserved for itself and its growing market shares. In 2000, the Commission enlarged its investigation, on its own initiative, to study the effects of the tying of Microsoft's Windows Media Player with the company's Windows 2000 PC operating system. This part of the investigation concluded that the ubiquity which was immediately afforded to WMP as a result of it being tied with the Windows PC OS artificially reduces the incentives of music, film and other media companies, as well software developers and content providers to develop their offerings to competing media players. As a result, Microsoft's tying of its media player product has the effect of foreclosing the market to competitors, and hence ultimately reducing consumer choice, since competing products are set at a disadvantage which is not related to their price or quality. Available data already show a clear trend in favour of WMP and Windows Media technology. Absent intervention from the Commission, the tying of WMP with Windows is likely to make the market "tip" definitively in Microsoft's favour. This would allow Microsoft to control related markets in the digital media sector, such as encoding technology, software for broadcasting of music over the Internet and digital rights management etc. More generally, the Commission is concerned that Microsoft's tying of WMP is an example of a more general business model which, given Microsoft's virtual monopoly in PC operating systems, deters innovation and reduces consumer choice in any technologies which Microsoft could conceivably take interest in and tie with Windows in the future. Note to editors The European Commission enforces EU competition rules on restrictive business practices and abuses of monopoly power for the whole of the European Union when cross-border trade and competition are affected. The Commission has the power to force changes in company behaviour and to impose financial penalties for antitrust violations of up to 10% of their annual turnover worldwide. Commission decisions can be appealed to the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg. (1) These are operating systems running on central network computers that provide services to office workers around the world in their day-to-day work such as file and printer sharing, security and user identity management. (2) A media player is a software product that is able to play back music and video content over the Internet. (3) The interfaces do not concern the Windows source code as this is not necessary to achieve the development of interoperable products. The interfaces are the hooks at the edge of the source code which allow one product to talk to another. (4) A Statement of Objections marks the opening of a formal investigation as the Commission states its charges or objections to the company(ies) concerned. (5) Microsofts operating systems equip more than 95% of the worlds personal computers. (6) The European Union plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.	European Commission headquarters in Brussels In a move aimed to prevent fines stemming from its antitrust lawsuit filed by the European Commission (EC), Microsoft announced that it will be releasing portions of the source code to its Windows operating system. The EC ruled in March 2004 that Microsoft had abused its position in the low-end server and media player market, and required that Microsoft "disclose complete and accurate interface documentation which would allow non-Microsoft work group servers to achieve full interoperability with Windows PCs and servers". Microsoft reacted by making available 12,000 pages of technical documentation and up to 500 hours of technical support, but the EC came to the conclusion that it was not enough. Announcing that "we are putting our most valuable intellectual property on the table so we can put technical compliance issues to rest", Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith asserted that Microsoft would be superseding the EC's requirements as a sign of good faith. "While we are confident that we are presently in full compliance with the Decision, we wish to dispel any notion that Microsoft’s technical documents are insufficient", said Smith. A Microsoft office at the Redmond Campus The EC responded in a memo that it will study Microsoft's reply to the Statement of Objections once it receives the full details. However, EC Competition Commissioner spokesman Jonathan Todd commented that "it would be premature to conclude access to the source code would resolve the problem of the lack of compliance with our decision." A similar offer was made by Microsoft in August 2002 during its antitrust lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice and several states' Attorneys General. The resulting "Microsoft Communications Protocols Program" had suffered continuous criticism regarding excessive cost, paperwork, and non-disclosure agreements. It is unclear at this time if Microsoft's planned "Work Group Server Protocol Program" will suffer from the same issues if accepted by the EC. Microsoft is expected to return to the EC courts in April.
Railway minister Sadananda Gowda used his budget on Tuesday — the first major policy showcasing of the Modi government — to signal its intention of using private sector investments, both domestic and foreign, as the prime engine of growth and modernization. Having got rid of the difficult part by hiking rail fares and freight charges late last month, Gowda could focus his budget speech on the new government's vision for the Railways, and he did just that.The government's vision clearly has a major role for the private sector in everything from new projects and freight terminals to cleanliness and food on trains and at stations. As Gowda's speech made clear, "It is our target that bulk of our future projects will be financed through PPP (public-private partnership) route".He argued that while hikes in fares and freight charges were necessary to sustain financial viability, it would be "unrealistic" to depend solely on such an approach to raise the resources needed for modernizing the prime national transporter. That's why, the minister said, his ministry was seeking Cabinet approval for allowing FDI in the sector.Gowda was at pains to point out that successive governments in the past had announced new projects with abandon — falling prey to the "nasha (intoxication) of claps — but had been lax in implementing them to the extent that some were pending for three decades. In contrast, he said, the focus now would be on prioritizing projects. In particular, doubling and trebling of lines to decongest major routes would get the nod ahead of new lines, which have typically been unviable.In keeping with this line of shunning populism and in a radical departure from historical practice, the minister did not announce any new projects in his budget, though there were a slew of new trains (including those announced by the UPA in the interim rail budget) and extensions of existing ones. Gowda also castigated earlier governments for failing to raise passenger fares and thus creating a situation in which the loss per passenger kilometre had risen from 10 paise in 2000-01 to 23 paise in 2012-13.Describing the noughties as the "decade of golden dilemma - the dilemma of choosing between commercial viability and social viability", Gowda said while the Railways would continue to fufil social obligations, doing so beyond a point was "not possible without compromising on efficiency and safety".Railway minister DV Sadananda Gowda (left) and minister of state for railway, Manoj Singha hold up their briefcases at Parliament House before presenting the Railway Budget 2014-15 on June 8, 2014. (TOI photo by Yogesh Kumar)Despite the pro-corporate and pro-reform tone of the rail budget, stock markets reacted adversely with the sensex shedding 518 points, its biggest single-day decline in 10 months. The slump was attributed by market analysts partly to the absence of details in the budget speech. Also, while corporates and markets are looking forward to greater fiscal discipline, there's a worry that a stricter watch on government spending could lower demand and hence hit growth.The political opposition as well as the railway unions, not surprisingly, reacted sharply to the budget, with some dubbing it 'elitist' and others decrying the move to 'privatize' the railways.The new-look railways, Gowda promised, would include a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, high-speed trains on nine sectors, a greater focus on cleanliness and decent food and further improvements in the e-ticketing system. They would also see some stations being developed along the lines of the new airports through the PPP route.Corporates will not just have a role to play in developing new freight terminals, they could also adopt stations and take care of their cleanliness and maintenance. NGOs and charitable institutions too could do so. CCTVs will be used to monitor cleanliness at stations.Food courts at major stations, where regional cuisines would be available, and pre-cooked meals on board from reputed brands are among the promises on the catering front.Not only will tickets be available for booking online, the facility would also be extended to booking trains, coaches, or seats. Online booking of retiring rooms will be extended to all stations in 2014-15, the minister promised.Business travellers will also, on some select trains, be able to use workstations for a fee. For the handicapped and elderly, the service of battery-operated carts will be extended to cover all major stations. Safety of women too found a mention, with the rail mantri saying 4,000 women RPF constables would be recruited towards this end. Also, "coaches for ladies will be escorted" and additional care would be taken of women travelling alone. \|\|\|\|\| The , seen as uninspiring by market players, coupled with profit-booking, sparked a huge sell-off on Dalal Street on Tuesday, eroding over Rs 3 lakh crore in investor wealth. Investors dumped shares in the , real estate and infrastructure sectors, which had seen steep gains in recent weeks on hopes of favourable announcements. The worry that the government, which has to battle a difficult fiscal situation, might disappoint in the Union Budget also spooked investors. “If the railway budget is any indication, it is likely the Union Budget will be long on intention and short on action. That is what the market is worried about,” said Dalton Capital Managing Director U R Bhat. The expenditure announced in the railway budget was much lower than the market hoped for, triggering concerns the government would slash spending. (HALTED IN THEIR TRACKS) The 30-share dropped 518 points, or 1.98 per cent, from its previous close to end the day at 25,852.11. The National Stock Exchange’s declined 163.95 points, or 2.11 per cent, to 7,623.2. In percentage terms, both indices fell the most since January 27; in terms of points, the fall was the steepest since September last year. The broader markets saw a sharper correction, with the BSE mid-cap index dropping 3.63 per cent and the BSE small-cap index sliding 4.19 per cent. Brokers said investors chose to take money off the table following spectacular gains since the election results. Heavy selling was seen in sectors like , power, capital goods and metals. BSE’s realty and power indices fell the most — over six per cent each — followed by the metal and capital goods indices, which declined more than four per cent each. The decline for the BSE FMCG index was the lowest, at 0.5 per cent. Slashing of expenditure by the government, the biggest spender in the economy, could hurt companies in sectors like capital goods, market players felt. Among Sensex stocks, crashed the most, at 8.2 per cent, followed by and , which dropped five per cent each. Analysts said the market had been a little too optimistic about the new government and its growth-reform agenda. The expectations had run too high, leaving room for disappointment. “People expect the government to do everything in one shot. They will now have to start being more considerate… Given the state of the economy and the finance, the government cannot do much more than this,” said Bhat. Interestingly, foreign institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 422 crore in the cash segment, while domestic investors sold shares Rs 400 crore worth of shares. Weakness in the global markets added to the subdued sentiment. Most foreign markets closed with losses on Tuesday, even as the fall was not as sharp as in the domestic market. Experts said stocks could continue to remain under pressure following the rail budget disappointment. “There could be some more pain left in the market in the near term. But buy-at-declines should be the strategy,” said Amisha Vora, joint managing director, . “Other than a vague hope, there are few uniform ‘expectations’, given that no one knows what the government is working on. This means even a large-scale disappointment is unlikely. We expect the Budget to be a non-event for the broader market,” Neelkanth Mishra, India Equity Strategist at , had earlier said in a note titled ‘Union Budget: Too soon to expect fireworks? \|\|\|\|\| New Delhi: Having hiked fares recently to the tune of 14.2 per cent, railway minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, presenting his maiden Railway Budget on Tuesday, promised a number of reforms, including foreign direct investment and more investments through public-private partnerships to boost the finances of the cash-strapped Indian Railways. The first Rail Budget of the Narendra Modi government also stressed on better passenger amenities. The Modi stamp was evident as it proposed modernisation of the railways, with a bouquet of amenities: from cleanliness, better food, wi-fi networks in A1 and A2 grade stations and in select trains, besides “office on wheels” with workstations for business travellers and battery-operated carts for senior citizens and the disabled. In the season of the “bitter pill”, both Mr Modi and Mr Gowda refused to play the populist card, to which the financial markets reacted badly, with the Sensex falling over 500 points. The railway minister, however, said his budget “seeks course correction in the light of mismanagement, apathy, populism in starting projects and severe fund crunch that have afflicted the railways over the years”. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Centre proposes highest plan outlay for railways The minister also proposed restructuring of the Railway Board, with induction of professionals from private sector. Two proposed committees — Project Management Group and Project Monitoring and Coordination Group — at the level of Railway Board are being planned to overcome delays in project execution. Unlike previous governments, which introduced several new trains in every budget (over 150 at times) to play to the gallery, the Modi government confined itself to just 54 new trains. From the Opposition, the Congress attacked the Rail Budget as “capitalist”, the CPI(M) called it a “cosmetic exercise”, while the Trinamul Congres said it was “vision-less” and “anti-people”. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Top priority to better facilities Corporate India, however, welcomed the Rail Budget, saying the minister had tried to put the railways back on track and attempted a balance between commercial and social obligations. Commuters by and large expected a better standard of service as they are now expected to pay more. The fuel adjustment cost to absorb hikes in diesel prices will continue to be effective every six months, and this could lead to a marginal rise in passenger fares and freight charges periodically. While the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train is on the anvil, the budget unveiled the Diamond Quadrilateral Rail Project that will connect all metro cities with semi-high-speed trains. The Rail Budget also focused on the modernisation of stations, on the lines of airports, with the help of private players. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Two high speed routes in South Central Railway zone The railway minister said the Union Cabinet will soon take a decision on allowing FDI in the railways. Later, the Railway Board chairman said two foreign firms had shown interest in investing in two loco manufacturing units. Mr Gowda made a provision of Rs 100 crores for high-speed trains, and announced nine routes on which these would run to start with. On safety and security, the budget proposed introduction of advanced technology for rail-flaw detection to check causes of accidents, while a significant amount has been kept for road-over and road-under bridges, and a pilot project will be launched on automatic door closing in mainline and suburban coaches. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Milk, veggies to get special trains If Mr Gowda claimed safety was his top priority, only Rs 1,785 crores has been allocated in the budget for road-under-bridges and road-over-bridges at unmanned rail crossings, which account for 44 per cent of deaths on rail tracks. In order to make rail travel safer for women, the railways will recruit 4,000 women constables. Coaches for women will have a provision for escorts. Stress has been laid on cleanliness and efficient station management, and major stations will have foot-over-bridges, escalators and lifts. To make railway management more efficient, the budget has proposed the setting up of a Railway University for training in both technical and non-technical subjects, as well as an Innovations and Incubation Centre to harness ideas generated from staff members. Read: Rail Budget 2014: Tamil Nadu feels left out of grand schemes After repeated complaints on serving substandard food, the railway minister proposed introduction of pre-cooked meals of reputed brands in a phased manner. He also unveiled a mechanism for third-party audit of catering services, that would lead to cancellation of contracts if the services were found below standard. The minister said a major thrust will be given for connectivity in the Northeast, for which the Rail Budget has earmarked Rs 5,116 crores, that is 54 per cent more than the allocation in the previous year. He also unveiled plans for online wagon registration for better utilisation, besides salt wagon and those carrying milk. He said 30 such projects had been chosen for completion in the current fiscal year. The annual plan for 2014-15 has been fixed at the highest-ever outlay of Rs 65,445 crores, with gross budgetary support at Rs 30,100 crores, a Railway Safety Fund of Rs 2,200 crores, internal resources of Rs 15,350 crores, external market borrowing at Rs 11,790 crores and funds through the PPP mode at Rs 6,005 crores. \|\|\|\|\| Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda (C) poses after giving the final touches to the railway budget for the 2014/15 fiscal year, in New Delhi July 7, 2014. Lake Nicaragua or Cocibolca is part of proposed plans for a new canal that would compete with the Panama Canal. NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government disappointed markets with its first major economic policy statement on Tuesday, promising to seek foreign and private funding for the railways but giving no details of how it would lure investors. Investors had harboured expectations for Modi's government to use the railways budget - which precedes the full budget by two days - to detail widespread reform. India's state-owned railways are the fourth-largest in the world. They have suffered from years of low investment and populist policies that have kept fares low. But that has turned a once-mighty system into a slow, badly-congested network that crimps economic growth. The railways cost the government around 300 billion rupees ($5 billion) a year in subsidies and spend 94 percent of revenues on operating costs, leaving next to nothing for investment. "The bulk of our future projects will be... by the PPP model," Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda told parliament in his first budget, referring to public-private partnerships. Gowda's speech promised to get the railways' finances in order, complete long-delayed projects, seek cabinet approval for a long-standing plan to allow foreign direct investment and jumpstart ambitious plans for high-speed rail. The budget contained some minor measures, such as a greater use of "mechanized laundries" to eliminate the washing by hand still employed to clean much of the bedding on sleeper trains. But it was short on details of how the wider goals would be met and how Gowda would get foreign companies such as Bombardier and General Electric to invest. Stocks fell sharply following Gowda's speech, with the Sensex closing down 2 percent after the government dashed investors' hopes for greater spending on the railways, while bond yields rose. The government revised up planned spending to 654.45 billion Indian rupees for the year ending in March 2015, an increase of 1.8 percent from an interim budget prepared in February by the last government. It calculates investment in the network through public-private partnerships in 2014/15 to total 60.05 billion rupees, more than in the interim budget, but a fraction of the cash needed to overhaul the network. RELIC OF BRITISH RULE India's use of a railway budget separate from the national one is a relic of British rule, when the network was the country's major industrial asset and a major revenue earner. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents the full federal budget on Thursday. "There is nothing in this entire budget which tells you how they will make it attractive for private sector," said Manish R. Sharma, executive director of capital projects and infrastructure at PwC India. "Given that in the past PPP has not taken off in railways...it would be very important to see how they come up with implementable mechanisms which the private sector will buy," he said. Stock investors also expressed doubts about the prospects for PPPs, with shares in India's railway-related stocks falling after the speech. Texmaco Rail & Engineering closed down 19.9 percent while Titagarh Wagons dropped 5 percent. Gowda said proposed market borrowings would total 117.9 billion rupees this fiscal year, down from 128 billion rupees estimated in the interim budget. "Budgeted outlay is looking below expectations as the government is looking for more private partnerships now than on previous occasions," said Deven Choksey, managing director at KR Choksey securities. Reform of India's railways has long proven politically sensitive. Successive governments have backed away from modernization, preferring instead to use the system to provide cheap transport for voters, and jobs for 1.3 million people. That sensitivity was on display on Tuesday, when supporters of India's main opposition party gathered outside Gowda's residence to protest against a recent fare rise, and one protester removed the minister's nameplate from his gate, local TV showed. Modi's government pushed through a fare rise last month, but partially rolled it back later, under political pressure. ($1=59.7400 Indian Rupees) (Additional reporting by Malini Menon, Manoj Kumar, Aditya Kalra, Suvashree Dey Choudhury and Abhishek Vishnoi; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Richard Borsuk)	On Tuesday, Indian Railway Minister presented his first budget for Indian Railways. The budget emphasized increased amenities for travelers, better safety, and timely completion of projects. There were no fare hikes announced as both passenger and freight fares had been increased last month. But, it was announced that fares will be revised twice a year to absorb fuel costs. Gowda criticized previous governments for announcing new projects and failing to complete them. He said projects will now be prioritized, such as decongesting major routes instead of announcing new ones. Gowda announced no major new projects, but announced 54 new trains. He also criticized the last government for driving the railways into a loss. Gowda announced a bullet train between Mumbai and ; new semi-high speed trains in nine sectors connecting metros; and new measures towards improving cleanliness, food, and were announced. He said will be installed in major stations to monitor cleanliness, and major stations will have food courts serving local cuisines and precooked food from reputable catering brands will be served on-board. The railways have faced complaints of substandard food in the past. He announced the introduction of a new rail-flaw detection system to better investigate the causes of accidents. The budget allocated a significant sum to the construction of bridges at unmanned crossings, a major cause of rail-track deaths. He announced a new project to introduce automatic closing doors on mainline and suburban trains, and said will be provided in larger stations and select trains. will be available for on-board use for a fee by Business travelers. The e-ticketing system will be extended from booking tickets to booking coaches and entire trains, and also retiring rooms in stations. Electric mobility carts will be provided to elderly and handicapped passengers at all major stations. Also, will recruit four thousand female constables and escorted carriages will be provided for women. A significant amount was announced for improving rail connectivity in north-east India. Gowda emphasized use of (PPPs) to fund future projects. He also said he will ask the to approve foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indian Railways. Some stations are to be improved using PPPs. Manish R. Sharma, executive director of capital projects and infrastructure at , pointed out the budget didn't contain any information on how the government intends to attract private investors. Deven Choksey, managing director at K. R. Choksey securities, said the government now seemed to be more inclined towards PPPs than before. India's stock index dropped and closed 2% below opening. Investors were observed selling shares in energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors.
Monday, 20 April 2009 Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the world's most famous scientists, is "very ill" in hospital, Cambridge University said today. Professor Hawking, who works at the university, was undergoing tests at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. A university spokesman said the 67-year-old physicist, who is best known for his book A Brief History of Time, was taken to Addenbrooke's by ambulance. "Professor Hawking is very ill," he added. Professor Hawking suffers from motor neurone disease and is wheelchair bound. He speaks with the help of a voice synthesiser. He developed symptoms of the disease while studying in the 1960s and is one of the world's longest surviving sufferers. He has worked at Cambridge's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics for more than 30 years and since 1979 has been the University's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Professor Hawking was awarded a CBE in 1982, became a Companion of Honour in 1989 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in Cambridge and has three children and one grandchild. Professor Hawking was born in Oxford but his family moved to St Albans, Hertfordshire, when he was eight. He studied at St Albans School before reading physics at University College Oxford then moving to Cambridge to carry out research in cosmology. One of Professor Hawking's last public appearances was last September when he unveiled a £1 million clock erected at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. "Professor Hawking is very ill and has today been taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge," said the University spokesman. "He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Professor Peter Haynes, Head of the University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, added: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." \|\|\|\|\| LONDON (AP) — Cambridge University says physicist Stephen Hawking is still hospitalized but recovering from a chest infection.The university said Wednesday that Hawking is "on the road to recovery" from the illness that has kept him at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge since earlier this week.The 67-year-old scientist is well-known for his work on black holes and his best-selling 1988 book "A Brief History of Time."Hawking has remained active although he was diagnosed at age 21 with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), an incurable degenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.He has been almost completely paralyzed for years and communicates through an electronic voice synthesizer activated by his fingers. \|\|\|\|\| Professor Stephen Hawking, one of the world's most famous scientists, is "very ill" in hospital, Cambridge University has said. Professor Stephen Hawking is being treated in hospital The physicist, who works at the university, has been having tests after being taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. A university spokesman said: "Professor Hawking is very ill. He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Professor Peter Haynes, head of the University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, added: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. "We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." One of the last times the 67-year-old scientist appeared in public was in September when he unveiled a £1m clock erected at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The professor is best known for his book A Brief History of Time. Professor Hawking meets Nelson Mandela He has motor neurone disease and is wheelchair bound. He speaks with the help of a voice synthesiser. He developed symptoms of the disease while studying in the 1960s and is one of the world's longest surviving sufferers. The physicist has worked at Cambridge's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics for more than 30 years and since 1979, he has been the University's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. In 1982 he was awarded a CBE and he became a Companion of Honour in 1989. In addition, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society. After growing up in St Albans, Hertfordshire, he read physics at University College Oxford and then moved to Cambridge to carry out research in cosmology. Prof Hawking currently lives in Cambridge and has three children and one grandchild. \|\|\|\|\| Prof Hawking has cancelled an appearance in the US Leading scientist Stephen Hawking's condition has "improved" after being admitted to hospital with chest problems, Cambridge University says. His employers said Professor Hawking was undergoing tests on Monday at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. A university spokesman said the 67-year-old, who has motor neurone disease, was now "comfortable". Prof Hawking, author of A Brief History of Time, has worked at Cambridge University for more than 30 years. The world-famous physicist, who is wheelchair-bound and speaks with the aid of a voice synthesiser, had flown to the US at the end of February to the California Institute of Technology where he is a visiting scholar. But he had not been well for some weeks and called off an appearance at Arizona State University on 6 April because of his illness. He was flown back to the UK on Saturday and was admitted to Addenbrooke's on Monday after being seen by a doctor. Disease conditions Prof Peter Haynes, head of the University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, where Prof Hawking works, said: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. "We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." Prof Hawking developed symptoms of motor neurone disease while studying in the 1960s and is one of the world's longest-surviving sufferers. The scientist has three children and one grandchild. He became a CBE in 1982 and a Companion of Honour in 1989. Last year, it was announced he would be stepping down as the university's Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the end of this academic year. It is policy for holders of the title to retire at 67. However, Prof Hawking said he intended to continue working as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Stephen Hawking hospitalized, reported very ill LONDON (AP) — Famed mathematician Stephen Hawking was rushed to a hospital Monday and was seriously ill, Cambridge University said. The university said Hawking has been fighting a chest infection for several weeks, and was being treated at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, the university city north of London. "Professor Hawking is very ill," said Gregory Hayman, the university's head of communications. "He is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks." Later in the afternoon, Hayman said Hawking was "now comfortable but will be kept in hospital overnight." Hawking, 67, gained renown for his work on black holes, and has remained active despite being diagnosed at 21 with ALS, (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), an incurable degenerative disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. For some years, Hawking has been almost entirely paralyzed, and he communicates through an electronic voice synthesizer activated by his fingers. Hawking was involved in the search for the great goal of physics — a "unified theory" — which would resolve contradictions between Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, which describes the laws of gravity that govern the motion of large objects like planets, and the Theory of Quantum Mechanics, which deals with the world of subatomic particles. "A complete, consistent unified theory is only the first step: our goal is a complete understanding of the events around us, and of our own existence," he wrote in his best-selling book, "A Brief History of Time," published in 1988. In a more accessible sequel "The Universe in a Nutshell," published in 2001, Hawking ventured into concepts like supergravity, naked singularities and the possibility of a universe with 11 dimensions. He announced last year that he would step down from his post as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, a title once held by the great 18th-century physicist Isaac Newton. However, the university said Hawking intended to continue working as Emeritus Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. Hawking had canceled an appearance at Arizona State University on April 6 because of his illness. "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon," said Professor Peter Haynes, head of the university's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| LONDON, England (CNN) -- Scientist and author Stephen Hawking is "very ill" and has been hospitalized, according to Cambridge University, where he is a professor. Stephen Hawking in Pasadena, California, in March. Cambridge University said the 67-year-old is "comfortable" and will stay overnight at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. Hawking, one of the world's most famous physicists, is also a cosmologist, astronomer, and mathematician. Wheelchair-bound Hawking is perhaps most famous for "A Brief History of Time," which explored the origins of the universe in layman's terms. The book is considered a modern classic. Hawking has Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS), which is usually fatal after three years. Hawking has survived for more than 40 years since his diagnosis. On his Web site, Hawking has written about living with ALS. "I try to lead as normal a life as possible, and not think about my condition, or regret the things it prevents me from doing, which are not that many," he wrote. He added: "I have been lucky, that my condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case. But it shows that one need not lose hope." The disease has left him paralyzed -- he is able to move only a few fingers on one hand. Hawking is completely dependent on others or technology for virtually everything -- bathing, dressing, eating, even speech. He uses a speech synthesizer with an American accent. Hawking has been married and divorced twice. In 2004, police completed an investigation into accusations by Hawking's daughter that his second wife was abusing him. Authorities said they found no proof. His Web site says he has three children and one grandchild. Hawking was born in Oxford, England, on what turned out to be an auspicious date: January 8, 1942 -- the 300th anniversary of the death of astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei. A Cambridge University spokesman told CNN: "Professor Hawking is very ill and has been taken by ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge." Professor Peter Haynes, head of the university's department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, said: "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague, we all hope he will be amongst us again soon." At Cambridge, he holds the position of Lucasian Professor Mathematics -- the prestigious post held from 1669 to 1702 by Sir Isaac Newton. Hawking has guest-starred, as himself, on Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Simpsons. He also said if he had the choice of meeting Newton or Marilyn Monroe, his choice would be Marilyn. In October, CNN's Becky Anderson interviewed Hawking. The following are some quotes from that interview: "Over the last twenty years, observations have to a large extent confirmed the picture I painted in 'A Brief History of Time.' The one major development that was not anticipated was the discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating now, rather than slowing down... We live in the most probable of all possible worlds." CNN's Jennifer Pifer contributed to this report All About Physics • Stephen Hawking	Stephen Hawking. Scientist Stephen Hawking, 67, has been taken to a hospital in an ambulance after falling very ill, reports . According to a physicist at in the United Kingdom, "Professor Hawking is very ill" and had been rushed to in to undergo tests. His condition is not yet known, but according to the University, Hawking has been ill with a chest infection for a few weeks. On April 6, he cancelled an appearance at due to his illness. Hawking also suffers from severe . "He Hawking is undergoing tests. He has been unwell for a couple of weeks," said the university in a statement. In a later statement, the University stated that Hawking was resting comfortably "but will be kept in hospital overnight" for observation. head Peter Haynes offered his sympathy saying, "Professor Hawking is a remarkable colleague. We all hope he will be amongst us again soon." Hawking has worked in the same department as Haynes for over 30 years.
Receive the latest Welsh news, business and rugby direct to your inbox and download The Secrets of Body Language audiobook. All completely for free. Read \|\|\|\|\| Meredydd Hughes recognised it was a 'serious matter' Police chief's personal statement Meredydd Hughes, the chief constable of South Yorkshire, apologised after being caught on camera in a 60mph zone on the A5 at Chirk near Wrexham in May. He stood down from his role at Acpo after he was summonsed for the offence, which happened when he was on holiday. He was disqualified for 42 days and fined £350 by Wrexham magistrates. Hughes, 49, did not appear in person before magistrates but entered his guilty plea via his solicitor, Huw Edwards. The court heard the chief constable was caught driving at 90mph in his Y-reg Audi at 8.17am on 28 May. He is no exception and he accepts that he must be punished for the offence Huw Edwards, Hughes' solicitor Mr Edwards said Hughes had made a guilty plea "effectively" at the first opportunity, and had fully co-operated with the police. "With regards to the offence itself, Mr Hughes recalls that on that morning he was returning from north Wales where he was on a short climbing holiday. "He doesn't seek to make any excuse about this matter. He totally accepts that the police have a duty to do," Mr Edwards said. "He is no exception and he accepts that he must be punished for the offence. "He asks me to apologise for the offence. He recognises that the matter is a serious matter." Hughes undermines the work of traffic police to protect the safety of road users, both within his force and across the country Jools Townsend, Brake As Acpo's roads chief, Hughes had argued in favour of "less conspicuous" speed cameras as a way of slowing down traffic. Cardiff-born Hughes had also served with the South Wales and Greater Manchester forces during his career but returned to South Yorkshire in 2002 as deputy chief constable. He has been in the chief constable's post since September 2004. South Yorkshire Police refused to discuss whether a car and police driver would be made available to Mr Hughes during the period of his driving ban. A spokeswoman said the court case was "a private matter" and referred the inquiry to South Yorkshire Police Authority. They issued a statement saying: "The matter will now be considered by the South Yorkshire Police Authority in accordance with established procedures relating to this type of incident. Jools Townsend, of road safety campaigners Brake said Hughes' offence was "shocking" and called the sentence lenient. "By committing this deadly crime, Hughes undermines the work of traffic police to protect the safety of road users, both within his force and across the country. "He should seriously consider his position as a result." But the anti-speed camera group Safe Speed said: "The hypocrisy is breathtaking. Mr Hughes should clearly have been preaching what he practices - because clearly he knows that exceeding the speed limit isn't necessarily dangerous." \|\|\|\|\| Login Enter your details below to login If you are an existing member of The Times and The Sunday Times enjoying the full benefits of thetimes.co.uk, then simply enter your Times+ login details below and press 'Enter' Enter your details to login Email address Password Keep me logged in information Keeps you logged in for a rolling 15 days or until you logout \|\|\|\|\| Police chief’s speeding case adjourned The case of one of Britain's most senior traffic policemen, who was due to appear in court today charged with speeding, has been adjourned. Meredydd Hughes, the outgoing chairman of roads policing at the Association of Chief Police Officers, will appear before Wrexham magistrates on December 5. Mr Hughes, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, was allegedly clocked speeding on A5 at Wrexham, North Wales, in May. The road has a 60mph limit. South Yorkshire Police confirmed last month that Mr Hughes was on a family trip when the alleged offence happened. If convicted, the court has the power to fine him up to £1,000 and issue a possible driving ban. As ACPO’s roads chief, the officer has argued in favour of “less conspicuous” speed cameras as a way of slowing down traffic. \|\|\|\|\| Your account has been frozen . For your available options click the below button. To read this article in full you must be registered with the site. Speed policy cop on speeding charge THE policeman in charge of speeding policy on Britain's roads is facing prosecution for breaking the speed limit. Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes, the Association of Chief Police Officers' lead on road policing, was allegedly caught speeding on the A5 near Chirk earlier this year. The offence reportedly occurred on a 60mph stretch of the road in May, a matter of days before Mr Hughes' controversial suggestion that speed cameras should be made less visible so as to catch more offenders. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes has received a notice of intended prosecution in respect of an alleged driving offence in North Wales in the early morning of a Bank Holiday Monday in May while he was on holiday. No summons has yet been received." Mr Hughes was appointed to his current role of Chief Constable of South Yorkshire in September, 2004. He became the ACPO lead on roads in 2005, taking over from North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom who is notorious for his hard-line stance on motoring offences Mr Hughes is due to appear before Wrexham Magistrates on November 21. The full article contains 194 words and appears in Evening Leader Flintshire newspaper. \|\|\|\|\| Meredydd Hughes was appointed chief constable in 2004 Meredydd Hughes, chief constable of the South Yorkshire force, was allegedly clocked by cameras driving along the A5 near Chirk in north Wales. He has been summoned to appear before Wrexham magistrates on 21 November. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Mr Hughes had been sent a notice of intended prosecution. A force statement read: "Chief Constable Med Hughes has received a notice of intended prosecution in respect of an alleged driving offence in north Wales in the early morning of a Bank Holiday Monday in May while he was on holiday." Driving ban The statement added that no summons for the offence has been received yet. If convicted, the court has the power to fine Mr Hughes, who is originally from Cardiff, up to £1,000 and even issue a possible driving ban. Mr Hughes courted controversy after taking charge of road policing at ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers). In June he argued that "less conspicuous" speed cameras should be considered by police as a way of slowing down drivers. He was appointed South Yorkshire's chief constable three years ago. \|\|\|\|\| The most senior British policeman on traffic issues was fined £500 yesterday for failing to identify the speeding driver of one of his force's cars. Meredydd Hughes, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire, had to mount a prosecution against himself after a speed camera caught the vehicle travelling at 47 mph in a 40 mph zone. Extensive investigations failed to disclose who was at the wheel of the unmarked car at the time of the offence on a dual carriageway. Mr Hughes, who is also the Association of Chief Police Officers' traffic spokesman, pleaded guilty to failing to supply the details. In a letter to Rotherham magistrates, he said: "We were given the task of trying to identify the identity of the driver, but despite diligent inquiries I was not able to do so." The court imposed the fine, but was informed by the clerk that penalty points could not be imposed on the Chief Constable because he was "akin to the managing director" of a company. advertisement Of 161 marked police cars caught speeding by cameras in the county last year, 147 were not prosecuted. Thirteen officers paid fixed penalty fines and one was summoned to appear in court. A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said later that the force was willing to prosecute itself when required. Mr Hughes, who did not attend the hearing, said: "South Yorkshire Police have 3,500 drivers and 750 cars. "Unfortunately on an average of seven occasions per annum we can't identify a police driver who appears to have broken the law in respect of speed cameras. "Many of our officers have to reach incidents quickly and are allowed to exceed speed limits, but we require them to report the matter. A few times a year this does not happen. "When this occurs the force, as an organisation, takes responsibility and matters are reported to court in the name of the Chief Constable." Mike Trees, of South Yorkshire's road policing unit, said it was not only police forces who were prosecuted when a driver cannot be identified. He said: "Speeding tickets incurred by limited companies operating large fleets of vehicles could be dealt with in the same way." The anonymous driving offence which landed Mr Hughes in court happened in Wickersely, near Rotherham, last May. It is not far from where a traffic policeman was caught travelling at 48 mph by a camera on his way to pick up a Chinese takeaway to celebrate his 41st birthday with colleagues on his shift. But last month the same court cleared Stephen Akrill of exceeding the speed limit, which does not apply if it hinders police officers trained to drive at high speed using a vehicle for police purposes. At the time Mr Hughes said: "This incident has raised public concern and it is very regrettable that an officer should apparently have disregarded a speed camera under these circumstances. "The decision of the court, in the face of the evidence presented to them, is a matter for them, but South Yorkshire Police will always seek to prosecute police drivers where evidence suggests that they have failed to comply with the law which covers their use of police vehicles."	The area where the Chief Constable was caught speeding. The Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police in England, Meredydd Hughes, was found guilty of speeding at Wrexham Magistrates Court today and banned from driving. He was caught driving at 90 mph where the speed limit was 60 mph. Wrexham Magistrates court disqualified Hughes from driving for 42 days and fined him £350. The Chief Constable did not appear in court in person, but was represented by his solicitor, Huw Edwards. Mr Edwards said: "He doesn't seek to make any excuse about this matter. He totally accepts that the police have a duty to do. He is no exception and he accepts that he must be punished for the offence." "He asks me to apologise for the offence. He recognises that the matter is a serious matter." Hughes had already received six penalty points on his license from previous speeding convictions and a conviction for failing to identify the speeding driver of one of his force's vehicles in 2006, although his driving licence was free of points at the time he went to court. Wrexham Magistrates Court had adjourned the case to today from a date in late November, as Meredydd Hughes initially claimed that he has still not yet found a solicitor to represent him. Matthew Elliot, the Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, criticized Hughes for wasting Court time at the taxpayer's expense. "Meredydd Hughes has shown breathtaking hypocrisy in this case," said Elliot. "Not only has he been caught preaching one thing and doing another in the past, but he has also wasted court time and therefore taxpayers’ money." Jools Townsend, speaking for the Road Safety Campaign group Brake, said the offence was "Shocking" and the sentence "lenient" - and that the Chief Constable should "Seriously consider his position as a result". The incident is embarrassing for South Yorkshire Police, as Hughes was the Chair of ACPO's road policing enforcement committee, with responsibility for developing police policies about how speed cameras are used. Hughes is a supporter of mobile speed cameras and believes that all speed cameras should be deliberately hidden from motorists, and has given interviews on the importance of road safety management in businesses.
Namibia president re-elected: official results WINDHOEK — Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba has been re-elected after winning more than 75 percent of the vote in last week's elections, according to official results released Friday. Pohamba's ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), in power since independence in 1990, also maintained its two-thirds majority in parliament. "I am a happy man. I, on behalf of SWAPO accept the election. I am grateful to the Namibian people who once again trusted me," said Pohamba. The official election commission tally showed Pohamba with 76.4 percent of the presidential vote, while SWAPO secured 75.3 percent in the legislative polls. The breakaway Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), led by former foreign minister Hidipo Hamutenya, secured 11 percent of the vote in each of the polls. Earlier Friday, eight of the 13 Namibian opposition parties rejected the results of the elections and said they would file a court challenge. The parties had instructed their legal teams to institute proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Namibia "for contravening the electoral law of the country," they said. The parties have complained about the slow pace of ballot counting from the polls held last Friday and Saturday, and say they were not adequately informed about the vote verification process. African observers of the elections have pronounced them free and fair, while recommending that Namibia take steps to speed up the counting process and free up access to the media for all parties. Eight of the 13 opposition parties that contested the legislative and presidential elections said they would file a court case to challenge the results, with the final outcome expected later Friday. "Our eight parties will not accept the election results as the elections were conducted in contravention of the law," a joint statement said. "Accepting this supposed elections outcome will be tantamount to undermining democracy in Namibia." The parties had instructed their legal teams to institute proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) "for contravening the electoral law of the country," they said. The parties have complained about the slow pace of ballot counting from the polls held last Friday and Saturday, and say they were not adequately informed about the vote verification process. Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More » \|\|\|\|\| Pohamba has been in power since Namibia achieved independence from South Africa in 1990 [AFP] South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) won 75.27 per cent of the vote and returned President Hifikepunye Pohamba for the second term in office after securing 76.4 per cent of the presidential vote, according to official results released on Friday. Namibia's ruling party has won the majority of votes in the country's parliamentary polls, final results have shown. The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), the ruling party's nearest rival, won 11.31 per cent of the vote. The vote, which consisted of 107 contested constituencies, resulted from a final count of 811,143 votes, revealing a 54-seat win for SWAPO out of 72 possible seats in the National Assembly, just one less than its previous victory in 2005. The RDP, which broke away from the ruling party in 2007, took eight seats. Election results rejected Earlier on Friday, the RDP and seven other opposition parties rejected the results of the elections and said they would file a court challenge. The parties instructed their legal teams to institute proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Namibia "for contravening the electoral law of the country," they said. While African observers of the elections have pronounced them free and fair, opposition parties also complained about not being adequately informed about the vote verification process. Hifikepunye Pohamba, Namibia's re-elected president, has been in power since 2005 but his SWAPO party has maintained a majority of seats in parliament since the country received its independence from South Africa in 1990. Namibia has enjoyed political stability and economic growth, but is struggling in the face of rising poverty, unemployment and widening cracks in its once highly regarded health care and school systems, further exacerbated by the global recession.	Final results from Namibian presidential and parliamentary elections have indicated that the incumbent president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, has been reelected by a large margin. The ruling party, South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), also retained a majority in the parliamentary elections. File photograph of Hifikepunye Pohamba Pohamba won 76.4% of the vote in the presidential ballots; meanwhile, SWAPO obtained 75.27% in the parliamentary polls. The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) party came in a distant second at 11.31%. SWAPO won 54 out of 72 seats in the National Assembly. The RDP took eight seats. "I am a happy man. I, on behalf of SWAPO accept the election. I am grateful to the Namibian people who once again trusted me," Pohama commented after his reelection. Eight of the thirteen parties competing with SWAPO said that they rejected the results of the polls, and would challenge them in court "for contravening the electoral law of the country." They claimed that they hadn't been properly informed about the process of vote verification, and that the speed at which the votes were counted was too slow. A joint statement released by the parties said that "our eight parties will not accept the election results as the elections were conducted in contravention of the law. Accepting this supposed elections outcome will be tantamount to undermining democracy in Namibia." African election observers, however, deemed the Namibian elections free and fair.
Report Forecasts Dramatic Rise in African Child Malnutrition Child suffering from malnutrition is held in makeshift feed center in town of Maradi, Niger (file photo) A new report on climate change's impact on agriculture predicts 25 million more malnourished children around the world by 2050. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable. A new report from the International Food Policy Research Institute says climate change will increase the global number of malnourished children by 25 million in the next 40 years. Forty percent of these children will live in Africa. The report compares economic and biological factors affecting child nutrition in two future scenarios - a world with and a world without climate change. Gerard Nelson is lead researcher for the report at the International Food Policy Research Institute. He says climate change will have a particularly bad impact on agricultural yields in sub-Saharan Africa. "On top of that sub-saharan Africa in particular is home to a large number of poor people," Nelson said. "And one of the key messages to take home from our analysis is that with higher incomes people are more resilient to a variety of changes and that will be especially true for climate change." The report says that in 2050 average wheat yields in sub-Saharan Africa will decline by up to 22 percent as a result of climate change. Irrigation water supply is also expected to decrease and less food availability will mean on average 500 calories less per person. Without climate change, the report projects a rise in calorie availability in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2050. Nelson says African governments need to prioritize investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in rural roads, research and new technologies. Three months ahead of climate change talks in Copenhagen, Nelson says Africa governments should focus on helping their farmers adapt to climate change. "As the governments of sub-Saharan Africa prepare to go to the Copenhagen negotiations they should ensure that agriculture is included both in the adaptation funding mechanisms that will come out of Copenhagen as well as allow for the possibility that mitigation funds can be used in Africa," Nelson said. The report says an additional investment in global agriculture of $7 billion per year could increase production and counteract the adverse effects of climate change. The report says 40 percent of this investment should go to sub-Saharan Africa. A new report on climate change's impact on agriculture predicts 25 million more malnourished children around the world by 2050. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable.A new report from the International Food Policy Research Institute says climate change will increase the global number of malnourished children by 25 million in the next 40 years.Forty percent of these children will live in Africa.The report compares economic and biological factors affecting child nutrition in two future scenarios - a world with and a world without climate change.Gerard Nelson is lead researcher for the report at the International Food Policy Research Institute. He says climate change will have a particularly bad impact on agricultural yields in sub-Saharan Africa."On top of that sub-saharan Africa in particular is home to a large number of poor people," Nelson said. "And one of the key messages to take home from our analysis is that with higher incomes people are more resilient to a variety of changes and that will be especially true for climate change."The report says that in 2050 average wheat yields in sub-Saharan Africa will decline by up to 22 percent as a result of climate change. Irrigation water supply is also expected to decrease and less food availability will mean on average 500 calories less per person.Without climate change, the report projects a rise in calorie availability in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2050.Nelson says African governments need to prioritize investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in rural roads, research and new technologies. Three months ahead of climate change talks in Copenhagen, Nelson says Africa governments should focus on helping their farmers adapt to climate change."As the governments of sub-Saharan Africa prepare to go to the Copenhagen negotiations they should ensure that agriculture is included both in the adaptation funding mechanisms that will come out of Copenhagen as well as allow for the possibility that mitigation funds can be used in Africa," Nelson said.The report says an additional investment in global agriculture of $7 billion per year could increase production and counteract the adverse effects of climate change.The report says 40 percent of this investment should go to sub-Saharan Africa. E-mail Print Digg Yahoo Buzz Facebook del.icio.us StumbleUpon \|\|\|\|\| Twenty-five million more children will go hungry by the middle of this century as climate change leads to food shortages and soaring prices for staples such as rice, wheat, maize and soya beans, a report says today. If global warming goes unchecked, all regions of the world will be affected, but the most vulnerable – south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa – will be hit hardest by failing crop yields, according to the report, prepared by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) for the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The children of 2050 will have fewer calories to eat than those in 2000, the report says, and the effect would be to wipe out decades of progress in reducing child malnutrition. The grim scenario is the first to gauge the effects of climate change on the world's food supply by combining climate and agricultural models. Spikes in grain prices last year led to rioting and unrest across the developing world, from Haiti to Thailand. Leaders at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh last week committed $2bn (£1.25bn) to food security, and the United Nations is set to hold a summit on food security in November, its second since last year's riots. But the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, is pressing the World Bank and other institutions to do more. He said the industrialised world needs to step up investment in seed research and to offer more affordable crop insurance to the small farmers in developing countries. Though prices have stabilised, the world's food system is still in crisis, he said at the weekend. "Ever more people are denied food because prices are stubbornly high, because purchasing power has fallen due to the economic crisis, or because rains have failed and reserve stocks of grain have been eaten," he said. Even without global warming, rising populations meant the world was headed for food shortages and food price rises. "The food price crisis of last year really was a wake-up call to a lot of people that we are going to have 50% more people on the surface of the Earth by 2050," said Gerald Nelson, the lead author of the report. "Meeting those demands for food coming out of population growth is going to be a huge challenge – even without climate change." After several years in which development aid has been diverted away from rural areas, the report called for $7bn a year for crop research, and investment in irrigation and rural infrastructure to help farmers adjust to a warming climate. "Continuing the business-as-usual approach will almost certainly guarantee disastrous consequences," said Nelson. The G20 industrialised nations last week began discussing how to invest some $20bn pledged for food security earlier this year. Some regions of the world outlined in the report are already showing signs of vulnerability because of changing rainfall patterns and drought linked to climate change. Oxfam yesterday launched a $152m appeal on behalf of 23 million people hit by a severe drought and spiralling food prices in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Uganda. The charity called it the worst humanitarian crisis in Africa for a decade, and said many people in the region were suffering from malnutrition. But southern Asia, which made great advances in agricultural production during the 20th century, was also singled out in the IFPRI report for being particularly at risk of food shortages. Some countries, such as Canada and Russia, will experience longer growing seasons because of climate change, but other factors – such as poor soil – mean that will not necessarily be translated into higher food production. The report was prepared for negotiators currently trying to reach a global deal to fight climate change at the latest round of UN talks in Bangkok. It used climate models prepared by the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Colorado and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Australia to arrive at estimates of how changes in growing seasons and rainfall patterns would affect farming in the developing world and elsewhere. Without an ambitious injection of funds and new technology, wheat yields could fall by more than 30% in developing countries, setting off a catastrophic rise in prices. Wheat prices, with unmitigated climate change, could rise by 170%-194% by the middle of this century, the report said. Rice prices are projected to rise by 121% – and almost all of the increase will have to be passed on to the consumer, Nelson said. The report did not take into account all the expected impacts of climate change – such as the loss of farmland due to rising sea levels, a rise in the number of insects and in plant disease, or changes in glacial melt. All these factors could increase the damage of climate change to agriculture. Others who have examined the effects of climate change on agriculture have warned of the potential for conflict. In a new book, Plan B 4.0: Mobilising to Save Civilisation, published today, Lester Brown, founder of the Earth Policy Institute, warns that sharp declines in world harvests due to climate change could threaten the world order. "I am convinced that food is indeed the weak link," he said. Brown saw Asia as the epicentre of the crisis, with the latest science warning of a sea level rise of up to six feet by 2100. With even a 3ft rise, Bangladesh could lose half of its rice land to rising seas; Vietnam, the world's second largest producer of rice, could also see much of the Mekong Delta under water. Wheat and rice production would also fall because of acute water shortages, caused by past over-pumping and the melting of the Himalayan glaciers, which currently store water that supplies the region's main rivers: the Indus, Ganges, and Yangtse. Brown said: "The potential loss of these mountain glaciers in the Himalayas is the most massive projected threat to food security ever seen" . Global shortfall People in both the developing and developed worlds will have less to eat by 2050 if climate change is not seriously addressed, though the shortfall will be relatively slight in richer countries. Prices rises and shortages of food will drive down the average calories available: • The calories available for each person in industrialised nations will fall from 3,450 in 2000 to about 3,200. • In developing countries overall, the average will fall from 2,696 to 2,410 calories. • In sub-Saharan Africa, people will on average have only 1,924 calories a day, compared with 2,316 in 2000.	A new report on climate change's impact on agriculture predicts 25 million more malnourished children around the world by 2050, compared to a scenario with no global warming. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable. The report from the International Food Policy Research Institute projects that the the number of malnourished children will decrease by 10 million in the next 40 years. However, without global warming the report projects a decrease of 35 million. Forty percent of undernourished children will live in Africa. The report compares economic and biological factors affecting child nutrition in two future scenarios — a world with and a world without climate change. Gerard Nelson is lead researcher for the report at the International Food Policy Research Institute. He said that climate change will have a particularly strong impact on agricultural yields in sub-Saharan Africa. "The food price crisis of last year really was a wake-up call to a lot of people that we are going to have 50% more people on the surface of the Earth by 2050. Meeting those demands for food coming out of population growth is going to be a huge challenge — even without climate change," Nelson said. "On top of that, sub-Saharan Africa in particular is home to a large number of poor people. And one of the key messages to take home from our analysis is that with higher incomes people are more resilient to a variety of changes and that will be especially true for climate change." The report says that in 2050 average wheat yields in sub-Saharan Africa will decline by up to 22 percent as a result of climate change. Irrigation water supply is also expected to decrease and less food availability will mean on average 500 calories less per person. Without climate change, the report projected a rise in calorie availability in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2050. Nelson says African governments need to prioritise investment in the agriculture sector, particularly in rural roads, research and new technologies. With the December 2009 climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nelson says African governments should focus on helping their farmers adapt to climate change. "As the governments of sub-Saharan Africa prepare to go to the Copenhagen negotiations they should ensure that agriculture is included both in the adaptation funding mechanisms that will come out of Copenhagen as well as allow for the possibility that mitigation funds can be used in Africa," Nelson said. The report says an additional investment in global agriculture of US$7 billion per year could increase production and counteract the adverse effects of climate change. The report says 40 percent of this investment should go to sub-Saharan Africa.
Hollande stands by his pledge to reverse the he rising jobless trend in France by the year's end [EPA] France's unemployment rate hit a 14-year high in the first quarter of 2013, casting fresh doubt on President Francois Hollande's goal of reversing the rising jobless trend by year-end. The jobless rate of 10.8 percent, published by the INSEE statistics agency on Thursday, was the highest on record since the first quarter of 1999. It was in line with a forecast of 10.9 percent in a Reuters poll and up from a revised 10.5 percent in the final quarter of 2012. The euro zone's second-largest economy fell into a shallow recession in the first quarter and the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund both forecast that it will slightly contract overall in 2013. All of the economists polled by Reuters said they believed the government would miss its target of reversing unemployment by year-end, a goal Hollande set a few months after winning power in May 2012 and says he will stand by despite widespread scepticism. "It is hard to see how the jobless trend can come down before the end of the year," said ING economist Julien Manceaux, pointing at France's bleak economic outlook and lagging competitiveness. Expected increase Among the unemployed, some are very sceptical about the chances of the job market improving any time soon. "He is going to reverse the unemployment trend? Really? By doing what?" 38-year-old Astrid Mabiana, a mother of three who has been unemployed for most of the past four years, asked of Hollande's job pledge as she left an employment agency a few days ago. Unemployment is expected to increase throughout the year, to hit 11.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013 and stand at 11.2 percent for the full year, according to the Reuters poll of 12 French and international economists. "It's really tough and it will get even tougher. With the crisis all there is is people getting fired," said 37 year-old Spaniard Juan, who didn't give his family name. After living in France for 10 years and working washing dishes in restaurants, he has been out of work for a year. INSEE said that the quarterly unemployment data measured according to International Labour Organisation standards was only an estimate, pointing out to technical difficulties that include new procedures to collect data. The data does not include the small overseas territory of Mayotte or give any of the usual additional information such as a breakdown of the youth unemployment rate, INSEE said. 404 \|\|\|\|\| Unemployment in France has hit a level last seen in 1998 as Europe's second-biggest economy remained stuck in recession. President Francois Hollande has vowed to reverse the rise, but the worst seems yet to come. French unemployment rose 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2013, reaching a jobless rate of 10.8 percent at the beginning of April, the country's statistics institute, Insee, announced Thursday. The rise marked the 24th consecutive month of increasing unemployment and had put 3.25 million people out of work, Insee data showed. According to Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, French unemployment is already at 11 percent under calculation methods applied within the EU bureaucracy. 0:00:00 \| 0:00:00 France in urgent need of reform Unemployment figures were boosted by declining economic activity in the past two quarters in which France had slipped into recession. Europe's second-largest economy contracted 0.2 percent in the first three months of this year. French President Francois Hollande has vowed to stop the rise in unemployment by the end of this year. However, economists at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have predicted the jobs crisis in France to continue well into next year, with the jobless rate forecast to hit 11.1 percent in 2014. uhe/kms (AP, dpa, AFP) \|\|\|\|\| French jobless rate climbs to highest level in 15 years France saw a record number of jobless people in April French unemployment rose to 10.8% in the first quarter of the year - its highest level since 1998, official estimates have shown. The jobless rate grew from 10.5% in the last quarter of 2012, the official Insee statistics agency said. The French economy went into a recession after seeing GDP fall by 0.2% in the first quarter. President Francois Hollande has pledged to boost jobs and growth, but demand has been sapped by the eurozone crisis. According to Eurostat, the European statistics agency, which uses a slightly different measure, the jobless rate has already reached 11%. The figures came as the European Central Bank (ECB) prepared to meet later, when it is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%. There has been speculation that the central bank will unveil plans to revive lending in the eurozone, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). SMEs provide around three quarters of jobs in the eurozone. The International Monetary Fund earlier this week warned that France needed to introduce fresh economic reforms or else risk lagging behind some of its European neighbours. It called on France to lower its labour costs and halt tax increases to boost both growth and its competitiveness. In its annual assessment, the IMF also forecast France's economy would contract slightly more than it previously thought. It said GDP would fall 0.2% this year and predicted economic growth of 0.8% in 2014.	François Hollande, the President of France, has vowed to reverse unemployment trends by the end of the year. Last Thursday, the (INSEE) announced the French job market continued to struggle as unemployment rose to 10.8%, the country's highest recorded unemployment rate since 1998. The 0.3% rise in the first quarter of 2013 had increased doubt around French President François Hollande's promise to reverse the trend by the end of 2013. According to INSEE data this had been recorded to be the 24th uninterrupted month of unemployment increases, leaving 3.25 million people jobless. France's economy was predicted to marginally retract overall this year and had experienced a minor recession this quarter due to deteriorating economic activity. The news came as the (ECB) planned to meet to discuss interest rates. It was assumed that the ECB would reveal plans to encourage lending in the , a significant outcome for small and medium sized business, who employed around three quarters of the eurozone. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had advised France that they may fall behind surrounding European economies if they do not take action and introduce new economic reforms. The IMF has suggested a decrease in labour costs and stopping tax increases could help to improve the country's economic competitiveness and increase growth. == Sources == * * *
Former IRS commissioner Mark Everson (R) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Monday morning, arguing that Fox News has unfairly excluded him from participation in the candidate forum that will precede Thursday night's debate. The complaint asks that he be added to the event -- though an expert we spoke with is skeptical that it will work. Everson's complaint focuses on two points buried in Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The first stipulates that the host of a debate should not "structure the debates to promote or advance one candidate over another." The second states that "staging organization(s) must use pre-established objective criteria to determine which candidates may participate in a debate." Early on in the process, Fox determined that only those candidates in the top 10 of an average of the five most recent national polls would be included in the main debate. After receiving complaints about the format, they added a forum beforehand that would include any candidate that had received at least 1 percent in the poll average, even if they weren't in the top 10. As it became apparent that several prominent candidates wouldn't hit that mark -- including the lone woman in the field, Carly Fiorina, and Sen. Lindsey Graham -- Fox reduced the standard to include anyone that appeared "consistently" in national polling. Everson's complaint centers on that change in standards, and the word "consistently." Former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore, who Everson notes wasn't mentioned by Fox as a likely participant late last month, has only been included in very recent polling. (The Post/ABC News poll conducted July 16 through 19 didn't include him, for example.) It appears that Gilmore will be included in the second-tier forum despite his late addition to the field. Everson notes that an online straw poll from the Republican National Committee has included him (and Gilmore) from the outset, and in an unanswered letter requesting inclusion that he sent to the network, that he's appeared on Fox News as a candidate more often than Scott Walker and Jeb Bush. "In view of the urgency of this matter," the complaint to the FEC concludes, "Mark Everson asks the Federal Election Commission to intervene on an expedited basis and rule that Fox News Network, LLC (a), has violated 11 C.F.R. §110.13, and (b) should be compelled to include Everson in the August 6, 2015 candidate forum in Cleveland, Ohio." The effort will likely not be successful. Alan Schroeder is a professor of journalism at Northeastern University who has written extensively about presidential debates. "This comes up every single cycle," he said when we spoke by phone on Monday morning. "More generally in the general election debates." Candidates who don't make the cut try to figure out how to finagle their way onto the stage -- without success. "There's always a bit of a time lag here. You file your suit; that doesn't mean you're going to get a judgment before the debate takes place," he said, adding that the FEC's by-now-notorious political stalemate makes a quick decision even less likely. "I can't think of any time where a debate sponsor was enjoined from staging a debate or at the last minute forced to add a chair on-stage." Schroeder points out that this is a natural problem when media outlets are given the ability to set the rules. "The bigger question is this idea of debate sponsorship. When you put the networks in charge, [they] have a different agenda. Their agenda is to make television shows, which may be a different goal than performing the best public service." "We're kind of in uncharted territory here," he said. "I don't think that there's a template, legal or otherwise, that you can apply. As long as you've got television networks as sponsors, they're going to structure these things the way that they way to and set criteria the way that they want to." "For candidates, they may not like that," Schroeder said, "but it's sort of a fact of life." Below is Everson's complaint \|\|\|\|\| GOP presidential candidate Mark Everson has an unusual, personal, and emotional pitch to voters. Everson, the relatively unknown former IRS Commissioner under George W. Bush, became the first Republican to officially launch a presidential campaign on Thursday. He kicked off his bid by releasing a when he released a 16 page "Letter to America" that focused on both his policy ideas and past personal problems In his letter, Everson disclosed his past extramarital affair, divorce and the abortion of his unborn child. While Everson served as head of the tax agency from 2003 to 2007, his first wife, Nanette, worked as chief ethics counsel for the Bush White House. They had three children together before their marriage ended. Everson's letter described the "dramatic changes" that occurred in his personal life after the Bush administration, During his six-months as CEO of the American Red Cross in 2007, he engaged in an affair with a married subordinate who ultimately became pregnant. He left the non-profit after the board requested his resignation in November 2007. He subsequently divorced his first wife and welcomed a fourth child from his extramarital relationship. Everson has not remarried but is raising a five-year-old son with his former mistress in Mississippi. "My marriage failed. It was entirely my fault. I am not proud of the job I did as a husband. And like many Americans, my youngest child's mother and I were not married when he was born," Everson wrote in a section of the letter titled "Social Issues." In a corresponding YouTube video for his campaign launch Everson also acknowledged his turbulent personal life. "I've made mistakes but at 60, I'm wiser and humbler than I once was," he said. Everson also used the letter to share his views on abortion in his letter and open up about his own "painful" experience with the subject. "Many years ago, an unborn child of mine was aborted, and I still wonder what that man or woman would be like today," he writes. Everson opposes the termination of a pregnancy unless the woman's life is at risk. While deeply personal in some portions, the letter also presents the rationale behind the six pillars of his campaign platform: his support for providing amnesty to undocumented immigrants, the re-establishment of the draft (which may or may not include women), his pledge to serve only one term in the White House, tax reform, the call for corporate responsibility, and deficit reduction. Everson, a native New Yorker, had previously served as deputy commissioner for the Immigration and Naturalization Service under President Ronald Reagan. He entered the private sector in the nineties, before he returned to the government to work for Bush. From 2009-2010, Everson served in the cabinet of Indiana's Republican governor, Mitch Daniels. He is now with the tax services company, alliantgroup. Everson's campaign will be based in Mississippi but the bulk of his staff will be in Iowa, his spokesman told Business Insider. With a "small staff in place" currently, the spokesman said fundraising efforts will begin Thursday. Additional team members will be added in Iowa to focus on targeting the state’s 99 counties by August. Everson told the Associated Press he has an estimated net worth of $3 million and plans to invest $250,000 in his campaign. "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't believe I've got a chance," he told the AP, adding, "I think that who becomes president is not up to Wall Street and the fat cats across the country. It's up to the voters."	U.S. Republican Party candidate , former commissioner of the (IRS), filed a complaint on Monday with the (FEC) to challenge his exclusion from Thursday's first Republican Party presidential debate. Everson argues his exclusion violates Title 11 of the in that debate hosts must not "structure the debates to promote or advance one candidate over another", and must "use pre-established objective criteria to determine which candidates may participate in a debate." File photo of Mark Everson Everson served as Commissioner of the IRS from 2003 to 2007, during the administration. After his departure, he briefly served as CEO of the , worked in the cabinet of Indiana , and worked for the tax consulting firm . He announced his candidacy this past March with a sixteen-page open letter in which he outlined the six pillars of his campaign: amnesty for , reinstatement of the , a promise to serve only a single presidential term, and calls for tax reform, deficit reduction, and corporate responsibility. Fox News claims Everson fails to meet the criteria it established for Thursday's two debates. Only seventeen candidates meet the criteria, which require a candidate "consistently" be included in "recognized" opinion polls. The event features the top ten candidates by average polling percentage. The other seven participate in a separate debate just before the prime time event. In his complaint, Everson urges the FEC to compel Fox News to include him in the second tier debate as the eighth participant. Everson argues Fox News, in violation of Title 11, "structured the debates to promote or advance one candidate over another" through a July 27 change to its criteria that replaced a pre-existing one percent polling threshold with a threshold admitting those "consistently" included in "recognized" polls. He alleges this was done to ensure the inclusion of the low-polling candidates former CEO , former New York , , and former Virginia , because Fox News recognizes these candidates as "major players." Furthermore, Everson argues the Fox News criteria are not "objective," as Title 11 requires, because they fail to define the terms "consistently" and "recognized" when referring to polls. He asserts he was included in the Republican Party's online straw poll in May and is the only candidate still listed on that poll who has been excluded from Thursday's debate. expert , publisher of '''', says Everson is "completely correct" in his challenge. However, he believes Everson only has a chance of success if he actually files a lawsuit rather than simply complaining to the FEC. == Sources == * * *
Gas Switch your gas supplier with uSwitch and get the best deal through us. We provide an impartial switching service for our customers! Cheap Ski Holidays France If you are thinking about cheap ski holidays in France then make sure you check online at Holiday Hypermarket. Our online search will check deals from the top travel agents. Honeymoon Holidays Our honeymoon holidays ensure newly weds the holiday of a lifetime. Utilise our experience and benefit from our caring, personal approach! Property investment If you are looking to make a property investment then look no further. Over Â£375m worth of property has been handled by us! Buy Land If you are looking to buy land as an investment we can help. All land for sale is freehold land and comes with full title deeds. PAYE Umbrella Companies There may be other PAYE Umbrella Companies to choose from, but with Atlantic Umbrella Company, we guarantee the highest rate of pay legally and operate within the ambit of the law. Florida Holidays The exciting option of Florida holidays could be yours at a great deal through UlookUbook. \|\|\|\|\| To help support Wikipedia, please visit our fundraising page ( http://wikimediafoundation.org/fundraising ), or read about how we use the money ( http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/What_we_use_the_money_for ). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. In Belgium, Roman Catholicism is the majority religion, accounting for between 75% and 80% of the population, although nowadays (as of 2004) only about 10% to 20% of the population regularly goes to church. Other religions widely practiced in Belgium are Islam, Protestantism, and Judaism. Religion was one of the differences between the Roman Catholic south and the Protestant north of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, which eventually broke up in 1830 when the south seceded to form Belgium. This accounts for the preponderance of Catholics there nowadays. Since 1830, Catholicism has had also an important role in Belgium's politics. One example is the so-called "school wars" ("guerres scolaires" in French) between liberals and Catholics which took place between 1879 and 1884 for the first one and between 1954 and 1958 for the second one. Another important controversy happened in 1990 when the catholic and very religuous king Baudouin did refused to give his signature to a bill liberalising Belgium's abortion laws, which had previously been approved by parliament. Between World War I and World War II the centre of occult and mystical activity was shifted from France to Belgium. Belgium became the main centre for many brotherhoods and secret societies of which many branches still exist today.	Belgium's French-speaking region has officially recognised 43 mosques, thus giving Islam the same rights as accorded to other religions in the region. They will be permitted to build minarets on their mosques, and Imams will be added to the government payroll, as is the case - for example - with Catholic priests. Moves are afoot to apply for official recognition of a number of mosques in the other two main regions of Belgium: , and Flemish-speaking . Most of the immigrant population in Belgium are Muslims, but until now the mosques were not yet officially recognised. The traditional faith in Belgium is . Other minor faiths are , , and . also recently applied for official recognition as a religion in Belgium.
Inventor of The Club dies in Pa. crash CLARION, Pa. — The inventor of The Club, James Winner, has died in a head-on collision in western Pennsylvania. State Police said the Tuesday crash on a rural road in Clarion County also took the lives of two other people when his sport utility vehicle and their car collided. Winner, 81, invented the popular anti car-theft device, and his Sharon-based company Winner International sold more than 10 million of them. He also was widely known for his philanthropy in western Pennsylvania. In a statement Wednesday, company officials said it was "a very difficult time for all of us and the family would request that you honor their privacy." In the 1980s, Winner developed the steering-wheel lock known as The Club after his car was stolen. He sold the first one in western Pennsylvania before creating Winner International. Winner also was interested in bettering the region. He said he wanted to make the area a tourist destination and create jobs after the loss of industry there. He bought and restored buildings, including the downtown Sharon home once owned by industrialist Frank Buhl, which Winner converted into a bed and breakfast. Winner owned hotels, schools and businesses, including Winner Steel, which he eventually sold. "Jim was just a great man and did more behind the scenes than people even knew," the Rev. Larry Haynes, who worked with Winner through the Shenango Valley Foundation community group, told the Sharon Herald. Winner was born in the town of Transfer and worked on his family's farm from the age of 5. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse before joining the Army at age 17. Authorities said Winner's SUV crossed into oncoming traffic striking the car. The other two killed were identified as driver Bobby Jarrett, 82, of Tionesta, and passenger Raymond Fair, 76, of Tylersburg. Winner also had a home in Hollywood, Fla. Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| Inventor of The Club steering wheel lock among 3 dead in crash James E. Winner Jr., a Sharon businessman whose claim to fame was The Club, a steering-wheel lock for cars, was killed in a head-on collision in Clarion County on Tuesday that claimed the lives of two other people. State police said Mr. Winner, 81, who also has an address in Hollywood Beach, Fla., was driving his Lexus on Miola Road in Highland at about 4:40 p.m. when his car crossed the center line into the opposite lane and hit a Chevy Blazer driven by Bobby Jarrett, 82, of Forest County. Mr. Jarrett and his passenger, Raymond Fair, 76, of Tylersburg in Clarion County, were both killed. Mr. Winner, whose business empire over the years included hotels and steel processing plants, created Winner International in 1986 to market The Club. According to the company's website, he came up with the idea after his Cadillac was stolen. As an Army veteran in Korea, he remembered how he had secured his vehicle's steering wheel with a chain to keep thieves from being able to steer. If they can't steer, he said, they can't steal. Winner International, based in Sharon, said company officials and family members would not be available but issued a statement saying the "outpouring" of support from the community was appreciated. Mr. Winner's family requested privacy. More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. First published on September 15, 2010 at 12:00 am	The Club steering lock installed in a car. The inventor of steering lock has died in a head-on car accident in , Pennsylvania aged 81 today. Two others died in the accident. Authorities say the accident occurred when Winner drove his SUV into oncoming traffic. The others who died were in Winner's car. They were Bobby Jarrett, 82, and Raymond Fair, 76. Winner created The Club steering lock in the early 80s after his car was stolen. He came up with the idea while fighting in the ; he secured his vehicle with metal chains to stop anybody taking it. He said, "If they can’t steer, they can’t steal." He sold the first Club in Pennsylvania and later founded and sold over ten million units. Winner also owned hotels, a steel company, and other companies. A spokesman for Winner International said in a statement, "this is a very difficult time for all of us and the family would request that you honor their privacy."
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. --U.S. intelligence agencies believe the latest tape released by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is authentic, the White House said Sunday. After being informed of the intelligence assessment, White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters traveling with the president, "The al Qaeda leadership is on the run and under a lot of pressure." According to an audiotape aired Sunday attributed to bin Laden, the al Qaeda leader urged his followers to prepare for a long war against Western would-be occupiers in Sudan's Darfur region and said the West's shunning of the Hamas Palestinian government showed it was waging a "Crusader-Zionist war" on Muslims. "We just heard from the intelligence community that they believe it's authentic," McClellan said. President Bush was informed about the bin Laden tape at about 6:30 a.m. local time. "We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy abroad and making it difficult for them to plan and plot against Americans," McClellan said. "We continue to take all terrorist threats seriously and that is why we are acting on all fronts doing everything within our power to prevail in the war on terrorism," he said. The tape was broadcast on Al Jazeera television, which declined to say how it had been obtained. Al Jazeera did not say if the tape was dated, but it would have to have been recorded after March 14 because of bin Laden's reference to an Israeli raid on a West Bank prison on that date. © Copyright 2006 Reuters. Reuters content is the intellectual property of Reuters or its third-party content providers. Any copying, republication, or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. \|\|\|\|\| US intelligence agencies believe the latest tape released by Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is authentic, the White House says. Al Jazeera television has aired an audiotape that is attributed to the fugitive leader. In it, he urges his followers to prepare for a long war against Western would-be occupiers in Sudan's Darfur region. The speaker also says the West's shunning of the Hamas Palestinian Government shows it is waging a "Crusader-Zionist war" on Muslims. "We just heard from the intelligence community that they believe it's authentic," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. Mr McClellan says Al Qaeda's leaders are on the run and under pressure. "We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy abroad and making it difficult for them to plan and plot against Americans," he said. "We continue to take all terrorist threats seriously and that is why we are acting on all fronts doing everything within our power to prevail in the war on terrorism." Al Jazeera has declined to reveal how it obtained the tape and has not said if it is dated. However, the tape have to have been recorded after March 14 because of bin Laden's reference to an Israeli raid on a West Bank prison on that date. Hamas Hamas has moved quickly to distanced itself from the comments, in which bin Laden also refers to the cutting of funds by Western governments to the Palestinian Government. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri says his group's ideology is completely different to that of bin Laden's. But he acknowledges that the international funding freeze on Hamas is creating tension in the Arabic and Islamic world. Bin Laden has been on the run since the US campaign to oust Afghanistan's Taliban government in 2001 after the September 11 attacks. He and his right-hand man, Ayman al-Zawahri, are believed to be hiding in a mountainous area on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. - ABC/Reuters \|\|\|\|\| In Tape, Bin Laden Urges Fighters to Sudan Sunday April 23, 2006 3:31 PM AP Photo NYET702 By SALAH NASRAWI Associated Press Writer CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Osama bin Laden issued ominous new threats in an audiotape broadcast Sunday, purportedly saying the West was at war with Islam and calling on his followers to go to Sudan to fight a proposed U.N. force. In his first new message in three months, bin Laden said the West's decision to cut off funds to the Palestinians because their Hamas leaders refuse to recognize Israel proved that the United States and Europe were conducting ``a Zionist crusader war on Islam.'' ``The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusader war on Islam,'' said the speaker on the tape broadcast by the Al-Jazeera network. ``I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us.'' The voice on the tape sounded strong and resembled that on previous recordings attributed to bin Laden. There was no way to independently verify the authenticity of the tape. ``We are aware of the tape and a technical analysis of the recording is being conducted,'' a U.S. intelligence official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Israeli government spokesman Raanan Gissin said bin Laden had decided to attack Israel to deflect growing Arab animosity toward al-Qaida. ``When he attacks Israel, this is something the Arab world can agree upon,'' Gissin said. ``He has been criticized for the destruction and carnage he's causing the Muslim nation. He's looking for another justification ... ``Criticizing Israel sounds more politically correct.'' Al-Qaida is believed to have no direct links to Hamas, which is an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood, but they share an anti-Israel ideology that calls for the destruction of the Jewish state. Recent media reports in the Middle East have said al-Qaida is building cells in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Sudan. Israel has indicted two West Bank militants for al-Qaida membership and a Palestinian security official has acknowledged al-Qaida is ``organizing cells and gathering supporters,'' although Israeli officials say the inroads appear preliminary. Bin Laden also addressed the conflict in Sudan, where he was based before being expelled under threats from the United States. He then moved to Afghanistan and is believed to be hiding out in the rugged mountains on the Pakistani side of their common border. In Washington, U.S. intelligence officials said bin Laden is separated from his top deputy and, in a sign he has to be careful about whom he trusts, surrounded by fellow Arabs. His No. 2, Ayman al-Zawahri, is hiding in a more settled area along the border, also surrounded by al-Qaida operatives from Egypt, the officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information. A three-year conflict between Darfur's rebels and the Arab-dominated central government has caused about 180,000 deaths - most from disease and hunger - and displaced 2 million people. The United Nations has described the conflict as the world's gravest humanitarian crisis. The United States has described it as genocide. Negotiators are trying to broker a peace deal between warring factions by an April 30 deadline. Members of the African Union have agreed in principle to hand over peacekeeping duties to the United Nations beginning Sept. 30. ``I call on mujahedeen and their supporters, especially in Sudan and the Arab peninsula, to prepare for long war again the crusader plunderers in Western Sudan. Our goal is not defending the Khartoum government but to defend Islam, its land and its people,'' bin Laden purportedly said. ``I urge holy warriors to be acquainted with the land and the tribes in Darfur.'' Al-Qaida has targeted Western forces in Africa before - including its attacks against U.S. troops trying to bring peace to Somalia in 1993. Al-Jazeera apparently had the tape long enough to make significant edits, with its news reader providing substantial transition and background comments between excerpts from bin Laden. It was the first purported new message from bin Laden since Jan. 19. In that audiotape, he warned that his fighters were preparing new attacks in the United States but offered the American people a ``long-term truce'' without specifying the conditions. That tape was posted in full on a Web site a month later and included a vow by the terrorist chieftain never to be captured alive. ``I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don't want to die humiliated or deceived,'' bin Laden said in that previous 11-minute, 26-second tape. In the message broadcast Sunday, bin Laden also called for a global Muslim boycott of American goods similar to the recent boycott of Danish products after the publication there of caricatures of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. He also said the artists who drew those offending cartoons should be handed over to him for trial and punishment. The Al-Jazeera news reader said bin Laden, in a portion of the tape not aired by the Qatar-based broadcaster, scoffed at Saudi King Abdullah for his calls for a ``dialogue among civilizations'' and blasted liberal-minded Arab writers for taking part in the Western cultural invasion of Muslim lands. --- Associated Press reporters Katherine Shrader in Washington and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. \|\|\|\|\| Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. (UPI Photo/files) 'Their [the West's] boycott of Hamas confirmed that it is a crusade Zionist war against Muslims,' bin Laden said. The United States and European Union recently halted aid to the radical Hamas movement, which won a resounding victory in Palestinian elections, demanding the group renounce violence and recognize Israel. In reference to Sudan, bin Laden criticized US support for the autonomy of the south of the country and the Sudanese government's signing of a peace treaty. '(Sudanese President Omar) Beshir and (US President George W) Bush should know that this treaty is not worth the value of the ink in which it was written and for us, the treaty is not at all binding,' bin Laden said. He accused the US of exploiting the disputes between the tribes in Sudan's western province of Darfur to fuel the conflict as a pretext for sending what he called a 'crusade army' to seize oil there. 'I call on the mujahedin in Sudan and its neighbours especially the Arab peninsula to prepare all they need to engage in a long-term war against the crusade thieves in Western Sudan,' bin Laden added. This was the first appearance of bin Laden in the Arab media since al-Jazeera aired a voice recording on January 19 in which the al- Qaeda leader offered the West an armistice. In Sunday's recording, bin Laden said that the rejection by the West of his armistice was proof that the West opposed dialogue. The West was insisting on continuing a crusade war against 'our nation.' 'The politicians of the West do not want dialogue except for the sake of dialogue to drag us on, for them to gain more time. They want an armistice that is observed only by us,' bin Laden said. © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur \|\|\|\|\| JFK: A Vision for America Hardcover – Illustrated by Stephen Kennedy Smith, Douglas Brinkley Published in commemoration of the centennial of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, here is the definitive compendium of JFK’s most important and brilliant speeches, accompanied by commentary and reflections by leading American and international figures. Edited by JFK’s nephew Stephen Kennedy Smith and renowned historian Douglas Brinkley. Combined with over seven hundred documentary photos, it tells the story, in words and pictures, of JFK’s life and presidency, and depicts his compelling vision for America. JFK: A Vision for America Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Hardcover by Rhonda Vetere It's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that determines how fast you reach your goals. Rhonda Vetere, seasoned C-Suite technology veteran, knows firsthand that there's no such thing as a perfect, struggle-free life. In her work as a Global Technology Executive, she's faced down some of the biggest financial crises of modern times, and she knows it's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that matters. Grit & Grind uses real-life stories of how Vetere and her team navigate the volatile tech industry and illustrates a simple 10-part practice for building bone-deep confidence in your own abilities no matter what the challenge is. Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery Paperback by Joshua Medcalf Pound The Stone is the intense and inspiring story of a young man’s journey through the obstacles, defeats, and eventual victories that come while developing grit on the path to mastery. Told in the same engaging fable style as Chop Wood Carry Water, this is a deeper dive into the timeless principles that guide and inspire anyone who seeks greatness in life, and covers everything from true success, to the perfection trap, the value of failure, why courage is contagious, and why vulnerability can save your life. Pound The Stone will move and inspire you. Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery \|\|\|\|\| Bin Laden justifies attacks on West 23/04/2006 - 13:20:31 Al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden today issued an ominous new statement on Al-Jazeera television, appearing to justify attacks on civilians in the West. “I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. “While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us,” bin Laden said in an audio tape. The al-Qaida chief, who last issued a message via the satellite television broadcaster on January 19, said the people of Western countries were equally responsible with their governments for what he called “a Zionist (Jewish) crusaders (Christian) war on Islam.” He claimed the Western cut off of funds to the Palestinian Hamas-led government proved the US and Europe were at war with all Islamic people. “The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusaders war on Islam,” he said. The January 19 tape was posted in full on a website a month after it was first aired and included a vow by the terrorist leader never to be captured alive. “I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don’t want to die humiliated or deceived,” bin Laden said, in the 11-minute, 26-second tape. In that message, bin Laden offered the US a long-term truce but also said his al-Qaida terror network would soon launch a fresh attack on American soil. Get your FREE Ringtones, Java Games & Colour Logos from IOL 's NEW My Mobile site World News \| Messageboards \| Print Version \| Email to friend \| Previous Page © Thomas Crosbie Media, 2006. \|\|\|\|\| DUBAI: Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden said the international isolation of the Hamas-led Palestinian government is proof of a "war by crusaders and Zionists against Islam," according to an audiotape attributed to him and aired on Arabic television on Sunday. The tape was broadcast on Al-Jazeera, and was the first purported recording by the Western world's most wanted man in three months. In the recording, bin Laden speaks about the "situation in Iraq, Palestine and Sudan," and what he describes as a "crusade against Islam," the satellite channel said. In the last audiotape attributed to bin Laden and aired by Al-Jazeera in January, he threatened new attacks against the US but also offered the American people a conditional "truce". That tape marked the first time that bin Laden had been heard from in more than a year but there is still no information about the whereabouts of the man behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US and a host of other terror strikes. \|\|\|\|\| Al Jazeera to air bin Laden tape AL Jazeera television said it would soon air an audio tape said to be from al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. It said the Saudi-born militant speaks on the tape about Iraq, Sudan, and Palestine. In the recording, the Western world's most wanted man speaks about the "situation in Iraq, Palestine and Sudan," and what he describes as a "crusade against Islam," the satellite channel said. In the last audiotape attributed to bin Laden and aired by Al Jazeera in January, he threatened new attacks against the United States. Have your say Print this story Also in Breaking News Woman charged over fake 000 calls Party-goer 'attacked with axe' Cabbie robbed at knifepoint House destroyed by suspicious fire More Reports Saudi king slashes petrol prices Download stars top album chart Smartcard 'delivers welfare crackdown' Coroner releases Kovco's body Victoria's Doyle hits new lows Miners' fate 'known today' Employer groups 'blame Government' Sudan ready to sign rebel agreement Rice breaks with Bush over anthem Workers 'entering wage freeze' Roadside bomb kills 3 foreigners UK police hunt racist firebomber Miners found alive and well Mine Antarctica, says Joyce Bosnian family feels Kovcos' pain Iran playing nuke games, says Rice Little sleep for mining town No reaching miners tonight US journalist to be freed Egypt extends emergency law	FBI photo of Osama Bin Laden. Aljazeera has aired a new audiotape it says contains the voice of al-Qaeda's leader, Osama bin Laden. The tape is 11 minutes and 26 seconds long, believed to have been made after March 14, 2006. According to Aljazeera, in the tape, Bin Laden talks about the "situation in Iraq, Palestine and Sudan" and says that the isolation of the Hamas-led Palestine is a "war by crusaders and Zionists against Islam." "I say that this war is the joint responsibility of the people and the governments. While the war continues, the people renew their allegiance to their rulers and politicians and continue to send their sons to our countries to fight us. The war goes on and the people are renewing their allegiance to its rulers and masters. They send their sons to armies to fight us and they continue their financial and moral support while our countries are burned and our houses are bombed and our people are killed," said bin Laden. "The blockade which the West is imposing on the government of Hamas proves that there is a Zionist crusaders war on Islam. I have sworn to only live free. Even if I find bitter the taste of death, I don't want to die humiliated or deceived. The war is a responsibility shared between the people and the governments. They do not want a truce unless it is from our side only. They insist on continuing their crusader campaign against our nation and to loot our wealth," he added. Bin Laden also talked about Sudan saying, "I call on mujahedeen and their supporters, especially in Sudan and the Arab peninsula, to prepare for long war again the crusader plunderers in Western Sudan. Our goal is not defending the Khartoum government but to defend Islam, its land and its people. The politicians of the West do not want dialogue except for the sake of dialogue to drag us on, for them to gain more time. They want an armistice that is observed only by us." The United States has since said that they believe the tape is authentic. "We just heard from the intelligence community that they believe it's authentic," said Scott McClellan, spokesman for the White House. "We are continuing to take the fight to the enemy abroad and making it difficult for them to plan and plot against Americans. The al Qaeda leadership is on the run and under a lot of pressure. We continue to take all terrorist threats seriously and that is why we are acting on all fronts doing everything within our power to prevail in the war on terrorism," added McClellan. Aljazeera last aired an audiotape in January by bin Laden, where he promised new terrorist attacks in the U.S. but also offered the U.S. a "long-term truce."
Online services - Update The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is experiencing electronic system difficulties that prevent the public from accessing some electronic services for personal returns such as NETFILE, TELEFILE and EFILE. We have temporarily shut down public access to these electronic services to ensure the integrity of taxpayer information. Update: March 9, 2007 Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Michel Dorais reported today that the CRA is making further progress in its efforts to resolve the computer database problem that prompted the Agency to suspend most online services for individual taxpayers earlier this week. "Our solution is working and in the past 24 hours we have successfully restored several databases," said CRA Commissioner Michel Dorais. "CRA employees will be working through the weekend to continue to restore the rest, and we expect to make good progress." "Once we complete this phase of our recovery plan," said Mr. Dorais, "we will work out the schedule to bring online services for individual taxpayers back online." The Agency confirms that all online services for business are still functioning. The CRA would like to remind businesses that all payments must be made as required on the prescribed dates. Instalment payments by individuals are due as usual on March 15. Facts for Taxpayers Currently, you cannot file your personal return electronically by NETFILE, TELEFILE or EFILE. Until the problem is resolved, we cannot process returns filed on paper, or returns filed electronically before the system interruption. Refunds will be delayed until processing is resumed. We expect that all benefit payments, including the March 20 Universal Child Care Benefit and Canada Child Tax Benefit and the April 5 Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, will be made on time and without interruption. If you have already filed your income tax return electronically, the CRA will be able to determine whether the filing of your return was affected by this problem. It is too soon to speculate on whether the filing deadline will be extended. The CRA fully expects to restore all services well in advance of the filing deadline. Most features on My Account are functioning normally. However, the following My Account services are currently not available: view account balance and statement of account; view instalments; change my return; change my address; and, arrange my direct deposit. Electronic services for businesses, including My Business Account, are not directly impacted. There are no problems with employer remittances of payroll deductions, Goods and Services Tax/ Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) remittances, or the Business Number registration system. While the system problem affects the processing of many incoming payments, GST payments can still be processed. You should continue to make your payments as follows: In person at your financial institution. Online using your financial institution's Internet or telephone banking service. By sending your payment to the CRA by mail. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. We appreciate your continuing patience while we resolve this matter. Additional information: News release - March 6 Frequently asked questions Fact sheet - March 8 update \|\|\|\|\| The Canada Revenue Agency said Wednesday its online tax filing system was back up and running. The federal government department said it has resolved the technical issues that prevented people from filing their 2006 tax returns. "The CRA's processing systems are back online," commissioner Michel Dorais said in a statement on the agency's website. "All of our databases have been restored, our online services have been tested to our satisfaction, and our employees are processing the backlog of returns and payments. "I would like to thank taxpayers for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented service outage," Dorais said. Dorais had ordered the agency's 75 databases shut down March 5 after noticing "some irregularities" following software maintenance the previous weekend. All online access to Efile, Netfile and the My Account feature was affected by the shutdown. The CRA said the processing of returns — including the issuing of refunds — was delayed until the problem could be fixed. The processing delays also affected paper-based returns that were mailed. \|\|\|\|\| Fact Sheet March 2007 CRA announces business resumption plan Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Commissioner Michel Dorais today announced the Agency's timeline to bring services back on line. “We have begun to bring some of our systems into production,” reported Mr. Dorais. “We expect to have all of our taxpayer services, including EFILE, NETFILE, Change My Address and return processing back into full service no later than on Thursday March 15th, 2007.” The CRA is bringing back its temporary employees tomorrow morning to begin processing all outstanding files. The security of taxpayer information is paramount for the CRA. The security and privacy of taxpayer data was protected and was never at risk during this preventive suspension of online services. A malfunctioning software patch is the cause of this service interruption. CRA appreciates the patience and understanding of taxpayers during this interruption and is making every effort to restore full services as soon as possible. Please check the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/update on a regular basis to see which services are available. This document is also available for download in .pdf format. To receive notification by email when news releases, fact sheets or tax tips are added to our Web site, you can subscribe to our electronic mailing list. For media information	The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that computer systems involved with the processing of tax returns for individuals are back online. Tax processing had been halted on March 6, 2007, due to a computer glitch. The source of the problem had been traced back to software maintenance performed on March 4. In an update on the CRA website, dated March 14, Michel Dorais, Commissioner of the Agency, stated that all of the databases had been restored and CRA employees are processing the backlog of returns and payments. Tax processing for businesses had not been affected by the computer shutdown. In his statement, Dorais thanked taxpayers "for their patience and understanding" during the service outage. He also stated that "the integrity and safety of personal data was never at risk". The CRA suggests that it would work quickly to process the resulting backlog of tax returns.
Al Qaeda Threat To UK Over Rushdie Al Qaeda's second-in-command has released a tape threatening Britain with retaliation for giving novelist Salman Rushdie a knighthood. The audio tape features the voice of Ayman al Zawahiri, according to a US-based monitoring group. Al Zawahiri's 20-minute speech was entitled Malicious Britain And Its Indian Slaves. It was produced by as Sahab, the multimedia wing of al Qaeda, to be distributed to extremist websites, the US-based SITE intelligence group said. Advertisement Osama bin Laden's deputy lashed out at Britain for having awarded a knighthood to Rushdie last month, saying it was defying the Islamic world by granting the honour to the author of The Satanic Verses. The book sparked worldwide anger when it was published and led to Iran declaring a fatwa on the author and encouraging people to kill him on the grounds that he had offended Islam. Al Zawahiri said that a "very precise response" was in preparation to retaliate against the award of the knighthood. Addressing Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Egyptian-born militant said Britain's strategy in the Middle East "has brought tragedy and defeat upon you, not only in Afghanistan and Iraq but also in the centre of London". He then says: "And if you did not understand, listen: we are ready to repeat it for you." It comes less than a week after Al Zawahiri's most recent video message was aired. In it he says that al Qaeda is targeting "corrupt" Muslim governments. Al Zawahiri is thought to have been hiding in mountains on the Afghan-Pakistan border since the overthrow of al Qaeda's Taliban protectors in Afghanistan in 2001. \|\|\|\|\| By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer Tue Jul 10, 4:31 PM ET Al-Qaida Britain Salman Rushdie U.S CAIRO, Egypt -'s No. 2 issued a new audiotape on Tuesday threatening to retaliate againstfor honoring the novelist, a.-based monitoring group said. The 20-minute speech by Ayman al-Zawahri was entitled "Malicious Britain and its Indian Slaves." It was produced by as-Sahab, the multimedia wing of al-Qaida, to be distributed to extremist web sites, said the U.S.-based SITE group, which monitors al-Qaida messages. The authenticity of the tape, also reported by Alexandria, Va.-based IntelCenter, could not be independently confirmed. Osama bin Laden's deputy lashed out at Britain for having awarded a knighthood to Rushdie last month, saying it was defying the Islamic world by granting the honor to the author of "The Satanic Verses," deemed to insult Islam. A "very precise response" is in preparation to retaliate against this offense, al-Zawahri was quoted as saying by SITE. Addressing British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the al-Qaida deputy chief said Britain's strategy in the Middle East "has brought tragedy and defeat upon you, not only in Afghanistan and Iraq but also in the center of London." This appeared to be a reference to the deadly London transit network bombings which occurred just about two years ago. "And if you did not understand, listen, we are ready to repeat it for you," al-Zawahri was quoted as warning the British prime minister. In response, the British government said the knighthood awarded to Rushdie was "a reflection of his contribution to literature." "The government has already made clear that Rushdie's honor was not intended as an insult to Islam or the Prophet Muhammad," said a spokesman for Britain's Foreign Office. "We will continue to tackle the threat from international terrorism as a priority in order to prevent the risk of attacks on British interests at home and overseas, including from al-Qaida," the spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with Foreign Office rules. Rushdie was awarded a knighthood by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II last month to honor his career as a writer. The decision angered Muslim radicals, with some groups renewing calls for the Indian novelist to be sentenced to death. Iran's leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had issued a fatwa, or religious ruling, in 1989 to sentence the author to death for having written "The Satanic Verses," deemed blasphemous against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. Al-Zawahri has issued eight video messages this year, along with a number of audio speeches. His previous tape was distributed last week by as-Sahab, the al-Qaida media wing. ___ Associated Press writer Thomas Wagner contributed to this report from London.	Al-Qaeda's No.2 Ayman al-Zawahiri warned in a 20-minute audiotaped message that the knighthood of Salman Rushdie was defying the Islamic world by granting the honour to the author of ''The Satanic Verses'', which was deemed an insult to Islam. Al-Zawahri said in the message that a "very precise response" is in preparation to retaliate against this offence, "And if you did not understand, listen, we are ready to repeat it for you." Rushdie was given the knighthood last month by Queen Elizabeth II. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the honor was not intended as an insult to Islam but was "a reflection of his contribution to literature."
Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, April 6, 2005; Page A01 Millions of Americans will be required to show passports when they reenter the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by 2008 under new rules announced yesterday by the State and Homeland Security departments. The new policy, designed to thwart terrorists from exploiting the relative ease of travel in North America, means that Americans who lack U.S. passports will have to obtain them to travel between the United States and neighboring nations. It also will require Mexicans and Canadians to present either passports or another official document to enter this country, with details to be determined. Currently, U.S. citizens in most cases need to show only driver's licenses to reenter this country from Mexico and Canada, though officials said that since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, some officials at border crossings at times have asked for additional documents. "We're asking people to think of travel in and out of the U.S. [in this hemisphere] in the same way they would travel to and from Europe," said Elaine K. Dezenski, deputy assistant secretary for border and transportation security at the Department of Homeland Security. Some travel industry executives predicted that the initiative could lead to long lines for foreigners entering this country and could discourage U.S. youngsters from traveling on school trips, or spontaneously, to Canada and Mexico. Much smaller percentages of young people have passports than older people do, industry officials said. An increasing amount of travel planning is being done only days or weeks before a vacation begins because of Americans' harried lifestyles, and the new rules could discourage U.S. citizens without passports from taking quick jaunts to Canada and Mexico, tourism officials said. "For the last-minute traveler, this could be a problem," said Hank Phillips, president of the National Tour Association, which represents the tourism industry. "We're concerned about this, but we're taking a wait-and-see attitude, because security is a top priority." Michael Palmer, executive director of the Student & Youth Travel Association, which represents tour operators, said yesterday that the new rules also could "drastically" reduce the number of Mexican and Canadian students who visit the United States. "I can see the student travel business [from Canada into the United States] almost drying up," said Doug Ellison, who owns a large youth travel firm outside Ontario. The regulations also will discourage Canadian cross-border shoppers, he said. "If you don't want us to come, you're giving us a good reason not to," he said. The changes, to be phased in over the next three years, were mandated by the intelligence reform law approved last December and have been expected for months. Sixty million Americans have U.S. passports, and officials expect to issue 10 million more this year. More citizens are obtaining passports every year because of the perceived desirability of having citizenship documents, said Maura Harty, assistant secretary of state for consular affairs. The new policy was needed to tighten security for travelers around the Western Hemisphere in part because of heightened concern that terrorists could smuggle equipment or operatives into the United States from neighboring countries, officials said. U.S. officials also want to reduce their reliance on state driver's licenses because of the ease of obtaining fraudulent licenses. State and Homeland Security officials are distributing cards to U.S. and foreign travelers in this hemisphere, warning that "all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda will soon be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or reenter the United States." The rule's first phase will go into effect Dec. 31, 2005, requiring all U.S. citizens traveling by air or sea to or from the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America, to have passports. The next phase, which will apply these rules to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada, will begin a year later. The last phase, which will affect the most people by far, will take effect on Dec. 31, 2007, and will apply the requirement to all air, sea and land border crossings with Mexico and Canada. Phillips of the National Tour Association predicted long lines at land border crossings in the first months after that, however thorough the planning, because the vast majority of the 1.1 million people entering the United States every day arrive by land. \|\|\|\|\| Time to get a passport Toronto Canadians travelling to the United States will be required to show a passport or other so-called “secure document” when crossing the border beginning at the end of 2006, a federal government source confirmed Tuesday. Canadians will also continue, however, to be the only citizens exempt from a U.S. program that requires foreign visitors to be fingerprinted on entry into the U.S. “That program is not changing, (and) that's important,” the source said. “Even with this (passport) scheme being announced, Canadians will be exempt from the fuller scheme.” Advertisements The announcement by the U.S. State Department on new measures for travellers, including Americans themselves returning from Canada and three other countries, was to take place Tuesday at a special briefing in Washington, D.C. It was not clear what documents other than a passport would be considered acceptable for entry. The tighter security measures are a consequence of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. “Both countries have accepted since Sept. 11 heightened use of documentation in border travel,” the source said. “It's certainly something there has been increased acceptance about.” Neither Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew nor Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan were immediately available to comment. Alex Swann, a spokesman for Ms. McLellan, said the new measures do not come as a surprise. “The government of Canada has recognized that documents and document integrity are important in the post-Sept. 11 world,” Mr. Swann said from Ottawa. “Certainly, we discussed this with them in advance.” The measures will be phased in over the next couple of years, putting an end to flashing a driver's licence or birth certificate at U.S. immigration officials. “It will be phased in in earlier stages at different ports of entry,” the source said. “The end of 2007 will be the final phase-in period.” It was not immediately clear whether land or air travellers would have to comply first, starting late next year. It was also difficult to assess the impact the new measures would have on travellers and waits to cross already busy borders. “It's too soon to speculate,” the source said. “We have an understanding with the U.S. government that they're going to work with us on implementation.” Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Canadian passport offices have been processing more applications, and issuing more secure passports. In addition, Canada and the United States have already set up programs whereby low-risk business and other travellers already have secure documents and expedited access across the border. \|\|\|\|\| E-mail story Print Most E-Mailed New Rules Tighten U.S. Passport Requirements Times Headlines Most E-mailed By Paul Richter, Times Staff Writer Following recommendations of the Sept. 11 Commission, travelers will no longer be allowed to simply show a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID card, officials said. Similarly, Canadians, who have been able to enter the United States with a driver's license, will need a passport. Some people in the travel industry have opposed the changes, which will make it harder for travelers to take spur-of-the-moment trips. But U.S. officials point out that the Algerian man who was convicted of trying to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on the eve of the millennium was admitted from Canada without a passport. Americans returning from Panama and Bermuda will also need to show passports or secure documents, officials said. Currently, Americans returning from Mexico, Panama or Bermuda need only show a government-issued ID card and a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate. The tightening is to keep out "people who want to hurt us," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Even with the new requirement, Canadians will be exempt from the requirement that foreign visitors must be fingerprinted on entry to the United States, officials said. Canadian officials said they might begin requiring Americans to show passports before crossing into Canada. "We will review our requirements for American citizens, and we're going to do that in collaboration with the United States," Canadian Public Safety Minister Ann McLellan told reporters outside the House of Commons in Ottawa. The commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks warned that "the current system enables non-U.S. citizens to gain entry by showing minimal identification. The 9/11 experience shows that terrorists study and exploit America's vulnerabilities." The panel urged that "Americans should not be exempt from carrying biometric passports or otherwise enabling their identities to be securely verified when they enter the United States; nor should Canadians or Mexicans." WASHINGTON — In a move to counter terrorism, Americans will have to show passports or another secure document to enter the country from Mexico and Canada beginning in 2008, U.S. officials said today.Following recommendations of the Sept. 11 Commission, travelers will no longer be allowed to simply show a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID card, officials said.Similarly, Canadians, who have been able to enter the United States with a driver's license, will need a passport.Some people in the travel industry have opposed the changes, which will make it harder for travelers to take spur-of-the-moment trips. But U.S. officials point out that the Algerian man who was convicted of trying to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on the eve of the millennium was admitted from Canada without a passport.Americans returning from Panama and Bermuda will also need to show passports or secure documents, officials said. Currently, Americans returning from Mexico, Panama or Bermuda need only show a government-issued ID card and a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.The tightening is to keep out "people who want to hurt us," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.Even with the new requirement, Canadians will be exempt from the requirement that foreign visitors must be fingerprinted on entry to the United States, officials said.Canadian officials said they might begin requiring Americans to show passports before crossing into Canada."We will review our requirements for American citizens, and we're going to do that in collaboration with the United States," Canadian Public Safety Minister Ann McLellan told reporters outside the House of Commons in Ottawa.The commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks warned that "the current system enables non-U.S. citizens to gain entry by showing minimal identification. The 9/11 experience shows that terrorists study and exploit America's vulnerabilities."The panel urged that "Americans should not be exempt from carrying biometric passports or otherwise enabling their identities to be securely verified when they enter the United States; nor should Canadians or Mexicans." Article licensing and reprint options If you want other stories on this topic, search the Archives at latimes.com/archives	File photo of a U.S. passport. North American travelers will see a phased-in requirement to carry passports in the coming years. In a multi-national initiative to restrict illegal immigration and travel, a passport layer of stricter identification will be introduced for travel throughout the continent by the year 2008. The US State Department announced the new American travel rules Monday. For the most part, North American citizens can now travel to neighboring countries without formal papers. But starting in December 2005, U.S. citizens travelling by air or sea to or from the Caribbean, Central and South America will need a passport to get back into their native nation. Showing a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID card will no longer be sufficient for making the border crossing back. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that passport restrictions will help keep out "people who want to hurt us." Rice made a brief trip on March 10 to meet with Mexican President Vicente Fox before leaving on her Far East tour. The Mexican meeting was to pave the way for a March 23 summit with Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Fox at the President Bush ranch in Texas. Issues concerning immigration, border security and water rights were discussed at the meeting. The intent of the summit was to produce a North American initiative that will strengthen security and economic ties. The passport rules are a result of that summit. The next phase of the passport requirements begins Dec 2006, when passports for air and sea travel to, or from Mexico and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda and US will be required. The final phase involves any travel: whether air, sea or land crossings, passports will be required at borders by Dec 7, 2008.
Mr Sarkozy said he would be president of all the French Sarkozy speech With three quarters of votes counted, Mr Sarkozy has 53%, compared with 47% for socialist Segolene Royal, while turnout is put at 85%. Mr Sarkozy, 52, the son of a Hungarian immigrant, takes over from the 74-year-old Jacques Chirac. Riot police are reported to have fired tear gas at demonstrators protesting in central Paris at Mr Sarkozy's victory. According to the French news agency AFP, a few hundred stone-throwing rioters charged the police in the Place de la Bastille, where 5,000 supporters of Segolene Royal had earlier gathered to hear the results. Friendship for US Mr Sarkozy's supporters have gathered for an open-air concert in the Place de la Concorde, which is expected to continue until the early hours. France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to render to France what France has given me Nicolas Sarkozy In his victory speech, Mr Sarkozy said he would be the president of all the French. "France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to render to France what France has given me," he said. He said the US could count on France's friendship, but urged Washington to take a lead in the fight against climate change. He also said he believed deeply in European integration, but appealed to France's partners to understand the importance of social protection. EARLY RESULTS (73% OF VOTES COUNTED) Nicolas Sarkozy: 53.3% Segolene Royal: 46.7% Turnout: 84.8% Spoiled ballots: 3.75% Source: French Interior Ministry After he finished speaking at his party headquarters, jubilant supporters sang a rousing rendition of the French national anthem. Third defeat Ms Royal is the first woman ever to have made it to the second round of a French presidential election. Ms Royal was gracious in defeat Conceding defeat - the third in a row for France's Socialist Party - she thanked 17m French people for their votes, saying she could measure their sadness and their pain. "I gave it all my efforts, and will continue," she told supporters. "Something has risen up that will not stop." She expressed the hope that "the next president of the Republic" would accomplish his mission at the service of all the French people. Mr Sarkozy has promised to try to reform France to face the challenges of the 21st century, with putting the nation back to work at the top of his agenda. He has pledged to bring unemployment down from 8.3% to below 5% by 2012. Police deployed He is also expected to bring forward policies to cut taxes and keep trains running during strikes, in the first 100 days after he takes office on 17 May. HAVE YOUR SAY I'd like to say congratulations and good luck to President elect Sarkozy Eric Loadman, USA Send us your comments Royal v Sarkozy: Policies More than 3,000 police have been deployed in Paris and its multi-ethnic suburbs in case Mr Sarkozy's victory sparks a repeat of the riots seen in 2005. French pundits greeted the strong turnout as a victory for French democracy. Both candidates worked hard to woo the supporters of the third-placed candidate in round one, centrist Francois Bayrou. Polls suggest that they each won over 40% of the Bayrou voters, and that 20% did not cast a ballot in round two. \|\|\|\|\| Story Highlights • Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy wins France's presidential election • Sarkozy takes 53 percent of the vote, according to early results • In a victory speech, he promises to be "president of all the French people" • Conceding defeat, Socialist Segolene Royal vows to "keep on fighting" Adjust font size: PARIS, France (CNN) -- Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy greeted news of his election Sunday to a five-year term as France's president with a vow to serve as a leader for all people of France. "The president of the republic must love and respect all the French," he told cheering supporters at his campaign headquarters. "I will be the president of all the French people." Sarkozy won with 53 percent of the vote in Sunday's presidential runoff, according to preliminary results issued by the French Interior Ministry. Socialist Segolene Royal took 47 percent of the vote. "The French people have called for change. I will carry out that change, because that's the mandate I have received from the French people." Sarkozy added that he wanted to tell his "American friends that they can rely on our friendship ... France will always be next to them when they need us." But, he added, "Friends can think differently." He then called on the United States "not to impede" in the fight against global warming. "On the contrary, they must lead this fight because humanity's fate is at stake here." (Watch Sarkozy's victory speech ) Violence was reported after the election outcome. Youths clashed with police in Paris and Lyon on Sunday, and security forces fired tear gas at 2,000 protesters in the French capital. (Full story) 'We have to overcome hatred' U.S. President George W. Bush called Sarkozy to congratulate him on his victory, a White House spokesman said in a written statement. (Watch how the White House responded ) Sarkozy said he would also work to form a link between Europe and Africa. "We have to overcome hatred to give way to the great dreams of peace and civilization," he said. "It's time to build a great Mediterranean union." Sarkozy said he would put in place an immigration policy "that is going to be controlled" and a development policy "that is going to be ambitious." But he said that France would "stand next to" those who are persecuted by tyrants, dictatorships." "We are going to write together a new page of our history. This page, my dear fellow citizens, I am sure it will be great." Royal, a 53-year-old mother of four, acknowledged her defeat in a speech to supporters moments after the polls closed at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. ET). "Keep the faith, keep intact your enthusiasm," she said at her party's headquarters. "I will keep on fighting the fight that we have started today." (Watch Royal's speech ) First French president born after WWII Sarkozy, a former interior minister, and Royal were in a runoff after emerging as the top candidates from the first round of voting on April 22. Sarkozy will replace Jacques Chirac, a conservative who has been France's president since 1995. His election makes him the first French president born after World War II. Voting was brisk. According to official figures, more than 75 percent of registered voters had been to the polls by 5 p.m. (11 a.m. ET). Sarkozy voted in the affluent Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine where he lives, while Royal cast her vote in the western Poitou Charentes region, where she is regional president. The campaign had been dominated by a debate over how to improve economic growth and reduce unemployment among the young, but its most explosive moments focused on immigration. Appealing to right-wing voters, Sarkozy said France could not provide "a home for all the world's miseries." On Friday, Royal said a Sarkozy presidency could trigger violence and brutalities in suburbs with high immigrant populations, prompting Sarkozy to condemn her "threatening comments." There are no official figures on the number of North African immigrants and their French-born descendants in France. Unofficially, the number is estimated at between 3 million and 6 million. Prior to the election results being made public, Sen. Richard Lugar, an Indiana Republican, said a Sarkozy victory would be favorable to the United States. "Clearly, his views are more in line with ours," Lugar told CNN's "Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer." Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, concurred: "I do. I do," he told CNN. "I mean, it would be nice to have someone who is head of France who doesn't almost have a knee-jerk reaction against the United States." \|\|\|\|\| Les Documentaires de la RTS "Faut-il manger des animaux?": un documentaire ravive le débat Le film dresse la liste des problèmes provoqués par l'élevage industriel aux Etats-Unis. L'occasion de faire le point sur la situation en Suisse. \|\|\|\|\| Les archives de la RTS Du fou au patient, regards sur la maladie psychique Depuis le début du 20e siècle, la vision et la prise en charge n’ont cessé d’évoluer.	Nicolas Sarkozy has been elected as the 23rd President of the French Republic with 53% of the vote. His rival, Ségolène Royal, was defeated with 47% of the vote. Ms. Royal has accepted her defeat. Mr. Sarkozy has promised to be the "President of the French People" and Royal has vowed to "keep on fighting". Sarkozy's first term will begin on 16 May. Sarkozy has promised to try to reform France to face the challenges of the 21st century, with putting the nation back to work at the top of his agenda. Sarkozy has said that he would also work to form a link between Europe and Africa. "We have to overcome hatred to give way to the great dreams of peace and civilization," he stated in his first speech as President-Elect. "It's time to build a great Mediterranean union." he added. U.S. president, George W. Bush has congratulated Mr. Sarkozy. Image:Nicolas Sarkozy - Meeting in Toulouse for the 2007 French presidential election 0389 2007-04-12 cropped.JPG\| '''Nicolas Sarkozy''' Union for a Popular Movement 53% Image:Meeting Royal 2007 02 06 n12.jpg\| '''Ségolène Royal''' Socialist Party 47%
Tropical Depression MATTHEW Home Public Advisory Forecast/Advisory Maps/Charts Archive 000 WTNT34 KNHC 101425 TCPAT4 BULLETIN TROPICAL DEPRESSION MATTHEW ADVISORY NUMBER 8 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 10 AM CDT SUN OCT 10 2004 ...MATTHEW WEAKENS TO A DEPRESSION OVER SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA... AT 10 AM CDT...1500Z...THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO COAST IS DISCONTINUED. INTERESTS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION UNTIL WINDS AND SEAS SUBSIDE. AT 10 AM CDT...1500Z...THE POORLY-DEFINED CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION MATTHEW WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 29.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 90.8 WEST OR ABOUT 40 MILES WEST OF NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA. THE DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 10 MPH AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON THIS TRACK...THE CENTER WILL CONTINUE MOVING OVER SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA TODAY AND INTO SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 35 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. GRADUAL WEAKENING IS FORECAST OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1001 MB...29.56 INCHES. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 5 INCHES...WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS...CAN BE EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF THE PATH OF MATTHEW. REPEATING THE 10 AM CDT POSITION...29.9 N... 90.8 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...NORTH NEAR 10 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS... 35 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1001 MB. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE. THIS IS THE LAST PUBLIC ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM. FUTURE INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE FOUND IN PUBLIC ADVISORIES ISSUED BY THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL PREDICTION CENTER...UNDER AWIPS HEADER TCPAT4 AND WMO HEADER WTNT34 KWNH...BEGINNING AT 4 PM CDT. FORECASTER PASCH $$ \|\|\|\|\| Remnants of NINE Public Advisory Home Public Adv Fcst Adv Discussion Wind Probs Graphics Archive 000 WTNT34 KNHC 192031 TCPAT4 BULLETIN REMNANTS OF NINE ADVISORY NUMBER 14 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL092015 500 PM AST SAT SEP 19 2015 ...DEPRESSION DISSIPATES... ...THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY... SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...18.8N 49.9W ABOUT 790 MI...1270 KM ENE OF THE LESSER ANTILLES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1007 MB...29.74 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the remnants of Tropical Depression Nine were located near latitude 18.8 North, longitude 49.9 West. The remnants are moving toward the west-northwest near 5 mph (7 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or two. Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. The remnants are expected to gradually weaken during the next day or two. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb (29.74 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None NEXT ADVISORY ------------- This is the last public advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on this system. Additional information on this system can be found in High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service, under AWIPS header NFDHSFAT1, WMO header FZNT01 KWBC, and available on the Web at http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/shtml/NFDHSFAT1.shtml. $$ Forecaster Brennan	Tropical storm Humberto suddenly gained strength last night and became a hurricane just off the Texas coast. At 12:15 a.m. CDT a hurricane warning was issued for the Gulf coast from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana. The center of the hurricane was at 29.4N 94.4W, moving toward the north-northeast at seven knots. The diameter of the eye was ten nautical miles, with maximum sustained winds predicted to be 70 knots with gusts to 85 knots. Twelve foot seas were expected. By 10:00 a.m. CDT it had weakened back to a tropical storm.
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption The New South Wales abortion ruling is a milestone for the state, says premier Gladys Berejiklian Abortion has been decriminalised across Australia after the last remaining state where it was illegal, New South Wales (NSW), voted to reform its laws. The bill, passed on Thursday, overturns a 119-year-old law which had been criticised by opponents as archaic. The legislation had generated weeks of heated debate and deeply divided the state's conservative government. Previously, abortions were possible in NSW only if a doctor deemed there was "serious risk" to a woman's health. The legislation was passed 26-14 in the state's lower house after discussions about more than 100 possible amendments. It has already been approved by the upper house. The law makes it legal for terminations to be conducted up to 22 weeks into a woman's pregnancy - or later if two doctors agree. Image copyright EPA Image caption The debate over the bill prompted protests on both sides The reform had been strongly opposed by some activists and MPs who raised objections due to their personal beliefs, as well as concerns about late-term abortions. But last-minute amendments ultimately persuaded some conservative MPs, and the bill drew support from other parties. "The current law has meant women and doctors have a threat of 10 years in jail for making this decision and that's not okay," said Labor MP Penny Sharpe, one of the bill's co-sponsors. "This is a massive step forward for women in this state." You might also be interested in: \|\|\|\|\| Australia's Largest State Lifts Abortion Restrictions Enlarge this image toggle caption Brook Mitchell/Getty Images Brook Mitchell/Getty Images Lawmakers in Sydney have voted to decriminalize abortion in the country's most populous state, overturning legal restrictions that have been in place since the start of the 20th century. On Thursday, lawmakers in New South Wales voted to pass the Abortion Law Reform Act 2019. The bill will allow women to get abortions up to 22 weeks into a pregnancy and will abolish any common law rules relating to abortion. "Unlawful abortion" has been in the state's criminal code since 1900. Women were allowed to terminate pregnancies only if a medical practitioner agreed that her physical or mental health was at risk. According to Parliament members, the bill was debated for nearly 70 hours in both houses and went through several amendments. Alex Greenwich, an independent member of Parliament, drafted the bill. He spoke on the house floor as the bill was read. "It follows decades of work from women's rights campaigners, activists and people in the Parliament," said Greenwich. The abortion-rights bill passed in the face of massive anti-abortion protests in New South Wales. In the weeks leading up to the historic vote, Australian abortion opponents organized public rallies featuring prominent conservative voices, such as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. "It is a license for sex-selection abortions. It is a license for late-term abortion," said Abbott. "It is effectively infanticide on demand." Jenny Leong, a representative for the Greens party, applauded the bill and spoke about what the passage means for women's rights. "Today we have moved closer to the idea of realizing gender equality for all in this state," said Leong. Enlarge this image toggle caption James Gourley/Getty Images James Gourley/Getty Images New South Wales was one of only two states in Australia with abortion restrictions on the books. The state of South Australia still requires that two doctors agree that a woman's pregnancy endangers their mental or physical health and that unlawful abortion is punishable by law, according to Children By Choice Australia. \|\|\|\|\| NSW will become the final state in the country to remove abortion from the Crimes Act after the contentious bill passed its last hurdle on Thursday morning. The amended bill has placated conservative MPs, securing Premier Gladys Berejiklian's majority which was under threat after rebel MPs warned they could defect. NSW MPs and members of the public after the passing of the bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW. Credit:James Brickwood But in a last-ditch attempt to block the bill, 10 MLCs from the upper house have signed a protest which is being delivered by the clerk's office to the Governor on Thursday afternoon. The MPs include One Nation's Mark Latham and Rod Roberts; Labor's Courtney Houssos, Greg Donnelly and Shaoquett Moselmane; Liberals' Matthew Mason-Cox and Lou Amato; Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Robert Borsak and Mark Banasiak and Christian Democrat Fred Nile.	Yesterday, the of New South Wales (NSW), Australia voted to pass the "Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019" which decriminalized abortion. Until the new legislation, NSW had the most restrictive anti-abortion law in Australia. The NSW legislature in Sydney abolished any existing rules about abortion and legalized terminations up to week 22 of a pregnancy. marriage equality in 2017 Since 1900, under the state's criminal code, abortions were only allowed if a doctor determined the mother was in danger, either mentally or physically. The bill was drafted by who said on the parliament floor, "It follows decades of work from women's rights campaigners, activists and people in the Parliament". The upper house debate involved 102 amendments, and was amongst the longest they have ever debated a bill. Member of parliament (MP) said a law allowing the termination of a life marked a "sad day for NSW". Former prime minister Tony Abbott said, "It is a license for sex-selection abortions. It is a license for late-term abortion ... It is effectively infanticide on demand." MP , who co-sponsored the bill, said, "The current law has meant women and doctors have a threat of 10 years in jail for making this decision and that's not okay". Early opponent MP said, "We have moved the bill to a better place". Premier was not present at the bill's final vote. New South Wales is the most populated Australian state. The state of South Australia still limits abortions to cases with two doctors' approval.
404 - Page not found Unfortunately, the page you were trying to find on www.west-midlands.police.uk cannot be found. This may be for the following reasons: The page may have moved There may be a typing error in the address If you clicked on an external link, it may be out of date The bookmark you have stored may be out of date and will require updating In order to locate the information that you requested you can follow any of the following methods: Search You can search for the information you require with the search box at the top of the page. Menu You can use the menu at the top of page to navigate your way around the site. Homepage You can return to the homepage. \|\|\|\|\| A 35-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a decorated war veteran who was found dead in his home. William Davis, 92, was found collapsed at his Hobley Street residence in Willenhall, West Midlands, on Sunday evening. He died as a result of severe head injuries, West Midlands police said. Detectives arrested the local woman last night and she is helping police with their inquiries. At a press conference held by the force on Tuesday, Detective Superintendent Richard Baker described Davis as a fiercely independent decorated war veteran who was father to two, grandfather to four and a great-grandfather to one. He said: "Bill used to go into Willenhall on a weekly basis. He tended his own garden and maintained his home on his own. He was very well-known in the local community and used to stop and chat to his neighbours. "We know he was seen at 9am on Sunday 1 April in his front garden, where he stopped and chatted to passersby. "At around 3.15pm a neighbour took some lunch round to his house. At 6pm concerned neighbours who were unable to rouse Bill gained access to his property and found him." The house remains sealed off and forensic searches are continuing. Baker appealed for anyone who might have been in the Fisher Street and Hobley Street area on Sunday to come forward. He also pointed out that anyone responsible would have left the address heavily blood-stained and appealed for anyone who knows a friend, neighbour or associate who had blood-stained clothing and was either trying to conceal or wash them to come forward. Police have asked anyone with any information relating to the incident to contact the CID by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. \|\|\|\|\| Willenhall murder: Woman arrested over William Davis death Continue reading the main story Related Stories Police investigating the death of a 92-year-old man have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder. William Davis was found dead at his home in Hobley Street, Willenhall. West Midlands Police said the 35-year-old was arrested on Tuesday following an appeal for information when they said the killer may have left the scene "heavily bloodstained". Police said early indications from a post-mortem examination showed Mr Davis suffered serious head injuries. Supt Richard Baker from West Midlands Police CID said Mr Davis, a decorated war hero, had last been seen in his garden about lunchtime on Sunday. He said: "We also know a neighbour spoke to Mr Davis at about midday and offered to make him some dinner that was taken around about 3pm or 3:15pm on Sunday." "It was about 6pm when neighbours raised the alarm. "This is an horrendous crime and the community of Willenhall is assisting us with our inquiries." Mr Davis had a son and a daughter and was a grandfather as well as a great grandfather. Police said the house and area around Hobley Street and Fisher Street remains sealed off.	Map of England with highlighted in red. In the United Kingdom, arrested a 35-year-old woman yesterday in relation to the murder of William Davis. The 92-year-old man was found deceased in his residence in the town of , England on Sunday. Davis was found to have experienced serious head injuries, causing his death, according to West Midlands Police. At a police press conference yesterday, Detective Superintendent Richard Baker appealed for any witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of the murder scene to come forward, while describing Davis' last movements: "He was seen at 9AM on Sunday 1 April in his front garden, where he stopped and chatted to passersby. At around 3:15PM a neighbour took some lunch round to his house. At 6PM concerned neighbours who were unable to rouse Bill gained access to his property and found him." A statement from the force suggests Davis' murderer would have departed from his house with a "heavily blood stained" appearence. Access to Davis' residence has been restricted as forensic examinations continue there. The woman continues to cooperate with the force. Chief Inspector Mike O'Hara, of a local policing operative in the town of — also in the West Midlands — stated his "local neighbourhood policing team who have an excellent working relationship with the local community will be on patrol to offer reassurance and will be available to link in with anyone that needs advice or would like to discuss any concerns they may have."
Indian Maoists Accused of Killing 16 Villagers in Bihar Rebel Maoists attempting to seize land in one of India's poorest communities are being blamed for the execution-style killings of at least 16 villagers, including children, in the eastern part of the country. Authorities in the state of Bihar say heavily-armed rebels fired on a makeshift camp at midnight, pulled sleeping villagers out of huts, tied their hands and feet and then executed them. Police say most of those killed were teenagers but five children are also among the dead. Media reports say the area has been the site of an inter-caste feud and that the victims were trying to protect six-and-a-half hectares of cultivated land the rebels are trying to seize. Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, says additional forces have been sent into the area, about 200 kilometers north of the state capital, Patna, to catch the suspects. The state's chief minister says violence has no place in society and compensation of $3,000 will be given to the families of each victim. A private television station says one of its reporters received a mobile phone text message from a Maoist leader, identified as Dabloo, threatening to kill Kumar if two top rebel leaders are not released from jail. A state official says police are taking the threat seriously and have tightened security for the chief minister. The Maoists rebels, known as Naxalites, have been waging a violent campaign in several Indian states for decades, demanding land reform and more rural jobs for the poor. Thousands of people have been slain in the fighting. A massacre of underclass villagers, however, is unusual. The rebels typically target government officials, police and others accused of helping wealthy landlords exploit the poor. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently called the Maoist insurgency the single biggest domestic security threat facing the country. India's air chief marshall, Pradeep Vasant Naik, told reporters Thursday the Air Force is seeking permission from the Defense Ministry to return fire when its aircraft are targeted by the Maoists. Several Air Force helicopters have been shot at by the rebels during the past year. India's military is not directly involved in the counter-insurgency but is providing logistical, surveillance and intelligence support to para-military and police forces fighting the Maoists. E-mail Print Digg Yahoo Buzz Facebook del.icio.us StumbleUpon \|\|\|\|\| Maoists have a presence across large parts of India Sixteen people have been killed by suspected Maoist rebels in a village in the Indian state of Bihar, police say. The attack took place in Icharwa village in Khagaria district, 200km (124 miles) from the state capital, Patna, late on Thursday night. A survivor, whose son was among the dead, told the BBC that the attackers tied up 16 people and shot them. Correspondents say that this is the first major Maoist attack in the state for some time. More than 6,000 people have been killed during their 20-year fight for a communist state. The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless. But the survivor of this attack told the BBC that this dispute was over the cultivation of farmland in the area. 'Fell down' Paro Singh told the BBC Hindi service that about 10 people armed with automatic weapons launched an attack. "We were 17 of us. When they fired at us, I wasn't hit, but I fell down on the ground and pretended to be dead. They shot dead all the others, including my son," he said. Mr Singh said the attackers were rebels from nearby villages. The dead included five children, senior police official Neelmani told the BBC. The victims were low-caste farmers and labourers, he said. This is the first major attack in Bihar for a long time, the BBC Hindi's Manikant Thakur in Patna says. The rebels were not active in this area before but have recently extended their area of operation to cover these parts, our correspondent says. The Maoists operate in large parts of central and eastern India and officials say they are active in a third of all Indian districts. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called the Maoist insurgency the single biggest threat to India's security. Last month, Mr Singh said India was losing the battle against the rebels. Have you been affected by the Maoist insurgency? Send us your accounts using the form below. Name Your E-mail address Town & Country Phone number (optional): Comments The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Maoist rebels kill 16 villagers in eastern India PATNA, India — Suspected Maoist rebels killed 16 villagers in eastern India, tying them up and then shooting them over an apparent land dispute, police and local residents said Friday. Deputy Superintendent Ajay Pandey told AFP that more than 50 armed rebels raided the village in Bihar state on Thursday night and singled out the members of three families. "They woke them up, tied their hands and legs and gunned them down," Pandey said, adding that five children were among the 16 killed. The deadly attack was the result of a land dispute between two groups in Amausi Village, located about 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of the state capital Patna. "The Maoists were used by one group to kill the other to gain control over the agricultural land," he said. India's Maoist insurgency, which started as a peasant uprising in 1967, has spread to 20 of the country's 29 states and claimed more than 600 lives so far this year. The rebels say they are fighting for the rights of neglected people and landless farmers, but officials accuse them of using intimidation and extortion to secure the cooperation of impoverished villagers. State police said they had so far arrested one man in connection with the case. "We have arrested one farmer and are interrogating him to nab the others involved," Anand Shankar, the state's director general of police, told AFP. "We will track all of the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The incident has triggered panic among residents of Bihar," he said. Ranjit Singh, a villager who survived Thursday's attack, said there was local anger at the authorities' alleged failure to heed several warnings that such an attack was imminent. Singh, 50, said the Maoists had ordered a group of villagers to stop planting crops on a piece of disputed land four months ago. "We had informed the local administration about the threat, but they ignored our complaint," he told AFP by telephone. An eye-witness to the attack, Raj Kumar, 30, said he ran out of his house after being woken by the sound of gunfire. "I hid behind a tree and saw people being shot dead," he said. Local villagers refused to open their doors in the morning for fear of more violence, Kumar said. Last month Prime Minister Manmohan Singh rebuked regional police chiefs for failing to stem the Maoist insurgency, which he described as the greatest threat to India's internal security. Little is known about the Maoist movement's shadowy leadership based in the dense forests of central India's Chhattisgarh state, or the number of cadres, which is variously estimated at between 10,000 and 20,000. The rebels have grown more brazen in recent years. In 2007, they assassinated a federal MP and engineered a mass prison break for 300 of their jailed fighters. Last year saw a series of attacks, including the sinking of a boat carrying elite commandos, while in April this year the rebels briefly held an entire train with 300 passengers hostage. "I would like to say frankly that we have not achieved as much success as we would have liked in containing this menace," Singh told the police chiefs in September. The Indian government recently launched a grisly newspaper campaign to discredit the Maoists, running graphic photographs of the rebels' victims. Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »	India showing Bihar, the state where the killing occurred Maoists attempting to seize land in one of India's poorest communities are being blamed for the execution-style killings of at least sixteen villagers, including children, in the eastern part of the country. Authorities in the state of Bihar say heavily-armed rebels fired on a makeshift camp at midnight, pulled sleeping villagers out of huts, tied their hands and feet and then executed them. Police say most of those killed were teenagers but five children are also among the dead. Paro Sinh, a witness to the attacks, described his experiences to the BBC; "We were sic seventeen of us. When they fired at us, I wasn't hit, but I fell down on the ground and pretended to be dead. They shot dead all the others, including my son". Media reports say the area has been the site of an inter-caste feud and that the victims were trying to protect six-and-a-half hectares of cultivated land the rebels are trying to seize. Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, said additional forces have been sent into the area, about 200 kilometers north of the state capital, Patna, to catch the suspects. The state's chief minister said violence has no place in society and compensation of approximately US$ 3,000 will be given to the families of each victim. A private television station said one of its reporters received a mobile phone text message from a Maoist leader, identified as Dabloo, threatening to kill Kumar if two top rebel leaders are not released from jail. Police are taking the threat seriously and have tightened security for the chief minister, a state official said. One person has already been arrested in connection with the incident. State's director general of police Anand Shankar said, "we have arrested one farmer and are interrogating him to nab the others involved. We will track down all of the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The incident has triggered panic among residents of Bihar," he told the Agence France-Presse news agency. The Maoists rebels, known as Naxalites, have been waging a violent campaign in several Indian states for decades, demanding land reform and more rural jobs for the poor. A massacre of underclass villagers, however, is unusual. The rebels typically target government officials, police and others accused of helping wealthy landlords exploit the poor. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently called the Maoist insurgency the single biggest domestic security threat facing the country. The country's air chief marshall, Pradeep Vasant Naik, told reporters on Thursday that the Air Force is seeking permission from the Defense Ministry to return fire when its aircraft are targeted by the Maoists. Several Air Force helicopters have been shot at by the rebels during the past year. India's military is not directly involved in the counter-insurgency but is providing logistical, surveillance and intelligence support to para-military and police forces fighting the Maoists.
The case of this missing page is still unsolved … but don't worry, we have our best investigative reporters tracking down leads. Stay tuned… \|\|\|\|\| Man takes hostages at Clinton campaign office, demands to speak with candidate, surrenders Related Links Live video coverage ROCHESTER, N.H. -- A distraught man wearing what appeared to be a bomb walked into a Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign office Friday and demanded to speak to the candidate about access to mental health care. The hostage drama dragged on for nearly six hours until he peacefully surrendered. Shortly after releasing the last of at least five hostages unharmed, a man who police identified as Leeland Eisenberg, 46, walked out of the storefront office, put down a homemade bomb-like package and was immediately surrounded by SWAT team with guns drawn. Clad in gray slacks, white dress shirt and a red tie, he was put on the ground and handcuffed. Clinton was in the Washington area the whole time, but the confrontation brought her campaign to a standstill just five weeks before the New Hampshire primary, one of the first tests of the presidential campaign season. She canceled all appearances, as did her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and the security around her was increased as a precaution. "Everything stopped, and it had to because we had nothing on our minds except the safety of these young people who work for me," Clinton told reporters shortly after the standoff ended. She traveled Friday night to Rochester, where she thanked law enforcement officials for their help. She said she knew of no previous contact between Eisenberg and her campaign. "It appears he was someone who needed help and sought attention in absolutely the wrong way," she said. Rochester police Chief David DuBois said Eisenberg was being held on state charges of kidnapping and reckless conduct, and that federal charges were being considered. According to police, the drama began shortly before 1 p.m., when the man walked into the office and peeled back his jacket to reveal what appeared to be a bomb duct-taped to his chest. He took several hostages, but let a woman with an infant go immediately. Eisenberg had a hostage call CNN three times and spoke to network staffers during the standoff, CNN reported after the ordeal was over and all the hostages were safe. Eisenberg said he wanted help getting psychiatric care, but had been turned away because he didn't have the money. "I need to speak to Hillary Clinton," CNN quoted him as saying. "Something's got to change. Ordinary people need help" with their insurance. The network described Eisenberg as "well-spoken, articulate and impassioned about his cause" but increasingly agitated. His third phone call was laced with profanities, CNN said. About two hours after the man let the woman and baby go, at least one other woman escaped from the office; two other hostages made it out later, the last about half an hour before Eisenberg surrendered, police said. Not long after the surrender, which occurred shortly after 6 p.m., police maneuvered a robot to the hostage-taker's package and triggered an explosion to destroy it. Witness Lettie Tzizik told television station WMUR of Manchester that she spoke to the woman who was released first and that she was crying, holding the infant. "She said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," Tzizik said. Heavily armed SWAT team members, protecting themselves with shields, called to the man over bullhorns and attempted to hand a phone into the office. A law enforcement official confirmed to The Associated Press earlier that the suspect's name was Leeland Eisenberg, and that he was known around the town to be mentally unstable. The official declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the case. Authorities believe the device strapped to the man's chest was made with road flares, not a bomb, the official said. The office, in a town of 30,000, is one of many Clinton has around New Hampshire. The campaign said the people taken hostage were volunteers for the campaign. Eisenberg walked into the office about a half-hour before he was scheduled to appear in Strafford County court with his wife for a domestic violence hearing, according to Foster's Daily Democrat in Dover. Divorce papers filed Tuesday indicated Eisenberg was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, domestic related, and violation of a protective order. In the papers, Eisenberg's wife said the divorce was a result irreconcilable differences and complained that he suffered from "severe alcohol and drug abuse, several verbal abuse and threats." Eisenberg also was arrested at least twice earlier this year, once for allegedly driving under the influence and once on two counts of stalking. The status of those cases was not immediately clear. Eisenberg made local headlines in March when he held a news conference on the steps of Rochester City Hall to complain about a police policy of placing fliers in unlocked cars warning motorists to lock their doors. "This is nothing more than a gimmick to get around the Constitution and go around in the middle of the night upon unsuspecting citizens in their own yard and search their vehicles," Eisenberg said. Police, who said they were just trying to reduce theft from motor vehicles, changed the policy in response. (Copyright (c) 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) \|\|\|\|\| ROCHESTER, N.H. -- A man claiming to have a bomb walked into a Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign office Friday and initially took at least four hostages, police and witnesses said. Three were released.Clinton was not in the state at the time.The man entered the office around 1 p.m., ordered people onto the floor and then let a mother and her baby leave, said State Police Maj. Michael Hambrook. The two hostages he kept were volunteers, said Bill Shaheen, a top state campaign official. Video: Hostages at Clinton Campaign Office (MyFoxBoston) About two hours later, a woman in a green sweater was led away from the building by a SWAT team member. Authorities, some carrying shields and guns, had the building surrounded, and laid wiring up to the building's entrance before the woman was released. It was not clear if the man made demands, or if the wiring helped authorities communicate with the suspect. Witness Lettie Tzizik told television station WMUR of Manchester that she spoke to the woman who was released first and that she was crying, holding the infant. "She said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape," Tzizik said. Clinton was scheduled to give an address at the Democratic National Committee meeting in Vienna, Va., Friday afternoon, but DNC Chairman Howard Dean announced from the podium that Clinton would not speak. "We are in close contact with state and local authorities and are acting at their direction," Clinton said in a statement. "We will release additional details as appropriate." Authorities sent a tactical bomb unit to assist local police, and the area was evacuated, Hambrook said. A nearby school was in lockdown. The small Clinton office is located in the New England community's downtown area in a strip of several storefronts, and has large glass windows with a campaign sign out front. Police with guns drawn crouched behind cruisers across the street from the office. Workers for Sen. Barack Obama's campaign office also evacuated, a campaign spokesman said. The office is four doors away from Clinton's. Staffers in John Edwards' office, a few buildings away, evacuated as well. \|\|\|\|\| ROCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) -- Police took into custody a man they say walked into Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign office in Rochester, New Hampshire, and took several people hostage Friday. Police in New Hampshire take the hostage taker into custody Friday evening. more photos » The man, Lee Eisenberg, claimed to have a bomb strapped to his chest, but it turned out to be road flares held with duct tape, police said. "He was someone who was not known to my campaign headquarters until he walked in the door today," Clinton said Friday evening in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she met with the hostages and their families. "It appears he is someone who was in need of help and sought attention in absolutely the wrong way," she said. "It was for me and my campaign an especially tense and difficult day." Flanked by local police, Clinton expressed her gratitude to the team that resolved the hostage situation. "I want to thank them for their professionalism and their extraordinary work today," she said. "We're immensely relieved that this has ended peacefully." Clinton also praised her staffers for showing courage and handling the situation "extraordinarily well." She said she doesn't expect any changes to her schedule or her campaign in light of the incident. The situation began when Eisenberg walked into the office at about 1 p.m., Maj. Michael Hambrook of the New Hampshire State Police told CNN affiliate WMUR-TV. Watch police take up positions » On Friday afternoon, one of the hostages contacted the CNN Washington bureau and then put Eisenberg on the phone. The hostage and Eisenberg called CNN multiple times throughout the afternoon and talked to CNN staffers. Eisenberg said he had mental problems and couldn't get anyone to help him. CNN assumed Eisenberg could be watching CNN's broadcast and chose not to report his calls to avoid compromising the safety of the hostages. Several people were caught up at the start of the hostage situation. See the location of the office » A woman with a baby was released by the hostage-taker early on, she told a witness, Lettie Tzizik, who spoke to WMUR. See photos of the hostage situation » "A young woman with a 6-month or 8-month-old infant came rushing into the store just in tears, and she said, 'You need to call 911. A man has just walked into the Clinton office, opened his coat and showed us a bomb strapped to his chest with duct tape,' " the Web site reported. Bill Shaheen, chairman of Clinton's New Hampshire campaign, told WMUR the people held were volunteers. Clinton, a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, was scheduled to speak at 3 p.m. at a Democratic National Committee event, but canceled the talk because of the situation, DNC Chairman Howard Dean said. Watch Dean break the news » Buildings close to the storefront campaign office on Main Street were evacuated, including local campaign centers for Clinton's Democratic presidential rivals, Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards. Cassandra Hamilton, who works in an office adjacent to the Clinton office, told WMUR: "I walked out and I immediately started running, and I saw that the road was blocked off. They told me run and keep going." E-mail to a friend CNN's Kelly Marshall contributed to this report.	Map highlighting location of Rochester. A man claiming to have had a bomb is reported by WMUR to have surrendered peacefully at the campaign office of Senator Hillary Clinton in the small New Hampshire city of Rochester. Three individuals, which includes a child, were taken hostage and were later released without injury. Earlier reports stated that there might have been a fourth hostage. The adults are said to be campaign employees. The hostage taker is being named by media as Leeland Eisenberg from Somersworth, N.H., a white male in his "40s with salt and pepper hair" and is known to police by prior incidents which includes family issues and he is also reported to have a history of emotional and mental health problems. According to the son of the hostage taker, he talked to a witness and said his father had been drinking last night and strapped road flares to his chest and said he was going to talk to Senator Clinton. WMUR cameras captured on live TV an armored car pulling up in front of the office and shortly after Leeland was seen walking out of the building, dropped something on the ground and surrendered to police. It is said that Leeland believed the U.S. government "is coming after him" and that there was a conspiracy to have him caught. Leeland has been taken to the local police station in Rochester. After the scene was evacuated of all hostages and the suspect, police used a robot to examine the reported device or bomb that Leeland was said to have. According to the DNC chairman Howard Dean, Senator Clinton has cancelled a speech at a Democratic National Committee meeting in Vienna, Virginia and all other events today to deal with the situation. Her husband, former US President Bill Clinton canceled a speech in New York City. Senators Barack Obama and John Edwards also have campaign offices down the street which have been closed and locked down along with the rest of downtown Rochester. Clinton's campaign offices located in Des Moines, Iowa have also been closed on a temporary basis. "Unfortunately as some of you know, there is a hostage situation in New Hampshire involving a Clinton campaign staff person. The details are sketchy at this time, but understandably Sen. Clinton is now dealing with this very difficult problem and she is not going to be able to join us today. And we will keep them in our prayers and hope for a resolution to this situation in New Hampshire," said Dean at a press conference. The incident began at around 1:00 p.m. (eastern time).
WASHINGTON: There is indeed water on the moon - as first indicated by India's maiden lunar mission Chandrayaan - and plenty of it, US space scientists said on the basis of impacts made by a new satellite. "Indeed yes, we found water," Anthony Colaprete, the principal investigator for US space agency NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, said in a news conference on Friday. The satellite, known as Lcross, slammed into a crater near the Moon's south pole a month ago. The impact carved out a hole 60 to 100-feet wide and kicked up at least 24 gallons of water. "We got more than just whiff," said Peter H Schultz, a professor of geological sciences at Brown University and a co-investigator of the mission. "We practically tasted it with the impact." The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had announced the path-breaking discovery of water on the moon by India's Chandrayaan-1 on September 24 after data from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument indicated the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface. M3 was one of the 11 scientific instruments onboard Chandrayaan that ISRO launched October 22, 2008, but the moon mission had to be aborted on August 30 after Chandrayaan lost radio contact with the earth. The new US Lcross mission consisted of two pieces - an empty rocket stage to carve into the lunar surface and a small spacecraft to measure what was kicked up, but it too slammed into the surface. The twin impacts in the Cabeus crater October 9 created a plume of material from the bottom of a crater that has not seen sunlight in billions of years, NASA said. The plume travelled at a high angle beyond the rim of Cabeus and into sunlight, while an additional curtain of debris was ejected more laterally. "We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbour and, by extension, the solar system," said Michael Wargo, chief lunar scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "The moon harbours many secrets, and LCROSS has added a new layer to our understanding." "We are ecstatic," said Anthony Colaprete, LCROSS project scientist and principal investigator at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. \|\|\|\|\| It might not be quite as exciting as life on Mars, but water on the moon is surely the next best thing. Nasa scientists yesterday announced that a probe that was deliberately crashed into the moon's southern polar region last month discovered at least 25 gallons of water. "Yes, we found water," said Anthony Colaprete, a principal project investigator at Nasa's Ames research centre in California. "We didn't find just a little bit, we found a significant amount." Scientists hailed the discovery as a success and finding water is a huge boost for future missions. Most believe the likeliest places for water are at the poles of the moon, where there are craters in permanent shadow. Scientists hope future study of the probe's findings could shed light on the evolution of the solar system, in the same way as an ice core sample taken from deep beneath the earth's surface reveals data on ancient geological events. The discovery of water is a result of preliminary analysis of data from the lunar crater observation and sensing satellite (Lcross). The probe and an accompanying rocket, Centaur, were deliberately crashed into the Cabeus crater near the moon's south pole and scientists have been studying the resulting plume of lunar dust for the past few weeks. "We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbour and by extension the solar system. It turns out the moon harbours many secrets, and Lcross has added a new layer to our understanding," said Michael Wargo, chief lunar scientist at Nasa's headquarters in Washington. Lcross's spectrometer instrument examined light absorbed by the dust particles to determine their composition and discovered a chemical compound emitted when sunlight breaks up water molecules. The probe discovered an estimated 25 gallons of water, Colaprete said. "We are ecstatic," said Colaprete. "Multiple lines of evidence show water was present in both the high-angle vapour plume and the ejecta curtain created by the Lcross Centaur impact. The concentration and distribution of water and other substances requires further analysis, but it is safe to say Cabeus holds water." But Robert Park, a physicist at the University of Maryland and prominent sceptic of manned space flight, said the discovery means "practically nothing" to future hopes of a base or colony on the lunar surface. "They've haven't found a big reservoir of it," he said. "I suspect this is just water clinging to the soil particles. It's of almost no value at all. The amount of machinery you'd have to move up there to try to recover it – you'd have to do a lot before you could pay for the cost of that." The Lcross and Centaur spacecraft launched in June and travelled nearly 5.6m miles before separating on the final approach to the moon. Nasa heavily promoted the mission, which occurred during celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. On 9 October as the craft neared the moon, Americans gathered on lawns and in parks overnight, awaiting a fireworks display. They were disappointed when the impact was invisible to the naked eye about 250,000 miles away. The Nasa mission confirmed a previous discovery announced in September by an Indian space mission, Chandrayaan-1, which found small amounts of water in the lunar soil. \|\|\|\|\| Is there water on the Moon? The NASA LCROSS mission has determined the answer to be a resounding YES! GeekDad has covered the LCROSS mission with an article prior to the LCROSS launch by Lonnie Morgan, a pair of articles on viewing what was hoped to be a visible plume from the impact by Dana Bostic and myself, and finally a follow-up to the impact about the process of data analysis and waiting for results. If you have missed all the coverage, the LCROSS mission impacted a spent Centaur booster into the Moon and captured data from the impact plume with the goal of finding deposits of frozen water. Today, the LCROSS team released their preliminary findings: The argument that the moon is a dry, desolate place no longer holds water. Secrets the moon has been holding, for perhaps billions of years, are now being revealed to the delight of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. NASA today opened a new chapter in our understanding of the moon. Preliminary data from the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, indicates that the mission successfully uncovered water during the Oct. 9, 2009 impacts into the permanently shadowed region of Cabeus c[r]ater near the moon’s south pole. Congratulations to the entire LCROSS team! \|\|\|\|\| Splash! NASA moon crash struck lots of water LOS ANGELES — The lunar dud for space enthusiasts has become a watershed event for NASA. Spacecraft that crashed into the moon last month kicked up a relatively small plume. But scientists have confirmed the debris contained water — 25 gallons of it — making lunar exploration exciting again. Experts have long suspected there was water on the moon. So the thrilling discovery announced Friday sent a ripple of hope for a future astronaut outpost in a place that has always seemed barren and inhospitable. "We found water. And we didn't find just a little bit. We found a significant amount," Anthony Colaprete, lead scientist for the mission, told reporters as he held up a white water bucket for emphasis. He said the 25 gallons of water the lunar crash kicked up was only what scientists could see from the plumes of the impact. Some space policy experts say that makes the moon attractive for exploration again. Having an abundance of water would make it easier to set up a base camp for astronauts, supplying drinking water and a key ingredient for rocket fuel. "Having definitive evidence that there is substantial water is a significant step forward in making the moon an interesting place to go," said George Washington University space policy scholar John Logsdon. The October mission involved two strikes into a permanently shadowed crater near the south pole. First, an empty rocket hull slammed into the Cabeus crater. Then, a trailing spacecraft recorded the drama live before it also crashed into the same spot four minutes later. Though scientists were overjoyed with the plethora of data beamed back to Earth, the mission was a public relations dud. Space enthusiasts who stayed up all night to watch the spectacle did not see the promised giant plume of debris. NASA scientists had predicted the twin impacts would spew six miles of dust into the sunlight. Instead, images revealed only a mile-high plume, and it was not visible to many amateur astronomers peering through telescopes. Members of the blue-ribbon panel reviewing NASA's future plans said the discovery doesn't change their conclusion that the program needs more money to get beyond near-Earth orbit. The panel wants NASA to look at other potential destinations like asteroids and Mars. "This new and terrific result reassures us about lunar resources, but ... the challenges currently facing the human spaceflight program remain," Chris Chyba, a Princeton astrophysicist who is on the panel, said in an e-mail. President George W. Bush had proposed a more than $100 billion plan to return astronauts to the moon, then go on to Mars; a test flight of an early version of a new rocket was a success last month. President Barack Obama appointed the special panel to look at the entire moon exploration program. The decision is now up to the White House, and NASA's lunar plans are somewhat on hold until then. As for unmanned exploration, previous missions had detected the presence of hydrogen in lunar craters near the moon's poles, possible evidence of ice. In September, scientists reported finding tiny amounts of water in the lunar soil all over the moon's surface. But it was NASA's Oct. 9 mission involving the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, LCROSS, that provided the stunning confirmation announced Friday — water, in the forms of ice and vapor. "Rather than a dead and unchanging world, it could in fact be a very dynamic and interesting one," said Greg Delory of the University of California, Berkeley, who was not involved in the mission, led by NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif. The LCROSS spacecraft only hit one spot on the moon and it's unclear how much water there is across the entire moon. Scientists spent a month analyzing data from the spacecraft's spectrometers, instruments that can detect strong signals of water molecules in the plume. "We've had hints that there is water. This was almost like tasting it," said Peter Schultz, professor of geological sciences at Brown University and a co-investigator on the LCROSS mission. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who in 1969 made his historic Apollo 11 moonwalk with Neil Armstrong, was pleased to hear the latest discovery, but still believes the U.S. should focus on colonizing Mars. "People will overreact to this news and say, `Let's have a water rush to the moon,'" Aldrin said. "It doesn't justify that." Mission scientists said it would take more time to tease out what else was kicked up in the moon dust. AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein contributed to this report. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| Turns out there's lots of water on the moon -- at least near the lunar south pole, scientists said Friday. And are they ever happy. "We are ecstatic," Anthony Colaprete, project scientist and principal investigator for the $79-million Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission that crashed into a crater near the moon's south pole last month -- specifically to look for water. "Indeed, yes, we found water. And we didn't find just a little bit; we found a significant amount," Colaprete said. Colaprete estimated the impact from the crash kicked up at least 25 gallons of water. Significant water would make it easier to set up a base camp for astronauts. Previous spacecraft have detected the presence of hydrogen in lunar craters near the poles. In September, scientists reported finding tiny amounts of water mixed into the lunar soil all over the lunar surface. \|\|\|\|\| Scientists have found "significant" amounts of water in a crater at the moon's south pole, a major discovery that will dramatically revise the characterization of the moon as a dead world and probably make it a more attractive destination for human space missions."The moon is alive," declared Anthony Colaprete, the chief scientist for the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission.That mission, which on Oct. 9 used a rocket to punch a hole about 100 feet across in the moon's surface, then measured about 25 gallons of water in the form of vapor and ice. It could be evidence there is enough water in permanently shaded craters at the poles for future astronauts to live off the land. National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans -- under review by the Obama administration -- call for a return to the moon at the end of the next decade and construction of a lunar base where astronauts could live and work for months at a time. The presence of large quantities of water would make that plan more practical, because water could be used for drinking, to produce oxygen for breathing and even to make rocket fuel.A resource-rich moon also could serve as a low-gravity launching pad for missions to elsewhere in the solar system."This is painting a surprising new picture of the moon. This is not your father's moon," said Greg Delory, a space scientist at the University of California, Berkeley . He referred to the fact that, after the Apollo missions of the 1960s and '70s, the moon was regarded as a dead place with little to offer future explorers."What's really exciting is we've only hit one spot," said Peter Schultz, a geology professor at Brown University and a co-investigator on the mission. "It's kind of like when you're drilling for oil. Once you find it in one place, there's a greater chance you'll find more nearby."The $79 million lunar crater mission was launched in June to try to uncover the source of large quantities of hydrogen that had been measured by other spacecraft in lunar craters at the poles.	An artist's rendering of the probe approaching the Moon "The argument that the moon is a dry, desolate place no longer holds water," says a press release from NASA. A Moon mission launched by the agency has confirmed the presence of water on the moon. The discovery comes a year after a NASA instrument on an Indian lander indicated there were water molecules on the surface of our satellite. On September 24, 2008 the Indian Space Research Organisation had stated Chandrayaan-1 had discovered water based on readings from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper, one of eleven instruments carried by the probe. Those results indicated water was widespread in low quantities. That probe, launched in October 2008, had to be abandoned on August 30 when contact was lost with it on the Moon's surface. The new mission, called LCROSS, consisted of two separate spacecraft which travelled the 250,000 miles together in June before separating. An empty rocket slammed into the Cabeus crater, near the southern pole, while a small spacecraft stayed behind to take measurements from the plume of debris thrown up, although it too ultimately crashed into Cabeus. Across the United States people spent the night on lawns and in parks hoping to see the impact, on the 40th anniversary of the first Apollo Moon landing, but it was invisible to the naked eye. NASA had predicted a visible six-mile plume; the reality was only a mile high. The twin impacts on October 9 are now known to have sent 25 gallons of water ice and vapour into the air amongst the debris kicked up from the 60 to 100 foot wide hole produced by the rocket. This amount only accounts for the debris scientists could actually see over the rim, and the remaining debris could contain more water. It is unclear how much water may be distributed accross the Moon, although hydrogen at the poles suggests water ice there. LCROSS stands for lunar crater observation and sensing satellite, which was the satellite's name, while its rocket companion was called Centaur. It took a month to analyse the spectrometer data from the mission, and efforts are ongoing to determine the composition of the remaining material kicked up out the crater. The whole project cost $75 million. "We got more than just whiff. We practically tasted it with the impact," said project co-investigator Peter H Schultz. The material thrown up split into a curtain travelling sideways and a plume that passed the crater's rim, bringing it into the sunlight for the first time in billions of years. Both contained water. "We are ecstatic," said project leader Anthony Colaprete. "We didn't find just a little bit, we found a significant amount." Michael Wargo, who heads up lunar research for NASA, said "We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbour and by extension the solar system. It turns out the moon harbours many secrets, and LCROSS has added a new layer to our understanding." It is thought that by analysing the water we can learn of the moon's history, in a fashion similar to investigating Earth history with ice cores. University of Maryland physicist Robert Park cautioned that people should not assume that water on the lunar surface would support a colony. "They've haven't found a big reservoir of it," he said. "I suspect this is just water clinging to the soil particles." Buzz Aldrin, one of the first to walk on the Moon when he followed pioneer Neil Armstrong out of Apollo 11, said he was pleased by the news but added that "People will overreact to this news and say, 'Let's have a water rush to the moon.' It doesn't justify that." Aldrin wants the US to aim to colonise Mars, but NASA is looking at more lunar trips. Last month a new rocket was tested, and Barack Obama has set up a panel to look at possible Moon missions. George W. Bush had previously proposed a $100 billion programme to put more astronauts onto the Moon. NASA wants to return by 2020 and build a lunar base, allowing astronauts to remain for months at a time.
Nittany Lion mascot James D. Sheep has been suspended and will not attend the Rose Bowl be-cause of a violation of team rules, a fact that has left many who know the man behind the mask disappointed. Sheep, a senior, was charged Nov. 22 with driving under the influence, according to court documents. He is suspended from his position until Dec. 31 and will not travel to Pasadena, Calif., for the bowl game, according to a statement released by Penn State Athletics Thursday. "What he did was very disappointing, but he really isn't a bad kid," Elaine Sheep, the mascot's grandmother, said. "But my heart is broken." Sheep was charged after police pulled his vehicle over on Curtin Road on Nov. 22, according to the criminal complaint. Police said he recorded a .164 BAC after he was stopped by an officer at 3:16 a.m. the morning of the football season's final home game against Michigan State. The officer noticed there were too many people in the car he was driving, police said. Sheep had "watery, sleepy eyes," and the officer detected the odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Sheep failed field sobriety tests and consented to a blood test, police said. Penn State cheerleading coach Curt White said in the statement the team is "disappointed." "James has been a very enthusiastic and hard-working Nittany Lion, but we are disappointed that his recent actions did not represent the high standards of this position," White said in the statement. "We are planning to have James resume his duties in the new year and are confident that he will represent Penn State Athletics and the University with a high level of energy, dedication and respect." A replacement mascot from the cheerleading squad will assume Sheep's position for the Rose Bowl and the remainder of the month, according to the statement. Greg Myford, Penn State's associate athletic director for marketing and communications, wrote in an e-mail that he does not know when the name of the new mascot will be announced. Repeated attempts to contact White went unanswered as of press time Thursday. The suspended mascot refused comment about the incident Sunday and could not be reached Thursday. Grandmother Elaine Sheep, of Berwick, Pa., said she saw "Jimmy" perform as the Nittany Lion at the Coastal Carolina football game on Aug. 30. "I was very proud of what he did," his grandmother said. She said she hasn't spoken to her grandson since the announcement of his suspension but imagines "he's very remorseful." "I haven't spoken to Jimmy, but I would probably break down and not be able to talk," she said. He's a "good boy," she added. "These things happen and drunken driving is a very terrible thing," she said. "If he were a bad boy I'd say, 'Well, you know ... ' But he really isn't a bad boy." \|\|\|\|\| Most college football fans would love to see Joe Paterno get one more chance at a title before potentially retiring, but that's not reason enough to overlook the program's slew of off-the-field legal issues. AP All year, America's clamored for the Big Ten's return to the national title game, and with its big win over Ohio State, Penn State's trying hard to oblige. But before we start burning any more cars or getting too nostalgic about old JoePa possibly getting one last shot at a championship, it's time to address a myth surrounding this Nittany Lions team. Penn State is the feel-good story of the season It's only natural media and fans are drawn to Penn State. The Lions have always been among college football's elite thanks to a great coach, great fans, a great stadium and great classic unis (they're the only ones who can truly get away with wearing white after Labor Day). Even their hometown, State College, sounds old school and dignified. After falling on hard times earlier this decade, the Lions have clawed their way back to the top. It helps that they have one of the sport's true icons roaming the sidelines. Sure, Joe Paterno doesn't really roam anymore. And he's not even on the sidelines. But you know what we mean. Everyone seems thrilled by the prospect of Paterno getting another crack at the Big One. The guy's led his team to four unbeaten seasons that didn't end up with a national championship, after all. In 1973, Paterno's Lions went 12-0 and finished fifth. The jeweler who made Auburn's 2004 "National Champions" rings could have retired early if he'd had JoePa as a client. But while many folks are happy that Happy Valley's happy, this isn't quite the made-for-Disney story it seems. Nine straight wins have made many forget that just before the season, this program's off-the-field transgressions were allegedly bad enough to warrant an ESPN Outside the Lines report -- a report which fueled cries for Paterno's retirement. Penn State's legal problems lit up Internet message boards (not to mention the police dispatcher boards in State College). According to the ESPN report (which quoted some wacky fly-by-night source called "Pennsylvania Criminal Records"), 46 current or former Penn State players have been charged with crimes on 163 counts in the past six seasons. Forty-five of those 163 resulted in guilty pleas or convictions and 27 of the 46 players charged were found guilty of at least one count each. That might be the equivalent of a regular long weekend for Adam "Pacman" Jones, but for a proud program like Penn State it's downright shocking. Forty-six arrests in six seasons. If our math serves us correctly, that's an average of over seven per year. The Cincinnati Bengals had one year like that and they've been an NFL punchline ever since. Paterno responded to that ESPN report by saying, "When you say 46, or whatever your numbers are, I think you've done an awful lot of probing. It bothers me, that you might be on a witch hunt." Considering he's old enough to remember what went down in Salem, you have to take him seriously. But perhaps most offensively, the school whose motto is "Success With Honor" has given people a reason to trot back out that old, tired "Penn State/State Pen" joke. And if there's anything the media love, it's an excuse to trot out old, tired jokes. Of course, every college football fan has his or her own version of "The List" -- a complete (and often inaccurate) compendium of a rival school's rap sheet. Penn State is no different. And depending on which side you're on, you can make a case that either the numbers are inflated because high-profile football players are bigger media targets, or the numbers are only the tip of the iceberg because of the football program's ability to keep other incidents under wraps. But the fact that we're even discussing a JoePa program in this context is a sad turn of events. And it gets worse, because the football team's on-the-field fortunes have improved just as the players have started re-enacting The Program off the field. PSU player arrests and football wins have followed a similar ascending arc and it would be hard to blame an outside observer for wondering if the program's compromised off the field to get back to winning on it. Granted, outside observers are often clueless idiots, but every now and then they get one right. Now, we should probably give JoePa the benefit of the doubt, because if anyone's earned that, he has. During Paterno's watch, the Nittany Lions have produced 27 first-team academic All-Americas, 15 Hall of Fame scholar-athletes, 18 NCAA postgraduate scholarship winners and one of the highest graduation rates in I-A ... all while rocking those great aforementioned unis. When Penn State's players showed up to a pre-Fiesta Bowl dinner in 1987 wearing jackets and ties while Miami's guys wore combat fatigues, it instantly became a classic "Good vs. Evil" sports moment. (In stark contrast to today, when guys in fatigues are generally considered heroes and guys in suits have to wear the villain label.) But if even half of those whopping arrest figures are legit, that's still too many for these guys. Penn State isn't supposed to resemble Barry Switzer's wild OU party boys or a program run amok like The U in the '80s. They're not even supposed to be like recent repeat offenders USC or Georgia. Few could have imagined a JoePa outfit going from Big Ten to Big Ten-to-life. So did the Lions finally succumb and sacrifice discipline and integrity for football success? Nobody outside the program really knows, but the perception of Penn State football is no longer as lily white as its helmets. And for a program that has always represented most of what's good about college football, that's a step backward ... whether the Lions end up playing for the national title or not. It's not that they're a bad story, they're just no better a story than Texas or Alabama. They appear to be a football-first factory like everybody else and no matter how many times Paterno has his players clean Beaver Stadium, they won't be able to scrub that away. That's all for this week. Remember: Just because college football fans believe it's true, doesn't mean it is. Got a myth you want Phil to bust? Email us at mythbusters.sportsillustrated@gmail.com. \|\|\|\|\| All Things Nittany Joe Mason and the Mascot The Nittany Lion as Penn States mascot originated with Harrison D. "Joe" Mason 07. At a baseball game against Princeton in 1904, Mason and other members of Penn States team were shown a statue of Princeton's famous Bengal tiger as an indication of the merciless treatment they could expect to encounter on the field. Since Penn State lacked a mascot, Mason replied with an instant fabrication of the Nittany Lion, "fiercest beast of them all," who could overcome even the tiger. Penn State went on to defeat Princeton that day. Over the next few years, Mason's "Nittany Lion" won such widespread support among students, alumni, and fans that there was never any official vote on its adoption. The Nittany Lion is essentially an ordinary mountain lion (also known as a cougar, puma, or panther), a creature that roamed central Pennsylvania until the 1880s (although unconfirmed sightings continued long after that time). By attaching the prefix "Nittany" to this beast, Mason gave Penn State a unique symbol that no other college or university could claim.	James Sheep as Penn State's Nittany Lion mascot. Another member of the Pennsylvania State University's cheerleading squad will step in to play the Nittany Lion at the 2009 Rose Bowl, after the main performer was suspended after being charged with DUI and summary traffic violations late last month. Penn State is the largest university in Pennsylvania and among the ten largest public universities in the United States. Pennsylvanian James Sheep was charged with driving under the influence on November 22. Cheerleading coach Curt White told the Associated Press that Sheep will return later in 2009. The duration of the suspension was not mentioned. Sheep was pulled over on campus at 3:16 am November 22, before Penn's game versus Michigan State. He registered a .164 blood alcohol level. Penn State won the game 49-18. Sheep has avoided interview requests by ''The Daily Collegian'', Penn State's newspaper, on multiple occasions. In a statement, White commented: "James has been a very enthusiastic and hard-working Nittany Lion, but we are disappointed that his recent actions did not represent the high standards of this position. We are planning to have James resume his duties in the new year and are confident that he will represent Penn State Athletics and the University with a high level of energy, dedication and respect." The Pennsylvania State University website lists Sheep on their website as the Lion from 2007-2008, conflicting with coach White's comment that he would return in the new year. The mascot was introduced in 1907, brought in as a costume character in 1921, and is even the subject of the book ''The Nittany Lion: An Illustrated Tale''. While most American university mascots change in appearance over the decades, the Nittany Lion remains essentially the same design as it has for generations. Some earlier reports suggested that "46 current or former Penn State football players have been charged with crimes on 163 counts in the past six seasons." Of those players charged, 27 were found guilty of at least one charge.
The Polish parliament honoured Irena Sendlerowa last year for her heroism The death of a Polish woman who almost certainly saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children during World War II has been announced. Irena Sendlerowa organised the rescue of the children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation. She died in a Warsaw hospital at the age of 98, her daughter said. After Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, she took great risks to help Polish Jews held by the Nazis - an act that was punishable by death. In 1942 Irena Sendlerowa joined the Zegota resistance movement. With the rest of her team of 20, she rescued the children between 1940 and 1943, when the Nazis burned the ghetto, condemning its residents to death. Saved from execution In October 1943 she was arrested and tortured by the Gestapo, but refused to give up the names of the children. She was saved on the day of her scheduled execution after the Polish underground bribed her SS guards. She said persuading parents to part with their loved ones was particularly traumatic. The children were smuggled out in different ways - in ambulances, through the sewers, and once under her skirt. The BBC's Adam Easton in Warsaw says Irena Sendlerowa hated the term "hero", and said her conscience was troubled because she had done so little. Last year the Polish parliament unanimously passed a resolution honouring her for organising the "rescue of the most defenceless victims of the Nazi ideology: the Jewish children". In recognition of her efforts she has also been awarded the title Righteous Among the Nations, by Israel. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| Irena Sendler, social worker who saved 2,500 Jewish children from Holocaust, dies at age 98 WARSAW, Poland: Irena Sendler — credited with saving some 2,500 Jewish children from the Nazi Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto, some of them in baskets — died Monday, her family said. She was 98. Sendler, among the first to be honored by Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial as a Righteous Among Nations for her wartime heroism, died at a Warsaw hospital, daughter Janina Zgrzembska told The Associated Press. President Lech Kaczynski expressed "great regret" over Sendler's death, calling her "extremely brave" and "an exceptional person." In recent years, Kaczynski had spearheaded a campaign to put Sendler's name forward as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Sendler was a 29-year-old social worker with the city's welfare department when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, launching World War II. Warsaw's Jews were forced into a walled-off ghetto. Seeking to save the ghetto's children, Sendler masterminded risky rescue operations. Under the pretext of inspecting sanitary conditions during a typhoid outbreak, she and her assistants ventured inside the ghetto — and smuggled out babies and small children in ambulances and in trams, sometimes wrapped up as packages. Teenagers escaped by joining teams of workers forced to labor outside the ghetto. They were placed in families, orphanages, hospitals or convents. "Irena was truly a noble lady and a great humanitarian who helped save thousands of children and was saved herself from death at the last minute for her activities," said Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of the New York-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous. Records show that Sendler's team of about 20 people saved nearly 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto between October 1940 and its final liquidation in April 1943, when the Nazis burned the ghetto, shooting the residents or sending them to death camps. "Every child saved with my help and the help of all the wonderful secret messengers, who today are no longer living, is the justification of my existence on this earth, and not a title to glory," Sendler said in 2007 in a letter to the Polish Senate after lawmakers honored her efforts in 2007. In hopes of one day uniting the children with their families — most of whom perished in the Nazis' death camps — Sendler wrote the children's real names on slips of paper that she kept at home. When German police came to arrest her in 1943, an assistant managed to hide the slips, which Sendler later buried in a jar under an apple tree in an associate's yard. Some 2,500 names were recorded. "It took a true miracle to save a Jewish child," Elzbieta Ficowska, who was saved by Sendler's team as a baby in 1942, recalled in an AP interview in 2007. "Mrs. Sendler saved not only us, but also our children and grandchildren and the generations to come." Anyone caught helping Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland risked being summarily shot, along with family members — a fate Sendler only barely escaped herself after the 1943 raid by the Gestapo. The Nazis took her to the notorious Pawiak prison, which few people left alive. Gestapo agents tortured her repeatedly, leaving Sendler with scars on her body — but she refused to betray her team. "I kept silent. I preferred to die than to reveal our activity," she was quoted as saying in Anna Mieszkowska's biography, "Mother of the Children of the Holocaust: The Story of Irena Sendler." Zegota, an underground organization helping Jews, paid a bribe to German guards to free her from the prison. Under a different name, she continued her work. After World War II, Sendler worked as a social welfare official and director of vocational schools, continuing to assist some of the children she rescued. "A great person has died — a person with a great heart, with great organizational talents, a person who always stood on the side of the weak," Warsaw Ghetto survivor Marek Eldeman told TVN24 television. In 1965, Sendler became one of the first so-called Righteous Gentiles honored by the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem for wartime heroics. Poland's communist leaders at that time would not allow her to travel to Israel; she collected the award in 1983. Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev said Sender's "courageous activities rescuing Jews during the Holocaust serve as a beacon of light to the world, inspiring hope and restoring faith in the innate goodness of mankind." Despite the Yad Vashem honor, Sendler was largely forgotten in her homeland until recent years. She came to the world's attention in 2000 when a group of U.S. schoolgirls from Uniontown, Kansas, wrote a short play about her called "Life in a Jar." \|\|\|\|\| Woman Who Saved 2,500 Jewish Children Dies at 98 Irena Sendler in the nurse's uniform that helped her smuggle more than 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto (dzieciholocaustu.org.pl) Related Stories Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who during the Second World War saved an estimated 2,500 Jewish children, died on Monday morning in a Warsaw hospital. Sendler, 98, had been a front-runner for the Nobel Peace Prize, and had been recognised by Israel’s Yad Vashem institute as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her work. “The feats accomplished by Irena Sendler exceeded those accomplished by ordinary people,” Marek Edelman, the last living leader of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, told Polish public radio. “She was a great human being, a person of great heart, who can be an example for everyone.” In 1942, when the Germans began liquidating the Warsaw Ghetto, Sendler, who had been active in the Żegota organisation dedicated to helping Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland, smuggled children out by drugging them and placing them in body bags as typhoid fever victims. She then placed them with Polish families and in convents, hiding their records in jars so they could have their identities re-established after the war. She was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943 and sentenced to death after being tortured in Warsaw's Pawiak prison. Her colleagues from Żegota saved her by bribing her German captors before the planned execution. Even in hiding after her escape, she continued her work for the Jewish children. In 2003 she received Poland's highest civilian decoration, the Order of the White Eagle. She was also a recipient of a children's award, the Order of the Smile.	Irena Sendler, a Polish humanitarian who saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish people during World War II, died on May 12 in a Warsaw hospital. She was 98. In 1942, when the Germans began liquidating the Warsaw Ghetto, Sendler, who had been active in the Żegota underground organisation dedicated to helping Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland, smuggled children out by drugging them and placing them in body bags as typhoid fever victims. She then placed them with Polish families and in convents, hiding their records in jars so they could have their identities re-established after the war. She was arrested by the Gestapo Gestapo in 1943 and sentenced to death after being tortured in Warsaw's Pawiak prison. Her colleagues from Żegota saved her by bribing her German captors before the planned execution. Born on February 15, 1910 in Otwock, Poland, Selndler had been a front-runner for the Nobel Peace Prize, and had been recognised by Israel’s Yad Vashem institute as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her work. In 2007, she was honoured by the National Assembly for organising the "rescue of the most defenceless victims of the Nazi ideology: the Jewish children."
SG Appoints Helen Clark As UNDP Administrator Secretary-General Appoints Helen Clark Of New Zealand As New Administrator of United Nations Development Programme On 26 March, it was announced that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, following consultations with the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), wrote to the President of the General Assembly requesting the General Assembly to confirm Helen Clark of New Zealand as the new Administrator of UNDP. The General Assembly confirmed the nomination on 31 March. Ms. Clark replaces Kemal Derviş for a term of four years. The Secretary-General is deeply grateful to Mr. Derviş for the services he has rendered to the Organization and for so ably leading the UNDP at a critical juncture. The Secretary-General is particularly appreciative of the great leadership displayed by Mr. Derviş in the implementation of his mandate. Ms. Clark’s nomination was made at the end of an extensive selection process, which included the establishment of a senior appointments panel chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and consisting of senior United Nations officials, as well as two outside experts in financial and developmental economics. The panel was composed in a manner to reflect a combination of required expertise and skills, as well as gender and geographical balance. The panel was entrusted with interviewing the shortlisted candidates and recommending the finalists for the Secretary-General’s consideration. Selected amongst a group of excellent candidates for her outstanding qualifications and numerous accomplishments in her long career, Ms. Clark has the needed leadership and international recognition that would allow her, as the new Administrator, to build on her predecessors’ legacy. In addition, she would bring a strategic perspective coupled with fresh thinking and impetus for change. She is expected to bring to the UNDP and the United Nations system her well-honed consensus-building skills and commitment to the multilateral approach to addressing global financial and development issues. Ms. Clark has been a member of the New Zealand Parliament since 1981 and was Prime Minister from 1999 to 2008. Concurrently she held a number of other portfolios, including Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. In Government, she led her country’s policy debate on a wide range of economic, social, environmental, and cultural issues, including sustainability and climate change, and the development of an inclusive multicultural and multi-faith society. She was also a very active leader of her country’s international relations at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. She has been a strong supporter of development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in her region. Between 1984 and 1987, Ms. Clark served as Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee. From 1987 to 1990, she was first Minister for Housing and Minister for Conservation, and then Minister for Health, Minister for Labour and Deputy Prime Minister. In those capacities, she prioritized affordable housing, protection of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, primary health care and public health, and gender equity in employment. Born in 1950 in New Zealand, Ms. Clark is married to Professor Peter Davis. She was educated at Auckland University, where she studied political studies and history, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and a Master of Arts (Hons) in 1974. ENDS \|\|\|\|\| Clark confirmed in UN role Stuff.co.nz Relevant offers Helen Clark has been confirmed in the role of head of the United Nations Development Programme. Clark, who was nominated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week, was elected unanimously by the UN's 192-nation general assembly. She will begin her term on April 20th, replacing Kemal Dervis, a former Turkish Cabinet minister. "I'll be spinning wheels to make that," Clark told Radio New Zealand. Mr Ban's spokeswoman, Michele Montas, said Clark "will bring a strategic perspective coupled with fresh thinking and impetus for change." The UN Development Programme, which employs nearly 8000 people in 166 countries and has a budget of some NZ$9 billion, provides training, advice and support for developing countries. Clark's confirmation in effect places her third-highest in command at the UN. That would rank it among the most powerful positions held by a New Zealander. Clark this morning said she had had a lot of big moments in her life, including winning her first election and winning one as prime minister. "I guess this is another of those moments," she said. "But actually, the sort of sense of 'gee, golly, gosh' is almost immediately replaced by 'there's an awful lot of things to do'." That included sorting out the salary, terms and conditions, getting a UN passport and changing visa status for the United States as the job is based in New York. Clark said she was not daunted by the enormity of the job "but I know there is a tremendous number of things to get on top of very, very quickly". "I'm very diligent and I'll just get on with it." Clark said it was up to the Government to name a date for a by-election in her Mount Albert seat but she believed it would be in June. "It really depends on whether I'm going to get away exactly on time and the UN system has to really jump hurdles for that to happen," she said. "But it would be very difficult for it to be before the budget so I would be thinking that June would be a more likely time. - with NZPA and REUTERS \|\|\|\|\| Clark resignation triggers by-election Helen Clark's confirmation as the head of the United Nations Development Programme will force a by-election in the Mount Albert electorate with speculation it will be held in June. Miss Clark's spokesman did not know when she would formally resign from Parliament, but it has been reported she will take up her new job within three weeks. Prime Minister John Key's spokeswoman said no date has yet been set for the by-election. By-elections have become reasonably rare under the MMP system and this one will be keenly fought. Miss Clark had a personal majority in the seat of 10,350, but Labour beat only National by 2426 party votes in the electorate in the 2008 election. The gap between those who voted for left parties in the electorate compared to those on the right of spectrum was slightly larger with the left around 5000 ahead. However, National is well ahead in the nationwide polls and would fancy its chances of taking the seat, long regarded as a Labour stronghold. Labour list MP Phil Twyford has been identified as a front-runner for his party, but nominations are bound to come from outside Parliament as well. Some media have speculated that Labour is developing a strategy to prevent former MP Judith Tizard returning to Parliament. The reports said Ms Tizard was considered "old guard" and past her use-by date. Labour's problem is that former finance minister Michael Cullen is also planning to retire, possibly before Miss Clark resigns. Dr Cullen is a list MP and would be replaced by Damien O'Connor, the next candidate on Labour's list. If Mr Twyford then contested a by-election and won the Mt Albert seat he would cease to be a list MP and would be replaced by Ms Tizard. But if an outsider was chosen and won the seat, Mr Twyford would stay as a list MP and there would not be a slot for Ms Tizard to take. Labour leader Phil Goff has described the speculation as resembling a "witch-hunt" and said the candidate would be selected by the usual process. Labour candidates are elected by delegates partly selected by the electorate membership at a meeting and partly from the central party. In the past there have been fierce fights between local members and the party leadership over candidates. National might seek a high profile candidate to try to win the seat. Ravi Kumar Musuku stood for National in 2008 and gained 9800 votes compared to Miss Clark's 20,100. A major local issue is the construction of Waterview motorway which partly runs through the electorate. Labour had planned a multi-billion dollar tunnel, but National has been sceptical about the cost. However the alternative would mean the destruction of hundreds of houses and greenbelt land, finding an alternative route, or no road being built at all leaving a missing link in the road network. - NZPA \|\|\|\|\| Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has won the Kiwi vote, gaining the title of Greatest Living New Zealander. In a close race against Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata, Helen Clark edged out in front with 3163 votes - 25 per cent of the overall vote - while Corporal Apiata gained 21 per cent, with 2645 votes. See the final results here Helen Clark said the win was "a nice way to start the year", but was quick to deflect her success, acknowledging other worthy New Zealanders and rival Willie Apiata. "I guess it's quite a hard ask asking who is the greatest living New Zealander - Sir Ed's gone and undoubtedly would have won any such poll conducted in his time." She said Willie Apiata's rating reflected people seeing the award of a Victoria Cross as something quite extraordinary. "Full marks to Willie. He is a remarkable man," she said. Asked whether the title of greatest living New Zealander offered some solace for November's election defeat, she laughed. "As I said, I went with my head held high and that's the way you would like to be remembered." Since Sir Edmund Hillary's death last year, talk about who might be the country's greatest living individual has wafted through the country. A total of 12,665 Kiwis responded to the Herald's online poll, which has been running since mid-January. Among the favourites for the title were All Black great Colin Meads, 1021 votes; Mad Butcher Peter Leitch, 514 votes; The Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall, 387 votes; and Louise Nicholas with 361 votes. Debate also raged after former National party leader Don Brash put in a nomination for Act MP Sir Roger Douglas for his work in transforming the country's economy in the 1980s. Asked what she thought of Mr Brash's attempt to nominate Sir Roger Douglas for the title, Helen Clark said she would give the suggestion "the charity of my silence". Corporal Apiata said he was honoured to be listed alongside some of the country's most respected individuals. He congratulated Helen Clark on her win. "She is a truly inspirational New Zealander and thoroughly deserves this recognition." Prime Minister John Key said he was not surprised his predecessor had topped the poll: "She has been front and centre stage in the public eye for the last decade. ... She is well thought of as a New Zealand Prime Minister." Greatest Living New Zealander - Top five nominees: * Helen Clark - 3163 votes * Willie Apiata - 2645 votes * Sir Murray Halberg - 1467 votes * Peter Jackson - 1340 votes * Peter Snell - 1041 votes - additional reporting by John Armstrong \|\|\|\|\| Helen Clark Prime Minister Helen Clark says New Zealand’s efforts to adapt to the global impact of climate change have been recognised with the United Nations Environment Programme “Champions of the Earth” award. The UNEP has awarded the prize to Helen Clark and six other figures from regions around the world, in recognition of the government’s promotion of sustainability initiatives. The UNEP said that “three major policy initiatives….are blazing new trails for sustainability and the fight against climate change: the Emissions Trading Scheme; the Energy Strategy; and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.” Helen Clark said the Champion of the Earth Award was an honour. “For New Zealand to become a truly sustainable nation, it requires government, business, and community to each take special responsibilities and pursue a common interest,” Helen Clark said. “It is clearly the responsibility of government to give leadership. It reflects our belief that pursuing sustainability is not only the right thing to do, but is also a strategic investment in New Zealand’s overall future. “Further sustainability initiatives will be unveiled by the government this year. We also look forward to hosting World Environment Day on June 5, which will focus on opportunities for countries, companies and communities to ‘kick the carbon habit’ and make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle,” Helen Clark said.	Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed as head of the United Nations Development Program. The appointment follows a unanimous vote by the UN General Assembly yesterday. Clark will take up the role by April 20, replacing current UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis. Helen Clark. Clark is reportedly eager for the role, comparing it to winning her first election and becoming Prime Minister. "I guess this is another of those moments," she said. The UNDP gives training and advice to developing countries to spur global development and to help them meet the Millennium Development Goals. It has offices in 166 countries and an annual budget of around US$5 billion. Its Administrator is the third highest ranking member of the United Nations after the United Nations Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. Clark has a long political career, having been first elected to Parliament in 1981. She was New Zealand's first elected woman Prime Minister, serving for three terms between 1999 and 2008. She became leader of the social-democratic New Zealand Labour Party in 1993, and led it until her defeat in the 2008 general election. She has previously held a number of Cabinet portfolios, including Health, Housing, Conservation, and Arts, Culture and Heritage. In January 2008 Clark won the United Nations Environment Programme Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her government’s promotion of sustainability initiatives. In January 2009 she was recognised by the ''New Zealand Herald'' as the Greatest Living New Zealander. Clark's appointment is expected to lead to a by-election in her Mt Albert electorate.
The County Durham schoolboy, who was 12 when he carried out the assault in November 2004, admitted rape and theft at an earlier hearing. Teesside Crown Court heard the attack took place after a one-to-one teaching session at an educational establishment in the region. After the rape, he drove the woman's car away and dumped it on Tyneside. Mental scars Mr Justice Grigson ordered the teenager, who cannot be named, should be detained for life, and placed on a sex offenders register indefinitely. Sentencing him, the judge added: "These problems are not of your own making, but it is plain that until these problems are dealt with you are very likely to commit other offences, other offences as serious as this. "So the public has to be properly protected until such time as your problems have been assisted." Hopefully there will come a time when he is no longer the risk he currently is John Evans, defending The judge told the boy he must serve at least 21 months detention but that it was likely he would serve much longer. He told the defendant that the woman's mental scars would take a very long time to heal. Mr Justice Grigson said: "You know that better than anybody - you were the victim of such an attack. "Despite your very young age, it is quite clear that you knew what you were doing." Inquiry launched John Evans, defending, said his client had been the victim of sexual and physical abuse from a very young age. By the age of three-and-a-half, concerns were being expressed about the boy's sexualised behaviour, he said. "By 1995, when this boy could not yet have been four, he was being mistreated and indeed encouraged to engage in misuse of alcohol and cigarettes," said Mr Evans. "Some might say that the signs were already there and that he was being significantly let down. "Hopefully there will come a time when he is no longer the risk he currently is and can be released back into the community." After the hearing, child welfare experts responsible for the teenager's care said they had launched an immediate inquiry. \|\|\|\|\| DEAR ABBY: I recently realized I have a fair-weather family. My husband got in trouble with the law and is now in a drug treatment facility. This had been hard on me, but I love him. His crime was being in possession of illegal drugs that were intended only for himself. His family has turned their…	A British boy has been ordered to be detained for life for the rape of his teacher. He was just twelve years old when he attacked the teacher in County Durham last November. The Crown Court heard that the boy had attacked the female teacher after a one-to-one session, and then drove the teacher's car away from the scene before abandoning it thirty miles away. The boy, who also suffers from learning difficulties, admitted to the rape in court. The defence told the court how the boy had been the victim of sexual abuse since he was very young. At just three and a half, concerns had been raised over his 'sexualised' behaviour. By four, he had been encouraged to experiment with alcohol and cigarettes. But judge Mr Justice Grigson told the boy: "Despite your very young age, it is quite clear that you knew what you were doing." The judge told the boy that he must serve at least 21 months of his sentence but will most likely be behind bars for much longer. He will also be on Britain's Sex Offender Register for all of his life. The agencies which should have protected the boy in his early life have launched an enquiry into their failings.
Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, At a Security Council Stakeout on Syria, February 4, 2012 New York, NY AS DELIVERED Ambassador Rice: Good afternoon. Let me begin by speaking directly to the Syrian people. The United States stands with you, the Syrian people, and we will not rest until you and your bravery achieve your basic, universal human rights, to which all human beings are entitled. Today, we saw clearly which countries are prepared to support the people of Syria-and, indeed, the people of the entire region-as they struggle to attain a future of peace and democracy. And we saw which countries, for their narrow interests, do not. But let there be no doubt. The United States will continue, with partners around the world-partners particularly in the Arab world-to ratchet up the pressure on the Asad regime until finally the people's voice prevails. We will not rest until that occurs. This Council, today, again, had a sad moment, which will be recorded in its history, but there was a hopeful aspect to it as well. And that is that more and more countries are united in saying the violence must stop, change must come, there must be a democratic and peaceful transition. Thirteen members of this Council clearly and firmly made that point, and perhaps two more will one day come along-I hope not after too many more innocent Syrians have been killed. I'm happy to take a couple questions. Reporter: Ambassador, what comes next? You said further measures, further pressure. Can you be more specific about what you think that might be please? Ambassador Rice: Neil, we have, as the United States, as you know, put increasing sanctions, increasing pressure on the Syrian regime. We are certainly committed on a national basis to continue to intensify our pressure. We have worked with partners in Europe, in Turkey, in the broader Arab world towards that end. We will certainly be consulting with partners in the Arab League and on this Council in the days to come. I think it is fair to say that nobody is giving up. Nobody is turning our backs on the Syrian people. And we will find a way forward to affirm our support for the people of Syria. Reporter: Ambassador, some believe and feel that it is due to the fact that the U.S. and Russia did not understand each other and did not agree outside of this whole-that this is the result of the double veto. So, A, tell us if you agree and B, tell us kindly, what is your understanding of Mr. Sergei Lavrov's initiative, probably, in Damascus next week? And are you surprised particularly by the Chinese veto? Ambassador Rice: I can't answer the question of what Minister Lavrov's visit intends or aims to achieve. I can say this: the members of this Council worked tirelessly, exhaustively over the last several days to try to come to consensus. We bent over backwards as co-sponsors to accommodate and meet the concerns of member of this Council. There were those who saw what seemed to me to be a phantom, that somehow this resolution might be construed as authorizing the use of force, even when it was patently obvious that that wasn't the case. But just to underscore it, we wrote that into the resolution. There were some who wanted to pretend that this resolution imposed sanctions. It never did, never from the beginning in any other iterations. That became clear. There were members of this Council that were uncomfortable with outlining certain elements of the Arab League plan. We insisted that the Arab League initiative be supported. The text that was vetoed did that. But it did so in a way that was garnered-that was intended to garner consensus. It failed. We had many, many attempts, Raghida, up until the minute before we went into the vote to try to find common ground. And I want to say that we-the United States, Morocco, the Arab League, the co-sponsors-made every effort, and those that-no effort was good enough. And so countries took their decision. There was discussion over the last couple of days, and we indicated, again, that we were interested in reaching consensus but not at the expense of doing violence to the fundamental purpose. And this is to answer your question, Matt: What was unacceptable, first and foremost, was the amendments that would have rewritten the Arab League plans, both Arab League plans-the one of November 2nd, which both parties have agreed to and committed to but the Syrian government hasn't implemented but which indeed the Russian Federation has supported. Now, months later, it's to be revised and rewritten. That was unacceptable. And it was also unacceptable to try to remove from the plan of the 22nd the timeline that was crucial, an integral aspect of the Arab League initiative. There were many other aspects-efforts to equate the opposition and their actions with those of the regime, which we thought were not only indefensible but reprehensible in their formulations. But they were also not offered during the course of the week when we were engaged in meaningful efforts at negotiations but rather at the 11th hour with a request that the vote be delayed until some indefinite point next week. With people dying every day, with the regime escalating its violence in a horrific fashion, and the people of Homs under immediate assault, delay was not an option. Thank you. ### \|\|\|\|\| BEIRUT — Syria opposition leaders raised the death toll to 260 in a military assault Saturday on the ravaged central city of Homs, an attack that opposition leaders described as the government’s deadliest in the nearly 11-month-old uprising. Reports were contradictory, given the difficulty of communications with Homs, and the Syrian government flatly denied the toll, calling it an attempt at propaganda ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting Saturday on Syria. But videos smuggled out of the city and reports by opposition activists showed a harrowing barrage of mortar shells and gunfire that left hundreds more wounded in the city. “It’s an unprecedented attack,” said Mohammed Saleh, an opposition activist from Homs who recently fled to a nearby town to escape the mounting strife there. As word spread of the barrage, opposition protests broke out Saturday at Syrian embassies around the world, including Egypt, Germany and Kuwait. Accounts by activists, independently basing their information on what they described as contacts in Homs, said the barrage was apparently unleashed after defectors attacked two military checkpoints and kidnapped soldiers. One activist put the number of abducted soldiers at 13, another 19. They suggested that enraged commanders then ordered the assault, which lasted from about 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, focusing on the neighborhood of Khaldiya. Five other neighborhoods were also assaulted. At one point, a resident said, people left the top floors of residential buildings, fearful that shelling they described as random would wreck their homes. The precise number of dead was almost impossible to obtain. The Syrian National Council, which has sought to act as an umbrella group for the opposition, said more than 260 were killed. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the toll in Khaldiya and the other neighborhoods was 217. Both groups, along with other activists, said the wounded numbered in the hundreds, though again, there was no specific number. One opposition activist said the Syrian military suffered casualties, too. “It’s a real massacre in every sense of the word,” said a resident in Khaldiya, who gave his name as Abu Jihad. “I saw bodies of women and children lying on roads beheaded. It’s horrible and inhuman. It was a long night helping people get to hospitals.” As it has since the uprising started, the Syrian government accused media and activists of fantastically exaggerating the toll. In a report Saturday on the Syrian state news agency, SANA, it complained of “frenetic media campaigns against Syria disseminating false information about Syria Army shelling of civilians in different blamed Arab satellite channels for inflaming the strife in different Syrian governorates.” The agency, citing its correspondents across the country, declared that “life is normal in the Damascus countryside, Hama and Homs.” Near the border with Lebanon, in western Syria, Homs has been a critical hub of the uprising, which stands as one of the bloodiest of the Arab world’s revolts. The city mirrors Syria’s own diversity, with a Sunni Muslim majority that has backed the uprising. But at least three neighborhoods are populated largely by Alawites, a heterodox strain of Islam that provides much of the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. In past months, sectarian strife there has dangerously intensified, offering a grim window on what a broader civil war could look like in Syria. Though protests started peacefully there, defectors have begun operating checkpoints, and tit-for-tat kidnappings and killings have paralyzed parts of the city, where something as simple as the choice of a television news station can belie a person’s loyalty. Some activists have tried to bridge the sectarian divide, but even they fear the violence may overwhelm those attempts. “The army has weapons, and the people have weapons,” one opposition activist said on condition of anonymity, recounting Saturday’s bloodshed. “Syria is finished for me. It is a civil war and nothing will save us anymore.” Funerals took place Saturday in Homs, as a relative calm was reported in the city. At one funeral for 20 people, a resident said, armed defectors were offering protection. The bloodshed reverberated around the world, demonstrating the power of social media. As reports of the mounting toll were carried by Twitter and Facebook, protests gathered at Syrian missions in the Middle East and Europe. As many as 100 demonstrators stormed the Syrian embassy in Cairo at about 3 a.m. Saturday, tearing its iron gate off it hinges, burning parts of the first floor, and demolishing much of the ambassador’s office. By the morning, the floors were littered with broken glass, furniture that was torn apart or burned and the detritus of office equipment. It was the second time in two weeks protesters had breached the embassy, but the previous attack had destroyed not much more than framed pictures of Mr. Assad. Amman Arsan, the embassy’s media counselor, said he saw no connection between the events in Homs and what he called “the terrorist attack” on the Cairo mission. "The Syrian army is conducting an operation against terrorist groups in Hama and Homs,” he said. “This is a crime. Nothing in the whole world justifies this.” The simultaneous attacks on Syrian embassies in Berlin, Kuwait, Amman, Cairo and elsewhere, he said, was evidence of a coordinated assault by Syria’s enemies.	Meeting chambers of the United Nations Security Council The United Nations Security Council did not pass a resolution supporting actions pursuing peace in Syria. The resolution was by Council Permanent Members Russia and China. This is the second time in the past four months that a resolution to control violence in Syria has been vetoed by Russia and China. All of the other members of the Security Council voted for the resolution. The Moroccan Ambassador Mohammed Loulichki who sponsored the resolution said that he was "frustrated and sad" that it did not pass. United States ambassador to the UN said "The United States stands with you, the Syrian people, and we will not rest until you and your bravery achieve your basic, universal human rights, to which all human beings are entitled. Today, we saw clearly which countries are prepared to support the people of Syria — and, indeed, the people of the entire region — as they struggle to attain a future of peace and democracy." US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton both supported the passage of the resolution. The resolution was intended to control a violent in Syria as part of the . Since protests broke out last year, as many as 6,000 protesters and 1,000 members of the have been killed. The protesters are calling for an end of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. == Sources == * * *
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story. Samantha Hayes ReportingServing a mission for his church was something friends and loved ones say Elder Morgan Young aspired to do. His dedication took him to Virginia, where the 21-year old was gunned down last night. Elder Morgan W. Young While those close to him grieve, people in the Virginia neighborhood where he was shot are scared. "It makes me afraid to live here with my two kids. It says no one cares about anybody." Morgan Young was with his mission companion when someone opened fire on both of them. Young died at the hospital. His companion, Joshua Heidbrink of Colorado, survived. Of course it's an extremely difficult time, but Young's family is finding some comfort in his dedication to his mission and that this was something he really wanted to be doing. In Chesapeake Virginia tonight, police have not named any suspects and are not clear on a motive. Morgan Young knew that hard work paid off. And he may not have realized it, but those close to him really admired that. Jack Yoho, Elder Young's Scout Leader: "Worked very hard to get where he is at and be able to serve a mission." Rob Schwartz, Friend: "He really was so enthusiastic, such a hard worker." Winslow Young, Grandfather: "You never had to worry about him. He was just a good solid kid, confident." And compassionate. Young was scheduled to return home in March, but told family he would stay longer if he could. Winslow Young: "He just really loved the people of Virginia." And he was dong what he loved Monday evening, traveling door to door on a Chesapeake, Virginia street with fellow LDS missionary Joshua Heidbrink. Then someone, for some reason, shot them. Heidbrink survived. His uncle says the missionaries witnessed another crime before they were shot. Police are investigating that. Some neighbors in Chesapeake say there is a drug problem. Former missionaries who served there did not fear for their safety Nathan Wilbur, Former Missionary in Chesapeake, Va.: "I wasn't familiar with that particular street, but the street next to it was a pretty good area. I would not have been scared to go there." Jan Liechty, Former Missionary in Chesapeake, Va.: "Most people treat you pretty good too, even in the rough areas." Young was dedicated to that area, perhaps the rough parts, too. His sense of purpose is also helping comfort the people who miss him most right now. # Jack Yoho: "He believed about going on a mission, serving the Lord, being an eagle scout, just being a good person." Young's family is in Virginia tonight. They have yet to set a date for the funeral. Virginia Police still haven't found the gunman who shot the missionaries, but investigators conclude it was not a hate crime. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement expressing sympathy and love for the families of both missionaries. It says, in part, "We assure those currently serving missions or who are contemplating missionary service that the Church will continue to make every effort to safeguard the health and safety of missionaries throughout the world." \|\|\|\|\| Tuesday, January 03, 2006 CHESAPEAKE, Va. A Mormon missionary going door-to-door was fatally shot Monday night and a fellow missionary was wounded by an assailant who fled, police said. The attacks happened just after 6 p.m. in the Deep Creek area of the city, police said, when a man approached the two, shot them and ran away. One of the victims ran to a nearby nursing home seeking help, police said. The missionaries were identified by church spokesmen Dale Bills and Michael Purdy as Elders Morgan Young, 21, of Bountiful, Utah, and Joshua Heidbrink of Greeley, Colo. Chesapeake police said he is 19. They were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where Young later died, spokeswoman Cheri Hinshelwood said. Heidbrink was upgraded to good condition Tuesday morning, she said. Police described the gunman as a black male about 5-foot-10. They said he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and denim jeans. Police shut down part of the neighborhood while searching for the man. "This is close to home," said Bobby Gatling, who said he has lived on the block for two years. "Nothing like this has ever happened here before." (Story continues below) ADVERTISEMENTS Advertise Here There was no immediate word on what prompted the shootings. \|\|\|\|\| Sandra Yi Reporting New developments today in the shooting investigation of two Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in Virginia. One missionary from Bountiful was killed. Police in Chesapeake, Virginia remain tight-lipped about details of the investigation, but we do know they have recovered what they believe is the murder weapon. But tonight they're still looking for the trigger man. Elder Morgan Young of Bountiful, Utah Police won't say what the two missionaries witnessed Monday night as they were going door-to-door in a Chesapeake neighborhood, but it appears they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Christy Golden, Chesapeake, Va. Police Dept.: "We believe they may have come upon a crime that was being committed, and because of that a suspect approached them and shot them both." Elder Morgan Young of Bountiful was killed, just two months shy of his homecoming. His companion, Elder Joshua Heidbrink of Colorado, survived and is in good condition at a hospital. His statements are valuable to police. Christy Godlen: "He's been interviewed, and I'm not exactly sure what type of information was obtained from him, but obviously he did witness what happened, and I don't know if he recalls anything." Police have recovered important evidence in the shooting, such as the alleged murder weapon. And they have several possible suspects, including a man seen running from the crime scene. Christy Golden: "We're looking at several people, and we're just eliminating suspects as we go along, with information that's been received." Tips from residents and a crime line are helping police build a case that could lead to an arrest. Christy Golden: "We're not disclosing the type of crime that we believe they may have witnessed, but we are looking at all motives, whether it was a robbery. We're looking into all things that could have been committed." Elder Young's parents may return from Virginia this week, but his funeral will probably not take place until next week. Related Links \|\|\|\|\| The Missionary Program The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is well known for the missionaries it sends throughout the world to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The program follows the biblical pattern of sending out missionaries two by two. Missions The Church operates more than 330 missions in the world. A mission covers a geographic area and has a central headquarters. Each is led by a mission president who is selected from the ranks of Church membership to a three-year position. The mission president relocates with his family to the mission area and directs the work of the missionaries. Missionaries Currently, some 56,000 Latter-day Saints are participating in proselytizing missions around the world. Approximately 75 percent of the Church's proselytizing missionaries are young men between the ages of 19 and 26. They are referred to as "Elder" because of their ordination to that priesthood office. Substantial numbers of single women (about 18 percent) and older couples (about 7 percent) also serve proselytizing missions. Each elder or sister missionary accepts an assignment from Church leaders to serve in a specific mission. Missionaries generally work 60-65 hours per week, for two years (elders) or 18 months (women and couples), teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and participating in community service. In addition, about 5,100 individuals (including couples) are given special service assignments. Health specialists and doctors go to developing countries where the Church's health services program teaches preventive care. Craftsmen, artisans and construction supervisors train members in local building projects. Agricultural experts train people to produce food more effectively and economically. Other mission assignments include education, family history research and leadership training. The missionaries or their families donate money to the Church to pay for their personal expenses. When his or her assignment is completed, the missionary returns to home to pursue vocational, academic or other personal goals. Missionary Training Centers Before leaving on a mission, each missionary is assigned to one of 17 missionary training centers around the world. Those required to learn another language spend eight weeks in training before traveling to their assigned mission. If the missionaries do not need to learn a new language, they attend only two or three weeks of basic orientation. Preparation Aside from their brief orientation at a missionary training center, missionaries receive little formal training for their ministry. Missionary preparation comes primarily from personal study and, in many cases, from examples taught in the home from childhood. Church Growth Since 1830 Year Members Missions Missionaries Countries (1) 1830 6 (2) 0 0 1 1844 26,146 3 586 8 (3) 1947 1,016,170 (4) 43 2,132 29 1963 2,117,451 77 11,653 43 1971 3,090,953 98 15,205 50 1978 4,166,854 165 27,669 54 1982 5,162,619 180 26,606 86 1986 6,166,983 193 29,265 95 1989 7,308,700 228 39,739 100 1991 8,089,540 267 43,395 130 1994 9,024,569 303 48,708 156 1995 9,340,000 307 48,631 159 1996 9,694,500 309 53,000 160 1997 10,070,524 318 56,531 162 1998 10,354,241 331 57,853 162 1999 10,752,986 333 58,593 162 2000 11,068,861 334 60,784 162 2001 11,394,522 333 60,850 165 2002 11,721,548 335 61,638 165 2003 11,985,254 337 56,237 165 Notes to the above chart: 1 And territories 2 At founding, 6 April 1830 3 Estimated 4 Figures given hereafter are as calculated at year's end Proselytizing Missionaries Young men approximately 75 percent Single women approximately 18 percent Couples approximately 7 percent Total approximately 56,000 Missionary Training Centers Worldwide Total 17 Locations Provo, Utah (USA) Preston, England Buenos Aires, Argentina Sao Paulo, Brazil Mexico City, Mexico Santiago, Chile Bogotá, Colombia Lima, Peru Guatemala City, Guatemala Hamilton, New Zealand Manila, Philippines Tokyo, Japan Seoul, South Korea Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Madrid, Spain Accra, Ghana Johannesburg, South Africa Languages taught at Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, USA 50	The Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, the most well known Mormon temple, owned by the Latter-day Saints. The new year started off on a violent note in Chesapeake, Virginia, when, just after 6 p.m. EST on January 2nd, two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were shot. The missionaries had apparently parked their bicycles to begin door-to-door proselytizing when they were approached and fired upon by an unidentified assailant. The men, ages 21 and 19, were both hit. One of the individuals was killed, and the other is in good condition at a nearby hospital. Although there has been some speculation that the missionaries were shot because they may have witnessed a crime, no specific details are available at this time. The gunman, described as a 5'10" black male, escaped on foot. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has approximately 56,000 young men and women performing full-time missionary work throughout the world. Missionary work is done on a volunteer basis, and young men are expected to serve a mission shortly after their 19th birthday. Male missionaries remain in the field for two years unless there are extenuating circumstances. The murder was Chesapeake's first such crime of 2006. There were 15 murders in the city in 2005.
'); //--> AFX News Limited Telecom operators and broadcasters launch UK's first mobile TV trial LONDON (AFX) Leading telecom companies and broadcasters have joined forces to launch what they claim is the first UK television service for mobile phone users. The service, available in Oxford from next week, will allow 400 customers of mobile operator 02 PLC to watch television programmes including UK soap Eastenders and US drama Lost from special mobile phone handsets. O2 and Arqiva, previously known as NTL Broadcast, have joined with mobile operator Nokia for the trial, which will run for up to six months and is designed to test the latest multi-media mobile services. The convergence of TV, music and video clips on mobile phones is seen by analysts as one the next big trends in the media as third generation mobile technology becomes more widespread. Sixteen channels are being offered to O2 customers in the trial, including BBC ONE, CNN, and MTV. Customers will be able to select their favourite programme from an on-screen service guide, search for specific items as well as set their handset to alert them when a show starts. nh/tc COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and the AFX Financial News logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited Article Controls Related Sections Home > News & Analysis Subscriptions > \|\|\|\|\| The trial kicked off amid Oxford's dreaming spires on Thursday. It is being run by O2 in partnership with Nokia and Arqiva, formerly NTL Broadcast. O2 showed off the service in a demonstration in Oxford on Thursday. Four hundred Oxford residents have been supplied with Nokia 7710 smartphones, which have been adapted to receive broadcast TV signals as well as O2's mobile phone signal. The trial service will carry 16 channels, including all the terrestrial channels, BBC News 24, CNN, MTV and British EuroSport. O2 said it used a rigorous selection procedure to ensure that the 400 O2 customers involved in the trial represented a balanced subsection of the population. The service is based on a technology DVB-H , which allows digital television signals to be received by mobile devices. With DVB-H, the television signal is broadcast over an area, in the same way that analogue and digital TV are transmitted today. Dave Williams, O2's chief technical officer, told journalists that DVB-H was superior to 3G video-streaming because it consumes less bandwidth. "3G is perfect for two-minute video clips. But, if you're watching a 90-minute football game, we think DVB-H is the most suitable," said Williams. BT is currently trialling a mobile TV service based on digital audio standard DAB. There have been concerns that DAB provides an inferior signal inside buildings compared to DVB-H. However, the spectrum used by DAB is already available, while the spectrum needed for DVB-H is not. "One purpose of this trial is to educate the regulator," said Williams. "Ofcom has said it won't make any decision [about making spectrum available for DVB-H] until 2006," he added. \|\|\|\|\| City of dreaming masts O2 has launched a trial to bring streaming video to mobile phones, allowing 400 customers in Oxford to choose from 16 channels. The trial is scheduled to commence next week and will run for up to six months. Nokia and Arqiva (formerly NTL Broadcast) are collaborating on the trial. The TV shows are transmitted using the Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H) technology and require a special receiver to be attached to the mobile phone. The technology allows a single signal to serve all devices within its reach, and complements streaming video over high speed data networks. A specially crafted programme guide allows users to set an alarm to prevent them missing important shows. Transmitting mainstream content via a traditional broadcasting signal could save bandwidth for customised applications. Nokia plans to build in support for the DVB-H technology into future handsets. The trial is the first in the UK and follows earlier experiments in Finland and other locations in Europe, Asia and North America. \|\|\|\|\| O2 and Arqiva (previously known as NTL Broadcast) have teamed up with Nokia as well as the leading terrestrial and satellite broadcasters to kick-off the UK's first trial of full multi-channel mobile TV. 16 channels are being offered to O2 customers, including BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC News 24, ITV 1, ITV 2, Channel 4 and Five, which will provide a core of mainstream channels coupled with programmes from British Eurosport, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery Channel, MTV, ShortsTV, Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Travel.Customers will be able to select their favourite programme from an on-screen service guide, search for specific items as well as set their handset to alert them when a show starts. The trial will run for up to six months and is designed to test and showcase the televisual capabilities of the next generation mobile services. It will look at how people choose to catch up on their favourite TV shows, how they watch the latest music videos and keep up to date with the news and sport when on the move, and provide an understanding of how much customers are willing to pay for the service.The service is based on the new DVB-H (digital video broadcasting - handheld) transmission technology and works by beaming a signal to a digital TV receiver, which is attached to Nokia's 7710 smartphone, transforming it into a portable TV. DVB-H is ideally suited to sending high-quality, digital TV pictures from a single source to multiple users in a way that complements the one-to-one video streaming which is already possible via today's GPRS and 3G mobile data networks.Dave Williams, O2's chief technology officer, said: "Increasingly, new forms of content are making their way onto mobile devices - music, in particular, is already booming - and the latest buzz is about television. There will be many millions of mobile TV viewers worldwide by 2010.Hyacinth Nwana, Arqiva's managing director, mobile media solutions, commented: "We've pulled together an extremely strong and varied 16-channel line-up, reflecting the range of content that our original research identified as desirable for a mobile television service. In Europe all evidence points to mobile TV being mass market. Oxford will address the critical success factors such as scalability, consumer experience, content mix and consumer choice."Mark Selby, Nokia's Vice President, Sales, Multimedia, added: "The Oxford trial is an important step in the roll out of mobile broadcast TV, building on the recent successful trial in Helsinki, Finland. Consumer reaction and usage patterns will help the broadcast and mobile industries understand what content viewers want to see on this exciting new technology. The Oxford trial will add valuable new research and it will be followed by multiple trials in Europe, Asia and America. Nokia is pleased to be working with O2, Arqiva and the many content producers participating in this trial." \|\|\|\|\| Industries Brits Get Taste of Mobile TV British carrier O2 will deliver the BBC and other TV channels to cell phones for 400 U.K. viewers in a trial starting next week. Hundreds of Brits will be able to watch U.K. television channels including the BBC on their cell phones next week, in a trial launched by U.K. carrier O2 and tech company Arqiva, the companies said Thursday. O2 said the 400-person trial is a U.K. first and will include 16 channels, including BBC One, BBC Two, News 24, and ITV 1, among others. Even East Enders, the 20-year-old British soap that’s gained a cult-like following, can be watched wirelessly during the trial. While cell phone companies have been pushing mobile video over the past year, and claiming mobile TV is ready for broadcast, the transmission of real TV channels to cell phones has been slower in coming. There have been a lot of hurdles keeping mobile TV from going mainstream. Among them: Some networks aren’t equipped to handle the high-data stream; handset screens often distort mobile viewing; and content companies are unsure how to work with mobile (see I Don’t Want My Mobile TV, Yet). Mobile TV Future But starting next week, O2 customers will get a glimpse of what a mobile TV future could look like. The British research firm Informa Telecoms and Media predicts that 124 million viewers will own TV broadcast-enabled cell phones by 2010. O2 said customers will be able to select a program from an on-screen guide, search for live shows, or set up alerts for when a show is about to start. “By establishing relationships through activities such as this, we hope that potential challenges will be minimized and mobile TV becomes a commercial reality sooner than is currently possible,” said O2 Chief Technology Officer Dave Williams in a statement. The service is based on a transmission technology called DVB-H (digital video broadcasting–handheld). DVB-H uses a combination of Internet and broadcasting, according to Informa Telecoms and Research. In South Korea , cell phone companies already run television channels over cellular and are implementing an alternative digital broadcasting system called DMB, or digital mobile broadcast.	Nokia 7710 smartphone, pictured here. Mobile phone provider O2 (O2) in partnership with Nokia and Arqiva began a trial of a new service that allows customers to watch broadcast TV on their mobile phone. The trial began on Thursday in Oxford. Four hundred O2 customers have been selected to participate. According to O2 the trial represents a balanced selection of the population. Participants have been supplied with Nokia 7710 smartphones, that can receive 16 channels. The trial service currently carries BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBC News 24, ITV 1, ITV 2, Channel 4 and 5, Eurosport, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery Channel, MTV, ShortsTV, Sky News, Sky Sports News and Sky Travel. TV shows are transmitted using a technology called Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H). It requires a special receiver to be connected to the mobile phone. Nokia has said they plan to build support for the DVB-H technology into future Nokia phones. Using DVB-H the phones will get about eight hours per charge, this is because the DVB-H uses the "time slicing" technology. Many other UK providers have offered mobile TV on cellphones, however this is the first to offer regular full length TV shows. Most other providers use the 3G video-streaming technology. "3G is perfect for two-minute video clips. But, if you're watching a 90-minute football game, we think DVB-H is the most suitable," said Dave Williams, O2's chief technical officer Customers can use an onscreen programme to select programmes they wish to watch and it will alert them when the show starts. In South Korea many mobile phone companies already offer television on mobile phones using a system called digital mobile broadcast. In the US a recent survey by InStat, found few Americans are interested in mobile TV. Canadian company Telus also recently began to offer mobile TV services. "By establishing relationships through activities such as this, we hope that potential challenges will be minimized and mobile TV becomes a commercial reality sooner than is currently possible," said Dave Williams, O2's chief technical officer
Quebec bars veil at election booth Sat, March 24, 2007 By CP Sat, March 24, 2007 QUEBEC -- Muslim women will have to remove their face coverings if they want to vote in Monday's Quebec election. Quebec's chief returning officer has reversed an earlier decision and is now telling Muslim women who wear a niqab to show their faces when they vote. Facing threats from other citizens that they would show up at polling stations wearing masks, Marcel Blanchet said in Quebec City that voting day must proceed without incident. Blanchet had to get two bodyguards as a result of his initial decision and Elections Quebec had received threatening phone calls and e-mails. Quebec's three main political leaders had asked Blanchet to reverse the decision. Blanchet says he's using special powers under electoral law to make the change. Action Democratique du Quebec Leader Mario Dumont says the law must be evenly applied to all citizens on voting day. Meanwhile, the Liberals and Action Democratique are desperately seeking unfaithful separatists. That's what both Premier Jean Charest and Dumont were doing yesterday -- singing a siren song for sovereigntists who might stray from the Parti Quebecois on Monday. "I see there are a lot of sovereigntists who don't want a referendum, who say, 'No, that's not what I want, I'm not there,' " Charest said in Thetford Mines, about 80 kilometres south of Quebec City. Charest said another referendum wouldn't advance Quebec. "They know that a referendum will divide us and that's not what Quebec needs right now when we've made very significant gains within the federation in the last four years." Charest, Dumont and PQ Leader Andre Boisclair are in a three-way race to govern Quebec with an outcome that's almost impossible to predict and where every vote is looming as important. Dumont asked those he's calling "realistic" sovereigntists to vote for the ADQ. The ADQ leader attacked Boisclair and said the PQ leader is "too weak" to lead Quebec. Dumont has attracted at least one public and vocal supporter of an independent Quebec, author Victor-Levy Beaulieu, who said he intends to vote ADQ because he doesn't like the urbane and urban direction the PQ has taken. Charest warned voters yesterday about supporting the ADQ, saying it's just a "waiting room" for sovereigntists. "It's true there are people who see the ADQ like a means to advance sovereignty," the premier said. News Headlines BREAKING NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS Quebec bars veil at election booth \|\|\|\|\| March 5: Venezuela announced it was nearly done moving thousands of troops and tanks to the Colombian border while nations around the world tried to defuse the crisis. NBC's Mark Potter reports. March 15: Three London Muslim women discuss why they choose to wear traditional Muslim attire and how the decision impacts their daily lives. MONTREAL - Muslim women will have to remove their face coverings if they want to vote in upcoming elections in Quebec, a government official said Friday, reversing his earlier decision to allow the veils. Marcel Blanchet, the French-speaking province’s election chief, had been criticized by Quebec’s three main political leaders for allowing voters to wear the niqab, which covers the entire face except for the eyes, if they signed a sworn statement and showed identification when they vote. But Blanchet reversed his earlier decision Friday, saying it was necessary to avoid disruptions when residents go to the polls. Story continues below ↓ advertisement advertisement “Relevant articles to electoral laws were modified to add the following: any person showing up at a polling station must be uncovered to exercise the right to vote,” he said. Blanchet had to get two bodyguards after the Quebec elections office received threatening phone calls and e-mails following his initial decision to allow niqabs. He said some residents had threatened to protest Monday’s vote by showing up at polling stations wearing masks. The reversal was condemned by Muslims groups who said it could turn their members away from the polls. “I am so saddened, I doubt many of these women will show up at the polls on Monday after all this mockery,” said Sarah Elgazzar of the Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations. Click for related content English schools win right to ban Muslim veils Many European countries are also grappling with the issue of Muslim veils. In Britain, former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw caused a stir last year when he said he wanted Muslim women to abandon the full-face veil, while a Muslim teaching assistant in northern England was suspended from her job for refusing to remove one. France passed a law in 2004 banning Islamic head scarves in schools, and the Netherlands has announced plans for one banning full-length veils in public places. Germany also has a law banning teachers in public schools from wearing head scarves. Last week in Quebec, a young Muslim woman was forced to quit her job at a prison after she refused to remove her headscarf. The public security department supported the decision, citing security concerns, but Muslim groups pointed out that the Canadian Armed Forces allow women to wear headscarves on active duty. Last month, an 11-year-old Muslim girl from Ontario participating in a soccer tournament in Quebec was pulled from the field after she refused the referee’s request to remove her headscarf. © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. \|\|\|\|\| JFK: A Vision for America Hardcover – Illustrated by Stephen Kennedy Smith, Douglas Brinkley Published in commemoration of the centennial of President John F. Kennedy’s birth, here is the definitive compendium of JFK’s most important and brilliant speeches, accompanied by commentary and reflections by leading American and international figures. Edited by JFK’s nephew Stephen Kennedy Smith and renowned historian Douglas Brinkley. Combined with over seven hundred documentary photos, it tells the story, in words and pictures, of JFK’s life and presidency, and depicts his compelling vision for America. JFK: A Vision for America Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Hardcover by Rhonda Vetere It's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that determines how fast you reach your goals. Rhonda Vetere, seasoned C-Suite technology veteran, knows firsthand that there's no such thing as a perfect, struggle-free life. In her work as a Global Technology Executive, she's faced down some of the biggest financial crises of modern times, and she knows it's not WHAT challenges you face in life but HOW you face them that matters. Grit & Grind uses real-life stories of how Vetere and her team navigate the volatile tech industry and illustrates a simple 10-part practice for building bone-deep confidence in your own abilities no matter what the challenge is. Grit & Grind: 10 Principles For Living An Extraordinary Life Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery Paperback by Joshua Medcalf Pound The Stone is the intense and inspiring story of a young man’s journey through the obstacles, defeats, and eventual victories that come while developing grit on the path to mastery. Told in the same engaging fable style as Chop Wood Carry Water, this is a deeper dive into the timeless principles that guide and inspire anyone who seeks greatness in life, and covers everything from true success, to the perfection trap, the value of failure, why courage is contagious, and why vulnerability can save your life. Pound The Stone will move and inspire you. Pound The Stone: 7 Lessons To Develop Grit On The Path To Mastery	Muslims in the province of Quebec have been told to remove their veils on next Monday's Quebec general election. A niqab. Marcel Blanchet, Quebec's chief returning officer, says he is using special grants to make this law. He also hired two bodyguards after the office had received threatening phone calls and e-mails. Some residents were also promising to wear the niqāb, a veil which covers the whole face except for the eyes, on Monday's vote. But before he made this decision, Blanchet allowed voters to wear the niqāb on voting day only if they showed their ID and voting card. Blanchet, however, was criticized by all three main Quebec party leaders for that decision. "Relevant articles to electoral laws were modified to add the following: any person showing up at a polling station must be uncovered to exercise the right to vote," he said. Sarah Elgazzar, of the Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations, said, in her opinion, that this will discourage Muslim voters to show up on election day. An eleven-year-old Ontario girl, who played at a soccer tournament in Quebec in February, was removed from the tournament after she refused to take off her headscarf at the request of the referee. A Muslim woman, who worked at a prison in Quebec, last week, was fired from her job after she also refused to take off her veil.
Select Price Range 2L to 98L 2L to 4L 4L to 6L 6L to 8L 8L to 10L 10L to 12L 12L to 14L 14L to 16L 16L to 18L 18L to 20L 20L to 22L 22L to 24L 24L to 26L 26L to 28L 28L to 30L 30L to 32L 32L to 34L 34L to 36L 36L to 38L 38L to 40L 40L to 42L 42L to 44L 44L to 46L 46L to 48L 48L to 50L 50L to 52L 52L to 54L 54L to 56L 56L to 58L 58L to 60L 60L to 62L 62L to 64L 64L to 66L 66L to 68L 68L to 70L 70L to 72L 72L to 74L 74L to 76L 76L to 78L 78L to 80L 80L to 82L 82L to 84L 84L to 86L 86L to 88L 88L to 90L 90L to 92L 92L to 94L 94L to 96L 96L to 98L Select Brand Audi BMW Datsun Fiat Force Motors Ford Honda Hyundai Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Land Rover Lexus Mahindra Maruti Suzuki Mercedes-Benz MG Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Renault Skoda Tata Toyota Volkswagen Volvo Select Model \|\|\|\|\| Aug 15, 2011 12:21 IST Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz says she would like to work in Bollywood but finds it too tough for herself. While the 36-year-old star does know some typical Bollywood moves, she said that she would not be able to work in India's tinsel town, reported MTV online. ...read more \|\|\|\|\| News: Advts: National Adobe executive's child abducted Devesh K. Pandey Two motorcycle-borne men abduct three-year-old Anant Gupta while on way to school Photo: PTI ANXIOUS WAIT: People gather in front of the residence of Adobe executive Naresh Gupta in Noida on Monday. NOIDA: Two unidentified motorcycle borne men abducted the three-year-old son of Adobe senior vice-president Naresh Gupta from near his posh Sector 15-A residence in broad daylight here on Monday. The sector, which is barely a few hundred metres from the Delhi border, is home to a number of Supreme Court and Delhi High Court judges, senior lawyers, top executives and businessmen. The incident took place around 8.30 a.m. Anant Gupta, a pre-nursery student of Lotus Valley School was waiting for his school bus with his maid Asha, when two men on a motorcycle approached them. While the driver was wearing a helmet, the pillion rider had his face masked. The motorcycle stopped by the boy, who was picked up by the pillion rider, and sped off. Private security guards deployed in the area and passers-by rushed to the spot on hearing Asha's screams, but by then the culprits had fled. The Noida police were subsequently informed. However, the police were unable to locate the motorcycle quickly as its number plate was twisted and no one was able to note down the registration number. A photograph of Anant Gupta. A number of raiding teams have been formed by Noida police to conduct search operations. The Special Cell of Delhi police has also joined in the investigations. The incident is being probed at the highest level as it has sent a shock wave through the entire corporate sector in the region. At the time of the incident, Mr. Gupta was in the United States. His wife Nidhi was home. The police claimed they were looking for concrete clues, and were tight-lipped on whether a ransom call was received. The boy's family has denied personal enmity as the reason behind the crime. From the manner of its execution, the police suspect that professional criminals may have been behind the abduction. "They must have conducted a reconnaissance of the area and kept an eye on the daily routine of the child before committing the crime," said a senior Noida police officer adding that at this juncture all possible angles were being investigated. Printer friendly page Send this article to Friends by E-Mail National	The Sector 15A locality in Noida, India, which is considered an elite enclave of rich industrialists, bureaucrats and professionals was in for a shock when Anant Gupta, son of Adobe India CEO Naresh Gupta was abducted in broad daylight by two unidentified men on Monday. The Noida police was subsequently notified but they were unable to locate the motor-cycle used by the kidnappers as no one was able to take down the registration number of the vehicle. A number of raiding teams have been formed by the police to track down the offenders. Naresh Gupta, who was in the United States at the time of the incident has implored the media to stop covering this issue so as to avoid sensationalising and prevent any harm to his son. The kidnapping sent shockwaves throughout the cities of Noida and New Delhi. Some say this is an indicator of the rising crime rate in a city like Noida which was previously considered relatively safe and peaceful.
South Asia slashes polio cases by nearly half Authorities committed to 2005 target to end paralysing disease Polio vaccine 4 February 2005 \| Geneva - The three countries on the Asian continent that still have polio are on target to end the disease this year, their health authorities said today. Last year, polio cases in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan were slashed by 45%. Similar momentum this year should put an end to the transmission of polio in this particularly crowded corner of the world, which has proven a challenge to global eradication efforts. Meeting at the World Health Organization’s headquarters in Geneva, the health ministers and senior officials hammered out a plan for 2005 that involves massive and repeated polio immunization campaigns in the few remaining affected districts of these countries. The emphasis will be on reaching children in communities traditionally under-served by health services. Similar action last year paid off in the shrinking geographic footprint of the poliovirus and in falling numbers of affected children. Total cases in the region have fallen from 336 in 2003 to 186 in 2004 (reported as of 1 February 2005), while surveillance of the disease in the key districts is twice as sensitive. Vast areas of each country reported no polio last year. Afghanistan's president Hamid Karzai, India's Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi and Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf all lent their personal support to the 2004 immunization campaigns, during which 210 million children were given 1.5 billion doses of vaccine. "The poliovirus is currently cornered in only six of the 51 states and provinces within the three countries," said Bill Sergeant, Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee of Rotary International, the humanitarian service organization that championed the charge to eradicate polio and has contributed volunteer power and more than US$ 500 million. "This is the year to rid Asia of polio." Administrative officials from beyond the health services are being pressed into duty: in key areas, teachers, district administrators, railway workers, and other government employees are mobilizing for vaccination campaigns. Officials also acknowledged the complementary need to ramp up routine immunization of children to prevent the virus coming back. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have increased the power of their surveillance and detection systems for polio virus this past year, providing even great assurance that polio was at its lowest levels ever during 2004 with 132 children paralysed in India, 50 in Pakistan and four in Afghanistan. Up to 21 additional immunization campaigns across the region in 2005 will involve millions of volunteers fanning out home-to-home from remote villages to the vast metropolitan slums to reach all children under five years of age. Note for Editors: Polio is spread by faecal-oral contact and can be prevented by an oral vaccine. The meeting in Geneva today was the one-year follow-up to the Geneva Declaration on the Eradication of Poliomyelitis, a 2004 pledge by polio-endemic countries to intensify their activities towards eradication. The 16-year Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership spearheaded by the World Health Organization, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF, has reduced the incidence of polio across the world from an estimated 350 000 cases in 1988 to just over 1 200 cases in 2004, a drop of 99%. Health authorities from polio-affected countries in Africa met in Geneva last month to finalize their region-specific plans. The polio eradication coalition includes governments of countries affected by polio; private sector foundations (e.g. United Nations Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation); development banks (e.g. the World Bank); donor governments (e.g. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America); the European Commission; humanitarian and nongovernmental organizations (e.g. the International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies) and corporate partners (e.g. Sanofi Pasteur, De Beers, Wyeth). Volunteers in developing countries also play a key role; 20 million have participated in mass immunization campaigns. \|\|\|\|\| Channel: Top News World Business Editor's Choice Science & Technology Health World Crises Sports Entertainment Oddly Enough Motoring Video Pictures Home Investing YOU ARE HERE: Home > News > Health > Article	'''February 23, 2005''' The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has announced its goal to eradicate Polio from Asia in 2005. The 16 year old private-public project aims to add Poliomyelitis to the list of childhood diseases which have been eliminated. The World Health Organization, Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF are leading the Initiative and coordinating a series of overlapping immunization campaigns in the region. In 2004 Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan cut their number of Polio cases by 45%. In 2005 the goal is to cut the number of cases by 100%. The three countries are the last in Asia to have endemic polio, and the disease is confined to a small number of regions within the country. Only 186 cases were reported in 2004, down from 336 the previous year.
US President George W. Bush returned to the Group of Eight summit today after missing several hours of the meetings because of illness, a White House spokesman said. “The President had a good rest this morning,” Tony Fratto, a White House spokesman, said. "He's feeling better, not 100 per cent, but he feels good enough to rejoin the meeting. “He just left his suite a short while ago, so we are back on schedule.” Mr Bush was to carry out a short visit to Poland after the summit finishes this afternoon and then spend the night in Italy. \|\|\|\|\| Bush Falls Ill at G-8 Summit Friday June 8, 2007 9:46 AM AP Photo HLD120, HLD119, HLD118, FXC120, DEGH103 By JENNIFER LOVEN Associated Press Writer HEILIGENDAMM, Germany (AP) - Stricken with a stomach ailment that confined him to his hotel room, President Bush still met Friday with France's new president and prepared for talks in Poland on a new missile defense system. The president was already dressed when he began feeling ill in the morning, White House counselor Dan Bartlett said. He said doctors are keeping an eye on him but that Bush's illness - whether a stomach virus, a light touch of food poisoning or something else - is ``not serious.'' He stayed in bed to try to rest and recuperate, missing the morning session of the summit being held here of eight industrialized democracies. But Bush taped his weekly radio address, and - for now - was not expected to alter his travel plans for later in the day, Bartlett said. After attending the summit's final day, Bush was scheduled to fly to Poland to meet with Polish President Lech Kaczynski and then on to Rome where he was to stay the night. His sit-down with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the sidelines of the larger summit meetings went ahead as planned, only in Bush's private chambers instead of a meeting room, Bartlett said. The summit session Bush missed was a meeting with African leaders. Stepped-up Africa aid was one of Bush's priorities coming into Germany. Just before that meeting, members of the Group of Eight agreed on a program worth more than $60 billion to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and fight malaria and tuberculosis in Africa. Critics have said all the G-8 nations are lagging on the promises they made two years ago, at the British-hosted summit, to double assistance to the troubled continent by 2010. It was unclear if, or when, Bush would rejoin the summit. The last session of the gathering is a discussion with leaders from China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, all developing nations not G-8 members. Bartlett joked that Bush's decision to steer clear of the other leaders for a while was a ``precautionary step'' to avoid following in the footsteps of his father, former President George H. W. Bush. The elder Bush fell ill and collapsed in the international spotlight in January 1992 during a summit in Tokyo. A videotape of Bush's collapse at a state dinner showed him toppling unconscious from his chair and vomiting as Barbara Bush rushed to aid him. The first sign that something was amiss came when Sarkozy appeared alone before reporters after their meeting. Speaking in French, he said only that Bush was in his bedroom and that Bush's spokesmen would have to explain further. Bartlett said the two leaders discussed a myriad of issues, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, trade and missile defense. It was their first meeting since Sarkozy took office less than a month ago and only their second overall; the first was September in Washington. Sarkozy said Bush had invited him to come to the United States. ``The president felt that they established a real personal rapport,'' Bartlett said. The new French president, seen as friendly to the United States, will likely be a welcome change from the merciless tormenting Bush received from Sarkozy's predecessor, Jacques Chirac. To be sure, Sarkozy does not fall in lockstep with U.S. policies. For instance, he, like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the summit host, had pushed for hard greenhouse gas emission reduction targets out of the week's gathering. French officials said Sarkozy told Bush during a working session Thursday that ``quantitative targets'' on emissions were not negotiable. ``We cannot wait anymore,'' Sarkozy said. Turns out they will. The agreement on climate change produced by the leaders promises only to consider a goal of a 50 percent cut by 2050 as one option for tackling global warming. Instead of adopting that approach, proposed by Merkel, the leaders came around to Bush's insistence that a to-be-determined, and not necessarily binding goal be set later, by a wider group that includes emerging economies. Still, Sarkozy earned the label ``Sarko the American'' from some in France during his campaign. He is one of a couple of new leaders that make Europe a more comfortable place for Bush to be these days - even with the impending departure of Tony Blair, the British prime minister who has been Bush's most steadfast foreign ally. Germany is another place Bush can now look for friendlier ties. Merkel has made it her goal to strengthen relations with the United States. Merkel succeeded Gerhard Schroeder, who had partnered with Chirac in an alliance of unrelenting opposition against the U.S. on the Iraq war. In Poland, Bush is seeing Kaczynski at that country's equivalent to the American presidential retreat at Camp David. The three-hour stop in Poland serves as a bookend to Bush's trip-opening visit to the Czech Republic. Bush has chosen the two nations as the sites for a new missile defense system. That system has been a source of much heated dispute with Russia. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Bush with a surprise counterproposal built around an old Soviet-era radar system in Azerbaijan rather than the new defenses in Poland and the Czech Republic. Bush said he would consider it. Bartlett said Sarkozy was interested in hearing about Putin's substitute proposal, but that the discussion didn't go beyond that. He said Bush's talks with Kaczynski would be ``an important consultation. ``Don't expect to have definitive answers to a very complicated set of issues,'' he said. ``This is going to be a continuing dialogue with all interested parties.'' Azerbaijan's foreign minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, said Friday the former Soviet republic along the Caspian Sea is ready to consider proposed joint U.S.-Russian use of its radar facility.	US President George W. Bush at the G8 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. United States President George W. Bush has fallen ill and has missed the morning session of the G8 Summit, but has returned to the day's events. "The President had a good rest this morning. He's feeling better, not 100 percent, but he feels good enough to rejoin the meeting. He just left his suite a short while ago, so we are back on schedule," said a spokesman for the White House, Tony Fratto. Earlier Dan Bartlett, the White House counselor stated that Bush was dressed and ready for the meeting when he began to feel sick and that his condition is likely a "stomach virus, a light touch of food poisoning or something else" and called the situation "not serious." "Not sure if it's a stomach virus yet or something like that, but (he's) just not feeling well in the stomach, and guess he didn't want to follow in the footsteps of his father in Asia," added Bartlett. Despite being ill, Bush still taped his weekly radio address to the people of the U.S., and managed to meet with Nicolas Sarkozy, the newly elected president of France, but only on a private level and in Bush's hotel room. "I have just come out of a meeting with president Bush who is slightly unwell. He will join the working session when he can," said Sarkozy to reporters as he was leaving the meeting with Bush. The illness did not change the travel plans Bush has for the day, but doctors "are still keeping an eye on him," added Bartlett, who also said that "he Bush feels terrible about any disruption he may have caused." George H. W. Bush, a former President of the U.S. and the father of the current President, threw up and collapsed during a dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa at the Prime Minister's residence in 1992.
Government says coup attempt foiled as explosions continue to be heard in central Istanbul and Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared early on Saturday among a crowd of supporters at Istanbul's main airport, footage broadcast on local media showed, hours after an attempt by an army faction to topple the government. Erdogan's arrival in Istanbul came after Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told broadcaster NTV on Saturday that the situation in Turkey was "largely under control". In comments broadcast by Turkish media, Erdogan said those involved in the coup would receive the necessary response, no mater what institution they were from. Earlier, thousands of people had heeded a call from the president to take to the streets and protest against the attempted coup. 'Foiled coup' Late on Friday, sections of the army had officially declared a coup and martial law, saying they had "taken control of the country" as Istanbul's main airport was closed and fighter jets were seen in the skies. Turkey's intelligence agency MIT was targeted by hijacked helicopters but the coup attempt was "foiled", its spokesman told NTV television. Yildirim also told NTV that a no-fly zone had been declared over the capital, Ankara. The broadcaster also reported that nearly 50 soldiers had been arrested. However, even as the announcement by Yildirim came, at least two loud explosions were heard in central Istanbul, apparently emanating from neighbourhoods close to Taksim Square. There were also reports of an explosion at the parliament building in the capital, Ankara. Source: Al Jazeera and agencies \|\|\|\|\| Turkish Prime Minister said that 2,839 soldiers and officers implicated in an overnight coup attempt have been arrested. At least 265 people have been killed, including 104 pro-coup participants, while 1,440 people were injured in military action in Istanbul and Ankara. According to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, those arrested included ordinary soldiers and high-ranking officers. He added that about 20 of those who planned the overnight coup were killed and 30 more were wounded. Acting chief of staff of the armed forces Umit Dundar said during a press conference that more than 190 people have been killed since the attempted coup was launched. “1,563 soldiers were arrested, and 104 military who took part in the coup were killed in clashes. Ninety others were also killed, including 41 [pro-government] police officers, 2 [pro-government] soldiers and 47 civilians,” he said. Pro-government forces have seized control of the top military HQ building, but there are still some groups of rebels resisting, a Turkish official said on Saturday, as cited by Reuters. READ MORE: Military coup in Turkey LIVE UPDATES General Hulusi Akar, who heads Turkey’s armed forces, has been rescued from rebel captivity. He was the most senior military official in their hands. The rebels reportedly have several helicopter gunships in their disposal, but loyalists have threatened to shoot them down as they downed at least one aircraft carrying out attacks on government buildings. Read more A faction of the Turkish military attempted to overthrow the government on Friday night, employing tanks and attack helicopters. The conspiracy appears to have failed, however, as they didn’t manage to capture any senior government officials and couldn’t win wide support from the Turkish military. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on his civilian supporters to take to the streets of Istanbul, which they did. Rebel soldiers, who called on the population to stay indoors, apparently didn’t have the resolve to launch a full-scale war against civilians in Turkey’s biggest city. The coup attempt began on Friday night when warplanes and helicopters buzzed over Ankara and rebel troops moved in to seal off the bridges over the Bosphorus Strait. Tanks attacked several government buildings, including the Turkish parliament, as lawmakers hid in shelters inside the building. Several airports were shut down and access to social media was blocked in the first hours of turmoil. The TRT state television and the Turkish branch of CNN were seized and ceased broadcasting. BREAKING: Jet drops bomb near Turkish presidential palace in Ankara. pic.twitter.com/qT6nQIJiyB — Turkey Untold (@TurkeyUntold) July 16, 2016 The tide turned early on Saturday as rebels lost momentum and failed to win support. Read more Government officials accused Fethullah Gulen, an influential cleric in self-imposed exile in the United States, of instigating the plot. Gulen used to be an ally of Erdogan, but turned into his fierce opponent. In 2013, Turkey was shaken by a corruption scandal involving senior government figures. Erdogan claimed it had been set up by Gulen and launched a crackdown on his supporters in the police and judiciary. Even though Erdogan appears to have kept his hold on power, the coup attempt is a clear signal that some of his policies are badly failing, Sreeram Chaullia from the Jindal School of International Affairs told RT. Under his watch, Turkey has picked a fight with Kurdish insurgents, contributed to the chaos in Syria and Iraq, antagonized Iran and Russia, and to some extent made Turkey a liability to NATO, he explained. “I have a feeling that this coup is linked to the security crisis. A series of terrorist attacks signal the inability of the Turkish government to stop these attacks. It has angered some sections of the security establishment that believe that they can do a better job because Erdogan is just playing politics with everything,” he said. Modern Turkey has undergone three successful military coups over its century-long history, the latest in 1980. The Turkish military has traditionally been the guarantor of the country’s secularity, while Erdogan’s platform is Islamist in nature. Critics accuse the Turkish president of trying to turn the country into an Islamic state with him as its dictatorial head. Erdogan, who has been in power since 2002, has faced being toppled by the military before, but the alleged plot dubbed Operation Sledgehammer was prevented in 2010 by a series of arrests. Some 300 alleged conspirators were sent to prison at that time. Turkey is a member of NATO and a key US ally in the region, providing its airbase for the ongoing military campaign in neighboring Syria. It also hosts American nuclear weapons, with an estimated 50 to 90 B61 bombs stored at the Incirlik base. \|\|\|\|\| Members of the Turkish military said a coup was under way in the country, despite its elected president claiming that the attempt had failed and his government remained in power. In a statement released through Turkish television channels on Friday night, people claiming to speak for the Turkish military said the army was now in charge of the country, and promised to uphold human rights. In response, a spokesman for the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the coup had been attempted by only a faction of the army, and that he was still in command of the country. “Turkey’s democratically elected president and government are in power. We will not tolerate attempts to undermine our democracy.” He added: “A group within the armed forces has made an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government outside the chain of command. The statement made on behalf of the armed forces wasn’t authorised by the military command. We urge the world to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people.” Gunshots were heard in the capital Ankara as military planes flew low overhead. Army vehicles fanned through Istanbul, Turkey’s second city, with tanks seen outside the country’s main airport, and military trucks were filmed blocking the bridges connecting the city’s Asian and European sides. A soldier was filmed telling passersby: “It’s a coup, go home.” Turkey’s prime minister, Binali Yildirim, echoed his presidency’s words, saying: “Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command. The government elected by the people remains in charge. This government will only go when the people say so.” Turkey has a long history of coups, the most recent occurring in 1997, and one of the most brutal in 1980. President Erdogan’s Islamist-leaning government was believed to be in a stronger position than most civilian administrations, shoring up his position during a decade of economic success. But recent events in Turkey and across Middle East have destabilised the country, with Kurdish rebels fighting a new insurgency in the south-east of the country. The Syrian civil war has also spilled over into Turkey, most notably with Islamic State mounting a series of terror attacks across the country in the past year, killing hundreds.	In an unsuccessful attempt apparently by elements of the Turkish in Istanbul and Ankara, 265 people were killed and 1440 were injured, Turkish Prime Minister reported on Saturday. Following the incident, 2,839 soldiers and officers were detained and, according to another military official, 104 coup plotters were killed. General , held by the rebels, was later freed. File photo of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 2016. On Friday, the rebels declared martial law claiming to have "taken control of the country" and said Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government was responsible for damaging Turkey's secular tradition. They shut down Istanbul Atatürk Airport and blocked the two bridges over the , with gunfire and, by some reports, jets dropping bombs in Istanbul and Ankara. Social-networking websites were blocked in the country and news channel CNN stopped broadcasting. Tank fire and explosions were reported at the parliament. Prime Minister Yıldırım declared a no-fly zone over Ankara. Erdoğan was in during the coup attempt. Erdoğan after reaching Instanbul on Saturday, said, as he announced he would remain president. General Zekai Aksakalli told , "Those who are attempting a coup will not succeed. Our people should know that we will overcome this". Erdoğan supporters were seen carrying the Turkish flag on the streets of Istanbul. During Erdoğan's address to citizens, coup supporters were seen surrendering, abandoning military tanks, given citizen opposition to the coup. Eight people fled the country seeking asylum in the Greek city of , according to Greek officials. Officials claimed , who is currently in the United States on an exile, was responsible for the coup; reported Gülen condemned the attempt.
Britain, Europe poised to toughen anti-nuclear sanctions on Iran The European Union said Monday it was ready to issue stronger financial sanctions against Iran to discourage Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Word of the agreement came after British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced at a London news conference with U.S. President George W. Bush that Britain is freezing the assets of Iran's largest bank, Bank Melli. Brown said Britain was urging — and that Europe "will agree"— to impose further sanctions because of Iran's refusal to halt the enrichment of uranium to the point that could be used for nuclear weaponry. The EU has not yet announced stronger sanctions but Cristina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana, said European foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Monday were prepared to take formal action and agreed on the need for stronger sanctions. "It is clear they are ready to move further. We will definitely take a formal decision," she said. Gallach would not speculate on the timing of a final decision. Announcement expected soon After the news conference with Brown, Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, told reporters that an announcement was expected Monday from the Luxembourg meeting. Hadley and Brown's spokesman, Michael Ellam, both indicated that European nations had agreed in principle to target Iran's Bank Melli. The United States last year accused the bank of providing services to Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Iran denies it is trying to produce nuclear weapons with enriched uranium, saying its atomic program is aimed at generating electricity. The UN Security Council has imposed three sets of limited sanctions against Iran for refusing to halt uranium enrichment. Hadley said a new round of European sanctions would be a significant hardening of resolve against Tehran. He said European foreign ministers are examining plans for sanctions on Iran's oil and gas sectors. With files from the Associated Press \|\|\|\|\| Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Gordon Brown and President George Bush have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face tough sanctions and international isolation. The UK prime minister said he wanted to maintain a dialogue with Tehran, but if Iran ignores UN resolutions then sanctions would be intensified. Europe would freeze overseas assets of Iran's biggest bank and impose new oil and gas sanctions, he said. But the EU foreign policy chief said no new sanctions had so far been agreed. Javier Solana was speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. Iran's nuclear ambitions Mr Brown and Mr Bush were speaking at a press conference after talks in London. The trip is part of Mr Bush's European tour - although he dismissed reports that it would be his last before leaving office as "speculation". In their talks on Monday the two leaders discussed issues including Iraq and Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe and oil and food prices. Iran has been accused of not co-operating with the UN over its nuclear programme, amid fears it is enriching uranium to use in weapons. The prime minister said the Iranians did not have to choose a "path of confrontation" and Britain would do "everything possible" to maintain dialogue with Tehran. They face serious isolation and the people who are suffering are the Iranian people President Bush UK to boost Afghan troops Sketch: The Bush and Brown show But he said if it ignored UN resolutions, they would intensify sanctions and face "further isolation". President Bush said Tehran's demand for nuclear power for civilian purposes was "justifiable" - but could be met by Russia's offer to supply them with fuel. In a message to Tehran, he said: "You bet you have a sovereign right, absolutely, but you don't have the trust of those of us who have watched you carefully when it comes to enriching uranium." Mr Brown said Britain would urge Europe to impose "further sanctions" on Iran and Europe would take action to freeze the overseas assets of the country's biggest bank and impose new sanctions on oil and gas. Troop numbers President Bush thanked Mr Brown for his "strong statement" and added: "The Iranians must understand that when we come together and speak with one voice we are serious." Let me thank President Bush for being a true friend of Britain Gordon Brown Bush and Brown in Belfast In Pictures: Bush visit He said pressure was necessary to "solve this problem diplomatically" - but added: "Iranians must understand, however, that all options are on the table." Mr Brown, who became prime minister a year ago, and President Bush, who leaves office in six months' time, also discussed Afghanistan, with Mr Brown announcing there would be an increase in British troop numbers. Mr Brown described the US president as a "true friend of Britain" while President Bush praised Mr Brown for being "tough on terror" and said it was in "all our interests" to help people in Afghanistan and Iraq. HAVE YOUR SAY Unless he comes on bended knees begging for forgiveness, I don't think it will achieve very much - just wasting more of the US taxpayers' money. Jon, Switzerland And he dismissed reports of a split between the UK and US on troop numbers in Iraq as "typical". "He's left more troops in Iraq than initially anticipated and like me, we will be making our decisions based on conditions on the ground... without an artificial timetable." President Bush said history would judge whether the military tactics could have been different in Iraq, but he stood by the decision to remove Saddam Hussein as the right one for "our security", for peace and for 25 million Iraqis. He said it was important to support democracy "at the heart of the Middle East". "It's a democracy that's not going to look like America, it's not going to look like Great Britain, but it's a democracy that will give government responsive to the people." He said it had "absolutely" been worth it and democracy in Iraq would make it easier to deal with "the Iranian issue" and would send a message to reformers and dissidents. He dismissed the idea that "perhaps freedom is not universal - maybe it's only western people who can self govern" as "the ultimate form of political elitism". After the press conference in Downing Street, Mr Bush and Mr Brown travelled to Stormont, Belfast, for talks with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and his deputy, Martin McGuinness. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| Iran removes $75bn from Europe as Brown warns assets will be frozen if they fail to stop nuclear development By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 2:01 PM on 16th June 2008 Pre-emption: President Ahmadinejad is said to have ordered the withdrawal of $75bn in assets from Europe ahead of possible new sanctions Iran has withdrawn around $75billion from Europe to stop its assets being frozen under new sanctions aimed at its nuclear programme. As Gordon Brown promised harsher sanctions against the regime, there were claims it was already moving money from Europe to Asia or converting it into gold. Shahrvand-e Emrouz, an Iranian weekly, magazine, said President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had personal ordered that the money be moved out of Europe. The magazine claimed: 'About $75 billion of Iran's foreign assets which were under threat of being blocked were wired back to Iran based on Ahmadinejad's order.' It quoted Mohsen Talaie, deputy foreign minister in charge of economic affairs, as saying: 'Part of Iran's assets in European banks have been converted to gold and shares and another part has been transferred to Asian banks.' Iran's Eternad-e Melli newspaper has already reported that the country was withdrawing assets from European banks but did not give any figures. The Prime Minister warned today that Britain would be pressing for stronger action against Tehran if it failed to curtail its nuclear ambitions. At a joint press conference with President George W. Bush in Westminster, he warned Iran they must not 'choose a path of confrontation with the West'. While insisting Britain would do everything to keep up a dialogue, he announced a new phase of sanctions to hit their assets in Europe and gas and oil reserves. The Premier said: 'I will repeat that we will take any necessary action so that Iran is aware of the choice it has to make to start to play its part as a full and respected member of the international community - or face further isolation.' Tough talk: Gordon Brown and George W. Bush both delivered harsh warnings to Iran today at their joint press conference in Westminster Referring to talks held at the weekend with Iran and the international community, he said: 'Once again, we put our enhanced offer on the table - including political and economic partnership and help with nuclear technology for civilian use. 'We await the Iranian response and will do everything possible to maintain the dialogue. 'But we are also clear that if Iran continues to ignore (United Nations) resolutions, to ignore our offers of partnership, we have no choice but to intensify sanctions. 'And so today Britain will urge Europe, and Europe will agree, to take further sanctions against Iran. 'First of all, we will take action today that will freeze the overseas assets of the biggest bank in Iran, the Bank Melli. 'Second, action will start today for a new phase of sanctions on oil and gas.' President George Bush said he wanted to send a 'focused message' to Iran and, when asked about military action, stressed that 'all options are on the table'. He accepted Tehran had a 'sovereign right' to have a civilian nuclear programme but they did not have the 'trust' of the West when it came to its desire to enrich uranium. He said Tehran had to understand that when the international community spoke 'with one voice', it was serious. While admitting the Iranian demand for a nuclear power programme was 'justifiable', he told reporters: 'When the Iranians say we have a sovereign right to have one the answer is 'You bet you have a sovereign right, absolutely'. 'But you don't have the trust of those of us who have watched you carefully when it comes to enriching uranium because you have declared that you want to destroy democracies in the neighbourhood, for example. 'Therefore, and this is a Russian proposal by the way, we will provide fuel for you and we will collect the fuel after you have used it so you can have your civilian nuclear power.' Fears: An aerial view of the Natanz Nuclear facility. Iran halted its nuclear weapons development program in 2003 but is still enriching uranium The President added: 'What these nations need to see is we are serious about solving these problems and the United States spends a lot of time working with our partners to get them solved.' On Saturday, Iran again ruled out suspending uranium enrichment despite the offer by six world powers of help in developing a civilian nuclear programme if it stopped activities the U.S. and others suspect are designed to make bombs. The offer - agreed last month by the United States, Britain, Russia, China, Germany and France - is a revised version of one rejected by Tehran two years ago. Iran's refusal to suspend nuclear enrichment, which can provide fuel for power plants or material for weapons if refined much more, has drawn three rounds of U.N. sanctions since 2006. EU diplomats have said the bloc is preparing an asset and funds freeze on Iran's biggest bank, state-owned Bank Melli, but that it first wants to see how Tehran responds to the new offer. Iran is also currently making windfall gains from record global oil prices and said in April its foreign exchange reserves stood at more than $80 billion. Western countries suspect Iran is seeking the ability to make nuclear weapons but Tehran insists its secretive programme is purely aimed at generating energy.	U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have promised new sanctions on Iran if the Gulf country continues to enrich weapons-grade uranium. At a joint press conference in London today, Brown announced that "today we will urge Europe - and Europe will agree - to take further sanctions against Iran." Britain is pressuring the European Union to freeze the overseas assets of Iran's Bank Melli, which the United States accuses of supporting Iran's missile programs. European Union spokesperson Cristina Gallach says that Europe is prepared to take action. Iran denies its enrichment program is aimed at the creation of nuclear weapons, insisting that they will use the technology to generate electricity. In response, Brown announced that during weekend negotiations, "we put our enhanced offer on the table - including political and economic partnership and help with nuclear technology for civilian use. We await the Iranian response and will do everything possible to maintain the dialogue." In response to the announcement, Iran has withdrawn approximately $75 billion of its European foreign assets. "Part of Iran's assets in European banks have been converted to gold and shares" said Iranian deputy foreign minister Mohsen Talaie, "and another part has been transferred to Asian banks." The Iranian government gauges its foreign exchange reserves at $80 billion.
Anti-government rallies have been held in Bangkok for months A grenade blast has wounded eight anti-government protesters camped outside the Thai prime minister's office in Bangkok, emergency services say. Demonstrators from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) group have occupied the area since August. The attack comes two days after another grenade attack on the protesters killed one person and injured more than 20. The PAD wants the government to resign, saying it is too close to ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The grenade exploded just after 0200 on Saturday (1900 GMT on Friday), and hit a checkpoint staffed by volunteer guards from the PAD, police said. The protesters have been targeted by small bomb attacks in recent weeks. Street violence The PAD is an alliance of conservative and royalist activists. They accuse Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his recently ousted predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, of being proxies for Mr Thaksin. The former prime minister, who is Mr Somchai's brother-in-law, was forced from office in a military coup in 2006 and remains in exile. The PAD wants to replace Thailand's one-man, one-vote system with one in which some representatives are chosen by professions and social groups. The protests have seen some of the worst street violence since pro-democracy activists challenged Thailand's army in 1992. \|\|\|\|\| 8 injured in bomb attack outside Government House Eight protesters were injured, one brain-dead, after two assailants launched a grenade at them at the Misakawan Intersection outside the Government House early Saturday. The attack was made at 2:10 am against a group of some 20 protesters who were standing and talking outside a gate of the Government House. Anupong Samerphak, a PAD guard, 22, was hit by bomb shrapnel at his body and neck. Ramathibodi Hospital doctors put him on respiratory system. Earlier, there were confusing reports that he succumbed to brain injuries. But Doctor Than Suphatphan, the director of the hospital said at 1:20 pm that Anupong was still living on the respiratory system. He said doctors would not pull the plug but would let him to live as long as possible. He was initially declared brain-dead by the hospital but later pronounced dead. Eyewitnesses said two teenagers parked their motorcycle near the back gate of the Metropolitan Police head office and used a grenade launcher to launch a grenade at the protesters. The two fled the scene on Phitsanulok Road. The injured protesters were standing near the Fifth Gate of the Government House Complex opposite from the Education Ministry. The explosion caused a small hole in the ground and damaged two pick-up trucks, a sedan car and a motorcycle near the scene. Maj Gen Anan Srihiran, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1, rushed to the scene with bomb disposal officers to carry out an investigation. Pongchai Saetang, 42, a taxi driver, told police that he was waiting at the intersection for passengers when he saw a red light in the air, which was followed by a loud noise shortly. He said the explosion occurred at the spot where about 20 people were talking. The taxi driver said he saw two young men fleeing on their motorcycle on Phitsanulok heading to the Wang Daeng intersection. The two men were about 200 metres away from the explosion spot when they ran to their motorcycle and fled, the taxi driver said. The seven other injured were identified as Wirat Piangsajja, 54, Somchai Wongsonthi, 44, Pongchanok Kanchana-amorndej, 31, Samrerng Buachan, 26, Prakrong Hachai, 38, Narong Nakiam, 64 and Ekkapol Sahawat, 33. All of them were rushed to the Ramathibodi Hospital by the PAD guards. It was the second bomb attack after the tacit ceasefire during the royal cremation period. Early Thursday, a grenade was launched at protesters inside the Government House complex, killing one and injuring more than 20 others. The Thursday bomb prompted the PAD to declare war and plan a mass rally outside Parliament Sunday to try to speed up the downfall of the government. The Manager Online reported that all leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy will hold an urgent meeting at the Manger Group head office following the latest bomb attack. After three hours of meeting, the PAD leaders held a press conference at 1 pm to announce that the mass rally would be held Sunday morning. Chamlong Srimuang said the PAD learnt that the government would move up the charter amendments on the agenda when the House and Senate hold a joint sitting Sunday. Chamlong said the bomb appeared to be fired from a corner near the Metropolitan Police head office. The attack showed that police would no carry out their duty to provide security for the demonstrators, he said. \|\|\|\|\| BANGKOK (Reuters) - A grenade blast wounded 8 protesters occupying the Thai prime minister’s office on Saturday, raising tension on the eve of a major anti-government rally, police and protest leaders said. “An M-79 grenade exploded 50 meters outside our camp and wounded our brothers as they patrolled nearby,” Chamlong Srimuang, a co-leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), told supporters at Government House. Two PAD guards were seriously wounded in the attack which occurred around 2 a.m., police said. The PAD is calling Sunday’s march on parliament “its final battle” to oust the government, which it blames for a grenade attack on their Bangkok protest site on Thursday that killed one person and wounded 23. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, whom the PAD accuse of being the puppet of exiled leader Thaksin Shinawatra, his brother-in-law, has denied any involvement in the grenade blast. Somchai is attending an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru until the latter half of next week. Police are braced for violence at the Sunday rally and have asked the army for reinforcements to prevent a repeat of last month’s bloody street battles, in which two people were killed and hundreds wounded. Major bloodshed would raise the chances of a military coup only two years after the army’s removal of Thaksin, although army chief Anupong Paochinda has said repeatedly a putsch would do nothing to resolve Thailand’s fundamental political rifts. Public sector unions have called for a nationwide strike on Tuesday unless Somchai stands aside, a threat that, if carried out, would deepen the economic impact of a political crisis now in its fourth year. The PAD is led by a group of royalist businessmen, academics and activists who say they are fighting to prevent Thaksin, now living in exile, from returning to power following his removal in a bloodless 2006 coup. Its campaign, which started in late 2005 and contributed heavily to the coup, has paralyzed government decision-making and exacerbated the threat of recession in Thailand as its export-oriented economy takes a hit from a global slowdown.	People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters camped in the grounds of Government House Early this morning, a grenade attack on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters at Thailand's Government House injured eight, two seriously. This is the second attack this week, following an earlier grenade attack on Thursday which killed one and injured between 20 and 29. The earlier attack prompted planning for a rally and march on parliament tomorrow where the PAD aims to try and topple the current People's Power Party (PPP) government. According to Thailand's English-language paper, ''The Nation'', doctors have stated that one of those injured in the blast is brain dead. Anupong Samerphak, one of the PAD security staff, was hit in the body and neck by shrapnel from the grenade and remains on a respirator. Further details of ''The Nation's'' report state that eyewitnesses claim two teenagers made use of a grenade launcher to carry out the attack before making their escape on a motorcycle. In addition to the eight casualties, two pick-up trucks, a car, and a motorcycle were damaged; the blast left a crater near the Fifth gate of the Government House compound. The anti-government PAD protesters have now been occupying the Government House compound for over three months, demanding the dissolution of the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. They assert that the PPP is acting on behalf of deposed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist Thai Rak Thai (lit. Thais love Thais) government was overthrown by a military coup in 2006 and later outlawed. Both Somchai and his predecessor in the post of PM, Samak Sundaravej, have faced fierce criticism from the yellow-shirted protest movement. Samak was forced out of office in September, with Somchai, Thaksin's brother-in-law, acting as caretaker until officially assuming the office later in September. The embattled current PM, Somchai, expressed fears to journalists over the planned PAD protest for tomorrow and Monday. Speaking in Peru, where he is attending an APEC summit, he highlighted the possibility of the demonstrations impeding the passage of 24 new laws related to the country's involvement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Delegations from other nations attending the APEC summit have expressed surprise that Thailand has not taken action to dislodge the protesters from Government House.
Many of the estimated million people made homeless need food and water Foreign aid is beginning to arrive in Burma, devastated by a cyclone that has left more than 22,000 people dead. In the worst-affected area, the vast Irrawaddy delta in the south-west, witnesses speak of survivors walking for days past dead bodies to find help. The head of the US embassy in Burma has warned that without speedy action the death toll there could top 100,000. Amid accusations of foot-dragging, the UN has urged Burma's junta to give fast access to aid staff and supplies. Survivors of Saturday's cyclone are hungry, thirsty and vulnerable to disease - but given the huge area affected, and blocked roads, the challenge for aid workers is enormous, say reports. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement The last Burmese death toll, on Tuesday, said 22,464 people had now been confirmed dead and another 41,054 people were missing as a result of high winds and the tidal surge. Disease risk What remains is for the Burmese government to allow the international community to help its people. It is not a matter of politics US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Keeping a lid on chaos Up to a million people are thought to have been left homeless in the crisis, which has left thousands of square kilometres of the Irrawaddy delta under water. Shari Villarosa, the charge d'affaires of the US embassy in Burma - also known as Myanmar - said food and water were running short in the delta area and called the situation there "increasingly horrendous." "There is a very real risk of disease outbreaks as long as this continues," Ms Villarosa said, according to Associated Press. The death toll could reach or exceed 100,000 as humanitarian conditions worsen, she said - based on information from a non-governmental organisation that she would not name. Before and after: extent of flooding clear in Nasa satellite images Enlarge Image Accounts from the Irrawaddy delta have spoken of fistfights breaking out between survivors desperate to seize dwindling supplies of food and water. Some are breaking open coconuts for the water inside, while others are driven to eating dead fish. Poor sanitation, rotting bodies in the water, and flooding could all bring disease, aid agencies warn. They highlight the risk of mosquito-borne malaria and dengue fever, along with water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Calls for access The Burmese authorities have attracted criticism over claims they are refusing to provide visas to waiting foreign aid workers and have spurned some offers of help, such as a US offer to deploy three naval ships and two planes in the region. The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is the latest to voice such criticism, telling reporters: "What remains is for the Burmese government to allow the international community to help its people. It should be a simple matter. It is not a matter of politics." Earlier, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged authorities in Burma to assist the entry of foreign aid workers and supplies into the country "in every way possible" - strong diplomatic language, says the BBC's correspondent at the UN, Laura Trevelyan. Speaking to reporters, the UN's humanitarian chief John Holmes accepted that aid agencies had faced difficulties accessing the disaster zone. Aid arrives But, he said, co-operation from the Burmese authorities was "reasonable and heading in the right direction". EXTENT OF THE DEVASTATION UN map showing worst-hit areas, based on satellite imagery [1.13MB] Most computers will open PDFs automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here See how satellites tracked cyclone Send us your comments He dismissed a suggestion by the French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner that the UN Security Council should adopt a resolution allowing aid to be flown into the country by force as unnecessarily confrontational. Mr Holmes said 24 countries had pledged assistance so far worth $30m (£15m), and a flash appeal would be launched on Friday once an initial assessment of need was complete. An assessment team was due in Burma on Thursday. A stream of aid is now in, or on its way, to Burma: The UN says a plane loaded with 25 tonnes of supplies and a small team of rescue staff will arrive in Burma within days The UN's World Food Programme has dispatched an additional four planes loaded with supplies including high-energy biscuits Chinese media say a plane carrying 60 tonnes of aid has landed in the biggest city, Rangoon Planes from Thailand, India and Indonesia are also being dispatched The WFP has already begun to distribute existing food aid stocks in and around Rangoon, and the Red Cross has a handful of expatriate and many local staff on the ground. Are you in Burma, or do you have friends and family there? Have you - or they - been affected by the cyclone? Send your comments and pictures using the post form below. You can also send your comments via text to +44 7624 800 100: Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Name Your E-mail address Town & Country Phone number (optional): Comments The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| Join the recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist cyclone victims in Myanmar. Your donation to either of these organizations will help survivors of the cyclone and other natural disasters rebuild their communities, and their lives. Donate to UNICEF For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in over 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect children and their development. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. 100% of your contributions through Google Checkout will reach the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support emergency relief efforts for children in Myanmar. $ Donate to Direct Relief Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people victimized by poverty, disaster and civil unrest. Direct Relief is non-sectarian, non-governmental and entirely privately funded. All programs are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, or ethnic identity. 100% of all cash donations go to programs, and not to administration or fundraising. $ \|\|\|\|\| A Myanmar Buddhist Monk makes his way past a fallen tree following a devastating cyclone, Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Yangon. The death toll from the cyclone has risen to almost 4,000, a Myanmar state radio station has said. The radio station broadcasting from the country's capital Naypyitaw said Monday that almost 3,000 more people are unaccounted for in a single town in the country's low-lying Irrawaddy River delta area. (AP Photo/Barry Broman) Myanmar state radio says cyclone death toll soars above 22,000 YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The death toll from the cyclone that battered Myanmar last weekend has risen above 22,000, state radio has reported. A news broadcast on government-run radio said Tuesday that 22,464 people have now been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis, which tore through the country's heartland and biggest city of Yangon early Saturday. The broadcast added that thousands more are missing. Relief efforts for the stricken area, mostly in the low-lying Irrawaddy River delta, have been difficult, in large part because of the destruction of roads and communications outlets by the storm. The first assistance from overseas arrived Tuesday from neighboring Thailand. Officials had said today that the toll could continue to climb higher than the 14,000 already feared dead from the Southeast Asian nation's devastating cyclone as the international community prepared to rush in aid. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, state radio reported that the government was delaying a constitutional referendum in areas hit hardest. Myanmar's Information Minister Maj. Gen. Kyaw Hsan confirmed at a news conference that some 4,000 people had died in Yangon and the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region. He added that another 10,000 people could be dead in the delta. Kyaw said tidal waves killed most of the victims in that region. Earlier, Foreign Minister Nyan Win was quoted by state-run television as saying that more than 10,000 people had perished in Irrawaddy while a smaller number died in and around Yangon, the country's largest city. "News and data are still being collected, so there may be many more casualties," he said. It was not known why the two ministers presented different death tolls. The World Food Program, which was preparing to fly in food, added its own grim assessment of the destruction: Up to 1 million people may be homeless, some villages have been almost totally eradicated and vast rice-growing areas are wiped out. A state television report gave two different numbers — 59 and 130 — for the dead in what is known as Yangon division. It did not explain the differing tolls. The country's ruling junta, which has spurned the international community for decades, urgently appealed for foreign aid at a meeting Nyan Win held with diplomats Monday in Yangon. The U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator said Tuesday the government had indicated it was ready to start accepting international aid. The U.N., Red Cross and other aid organizations have been organizing supplies in preparation for shipping them to the country. Some aid agencies reported their assessment teams had reached some areas of the largely isolated region but said getting in supplies and large numbers of aid workers would be difficult. A military transport plane flew from Bangkok to Yangon Tuesday with emergency aid from Thailand while a number of other countries and organizations said they were prepared to follow. Richard Horsey, Bangkok-based spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid, said Yangon's airport is the closest to the region hardest hit. "For those places accessible by land, there will be cars and trucks from those areas to meet at the halfway point with vehicles from Yangon," he said. "For remote areas, assessment teams and assistance teams will need to go by helicopters and boats." The delta is riddled with waterways but Horsey said they are not easily accessible, even during normal times. Based on a satellite map made available by the United Nations, the storm's damage was concentrated over about a 11,600-square-mile (30,000-square-kilometer) area along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban coastlines — less than 5 percent of the country. But the affected region is home to nearly a quarter of Myanmar's 57 million people. Images from state television showed large trees and electricity poles sprawled across roads and roofless houses ringed by large sheets of water in the delta region, which is regarded as Myanmar's rice bowl. "More or less all the landlines are down and it's extremely difficult to get information from cyclone-affected areas. But from the reports we are getting, entire villages have been flattened and the final death toll may be huge," said Mac Pieczowski, who heads the International Organization for Migration office in Yangon, in a statement. State radio reported Saturday's vote on a draft constitution would be delayed until May 24 in 40 townships around Yangon and seven in the Irrawaddy delta, which bore the brunt of the killer storm. It indicated that in other areas the balloting would proceed as scheduled. The appeal for assistance was unusual for Myanmar's ruling generals, who have long been suspicious of the international organizations and have closely controlled their activities. Foreign governments were poised Tuesday to rush aid to the devastated nation. The United States, which has slapped economic sanctions on the country, said it likewise stood ready. The U.S. Embassy is providing $250,000 in immediate aid from existing emergency fund. But first lady Laura Bush said Monday the U.S. would provide further aid only if one of its own disaster teams is allowed into the country. The European Commission was providing $3 million in humanitarian aid while the president of neighboring China, Hu Jintao, promised $1 million in cash and supplies. The government had apparently taken few efforts to prepare for the storm, which came bearing down on the country from the Bay of Bengal late Friday. Weather warnings broadcast on television would have been largely useless for the worst-hit rural areas where electricity supply is spotty and television a rarity. "The government misled people," said Thin Thin, a grocery story owner in Yangon. "They could have warned us about the severity of the coming cyclone so we could be better prepared." Yangon was without electricity except where gas-fed generators were available and residents lined up to buy candles, which have doubled in price since the storm hit. Most homes were without water, forcing families to stand in long lines for drinking water and bathe in the city's lakes. Most telephone landlines appeared to be restored by late Monday, but mobile phones and Internet connections were down. Some in Yangon complained that the 400,000-strong military was only clearing streets where the ruling elite resided but leaving residents, including Buddhist monks, to cope on their own in most other areas. Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. Its government has been widely criticized for suppression of pro-democracy parties such as the one led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for almost 12 of the past 18 years. At least 31 people were killed and thousands more were detained when the military cracked down on peaceful protests in September led by Buddhist monks and democracy advocates. \|\|\|\|\| A Myanmar Buddhist Monk makes his way past a fallen tree following a devastating cyclone, Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Yangon. The death toll from the cyclone has risen to almost 4,000, a Myanmar state radio station has said. The radio station broadcasting from the country's capital Naypyitaw said Monday that almost 3,000 more people are unaccounted for in a single town in the country's low-lying Irrawaddy River delta area. (AP Photo/Barry Broman) Myanmar state radio says cyclone death toll soars above 22,000 YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The death toll from the cyclone that battered Myanmar last weekend has risen above 22,000, state radio has reported. A news broadcast on government-run radio said Tuesday that 22,464 people have now been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis, which tore through the country's heartland and biggest city of Yangon early Saturday. The broadcast added that thousands more are missing. Relief efforts for the stricken area, mostly in the low-lying Irrawaddy River delta, have been difficult, in large part because of the destruction of roads and communications outlets by the storm. The first assistance from overseas arrived Tuesday from neighboring Thailand. Officials had said today that the toll could continue to climb higher than the 14,000 already feared dead from the Southeast Asian nation's devastating cyclone as the international community prepared to rush in aid. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, state radio reported that the government was delaying a constitutional referendum in areas hit hardest. Myanmar's Information Minister Maj. Gen. Kyaw Hsan confirmed at a news conference that some 4,000 people had died in Yangon and the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region. He added that another 10,000 people could be dead in the delta. Kyaw said tidal waves killed most of the victims in that region. Earlier, Foreign Minister Nyan Win was quoted by state-run television as saying that more than 10,000 people had perished in Irrawaddy while a smaller number died in and around Yangon, the country's largest city. "News and data are still being collected, so there may be many more casualties," he said. It was not known why the two ministers presented different death tolls. The World Food Program, which was preparing to fly in food, added its own grim assessment of the destruction: Up to 1 million people may be homeless, some villages have been almost totally eradicated and vast rice-growing areas are wiped out. A state television report gave two different numbers — 59 and 130 — for the dead in what is known as Yangon division. It did not explain the differing tolls. The country's ruling junta, which has spurned the international community for decades, urgently appealed for foreign aid at a meeting Nyan Win held with diplomats Monday in Yangon. The U.N.'s emergency relief coordinator said Tuesday the government had indicated it was ready to start accepting international aid. The U.N., Red Cross and other aid organizations have been organizing supplies in preparation for shipping them to the country. Some aid agencies reported their assessment teams had reached some areas of the largely isolated region but said getting in supplies and large numbers of aid workers would be difficult. A military transport plane flew from Bangkok to Yangon Tuesday with emergency aid from Thailand while a number of other countries and organizations said they were prepared to follow. Richard Horsey, Bangkok-based spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid, said Yangon's airport is the closest to the region hardest hit. "For those places accessible by land, there will be cars and trucks from those areas to meet at the halfway point with vehicles from Yangon," he said. "For remote areas, assessment teams and assistance teams will need to go by helicopters and boats." The delta is riddled with waterways but Horsey said they are not easily accessible, even during normal times. Based on a satellite map made available by the United Nations, the storm's damage was concentrated over about a 11,600-square-mile (30,000-square-kilometer) area along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban coastlines — less than 5 percent of the country. But the affected region is home to nearly a quarter of Myanmar's 57 million people. Images from state television showed large trees and electricity poles sprawled across roads and roofless houses ringed by large sheets of water in the delta region, which is regarded as Myanmar's rice bowl. "More or less all the landlines are down and it's extremely difficult to get information from cyclone-affected areas. But from the reports we are getting, entire villages have been flattened and the final death toll may be huge," said Mac Pieczowski, who heads the International Organization for Migration office in Yangon, in a statement. State radio reported Saturday's vote on a draft constitution would be delayed until May 24 in 40 townships around Yangon and seven in the Irrawaddy delta, which bore the brunt of the killer storm. It indicated that in other areas the balloting would proceed as scheduled. The appeal for assistance was unusual for Myanmar's ruling generals, who have long been suspicious of the international organizations and have closely controlled their activities. Foreign governments were poised Tuesday to rush aid to the devastated nation. The United States, which has slapped economic sanctions on the country, said it likewise stood ready. The U.S. Embassy is providing $250,000 in immediate aid from existing emergency fund. But first lady Laura Bush said Monday the U.S. would provide further aid only if one of its own disaster teams is allowed into the country. The European Commission was providing $3 million in humanitarian aid while the president of neighboring China, Hu Jintao, promised $1 million in cash and supplies. The government had apparently taken few efforts to prepare for the storm, which came bearing down on the country from the Bay of Bengal late Friday. Weather warnings broadcast on television would have been largely useless for the worst-hit rural areas where electricity supply is spotty and television a rarity. "The government misled people," said Thin Thin, a grocery story owner in Yangon. "They could have warned us about the severity of the coming cyclone so we could be better prepared." Yangon was without electricity except where gas-fed generators were available and residents lined up to buy candles, which have doubled in price since the storm hit. Most homes were without water, forcing families to stand in long lines for drinking water and bathe in the city's lakes. Most telephone landlines appeared to be restored by late Monday, but mobile phones and Internet connections were down. Some in Yangon complained that the 400,000-strong military was only clearing streets where the ruling elite resided but leaving residents, including Buddhist monks, to cope on their own in most other areas. Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. Its government has been widely criticized for suppression of pro-democracy parties such as the one led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for almost 12 of the past 18 years. At least 31 people were killed and thousands more were detained when the military cracked down on peaceful protests in September led by Buddhist monks and democracy advocates. \|\|\|\|\| The death toll from the cyclone that slashed through Myanmar has soared to more than 15,000 people, official sources said late Monday. Sources said casualties from Cyclone Nargis are expected to reach at least 10,000 in the city of Bogalay alone, with another 1,000 dead in the city of Laputta, both in the country's Irrawaddy delta region, Xinhua reported. The state-run Chinese news agency also cited government sources saying at least 20,000 homes had been destroyed on Haing Kyi island in the river delta, leaving more than 97,000 people without shelter. The Myanmar government also said thousands more were injured and missing in the aftermath of the storm, which slogged through Yangon and the Irrawaddy delta packing dangerous rains and winds of more than 130 miles per hour, Radio New Zealand reported Tuesday. Foreign Minister Nyan Win said the government would accept international assistance, and aid shipments were being prepared. The United Nations says Myanmar's military government agreed to allow U.N. aid agencies to operate in the country formerly known as Burma to help survivors. "The U.N. will begin preparing assistance now to be delivered and transported to Myanmar as quickly as possible," said Paul Risley of the World Food Program. © 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form. YANGON, Myanmar, May 5 (UPI) --	Aid has started to reach Myanmar after a recent cyclone in the region killed thousands. This is despite complaints that the government of the country is not allowing aid agencies full access. Large companies, including Google, have tried to encourage people to donate to aid agencies. On its website, Google wrote, "join the recovery efforts mobilizing around the world to assist cyclone victims in Myanmar. Your donation to either of these organizations will help survivors of the cyclone and other natural disasters rebuild their communities, and their lives." Government officials in Myanmar have said that 22,464 people have been confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis. Only once the rescue workers reached the most hard hit areas of the storm did they begin to realize the damage that had taken place. At least 10,000 people died in one town alone, Bogalay in the Pyapon District of Myanmar. Hundreds of thousands are homeless and another three thousand have been injured by the storm. Drinking water is contaminated and food is becoming scarce as the United Nations (U.N.) and other organizations try to get supplies to the region.
Japanese raiders Delta Blues and Pop Rock pulled off an unprecedented Melbourne Cup one-two for trainer Katsuhiko Sumii at Flemington this afternoon. Delta Blues, ridden by Japanese jockey Yasunari Iwata, held off a fast-finishing Pop Rock (Damien Oliver) by a half-head in one of the most thrilling finishes to the Cup in recent years. Saab Quality winner Maybe Better, trained by Brian Mayfield-Smith and ridden by Chris Munce, was a game third with Zipping (trained by Graeme Rogerson, ridden by Glenn Boss) fourth. Delta Blues, who finished a fine third to Tawqeet in the Caulfield Cup last month in his only lead-up run on Australian soil, is just the third horse from outside either Australia or New Zealand to win the Melbourne Cup, following Vintage Crop (1993) and Media Puzzle (2002). The win is a first for an Asian horse and the first time a stallion has saluted since Jeune in 1994. "I'm so happy. This is my biggest win ever," Iwata said. Two-time Cup winner Oliver could not hide his admiration for Sumii and Iwata. "When we crossed the line I held his (Iwata's) hand up, I thought he'd got me," he told Channel 7. "It was a bit of a dual celebration because it was a fantastic feat for the Japanese to come here and quinella the Cup, it's just an extraordinary effort. "I've got so much admiration for the Japanese horses, I've spent a couple of seasons there. I know how good they go and when I was offered the ride on one of them, I was pretty keen to take it up." Oliver said he thought Pop Rock could catch Delta Blues. "I thought I was going to pick him up, I got to him but to the other horse's credit, the winner, he really fought when I came to him. "He's just a bit more seasoned and a bit tougher than my horse and he fought him off. He's the deserved winner, my horse had his chance." Oliver dismissed any suggestion that Delta Blues shifted in front of Pop Rock down home straight. "If anything I thought my horse shifted in, so it wasn't really a consideration for me," he said. "My horse wanted to lay in a little bit under pressure but I think that's the reason he did it, because he was feeling the pressure." Oliver said he would not be surprised if other Japanese trainers brought their horses to Australia to try their luck. "Perhaps they will, as I said they're very good horses over there and with the prize money that's on offer over here for the Melbourne Cup, there could be more of them coming." Yeats fades The six-horse international contingent provided both the surprises and the disappointments of this year's race. The next visiting horse home was the English galloper Land 'N Stars, who made vast improvement on his only other Australian start by finishing fifth. He is to remain in Australia to be prepared for the Perth Cup, run on New Year's Day. Behind him came Ireland's champion stayer and pre-race favourite Yeats, who took up the running before the home turn only to fade into seventh place. Jockey Keiran Fallon said the pace had not suited his horse. "I had trouble getting the tempo right, it changed a lot," Fallon said. "We needed a faster pace and he didn't get it." The English horse Glistening ran to his ability, finishing 10th, his trainer Luca Cumani expressing satisfaction with the run "under the circumstances". "We had our problems from the time we arrived, but over the past week or so he had improved a lot," Cumani said. "I would say he ran as well as he could." The main disappointment of the internationals was Geordieland, who was formerly trained in France. Now with English trainer Jamie Osborne, the horse finished 18th after suffering a bleeding attack. Pop Rock started equal favourite at 5-1, along with Tawqeet, who finished 19th. -ABC/AFP \|\|\|\|\| Japanese horses have stolen the show at the 2006 Melbourne Cup, recording a remarkable quinella with Delta Blues nosing out Pop Rock. In a dramatic finish to the famous two-mile race, Delta Blues held off a strong challenge from its compatriot. Both horses were trained by Katsuhiko Sumii and the Japanese 1-2 finish is sure to spark massive interest from Japan in the Melbourne Cup in coming years.	File photo of ''Delta Blues'' in the mounting yard prior to another race The Japanese owned ''Delta Blues'' ridden by Iwata Yasunari has won the AU$5.1 million 2006 Melbourne Cup. Trainer Katsuhiko Sumii also achieved the Quinella winning bet with stablemate ''Pop Rock'', ridden by Damien Oliver, placing second in the race. ''Maybe Better'' came in at third, with ''Zipping'' posting a fourth place finish. Pre-race favourite ''Yeates'' missed the start, finishing seventh. After the race, jockey Iwata joyfully shouted "Very happy, very happy. My biggest winner ever." ''Zabeat'' was the last finisher in a 23-horse field that was reduced in number after the early morning scratching from the race of ''Efficient'' with leg soreness. Australians bet over $50 million dollars on the race, with ''Delta Blues'' paying $17.50 for the win, which made it the first horse from Japan to have won the race in the 145 year history of the Melbourne Cup.
NEW YORK \| NEW YORK (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's threatened Monday to downgrade the United States' prized AAA credit rating unless the Obama administration and Congress find a way to slash the yawning federal budget deficit within two years. S&P, which assigns ratings to guide investors on the risks involved in buying debt instruments, slapped a negative outlook on the country's top-notch credit rating and said there's at least a one-in-three chance that it could eventually cut it. A downgrade, which would leave Germany and France with a higher rating, would erode the status of the United States as the world's most powerful economy and the dollar's role as the dominant global currency. If investors start demanding higher returns for holding riskier U.S. debt, the rise in bond yields would crank up borrowing costs for consumers and businesses. That would threaten to hurt the economy as it recovers from the worst recession since World War II. "This new warning highlights the need for the U.S. to take better control of its fiscal destiny if it is to avoid higher borrowing costs and maintain its central role at the core of the global economy," said Mohamed El-Erian, chief executive at PIMCO, which oversees $1.2 trillion in assets and has a short position on U.S. government debt. Major U.S. stock indexes fell than 1 percent on the day. Longer-dated government bond prices initially fell but recovered to post solid gains as falling stocks took over as the main driver for price action in the Treasury market. Bond prices frequently trade inversely to stocks. The dollar also rose as more immediate fiscal problems in Greece hurt the euro and supported some U.S. assets. The cost of insuring Treasury debt against default at one point Monday neared a 2011 high, though it was well below lofty levels hit two years ago when fears of a double-dip U.S. recession raged. BUDGET BATTLE The threat of a downgrade raises the stakes in the struggle between President Obama's Democratic administration and his Republican opponents in the House to get control over a nearly $1.4 trillion budget deficit and $14.27 trillion debt burden. The White House last week announced plans to trim $4 trillion from the deficit over the next 12 years, mostly through spending cuts and tax hikes on the rich. Congressional Republicans want deeper spending cuts and no tax increases. The deficit problem has become crushing since the financial crisis of 2008. Now for every dollar the federal government spends, it takes in less than 60 cents in revenue. A budget deficit running at nearly 10 percent of output and expected to grow will likely further swell a public debt load that's already more than 60 percent of the country's gross domestic product. "Because the U.S. has, relative to its AAA peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness, and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable," S&P said. Even so, Austan Goolsbee, the top economist at the White House, downplayed S&P's move, telling CNBC Monday it was a "political judgment" that "we don't agree with." DoubleLine Chief Executive Jeffrey Gundlach said Monday that the S&P warning "should serve as an effective cattle prod in pushing the politicians toward a program of spending cuts and tax increases." "NOT THE END OF THE WORLD" Some on Wall Street also downplayed the immediate impact. "If a corporate entity had the same kind of unsustainable leverage problems, it would have been downgraded long ago," said Robert Bishop, chief investment officer of fixed income at SCM Advisors in San Francisco. "But from the standpoint of the sovereign, being on outlook negative is not the end of world," he added. "Japan, for example, is a double-A credit." S&P downgraded Japan's rating earlier this year for the first time since 2002, saying Tokyo had no plan to deal with its mounting debt burden. But unlike the United States, almost all Japanese debt is held by domestic investors. That means the country need not depend on foreigners for financing. Axel Merk, president of Merk Hard Currency Fund in Palo Alto, California, said Monday's warning was "a wake-up call that we need to do something in the U.S." S&P is "absolutely correct that this is something serious that needs to be addressed." Moody's, S&P's main rival in the ratings business, also maintains a Aaa credit rating - its highest - on the United States. For PIMCO, the world's largest bond fund, the picture had become bleak enough to prompt it to announce in February it had sold all U.S. Treasuries in its $236 billion Total Return Fund. Bill Gross, PIMCO's chief investment officer, said he expected interest rates to climb, the dollar to fall and the United States to eventually lose its AAA credit rating. The ratings agency said neither the White House nor Republican plan does enough to fix the shortfall, and the tension between the parties has cast doubt on whether they will be able to work together on a long-term solution. "Looking at the gulf between the parties, it has never been wider than now," David Beers, S&P's global head of sovereign ratings, said Monday. "It takes a lot of political will to bridge this gulf." A U.S. congressional report last week blamed ratings companies such as S&P and Moody's Corp for triggering the financial crisis when they cut the inflated ratings they had applied to complex mortgage-backed securities. George Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International, said that casts doubt on S&P's outlook. The ratings agency "does not have the intellect or systems to judge the ability of the U.S. economy or political system to resolve its issues of taxation and needed budget cuts," he said. Moody's put some issues of U.S. Treasury debt on watch for a downgrade in 1996 when the White House and Congress failed to extend the government's debt ceiling. The two sides are heading for a similar showdown over the $14.3 trillion legal borrowing limit, which will have to be extended within weeks. SOURING ON THE DOLLAR The U.S. debt burden has grown exponentially after a housing bubble burst in 2007 and set off a world financial crisis that toppled several Wall Street banks, drove up the jobless rate and thrust the global economy into recession. Governments around the world were forced to increase public spending to prevent their economies from lurching into an even worse depression. The tactics helped spark a recovery but left the United States and other advanced economies, which were hit hardest by the crisis, with staggeringly large debt burdens. Though it rose Monday, the dollar is down about 5 percent against major currencies in 2011. S&P's move, coupled with record low U.S. interest rates, will do little to make it more attractive, said Kathy Lien, director of research at GFT. "Even though I don't think an actual downgrade would occur, in this very sensitive or vulnerable time for the U.S. dollar, it's enough to spook investors from holding or buying dollars," she said. (Additional reporting by Richard Leong, Jennifer Ablan, Herb Lash, Al Yoon, Dena Aubin, Wanfeng Zhou and Frank Tang; editing by Frank McGurty) \|\|\|\|\| The divide between Republicans and Democrats in Congress over combating the nation’s debt was spotlighted by Standard & Poor’s lowering of the U.S. credit outlook to “negative,” with each side saying the change bolstered their competing arguments. Democrats said the revision issued yesterday by New York- based S&P helps make the case for a broad agreement based on the debt-cutting plan President Barack Obama outlined last week. Republicans said the ratings firm’s report reinforces their call for deeper spending cuts than the president and other Democrats have been willing to consider. Charles Schumer of New York, the Senate’s third-ranking Democrat, said bipartisan agreement exists on the need to reduce the debt by $4 trillion over roughly the next decade. “Now we just need to resolve how to do it,” Schumer, who is traveling in Asia during a two-week congressional break, said in a statement. Obama’s “balanced plan -- which relies on shared sacrifice, as opposed to simply ending Medicare -- makes a long-term deal highly possible,” the senator said. Republicans have proposed scaling back entitlement programs such as Medicare and reject Obama’s push for tax increases to help reduce debt. ‘Wake-up Call’ House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican, called the S&P revision “a wake-up call for those in Washington asking Congress to blindly increase the debt limit” without significant spending cuts. The negative outlook on long-term U.S. debt issued by S&P “makes clear that the debt-limit increase proposed by the Obama administration must be accompanied by meaningful fiscal reforms that immediately reduce federal spending and stop our nation from digging itself further into debt,” Cantor said. Congress is facing a vote as early as next month on raising the government’s $14.29 trillion legal debt limit. The Treasury Department projects that it will hit the cap on May 16, though it could use emergency measures to avoid default until about July 8. Obama and members of his economic team have said that failure to approve an increase could have catastrophic consequences for the U.S. economy and financial markets. S&P’s Concern S&P revised the U.S. government’s long-term outlook to negative on concern the White House and Congress will fail to reach agreement on cutting medium- and long-term debt. As part of the debate on the government’s spending, which also includes hammering out a 2012 budget, Obama last week offered the outlines of a plan to slash the debt by $4 trillion over 12 years through a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. A group of six Republican and Democratic senators are trying to strike a compromise along the lines suggested by the two co-chairmen of a debt commission Obama set up last year. That plan recommended trimming the budget by $3.8 trillion over a decade through a mix of spending reductions and tax increases. Members of the so-called Gang of Six said the S&P revision shows the markets are watching for signs that policy makers are serious about confronting the debt issue. “I still believe we must act sooner rather than later, and we should work in a bipartisan way to cut spending, including defense spending, begin to strengthen and reform entitlement programs and implement tax reform,” Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the group’s Democratic leader, said in a statement. ‘Brinkmanship’ Caution “If we fail to take this seriously, and if our deficit and debt discussions turn into just another game of political brinksmanship, this could result in the most predictable economic crisis in our history,” he said. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, a Republican member of the group, said the S&P’s change should create a sense of urgency for tackling “our debt crisis.” “If we refuse to negotiate within our own government, we will soon find ourselves negotiating with foreign governments and the international financial community on terms far less favorable than we enjoy today,” Coburn said in an e-mailed statement. Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee said a proposal he is pushing to cap federal spending at 20.6 percent of gross domestic product within a decade should be a condition of any debt-limit increase, and that the S&P action increases the momentum for the move. Good Timing “I don’t think any American likes seeing the outlook for our country’s financial situation downgraded, but it couldn’t come at a better time, if it had to happen, than now, when we’re negotiating about how to get spending under control,” Corker said in an interview. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the Senate’s third- ranking Republican, said the S&P’s revision reminds the president and Congress that “we must deal with Washington spending money that we don’t have.” Speaking in his home state, he said, “We can fix it, but we have to start now and have the political will to do it.” Republican Representative Kevin Brady of Texas, vice chairman of Congress’s Joint Economic Committee, said the move builds the case for a budget plan by Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. His proposal would slash spending by $6 trillion over a decade, in part by privatizing Medicare and capping Medicaid. Obama “needs to stop ridiculing Representative Ryan’s plan, which begins to seriously address our country’s long-term spending issues, and start supporting it as the best way forward,” Brady said. Dwindling Confidence Representative Jeb Hensarling of Texas, head of the House Republican Conference, said confidence in the U.S. economy is “sure to dwindle” when Obama “chooses to treat our national debt as campaign fodder and insists on more spending and more taxes.” House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland said the S&P’s decision “shows the urgent, bipartisan action needed to put our nation on a serious path to reduce deficits.” It “demonstrates that Republicans cannot hold the debt limit hostage over partisan, divisive issues,” he said. Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said in a statement the S&P’s revision “underscores the need to put together a bipartisan plan now to reduce the deficit in a balanced, steady, and responsible way as we build the foundation for shared prosperity and long-term economic growth.” Market Reaction The S&P 500 index (SPX) was down 1.1 percent at the 4 p.m. close of trading yesterday to 1,305.14 after declining as much as 1.9 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 140.24 points, or 1.1 percent, to 12,201.59. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note jumped as high as 3.45 percent yesterday in the minutes after the S&P report. The yield was back down to 3.37 percent at 4:27 p.m. in New York yesterday as investors focused on speculation that Greece will be unable to avoid a default, driving them to the relative safety of U.S. debt. In trading today, 10-year yields were little changed at 3.38 percent as of 10:27 a.m. in Tokyo, according to Bloomberg Bond Trader prices, as Japanese Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano said U.S. Treasuries are “extremely good- quality securities.” A gauge of the dollar advanced the most since November against the currencies of major trading partners on increased demand for a refuge as Europe’s debt crisis outweighed the negative S&P U.S. credit-rating outlook. IntercontinentalExchange’s Dollar Index increased 0.9 percent to 75.508 at 5 p.m. in New York yesterday from 74.832 on April 15. The gauge, which tracks the dollar against the euro, yen, pound, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar and Swedish krona, earlier gained 1.3 percent in the biggest intraday advance since Nov. 23 and touched 75.810, the highest level since April 7. The dollar appreciated 1.4 percent to $1.4235 per euro in New York from $1.4430 on April 15. The U.S. currency decreased 0.6 percent to 82.66 yen from 83.13. To contact the reporter on this story: Julie Hirschfeld Davis in Washington at jdavis159@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mark Silva at msilva34@bloomberg.net \|\|\|\|\| US warned on top credit rating by Standard & Poor's Republicans are pushing for plans to massively cut US government spending The US has been warned that the credit rating on its government debt could be cut by Standard & Poor's. S&P is concerned that Democrats and Republicans will not be able to agree a plan to reduce the growing US deficit. It has downgraded its outlook from stable to negative, increasing the likelihood that the rating could be cut within the next two years. The US Treasury responded that S&P had underestimated its ability to tackle the national debt. "Because the US has, relative to its 'AAA' [top-rated] peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable," the agency said in a statement. The surprise move sent US and European shares lower. The S&P 500 fell the most in a month, and the US dollar dropped against the euro and Swiss franc. Oil was also sharply lower. In Europe, the main UK, German and French indexes all fell by at least 2%. The US federal deficit currently stands at $1.4tn (£858bn) and is expected to reach $1.5tn in the current fiscal year. Budget battle President Barack Obama suggested that the world could plunge into a new recession if the ceiling on money the US can borrow is not raised in the next few weeks, before the current debt limit of $14.3tn is reached. Mr Obama and the Republicans are locked in a battle over the extent of spending cuts. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives has passed a 2012 budget plan that aims to cut $6.2tn in spending by the government over the next decade. But the bill is not expected to make it through the Democrat-led Senate. The current fight is over spending from 1 October onwards. Last week, Congress passed a budget bill that would cut $38.5bn in government spending over the rest of the current fiscal year, to 30 September. Last week, Mr Obama laid out his plan to reduce the budget deficit by $4tn over 12 years. 'Political judgment' Austan Goolsbee, the chief economist of the president's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, dismissed the change in outlook while making the rounds on US cable networks. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. "What the S&P is doing is making a political judgment and it is one that we don't agree with," he told CNBC. The S&P outlook cut comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned last week that the size of the US deficit created instability in the financial markets. In a statement, S&P was positive about the general state of the US economy, but said: "We believe there is a material risk that US policymakers might not reach an agreement on how to address medium- and long-term budgetary challenges by 2013. "If an agreement is not reached and meaningful implementation is not begun by then, this would in our view render the US fiscal profile meaningfully weaker than that of peer 'AAA' sovereigns." 'Wake-up call' The US has the top AAA credit rating on its long-term bonds. Since the US is the world's largest economy, and its debt is considered the backbone of the world's financial system, any concern over the US ability to pay its debt creates huge ripples in the world economy. "It's a wake-up call that we need to do something," said Axel Merk, a currency fund manager in California. S&P is "absolutely correct that this is something serious that needs to be addressed." But the US Treasury responded strongly to the change in outlook. "We believe S&P's negative outlook underestimates the ability of America's leaders to come together to address the difficult fiscal challenges facing the nation," it said.	Logo of Standard & Poor's U.S.-based agency (S&P) announced Monday its decision to downgrade its outlook for the U.S. long-term debt from "stable" to "negative", saying it is not confident the U.S. Congress and will be able to reach an agreement to meaningfully cut the country's fast-growing budget deficit within a two-year framework. Although the U.S. continues to have a top AAA credit rating at the moment, S&P says that there is at least a 33 percent possibility it will lower the country's long-term bond rating within the next two years. The U.S. now has $1.4 trillion budget deficit and a $14.27 trillion debt burden. Currently, payments and interest on the debt consume more than 60 percent of the U.S. with the amount only expected to grow. The predicts the country will reach its $14.29 trillion legal debt limit as early as May 16. Congress must vote to raise the debt limit within the next few weeks, or risk defaulting on debt payments. The has said that failure to raise the debt limit will have a disastrous effect on the economy. Last year, appointed a debt commission which produced a plan for cutting the country's budget by $3.8 trillion, over ten years, through spending reductions and tax increases. Currently, a bipartisan group of and are trying to reach a compromise over this plan. But, negotiations are currently deadlocked. Congress has failed to produce a budget for fiscal year 2011, the first time it has failed to produce a budget in 36 years, leaving the various appropriation committees no budgetary guidelines to follow. Standard & Poor's Headquarters in New York City S&P said, "Because the U.S. has, relative to its AAA peers, what we consider to be very large budget deficits and rising government indebtedness, and the path to addressing these is not clear to us, we have revised our outlook on the long-term rating to negative from stable." A decrease in the nation's credit rating would make it more difficult for it to borrow money, and the money it is able to borrow would come at a higher interest rate, further increasing the national debt. The U.S. currently borrows 41 cents of every dollar it spends, according to a report released by the U.S. House of Representatives on January 19. Last week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the U.S. deficit was causing financial instability around the world. The U.S. stock market closed down 1.5 percent, with trading volume 2.3 percent lower on Monday in light of the announcement.
Author: Sal Saturday, 1st August, 2009 at 2:44 pm, Isle of Wight UPDATE: Gallery of photos and video added below Food from the Unison union on the Island was just delivered by an RMT representative with the full co-operation of the police and an escort from them. This follows news that a prominent Human Rights lawyer, Louise Christian has got involved with the dispute. Update: We’ve spoken to the senior police officer on the scene who said that they were happy for one set of bags going in but there won’t be another lot going in. The senior RMT representative said they want the people inside to be able to select their own food depending on dietary need and have it carried in by RMT people not the security personnel. Gallery after the jump Video of those inside celebrating about receiving food Another video - the food going in on the way tomorrow Green Issues, Newport, Vestas Sit-In \|\|\|\|\| Mass walkouts could be commonplace in a new "age of militancy" as pay deals are curbed, according to Policy Exchange. The stark message came as fears grew of a summer of discontent with a series of strikes already planned or likely, including a possible national postal strike. Holidaymakers and railway passengers could all be hit while the row over foreign workers is set to deepen with plans to ballot workers at power stations and oil refineries following the recent unofficial action. One union warned British workers have become increasingly militant and angry with pay the cost of a recession "they did not create". Neil O'Brien, director of Policy Exchange, said: "There is a slight increase in militancy at the moment but that is nothing compared to what is going to happen once the brakes are slammed on public spending. "This could be a taste of things to come. A possible new age of militancy. "When we suddenly go from a very very rapid increase in pay to huge pressure on public spending, it is possible that we could have something develop like the 1970s." During the 1970s the number of strikes averaged between 2,000 and 3,000 every year, peaking in 1979 when almost 30 million working days were lost due to industrial action. Geoff Martin, a spokesman for RMT, said workers are becoming increasingly militant. "I think what is happening is people are being expected to pay a heavy price for a recession that they did not create," he said. "Increasingly people are realising there are expected to carry the can for what is none of their doing. "That's why we are getting this rise in militancy. A summer of discontent is an overused phrase but the RMT is not surprised people are angry enough and saying 'we have had enough of this and better do something about this'." As the recession deepens there is growing unrest among workers and the country is already bracing itself for a number of walkouts over the coming weeks. Postal services face being crippled with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) almost certain to call a national ballot on whether to strike over jobs, pay and services. A series of regional strikes have already been held, with more planned over the summer, but sources at the union said a national vote is now almost certain to be called in the coming weeks. Holidaymakers face disruption with a two day strike among some UK Border Agency staff due to start on Wednesday (Aug 5), in a dispute over plans to merge the duties of immigration and customs staff. Talks were continuing yesterday to resolve the dispute. Hundreds of thousands of rail passengers also face delays with planned stoppages by members of the Rail, Maritime and Maritime union and train drivers' union ASLEF. Three further 48-hour stoppages have been called over the next three weeks as a result of a dispute with the train operator, National Express East Anglia. Industrial action is also planned on a number of other lines over the coming weeks. On Arriva Cross Country members of RMT are refusing to collect litter, meaning that passengers will have to travel on rubbish-strewn trains. This will mean disruption on trains linking Liverpool Street to Colchester, Norwich and Southend Victoria. Passengers on Northern Rail also face disruption on Aug 6 as a result of a joint strike by both RMT and ASLEF. In addition passengers on London Midland could also face disruption with station staff, who are members of ASLEF, also balloting on industrial action. The GMB is also to ballot for official strike action among members involved in power stations and oil refinery sites. It follows a series of unofficial strikes this year in a row over the hiring of migrant workers over British staff. And workers are still occupying the Vestas wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight in a bid to stop it being closed. \|\|\|\|\| Vestas has blamed the closure on a drop in demand A union has complained to police over claims that workers occupying a wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight are having their human rights breached. Protesters have been staging a sit-in at the Vestas turbine blade factory in Newport over plans to axe 625 jobs. Union bosses accused the firm of trying to "starve" the workers out by restricting access to food and drink. A rally has been held outside the factory, the latest in a series of events staged to support them. The factory was due to close on Friday but is now set to shut on 10 August. We will fight with every tool available to get food into the workers on the inside Bob Crow RMT general secretary Responding to the rally in a statement, the protesters said: "It is great to see you all out there despite the awful weather. "You guys being here today just proves the support continues to grow and grow." The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced earlier it had lodged a formal complaint to police in Newport over the actions of security guards working for Vestas after it received advice from a human rights lawyer. The lawyer, Louise Christian, said: "There is a positive obligation under the Human Rights Act on the State and its agents, i.e the police, to prevent private individuals from depriving others of their liberty. "It therefore appears to me that the local police have a positive obligation to prevent the security agents employed by Vestas stopping people coming in to deliver food to those in occupation." The protesters, who began the sit-in on 20 July, have been receiving about two meals a day from Vestas, but the union said it had not been enough. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "It's disgusting that Vestas are trying to starve the workers out. Removal bid "We will fight with every tool available to get food into the workers on the inside whose only crime is to fight for their livelihoods and the future of green energy." The protesters say 25 of them have been inside the factory but only 11 workers, who the firm has identified, have been sacked. The Danish firm's bid to have the workers removed failed on Wednesday when a judge ruled removal papers had not been served in accordance with legal rules. The case at Newport County Court was adjourned until Tuesday. Peter Kruse, spokesman for Vestas, told the BBC: "We can only hope that the people on the inside will also realise that this has implications for people outside." Vestas has blamed its decision to close the factory on a lack of demand for wind turbines in the UK market. Do you or someone you know work at the Vestas factory? Are you affected by the issues in this story? Send us your comments using the form below. A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. Name Your E-mail address Town & Country Phone number (optional): Comments The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Police on the Isle of Wight will be asked to ensure food reaches men occupying the Vestas wind turbine factory tomorrow, after lawyers advised that the company could be breaking the law by preventing supplies from getting through. Around 10 workers have staged a sit-in at the Danish-owned plant in Newport for almost two weeks. They complain the management are attempting to starve them out of the facility, and claim they have been given only sporadic meals – sometimes just a small sandwich and slice of pizza per day. Attempts by their supporters to throw them additional food parcels have been impeded by security staff and one worker emerged on Thursday to be told by ambulance staff that his blood sugar levels were dangerously low. Union officials will meet with police tomorrow to lodge an official complaint after Louise Christian, the human rights lawyer, advised that in preventing food from getting through, Vestas and its security firm were committing a criminal offence under the Protection from Harrassment Act (1997). Christian added police have an obligation under the Human Rights Act to ensure Vestas was not preventing access to sufficient food. "This advice confirms our concerns about the rights of the Vestas workers to decent food and we will be making immediate representations to the police in Newport to stop the private company from blockading these essential supplies," said Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT union. "We will not allow the company and their private guards to starve the workers out. With the closure now pushed back it is even more important that the workers inside get nutritional meals on a regular basis." The Newport factory, the only major manufacturer of wind turbine blades in the UK, was due to close today with the loss of around 625 jobs. Vestas said "complications" arising from the industrial dispute had led it to extend its consultation period until at least 10 August. Peter Kruse, a vice-president at the company, said the men were being catered for. "We do not starve people," he said. Vestas failed its legal attempt to secure a possession order from the local country court this week, a move that would have enabled bailiffs to be called. A judge at Newport County Court told lawyers for the company that papers had not been properly served on the men and adjourned the hearing until Tuesday. Kruse said there was nothing the UK government could do to save the factory, which is being abandoned because there is "not enough in the pipeline" in terms of projected growth in the UK onshore market. "They can't create a big enough market overnight with the click of a finger," he said. \|\|\|\|\| A Danish wind turbine company will appear before a court in the Isle of Wight today seeking to end the occupation of its factory by the workforce. Around 20 men at the Vestas plant near Newport have occupied the building for the past nine days to protest against its imminent closure. The company says its factory must close, with the loss of 625 jobs, because the UK wind turbine market is not growing fast enough. Today its lawyers will seek a possession order from Newport County Court, a move that will set in train the process expected to authorise the arrival of bailiffs to remove the workers by force. Hundreds of environmental protesters, who have supported the workers' campaign, are planning to attend a rally outside today's hearing, which is being heard in a neighbouring crown courtroom to accommodate the large number of press and interested parties. More activists are expected to arrive today. Ticketholders who had planned to attend the recently cancelled Big Green Gathering - a four-day event in Somerset featuring music, debates and practical green living demonstrations that was to have begun today - have been urged to head to the Isle of Wight instead. If the possession order is granted, it is not clear how soon bailiffs could be called, or if additional permission will need to be sought from the court to end the occupation. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), which will represent the workers in court, has advised workers that bailiffs could be "waiting in the wings" to empty the factory quickly. Bob Crow, the RMT's general secretary, will address a second rally outside the plant later in the day. Last night, Vestas sacked 11 employees it has identified as participating in the "sit-in", a move that will prevent them from receiving compensation for their redundancy. The workers were informed in letters inside food parcels delivered to them by the company. "Underneath each slice of pizza we had a letter saying we had been sacked and we're not receiving any money," said Michael Godley, 26, speaking from inside the plant on his mobile phone. "Everyone's gutted – there's some people in here who have lost a lot of money. But it hasn't deterred us in any way – we're still as determined as ever and we're going to carry on fighting." The letter from a representative of Vestas had yesterday's date scribbled in pen, and stated: "As a result of your participation in the industrial action and refusal to give up that action, you leave this company with no choice other than to terminate your contract of employment with immediate effect." Godley added that if bailiffs arrived the workers would "go peacefully", but their intention was to stay. "We'll stay in here until they come and get us out, or until we get what we want. We're here for the long haul. We don't plan to leave any time soon." The Vestas occupation began after lobbying of the workforce from Workers' Climate Action, a group of socialist environmental campaigners who have camped on the island for the past month. \|\|\|\|\| Vestas workers are occupying their factory on the Isle of Wight. Bosses want to move production abroad to China and the US with the loss of 625 jobs. This is despite making over £34 million in profits in the first quarter of this year alone - up 70 per cent on last year. Workers a the wind turbine production plant are demanding nationalisation and restoration of their jobs. Trade Unionists and climate change activists are supporting them. Solidarity Executive member David Kerr said:- "We are behind the Vestas workers 100 per cent. British jobs must be protected."	Food deliveries from the RMT were allowed into the Vestas plant in Newport, England yesterday, but were cut off by Vestas management this afternoon. Protesters at the Isle of Wight factory celebrated the delivery of supermarket bags filed with groceries, which entered with a police escort. This morning, the sixteen remaining occupiers were told to prepare a list of items for future deliveries. But, according to "Mark", an occupier in the Vestas plant, this afternoon Vestas management reversed their decision, terming the August 1 food delivery a one-time "goodwill gesture" and saying food would no longer be allowed in. The food delivery followed a formal complaint by the RMT that denying the occupiers food was a violation of their human rights. The people inside the factory have been conducting their occupation since July 20, in protest against the closure of the factory, which produces wind turbine blades for the generation of wind power, and the loss of 625 jobs in the Isle of Wight and nearby areas. Mark went on to praise the "brave people" who have circumvented the security ring around the plant in order to get food and other items to the occupiers. An electric kettle thrown at the end of a rope up to the occupiers is said to be working well. Mark also noted that Louise Christian, a prominent British human rights lawyer, is now representing the Vestas occupiers. While the number of occupiers at the Vestas plant — originally nearly thirty, now only sixteen — have dwindled, Mark says the ones who remain are "very determined" and furthermore hold no ill will toward their co-workers who have left the occupation. In particular, the occupiers offered sympathy for Luke Paxton, who they say left the occupation due to a combination of personal issues and malnutrition brought on by the deprivation of food. Paxton, Mark said, has the remaining occupiers' "full support" and continues to campaign for the Vestas workers. Mark also clarified the origins of the occupation. In contrast to claims that green socialist group Workers' Climate Action were behind the occupation, Mark presented a more nuanced picture: the Vestas workers' initial contacts were with veterans of the occupation of Visteon's auto parts plants, with the AWL, SWP and Socialist Party becoming involved later with "quite a big involvement" from all groups. Members of Workers' Climate Action attended Vestas workers' meetings and gave their opinions, but, Mark says, a committee organised by the workers and composed of workers was making all the decisions. Mark also strongly rejected the support of Solidarity, a "nationalist trade union" closely associated with the BNP. In a July 24 statement, Solidarity backed the Vestas workers, with union executive member David Kerr saying "We are behind the Vestas workers 100 per cent. British jobs must be protected." Mark, in reply, told ''Wikinews'': "We do not want their support...they go against a lot of the things people believe in here. We have Polish workers with us. They're our friends." Most of the Vestas occupiers remain independent of trade unions, with only three of the sixteen people inside being members of any union. Mark closed with a message of solidarity with the occupiers of two Thomas Cook branches in Dublin, Ireland, whose employees began a sit-in at their offices on Friday after the announcement of surprise closures. "We fully support what you're doing. Don't back down...do not be pushed around, do not be intimidated". The Vestas occupiers have also exchanged messages of solidarity with SsangYong Motor Company in South Korea. Workers at SsangYong have been occupying their factory since May 22 in protest against a 36% cut in employees there. The occupation continues accompanied by a warning of increased union unrest in Britain. Neil O'Brien of centre-right think tank Policy Exchange told ''The Daily Telegraph'' that, while labour unrest had increased, the current state of affairs is "nothing compared to what is going to happen once the brakes are slammed on public spending."
Afghan president's brother, Ahmad Wali Karzai, killed Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. The half-brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been assassinated in Kandahar, officials say. Ahmad Wali Karzai, a leading power broker in the country's south, was shot dead at his home in a blow to Nato's battle against the Taliban in the area. He was shot twice by his long-time head of security Sardar Mohammed, who was himself killed almost immediately. The Taliban said they carried out the attack, calling it one of their top achievements in 10 years of war. Sardar Mohammed's motives remain unclear, but the killing will raise questions about securing Afghanistan's top officials. Previous assassination attempts Ahmad Wali Karzai's killing is the latest and most high-profile in a series of assassinations of senior politicians and security commanders across the country. Continue reading the main story Analysis The last time I saw Ahmad Wali Karzai in his heavily protected compound, he said the war against the Taliban in Kandahar was being won. He wanted foreign troops to stay the course - even though his brother, the president, didn't. The man they called Mr Kandahar was asked to solve every problem from tackling Taliban strongholds to solving the personal problem of anyone who made it to his door. President Karzai relied on him to consolidate his tribal and political sway in the restive south - he must now be deeply worried. Nato officials had often spoken of putting Ahmad Wali Karzai "on notice" over allegations of drug deals, and corruption. He challenged everyone to prove it. There's an old Afghan saying "whoever controls Kandahar, controls Afghanistan". Ahmad Wali Karzai was the lynchpin in so many areas, his death now leaves a dangerous vaccum. The Afghan president said the assassination reflected the suffering of all Afghan people. "This is the way of life for the people of Afghanistan," said Mr Karzai. "The homes of all Afghans feel this pain. Our hope is this (violence) will come to an end and peace and happiness come to our homes and will come to rule in our country." Critics said Ahmad Wali Karzai was a warlord mired in corruption who was openly involved in the drugs trade and had a personal militia at his disposal. His supporters saw him as a defender of Pashtun rights. The president repeatedly defended him, denouncing accusations that his brother was involved in criminal activities. Security was intensified in Kandahar following Tuesday morning's shooting, as the body of Ahmad Wali Karzai, who was born in 1961, was taken to a nearby hospital. As head of the Kandahar Provincial Council, he was a staunch ally of US and allied forces in Afghanistan, says the BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Kabul, to the extent that they turned a blind eye to accusations he was involved in drug trafficking. "Despite our worries about Ahmad Wali Karzai, he was someone the US could work with and he kept a lid on things in Kandahar," a US official told the BBC. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote [Ahmad Wali Karzai] was someone the US could work with and he kept a lid on things in Kandahar” End Quote US official It is hard to overstate how important he was in the south of Afghanistan and in Nato's efforts to combat the Taliban in their stronghold there, adds our correspondent. The Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, US General David Petraeus, condemned the assassination, and said ISAF would work with the Afghan government to bring anyone involved to justice. "President Karzai is working to create a stronger, more secure Afghanistan, and for such a tragic event to happen to someone within his own family is unfathomable," said Gen Pertraeus. Ahmad Wali Karzai had survived attempts on his life before, most recently in a rocket and machine gun attack in 2009 as his convoy was travelling towards Kabul. The previous year, he was chairing a meeting in a government building when a bomb-filled fuel tanker exploded close by. Although Mr Karzai escaped unhurt, six people were killed and 40 wounded in the blast. He and other officials blamed Taliban militants for the bombing. In 2003, Mr Karzai's house in Kandahar city was hit by an explosion which he said was caused accidentally when some weapons were being moved. Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. Read the terms and conditions Afghanistan: The Unknown Country is on BBC 2 at 2320 BST Tuesday 12 July and iPlayer. It is not available to viewers outside the UK \|\|\|\|\| Wali Karzai (R), reportedly a paid asset of the CIA, had survived multiple attempts on his life [EPA] Ahmed Wali Karzai, half brother to the Afghan president and one of the most powerful men in the country, has been killed in Kandahar city by a close associate, according to government officials and a member of his security team. Wali Karzai, the head of the Kandahar provincial council, was shot dead on Tuesday morning inside his house by Sardar Mohammad, a "dear" friend who regularly visited him, according to the security source and a member of the provincial council. Mohammad shot Wali Karzai in the stomach and chest as he emerged from a bathroom and was then shot and killed by other bodyguards, the security source said. Karzai at Tuesday's press conference. His father was assassinated in 1999 in Pakistan. [AFP] Hamid Karzai, the president, betrayed little emotion as he attended a scheduled press conference on Tuesday afternoon with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He confirmed his brother's death. "My younger brother was martyred in his house today. This is the life of all Afghan people, I hope these miseries which every Afghan family faces will one day end," Karzai said. Assassin an "illiterate" security commander A Taliban spokesman told Al Jazeera that they were behind the killing and had assigned Mohammad to carry it out a "long time" ago. But Afghan analysts say the hardline Islamic movement often claims credit for acts it may not have organised, and according to officials, Mohammad had been close to Wali Karzai for many years. Mohammad was the commander of checkpoints in the Zakir Sharif area, where the Karzai family's paternal hometown of Karz is located, around five kilometres south of Kandahar, a spokesman for the provincial governor told Al Jazeera. Mohammad was around 35 years old, had 150 people under his command and was "totally illiterate," spokesman Zalmay Ayoubi said. Some analysts speculated that the killing may have been the result of a personal dispute between the two men. But Haji Ehsan, a member of the provincial council, said Mohammad was "very dear" to Wali Karzai and became a commander on his recommendation. "This morning, they had spoken on the phone before [Mohammad] went to visit him," Ehsan told Al Jazeera. "This can't be a personal feud. They were too close. This is definitely a conspiracy against Ahmed Wali, it is difficult to say at this point by who." Wali Karzai's death comes two weeks after an attack on the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul, which the Taliban said was their work. Nineteen people died in that assault. It was the second major assassination in Kandahar province in three months: In April, a suicide bomber killed provincial police chief Khan Mohammad Mujahed. In response to the assassination, police mobilised a massive response in Kandahar city, according to Kabul-based journalist Matthieu Aikins, who spoke to a resident. Checkpoints were "locked down," helicopters hovered overhead, and the road to the hospital, where Wali Karzai's body was taken, was blocked off, Aikins wrote on Twitter. 'Super governor' of southern Afghanistan Wali Karzai was considered a Popalzai tribal elder, but his power extended far wider in Afghan business, politics and security. He has been described in various media reports as a "warlord" involved in drug smuggling and as a paid asset of the Central Intelligence Agency. "He was effectively the super governor of southern Afghanistan," said Al Jazeera's James Bays, who met Wali Karzai on multiple occasions and has reported extensively from the country. In fact, influential pro-government Kandaharis had lobbied the president as recently as June to appoint Wali Karzai governor of the province, a prospect which seemed close to becoming a reality, Aikins wrote in Harper's magazine. The current governor, Tooryalai Wesa, spent the majority of the past two decades in Canada and was considered far less influential than the head of his provincial council. Ex-intelligence chief calls for unity Amrullah Saleh, the former Afghan intelligence chief, said the government should use Wali Karzai's killing to come together against common enemies: al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Pakistani armed groups. "Ahmed Wali Karzai was standing against these forces," he said. "This has boosted the morale of our enemies and given them more opportunities to infiltrate our ranks." US General David Petraeus condemned the killing in a statement and said NATO forces would help the Afghan government try to bring to justice those involved in Wali Karzai's killing. "President Karzai is working to create a stronger, more secure Afghanistan, and for such a tragic event to happen to someone within his own family is unfathomable," the statement said. Saad Mohseni, the director of a large Afghan media group, wrote on Twitter that Wali Karzai's assassination "is a big loss for the president as he helped hold the greater Kandahar region together." There had been several previous attempts on Wali Karzai's life, and even the United States once warned that they could kill him. In May 2009, Wali Karzai said he had been ambushed on the road to Kabul by Taliban fighters, who killed one of his bodyguards. Six months earlier, he happened to be away when a Taliban attack on government buildings in Kandahar left six people dead. In March 2010, a senior US military official told the Reuters news agency that Wali Karzai could be targeted for killing or capture if it were ever proved that he provided arms or assistance to insurgent groups. "We'd rather not have a guy like that down there because he's so divisive," the official said. "But there's nothing that we can do unless we can link him to the insurgency." Allegations of CIA payments Rumours of Wali Karzai's involvement in Afghanistan's opium trade have circulated in Afghanistan for years. Wali Karzai had once personally ordered a local commander in the security forces to release a large truck carrying heroin, the New York Times reported in 2007. But he repeatedly denied any role in the drug trade and said he was the "victim of politics". Confronted once in 2009 by a McClatchy news agency reporter who had interviewed officials and elders implicating him in drug trafficking, Wali Karzai threatened to beat the reporter and ordered him to leave his house. A year later, the Times reported that Wali Karzai had received regular payments from the CIA for the previous eight years, in part to fund an Afghan paramilitary force that operated at the CIA's direction. Wali Karzai was paid to allow the so-called Kandahar Strike Force to use a large compound outside the city, and a senior US official referred to him as "our landlord". Mujib Mashal contributed reporting.	Wali Karzai speaking to media in 2010 , the half-brother of the Afghan President, Hamid Karzai, has been shot dead in . Wali Karzai was head of the Kandahar Provincial Council at the time of his assassination. The perpetrator was Sardar Mohammed, the head of security in charge of protecting Karzai. Mohammed was killed instantly after the assassination. President Karzai released a statement after the killing of his brother. He said "This is the way of life for the people of Afghanistan. The homes of all Afghans feel this pain. Our hope is this (violence) will come to an end and peace and happiness come to our homes and will come to rule in our country." The motive as to why Mohammed would have killed Karzai remain unclear, but the Taliban have claimed responsibility for the assassination. Local politician said he was sceptical about the Taliban's involvement. The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks and killings without evidence of their involvement. Karzai had survived several assassination attempts before. He escaped uninjured after a fuel tanker filled with bombs exploded near a building where he was hosting a meeting in 2008, and again in 2009 when his convoy was attacked by machine guns and rocket attacks. General , the commander of the , said "President Karzai is working to create a stronger, more secure Afghanistan, and for such a tragic event to happen to someone within his own family is unfathomable." Another US offical told the BBC, "Ahmad Wali Karzai had his unsavoury side, but he was someone we could work with and he kept a lid on things in Kandahar." == Sources == * *
Campbell Bridges was credited with discovering the rare stone Tsavorite A leading Scottish gemstone expert has been killed in Kenya by a gang armed with clubs, spears, bows and arrows. Campbell Bridges, 71, was attacked by 20 men in the grounds of his 600-acre property near the southern town of Voi. He fought off the mob with his son Bruce and four Kenyan staff but died of his injuries on arrival at hospital. Police are investigating the attack which is reportedly connected to a three-year dispute over access and control of Mr Bridges' gemstone mines. Police said he was driving his pick-up truck in the grounds of his home within a national park when he was ambushed by about 20 men brandishing crude home-made weapons. Witnesses said his injuries were caused by stab wounds from a knife. No-one else was injured in the attack on Tuesday. Mr Bridges' body has since been flown to the capital Nairobi. He would stand up to anyone. He would have gone in with his fists flying if someone attacked him The Rev John Ellison Victim's friend Murdered gems expert's son speaks A close friend, the Rev John Ellison, 72, from Alton, Hampshire, told the BBC Scotland news website that the internationally-renowned gemmologist would have put up a strong fight. "He was very fit, strong and confrontational but a lovely man nevertheless," he said. "He would stand up to anyone. He would have gone in with his fists flying if someone attacked him." He added that his "wonderful" friend had "a quick fuse if anyone was dishonest". Mr Bridges was brought up in Scotland but had lived in the African country most of his life. He is credited with discovering the green Tsavorite gem, a rare stone unique to the region, and also worked as a special consultant to the New York jewellers, Tiffany and Co. Mr Ellison revealed that Mr Bridges had previously been threatened as he owned mining rights and therefore knew where the deposits were. "He was very well known in Africa and the gemstone industry, which gave him a lifetime achievement award," he said. "He had a fund of stories and I was privileged to have been the first person outside his family to know of his discovery in 1971. This is terrible news." A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of Campbell Bridges on 11 August following injuries sustained in an attack near Voi in Kenya. "British consular officials are liaising with the local authorities who have confirmed that an investigation is under way." Mr Bridges leaves a wife, Judy, and two grown-up children, Laura and Bruce. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| Login Enter your details below to login Email address Password Keep me logged in information Keeps you logged in for a rolling 15 days or until you logout Forgot your password?	The Tsavorite Gem which Bridges discovered A mob of 20 men have killed a leading British gemologist in the town of Voi in Kenya. Campbell Bridges who was born in Scotland was killed at his 600-acre property located within a national park. The attack is reported to be linked to a 3 year dispute over control of the gemstone mines owned by Mr. Bridges. Police reported that Bridges was driving his pick-up around his land when he was ambushed by 20 men wielding homemade clubs and spears as well as bows and arrows. Bridges fought off the mob with the help of his son and four Kenyan staff. He was transported to hospital but later died. No one else was seriously injured in the attack. Bruce Bridges, Campbell’s son spoke to reporters about his ordeal. He spoke of how he fled to the capital Nairobi with his father’s body. “As we drove towards our mining camp we found huge thorn trees blocking the road. Eight men with machetes, spears, clubs, knives, bows and arrows appeared, shouting, ‘We’re going to kill you all!’ Then more people came down the mountain like ants — 20 or 30 of them” he said. Campbell was renowned in the gemstone business. He worked as a special consultant for jewelers Tiffany & Co. He is also credited with the discovery of tsavorite and also involved in the discovery of tanzanite.
Rangers win 4-2 on penalties By Clive Lindsay Rangers were delighted with their victory in Italy Ten-man Rangers edged into the Uefa Cup final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina. The Italians dominated and Sasa Papac cleared Mario Alberto Santana's clever backheel off the goalline. Adrian Mutu and Christian Vieri also went close, while Steven Whittaker forced a good save at the other end. Daniel Cousin was sent off in extra time, but the tie ended goalless and Nacho Novo fired the winning penalty after Vieri drove his kick over. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. And that took Rangers to their first European final since they lifted the Cup-Winners' Cup in 1972. The scene had been set for Rangers to follow Dick Advocaat to the City of Manchester Stadium on 14 May, the former Ibrox boss having earlier led Zenit St Petersburg to their first European final with a 5-1 aggregate hammering of Bayern Munich. MY SPORT: DEBATE Signs were good for Walter Smith's side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi when veteran Scotland defender David Weir took to the field having recovered from injury. Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson also returned from the suspensions that ruled them out of the first leg to bolster Rangers' midfield. The Glasgow outfit made a more assured start than they had at Ibrox and it took Fiorentina 19 minutes to threaten. But the pressure started to build and, when goalkeeper Neil Alexander failed to collect a dangerous Massimo Gobbi cross, Papac was forced into a hasty headed clearance. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Marco Donadel's return from suspension was cut short as he hobbled off, to be replaced with Zdravko Kuzmanovic. Minutes later, his Fiorentina team-mates joined him in the changing room having failed to breach the Rangers defence. Fiorentina continued to press after the break, Giampaolo Pazzini firing just wide and Tomas Ujfalusi flashing a drive narrowly over. Rangers forced Sebastien Frey into his first save on 76 minutes, though Steven Davis' prodded effort from 14 yards was easily held by the goalkeeper. Vieri almost became an instant hero with his first touch after coming on as a substitute but sat on the ball instead of turning it into the net from just three yards out. Rangers' Cousin lost the plot by aiming a butt at Liverani Frey pushed away a fine curling effort from Whittaker at full stretch as Rangers threatened on the break, but the Italians held the greater threat as the game went into extra time. Vieri missed the target with three attempts, while a Kuzmanovic header flew narrowly wide. Carlos Cuellar sent a powerful header straight at Frey and a Cousin drive looped over the bar. But Rangers were reduced to 10-men when substitute Cousin, already booked, head-butted Fabio Liverani and received a second yellow card. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Rangers played out the final 10 minutes to take the game to penalties. And, although Rangers captain Ferguson had his spot-kick saved, Alexander denied Liverani before the veteran Vieri became the villain of a thrilling semi-final. Fiorentina: Frey, Jorgensen, Gamberini, Ujfalusi, Gobbi, Donadel (Kuzmanovic 42), Liverani, Montolivo, Santana (Semioli 94), Pazzini (Vieri 79), Mutu. Subs Not Used: Avramov, Dainelli, Osvaldo, Pasqual. Rangers: Alexander, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Weir, Papac, Hemdani, Davis (Novo 81), Ferguson, Thomson, Whittaker, Darcheville (Cousin 65). Subs Not Used: Graeme Smith, Buffel, Boyd, Dailly, Faye. Sent Off: Cousin (110). Booked: Thomson, Weir, Cousin Att: 39,130 Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium). BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Rangers' Carlos Cuellar 7.17 (on 90 minutes). • Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished. Player Rater Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| 2ND LEG: 0 - 0 (Agg) Rangers win 4-2 on penalties Rangers oust Fiorentina on penalty kicks Nacho Novo and Neil Alexander were the heroes as Rangers booked a place in the UEFA Cup final following an epic semi-final clash against Fiorentina, which they won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Novo kept his cool to convert the decisive spot-kick after Alexander had saved from Fabio Liverani and Christian Vieri had missed in a tense penalty shoot-out. The full 210 minutes of football failed to separate the two clubs as the tie finished goalless. But Rangers will now feature in their first European final since lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup back in 1972, when they face former Light Blues boss Dick Advocaat's Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester on May 14. Rangers were handed a massive boost ahead of kick-off with the news that David Weir had passed a late fitness test after initially being ruled out with a groin injury sustained in Sunday's Old Firm derby. His quick recovery allowed Walter Smith to name his preferred central defensive pairing of Weir and Carlos Cuellar for the first time since the midweek defeat to Celtic on April 16, as a result of suspensions for both players since then. Jean-Claude Darcheville started as the lone striker ahead of Daniel Cousin, with Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson both included after missing the first leg through suspension. Rangers found themselves under pressure early on when Steven Whittaker's foul on Martin Jorgensen provided Fiorentina with a free-kick in a dangerous area. Fabio Liverani presided over the set-piece 25 yards out but failed to trouble Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander, who gathered comfortably at the far post. A scuffed shot from Adrian Mutu - the club's top scorer in Europe this season with six goals - was also collected by the goalkeeper, before Riccardo Montolivo blasted well over. Thomson, back in action after serving a European ban, added to his collection of yellow cards when he picked up the first booking of the game with 28 minutes gone for dissent after fouling Mario Santana. Good play between Ferguson and Darcheville allowed Rangers to push into the box shortly before the break, their only real attack at that stage, but the offside flag was raised before Ferguson could unleash a shot. Marco Donadel - suspended for the first leg - hobbled out of the action four minutes before the interval and was replaced by Zdravko Kuzmanovic, as the Italians reverted to the starting 11 from Glasgow. Mutu attempted to spark the tie into life after the restart when he collected a long ball from Santana only to screw wide under pressure from Kirk Broadfoot. The former Chelsea striker then turned provider when he whipped a teasing cross to the feet of Giampaolo Pazzini who stabbed inches wide of the near upright. A blocked shot from Liverani broke to Fiorentina skipper Tomas Ujfalusi who unleashed a ferocious shot that dipped just over the crossbar as the home side cranked up the pressure another notch. With 25 minutes remaining, Rangers made their first change when Darcheville was replaced by Cousin. Only the heroics of Alexander kept the scoreline level when Liverani tapped a free-kick to Mutu and the goalkeeper did well to block a thunderous 30-yard shot from the Romanian. Alexander failed to hold the ball but managed to smother just in time as Pazzini bore down on goal for the rebound. Weir and Cousin both went in the referee's book before Steven Davis saw his flick held by Sebastien Frey after the Viola goalkeeper's defence had failed to clear the danger. Vieri was thrown into the action with 10 minutes to go and he immediately squandered a great opportunity, stumbling over the ball in front of goal and allowing Alexander to come to the rescue again. With the clock running down, Davis made way for Nacho Novo but it was Whittaker who drew an excellent save from Frey with a curling left-footed shot as the 90 minutes ended goalless and extra-time beckoned. Vieri saw a shot fizz across the face of goal in the first minute of extra-time, before Cousin's header was held by the goalkeeper and a shot from the Rangers striker was deflected over. With this epic tie destined to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out, Rangers were dealt a blow when Cousin saw red after picking up his second booking of the night for clashing with Liverani after 109 minutes. Penalties soon arrived as Rangers, with 10 men, held off the Serie A giants, riding their luck at times. Ferguson took the first penalty and saw his kick saved to hand the advantage to the Italians. But Alexander blocked from Liverani and Vieri blasted over, allowing Novo to keep his cool and Rangers into the final.	0-0 on aggregate. After extra time. Rangers won 4–2 on penalties. After 210 minutes of goalless football between Italians Fiorentina and Scottish club Rangers, a penalty shootout decided who would progress to the 2007-08 UEFA Cup Final. In a match that contained thirteen shots on goal, neither team could find the back of the net, and so to penalties it went. Barry Ferguson missed the opening spot-kick, seeing it saved by Sebastien Frey. Zdravko Kuzmanovic put the home side ahead. Steven Whittaker succeeded where his captain could not, slotting the ball home. Riccardo Montolivo maintained Fiorentina's lead before Sasa Papac put away Rangers' second. Fabio Liverani was next up, and his effort was saved by Neil Alexander. The shootout was now level, with one miss apiece. Brahim Hemdani scored a third for Rangers, and then returned to the centre circle to witness Christian Vieri miss Fiorentina's second successive effort. It was left to Spaniard Nacho Novo to give Rangers victory, and he put his strike into the back of the net. Rangers, who were reduced to ten men with ten minutes of extra time remaining after Daniel Cousin was sent off for an apparent headbutt on Fabio Liverani, will meet Zenit Saint Petersburg in the final in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2008. Zenit are managed by former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat.
Versión en Español Earthquake Summary Tectonic Summary The Torres Islands, Vanuatu earthquake of October 7, 2009, occurred on or near the plate boundary between the Australia and Pacific plates. In the region of the earthquake, the Australia plate moves to the east-northeast with respect to the Pacific plate at a velocity of about 91 mm/year. The Australia plate thrusts under the Pacific plate at the New Hebrides trench and dips to the east-northeast. The October 7 earthquakes location, depth, and focal mechanism are consistent with the earthquake having occurred as thrust-faulting associated with subduction along the Australia-Pacific plate boundary. The Vanuatu region experiences a very high level of earthquake activity, with over a dozen events of magnitude 7 and larger having been recorded since the early decades of the twentieth century. The subducting Australia plate is seismically active to depths of about 350 km beneath the islands. Recent large earthquakes near the October 7 event include a M 7.2 earthquake in 2007 and a M 7.3 earthquake in 1999. Tsunami Information \|\|\|\|\| WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Reuters) - An 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the northwest of Santo, Vanuatu, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday.The epicenter of the quake was located 232 miles (373 km) north-northwest of Santo, Vanuatu, at a depth of 20.5 miles (33 km), the agency said.There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and no tsunami warning was issued.(Writing by World Desk Americas) \|\|\|\|\| A Pacific tsunami warning issued following strong earthquakes off Vanuatu has been lifted, after only a tiny wave was generated. The first quake with a magnitude of 7.8 was followed about an hour later by one of 7.1, the US Geological Survey said. The first epicentre was 295km (180 miles) north-northwest of Vanuatu's largest island, Santo, at a depth of 35km (21.7 miles). People had already begun to move to higher ground. In Vanuatu residents evacuated low-lying areas and fled to higher ground. In New Caledonia, schools in coastal areas were evacuated. More than 170 people died last week when a tsunami triggered by a quake hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. All three nations were initially included in a "tsunami watch" - a lower level of alert than a tsunami warning - but were later upgraded to the warning level, before the warnings were cancelled. Earlier on Wednesday, a 6.7-magnitude quake struck off the Philippines, but no tsunami warning was issued.	Location of Vanuatu within the South PacificAccording to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Vanuatu region in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. The quake was followed by a large aftershock with a magnitude of 7.3. So far there are no reports of damage or injuries. Both of the quakes' epicenters were centered roughly 373 kilometres northwest of the Vanuatu city of Santu, at a depth of 33 kilometres. Vanuatu was placed under a tsunami warning after the earthquake started, however, it has since been removed, as the tremors managed to produce only small waves. The earthquake comes a week after another heavy tremor caused tsunamis in the South Pacific. That quake killed 170 people on the islands of Tonga, Samoa, and American Samoa.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Thursday, July 10, that it had agreed to pay 2.83 million pounds (3.56 million euros, $5.6 million) in compensation to the relatives of Baha Mousa, who died from being beaten while in British detention in Basra in September, 2003, and nine other men who suffered mistreatment by soldiers. The pay-out was agreed during two days of "intensive negotiations" between the group and the Ministry of Defence in London, said the law firm Leigh Day & Co. "Our clients have been through hell over the last few years and this settlement will go some way to enabling our clients to have some semblance of a decent future life," said Martyn Day, senior partner in the firm. "The settlement is with an admission of liability by the Ministry of Defence ... for substantive breaches of Article 2 (right to life) and 3 (prohibition of torture) of the European Convention on Human Rights," the MoD said in a statement. Calls for broader inquiry The death in detention of Mousa, a 26-year-old hotel receptionist, and the maltreatment of nine other men, cast a dark shadow over the conduct of British forces in southern Iraq soon after the invasion and led lawyers to call for a "broad inquiry into the British Army's detention policy." The government and the army have apologized for the "disgraceful incident" while stressing that the vast majority of Britain's troops in Iraq had conducted themselves "to the highest standard of behavior." Investigations showed that Mousa, a father of two, died from 93 separate injuries, including fractured ribs and a broken nose, after British troops raided the hotel for weapons and accused him of being an insurgent. Mousa's father, Daoud, who has been leading the fight for compensation, told the High Court in London in 2004 that he was "horrified" by the state of his son's body, which he was asked to identify. "I burst into tears and I still cannot bear to think about what I saw. Every time I tell this story I break down," he said. A large part of the compensation is for Mousa's two young sons, who were orphaned as their mother died from cancer shortly before the hotel raid. A court martial held in Britain last year heard that Mousa and the other men were tied and hooded and repeatedly kicked and assaulted by troops during the raid. Witness Ahmad Taha Musa Al-Matairi told the court martial that the seven soldiers involved in the raid took bets on who would make Mousa fall down. "They celebrated beating him and a group of other Iraqis like it was Christmas," said the witness at the court martial. Most implicated soldiers acquitted The military trial, dismissed by critics as an "inadequate tool" to tackle human rights offences, ended in March 2007 with the acquittal of six of the men. A seventh, Corporal Donald Payne, who admitted to having treated the Iraqis "inhumanely," was jailed for a year and dismissed from the army. But his seniors in the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, including commanding officer Colonel Jorge Mendonca, were cleared of all charges. The prosecution alleged that Mendonca, the highest-ranking British soldier ever to face a court martial, had never "questioned the legality" of his men's conduct and allowed them to abuse the Iraqis in direct breach of human rights conventions. When asked by the prosecution if he had heard screams coming from the building where the alleged abuse took place, Mendonca told the court martial: "I express incredulity at that comment." \|\|\|\|\| LONDON, July 11 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense has agreed to pay compensation and apologize to Iraqis tortured by British troops and the family of a man who died. Leigh Day & Co., a British law firm representing the Iraqis, announced the settlement Thursday, The Scotsman reported Friday. The company said the damages come to 2.83 million pounds, about $5.7 million. The 10 men involved in the litigation were picked up by soldiers in the Queen's Lancashire Regiment in Basra, Iraq, in 2003. At the time, a few months after the invasion of Iraq, the situation was beginning to deteriorate with sectarian violence aimed at Iraqis and at Coalition troops becoming more common. The man who died, Baha Mousa, was a young clerk at a hotel where soldiers found weapons, which the staff said were for security. He died in British custody. General Freddie Viggers, who was present at a mediation session with family members, apologized, the law firm said. "The British Army apologized for the appalling treatment that you suffered at the hands of the British Army," Viggers was quoted as saying. "The appalling behavior of British soldiers made us feel disgusted." \|\|\|\|\| "The British Army in Iraq has performed exceptionally well under extraordinarily testing conditions and of that there is no doubt. But in September 2003, a number of Iraqi civilians were arrested and taken into custody by soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment. One of those civilians, Mr Baha Mousa, died while being held in Army detention and the subsequent post mortem examination showed that he had suffered asphyxiation and some 93 injuries to his body. "Ever since Mr Baha Mousa died, my predecessor, General Sir Mike Jackson and I have been determined to establish how and why this occurred. The Army has a duty to investigate all serious cases of abuse and this incident has been subject to the most intensive investigation. The Court Martial of Corporal Payne and others last year and the publication of the Aitken Report earlier this year have gone some way to shed light on this disgraceful incident; the Aitken Report in particular was rightly critical of the Army in certain areas and revealed a number of important lessons to be learned which we have taken steps already to put right. I am therefore confident that all soldiers deploying on operations now are fully trained in their legal responsibilities, in particular concerning the humane treatment of detainees. "But we cannot escape the fact that, there are important questions that have yet to be answered in connection with Mr Baha Mousa’s death. Although the Aitken Report identified important lessons to be learned, it was not able to fully explain how and why these circumstances occurred and I therefore welcome the announcement today by the Secretary of State for Defence of a Public Inquiry that will examine all the circumstances leading up to and surrounding, the death of Mr Baha Mousa. The terms of the reference of the Public Inquiry will be announced in due course and the Army will give the fullest cooperation. There is no wish to hide anything in the Inquiry’s quest to understand and report on what happened. "As soldiers, we know only too well that the conduct of military operations is both difficult and dangerous but we also know that it is our duty to behave in accordance with both the law and the Army’s core values. These core values include courage, integrity and discipline as well as loyalty, selfless commitment and crucially in this case - respect for others. The Army’s operational effectiveness and reputation depend on this. "And whilst the Army is an extremely professional war-fighting force, committed to campaigns in both Iraq and Afghanistan, a small number of individuals have let us down and we need to understand how and why this came about. All our soldiers know that collectively and individually, we can, and should, be called to account when things go wrong. Our perseverance in this case should therefore come as no surprise and I welcome the transparency that a Public Inquiry will provide. "As Chief of the General Staff and in all my previous appointments, I have made it clear that I expect all commanders to set an example to their subordinates, and to provide the leadership and supervision that will ensure the delivery of the required outcomes, as well as professional behaviour. The Army knows that Mr Baha Mousa should have been treated properly and lawfully but he was not. "This was not a case of misjudgment in the heat of battle, or in the heat of the moment. There can be no excuse. We have a genuinely world class reputation and therefore I am determined that we must never allow a few of our people to damage the reputation of the majority in this manner again. That is why I welcome the announcement of the Public Inquiry today as the right thing to do as we endeavour to find out how and why it came to be that Mr Baha Mousa died in September 2003."	The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Thursday that it has agreed to pay compensation to victims of abuse in Iraq, who were in British custody at the time. Iraqi civilian Baha Mousa, a 26-year-old hotel receptionist, died in September 2003 at a British base. Mousa and nine other Iraqis were arrested by a patrol of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment and suffered ill-treatment for over 36 hours. At a British court-martial last year, it was learned that Mousa and the other men were tied and hooded and repeatedly kicked and assaulted by troops. Basra, Iraq A witness in the case, Ahmad Taha Musa Al-Matairi, told the court that the seven soldiers involved "celebrated beating him and a group of other Iraqis like it was Christmas." During the court-martial, Donald Payne plead guilty to a war crime and served a year in prison. The other six soldiers were acquitted. Leigh Day & Co., the British law firm which represented the Iraqis, said that the MoD has agreed to pay £2.83 million pounds (€3.56 million euros, US$5.6 million) in compensation after "intensive negotiations". The bulk of the settlement is expected to go to the family of Mousa. A statement released by the MoD reads: "The settlement is with an admission of liability by the Ministry of Defence ... for substantive breaches of Article 2 (right to life) and 3 (prohibition of torture) of the European Convention on Human Rights." According to the lawyers, Adjutant General Lieutenant General Freddie Viggers told the surviving victims and families: "The British Army apologized for the appalling treatment that you suffered at the hands of the British Army. The appalling behavior of British soldiers made us feel disgusted." "I hope this independent inquiry will reassure the public that no stone has been left unturned. The Army and the Ministry of Defence will be giving the fullest co-operation to this inquiry," said UK Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne, at the onset of the inquiry in May 2008.
Two arrested as murder investigation is launched (Bishopsworth) Family release statement UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:51 UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:51 Image Jack Steadman Police have named the man who died following an incident at the Elm Tree pub in Bristol. Jack Steadman, aged 19, from Hartcliffe died following the incident on April 2. Jack was born and raised in Hartcliffe and attended Bedminster Down School. After leaving school he worked as a carpenter before enrolling on a Prince's Trust training course. In January 2008 he began working as a tyre fitter which he really enjoyed. He enjoyed all sports and had played rugby for St Bernadettes and was a supporter of Liverpool and Bristol Rovers. His family have released the following tribute: "Jack is obviously dearly missing by all of his family. He was a much loved son and brother. "Nothing can ever fill the hole that has been left in our lives. "We know that Jack had a lot of friends, but we have been amazed by the amount of messages that people have left. "We can not believe Jack has gone, we all keep expecting him to walk back in. Jack was an angel, he was amazing." A photograph of Jack is available on the force website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk The family have requested that the media respect their privacy during this difficult time. Man charged after car park death UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:39 UPDATED: 4/04/2008 13:39 Image Force crest A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder at Bristol Magistrates Court this afternoon (Friday April 4). This is in relation to an incident outside a pub in Bristol on April 2. Jonathon Martin, 23, from the Bishopsworth area of the city, was charged following the death of a 19 year old man and has been remanded in custody until April 11. The second man arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail. Two arrested as murder investigation is launched (Bishopsworth) ADDED: 3/04/2008 11:08 ADDED: 3/04/2008 11:08 Image Police cordon Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident in a pub car park in Bristol. Some time around 20.30hrs yesterday (Wednesday April 2) there was an incident in the car park of the Elm Tree pub in Highridge Road. A local man aged 19 was involved in a collision with a Ford Fiesta car. He sustained serious multiple injuries from which he subsequently died at the BRI a few hours later. Two local men in their early 20s have been arrested in connection with this incident. Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident in the car park or who was in the pub or the vicinity of the pub prior to the incident. Anyone who can help should call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Bristol CID on 0117 945 5355. Related areas on the website Anyone who can help should contact us through our secure Crimestoppers contact form > Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and you could receive a reward. Other ways to access this information \|\|\|\|\| Police want to talk to people who were drinking in the Elm Tree Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident in a pub car park in Bishopsworth, Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said a local 19-year-old man "was in collision with a Ford Fiesta" in the Elm Tree pub car park on Highridge Road. He died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary of serious multiple injuries later on Wednesday evening. The two men arrested are in their early 20s and from south Bristol. Police are now appealing for witnesses. They particularly want to talk to anyone drinking in the Elm Tree.	The family of the 19 year old who was 'murdered' in a pub car park two days ago have made a statement regarding the death of their child. They said that "Jack is obviously dearly missed by all of his family. He was a much loved son and brother." "Nothing can ever fill the hole that has been left in our lives," they continued. "We know that Jack had a lot of friends, but we have been amazed by the amount of messages that people have left. " The family continued "we can not believe Jack has gone, we all keep expecting him to walk back in. Jack was an angel, he was amazing." The death, which was treated as murder, resulted in two arrests. The murder, which occurred on Wednesday evening, took place near Highridge Road in Bishopsworth, Bristol.
Login Enter your details below to login If you are an existing member of The Times and The Sunday Times enjoying the full benefits of thetimes.co.uk, then simply enter your Times+ login details below and press 'Enter' Enter your details to login Email address Password Keep me logged in information Keeps you logged in for a rolling 30 days or until you logout \|\|\|\|\| TREASURER Peter Costello would continue the spirit of John Howard's vision when he eventually replaced him, Health Minister Tony Abbott said today. Mr Howard last night announced that if returned to power at the federal election he would retire and hand over the leadership, most likely to Mr Costello, well into the next term of government. "Ever since Peter's been in public life, Peter's been getting his vision from (Mr Howard), but his vision and the prime minister's vision are very similar," Mr Abbott told reporters. He said that shared vision was a good thing for the country. "What's now absolutely crystal clear is that at some point towards the end of the next term of parliament, there will be a transition from a government led by John Howard to a government that will be true to the spirit of John Howard, really true to the spirit of John Howard, not falsely true to the spirit of John Howard," Mr Abbott said. "If you like the policies of this government, if you think that this government has done well, the best thing you can do is to keep voting for this government and that's what the prime minister has made clear." Mr Abbott said Mr Howard's retirement announcement was not a decision made on the run. "This was a decision which was announced yesterday but which has been in the making for quite some time," he said. "It was obvious that there was going to have to be a new way of approaching this because what's acceptable for a 65-year-old is obviously not going to be quite the same for a 68-year-old. "Plainly this matter had to be resolved. I think it needed to be resolved in good time to call the election. "It's now been resolved and I want congratulate the PM and the treasurer on the way it's been handled." \|\|\|\|\| Howard to step down during next term Posted Updated Prime Minister John Howard has acknowledged that a vote for the Coalition at this year's election will effectively be a vote for two prime ministers - him and Peter Costello. Mr Howard has revealed if he is re-elected he would retire during his next term, and would most likely hand over his leadership to the Treasurer. Mr Howard's leadership was unchallenged during Wednesday's Liberal party room meeting and he says there was no evidence of a desire for a leadership change. He has told the ABC's 7:30 Report he is not sure whether he would quit politics entirely and force a by-election in his seat of Bennelong, or serve out the remainder of his final term on the backbench. "Depending on when I went, whether there would be a by-election or not is something that I would determine then," he said. "Because it has not been unknown for people in those circumstances to serve out their term and it would depend entirely on circumstances." Mr Howard denies his decision to retire within the next three years if he wins government is an acknowledgement his leadership has been weakened. He says all things must come to an end. "I won't find it easy, if I am re-elected, to retire," he said. "Because I'm very committed to this job, and I will not like leaving it." Labor's Julia Gillard says Mr Howard wants to be re-elected, only to retire afterwards. "I saw a man who didn't have plans for this nation's future, other than asking to be re-elected so that he can retire," she said. Ms Gillard says the revelation of Mr Howard's plans is telling. "Labor, of course, is arguing that this nation has some big picture challenges for the future," she said. "They require long-term thinking. "The Prime Minister's revealed his plans for retirement but he hasn't revealed his long-term agenda for this country's future, and how can you have a long-term agenda when you're not staying for the long term?" Mr Howard insists he wanted to be up-front with voters about his intentions. "I'm asking people to vote for somebody who levels with them," he said.	File photo of Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. Speaking on the ABC's 7.30 report on Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, admitted that if he is re-elected at the forthcoming election he will not serve a full three-year term as Prime Minister. The announcement follows a Liberal party meeting early on Wednesday where Mr Howard told his party that they needed to unite behind him before the election amid intense leadership speculation. Mr Howard told his party that he would step aside in favour for treasurer Peter Costello late into his next term if re-elected. If Howard is re-elected he will enter his fifth consecutive term as Prime Minister. Mr Howard is now aged 68. Mr Howard told ABC that he needed to be honest with the electorate about his intentions. “I won’t find it easy, if I am re-elected, to retire. I won’t find it the least bit easy because I am very committed to this job and I will not like leaving it. But everything comes to an end . . . and we must be honest and candid and adult about it," "I'm asking people to vote for somebody who levels with them," he said. The Prime Minister said he still had vision and would step aside only after he achieved what he intended to achieve. "If the Australian people are good enough and kind enough to re-elect me again, there are a lot of things I want to do and I would want to approach those things with enormous energy," "But I would expect, well into my term, that after those things have been implemented and bedded down I would probably or certainly form the view well into my term that it will make sense for me to retire," "I would expect, although it would be a matter for the party to determine, that Peter would take over. That's the honest position." Julia Gillard, deputy leader of the Labor Party, which is in opposition to Howard's coalition said that Mr Howard has no plans for the country's future. "I saw a man who didn't have plans for this nation's future, other than asking to be re-elected so that he can retire." "The Prime Minister's revealed his plans for retirement but he hasn't revealed his long-term agenda for this country's future, and how can you have a long-term agenda when you're not staying for the long term?" said Ms Gillard.
Sunday, April 22, 2012 The University Club 1 West 54th Street New York, NY Brunch begins promptly at noon. Nancy Keenan President, NARAL Pro-Choice America Ticket Prices $2,500 Multi-Generation Table (10 seats and 10 raffle tickets) $1,000 Sponsor Package (four brunch tickets and four raffle tickets) $500 Multi-Generational Package (one pre-Roe and one post-Roe brunch ticket and two raffle tickets) $250 Multi-Generational Tickets (one pre-Roe and one post-Roe brunch ticket) $200 Pre-Roe Ticket (one brunch ticket for guest born before 1973) $75 Post-Roe Ticket (one brunch ticket for guest born in 1973 or later) Purchase tickets online If you are unable to attend the event, you can still support NARAL Pro-Choice America with a donation. For more information, please contact Tracy Ricciardi at TRicciardi@ProChoiceAmerica.org or 202.973.3090. Please make your donation payable to NARAL Pro-Choice America, a 501(c)(4) organization, or NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to NARAL Pro-Choice America are not tax-deductible. No funds will be earmarked or reserved for any political purpose. The first $10 of your annual gift keeps your membership status active for an additional year. Contributions to NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation are tax-deductible, with the exception of the value of the benefits provided and meal per person that you indicate will be attending the event. Value will be specified in the receipt, which will be forthcoming. \|\|\|\|\| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2012 NARAL Pro-Choice America to Honor Sandra Fluke at Third Annual Multi-Generational Brunch The organization’s Future Direction Committee of young professionals will gather pro-choice supporters to mark the importance of personal stories Washington, D.C. – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, today announced that Georgetown Law student and reproductive-justice advocate Sandra Fluke will receive the organization’s Stand Up For Choice Award at a multi-generational event slated for April 22 in New York City. Fluke gained national attention after she was initially denied the opportunity to testify before a congressional committee in support of the Obama administration’s contraceptive-coverage policy. Fluke withstood vile attacks from conservative right-wing media and other opponents of birth control as she spoke out for improving women’s ability to get birth control without a copay. Her work even prompted a call of support from President Obama. “We are thrilled to honor Sandra Fluke with the Stand Up For Choice Award at this year’s multi-generational brunch,” said Amanda Hirsh, chair of the Future Direction Committee. “Attempts to silence voices like Sandra’s have failed. Young leaders across the country are looking to Sandra as an inspiration. We have cheered for her as she eloquently outlined her support for contraceptive coverage, and we can’t wait to commend her strength and perseverance in person. “ NARAL Pro-Choice America’s Future Direction Committee is made up of young professionals who represent the next generation of pro-choice leaders. It is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts, including ground-breaking public opinion research, to further engage members of the Millennial Generation in the pro-choice cause. Keenan said working with leaders like Fluke and listening to and learning from the experiences of these younger individuals is critical, given that the Millennial Generation will account for 40 percent of eligible voters by 2020. “Sandra is a remarkable leader and a true hero in the reproductive-rights community,” Keenan said. “This event brings together women and men from many generations, and the one thing that unites us all is the personal stories that are the reason for our joining this cause. Without a doubt, many people have witnessed Sandra’s strength over these last few weeks and have been inspired to join her in standing up for women’s freedom and privacy. Her story is one of courage and conviction, and it’s a reminder of why we must continue to connect the personal to the politicial, as who sits in the seats of power makes a difference in our lives.” Contact: Ted Miller, 202.973.3032	Women's rights advocate and law student Sandra Fluke was recognized Sunday, April 22 with the ''Stand Up for Choice Award''. Fluke was given the ''Stand Up for Choice Award'' at the "Third Annual Multi-Generational Brunch" of the organization which was held in New York City (NYC), New York in the United States. Sandra Fluke reading her prepared testimony The organization's president, , attended the event and had previously spoken in favor of Fluke in a press release announcing the award. "Sandra is a remarkable leader and a true hero in the reproductive-rights community. This event brings together women and men from many generations, and the one thing that unites us all is the personal stories that are the reason for our joining this cause. Without a doubt, many people have witnessed Sandra's strength over these last few weeks and have been inspired to join her in standing up for women's freedom and privacy." Chair of the NARAL Pro-Choice America’s Future Direction Committee Amanda Hirsh released a statement in support of Fluke saying, "we are thrilled to honor Sandra Fluke with the ''Stand Up For Choice Award'' at this year's multi-generational brunch. Attempts to silence voices like Sandra's have failed. Young leaders across the country are looking to Sandra as an inspiration." Fluke responded to a post on from NARAL congratulating her on receiving the award, stating, "I was honored to receive it! Thank you! I'm very humbled by the inspiring stories women told of their own lives." Fluke received a nomination in March as a candidate for '''' magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. The list is released annually as a special edition of ''Time'' magazine, titled ''''. She gave testimony to the US Congress on February 23 before the on a hearing about and . She also worked for Sanctuary for Families in NYC which worked to crackdown on human trafficking and domestic violence.
AP - 54 mins ago PARIS (AP) — France said Tuesday it has confirmed that the nerve gas sarin was used "multiple times and in a localized way" in Syria, including at least once by the … More » \|\|\|\|\| Kim May is a civil engineer specializing in septic tanks and drainage systems. His Port Orchard home doubles as his office. He's the secretary, coffee maker and CEO. In 2003, when the National Guard called May to go to Iraq for a year, his one-man company went into hibernation. And the 48-year-old sergeant and father of two wasn't sure it would ever revive. "He told me, 'I've been at this eight years, and now I've got to give it all up,' " said Kurt MacKenzie, who owns a rival septic and drainage company. "That's pretty tough." But four months after his return from overseas, May's company, Alternative Designs, is once again a full-time endeavor. May's tentative success is due, in part, to a buoyant state economy and a community of Kitsap County contractors who wanted to see May get back on his feet. A family at his church even waited eight months to fix a septic system so it could be his first customer when he returned. 81st Brigade Combat Team Formed in 1968 and includes armored, infantry and cavalry battalions. About 4,500 members — 3,400 from Washington state — with ages ranging into the 50s. Deployed in a massive send-off at the Tacoma Dome in February 2004. Returned this spring. Members served in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Members killed: Nine: three from Washington, five from California and one from Michigan. Wounded in action: 212. Missions completed: 9,075 combat patrols, 77 combat raids, 197 cordon and searches, 162 combat engagements. While last year's Iraq deployment of the Washington Army National Guard 81st Brigade Combat Team scrambled the lives of all its citizen soldiers, perhaps no one was more anxious about the long mobilization than the self-employed. Federal law guarantees workers who leave for Guard duty their same pay and status when they return. There's no such safety net for people who own their own business. When he came home, May didn't know if anyone would remember his business. And he was surprised by what he discovered. "It's humbling to know people will wait for you," he said. Putting life on hold A Navy veteran, May joined the Army National Guard in 1986. After earning an engineering degree from the University of Washington, he started his own business in 1997. He designs roads, sewage systems and storm drains. The business brings in about $50,000 annually. His wife works for the state Department of Health in its bioterrorism group, so health insurance for May isn't the burden it is for many other small-business owners. May said he remained in the National Guard because he enjoyed the work and if he stayed in 20 years, he would be eligible for retirement pay, about $1,200 a month. "Being self-employed, it's all 401(k)s and IRAs and that kind of stuff," he said. "So every little bit helps." On Oct. 23, 2003, the Army placed May's unit on alert that it would soon be deployed to Iraq. The 4,500-member 81st includes units from across the state. Its deployment marked the largest mobilization of the state's National Guard troops since World War II. Before he reported for duty, May left a message on his answering machine, telling callers he would be back in about 18 months. It was not auspicious timing. May's daughter was heading off for her first year at Pacific Lutheran University, and the family scrambled for scholarships, loans and grants. Still, the Mays dipped into savings. In Iraq, May was stationed at Camp Victory, on the grounds of Baghdad International Airport. His unit was responsible for perimeter security for the sprawling base. During active duty, his monthly pay was about $6,000. When May finally came home March 5, he didn't know how the business climate had changed, or how long it would take him to put his life together again. Competitors help out As it turned out, May and the rest of the 81st discovered the state's economy had dramatically improved since they activated. In October 2003, the unemployment rate stood at 7.3 percent. Last March, when most returned home, it was 5.2 percent. During the time May spent at Camp Victory, the state added about 98,000 new jobs, according to the state Department of Employment Security. That was good news for the contracting business. But May also discovered many unforeseen complications to restarting Alternative Designs. Civil engineers must have liability insurance, which May let lapse when he was gone. The cost was $1,600 annually before he deployed but rose to $2,400 when he got back. Without an advertising budget, it was up to May personally to let potential customers know he had returned. "The first order of business was going around, letting people know I was back, shooting out some e-mails, testing the water to see what was going on," May said. To get the money rolling again, he took a part-time job at the Kitsap County permitting desk. But it wasn't long before his phone started ringing. Caseco Associates, a commercial excavator that worked with May before he deployed, saved some design work on a potential gravel pit. "We could have done it while he was gone, but Kim is our local engineer," said Brad Paige, owner of Caseco. "We knew he'd be back. There were a lot of people who were waiting to see him." MacKenzie, owner of Apex, was one of them. Also a designer of septic systems, MacKenzie said he and May are occasional competitors, although they mostly collaborate, sharing the work the other can't do. "I did everything I could to help him to get back on his feet," said MacKenzie, who showed May changes in regulations and passed on job prospects. MacKenzie said his motivation was equal parts friendship, patriotism and professional courtesy. "Frankly, I thought it was an obligation to help him out. He's over there fighting for our behalf," MacKenzie said. "There's enough adversity in construction development. People appreciate a break in the adversarial stance." If federal statistics are any indication, self-employed guardsmen across the state are doing fine. Since 2001, only five people from Washington have applied for a Small Business Administration program that offers low-interest loans to citizen soldiers or entrepreneurs whose key employees deployed. Three applications were accepted and about $157,700 loaned. Back at work June 2 was May's first day working for his company full time after leaving his county job. He estimates that it may take a year to get back to where his business was before the mobilization. And that's only if the economy doesn't sputter. "It will take time to see the full impact of this deployment," May said. Meanwhile, he contemplates how different his experience coming home from Iraq has been compared to soldiers arriving from some past conflicts. The country may be divided about the Iraq war, he said, but it is seemingly united in welcoming home the warriors. "You can't help but think about Vietnam," he said. "Whether you agree with the [Iraq] war or not, it's not [GI] Joe's fault. And I think we've gotten through that." Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com	A U.S. Army report finds stress is weighing heavily on Iraq War-era troops with 54 percent of soldiers rating their units' morale as low or very low. This is better than the comparable figure in a year-earlier Army survey. Reportedly, most bothersome to the soldiers was the length of their required stay in Iraq, which was at least 1 year. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said that the Army's 12-month requirement is linked to reorganization. "I've tried to get the Army to look at the length of tours and I think at some point down the road they will," Rumsfeld said.
All indications are the Democrats' final relief bill will include $1,400 stimulus checks. But the question of who will actually receive them remains far from settled. 'Congress should go ahead and send 'em' » \|\|\|\|\| WASHINGTON - Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, a fixture at Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's side during the Sept. 11 attacks, has been tapped to run the Department of Homeland Security, a senior administration official said Thursday. If confirmed by the Senate, Kerik will replace Tom Ridge, who announced Tuesday that he's stepping down as the nation's anti-terror chief. President Bush is expected to officially nominate Kerik on Friday. Bush continued to move quickly Thursday to fill his new Cabinet, selecting two-term Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns to head the Department of Agriculture. Johanns, who will replace Ann Veneman, is the son of a dairy farmer and has championed ethanol and other alternative energy sources. Johanns and Kerik brought to seven the number of new Cabinet nominees Bush has chosen for his second presidential term, and more are expected. Previously, Bush announced new choices for the departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, Justice and State. In another development, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth submitted his resignation after less than six months on the job. There was no immediate word on a replacement. A spokesman for Danforth said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Sally, and retire to his native St. Louis. Danforth, who made Sudan's humanitarian crisis a priority and had been mentioned as a possible secretary of state, never developed a solid relationship with Bush, another senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Kerik, a onetime beat cop and narcotics detective with a black belt, has risen rapidly through the ranks. He hit the political trail this fall stumping for Bush and delivering a primetime speech at the Republican Convention, leading some to speculate that the Giuliani protege might have his eye on elected office himself. Most recently, Kerik, 49, traded in New York for Iraq, leading the effort to build up the Iraqi police force. "Baghdad Bernie," as he was dubbed in some of New York tabloids, won praise from Bush. "Because of his leadership, his knowledge and his experience, he was able to stand up a police force in Baghdad in a very quick period of time," Bush said in an appearance with Kerik on the South Lawn in early October 2003. But some officials grumble privately that Kerik left before the job was finished and seemed more interested in the TV lights than the hard work of training and recruiting an Iraqi police force. Kerik will inherit a sprawling two-year-old department of 180,000 federal employees that has had its share of growing pains from incompatible computers, hiring freezes, low morale, turf battles with the Department of Justice and a color-coded terror alert level that's become fodder for late-night comedians. A childhood troublemaker who dropped out of school, Kerik found his path after serving in the U.S. Army. He got his first taste of antiterrorism work as a private security worker in Saudi Arabia. He joined the New York Police Department in 1986 and soon took over the city's department of corrections. He was named police commissioner in 2000 with the department still reeling from racially charged scandals involving Abner Louima, the Haitian immigrant assaulted in a station house with a broomstick, and Amadou Diallo, the West African immigrant who was shot 41 times by police who mistakenly believed he was reaching for a gun. But it was Kerik's steady leadership through the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and their aftermath that earned him a national reputation. Kerik penned a best-selling autobiography, "The Lost Son," about his blue-collar roots, his work in law enforcement and his mother, who had abandoned him as a young boy. Kerik is a senior vice president at Giuliani Partners, the New York-based consulting firm that the former mayor set up with a number of top aides after leaving office. He's been a staunch supporter of Bush and the war in Iraq. "It's better to fight terrorists in Iraq than in New York or Washington," he said recently. --- (Knight Ridder Newspapers correspondents Warren P. Strobel and Ron Hutcheson contributed to this report.)	U.S. President George W. Bush nominated Bernard B. Kerik, the police commissioner of the during the , to succeed Tom Ridge as the . Kerik resigned as police commissioner two months following the terrorist attacks, citing the desire to spend more time with his family, but has since kept a very high profile. Following the invasion of Iraq, he chose to lead the training of Iraqi law enforcement. He campaigned for President George W. Bush in the and delivered a prime time speech at the . Among other security qualifications, he has served in the , as narcotics detective in the NYPD and as private security worker in . Kerik faces the daunting task of running the DHS, an agency assembled from 22 other agencies with over 180,000 employees.
By Andrew Benson BBC Sport at Silverstone Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel scored a crushing victory in the British Grand Prix as championship leader Jenson Button's Brawn struggled to sixth. Vettel took advantage of his team-mate Mark Webber being caught behind Brawn's Rubens Barrichello to build a decisive lead in the first stint of the race. Webber passed Barrichello at the first pit stops to complete a Red Bull one-two ahead of the Brawn driver in third. Last year's winner Lewis Hamilton was 16th in a car he said had "no grip". Felipe Massa's Ferrari was fourth after winning a battle with the Williams of Nico Rosberg. Behind Button, Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen took the final points positions in seventh and eighth. We can really mount a championship challenge from here Red Bull's Christian Horner The result leaves Button with a reduced but still substantial championship lead of 23 points over Barrichello, with Vettel two further points adrift and 3.5 ahead of Webber. Button's advantage is still more than two clear victories but, with more than half the season still to go, he will be concerned by the startling pace shown by Red Bull, who introduced a major upgrade to their car and were in a league of their own throughout the weekend at Silverstone. "It was a completely seamless race by both drivers and they completely dominated it," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. "We can really mount a championship challenge from here." Brawn's potential was reduced by the low temperatures in Northamptonshire - both Button and Barrichello struggled to get their tyres up to the temperature at which they give their optimum grip. That put the season's dominant team back into the battle with Williams, Toyota and Ferrari behind the leaders - a position from which they did well to finish third and sixth. Red Bull, by contrast, had looked strong favourites as soon as their updated RB5 car showed its pace in practice in Friday. Vettel was on pole by more than half a second and he made the most of the fact that Webber, after a frustrating qualifying session, was stuck behind Barrichello on the grid and could not pass him in the opening laps. The German rising star, 21, pulled away by about a second a lap over the first stint, and was nearly 20 seconds in front of Barrichello by the time the Brazilian became the first of the top three to stop on lap 19. "It's never easy it's a long race - you have to stay focused and keep your eyes open all the time," said Vettel. "The start was very important and in the first stint I tried to push as hard as I could and make a gap. "That worked perfectly and I had a fantastic car. The tyres were fantastic as well. This was a step in the right direction." Webber, who spent the first stint less than a second behind the Brawn, came in on the next lap, and made up enough time to exit the pits just ahead of Barrichello. 606: DEBATE An absolute supreme performance from the young German. His first win in the dry and on is way to victory he's blitzed his team mate and bulldozed the rest of the grid... King_Alonso786 From that moment, a Red Bull one-two was locked on barring any unforeseen misfortune. Barrichello found himself holding off the Williams of Nico Rosberg and Felipe Massa's Ferrari - a battle he won by staying out for a couple of extra laps before his final stop and rejoining with a comfortable advantage. Massa jumped Rosberg at their final stops and in the closing laps they found themselves coming under increasing pressure from Button. Brawn had decided to save a set of the quicker softer tyres until the final stint, when both Massa and Rosberg were on the harder and slower of the two tyre compounds teams are obliged to use in the race. That meant Button was much faster than the Ferrari and Williams in the final few laps. The home crowd cheered him on, but although the Englishman closed in on them he was unable to pass. "I didn't know what was going happen today," he told BBC Sport. "I had good pace when I was on the soft tyres. The pace in the last stint compared to Rosberg and Massa was magnificent. [But] I had nowhere to go at the start. Everybody shot by on the outside. It is down to [our] tyre temperatures today." World champion Hamilton - now 11th in the 2009 drivers' championship - started the race in 19th and, after a brief but engaging battle with Renault's two-time former world champion Fernando Alonso, finished 16th. "I was pushing all the way and I the most important thing for me today was to give something to the fans," he said. "All I could do was try my best. "This has been the best race in terms of the crowd for a long time in F1. I enjoyed it because of the fans and they gave me so much energy today, regardless of how bad we are doing." Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| At last, 2009 is turning into a two-horse race. Thank the lord, Jenson Button did not win the British grand prix. OK, my back is braced for a volley of knives. But, for any partisan Brits who are reading this, I prefer not to see one driver dominate the championship. Just because he hails from these shores and began the year as more of a ten-foot-underdog than a mere unfancied runner, it doesn't mean we should all jump out of our socks when he takes the chequered flag every other weekend. Myself, I'm a Heinz supporter - I prefer a bit of variety. Given Brawn GP's form this year - or, rather, their rivals' lack of pace - I've nervously been expecting a repeat of 1988, when the McLaren pairing of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 out of the 16 grands prix. We know now we're not going to see such domination. The Red Bull cars had the edge on the Brawns at Silverstone this weekend; Sebastian Vettel could ease off to save his tyres without breaking into a sweat that his victory was in doubt. Mark Webber, ever the bridesmaid, took a straightforward second. Meanwhile, Rubens Barrichello had to get his toe down to stymie Felipe Massa's attack on third place. Ross Brawn and co will decamp to Brackley with a sense of urgency: their rivals from Milton Keynes have found something, and they need to discover what it is and respond. Is it all down to the cold British weather? And if it is, then what next? The next stop is the Nurburgring; hardly the hottest race on the calendar. There are nine grands prix yet and Vettel is 25 points adrift of Button. The man from Frome by no means has the 2009 champion's trophy - perhaps the last ever, if the Fota breakaway materialises - in his race suit's pocket. And that's exactly how it should be.	previously won Grand Prix Red Bull Racing driver, Sebastian Vettel won the FIA Formula One 2009 Santander British Grand Prix from pole at the Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, England. His teammate, Mark Webber, came second. As the current leader of this season Jenson Button started sixth on the grid of his home Grand Prix, his Brawn-Mercedes teammate Rubens Barrichello took third joining Red Bull's drivers on the podium. Felipe Massa came fourth for Ferrari) despite starting eleventh. Jenson Button came very close to Massa and and Nico Rosberg from Williams but was unable to pass them and came only sixth gaining three points for the Brawn team. Jarno Trulli (Toyota) and Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) closed the top eight. Trulli's teammate, Timo Glock came ninth with Giancarlo Fisichella on his back - a good result for the Force India team. Jenson Button still leads the drivers' standings with 64 points so far, 23 points ahead of his teammate and 25 ahead of Vettel. The constructor's championship is topped by Brawn GP with more than a hundred points, Red Bull follows 30.5 points behind. This year the British Grand Prix was expected to be the last held at Silverstone as Donington Park continues reconstruction to meet Formula One next year.
The attacks were carried out on Saturday in the Orazkai and Khyber regions near the border with Afghanistan, they said. The Pakistani military has killed nearly 100 people in air raids in tribal areas in the country's northwest, officials say. In Orakzai, 54 people said to be "militants" by the Pakistani army were killed during clashes over a checkpoint near the town of Baizoti, Samiullah Khan, a local official, told the Associated Press news agency on Saturday. His comments came after it emerged that another raid had killed more than 40 people in the Tirah area of the Khyber region. "At least 42 militants of Lashkar-e-Islam were killed and two militant hideouts were also destroyed," Shafeerullah Wazir, the Khyber administration chief, said. "The death toll may rise as dozens of others were also injured in the airstrike." Death toll confirmed A military official confirmed that the incident had taken place and the death toll was correct. "The air strike was launched on a tip-off that a meeting of the Lashkar-e-Islam group was going on in Tirah," the official told the Agence France Presse news service. The area where the attack took place adjoins the northwestern city of Peshawar, scene of a series of bomb attacks blamed on the Taliban in recent months and increasingly viewed as a seat of instability in Pakistan. "There was an attack by a fixed-wing aircraft," Kamal Hyder, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Pakistan, said quoting witnesses. "A jirga [tribal meeting] was hit. After that nearby residents came to pull people out of the rubble. Then a second and, maybe, even a third wave of attacks hit them." The violence came as a Pakistani military offensive against Taliban-allied fighters in Orakzai entered its 18th day. The UN announced on Friday that the deteriorating security situation in Orakzai and Kurram has forced 200,000 civilians to flee since November last year. \|\|\|\|\| Officials say Pakistani strikes kill 96 militants PARACHINAR, Pakistan — Pakistani airstrikes killed nearly 100 suspected militants in two northwest tribal regions Saturday, an apparent intensification of efforts by the army to mop up Taliban fighters fleeing a military operation farther south. The strikes were carried out in the Orakzai and Khyber tribal regions. In Orakzai, some 54 alleged militants were killed during ongoing clashes over a checkpoint in the Baizoti town area, local official Samiullah Khan told The Associated Press. Another 42 people, most of them suspected insurgents, died in the Khyber tribal region when military jets pounded a hide-out the in Sra Walla area. The location was believed to be a gathering point for the Lashker-e-Islam insurgent group. Two intelligence officials said jets pounded the area twice — once when local tribesmen were retrieving bodies from the rubble. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media on the record. Local government official Rehan Khattak confirmed the strikes but refused to give a death toll. The information could not be independently verified because access to the tribal areas is largely restricted. The U.S. has endorsed Pakistan's efforts to eliminate militants using its tribal areas to wage attacks against Islamabad as well as Western troops across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan began an operation in Orakzai in mid-March and so far about 350 militants have been killed there. Nearby Kurram tribal area has also witnessed fighting, while there have long been on and off operations against militants in Khyber. All three regions are believed to have become key destinations for Pakistani Taliban militants fleeing an army offensive against their network in the South Waziristan tribal area. Associated Press writers Ishtiaq Mahsud in Dera Ismail Khan and Riaz Khan in Peshawar contributed to this report. Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.	According to officials, almost a hundred people suspected to be insurgents were killed in northwestern Pakistan early on Saturday by air strikes conducted by the military. The strikes were made in tribal areas in the Orazkai and Khyber regions, located close to the Afghan border. The reports say that in Orakzai, 54 people alleged to have been rebels were killed during an ongoing conflict at a checkpoint near the town of Baizoti. A further 42, suspected of being insurgents, were killed after military aircraft bombed a location believed to be a gathering place for members of the Lashkar-e-Islam rebel group, according to a local official speaking to the Associated Press. "At least 42 militants of Lashkar-e-Islam were killed and two militant hideouts were also destroyed. The death toll may rise as dozens of others were also injured in the airstrike," commented Khyber administration chief Shafeerullah Wazir. An unnamed official for the military also confirmed the air raids occurred, saying to the Agence France-Presse news agency that "the air strike was launched on a tip-off that a meeting of the Lashkar-e-Islam group was going on in Tirah."
An inside source says that the grassroots effort to replace Bob Barr as the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee, in response to “Snubgate,” has been rejected by the LNC, with not a single person on the 17-member body willing to make the motion. Instead, LNC at-large rep Mary Ruwart supports a resolution to “apologize” to Ron Paul. The “pro-Barr faction,” led by Treasurer Aaron Starr, favors a resolution “chastising” Ron Paul — presumably for not endorsing Bob Barr and “splitting the Freedom Movement.” Neither resolution is said to have enough votes to pass. \|\|\|\|\| Bob Barr Snubs Ron Paul And Other Third Party Candidates The GOP and the Democratic Parties may have a monopoly on mainstream press coverage, but they certainly don’t have one on drama in presidential campaigns. While talk of lipstick and pigs has dominated the airwaves the past couple days, the impudence from the rest of the campaign has gone unnoticed. Yesterday, Ron Paul held a press conference at the National Press Club to discuss third party issues. See our post on this event here. Joining Paul at this event were third party candidates Cynthia McKinney (Green Party), Ralph Nader (Independent) and Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party); Bob Barr was supposed to attend, but he was a no-show. And so the drama begins… Asked about Barr’s apparent no-show, Libertarian Party Media Director issued the following statement: The real question is why Bob, who is a major player in this election, want to be on stage with people like McKinney, who stands against everything the LP does, and Baldwin, who is barely on enough ballots to have a statistical chance of winning. Barr is not a minor party candidate. Barr is a major player this year. He is holding his own press conference right now. According to the AP, Barr’s stated reason for not attending the event was that Paul did not endorse a specific candidate. So, clearly there is a bit of a tension there between the Libertarian Party’s communications and Barr’s. Don Rasmussen, Campaign For Liberty Events Coordinator, tells of being told to “go fck himself” by the Barr campaign when he questioned Barr’s no-show [h/t IPR]: I asked Barr Communications Director Shane Corey after the event why they pulled this stunt and was told to go f** myself. Barr Campaign Manager Russ Verney may have fanned the flames by criticizing Paul’s efforts in his explanation for backing out of the event, saying: It became evident to me after meeting with Ron Paul’s staff that this media event was not about promoting the liberty agenda; it was about promoting a man. That’s not what we’re in this for. After rumors were spread in advance of the news conference that Bob Barr was dropping from the race - just to hype the event - I became even more hesitant to attend. Those tactics were unacceptable and when asked about it, Ron Paul’s staff simply smiled and said it would attract the press. When I was provided a copy of Ron Paul’s prepared remarks just hours before the start of the planned news conference it became clear to me that the message Ron Paul intended to deliver was essentially to scatter the votes for the liberty agenda to the four winds. His remarks not only encouraged anyone listening to support any one of four candidates, he also applauded ‘non-voters’. To me encouraging people not to vote is not principled leadership for the Liberty agenda. I made the decision that attending that news conference was not consistent with Bob Barr’s principled leadership for the Liberty agenda. Once I informed Ron Paul’s staff of my decision I was rudely informed that my decision would have permanent ramifications, I was personally threatened and Bob Barr was politically threatened. That’s a far cry from principled leadership. Obviously, the story is somewhat messy and in part based on sources that cannot fully be corroborated. From a political perspective, I’m not sure I quite understand the Barr Campaign’s rationale for not attending the event. It seems that attracting Paul supporters would benefit them and this would have been one way to do so. I’m also not convinced that the event was all about Ron Paul, given that the candidates spent quite a bit of time speaking as well. With respect to their argument that Barr is a major candidate and thus shouldn’t have attended…Let’s assume for a moment Barr was a major candidate, I’m not sure that alone would be sufficient reasoning to justify not showing up for an event that his campaign already committed to attending, nor, do I think it support hosting a rival press conference. Strange. And for the record, Barr is currently on 48 ballots, Nader is currently on 45, so they aren’t that far off; nor has Barr raised nearly the kind of money or demonstrated that he has the kind of support that Paul had/has. If you’re interested in following this story further, you can do so here.	Former Congressman The (LNC) was reported to be in a deadlock Sunday night over how to address the growing controversies surrounding their party's U.S. presidential nominee, former . Many libertarians have spoken out against Barr since his last minute refusal to attend former presidential hopeful 's third party unity conference at the in on Wednesday. The effort to replace Barr as the nominee has been rejected. Not a single person on the 17-member LNC was willing to make the motion. However, at-large representative — who lost the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination to Barr at the in May by only a few votes — is supporting a resolution to apologize to Paul. This is being countered by Treasurer Aaron Starr, who favors a resolution to chastise Paul for not endorsing Bob Barr and “splitting the Freedom Movement.” Currently, neither resolution has enough votes to pass.
The educational system must be revamped to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to succeed, Gov.-elect Chris Christie told a Martin Luther King Day interfaith breakfast in Morristown today. Throwing money at the problem is not the answer, asserted the governor-elect, who takes office on Tuesday. During a 20-minute speech, he contrasted the parochial school education that his children receive in Morristown and Morris Township with dismal graduation statistics from urban public school districts in New Jersey. He said "special interests" exert too much control over public schools. If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, education reform probably would top his agenda, Chris Christie said. The incoming governor also reflected that his late mother probably would gently remind him: Don't mess things up! Today's event marked the 25th anniversary of Morristown's Interfaith Breakfast, and the 40th anniversary of the town's Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Committee. A who's-who of area clergy and public officials, the breakfast at the Hyatt Morristown included a collection for earthquake relief in Haiti. Carol Hawthorne, executive of Dayspring Ministries in Chester, said her organization is trying to get a doctor to its orphanage in Bon Repos, about 10 miles north of Port au Prince. Some people were injured at the Dayspring compound, "but most arte okay," Carol said. The Calvary Baptist Church in Morristown also is making special collections, and at some point hopes to send members to the Haitian town of Cabaret, where the church built a well, said Sharon Dunlap, a Calvary member who has done missionary work in Haiti. Last year, she said, a flood washed a small church off a hillside in Cabaret. Sharon sponsors a Haitian named Bendy; she has not been able to contact the teenaged orphan since last week's devastating quake rocked the Caribbean nation. "My heart is in Haiti," she said. \|\|\|\|\| Originally published Monday, January 18, 2010 at 5:08 PM Comments (22) E-mail article Print view Share In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a crowd estimated to be 600 to 1,000 strong rallied at Seattle's Garfield High School on Monday morning before marching to the Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle. It has been billed as one of the nation's longest-running marches in honor of the slain civil-rights leader — 28 consecutive years and counting. It's also the region's largest dedication to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., according to those behind it. But one by one, organizers of Monday's event in Seattle reiterated that the numbers and records aren't as important as the message — that giving back and contributing to society are the real bragging rights here. "The best way to pay tribute is to get involved in the community," said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, chair of the MLK Celebration Committee. "You have to get involved in your school, community, church, workplace. There is no greater way to pay tribute." A crowd estimated to be 600 to 1,000 strong rallied at Garfield High School on Monday morning before marching at noon to the Jackson Federal Building on Second Avenue in downtown Seattle. But before all the pageantry, in a quieter setting, organizers held 20 community workshops with titles such as "Recruiting Mentors to Save a Generation," "HIV in the Black Community: Prevention & Education" and "Community Building." "We wanted to give them [participants] an outlet to get information and to be inspired" to give back, said Lem Charleston, Program Committee Chair of Seattle's MLK Celebration. The workshops echoed this year's theme: "Justice Now! Healthcare, Housing, Jobs and Education!" Later, at the rally inside the school gym, the crowd overflowed into the hallway, with many spectators watching from a monitor in another room. Many participants were local labor-union members, anti-war protesters, African Americans and other minorities. "Look," Charleston said, "there are so many teens out there. They outnumber the rest of us, which is beautiful. That's what you want to see." Lester Taylor, 55, a Garfield High graduate, class of 1972, has participated in most of these marches, taking his three children, his girlfriend's children and the neighbors' children, too. "And I make them march the whole route, too," he said. They need to know what the civil-rights movement was about, what King was about, he said. Nearby stood Lafect Campbell, 52, an immigrant from Panama who has participated in most of the King Day marches over the past decade. He moved to the United States 17 years ago, too late to witness the racial conflict and tensions of the civil-rights era in his new homeland. But a lot of ethnic groups can relate to racism and feeling different, and the "ideas that King represents — truth and justice — are universal," he said. Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com \|\|\|\|\| President Obama sought to transmit Martin Luther King Jr.'s message across generations today, speaking with a group of senior citizens and their grandchildren at the White House. The older people discussed their actions during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, including encounters with King himself, Obama said. It was a good way to remind the other guests that young people played a major role in "one of the great moments in United States history." The younger people asked many questions as they realized how King's work is "living history," Obama said after the meeting in the Roosevelt Room, steps from the Oval Office. The group heard from author Taylor Branch, whose three-volume history of the King years is the standard work. Obama made special note of two guests. "Mr. Joseph Harvey is 105, and Ms. Mabel Harvey here is the spry young one at 102," Obama said. "And Ms. Harvey just now was whispering in my ear, as you guys were walking in, that this must be the Lord's doing, because we've come a mighty long way." Obama's full remarks after the jump. THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. We have just had a wonderful conversation. I want to just tell you a little bit about why we did this. I think sometimes in celebration of Dr. King's birthday we act as if this history was so long ago. And the reason we brought together some elders and some young people very briefly was not just to visit the Oval Office and see the Emancipation Proclamation, which is going to be on loan to us, but it's also just to remind us that there were some extraordinarily courageous young people like Dr. Dorothy Height, like Mrs. Eleanor Banks and Romaine Thomas and her husband, and others who were actively involved in bringing about one of the great moments in United States history. And so what we've done is we've heard some stories, shared -- Dr. Height has shared with us what it was like meeting Martin Luther King when he was a 15-year-old at Morehouse, visiting there. We heard from Ms. Glanton, Willie Glanton, who is a great activist in Iowa, about the work that she's done there on behalf of the civil rights movement, reminding us that it wasn't just isolated in some areas. I am especially proud to have the Harveys here -- Mr. Joseph Harvey and Ms. Mabel Harvey. Mr. Joseph Harvey is 105, and Ms. Mabel Harvey here is the spry young one at 102.(Laughter.) And Ms. Harvey just now was whispering in my ear, as you guys were walking in, that this must be the Lord's doing, because we've come a mighty long way. (Laughter.) That's what she said. And so that's wonderful to hear. We've heard from some young people who were sharing in these stories and understanding that this is a living history. And I was very pleased to hear from Taylor Branch, author of one of the definitive biographies of the civil rights movement and Dr. King. He shared, I thought, a really interesting idea, which is that not only is Dr. King's birthday a time to celebrate service, to reflect and study on how we had helped to perfect our union, but that it should be a day in which each of us individually also try to stretch out of our comfort zones and try to do something for others and to reach out and learn about things that maybe we've shied away from -- because part of what the civil rights movement was all about was changing people's hearts and minds and breaking out of old customs and old habits. That's, I think, an important lesson for all of us on this day -- are the things that we can try to do that might have seemed impossible but we know are worth doing, and can we apply those principles that we know to be true in our own lives and our society. So I'm just so grateful that we had this opportunity to share with everybody. And I want to wish everybody around the country a day in which they reflect on the extraordinary contributions that ordinary people can make each and every day to make America the most hopeful country in the world. Thank you very much, everybody. \|\|\|\|\| Click here for more tweets from NBC's D.C. bureau. Jan. 19: With President Obama set to give the State of the Union next week, political analyst, Darrell West, of the Brookings Institute, gives his opinion on the ups and downs of the president's first year in office and previews the challenges and opportunities he faces in 2010. WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama served plates of steaming hot lunches to the needy on Monday, one of several ways the nation's first black president paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday that honors the slain civil rights leader. Obama also scheduled a White House talk with black elders and their grandchildren about the movement for racial equality that King led until he was assassinated in 1968. The president also was to speak later Monday during a musical celebration of King's legacy at the Kennedy Center. His outing was part of an array of holiday tributes. Worshippers at King's Ebenezer Baptist Church heard Princeton University scholar Cornel West deliver a passionate keynote address in Atlanta, urging them not to "sanitize" King's legacy. In Washington, Obama spent the day with King observances. "How are you sir? God bless you," the president said, greeting one man among the dozens of men and women who filed into the dining room at SOME, or So Others Might Eat. The organization, just a short ride from the White House, provides the poor and homeless with food and other services. Obama handed them pre-assembled lunch plates of chicken, potato salad, mixed vegetables and bread. He brought the whole family: first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, mother-in-law Marian Robinson and some aides. Mrs. Obama poured hot coffee while 8-year-old Sasha tagged along and handed out packets of sweetener. Mrs. Robinson walked around serving danishes from a baking sheet. Malia, 11, walked among the rows of diners, chatting with them and shaking hands. One woman asked Mrs. Obama if she had brought the family dog, Bo. (She did not.) It was the president's second straight day of reflection on the legacy of King, whom Obama credits with paving the way for his 2008 election. On Sunday, at a Baptist church founded by freed slaves, Obama spoke of his reliance on faith, recalled King's work and urged hundreds of worshippers to take heart in hard times and celebrate progress — however small. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. \|\|\|\|\| WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will spend much of Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrating the civil rights leader's life and legacy. Following a Monday morning meeting with senior advisers, the president and first lady Michelle Obama will participate in a public-service event. Later at the White House, Obama will host a conversation with a small group of African American seniors and their grandchildren on the legacy of the civil rights movement. In the evening, the president and Mrs. Obama plan to attend the "Let Freedom Ring" concert at the Kennedy Center. The concert features nationally renowned artists and choir members from Washington area churches.	Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leaning on a lectern. (Circa 1964) On Sunday, at a Bapist church originally founded by freed slaves, US President Barack Obama addressed the congregation about the "Dream" of slain civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—whom Obama credits with paving the way for his 2008 election—and about the importance of hope and faith in his own life. On Monday, Obama, with his family in tow, served hot lunches at a local Washington soup kitchen—one of several ways America's first black president planned to pay tribute to the late Dr. King on the federal holiday that honors his legacy and lasting impact upon society. Later at the White House, Obama will host a gathering consisting of small selected group of African-American seniors and their grandchildren where they will discuss the meaning of the civil rights movement and how it still effects them to this day. Following which, that evening, the Obamas are slated to attend the "Let Freedom Ring" concert at the Kennedy Center. A musical event that will feature gospel artists and choir members from various area churches among other houses of worship. Another prominent American politician, governor-elect of New Jersey, Chris Christie held a banquet on Monday evening to honor the importance of Dr. King's message as well. Other commemorations included a march in Seattle where participants rallied for issues in the African-American community.
4. Dianetics, the Original Thesis by L. Ron Hubbard (Author) Average Customer Review: Publication Date: July 14, 2007 Usually ships in 4 to 6 weeks List Price: $25.00 Price: $16.50 You Save: $8.50 (34%) 2 used & new from $14.98 5. The Problems of Work by L. Ron Hubbard (Author) Average Customer Review: Publication Date: July 14, 2007 Usually ships in 4 to 6 weeks List Price: $25.00 Price: $16.50 You Save: $8.50 (34%) 2 used & new from $16.50 \|\|\|\|\| If every last allegation that Church of Scientology (CoS) defector Nancy Many charges in My Billion Year Contract is true, then her book should inspire several FBI raids and a Lifetime mini-series to rival any Charles Manson documentary. But even if just some of her trials really happened — we'll leave that debate to Many and her ex-cronies — her new memoir might still be the most shocking nonfiction work featured at this week's American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Boston. The title of Many's tell-all refers to a pledge that the Greater Boston native signed in 1972, when she was an impressionable Salem State sophomore. As a perfect personal and spiritual storm flooded her life, she found in Scientology a refuge offering sympathetic friends with sensible advice. Better yet, since ringleader L. Ron Hubbard was recruiting servants in New England at that time, Many earned an opportunity to join his inner-circle Sea Organization (thus making her a high-ranking church official) at the onset of her involvement. It felt natural; she left college and eventually moved to CoS headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. Having agreed to "fully and without reservation subscribe to the discipline" dictated by superiors, Many says she performed duties ranging from the mundane to the malicious. As a registrar, she lured in new recruits — including celebrities who she does not name — and sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of courses, books, and services. Later, as a spy for Hubbard's secret-intelligence unit, she claims to have infiltrated the mental-health-care community (a perceived enemy of Scientology's) in Boston. (Many claims that one of her associates — another mole involved in the now-infamous Operation Snow White reconnaissance missions, for which several CoS honchos were jailed — found janitorial employment with Boston Globe attorneys in order to steal files regarding that newspaper's developing exposé on Scientology.) My Billion Year Contract is a horror story. At one juncture, seemingly overnight, Many is extracted from her leadership role, separated from family members, and forced to perform hard labor and live in a parking garage. She was five-months pregnant at the time; the experience steered her toward a complete mental meltdown, and onto a trajectory that ultimately led to her deserting the church in 1996 and testifying against former associates. Many will be joined by foes and allies at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center this week. The anti-Scientology group Anonymous is expected to demonstrate outside the ALA conference, while representatives from the CoS-related Galaxy Press and Bridge Publications will also be onsite (though the latter will not be exhibiting). It took a journey to Clearwater and back for her to realize it, but Many says her years as a Dianetics pitch girl prepped her well for a new, much happier life away from Scientology. "I started in Boston, selling books, so this is going to be full circle," says Many, who used to average 30 sales a day in Copley Square and the Logan Airport terminals. "I have no real idea what to expect. Basically, I just want this book out there so it gets read. I'm not in it for the money. This is about the psychosis and mental abuse that I suffered. I'm in it to help people." \|\|\|\|\| printable version - fixed-width version Human Rights Activists Celebrate 2009's Many Wins Against Scientology Cult by Lilly von Marcab Thursday Dec 24th, 2009 7:16 PM The Scientology organization suffered many crippling blows in 2009, as the Anonymous human rights activist network turned up the pressure, journalists and judges stopped pulling their punches, and cult members continued to bail out in droves. 640_wipeout.jpg original image ( 750x1013) As 2009 comes to a close, the Scientology organization is reeling from another year of high-level defections, criminal convictions, journalistic exposes and books detailing the cult's criminal practices, and intense pressure from human rights activists. The Anonymous global network of human rights activists are keen to hold Scientology's leaders accountable for their crimes, which include organized fraud, human trafficking, kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and toxic waste dumping. Here are just a few of the many recent victories against the Scientology organization, which until quite recently believed itself immune to all criticism, able to do as it pleased in its insane quest to "clear the planet" of non-Scientologists through the "global obliteration of psychiatry." Monthly and flash protests continue at Scientology offices worldwide: The Anonymous activists continued their monthly protests for a second solid year. These and frequent "flash" spontaneous protests at Scientology buildings continued to shine a spotlight on the crime-cult's activities. Numerous major lawsuits were filed against Scientology, for causes ranging from wrongful death to human trafficking. All of these lawsuits are presently going forward in ways that are favorable to the plaintiff in each case (i.e. Scientology's motions are generally denied and the plaintiff's motions are generally granted). The St. Petersburg Times published a major series of articles detailing the violent outbursts of Scientology's leader David Miscavige, as well as Scientology management's general criminality and abusive behavior. This series can be read at www.truthrundown.org California's KESQ television and reporter Nathan Baca brought an excellent investigation of the human rights and other abuses taking place at Scientology's "Gold Base" desert compound. At Gold Base, a paramilitary cadre of Scientologists called the "Sea Org" work 100-hour weeks for less than $50 per week, live in filthy, crowded barracks, and are watched carefully to prevent escape. Indeed, the fence around Gold Base features razor-sharp spikes pointing inward to prevent escape. Also, in an interview with hapless Scientology spokesmodel Tommy Davis, reporter Baca led Davis into admitting that an evil galactic dictator from 75 million years ago, "Lord Xenu," was an integral component of Scientology "scripture. Australia's Nine News television program also featured quite a lot of hard-hitting Scientology coverage, as did the Nightline program in the USA. In the latter program, hosted by journalist Martin Bashir, Tommy Davis fled the set in a bizarre tantrum as Bashir asked for clarity about the Xenu question. Two main branches of Scientology in France were convicted of organized fraud, and sentenced to pay fines of over €600,000 (£550,000). Four leading cult officials received suspended prison sentences of between 18 months and two years, as well as fines ranging from €5,000 to €30,000. This was only the latest of several fraud convictions for Scientology in France; indeed, the cult's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, was convicted of fraud there in 1978. Several important new books told the story of top-level defectors from behind the scenes in Scientology. John Duignan's "The Complex: An Insider Exposes the Covert World of the Church of Scientology" was published in February; Nancy Many's "My Billion Year Contract: Memoir of a Former Scientologist" was published in October; and Marc Headley's "Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology" was published in November. At the present time, "Blown for Good" is the #1 bestselling book about Scientology on Amazon.com; "My Billion Year Contract"" is #3. Hollywood writer and director Paul Haggis publicly left Scientology in October, upset at Tommy Davis' denial of Scientology's vicious practice of "Disconnection" from all loved ones who may be critical of Scientology, as well as of the cult's support of California's anti-family Proposition 8. Haggis knew "Disconnection" to be a core cult practice because his own wife was ordered to stop talking to her parents. In November, Australian Senator Nick Xenophon called for a Senate inquiry into Scientology's criminal activities in that country. Meanwhile, Australian police investigators openly criticized the cult for obstructing their investigation of a young soldier's suicide. This young man, Edward McBride, had spent $25,000 on Scientology courses in the preceding months, and was heavily being pressured by dozens of calls and text messages from Scientology offices in the day before his death. These are just some of the many, many excellent wins against the Scientology criminal organization in the past year. Notwithstanding all of Scientology's posturing in incessant floods of press releases about its alleged "explosive growth" and "tremendous worldwide expansion," the fact remains that Scientology is the world's fastest shrinking cult, with perhaps 50,000 people in the world who would be willing to admit their membership. There aren't any comprehensive worldwide surveys of what people believe, but there is plenty of other evidence to show that there aren't really very many Scientologists in the world. In 2001, the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reported that there were 55,000 adults in the United States who consider themselves Scientologists. In 2008, the same survey team estimated there to be 25,000 Americans identifying as Scientologists. The 2001 United Kingdom census contained a voluntary question on religion, to which approximately 48,000,000 chose to respond. Of those living in England and Wales who responded, a total of 1,781 said they were Scientologists. In 2001, Statistics Canada, the national census agency, reported a total of 1,525 Scientologists nationwide. In the 2006 New Zealand census, 357 people identified themselves as Scientologists In 2006, Australia's national census recorded 2,507 Scientologists nationwide. In 2008, the Pew Forum's Statistics on Religion in America Report didn't even bother to mention the number of Scientologists they found, though their analysis noted religious affiliations down to less than 0.3%, with such beliefs as "Wiccan" and "Pagan." Scientology's spokesmen have sometimes attempted to refute the statistical estimates by saying that perhaps the respondents were also Christians or members of other religions, and that it is possible to be both a Scientologist and a member of another religion. Such claims are patently false, both in the essentials of belief as well as in Scientology's explicit declaration that "as a practical matter Scientologists are expected to and do become fully devoted to Scientology to the exclusion of other faiths." Despite Scientology's attempts to create a perception of "massive growth," there is an abundance of evidence, even beyond the census and survey data, that the cult has never been particularly large, and is rapidly getting smaller. ABOUT SCIENTOLOGY: Scientology is much more than just a weird and wacky Hollywood fad, in which celebrities make fools of themselves and provide material for gossip magazines. Beyond its status as a "religion" in the USA, which it obtained through a secret deal with the Internal Revenue Service, and which give it extraordinary benefits not permitted to any other group, Scientology is also a multinational criminal racket. The average person would be shocked to learn the amount of influence Scientology wields, mostly due to blackmailing and intimidation of government officials. Scientology's primary goals are to "clear the planet" and to "obliterate" psychiatry and the mental health profession, replacing it with Scientology. They are prepared to do this by any means necessary, and are adept in using their many front groups to portray the cult as concerned humanitarians. The opposite is true. Indeed, according to L. Ron Hubbard, critics of Scientology are to be considered "fair game," and "[m]ay be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." (L. Ron Hubbard, "HCOPL 18 October 67 Issue IV, Penalties for Lower Conditions"). ABOUT ANONYMOUS: The Anonymous worldwide human rights activists are a network of thousands of ordinary people from around the world who are appalled and horrified by the Scientology organization and its abuses, and are working to stop it. http://www.xenu-directory.net \|\|\|\|\| A Response to a Scientologist: The Truth Shall Make You Free By Randy Sly 11/30/2009 Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) Story on forced abortions within Scientology drew a letter from the Sacramento Public Affairs office of Scientology. My response. I have filed eight stories on Scientology since June, 2009. As we researched for these articles, the witnesses we found included former members, investigators, affidavits from litigation, etc. The amount of information available regarding false declarations, questionable practices, and suspicious relationships is enormous; its impact is global. WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) ï¿½ Catholic Online received a letter this past week from Mike Klagenberg, Public Affairs, Church of Scientology, Sacramento. Mr. Klagenberg was writing with regard to the piece I authored on forced abortions within Scientology. I do want to acknowledge the writerï¿½s civility and courtesy, even though we disagree on the matter at hand. He indicated that the story on forced abortions was based on fabricated lies brought forth by ï¿½a very few disgruntled membersï¿½ who are using us (Catholic Online). I have filed eight stories on Scientology since June, 2009. As we researched for these articles, the witnesses we found included former members, investigators, affidavits from litigation, etc. The amount of information available regarding false declarations, questionable practices, and suspicious relationships is enormous; its impact is global. I knew of Scientology for many years and even remember thumbing through L. Ron Hubbardï¿½s book, ï¿½Dianetics,ï¿½ as a young man. For me, it made little sense. Obviously, for many this has not been the case as Scientology has grown into a worldwide organization in the past half-century with what they report to be 12 million followers. This prominence and influence in peopleï¿½s lives not only requires a serious inquiry but demands it, especially when individuals come forward with reports of abuse. Let me quickly add, to address those who left comments that Catholic Online should look at abuses closer to home ï¿½ we do and we have. We have reported about abuse within the Church and acknowledge that all groups, whether they are faith-based or not, must be accountable for any abuse of or by their members. From the judicial finding of fraud arising out of the legal action in France to the serious concerns entered into the Parliamentary record by Senator Xenophon of Australia, there are many voices across the world right now calling for a serious examination of the organization called Scientology. One major force of opposition facing Scientology ï¿½ and probably the one that Mr. Klagenberg was referencing ï¿½ does not come from without but from within. Former Scientologist and Oscar-winner Paul Haggis publicly resigned publicly criticizing the Church of Scientology, as have OTVIII Geir Isene and former high-ranking Sea Org executive Marty Rathbun. Isene and Rathbun remain practitioners of Scientology, and their websites and forum are drawing many Scientologists who have been driven out of the official Church of Scientology by its abuses under the leadership of David Miscavige. Former Scientologists have become involved in a leaderless Internet-based cadre called Anonymous. One of my contacts describes them as follows: "Anonymous is a world-wide movement of university students and young Information Technology professionals, who have been joined by older and young generations, and are dedicated to engaging public action to end the Church of Scientology's suppression of free speech and its human rights abuses." Anonymous has given those opposed to Scientology are stronger forum and additional technological as well as human resources. For example, as many as 11,000 "anons" have been a part of protests in 130+ cities in 30+ countries. 600 "anons" protested in London at the first on February 10, 2008, on the birthday of Lisa McPherson, whose death has become a symbol of Scientology abuse. Group members, for the most part, do not know each otherï¿½s names; there is no central office, no hierarchy and no official spokesperson. The Internet is the main ï¿½turfï¿½ for their conflict with Scientology. Beginning with cyber-pranks, some who identified with the group later became more aggressive in their attacks on Scientology websites. Recently, Anonymous member Dmitriy Guzner was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and ordered to pay $37,500 in restitution to the Church of Scientology for his part in an attack on the Church's websites. Guznerï¿½s actions were reportedly a part of ï¿½Project Chanologyï¿½, a campaign to take down Scientology on the Internet. Critics of Scientology are not all sympathetic to the methods and motivation of this undertaking. This project was initiated after Scientology attempted to remove material from a Tom Cruise interview on the web. Anonymous also organizes public demonstrations against Scientology at numerous sites around the world, encourages legal and political efforts against Scientology and provides online documentation concerning abuses within the organization. They are committed to discrediting as well as disrupting the work of Scientology. Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quï¿½bec defended the right of the group to oppose Scientology last February. He received a letter from ï¿½Anonymous Quebecï¿½ documenting a number of issues after publicly declaring that ... Comments "Also you should have been more understanding and aware that many who no longer associate themselves with the Church are part of a growing Protestant movement something you Church has experienced itself many centuries ago. At a time when you were burning witches and torturing heretics during the Inquisition. Yet for some reason you fail to note the Historical parallel. Why is that?" Why do you defend murder, human trafficking, family disconnection and torture? 1. Your evasive stance based upon actions occurring over 400 years ago, does not strengthen your argument, it only supports your glib viewpoint. Author this is a typical Scientology mindset resulting in logical and academic errors. Attack never defend, right? 2.You also know very little about the Spanish Inquisition, and sound like a typical OSA bug. Don't preach to Catholics about their own history, we unlike Scientology, keep our sacred documents in most hotel bureaus. 3. I don't even need this third point, that's how much you fail, at being an L Ron Hubbard Troll. Fail. Pat Broeker \| 12/2/2009 "Also you should have been more understanding and aware that many who no longer associate themselves with the Church are part of a growing Protestant movement" Wow, what an unbelievable pile of bs Pok \| 12/1/2009 Jens Jensen and Kim Cod are two (or possibly one) obvious scientologists. Kims comment is especially ironic as CoS members are notorious for abusing flagging systems to get critical comments deleted. Some very good points have been made in this article, but scientology has always been a two faced operation and they will say anything to get people off their backs. The more ex-scientologists that come forward with their stories the less convincing those who are still in sound. Quoting policies contrary to what former members are claiming is no longer enough Scientology! You must prove that what you quote is actually being followed through, none of this will go away until you do. MJ \| 12/1/2009 Post your Comment Comments that include profanity, personal attacks, antisocial behavior such as "spamming" and "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will not be posted on Catholic Online. Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of service . While Catholic Online invites robust discussion, we maintain the right to not print material that is patently false in its claims concerning the teaching of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, overtly anti-Catholic or which, in the opinion of the moderator, are intended to mislead readers as to what the Catholic Church teaches. Comments DO NOT necessarily reflect the opinion or views of Catholic Online. Name: Email: Comments: RATE THIS Was this helpful to you? Would you like to see more on this subject? Very Helpful Yes, I am Interested Somewhat Helpful No, I am not Interested Not Helpful at All	''Wikinews'' interviewed author Nancy Many about her book ''My Billion Year Contract'', and asked her about life working in the elite Scientology group known as the "Sea Org". Many joined Scientology in the early 1970s, and after leaving in 1996 she later testified against the organization. Published in October, Many's book has gone on to become one of the top selling new books on Scientology at Amazon.com.
Lordi To Support Type O Negative Band Photo: Type O Negative (?) Finland's monster rockers LORDI will support TYPE O NEGATIVE on the band's upcoming US tour. Confirmed dates are as follows: October 12 - New Haven, CT - Toad’s Place 13 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium 14 - Clifton Park, NY - Northern Lights 16 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock 20 - Milwaukee, WI - The Eagles Club 21 - Chicago, IL - The Vic 23 - Knoxville, TN - Blue Cats 24 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade 26 - Louisville, KY - Headliner’s 27 - Detroit, MI - Harpo’s 29 - New York, NY - The Fillmore at Irving Plaza 30 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero 31 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom Source: BW&BK; \|\|\|\|\| Share. Tour in support of latest album gets underway in October. Tour in support of latest album gets underway in October. Type O Negative, whose most recent release, Dead Again, came out earlier this year, will be hitting the road with Lordi for a spate of live shows this October. Consisting of Peter Steele (vocals, bass), Josh Silver (keyboards), Kenny Hickey (guitar) and Johnny Kelly (drums), the Brooklyn-based band will perform selections from their seventh album as well as delving into their revered back catalog during the jaunt. Type O Negative Fall 2007 Tour October 12 New Haven, CT Toad's Place 13 Worcester, MA The Palladium 14 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights 16 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Café 17 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom 20 Milwaukee, WI The Eagle's Club 21 Chicago, IL The Vic 23 Knoxville, TN Blue Cats 24 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade 25 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel 26 Louisville, KY Headliner's Music Hall 27 Detroit, MI Harpo's 29 New York, NY The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza 30 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero 31 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom \|\|\|\|\| Goth-metal outfit Type O Negative will embark on a fall tour next month as the band continues to support its latest album, "Dead Again." The outing is set to kick off Oct. 12 in New Haven, CT, and travel around the eastern half of the US until the Oct. 31 finale in Sayreville, NJ. Finnish rockers Lordi will open all dates, which are listed below. Type O Negative has been touring behind "Dead Again" since spring. The album--the band's seventh and first for SPV Records--surfaced in March, debuting at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the magazine's Top Independent Album's chart. The set is the Boston-based rockers' first studio album since 2003's "Life is Killing Me Again," which itself emerged after a four-year gap following 1999's "World Coming Down." "Spacing the records far apart is how you achieve diverse results," keyboardist Josh Silver said in a statement. "When you're forced to write an album every year or eight months, you haven't changed--you're still the same a--hole you were eight months ago. We've been different a--holes every record. We've retained our identity through all the changes." A few songs from "Dead Again" are streaming at Type O Negative's MySpace page. The band, which has been around for 17 years, has earned its loyal fanbase through hard work. "We were never a big radio band," keyboardist Josh Silver told LiveDaily earlier this year. We were never a big MTV blow-up thing." "We just went out and earned fans the hard-core, old-fashioned way: touring."	Type O Negative during a performance. American Gothic doom metal band Type O Negative have announced details of their upcoming tour of the United States. The supporting act for the entire tour is confirmed to be Lordi, a Finnish melodic hard rock band known for their monster costumes and lyrical themes. The tour is spread across fifteen dates, and is in support of Type O Negative's new album, ''Dead Again''. The album is the band's seventh, and reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the magazine's Top Independent Album's chart. "Spacing the records far apart is how you achieve diverse results," said a statement by keyboardist Josh Silver. "When you're forced to write an album every year or eight months, you haven't changed - you're still the same asshole you were eight months ago. We've been different assholes every record. We've retained our identity through all the changes." The dates announced for the tour are as follows: * October 12 New Haven, Connecticut - Toad's Place * October 13 Worcester, Massachusetts - The Palladium * October 14 Clifton Park, New York - Northern Lights * October 16 Allentown, Pennsylvania - Crocodile Rock Café * October 17 Buffalo, New York - Town Ballroom * October 20 Milwaukee, - Wisconsin The Eagle's Club * October 21 Chicago, Illinois - The Vic * October 23 Knoxville, Tennessee - Blue Cats * October 24 Atlanta, Georgia - The Masquerade * October 25 Asheville, North Carolina - The Orange Peel * October 26 Louisville, Kentucky - Headliner's Music Hall * October 27 Detroit, Michigan - Harpo's * October 29 New York, New York - The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza * October 30 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Trocadero * October 31 Sayreville, New Jersey - Starland Ballroom
Polish homosexuals flee persecution in exodus to UK Last updated at 13:30 20 June 2007 Polish gay rights groups say thousands of homosexuals have fled the country to the UK to escape increasing persecution. Robert Biedron, a left wing party activist and head of the Polish Foundation Against Homophobia, said "huge numbers" of Polish gays had now fled the country following the rise to power of the current right-wing conservative government. He said: "It is incredible. The Polish gay community has just moved away because of the climate of fear and persecution. "Most of the people I know are now in England because of the current political situation. Not for economic reasons, but because of the persecution of homosexuals going on here. "It’s impossible for gays to be themselves in Poland. Around two million Poles have left the country seeking work and thousands of gays are joining them. "Many gays are approaching our foundation for help in emigrating to the UK." Poland’s Catholic, conservative right-wing government has members who are openly anti-gay and the health ministry has created a special committee responsible for "curing" gays, according to local media. Deputy health minister Marek Grafowski said the ministry was also planning to identify how many people in Poland were gay and work out a set of behavioural guides to assist parents and teachers in recognising warning signs of potential "gay" behaviour. The police have also been compiling a database on gays and the gay community in Poland which although illegal under EU law, is apparently being done as part of a police investigation into a bomb threat two years ago by a gay man. He had reportedly identified himself as a meber of the gay community angry when a gay rights march was banned in Warsaw. "The Police are not allowed to catalogue ‘homosexual data’ but it’s enough to look into the police investigation associated with the bomb in order to establish a list of names and addresses," said Ewa Kulesza, a former personal data protection general inspector. \|\|\|\|\| Polish gay rights groups claim thousands of homosexuals have fled the country to escape increasing persecution. Robert Biedron, 27, the head of the Polish Foundation Against Homophobia, said that 'huge numbers' of Polish gays had left the country following the rise to power of the right-wing government. He said: 'It is incredible. The Polish gay community has just left because of the climate of fear and persecution. 'Most of the people I know are now in England because of the current political situation. Not for economic reasons, but because of the persecution of homosexuals going on here. It's impossible for gays to be themselves in Poland.' He added: 'Around two million Poles have left the country seeking work and thousands of gays are among them. Many gays are approaching our foundation for help in emigrating to the UK.' Kamil Zapasnik, 22, a gay student who moved to London because he wanted to marry, said: 'It's very important to me that I am able to have a civil partnership and adopt children. In the UK I have that freedom.' Poland's Roman Catholic right-wing government has openly homophobic members and Polish media recently announced that the Health Ministry had created a special committee responsible for 'curing' gays. The Deputy Health Minister, Marek Grafowski, said that the ministry was also planning to identify how many people in Poland were gay and work out a set of behavioural guides to assist parents and teachers so that they can recognise any warning signs of potential 'gay behaviour'. Polish police have also been compiling a database on gays and the gay community in Poland which, although illegal under EU law, is apparently being done as part of a police investigation into a bomb threat two years ago by a gay man. He had reportedly identified himself as a member of the gay community who was angry when a gay rights march was banned in Warsaw. 'The police are not allowed to catalogue "homosexual data", but it's enough to look into the police investigation associated with the bomb in order to establish a list of names and addresses,' said Ewa Kulesza, a former personal data protection general inspector. It is not just the police who are openly homophobic. Lech Wojtewski, 23, from Warsaw, said his doctor had referred him to a vet when he went to for a check-up. 'He told me there was a specialist for people like me and gave me an address. When I got there it was a vet. 'I called him and he said, "What did you expect? You are an animal".' When Krystian Legierski, 29, opened a gay club, Le Madame, it was shut down by Warsaw local authorities who hired private security guards to break down the doors, despite an appearance there by John Malkovich a day earlier. 'I understand why people emigrate, but injustice can only be rectified by resistance, not emigration,' Legierski said.	Following the rise to power of Poland's Roman Catholic right-wing government, including some openly homophobic members, Polish gay rights groups claim that thousands of Polish gays have emigrated to United Kingdom to escape increasing persecution including the Health Ministry's "special committee responsible for 'curing' gays". The Deputy Health Minister, Marek Grafowski, stated the ministry was developing guides "to assist parents and teachers so that they can recognise any warning signs of potential 'gay behaviour'." ''Guardian unlimited'' reports that the Polish police have also begun compiling a database on gays in Poland. Although illegal under European Union law, this is allegedly being done under the auspices of an investigation into the gay community following a bomb threat two years ago by a gay man, who was reportedly angry when a gay rights march was banned in Warsaw. "The police are not allowed to catalogue 'homosexual data', but it's enough to look into the police investigation associated with the bomb in order to establish a list of names and addresses," said Ewa Kulesza, a former personal data protection general inspector. Homophobia appears to be a problem beyond the government as well. One person said his doctor had referred him to a vet when he went for a check-up. "He told me there was a specialist for people like me and gave me an address. When I got there it was a vet. I called him and he said, ‘''What did you expect? You are an animal''’. A gay club, Le Madame, was recently shut down by Warsaw local authorities who hired private security guards to break down the doors. Robert Biedroń, the president of the Polish Campaign Against Homophobia society, believes that most of the Polish gays emigrate to the UK not for economic reasons but because of persecution in Poland. "Most of the people I know are now in England because of the current political situation. Not for economic reasons, but because of the persecution of homosexuals going on here. It's impossible for gays to be themselves in Poland", says Biedroń.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement Rachel Rice has been named as the £100,000 winner of this year's Big Brother, beating bookies' favourite Mikey Hughes into second place. The trainee teacher, 24, was greeted by cheers and fireworks as she left the house after 93 days. Australian Sara Folino, 27, came third ahead of fourth-placed chef Rex Newmark, 23, and 26-year-old Darnell Swallow was fifth. Viewing figures for the ninth series have been the lowest yet. 'Quite flirty' When Rachel and Mikey faced each other in a head-to-head phone vote after the others had left the house, she received 51.3% of the votes to Mikey's 48.7%. Rachel told host Davina McCall she had put up with accusations from her fellow housemates that she was fake and had sat on the fence by "being true to who I am". FINAL BIG BROTHER POSITIONS 1. Rachel 2. Mikey 3. Sara 4. Rex 5. Darnell "People can try and tell you you're fake and try and break you down but I know who I am - it's fine," she said. She added: "You dream about going into Big Brother, that's like a dream, and people say you'll never get in and then when you win… it's amazing." Blind radio producer Mikey, 33, told McCall he was proud to have been so outspoken throughout his stay in the house. "Ask anybody about work and I've had countless warnings and I've stood up to all the bullies that we've had in the house this year." Sara, whose on-off relationship with Darnell has been a dominant storyline in recent weeks, told McCall: "I'm quite flirty anyway and I'm single but I do like Darnell, yes I do." Asked if their friendship could develop into something more she said: "I'm so confused right now. I don't really know but I guess we'll see." Latecomer Sara, who entered the house after four weeks, was presented with a cheque for £25,000 which she won last week after competing in a live "nomination face-off". She had 30.1% of the vote when lines closed ahead of her eviction. I absolutely love to wind people up Rex Newmark Rex, whose girlfriend Nicole Cammack joined him as a housemate for two weeks earlier in the series, was booed when he left the house by the waiting crowd. Responding to the boos he told host McCall: "If you take BB too seriously then you're on the wrong show - you have to take everything with a pinch of salt." Rex, who received 22.5% of votes, admitted he had been a difficult housemate to live with saying: "I absolutely love to wind people up." Darnell, who was born in Ipswich but raised in the US, was greeted by cheers. In his post-eviction interview, the 24-year-old - who had 14.9% of the vote - told McCall: "I never felt this much love in my entire life." HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS Fake marriage Mario Marconi, 42, and Stephanie McMichael, 19, got "married" as part of a secret task to hide his real romance with Lisa Appleton Booted out Alexandra De-Gale was thrown out for intimidating housemates while Dennis McHugh was ejected for spitting at Mohamed Mohamed Unlikely romance Geeky but amusing Luke Marsden and party girl Rebecca Shiner ended up kissing under the duvet Rex and Nicole Despite Rex Newmark's endless talk of girlfriend Nicole Cammack, the two bickered when BB put her into the house. She was soon evicted Bogey Mo Mohamed lived up to his nickname of Greedy Mo by eating Michael Hughes' bogey in exchange for cider He told McCall she was "a stunning, beautiful amazing woman even though you have been the voice of torment over the last three months". The Channel 4 show was watched by an average of 3.2 million people during this year's run - 300,000 down on 2007. The audience has declined steadily since the launch night in June, when it was 5.3 million strong. Big Brother editor David Williams has remained bullish, though, saying the show was looking forward to celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009. Big Brother has not been without controversy this year, with contestant Alexandra De-Gale removed for intimidating her fellow housemates. And dance student Dennis McHugh was also thrown out for spitting in the face of Mohamed Mohamed. Programme makers tried to generate interest by including a couple, Mario Marconi and Lisa Appleton. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? \|\|\|\|\| ©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries, Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here.	The logo for this series of Big Brother Rachel Rice has won the 2008 series of Big Brother. The trainee teacher won the ninth series with 51.3% of the final vote. She defeated blind radio producer Mikey Hughes despite him being the bookies favourite. Others eliminated on the night included Sara Folino, Rex Newmark and Darnell Swallow. As well as training to be a teacher Rice is also an actress and model. She has appeared in the television adaptions of novels The Prince and the Pauper and The History of Mr Polly as well as the film Night Train to Venice. She came second in the 2003 contest of Miss Wales. She was beaten by Imogen Thomas who appeared in the 2006 series of Big Brother. This years series brought on controversy and media watchdog Ofcom and Channel 4 had collectively received over 433 complaints about housemate Alexandra De-Gale. She was later removed for intimidating housemates. Dance teacher Dennis McHugh was removed after he spat in the face of housemate Mohamed Mohamed. This series has been the lowest rated series of all with an average viewing of 3.2 million people. This is an average of 300,000 less than last year. The series started out strong with around 5.4 million viewers but soon started to decline. The show has been reinstated for another series next year.
The number of people claiming jobless benefits has also risen to an 11- year high [GALLO/GETTY] The number of people claiming jobless benefits has also risen to an 11- year high [GALLO/GETTY] The number of jobless increased by 210,000 in the three months leading up to July, figures showed on Wednesday, taking the unemployment rate up to 7.9 per cent, Britain's highest since November 1996. Unemployment in Britain has climbed to its highest rate in nearly 13 years, with 2.47 million people out of work in the recession-hit country, official data has shown. Analysts have also warned that while layoffs may be slowing, the rate could rise to three million by next year. "While the deepest job losses are now probably over, the outlook for the labour market remains far from encouraging," Howard Archer, a UK economist at Global Insight, an economic forecaster, said. "Doubts and concerns over the strength and sustainability of any recovery are likely to encourage businesses to keep their labour forces as tight as possible." Youth affected Data released by the Office for National Statistics also painted a gloomy picture for young people out of work, with just under one in five of 16- to 24-year olds looking for employment. "Even if the recession is technically over, it will continue to feel like one for many people for a long time yet" Vicky Redwood, economist, Capital Economics "More workers, particularly young workers, are paying a devastating price for the bankers' recession and there is some way to go before unemployment stops rising," Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said. The number of people claiming jobless benefits also rose by 24,400 to 1.61 million in August, the highest since May 1997. The statistics office said that average earnings, including bonuses, increased by only 1.7 per cent in the three months to July from the year before. Vicky Redwood, an economist at Capital Economics, said the slowing of pay growth was "most worrying". "Even if the recession is technically over, it will continue to feel like one for many people for a long time yet," she said. On Tuesday, Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, told a Trade Union Congress conference that public sector spending will need to be cut to tackle the country's soaring debt. Unions claimed cuts would prolong the recession and increase unemployment, but all political parties have accepted that there is little alternative. \|\|\|\|\| In Britain, unemployment rises again, reaching its highest level since 1996. LONDON (TheStreet) -- U.K. unemployment reached nearly 8%, its highest level in 13 years, the British government reported Wednesday. Since the year began, 743,000 Brits have lost their jobs -- 210,000 in the most recent quarter, which ended in July. Many expect the U.K.'s total unemployment figure to reach 3 million by next year. According to the report, issued by the Office for National Statistics, Britain's jobless rate rose 0.7 points to 7.9% in the period, while a different gauge showed that the number of newly unemployed entering the public doll rose 24,400 in August to about 1.6 million, a smaller increase than economists were expecting. Young workers (from 16 to 24 years old) have felt the brunt of the downturn, with 947,000 having lost their jobs, the most since record-keeping began. Investors appeared to shrug off the news. London's FTSE gained 1.5% Wednesday, following global markets higher, as investors chose to focus on signs of recovery. One recent economic report showed that services businesses grew in August at their quickest rate since 2007. -- Written by Scott Eden in New York Follow TheStreet.com on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Copyright 2009 TheStreet.com Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.	Data released on Wednesday from the British government says that the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom has reached its highest level in thirteen years, with the jobless rate at 7.9%. 2.47 million people are now out of work in the UK, up 210,000 or 0.7% in the quarter leading to July. The unemployment level has not been this high since November 1996. Young people, aged 16 to 24 years old, have been affected the most by the recession, with 947,000 having been out of jobs, the highest level recorded. Some economic analysts have suggested that the jobless rate may eventually reach three million, even if layoffs slow. "While the deepest job losses are now probably over, the outlook for the labour market remains far from encouraging. Doubts and concerns over the strength and sustainability of any recovery are likely to encourage businesses to keep their labour forces as tight as possible," economic forecaster Howard Archer for Global Insight said.
Sir Derek Jacobi and Mark Rylance (left and right) are in the group Almost 300 people have signed a "declaration of reasonable doubt", which they hope will prompt further research into the issue. "I subscribe to the group theory. I don't think anybody could do it on their own," Sir Derek said. The group says there are no records of Shakespeare being paid for his work. While documents do exist for Shakespeare, who was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, all are non-literary. In particular, his will, in which he left his wife "my second best bed with the furniture" contains none of his famous turns of phrase and it does not mention any books, plays or poems. Illiterate household The 287-strong Shakespeare Authorship Coalition says it is not possible that the bard's plays - with their emphasis on law - could have been penned by a 16th Century commoner raised in an illiterate household. The group asks if one man alone could have come up with his works "How did he become so familiar with all things Italian so that even obscure details in these plays are accurate?" the group adds. Conspiracy theories have circulated since the 18th Century about a number of figures who could have used Shakespeare as a pen-name, including playwright Christopher Marlowe, nobleman Edward de Vere and Francis Bacon. "I think the leading light was probably de Vere as I agree that an author writes about his own experience, his own life and personalities," Sir Derek said. The declaration, unveiled at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester, West Sussex, also names 20 prominent doubters of the past, including Mark Twain, Orson Welles, Sir John Gielgud and Charlie Chaplin. 'Legitimate question' A copy was presented to Dr William Leahy, head of English at London's Brunel University and convenor of the first MA in Shakespeare authorship studies, to be launched later this month. "It has been a battle of mine for the last couple of years to get this into academia," Dr Leahy said. "It's a legitimate question, it has a mystery at its centre and intellectual discussion will bring us closer to that centre. "That's not to say we will answer anything, that's not the point. It is, of course, to question." \|\|\|\|\| The literary conspiracy theory that refuses to go away, and which has a growing army of supporters all over the globe, reared its head in Chichester this weekend. Two of Britain's most distinguished Shakespearean actors, Sir Derek Jacobi and Mark Rylance, the original artistic director of the new Globe Theatre, have launched a formal 'Declaration of Reasonable Doubt' about the identity of the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon. The actors said the document, which has been signed by 300 people, is an effort to provoke academic debate. After the last matinee performance of I Am Shakespeare, a play that questions the identity of Shakespeare, at the Minerva Theatre in the West Sussex town yesterday, Rylance, the star, joined Sir Derek to present the controversial declaration to Dr William Leahy, the head of English at Brunel University in west London. Later this month Leahy is to convene the first MA in Shakespeare authorship studies. The key belief of the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition is that a body of literary works which displays an understanding of law, history and mathematics could not have been written by a mere commoner from an illiterate household in Warwickshire. What is more, no records exist that the man usually assumed to be the greatest playwright in western literature ever received payment or personal preferment for his writing. Shakespeare's detailed will, in which he notably left his wife 'my second best bed with the furniture', fails to refer to any theatrical legacy. The coalition contends it is proof of cause for doubt. Since the 18th century rival candidates for the authorship of the works have been put up by those convinced that William Shakespeare was just a pen-name. Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon and the Elizabethan nobleman Edward de Vere, have all been mooted as contenders and Sir Derek was happy to reveal yesterday which one would get his vote. 'I think the leading light was probably de Vere, as I agree that an author writes about his own experiences, his own life and personalities,' he said. The coalition's declaration lists 20 other well-known doubters of the past, including Mark Twain, Orson Welles, Sir John Gielgud and Charlie Chaplin. Central planks in the document include suspicion surrounding the fact that all of the plays are chiefly set among the upper class and about the author's familiarity with Italian culture. There are questions too about his failure to mention Stratford or anything relating to his own life, including the death of his 11-year-old son, Hamnet. (Although there is no explanation why he might have given his only son a name so close to that of the playwright's most famous protagonist). Dr Leahy said the new course at Brunel would simply aim to open up the question of the authorship: 'It has been a battle of mine for the last couple of years to get this into academia. It's a legitimate question, it has a mystery at its centre and intellectual discussion will bring us closer to that centre.' The coalition first drew up its declaration in California last spring, where the organisation is spearheaded by the academics and sceptics John Shahan and Virginia Renner (a former head of Reader Services at the prestigious Huntington Library). 'We have nothing against the man from Stratford-upon-Avon,' the declaration reads, 'but we doubt that he was the author of the works. Our goal is to legitimise the issue in academia so students, teachers and professors can feel free to pursue it. This is necessary because the issue is widely viewed as settled in academia and is treated as a taboo subject.' More mysteries Who was he? Some say the works were written by the poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe, others that Francis Bacon wrote them in his spare time, while some point to the nobleman Edward de Vere. Others argue they are collaborations penned by a brilliant team of anonymous writers. What was he? Contradictory theories include the idea that the Bard was also a Catholic spy, a secret agent working abroad, a religious recusant in hiding, a teacher or possibly a European cultural ambassador. Who was his lover? The true identities of the Dark Lady and the Fair Youth of the sonnets are still in dispute; some say the poems addressed to a young man are about the Earl of Pembroke, others the Earl of Southampton, while the lady could have been a Mary Fitton or the poet Emilia Lanier.	William Shakespeare, 16th century playwright. A debate has been launched by almost 300 people, seeking further research into William Shakespeare and the many masterpieces attributed to him. The group, named the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition, are reluctant to believe that the Bard wrote all of the plays that make him internationally famous, and are keen to unravel the mysteries surrounding his life and work. Although it is widely accepted that Shakespeare existed and penned many works, the group question why all records of Shakespeare are non-literary, and how so many high-quality plays could be written by someone born into an illiterate household. The Coalition also asks why none of his plays mention his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and also how a 16th Century commoner could have such extensive and accurate knowledge of the worldwide settings in which they take place. Conspiracy theories since the 18th century have claimed that the works could have been written by authors using the pen name Shakespeare, particularly Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe and Edward de Vere. Sir Derek Jacobi, actor and member of the Shakespeare Authorship Coalition, believes that the famous plays could have been written by more than one writer. "I subscribe to the group theory," Sir Derek said. "I don't think anybody could do it on their own." A "declaration of reasonable doubt" was presented to Dr William Leahy, Head of English at London's Brunel University. Speaking about the conspiracies, he said, "It's a legitimate question, it has a mystery at its centre and intellectual discussion will bring us closer to that centre." The Coalition has set up a website, inviting people to sign the declaration and keep up-to-date with new research.
A police commander has owned up to being caught driving 176 kilometres an hour in a 100 zone in southern New South Wales earlier this month. Police revealed this week that a senior officer had been caught speeding near Junee earlier this month. Wagga Wagga local area commander Frank Goodyer has told the Daily Advertiser he is the officer involved. Superintendent Goodyer has been charged with driving more than 45 kilometres an hour over the speed limit and had his licence suspended. He is quoted as saying he does not condone speeding and that he will continue on as local area commander while an investigation is carried out. Superintendent Goodyer has not been available for comment this morning but is expected to hold a press conference later today. \|\|\|\|\| A senior NSW Police officer says he will continue to encourage safe driving, despite having his licence suspended for driving at more than 75kmh over the speed limit. Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander Superintendent Frank Goodyer was on duty, in an unmarked police car, when he was clocked at 176kmh in a 100kmh zone by his own highway patrol officers. The 45-year-old said he had apologised to his fellow officers for the incident on the Olympic Highway at Junee on October 13. "I accepted the penalty. I accept that I've done the wrong thing and, as I say, it is still my job as a senior police officer to encourage safe driving and I will continue to do that regardless of my actions," Mr Goodyer told ABC Radio. He has been issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45kmh. The offence attracts a $1674 fine and six demerit points. The Daily Advertiser newspaper in Wagga Wagga said Superintendent Goodyer's licence had been suspended for six months, and that he would face an internal review. "There will be an internal process that takes place and my senior officers will have their say on what repercussions I should face following my illegal actions," he told the newspaper. "I think this incident shows the integrity of Wagga's highway patrol staff, which I rate as one of the best in the state. "They acted without fear or favour, that reflects well on our local command and gives me faith that I command the finest officers." AAP \|\|\|\|\| October 23, 2008 - 3:59PM A senior NSW police officer says he will continue to encourage safe driving, despite having his licence suspended for driving at more than 75km/h over the speed limit. Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander Superintendent Frank Goodyer was on duty, in an unmarked police car, when he was clocked at 176km/h in a 100km/h zone by his own highway patrol officers. The 45-year-old said he had apologised to his fellow officers for the incident on the Olympic Highway at Junee on October 13. "I accepted the penalty, I accept that I've done the wrong thing and, as I say, it is still my job as a senior police officer to encourage safe driving and I will continue to do that regardless of my actions," Mr Goodyer told ABC radio. He has been issued with an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. The offence attracts a $1,674 fine and six demerit points. The Daily Advertiser newspaper in Wagga said Supt Goodyer's licence had been suspended for six months, and that he would face an internal review. "There will be an internal process that takes place and my senior officers will have their say on what repercussions I should face following my illegal actions," he told the newspaper. "I think this incident shows the integrity of Wagga's highway patrol staff, which I rate as one of the best in the state. "They acted without fear or favour, that reflects well on our local command and gives me faith that I command the finest officers."	Robert Myers'' An on duty superintendent in the New South Wales Police Force was caught speeding in an unmarked police car at 176km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Olympic Highway near Junee, New South Wales on October 13. Superintendent Frank Goodyer, who was caught by his own officers in the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, was charged with driving at more than 45km/h over the speed limit, had his automatically license suspended for six months and fined A$1674. It was reported by Sydney radio station 2GB that it was Superintendent Frank Goodyer as the officer who was caught speeding by his own officers after the New South Wales Police released a media release which did not name the officer who was caught. Superintendent Frank Goodyer told ABC Radio, "I accepted the penalty. I accept that I've done the wrong thing and, as I say, it is still my job as a senior police officer to encourage safe driving and I will continue to do that regardless of my actions".
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. The US and France have vowed to work together to push for new UN sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme. After talks in Washington with French leader Nicolas Sarkozy, US President Barack Obama said he hoped to have the sanctions in place "within weeks". Mr Sarkozy promised "all necessary efforts to make sure Europe as a whole engaged in the sanctions regime". Western powers suspect Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear arms capability. Tehran denies this. It says its atomic programme is entirely peaceful. 'Mad race' In a joint news conference with Mr Sarkozy at the White House, Mr Obama said he was not interested in waiting months for new sanctions. "My hope is that we are going to get this done this spring," he said. "I am interested in seeing that regime in place within weeks." For his part, President Sarkozy said Iran could not continue its "mad race" to try to complete its suspect nuclear programme. "The time has come to take decisions. Iran cannot continue its mad race," Mr Sarkozy said at the joint press conference. He said that he would work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to get European backing for the sanctions regime. Mrs Merkel has suggested that if the UN Security Council cannot agree on the matter, Germany and other like-minded countries might pursue their own sanctions. Chinese reluctance There have been three rounds of UN sanctions against Iran, blocking trade of "sensitive nuclear material", freezing the financial assets of those involved in Iran's nuclear activities, banning all of Iran's arms exports, and encouraging scrutiny of the dealings of Iranian banks. The US and its allies on the UN Security Council have been pushing for a fourth round of sanctions, which would target Iran's oil trade. While Russia is thought to be more inclined than before to endorse the new sanctions, efforts to persuade China to go along have yet to bear fruit, the BBC's Paul Adams reports from Washington. China insists fresh sanctions would "complicate the situation" and could derail diplomatic efforts. \|\|\|\|\| Related: G-8 nations call for Iran sanctions With the president of France at his side, US President Barack Obama declared Tuesday he hopes to have international sanctions against Iran in place "within weeks," not months, because of its continuing nuclear program. He acknowledged he still lacks full support at the United Nations."Do we have unanimity in the international community? Not yet," Obama said. "And that's something that we have to work on."Obama said he and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are "inseparable" in their thinking on the subject.For his part, Sarkozy told reporters, "Iran cannot continue its mad race" toward acquiring nuclear weapons."The time has come to take decisions," Sarkozy said.Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, not nuclear weapons.On the UN Security Council, veto-holding permanent members Russia and China have expressed reservations toward a tougher set of sanctions, as have several of the rotating members who do not have veto powers.Obama said he understands that countries that have business ties with Iran, especially those who depend on Iran for oil, might have reservations.Still, Obama said that, while "the door remains open if the Iranians choose to walk though it," there have been no signs that they are close to moving back from their nuclear program, and patience has all but run out."My hope is that we are going to get this done this spring. So I'm not interested in waiting months for a sanctions regime to be in place. I'm interested in seeing that regime in place in weeks."Earlier Tuesday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton predicted new sanctions would be forthcoming, hinting that skeptical nations such as China and Russia eventually would come along. At the conclusion of an international meeting of eight major powers in Quebec, Clinton cited a growing alarm around the world about the consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran.A senior French official said after the White House meeting that major Western players, including France, are ready to consider unilateral sanctions if they cannot get a strong enough UN resolution passed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the French president's office rules.Obama said he and the French president discussed a wide range of global issues, including the financial regulatory overhaul and peace negotiations in the Middle East.Sarkozy also said he stands with the United States in condemning recent Israeli construction plans in east Jerusalem.While his own commitment to Israel's security is well known, Sarkozy said, the activity "contributes nothing."Sarkozy praised Obama for trying to engage the two sides in peace talks. Sarkozy said that the "absence of peace" in the region "is a problem for all of us" that feeds terrorism around the world.On a subject on which the two presidents do not see eye-to-eye, Sarkozy expressed a widespread European contention that the award of a $35 billion US Air Force refueling tanker plane was rigged to favor US aerospace giant Boeing over an alliance of the parent company of Europe's Airbus and the US Lockheed-Martin company.Sarkozy said he believed it would be "fair to share this contract with the Europeans" instead of awarding it solely to Boeing.Obama said that while "the process will be free and fair," the final decision would be made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates."The secretary of defense makes procurement decisions. The president does not meddle in these decisions," Obama said.Obama hailed France as one of the United States' oldest and best allies, noting the two countries have fought together on battlefields from Yorktown in the US Revolutionary War to Afghanistan now.However, the two have had clear differences on Afghanistan, with the Obama administration pressing France as well as other European nations to send more troops, and Sarkozy largely resisting such requests.Obama did not go into Tuesday's meeting intending to urge Sarkozy to send more troops, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said ahead of the meeting. "There's no specific 'ask' on the table," Gibbs said at his daily news briefing.Instead of troops, France is ready to consider sending more military or police trainers to Afghanistan, according to the French official. He would not elaborate on how many could go or when, saying only, "There is no deadline. There is the certitude that there is a need for trainers."The two presidents discussed the possibility of training Afghan forces outside Afghanistan because infrastructure there is so poor, the official said.Instead of troops, Obama will seek more French military or police trainers, according to two Western diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity because the presidential discussions were private.French trainers have been among those killed in Afghanistan this year, and polls show most French voters do not support the effort.Both presidents went to extraordinary lengths to defuse trans-Atlantic speculation of a chilly relationship. Obama repeatedly referred to Sarkozy by his first name and spoke fondly of his trip to Paris last year. "We respect one another and understand one another," Obama said. The private dinner invitation also was a gesture rarely extended to foreign leaders.Just a day earlier in New York, Sarkozy spoke bluntly about the US role in foreign affairs, saying the world needed an America that listens. Yet when asked directly whether he thinks Obama listens to him, Sarkozy offered a long defense of his relationship with Obama. He called it candid and productive."President Obama, when he says something, keeps his word," Sarkozy said. "His word is his bond. And that is so important."	The United States and France have announced their intention to work together in an effort to implement additional United Nations sanctions on Iran. The announcement came after a meeting between US President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. According to Obama, the two nations planned on having the new sanctions implemented "within weeks." Sarkozy pledged that the whole of Europe would be part of the plan, saying that he would make "all necessary efforts to make sure Europe as a whole engaged in the sanctions regime." He said that he planned to specifically work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his efforts. Merkel has previously said that if the UN will not agree to implement sanctions, Germany, in concert with other nations, may introduce sanctions of their own. Obama said that the US would not wait for an extended period of to implement new sanctions, saying that he was "interested in seeing that regime in place within weeks." Despite his commitment to the new sanctions, Obama also acknowledged the divisiveness that they provoked in other countries, saying that it was "something that we have to work on." Most notable among the opposition is China, which says that sanctions could "complicate the situation." There have already been three rounds of sanction enacted, which have banned trade of nuclear material, frozen financial assets of individuals and corporations engaged in nuclear activities, blocked all arms exports from Iran, and advocated for examination of Iranian banks. The proposed fourth round would target the oil trade in Iran.
Charlie Sheen spent the better part of Christmas Day in a Colorado jail cell after being arrested on domestic violence allegations. Share Richards offers a revealing look into life as a Hollywood Mom. More Photos The 44-year-old actor was taken into custody Friday morning by officers responding to a 911 call from a house in this ski resort town about 200 miles west of Denver. An ambulance went to the house, but the accuser was not taken to the hospital. Sheen, the star of CBS' "Two and a Half Men," was taken to the Pitkin County jail and booked for investigation of second-degree assault and menacing, both felonies, along with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro said. He was released in the late afternoon after posting $8,500 bond and being advised by a county judge on the conditions of his release, she said. Dasaro declined to name Sheen's accuser, citing a department policy prohibiting the identification of potential victims in domestic violence cases. Aspen attorney Richard Cummins said late Friday that he was representing Sheen in the case. He declined to name Sheen's accuser or discuss details, but he cautioned against any rush to judgment. "I think at the end of the day it will be much ado about nothing," Cummins told The Associated Press. "I don't think there's any criminality about what went on." Cummins said a court date was set for Feb. 8. "That may be to determine whether a case goes forward or not," he said. Sheen's publicist Stan Rosenfield also warned against making assumptions. "It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion," he said. Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor-director Emilio Estevez. He is married to Brooke Mueller Sheen, a real estate investor who gave birth to the couple's first children, twin boys, in March. They married in May 2008 following Sheen's bitter divorce and custody battle with actress Denise Richards. \|\|\|\|\| Enlarge Aspen Police Department via Getty Images Charlie Sheen was booked for second-degree assault on Christmas Day. Charlie Sheen Aspen Police Department ASPEN, Colorado (AP) A woman who identified herself as the wife of Charlie Sheen said in a 911 call to Aspen police that the actor threatened her with a knife and that she feared for her life. Police released the audio of the call on Monday, three days after Sheen was arrested on suspicion of menacing, second-degree assault and criminal mischief. Authorities haven't identified the accuser, but the woman on the 911 call says her name is Brooke and that her husband is Charlie Sheen. Sheen is married to Brooke Mueller Sheen. The woman can be heard weeping and sometimes her words are inaudible. At one point she says, "My husband had me (inaudible) with um, with a knife, and (inaudible) he threatened me." Later, she says, "I thought I was gonna die for one hour." Sheen was taken to the Pitkin County jail Friday morning and booked for investigation of second-degree assault and menacing, both felonies, along with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro said. He was released in the late afternoon after posting $8,500 bond and being advised by a county judge on the conditions of his release, she said. She didn't know whether a court date had been set. Dasaro declined to name Sheen's accuser, citing a department policy prohibiting the identification of potential victims in domestic violence cases. It wasn't immediately known whether Sheen had retained an attorney. His publicist issued a statement urging against a rush to judgment. "It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion," Stan Rosenfield said. Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor-director Emilio Estevez. His wife, Brooke Mueller Sheen, is a real estate investor who gave birth to the couple's first children, twin boys, in March. They married in May 2008 following Sheen's bitter divorce and custody battle with actress Denise Richards. The star of Platoon, Wall Street and the Hot Shots! movies has had run-ins with the law before. In December 1996, he was arrested and charged with attacking a girlfriend at his Southern California home. He later pleaded no contest and was placed on two years' probation. In 1998, his father turned him in for violating his parole after a cocaine overdose sent him to the hospital. He was later ordered to undergo a rehabilitation program. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more \|\|\|\|\| (CNN) -- Actor Charlie Sheen was released from a Colorado jail Friday after he was arrested on domestic-violence-related charges, Aspen police said. Sheen, 44, was charged with second degree assault and menacing, both felonies, and criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, police said. Additionally, Colorado law mandates a protective order between someone arrested for domestic violence and the victim. Police said the alleged victim, whom they did not identify, did not require a trip to a hospital. Sheen was released from the Pitkin County Jail at 7 p.m. local time after posting $8,500 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court February 8. His spokesman, Stan Rosenfield, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. "Do not be misled by appearance," Rosenfield said. "Appearance and reality can be as different as night and day." Sheen has been married to sometime actress and real estate investor Brooke Mueller Sheen, his third wife, since May 2008. The couple has twin sons born in March. Sheen stars in the popular television comedy "Two and a Half Men" with Jon Cryer. Sheen -- whose real name is Carlos Irwin Estevez -- is the son of actor Martin Sheen. He has two brothers and a sister -- Emilio, Ramon and Renee Estevez -- who are also actors. \|\|\|\|\| Advertisement Search CBS News The Web • » Charlie Sheen Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series E-Mail Story Print Story Sphere Share A A Text Size: A Videos Photos Charlie Sheen (GETTY IMAGES) Charlie Sheen On 'Men' (4:51) (4:51) (4:50) (4:50) (4:10) » More Videos Related Photo Essay Charlie Sheen This actor is always good for a laugh or two or "Two And A Half" (CBS) Charlie Sheen has gotten as much, if not more, press coverage for the drama in his personal life as he has for his work in film and television. Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor Emilio Estevez. His career as an actor began in 1974 at the age of 9 when he appeared alongside his dad in the TV movie "The Execution of Private Slovik." His career as a bad boy began in high school when he was expelled for bad grades and poor attendance just weeks before graduation. That didn't stop him from launching a film career in 1986 in the movie "Platoon" and then "Wall Street" the following year. Photos: Charlie Sheen His other feature film credits include "Red Dawn," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Eight Men Out," "Young Guns," "Major League," "Hot Shots!" "Being John Malkovich," "Scary Movie 3" and "The Big Bounce." He appeared for two seasons on the television comedy "Spin City." Sheen is nominated for an outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on "Three and a Half Men." Sheen dated porn stars Ginger Lynn and Heather Hunter; accidentally shot his one-time fiancée, Kelly Preston; and was on the list of notorious Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss' most frequent customers. Sheen's wife Denise Richards filed for divorce April 19, 2006. The couple have two children. Sheen has another child from a previous relationship. Charlie Sheen has gotten as much, if not more, press coverage for the drama in his personal life as he has for his work in film and television.Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor Emilio Estevez. His career as an actor began in 1974 at the age of 9 when he appeared alongside his dad in the TV movie "The Execution of Private Slovik."His career as a bad boy began in high school when he was expelled for bad grades and poor attendance just weeks before graduation.That didn't stop him from launching a film career in 1986 in the movie "Platoon" and then "Wall Street" the following year.His other feature film credits include "Red Dawn," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Eight Men Out," "Young Guns," "Major League," "Hot Shots!" "Being John Malkovich," "Scary Movie 3" and "The Big Bounce."He appeared for two seasons on the television comedy "Spin City."Sheen is nominated for an outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his work on "Three and a Half Men."Sheen dated porn stars Ginger Lynn and Heather Hunter; accidentally shot his one-time fiancée, Kelly Preston; and was on the list of notorious Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss' most frequent customers.Sheen's wife Denise Richards filed for divorce April 19, 2006. The couple have two children. Sheen has another child from a previous relationship. ©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. E-Mail Story Print Story Sphere Share A A Text Size: A \|\|\|\|\| Charlie Sheen in hospital for drug, alcohol problems May 22, 1998 Web posted at: 1:47 a.m. EDT (0547 GMT) THOUSAND OAKS, California (CNN) -- Actor Charlie Sheen was admitted Wednesday to a Los Angeles hospital after consuming excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. Sheen's body "gave out" as a result of the drugs and alcohol he had consumed, according to a spokeswoman for Los Robles Medical Center. The actor's condition is reported to be stable Thursday, and he is expected to recover. "He's eating. He's talking. He's aware," said Chris Caraway, spokeswoman for the medical center. Los Angeles County paramedics took Sheen, accompanied by his personal trainer, from the actor's Malibu home and arrived at the hospital about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. Sheen was conscious but complained of tingling in his hands and difficulty walking, Caraway said. He was immediately taken into the intensive care unit, but later transferred to the less-serious critical care unit. Caraway said Sheen was being treated for a drug overdose, but she didn't know what kind of drugs he used. 'Not an easy moment in our lives' Sheen's father Martin talks about his hopes for his son's recovery at Los Robles Medical Center press conference 408K/16 sec. AIFF or WAV sound His father, actor Martin Sheen, arrived at the hospital and said his son had been tested for drug use. "My son is here because of a drug overdose," Martin Sheen said, choking back tears. "This is not an easy moment in our lives, but it's a necessary one. Our hope is that he will accept recovery and be fine." Sheen, 32, who starred in "Wall Street," "Platoon" and "Hot Shots," is the son of Martin Sheen and the brother of actor Emilio Estevez. His latest film was 1997's "Money Talks." In 1990, he checked into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility because he was "suffering from extreme exhaustion due to an arduous filming schedule," publicist Jeff Ballard said at the time. In 1995, a woman sued Sheen alleging the actor struck her in the head several times when she refused to have sex with him. He also admitted in videotaped testimony at the 1995 federal trial of Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss that he ordered her call girls at least 27 times, running up a tab of more than $50,000. In early 1996, Sheen announced that he planned to divorce model Donna Peele after less than six months of marriage.	American actor Charlie Sheen was arrested Friday on domestic-violence related assault charges. The 44-year-old was charged with assault, menacing and criminal mischief. He was released on US$8,500 bond from an Aspen, Colorado jail. Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro did not identify the victim in press briefings, citing police policy. Charlie Sheen, March 2009 Sheen's publicist Stan Rosenfield said not to jump to conclusions, "It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion." Sheen is married to real-estate investor Brooke Mueller Sheen, with whom he had twins in March. Sheen has had incidents in the past, such as in 1990 when he accidentally shot his then-fiancee, Kelly Preston, in the arm. He also had a drug violation in 1998, when he injected himself with cocaine and overdosed. Sheen, born Carlos Irwin Estévez, is the son of actor Martin Sheen began his professional career in ''The Execution of Private Slovik''. However his first starring role was the the 1986 movie ''Platoon'', and he co-starred with Michael Douglas in the Oliver Stone film ''Wall Street''. His filmography also includes ''Young Guns'', ''Major League'', ''The Rookie'' and a leading role on the television show ''Two and a Half Men''.
Suspected US Drone Kills Top Militant in Pakistan Air Force MQ-9 Reaper takes off from Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, 13 March 2009 Pakistani authorities say a suspected U.S. drone attack along the Afghan border is believed to have killed an Uzbek militant leader with links to al-Qaida. Pakistani intelligence officials say a U.S. missile strike in South Waziristan in late August wounded Tahir Yuldashev and that he reportedly died a few days later. Yuldashev was the leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He began fighting in the 1990s to topple Uzbekistan's government. A Taliban spokesman has denied the report of Yuldashev's death. The Taliban gave him refuge in northern Afghanistan, but after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, analysts believe Yuldashev and his fighters fled east into Pakistan's tribal regions. Yuldashev had been involved in insurgencies in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan with the goal of creating an Islamist state across Central Asia. If authorities are able to confirm Yuldashev's death, security analyst Khalid Aziz tells VOA that this would be a major blow to the militants operating in Pakistan's tribal regions. Aziz says the power vacuum left by Yuldashev's death would provide a good opportunity to strike at his men and those of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, whose stronghold is believed to be in South Waziristan. "For the last two months, there has been a blockade of this territory and obviously the Mehsouds are feeling the pinch," said Khalid Aziz. The Pakistani military has already seen success in its prior campaign in and around Swat Valley targeting militants. But Aziz says he expects the military to change its strategy in the mountainous and isolated region of South Waziristan. "We are going to see the first snowfall in that region, and it becomes even more difficult to fight there," he said. "So one foresees counter-terrorist operations rather than large-scale military operations as in Swat." He says that type of strategy would drain the militants of their resources and put the military in a better position to respond to any threats that might arise elsewhere in the country. The government insists it is not launching any major operation in South Waziristan at the moment. But U.N. officials say about 80,000 civilians have fled the tribal area in anticipation of a new military offensive. Pakistani authorities say a suspected U.S. drone attack along the Afghan border is believed to have killed an Uzbek militant leader with links to al-Qaida.Pakistani intelligence officials say a U.S. missile strike in South Waziristan in late August wounded Tahir Yuldashev and that he reportedly died a few days later.Yuldashev was the leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He began fighting in the 1990s to topple Uzbekistan's government.A Taliban spokesman has denied the report of Yuldashev's death.The Taliban gave him refuge in northern Afghanistan, but after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, analysts believe Yuldashev and his fighters fled east into Pakistan's tribal regions.Yuldashev had been involved in insurgencies in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan with the goal of creating an Islamist state across Central Asia.If authorities are able to confirm Yuldashev's death, security analyst Khalid Aziz tells VOA that this would be a major blow to the militants operating in Pakistan's tribal regions.Aziz says the power vacuum left by Yuldashev's death would provide a good opportunity to strike at his men and those of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, whose stronghold is believed to be in South Waziristan."For the last two months, there has been a blockade of this territory and obviously the Mehsouds are feeling the pinch," said Khalid Aziz.The Pakistani military has already seen success in its prior campaign in and around Swat Valley targeting militants. But Aziz says he expects the military to change its strategy in the mountainous and isolated region of South Waziristan."We are going to see the first snowfall in that region, and it becomes even more difficult to fight there," he said. "So one foresees counter-terrorist operations rather than large-scale military operations as in Swat."He says that type of strategy would drain the militants of their resources and put the military in a better position to respond to any threats that might arise elsewhere in the country.The government insists it is not launching any major operation in South Waziristan at the moment. But U.N. officials say about 80,000 civilians have fled the tribal area in anticipation of a new military offensive. E-mail Print Digg Yahoo Buzz Facebook del.icio.us StumbleUpon \|\|\|\|\| ISLAMABAD, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Leader of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) Tahir Yuldashev was killed in a recent U.S. drone attack in tribal areas of Pakistan, according to the local media reports Friday. The private TV channel ARY NEWS said that security officials informed it late Thursday night that the leader of IMU was believed to be killed in a recent missile strike by unmanned U.S. plane. The chief of IMU Tahir Yuldashev was killed in South Waziristantribal region bordering Afghanistan by U.S. drone attack on Aug. 27, the private channel Express reported. It added that the U.S. authorities have confirmed the death of Yuldashev. However, neither Pakistan, Afghanistan nor command of the U.S.-led counter-terrorism coalition in Afghanistan have so far officially confirmed Yuldashev's death. According to the sources, the terrorist ringleader closely cooperated with Taliban and attacked security forces, giving Central Asian leaders nightmares. The death of Yuldashev had been reported many times but he himself refuted all these reports on tape or film usually released. It has also been reported that some other field commanders of his outfit had also been killed with Yuldashev. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan was trying to keep its leader's death under the lid, official sources claimed. The IMU is a militant group formed in 1998. In 2001 it was largely destroyed while fighting alongside the Taliban against U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan. Since then the IMU has reportedly opened training camps in Waziristan and is now involved with other groups attempting to overthrow the government of Pakistan.	Pakistani authorities have said that a suspected US drone attack along the Afghan border is believed to have killed an militant leader with links to . Pakistani intelligence officials say a US missile strike in in late August wounded and that he reportedly died a few days later. Yuldashev was the leader of the (IMU). He began fighting in the 1990s to topple Uzbekistan's government. A Taliban spokesman has denied the report of Yuldashev's death. The Taliban gave him refuge in northern , but after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, analysts believe Yuldashev and his fighters fled east into Pakistan's tribal regions. Yuldashev had been involved in insurgencies in Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, allegedly with the goal of creating an state across Central Asia. Security analyst Khalid Aziz told that if authorities are able to confirm Yuldashev's death, this would be a major blow to the militants operating in Pakistan's tribal regions. Aziz says the power vacuum left by Yuldashev's death would provide a good opportunity to strike at his men and those of leader , whose stronghold is believed to be in South Waziristan. "For the last two months, there has been a blockade of this territory and obviously the Mehsouds are feeling the pinch," said Khalid Aziz. The Pakistani military has already seen success in its prior campaign in and around Swat Valley targeting militants. But Aziz says he expects the military to change its strategy in the mountainous and isolated region of South Waziristan. "We are going to see the first snowfall in that region, and it becomes even more difficult to fight there," he said. "So one foresees counter-terrorist operations rather than large-scale military operations as in Swat." He says that type of strategy would drain the militants of their resources and put the military in a better position to respond to any threats that might arise elsewhere in the country. The government insists it is not launching any major operation in South Waziristan at the moment. But UN officials say about 80,000 civilians have fled the tribal area in anticipation of a new military offensive. The IMU is a militant group that was formed in 1998. It was almost completely destroyed when fighting with the Taliban against US forces in Afghanistan in 2001, but has since appeared to be regaining strength, having opened training camps in Waziristan.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey recalled its ambassador to Sweden on Thursday and canceled an upcoming summit between the countries after the Swedish parliament branded the World War One killing of Armenians by Ottoman forces genocide. World \| Turkey The move comes only a week after Ankara called home its ambassador to the United States because a U.S. congressional committee approved a similar resolution. European Union member Sweden has been one of the strongest supporters of Ankara's bid to join the bloc, while the United States is generally considered a strong western ally of the NATO-member Turkey. The issue of the Armenian massacres is deeply sensitive in Turkey, which accepts that many Christian Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks but vehemently denies that up to 1.5 million died and that it amounted to genocide -- a term employed by many Western historians and some foreign parliaments. "We strongly condemn this resolution, which is made for political calculations," Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement, referring to the Swedish parliament vote. "It does not correspond to the close friendship of our two nations. We are recalling our ambassador for consultations," Erdogan said, adding that he was cancelling a Turkey-Sweden summit scheduled for March 17. The Swedish resolution passed by an extremely narrow margin, with 131 parliamentarians voting in favor and 130 against. Another 88 members of parliament were absent. The measure was opposed by Sweden's center-right coalition government, but three of their parliamentarians voted in favor of the motion, helping the opposition get it through. "DRASTIC EFFECTS" Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said in a blog post that the vote could complicate efforts between Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations after a century of hostility. The countries agreed last year to establish diplomatic ties and open their border if their parliaments approved peace accords, but the votes have not taken place and the governments have accused each other of trying to rewrite the texts. "The decision also doesn't help the debate in Turkey, which has become all the more open and tolerant as it moves closer to the European Union and resulting democratic reform," Bildt said. Zergun Koruturk, Turkey's ambassador to Sweden, told Swedish television programme Aktuellt that the vote would have "drastic effects" on bilateral relations which were unlikely to be overcome in a short time. "I am very disappointed," Koruturk said. "Unfortunately, parliamentarians were thinking that they were rather historians than parliamentarians, and it's very, very unfortunate." A Turkish government source, however, told Reuters that Koruturk would probably return to Sweden soon. "We know the Swedish government has been very active in trying to stop this resolution," the source said. Turkey has signaled that its ambassador to the United States will not return until the fate of the non-binding congressional resolution, which also passed by a razor-thin margin, is clear. The administration of President Barack Obama has vowed to stop the resolution from going further in Congress in a bid to limit the diplomatic fallout. Turkey is crucial to U.S. interests in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and the Middle East. \|\|\|\|\| A similar vote last week by a US Congressional panel angered Turkey Turkey has withdrawn its ambassador to Sweden after the parliament voted narrowly to describe as genocide the killing of Armenians in World War I. The Turkish government condemned the resolution, saying it was "based upon major errors and without foundation". The Swedish government opposed the opposition resolution but it passed by one vote after some MPs voted against party lines. It comes days after a US congressional panel passed a similar resolution. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cancelled a visit to Stockholm scheduled next week and issued a statement criticising the vote. "Our people and our government reject this decision based upon major errors and without foundation," said the statement. MASS KILLINGS OF ARMENIANS Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Armenians killed by Ottoman Turks in 1915-6 Many historians and the Armenian people believe the killings amount to genocide Turks and some historians deny they were orchestrated More than 20 countries regard the massacres as genocide Q&A: Armenian genocide dispute Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said the vote was a "mistake" but that it did not change the position of his government, which supports Turkey's entry into the EU. The Swedish vote comes less than a week after the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee approved a similar resolution - by 23 votes to 22 - despite strong Turkish lobbying not to. That vote also sparked anger from Turkey and the recall of its ambassador to Washington. Historic argument Moves between Turkey and Armenia to normalise relations have faltered recently. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians died in 1915, when they were deported en masse from eastern Anatolia by the Ottoman Empire. They were killed by troops or died from starvation and disease. Armenia says up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed, but Turkey says the figure is no more than one-third that and that many Turks died as well. Turkey accepts that atrocities were committed but argues they were part of the war and that there was no systematic attempt to destroy the Christian Armenian people. Armenia wants Turkey to recognise the killings as an act of genocide, but successive Turkish governments have refused to do so. Armenians have campaigned for the killings to be recognised internationally as genocide - and more than 20 countries have done so. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version	Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Sweden after the Swedish Parliament voted to describe Turkey's killings of Armenians in World War I as "genocide". The Swedish vote came despite the Swedish government's opposition to the resolution, as several parliament members crossed party lines in the vote, which passed the resolution by a vote of 131–130, with 88 parliament members absent. The Swedish government called the vote a "mistake," but added that it will not influence their position on the matter. The Turkish government released a statement saying, "our people and our government reject this decision based upon major errors and without foundation," and Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan immediately cancelled a planned visit to Sweden. Despite the reaction, Turkey said that the moves did "not correspond to the close friendship of our two nations," and they were only recalling their ambassador for consultations. The resolution is particularly sensitive given that Sweden has long been a strong supporter of Turkey and their bid to join the European Union, and Turkey has been for years maintaining that their actions in World War I against Armenians did not amount to genocide. Despite Turkey's claims, Armenians have been heavily campaigning for the killings, which they say number up to 1.5 million, to be recognized as genocide, and over twenty countries worldwide have done so. Swedish Foreign Minister said that the vote would likely have a significant effect on the fate of negotiations between Turkey and Armenia, which have been attempting to resume normal diplomatic relations. The Turkish ambassador that was recalled said that the vote would have "drastic effects" on the negotiations, and it would have an impact for some time. The Swedish vote came not long after a similar vote by a US Congressional panel, which also approved a resolution with similar terminology, leading to the removal of Turkey's ambassador. In that case, the US government has been trying to prevent the resolution from going further, in an attempt to limit the consequences of the vote.
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Up to 10 Iranian workers died on Saturday in hospital after being badly burnt in an explosion in a gas pipeline, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The pipeline transporting gas from the Khangiran refinery in Sarakhs to the city of Mashhad in Iran's northeastern province of Khorasan-e Razavi exploded on Friday when it was accidentally struck by an excavating machine, state media reported. "About nine to 10 people were killed in the Sarakhs pipeline blast," Alireza Gharibi, director of Iran Gas Engineering and Development Company, told the semi-official Fars news agency. Iran's state television said 50 people also were injured. The explosion set off a fire covering 2 sq km (.77 sq mile) but it was brought under control, the official IRNA news agency reported. Iranian Deputy Oil Minister Javad Oji told Fars that gas transfer through the damaged Sarakhs-Mashhad pipeline will be resumed within the next 24-to-36 hours. Iran is the world's fourth-largest oil producer and also sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves and the country's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi, Editing by Michael Roddy) \|\|\|\|\| The fire caused by the accident raged for three hours before firefighters brought the blaze under control A gas pipeline explosion has killed 10 people and injured more than 20 in the city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran. The accident on Friday, set off when an earth-moving machine struck a local pipeline, ignited a large blaze in the area, the official ISNA news agency reported on Saturday. Ali Reza Gharibi, the director of the National Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company, said the machine lost balance in the mountainous terrain before falling onto the pipeline. He said workers who suffered burns were rushed to medical facilities by helicopter, and several of the deaths occured in hospital. It took firefighters three hours to bring the blaze under control. The pipeline brought gas to Mashhad from the nearby Sarakhs refinery. Gharibi said repairs will be completed within 48 hours and a crisis committee is investigating the incident. \|\|\|\|\| Four people were killed Friday by a pipeline explosion in northeast Iran, state-run media reported Saturday. Ali-Reza Gharibi, the managing director of Iran's Gas Engineering and Development Company, said provincial medical officials told him that relief workers and medical teams are working to determine the cause of the incident and the fatalities, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency. Gharibi told IRNA that contractors were connecting a 48-inch (121 centimeter) Turkmenistan gas transfer pipeline to the country's national gas network when the explosion occurred.	Up to 10 Iranian workers have been killed after a gas pipeline exploded, reports suggest. Iranian state media have said that the pipeline, which transports gas from the Khangiran refinery in to the city of in Iran's northeastern province of , exploded on Saturday, and at least ten workers were transported to hospital, where they died of their injuries. The director of the , Alireza Gharibi, said in an interview that "nine to ten people were killed in the Sarakhs pipeline blast." 50 others are reported to have been injured by the explosion, which sparked a large fire that has now been brought under control. After the initial incident, a number of workers with severe burns were taken to hospitals by helicopters. Gharibi stated that the explosion occurred while contractors were constructing a separate pipeline, which is to run nearby to the pipeline involved. The explosion is believed to have occurred when a construction vehicle lost balance and struck the pipeline. Iranian Deputy Oil Minister has said that the damaged pipeline will begin transporting gas again in the next couple of days. An investigation has begun into the cause of the disaster. According to the Associated Press, "Iran is the world's fourth-largest oil producer and also sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves and the country's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues." == Sources == * * * cs:Až deset mrtvých a padesát zraněných při výbuchu plynovodu v Íránu
SAANICH, B.C. -- Vancouver Island police have investigated another Internet posting advertising of a baby for sale. The ad appeared on the popular classifieds website Craigslist on Friday. Police say the posting was traced to a Saanich, B.C., home. They say the computers at the house were checked and it appears someone had hijacked the Internet address at the residence. Police say no child is in danger and the posting was a hoax. The posting follows another that was made to Craigslist in the Vancouver area earlier this week. The parents in that case admitted to posting the ad, but said it was done as a joke. The parents were initially arrested and later released, though police say they are still contemplating charges. The baby was removed from the home. \|\|\|\|\| Police are investigating after a Saanich, B.C., resident found an online ad yesterday offering a week-old baby girl for sale, the second such incident in the province in the past week. Staff Sergeant Gary Schenk said the Saanich Police Department received a call yesterday morning from a woman who was looking to post used baby items for sale on the popular buy-and-sell website Craigslist when she said she noticed the local ad. "Only $10,000! Seriously - no joke," the ad read. "A real human baby with ten fingers and 10 toes, not at all retarded. Get them while supplies last." Staff Sgt. Schenk said the ad went on to say that while the offer may seem "far-fetched," it was very much real. "The matter is under investigation, as we try to establish the origins of the listing." Police have been in contact with Internet service providers and Craigslist officials, but have not been able to locate the individual or individuals who posted it. The ad was taken down a few hours after the woman noticed it. The details of the ad are eerily similar to another incident in the Lower Mainland last week. On May 23, Vancouver police were informed by a Maple Ridge, B.C., grandmother about a week-old baby selling for $10,000 on the website. Two people, found with a newborn baby in their apartment, were arrested, but insisted the ad was a hoax. They were later released. "It would be very disturbing if it was [a copy-cat incident]," Staff Sgt. Schenk said. "But the similarities are too close to be ignored. ... There's also the remote possibility that this could be legit, and we are taking this very seriously." He said if the posting is discovered to be a hoax, investigators will pursue public-mischief charges. \|\|\|\|\| View larger image The seven-day-old baby girl that was offered for sale on Craigslist, Vancouver, B.C., May 28, 2008. (Courtesy of Facebook.com) Bethany Granholm is shown cradling her seven-day-old baby daughter, before the infant was offered for sale on Craigslist, Vancouver, B.C., May 28, 2008. (Courtesy of Facebook.com) Parents of Craigslist baby are known to police ctvbc.ca The parents of the baby girl, who was recently offered for sale on the Craigslist website for $10,000, are well known to police, CTV has learned. Court documents reveal that the tot's father, Jeremy Pete, has been convicted of car and property thefts, obstruction, and escape from lawful custody. In 2005, he was running from a stolen vehicle in New Westminster when police dog 'Nitro' gave chase and was killed under the wheels of a train. The baby's mother Bethany Granholm has a list of convictions too. They include property theft, fraud, possession of stolen credit cards, impersonation, failing to report to her probation officer, and stealing a car with the father of her child. Details about the couple's past have surfaced after a Maple Ridge, B.C. woman called police last Friday to complain about the Craigslist ad, which described a baby that seemed to be offered for sale. It described the infant as "very cute" and said it was looking for a good home. Using a cellphone number that was posted on the ad, police eventually found the baby in a Vancouver West End apartment, which was occupied by four adults including the baby's 23-year-old mother Granholm, who was breast-feeding the infant when police arrived. Granholm and Pete were arrested and later released, after police failed to find any evidence to support the public mischief charges they were trying to press. The couple claim the whole episode was really just a hoax. With a report by CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger \|\|\|\|\| VANCOUVER - For sale: Week-old baby, $10,000. A B.C. grandmother was browsing the popular classifieds website Craigslist last Friday when she came across the shocking ad that prompted her to call police. "A new baby girl, seven days old, healthy and very cute," read the ad. "Can't afford and unexpected. Looking for a good home. Please call ASAP." Within hours of her call, officers tracked the number of a stolen cellphone listed in the ad to an apartment in downtown Vancouver. When officers arrived, they found four adults inside, including the 26-year-old father and the 23-year-old mother breastfeeding the baby. Police didn't identify the couple. "Of course, the first thing out of their mouth is, they said it was just a hoax," Const. Tim Fanning, of the Vancouver Police Department, told a news conference on Tuesday. "Only they know whether it was truly a hoax or not. If they had a viable bite from somebody that came, who knows what could have happened." The baby's parents were initially arrested and later released, though police say they are still contemplating charges. The baby was removed from the home, but the provincial children's minister wouldn't say where the child was Tuesday. The woman who first came across the ad said she was horrified when she saw it, even though she assumed it was a fake. "I was shaking, and I thought, 'Come on, how did this even get through?"' Marilyn Bateman, a 62-year-old grandmother of five living in Pitt Meadows, B.C., said in an interview. "I said, well, somebody's got to do something, because what if it isn't (a fake)? Because if it is a hoax, somebody needs their wrist slapped." Bateman, who was looking for furniture, phoned police and e-mailed them the ad, then left it at that. "I was in bed, late, and a phone call came in from another detective saying that the girl was safe," she said. "And I went, 'Oh my gosh, thank God."' Both parents were initially placed under arrest. Fanning said the baby's mother was released at the scene. The father, who is from Port Coquitlam, B.C., was held on charges of mischief but later released without charges. The baby was removed from the home by a special police unit that includes a social worker, and provincial authorities have now taken over the case, said Fanning. The province's minister of children and family development, Tom Christensen, said he couldn't comment about the baby's whereabouts due to privacy laws. "Any time anything like this comes to our attention, it's obviously of great concern and we work with the police to follow through on an investigation to try and identify the child and the parents and take appropriate action," Christensen said in Victoria. Meanwhile, Fanning said police are still looking at possible charges. "It's a very unique case, and we're not sure where we're going to go with it," said Fanning. "There's so many questions here. It's very disturbing on many levels that somebody would think of putting something like that out there in the first place and we had to investigate it." Fanning said the couple have a history of substance abuse and both have criminal records, though he said he couldn't be more specific. The Craigslist ad has been removed. A spokeswoman for Craigslist didn't answer questions about the specific case, but said the website takes steps to ensure users aren't breaking the law. "Misuse of Craigslist for illegal purposes is absolutely unacceptable to us, and we will work together with law enforcement until the perpetrators have been brought to justice," Susan Best, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based site, said in an e-mail. "Craigslist is an extremely unwise choice for committing crime, since criminals inevitably leave an electronic trail to themselves that law enforcement officers will follow." There have been similar cases around the world in recent years. Most recently, police in Germany arrested a couple over the weekend after a seven-month-old boy was listed for auction on Ebay. The mother told police the ad, which listed the baby for sale for one euro (about $1.56 Cdn), was a joke, but the baby is now in the care of youth services as police investigate the possibility of human trafficking. \|\|\|\|\| The child (not pictured here) has been placed with youth services Authorities in Bavaria, southern Germany, have taken a seven-month-old boy into care after his parents offered him for sale on eBay "as a joke". The unnamed child was advertised as a "nearly-new baby" with a starting price of one euro (£0.80, $1.6). Police have launched an investigation into possible child-trafficking by the infant's father, 24, and mother, 23. The mother told a German newspaper: "It was only a joke. I just wanted to see if someone would make an offer." Speaking to Bild, she said she was also being made to undergo psychiatric tests. 'Gotten too loud' A police spokesperson in the Bavarian town of Krumbach said the mother had also told police the offer had been a "joke". "That's not yet clear," the spokesperson added. "Detectives are investigating on suspicion of child-trafficking." Police were alerted by a number of internet users across Germany who had seen the offer in the auction website. According to the police, the posting read: "Offering my nearly new baby for sale, as it has gotten too loud. It is a male baby, nearly 28in (70cm) long and can be used either in a baby carrier or a stroller." No offers were made for the child in the two hours the advert was showing, police said. EBay deleted it but assisted police in tracking down the parents, the Associated Press adds.	A couple from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada has been arrested on charges of public mischief after listing their seven day old baby girl on the popular Internet classified ads website Craigslist. The listing claimed that the baby was unexpected, "healthy and very cute". It asked CAN 10 000 for the baby. It also listed a phone number belonging to a stolen cellphone, which was used to find the couple. It was first noticed by a 62-year old grandmother browsing the website for furniture, who said "I was shaking, and I thought, 'Come on, how did this even get through?'" The couple claimed that the listing, which has since been removed, was a hoax. The father, Jeremy Pete, had a history of car thefts and evasion of police, while the mother, 23-year-old Bethany Granholm, had convictions of property theft, fraud and impersonation. The parents have now been released, but charges are still being considered. The baby has been placed in provincial care. A suspected copycat incident occurred just four days later, also offering a seven-day-old baby girl for CAN 10 000 on Craigslist. This incident turned out to be a hoax, and no child was in danger. Last week saw a similar incident in Germany, where a couple listed a seven month old baby on eBay. In this case the police have launched a child trafficking investigation, despite the parents' assertion that the listing was a joke.
Norway's hotly protested whaling season opens with quota of 797 minke whales 02:49 PM EDT Apr 29 OSLO, Norway (AP) - Norway's whaling season opened Monday for the 13th straight year, with hunters on about 30 boats preparing to stalk and harpoon 797 minke whales by the end of August. The quota, up from 670 in 2004, is the largest set by the Norwegian government since the hunts resumed in 1993. Norway, the only country to allow commercial whaling, is not bound by a ban imposed by the International Whaling Commission because the group's rules allow members to reject decisions they oppose. Japan and Iceland conduct research hunts allowed by the commission. The whaling commission stopped hunts for profit because some types of whales were endangered. In the 1990s, the Norwegian whaling season became a battleground between whalers and activists. Whaling boats were sabotaged, pursued through the oceans and even boarded by protesters, some repelled by force. "Now all that is over. It's quiet," said Per Olav Rolandsen of the Norwegian Fish Sales Association. The association, based at the centre of the Norwegian whaling industry on the Lofoten Islands of the Arctic, closely monitors the hunt. Rolandsen said it was not clear when the first boats would leave port. They usually leave quietly, fearing a resurgence of protests. Norway claims minke, the smallest of the baleen whales at up to nine metres, are plentiful along its coast, can sustain a hunt and provide essential income to many coastal communities. Greenpeace activist Truls Gulowsen, currently aboard the group's ship Esperanza in the Lofotens, said increased whaling isn't a solution for problems along the coast. "Whaling takes the focus away from the real threats to the coast," said Gulowsen, citing overfishing and the risk of oil industry pollution. For the first time since the hunts resumed, the whaling boats - usually small trawlers that fish the rest of the year - will sail without a government inspector aboard to monitor that the kills with explosive-tipped harpoons are humane. Halvard Johansen of the Norwegian fisheries directorate said this year boats will have sensors aboard to record hunt details, such as the number of harpoons fired from a cannon and the number of whales butchered. Norwegians eat the red meat of whales, mainly as steaks but also as hamburgers and sausages. © The Canadian Press, 2005 \|\|\|\|\| Norway's whaling season began with hunters allowed by the government to kill up to 797 of the mammals this year, the highest quota set by the government in more than a decade in defiance of repeated international criticism. Thirty-one boats were expected to participate in this year's hunt, fishing industry publication Fiskeribladet reported on its website. The Government announced last December that it would increase the catch quota to 797 this year from 670 last year, even though whalers failed to meet that target, mainly due to backlogs at processing factories on land. This is the largest quota allowed since Norway relaunched commercial whale hunting in 1993 in defiance of an International Whaling Commission moratorium in place since 1986. Norway expressed continuous opposition to the ban for seven years before deciding to flout it amidst a wave of international protests. The Norwegian Government has claimed that hunting the minke whale poses no threat to the species, which it estimates number about 100,000 individuals in the North Atlantic. Japan, which along with Iceland uses a loophole in the moratorium to hunt whales for so-called "scientific research", reportedly plans to expand its whaling in the Antarctic Ocean to humpback and fin whales, which are considered endangered by conservationists, as well as nearly double its catch of minke whales from the current 440. - AFP \|\|\|\|\| The Associated Press / OSLO, Norway By DOUG MELLGREN Associated Press Writer Norway's disputed whaling season opens APR. 18 2:56 P.M. ET The world's only commercial whaling season opened in Norway on Monday, with about 30 boats pursuing their highest quota since the country resumed the hunt in 1993. Hunters are allowed by the government to harpoon 797 minke whales by Aug. 31. Last year, the quota was 670. Norway is not bound by a worldwide ban imposed by the International Whaling Commission because the group's rules allow members to reject decisions they oppose. The ban was imposed to protect endangered species from extinction. Japan and Iceland conduct research hunts allowed by the commission. In the 1990s, the Norwegian whaling season became a battleground between whalers and activists. Whaling boats were sabotaged, pursued through the oceans and even boarded by protesters, some of whom were repelled by force. "Now all that is over. It's quiet," said Per Olav Rolandsen of the Norwegian Fish Sales Association. The association, based at the center of the Norwegian whaling industry on the Lofoten Islands of the Arctic, closely monitors the hunt. Rolandsen said it was unclear when the first boats would leave port. The boats typically leave quietly, fearing a resurgence of protests. Norway claims minke whales, the smallest of the baleen whales at up to 30 feet long, are plentiful along its coast, can sustain a hunt and provide essential income to many coastal communities. Greenpeace activist Truls Gulowsen, currently aboard the group's ship Esperanza in the Lofotens, said, "Increased whaling is no solution for the problems along the coast." "Whaling takes the focus away from the real threats to the coast," including overfishing and the risk of oil industry pollution, Gulowsen said. For the first time since the hunts resumed, the whaling boats -- usually small trawlers that fish the rest of the year -- will sail without a government inspector aboard to monitor that the kills with explosive-tipped harpoons are humane. Halvard P. Johansen, of the Norwegian fisheries directorate, said this year boats will have instead sensors aboard to record hunt details, such as the number of harpoons fired from a cannon and the number of whales butchered. Norwegians eat the red meat of whales, mainly as steaks but also as hamburgers and sausages. The fatty blubber, once the most valuable part of the whale, is now worthless because there is no market for it in Norway and attempts to export it have failed, Rolandsen said. The association already has destroyed hundreds of tons of stockpiled blubber and refuses to buy more, so whalers will dump the fat into the ocean, he said. Copyright 2005, by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Get BusinessWeek directly on your desktop with our RSS feeds. Add BusinessWeek news to your Web site with our headline feed. Click to buy an e-print or reprint of a BusinessWeek or BusinessWeek Online story or video. To subscribe online to BusinessWeek magazine, please click here. Learn more, go to the BusinessWeekOnline home page	Norway's whaling season started on Monday with the highest quota in over a decade. Fishermen are entitled to harpoon up to 797 whales before the end of the season on August 31st. Last years quota of 670 was raised this year despite fishermen failing to reach their quota last year. Environmental activists from groups such as Greenpeace have denounced the increase. Speaking to the Associated Press, one activist said "Increased whaling is no solution for the problems along the coast." However despite international opposition, it is unlikely Norway will end whaling anytime soon. Norway is the only country in the world to allow commercial whaling. Iceland and Japan do so solely on a research basis. Whale meat is used as steaks and in hamburgers and sausages in Norway. The number of whales caught by Norway has steadily increased since resumption of whaling in 1993, with the 226 caught that year rising to over 500 in 1997 and 670 in 2003. The economic argument is that whaling provides employment and economic stimulant for fishery, logistic, restaurant and other related industries in developed countries. However many countries continue to argue that, if properly developed, whale-watching could be far more profitable and create far more jobs than whale killing.
Author translation (ab) Date Created More details... Date Edited Tonight 6 persons were arrested in the train in Jekatarinburg. They were on the way from Omsk to St.Petersburg. Four of them are members of the SKT (Sibirian Confederation of work), one of them was [name edited for privacy reasons]. The other two belonged to different organisations. During the last talk with them, they mentioned the suspicion that during the following search articles could be smuggled into their luggage. The expulsion from the train was conducted by two railways policemen and plainclothes civil persons. It was said, that there could be illegal or dangerous objects in the luggage of the concerned. Under the thread of violence and screaming of the activists they have been taken to the railway police. A few hours later it emerged, that the arrested are still at the same location in the train station. The policemen do not dispute the circumstances of the arrest, but refuse to give any more information. The telephone number of the police department is: 8(343)358-2018 \|\|\|\|\| From Caravan2006 Reports from the Caravan to the G8 in Sankt Petersburg dzien dobry, guten tag, hello, добрый день, this wiki was set up to inform about the ongoing of the anti-g8-caravan from Berlin to St. Petersburg 2006. The riders can use it as a diary to write about there expiriences while cycling through eastern europe. Those you can not participate in the tour can use this wiki to get current informations about the caravan. It is important to have a look at it and spread informations about the tour because it is not a touristic event but a political action. In case of emergency this wiki can be one important instrument to coordinate solidarity actions. The mostly used language here will be english. but you can contribute in every other language you are used to, of course. Torún 11/6/2006 dieses wiki informiert über den Verlauf der Anti-G8-Fahrradkarawane von Berlin nach St. Petersburg 2006. Die FahrerInnen können es als eine Art 'Tagebuch' benutzen, um über die Erfahrungen auf ihrer Reise durch Osteuropa zu berichten. Diejenigen, die nicht selbst an der Karawane teilnehmen können, können dieses wiki nutzen, um sich über den Verlauf der Tour zu informieren und diese Informationen weiterzuverbreiten, denn schließlich ist die Karawane kein touristisches Unternehmen, sondern eine politische Aktion. Im Notfall kann dieses wiki ein wichtiges Instrument sein, um Soli-Aktionen zu koordinieren. Die am meisten genutzte Sprache hier wird wohl englisch sein, aber natürlich kannst du auch in jeder anderen Sprache schreiben. On the road of resistance - Brief informations about dates and stations... 04.06.06 13:00 Frankfurt The bike-caravane just passed the german town of Frankfurt (Oder) on the german-polish border. The group was yesterday warmly welcomed by local activists and stayed overnight. It rains, but all the people are strongly motivated and contitue of course the travel. 06.06.06 22:00 Poznan We stayed for a day at the ROZBRAT COLLECTIVE. 09.06.06 20:00 Torun We are for three days at this nice city. 11.06.06 Torun A critical mass with caravan-people took place... more pictures can be found at polish indymedia [1] 15th to 16th june Olsztyn in Olsztyn, Social and Cultural Center and libertarian Library in ulica grunwaldzka 23, biblioteka.warmia.net meeting with local media and local antifas, anarchists and regionalists... 16th - 18th june Rodowo We stayed for two nights in International Youth Exchange Center Rodowo, that hosted us and supported us a lot... rodowo.pl And has a really beautiful lake... On 17th, we made a street exposition with our bikes and the g8 exposition in the center of Mragowo, near to a rock concert... Detailed reports From Berlin to Poznan, 14.6.2006 From Berlin to Torun, 14.6.2006 Photos The start in Berlin -- Between Frankfurt and Poznan -- The first camp -- Finding the way -- At Rozbrat Squad Poznan -- Repacking -- Logo -- Critical Mass in Torun 1 -- Critical Mass in Torun 2 -- Preparing the exibition -- Talk -- The riders and their hosts -- Bike change -- No shower but better -- Relaxing in Olsztyn 1 -- Relaxing in Olsztyn 2 -- Help on the road -- ... to be continued ... The Caravan People The caravane against the G8 consists of an international team. Greetings to the riders :-) Even if you can't take part personally, here you can show your solidarity to the riders... greetings wenn du selbst nicht an der Karawane teilnehmen kannst, kannst du hier Grüße und Solidaritätsbekundungen für die FahrerInnen hinterlassen... greetings Reflections Reflections and conclusions on the Anti-g8 bike caravan 2006 - what can we learn out of it? Weblinks Other Links Help \|\|\|\|\| Gaz na psy ma chronić listonoszy przed napadem? Gaz na psy ma chronić listonoszy przed napadem? Nieudany strajk Poczty Polskiej zakończony, ale od tego czasu nie zabieram gotówki w rejon, a wi... Gaz na psy ma chronić listonoszy przed napadem? Nieudany strajk Poczty Polskiej zakończony, ale od tego czasu nie zabieram gotówki w rejon, a wi... W cieniu G8 - japoński ACK o represjach podczas szczytu W cieniu G8: represje i bunt w Japonii Blisko półtora tygodnia temu, na terenie Japonii odbył się szereg spotkań ekonomicznych w wyniku k... W cieniu G8: represje i bunt w Japonii Blisko półtora tygodnia temu, na terenie Japonii odbył się szereg spotkań ekonomicznych w wyniku k... Johannes Wilm, O liście ex-członka RAF do uczestników Konferencji im. Róży Luksemburg Niemieckie, burżuazyjne media skupiły się rok temu na atakowaniu wszelkimi siłami byłego działacza Frakcji Czerwonej Armii (RAF) - Chris... Niemieckie, burżuazyjne media skupiły się rok temu na atakowaniu wszelkimi siłami byłego działacza Frakcji Czerwonej Armii (RAF) - Chris... Kilka refleksji po aborcyjnej burzy Przez Polskę przetoczyła się burza medialna. Gromy ciskali w siebie nawzajem działacze ruchów pro-life i pro-choice. Programy publicystyczne staw... Przez Polskę przetoczyła się burza medialna. Gromy ciskali w siebie nawzajem działacze ruchów pro-life i pro-choice. Programy publicystyczne staw... Apel z Bamako Dla uczczenia pięćdziesiątej rocznicy antykolonialnej konferencji przywódców krajów Azji i Afryki, która odbyła się w 1955 roku w Bandungu w ... Dla uczczenia pięćdziesiątej rocznicy antykolonialnej konferencji przywódców krajów Azji i Afryki, która odbyła się w 1955 roku w Bandungu w ... Kokosy na pustyni, czyli z piachu złoto (w czterech krokach) Jak dziś zrobić kokosy z niczego? Dobre pytanie. Wszystko już wymyślono, a w końcu i Salomon z pustego nie nalał. I słusznie, udana receptura s... 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In StPetersburg during today's attempt to make antinuclear action near "Cooper rider" monument where detained 7 ecological activists from "Groza" (Storm) and "Ekozaschita" (Ecodefence). \|\|\|\|\| Libertarian Forum Moscow 8-12 of July Libertarian Forum in Moscow There will be a libertarian forum in Moscow 8-12 of July as a build up event for protests in St. Petersburg. Main theme of the forum will be energy issues, and plans of G8 for nuclear power renaissance. For G8, "energy security" means guaranteeing access of the leading industrial countries to natural resources, and diversification of exploitation of limited resources - thus nuclear energy is now an important topic for them. Problems such as lack of any long-term solutions with nuclear waste are ignored. Libertarian forum will consist of discussion, trainings and seminars. We invite anybody to propose themes for discussions, until 25th of May (for sure content of the forum may be amended later on, perhaps even on the spot, but we want to have some preliminary program). We would be especially happy for speakers on topic of energy. Actions, press-conference, concert and movie screenings are also planned. Food Not Bombs has promised to provide food to forum. Current topics for discussions and workshops are 1. Oil, energy resources and power: Capitalism and State. 2. Nuclear energy in Eastern Europe. About the plans to build new nuclear reactors, and about media complicity in changing attitudes about nuclear safety. (i.e., recent press stories claiming that Chernobyl was not too bad!) 3. Russian-Polish Energy Politics 4. Anarchists and the energy - various examples of anarchist approaches towards problem of the control over the energy resources and it distribution 5. Energy problem from point of view of Greenpeace Russia 6. Lessons from protest camps of Rainbow Keepers 7. Perspectives of ecological movement in Russia 8. Precarization, globalization and rights of workers 9. Globalization and reform of education in Russia 10. How to get the best out of Indymedia? 11. How to work with mainstream media? 12. Social forums as the sunset of the anti-globalist movement, and alternatives to them 13. Work against homophobia in Eastern Europe 14. Solidarity with anarchist prisoners 15. Reproduction of authoritarian power-relations in "anti-authoritarian" groups 16. Self-defense 17. FrontAIDS and movement for access to medicine in Russia 18. Animal rights movement in Russia 19. Information technologies and activism 20. History of anarchist movement in Russia 21. Formation of coordinatonary councils on wave of struggle against monetization of social benefits in Russia - lessons and conclusions. 22. What to do if you got arrested in Russia? Write to moscow_protiv_g8 ATT riseup.net if you want to propose a workshop, and for any questions on libertarian forum. source: Info Bulletin #1 \|\|\|\|\| Call from Russian social movements and associations to participate in the Russian Social Forum and demonstration against G8 in Saint-Petersburg Information letter to Western activists Organization Committee of the Russian Social Forum (RSF) and Counter-summit G8 call for the most possible massive participation of Western delegates from social movements. The common RSF declaration (“No to liberal policy in Russia and in the world”) has been signed during European assemblies preparing the ESF and during the WSF. It’s the second year the Russian Social Forum takes place. Only the rise of social and protest movements which occurred in the past two years made such an event possible. Massive venue of foreign participants would make the RSF-2006 an international event which will contribute to the development of the struggles in the country, to the creation of solidarity networks and to the exit of Russian social movements from their international isolation. Manifestations from the 11th to 15th of July in Saint-Petersburg 11-12 of July: seminars, supported by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation 13-14 of July: Russian Social Forum 15 of July: demonstration and meetings >From the Russian part, we are waiting for the participation of a thousand of activists from the most part of the regions, who represent associative movements, NGO, movements for housing rights, ecologist movements, leftist movements, unions, networks such as “Union of coordinating soviets”, intellectuals, anarchists, youth movements, human rights’ movements, and so on. RSF is organized in the respect of the Porto-Alegre Charter’s principals (excluding, for example, the participation of political parties). The demonstration is planed to be prepared in common with political oppositional forces. Organization committee is negotiating with the Russian authorities to have guarantees from the Russian government so that the RSF and the demo won’t be repressed. An agreement (oral) has been reached. Negotiations are still going on. The RSF program is in preparation. The principal themes are these: 1) 3 themes in the G8 agenda - opposition to commercialization of education, achievement of the program «Education for all» - campaign for safe, accessible and ecologically clean energies - access to medical assistance: for a social reform of the health policy 2) international themes in link with local reality: - struggle against housing rights’ violations, for a popular and democratic housing policy - campaign against attack on social rights, especially concerning older people - professional union solidarity, especially between West and East - human rights’ defense and democratic resistance in front of the power repressive tendency and the rise of social inequalities - struggle against nationalism, chauvinism, racism and fascism - building an alternative to neoliberalism - which perspectives for left anticapitalist and internationalist movements? International networks and representatives of foreign organizations are invited to send their proposals: either concerning already existing themes, either proposing organizing seminars on other themes. Proposal are requested to be sent to the Institute “Collective Action” (info@ikd.ru) up to the 14th of July. Logistic questions - In order to get your visa to Russia we have to send to you an invitation to the Russian Consulate of our country. So please communicate the next information: Name, surname, organization, date of born, addresses (professional and home), phone number, passport number, date of delivery and expiration, profession. - The RSF organization Committee having few resources, it will help in priority the coming of Russian activists from regions. So the foreign delegations are demanded to come on their own. The RSF Committee is trying to organized a tents’ camp in the proximity of the Forum. And negotiations are going on with universities to have cheap rooms to rent. The hotels in Saint-Petersburg are quite expensive, but the organizers can reserve some rooms in hotels if there is a demand. The food will be organized at the Forum and will not cost much. Practical-political questions - The RSF Organization Committee is doing all its best to guarantee the security of the participants, especially of the foreign ones. But it’s worth knowing that Russian authorities are far more hostile to protest action than in the West, and police forces are more eager to use brutal methods. A juridical center will be organized at the Forum. And the Russian government up to now is assuring of its willingness to respect the right to manifest. - Main forces preparing the Forum are associations, social movement activists, leftist and internationalist activists independent from the Communist party of the Russian Federation. Among the more well known in the West Russian activists taking part in the process – Boris Kagarlitski, Alexander Bouzgalin, Oleg Shein, Lev Ponomarev. General principal of the Porto-Alegre Charter will be strictly respected in the Forum. Some negotiations are going on with some political parties (Yabloko, Communist party, Civic Front Youri Kasparov’s Civic Front and so on) on the matter of their possible participation in the demo, so that it could be a massive event. Another important point is that the RSF will take place in the strictly independency from the Russian government, witch is not the case of other events organized in ling with G8, such as, for example, the “civic G8” organized with presidential administrative resources. Carine Clement, Institute “Collective Action” (www.ikd.ru ), member of the RSF Organization Committee \|\|\|\|\| Two activists from Russia had a hearing on Monday (10 July). Still there is no information about the sentence, as there is no contact with them.Two anarchists were stopped and checked by the cops after purchasing gas masks at a market in St Petersburg. Cops found flyers against the G8 they were carrying with them. Today there was a hearing and they were sentenced to ten days of detention because of "endangering public order and safety", despite the fact that purchasing gas masks is no crime in Russia. In the meantime it has turned out that this charge is also known as 'hooliganism'. Several fascists who murdered immigrants were sentenced to two or three years of detention under the same charge.Two activists from Germany were arrested on the way to their accommodation, as well as an activist from Siberia. The two were waiting at the door waiting for it to be opened when the cops where checking their passports. The activist from Siberia just opened the door, witnessing their detainment. He walked over in his underwear to ask for the reason. Although the two were carrying their passports, all three of them were taken to the police station. Despite cops only being allowed to detain persons for three hours to check their identities, all three were kept at the police station until Monday afternoon without seeing a judge. On Monday evening their trial was held, with members of the legal team and officials from the German consulate observing. They were charged with 'urination in a front garden'. Due to lack of evidence the hearing was postponed until this morning. Today the two activists from Germany were sentenced to ten days detention. The third activist's hearing is taking place right now.While the three activists are in jail, their flat was searched and three more persons were arrested in connection to that flat. Meanwhile, the activist who was arrested only wearing underwear - even in jail he did not get more clothes than that - was taken to hospital due to circulation problems. His condition is getting better considering the circumstances.Furthermore an activist travelling around the city reported that almost all trains to the city are being checked by the cops.One person was stopped leaving the train to St Petersburg. He was searched but set free afterwards. The cops warned him that he should do nothing, as they would watch him and something could happen to him otherwise.Furthermore the flat used by the Legal Team in Moscow was searched in the morning. The flat is used by Human Rights Youth and Green Alternative Organisation as a bureau. At the time of the raid one person was at the flat. He was taken to the police station and his notebook confiscated. At the station he was especially questioned about three other activists who did the legal team workshop at the libertarian forum a few days ago. The cops gained access to the flat introducing themselves as neighbours and claiming that the flat below was flooded with water. When the door was opened it turned out that they were members of the FSB (Russian intelligence service).Also on Monday morning, two Russian activists were arrested for no reason, only that they 'looked like activists'. Both were sentenced to ten days detention because of 'disturbing public order'.In Samara, Monday morning started with searches of seven activists' flats. Several computers and papers were confiscated. These seven activists all were connected to an anti-militarism action that took place on 23 February in Samara. The cops also issued summonses for questioning dated 14 July. This is also to be seen in connection with the g8 Summit, for it prevents them from taking part in the protests.six activists on their way from Omsk to St Petersburg were taken out of the train in Jekaterinburg. They were accused of carrying 'dangerous objects' in their luggage. When they denied the charge, they were taken to the police station. In a short period of phone contact they said that they suspected that the cops would plant things in their luggage. Around midnight contact to them was lost - it has still not been remade.Meanwhile the legal team is aware of more than 100 arrests and detainments.Keep up-to-date: http:/ru.indymedia.org/int	A G8 summit has been planned to take place from 15-17 July in St Petersburg, Russia. Several sources have reported that a systematic police crackdown on people participating in alternative meetings (a Libertarian Forum and the Russian Social Forum) and critical of the official meeting has begun almost a week prior to the summit. Estimates range from dozens to one or two hundred arrests and detentions. For the past several years, especially since the 27th G8 summit in 2001 in Genoa, the G8 summits of the leaders of seven of the world's richest industrialised countries and of Russia have been regularly met by popular protests by critics who assert that members of G8 are responsible for global issues such as global warming due to carbon dioxide emission, poverty in Africa and developing countries due to debt crisis and unfair trade policy, exacerbating the AIDS crisis by medicine patent policy and other problems that are related to globalization. These protests have been met by massive numbers of arrests and police violence, on some occasions. In contrast to previous G8 meetings, this time arrests have been taking place a week before the official meeting itself has started. At least 23-25 human rights activists and political activists, including two German citizens, have been detained by police in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities in Russia since 7 July. Many of them have been sentenced to ten days' imprisonment, enough to prevent them from participation in political protests until the end of the official summit. Some sources claim that the true detention rate may be much higher, such as an unconfirmed report attributed to the Siberian Confederation of Labour (Сибирской Конфедерации Труда) claiming 200 arrests. The activists' legal team claims that more than 100 arrests and detainments have occurred. Discussions on global energy issues and other themes have started at the Libertarian Forum despite the arrests, and the Russian Social Forum is expected to start on schedule on 13 July, followed by the official G8 meeting on 15-17 July. Permission to carry out a street demonstration by the Russian Social Forum has been refused by the authorities. Russian authorities say that demonstrations are permitted, but only in the location set aside for them - a sports stadium about 25 km (16 miles) from the Constantine Palace, which will house the summit. The Russian Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Chekalin said that allegations of harassment were "from the realms of supposition". "The police's actions are commensurate with the situation at hand. The situation demands particular measures, sometimes intensified. Sometimes it demands that we visit a family in their apartment," He said.
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A small airplane crashed and killed three Tesla Motors employees in northern California on Wednesday, the electric car maker's chief executive said. U.S. A Cessna 310 struck an electrical tower after taking off on Wednesday morning, crashed into a residential neighborhood and killed all three people on board, according to local police. Tesla confirmed all had worked at the car company. Tesla is withholding the employees' names while it works with authorities to notify their families, Chief Executive Elon Musk said. "Tesla is a small, tightly-knit company, and this is a tragic day for us," Musk said. Tesla, a six-year-old start-up, is one of the best-known companies in the emerging electric car industry, which is growing as more people seek "clean energy" alternatives in their daily lives. Hollywood stars drive its stylish sports cars, and investors are eager to cash in on its Silicon Valley cachet. Tesla filed for an initial public offering of up to $100 million last month. The company was co-founded by and is currently run by Musk, an entrepreneur who made his fortune as co-founder of online payments service provider PayPal. Musk frequently travels in a private jet on Tesla business. The three employees were mid-level engineers, said a person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to give out details about the fatalities. The plane was registered to Air Unique Inc in Santa Clara, California. Air Unique was registered with Tesla engineer Doug Bourn. The plane left the Palo Alto Airport at about 7 a.m. PST (1500 GMT), bound for Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Southern California. It lost power before striking the tower, breaking off a wing, East Palo Alto Police Department Captain John Chalmers said. The wing hit a house, causing a fire. The rest of the aircraft struck parked vehicles, Chalmers said. There were no reports of injuries on the ground, Chalmers said. (Reporting by Jim Christie and Poornima Gupta in San Francisco. Additional reporting by Kevin Krolicki in Detroit; Editing by Philip Barbara and Robert MacMillan) \|\|\|\|\| 3 Tesla workers die when plane hits N. Calif. home EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. — A small plane crashed Wednesday in a residential neighborhood shrouded in heavy fog, killing all three aboard, igniting fires and scattering debris onto a house where a children's day care center operated, authorities said. The three killed were employees of Tesla Motors Inc., said Elon Musk, chief executive of the electric car manufacturer. There were no reports of injury on the ground, and fires caused by the crash were soon extinguished. The Cessna 310 crashed around 7:55 a.m. shortly after takeoff from the Palo Alto Airport and was bound for Hawthorne Municipal Airport in Southern California, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash site is one mile northwest of the airport, near Tesla's headquarters in San Carlos. The company would not release the employees' identities pending notification of families. "Tesla is a small, tightly knit company, and this is a tragic day for us," Musk said in a statement. The plane is registered to Air Unique Inc., and state records show that the company is owned by Doug Bourn of Santa Clara. A Tesla spokesman has said Bourn is a senior electrical engineer at the company. Menlo Park Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said the plane either struck a 100-foot electrical tower or clipped its power transmission lines and broke apart, sending debris raining down on the working-class Silicon Valley neighborhood. A wing fell onto one house, where the children's day care operated, and the rest of the plane struck the front retaining wall of another house down the street before landing onto two vehicles on the street, Schapelhouman said. Debris also struck two neighboring houses, he said. The occupants of the homes have been accounted for, although authorities can't be sure of the fatality count until crews begin clearing the wreckage, Schapelhouman said. "Either by luck or the skill of the pilot, the plane hit the street and not the homes on either side," he added. "That saved people in this community." Kate McClellan, 57, said she was walking her dog when she saw a plane descend from the foggy sky and strike the tower, causing power lines to swing wildly in the air. "It burst into flames, and then it kept flying for bit before it hit some houses and exploded," McClellan said. Pamela Houston, an employee of the day care in the house struck by the wing, said she was feeding an infant when she heard a loud boom that she initially thought was an earthquake until she "saw a big ball of fire hit the side of the house." Houston said she screamed to the others in the house — the owner, the owner's husband and their three children — and the group safely escaped before the home went up in flames. "There are not even words to describe what it felt like," she said. "I am very thankful to God that he allowed us to get out." The city of Palo Alto, which provides power through a municipal utility agency, said most of the city and surrounding area had lost power due to Wednesday's plane crash. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford Hospital both were operating on backup generators and canceled elective surgeries for the day, according to hospitals spokesman Robert Dicks. "We have multiple crews on scene investigating," said Joe Molica, a spokesman for Pacific Gas & Electric, which owns the transmission lines used by the city. "The crash appears to have affected three transmission lines that serve the city of Palo Alto's municipal utility." Thanawala reported from San Francisco. Associated Press writers Jason Dearen and Marcus Wohlsen in San Francisco also contributed to this report. Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. \|\|\|\|\| A small aircraft has crashed in the US state of California shortly after take-off, hitting two houses. All three people on board the twin-engine plane died in the crash in Palo Alto, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration told US media. He said the Cessna 310 had "crashed under unknown circumstances", but eyewitnesses said it hit a power line. There are no reported casualties on the ground, even though two of the houses hit caught fire. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the plane was owned by Doug Bourn, a senior electrical engineer for the electric-car company Tesla Motors. Bad weather It is not known whether Mr Bourn was on the plane when the accident happened. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk said all three victims worked for his company, but did not identify them further. The plane took off from Palo Alto Airport bound for Hawthorne Municipal Airport in southern California. A resident told local news station KTVU that she saw the plane hit a power line before it exploded and crashed into the two homes. The woman said that one of the homes operates as a day-care centre, but that there were no children in it at the time of the crash, which happened just before 0800 local time (1600 GMT). The area was experiencing poor visibility at the time of the accident, with thick fog grounding a number of Southwest Airlines flights. Widespread power cuts have been reported in the wake of the crash. \|\|\|\|\| Friends and colleagues of three Tesla Motors employees who died Wednesday during a plane crash in East Palo Alto are remembering the trio today as men who used technology to make the world a better place. The Mercury News has learned through sources close to the company that the deceased are: Doug Bourn, 56, of Santa Clara, a senior electrical engineer; Andrew Ingram, 31, of Palo Alto, an electrical engineer; and Brian M. Finn, 42, of East Palo Alto; a senior manager of interactive electronics. The National Transportation Safety Board should have some results in five days as to what caused the Cessna to clip a PG&E power line and crash on Beech Street in East Palo Alto, said aviation accident inspector Joshua Cawthra. What will help, he added, is East Palo Alto’s “shot spotter” system, the city’s high-tech sensors that detect gun shots. The noises from the plane’s engine were detected on the system, and could help explain why the plane crashed moments after taking off in heavy fog for a trip to Southern California. Cawthra did state today, however, that Bourn made “zero distress calls” from the air, and had said his last words to radio control from the ground. Federal Aviation Administration records show Bourn had his license since 1974, and had never been involved in any prior accidents or cited for any violations. “I’m imagining him like Sully,” said Bourn’s longtime neighbor, Karen Davis referring to Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, the Danville pilot who heroically landed an airliner in distress on the Hudson River. “I’m sure he would have tried to make sure his plane would avoid hitting people on the ground. He was not a reckless person.” Added Ellen Humphrey of Sacramento, who was married to Bourn for three years after having met him at a company called Zilog: “When we would go flying, I remember him taking great measures to inspect the aircraft, to figure out and file his flight plan, to make sure everything was properly planned out, logged, and communicated. I know that Doug wouldn’t fly if he thought it was dangerous. Doug was a very skilled pilot — a very safe pilot. For him to cut corners to do something unsafe would be absolutely absurd.” Not only did Bourn love flying. But he loved technology and used it for good, friends said. They recounted times when Bourn — a Stanford University graduate who had worked at IDEO a Palo Alto-based design consultant firm — happily tinkered with neighbors to fix their computers, volunteered with students at a robotics club at Castilleja Middle School in Palo Alto or bought first-rate equipment at Tesla when he volunteered for the company’s emergency response team. “Doug was a fine man, a superb engineer, an inspiration to those who knew him, and a big part of the success of Tesla Motors,” former Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard wrote in an e-mail. “I remember when Doug came to me to ask if he could use a conference room at Tesla to teach flight school to prospective pilots. Of course, I said yes, and I mentioned that I was maybe halfway through flying lessons when the tragedy of 9/11 struck, shutting down the local airports and ending my flying lessons. Doug, with his characteristic smile, tried hard to convince me to join his class and finish the program. Flying was one of his great joys and he wanted to share that joy with his friends.” Silicon Valley venture capitalist Vish Mishra’s son, Rohit, e-mailed his father from Singapore on Wednesday night to say he had known Bourn’s two passengers. Rohit Mishra had worked with Finn at Volkswagen in Palo Alto, and had graduated Harvey Mudd College in Claremont with Ingram. “It’s such a small world,” Vish Mishra said. “My son really liked both of them very much.” Klaus Schaaf, a friend of Finn’s, e-mailed Good Morning Silicon Valley writer John Murrell a sad note about losing a friend. The plane crashed about two blocks from Finn’s home in East Palo Alto. “Brian was one of the most passionate automotive engineers I have ever met,” Schaaf wrote. “Cars, that was his world.” The two met in Madison, Wis., where Finn was working on something called “active noise cancellation for cars.” He had developed a digital voice enhancement system to make it easier for drivers and passengers to speak in bigger vehicles, like vans, Schaaf wrote. Finn loved to mentor young engineers, including Schaaf’s son at San Jose State University, and ecology was a major concern for him, Schaaf wrote. Finn’s LinkedIn profile shows that before Tesla, he had worked in the Volkswagen Electronics Research Lab and had graduated from Northern Illinois University with a master’s in electrical engineering and a bachelor’s in physics. Like Bourn, Finn also loved hiking and being in the outdoors. His neighbor, Alicia Smith, recalled him bicycling with his young daughter in the neighborhood. “He was a good man, a hardworking man,” she said. Contact Lisa Fernandez at 408-920-5002.	A similar . A plane hit an in Northern California shortly after taking off Wednesday. All three of the plane's passengers were killed. The plane's wing struck a house which caught fire, along with parked cars. No injuries on the ground were reported. The crash occurred at 7:55 am local time (15:55 UTC). The said that the plane was originating from and was en route to in , California. The persons killed were employees of Tesla Motors, later identified as Doug Bourn, Andrew Ingram, and Brian Finn, all involved with electronics at the company. Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, released a statement saying, in part, "Tesla is a small, tightly-knit company, and this is a tragic day for us." The plane was registered to Air Unique Incorporated, in , California, which is owned by another Tesla employee Doug Bourn.
Photos of clothes to try to trace dead baby's mother Detectives trying to trace the mother of an abandoned newborn baby who died have released photographs of his clothing and towels used to wrap him. Gwent Police are appealing for help to trace the mother of the boy, who was found behind a Spar store in Cwmcarn, in Caerphilly county, on Thursday. The baby was no more than 24 hours old, but a post-mortem examination has been inconclusive. Police say they are "extremely concerned" about the mother's health. "Perhaps if you have recently bought a present for an expectant mother and recognise the items please get in touch," said Supt Jon Burley. Someone must know who the mother is as, until recently, this lady would have been heavily pregnant Supt Jon Burley, Gwent Police The photographs of items include: • A bath size towel bought from Dunelm. The towel is white with a gingerbread man and heart design on it • A blue and white striped long sleeve top, with buttons at the neck, aged 3-6 months from Next (this is part of a three-piece set) • An orange beach towel manufactured by Arencibia, an outlet based on Gran Canaria • A George orange vest top, size 14 Mr Burley said: "The orange towel could have been brought back from a holiday and, if anyone knows a woman or girl who owns an orange vest top and wears a size 14, we would appeal for them to get in touch." Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. "Someone must know who the mother is as, until recently, this lady would have been heavily pregnant. We need these people to come forward." The baby was discovered in a lane by the son of the owner of the shop, Gursewak Singh, about 10 miles (16km) from Newport. Mr Singh said he [Mr Singh] had seen a Next carrier bag near the back of his shop on Thursday, but thought it was gym kit belonging to a patron of the nearby boxing club. He said: "We asked friends and colleagues what the bag was doing there, but it didn't belong to anyone. "A boy who works with us said it was just a towel in there and he didn't open it. I just thought it was clothes underneath and didn't want to root through them Gursewak Singh, shop owner, on finding the bag He added: "In the evening I went out to it and opened it, only saw a towel on top and didn't look thoroughly. "I just thought it was clothes underneath and didn't want to root through them. "I picked it up and hanged it on the gatepost so someone walking by might see it and recognise it as theirs. "At about six o'clock there was a power cut and my 14-year-old son went out and picked up the bag and opened it and saw a little head in there. "He called his uncle and said: 'It's not clothes, come and look'. "They came over and saw the baby in there." He said Annette Buckland, 45, from Blackwood, who works in the shop, brought the baby inside, took him out of the bag and lay him on a chiller while a customer phoned 999. He was not breathing or making any sound and the operator gave instructions for CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Mr Singh said it was raining and the baby, who looked like he had not been cleaned up since the birth, was blue. "It was shocking. We were all devastated. I wish we had checked earlier," he said. "If we had gone through the bag we could have made a difference. "I'm worried what sort of condition the person who left the bag is in. We are so concerned about her. "Other people saw the bag, but nobody thought about it. There could be a baby still alive. I wish we had checked straight away." Anyone with any information is being urged to contact Gwent Police on 101. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version \|\|\|\|\| The baby was found wrapped in only a towel behind the Spar shop on Newport Road, Cwmcarn, on Thursday and was later pronounced dead. Superintendent John Burley, of Gwent Police, said: ''We are extremely concerned about the health and wellbeing of the mother of the baby and are appealing for her to come forward to receive any medical treatment she may require. ''This is a tragic incident which will sadden the local community and our priority at the moment is finding the mother of the baby. ''I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store on Thursday morning or afternoon who may be able to offer any information to assist our inquiry.'' He added: "Police also ask anyone with concerns about someone they know, a friend or member of their family, who they think could possibly be connected to this incident, to contact them as soon as possible." \|\|\|\|\| Abandoned baby found dead outside shop was mistaken for forgotten gym kit By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 12:23 PM on 19th March 2010 An abandoned newborn baby was found dead after being wrapped in a towel and placed outside a shop - after villagers mistook him for a gym kit. The boy was covered in a towel in a carrier bag at the rear of the village shop. But the shop is next to a gym - and passers-by mistook the boy for towels accidentally left behind by someone after a work-out. A police officer stands by the lane in Cwmcarn, South Wales, where the child was found wrapped in a towel in a plastic bag Floral tributes have been left by villagers for the baby boy The bag was eventually checked by a 14-year-old schoolboy who called 999 - but the baby was dead when he arrived at hospital. Police investigating the baby's death are trying to track down the mother of the baby fearing she may need medical help. The towel in a cream-coloured Next carrier bag was first spotted at 1.15pm yesterday by a shopworker at Gurfewak Singh's Spar store at Cwmcarn, near Newport, Gwent. He said: 'She went out and noticed the bag and asked one of our colleagues to have a look inside. 'They saw some towels and assumed someone had been in the boxing gym and had left their bag behind.' It was at 6pm that Mr Singh's son went into the lane to talk to neighbours - and decided to look inside the bag. Mr Singh said: 'He took the first towel off and saw the baby's head. 'He quickly rushed back into the shop and my partner and a shop assistant put the baby on top of a freezer, tried to do CPR and called 999. The bag was eventually checked by a 14-year-old schoolboy who called 999 - but the baby was dead when he arrived at hospital 'Customers in the shop also tried to help, but I assumed the baby was already dead. 'He had been outside outside in the rain for five hours the towels were soaking wet. 'My son was so shocked, he was crying and asking me questions like: "How can someone just leave a baby like that in a bag? 'He said: "Why didn't the mother tell someone?" I haven't got any answers to give him. I just wish one of us had checked the bag properly. 'If the baby was alive then maybe we could have helped. We could have called an ambulance straight away.' Choking back tears Mr Singh added: 'I regret it so much. I keep going back over and over it in my mind.' An area behind the shop next to the Cwmcarn Boxing Club gym was yesterday sealed off and forensic teams were still on site. Police today stepped up their search for the child's mother and have appealed for her to come forward. Supt John Burley said: 'It does appear that the baby was recently born and we're obviously concerned that she needs medical attention as soon as possible. 'We're obviously looking at things that have happened in that rear lane during the day. 'We're appealing for witnesses really who saw anything suspicious. 'We've started house-to-house inquiries but really any members of the public who were around that area at that time who saw something that may have been suspicious or out of the ordinary, just give us a call.' Two teddy bears, and floral tributes have been left at the scene by villagers. \|\|\|\|\| Officers took the baby to the Royal Gwent Hospital A newborn boy has died after being abandoned at the back of a shop in Cwmcarn, Gwent Police have announced. The baby, found wrapped in a towel at the rear of the village's Spar store, was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport but pronounced dead on arrival. Police are "extremely concerned" about the mother's health and urged her to come forward for medical assistance. Caerphilly superintendent John Burley also appealed for witnesses after the discovery at 1815 GMT on Thursday. He said: "This is a tragic incident that will be felt in the local community. However our priority is finding the mother of the baby and we are appealing for her to come forward. "We would also appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store... who may have seen something to contact us immediately." He said anyone with concerns about a friend or relative who may be connected to events should also come forward.	Wales with Gwent highlighted in light green. According to an announcement from Gwent Police, a baby boy has died after being found abandoned behind a convenience store in Gwent, Wales. The boy, who has not yet been identified, was found behind a Spar convenience store in the town of Cwmcarn at 1815 GMT on Tuesday. The baby was found to be wrapped in a towel which was in a plastic shopping bag. Bystanders who were walking past the scene mistakenly believed that the bag had been unintentionally left there by a person who had visited the gym that is located next to the store. A 14-year-old boy, who is the son of the man who owns the convenience store, then examinied the bag and discovered the baby. He made a phone call to the emergency services, however, when the baby was taken to Royal Gwent Hospital, it was pronounced dead on arrival. The baby was younger than one day old at the time of his death. A post-mortem examination proved to be indeterminate. Gwent Police have now launched an investigation to try and determine the identity of the baby's mother. Gursewak Singh, the father of the person who discovered the baby and the owner of the shop, explained: "We asked friends and colleagues what the bag was doing there, but it didn't belong to anyone. A boy who works with us said it was just a towel in there and he didn't open it. In the evening I went out to it and opened it, only saw a towel on top and didn't look thoroughly. I just thought it was clothes underneath and didn't want to root through them. I picked it up and hanged it on the gatepost so someone walking by might see it and recognise it as theirs. At about six o'clock there was a power cut and my 14-year-old son went out and picked up the bag and opened it and saw a little head in there. He called his uncle and said: 'It's not clothes, come and look'. They came over and saw the baby in there." Singh commented that this incident "was shocking. We were all devastated. I wish we had checked earlier. If we had gone through the bag we could have made a difference. I'm worried what sort of condition the person who left the bag is in. We are so concerned about her. Other people saw the bag, but nobody thought about it. There could be a baby still alive. I wish we had checked straight away." Gwent Police member Superintendent John Burley stated about this case: "We are extremely concerned about the health and wellbeing of the mother of the baby and are appealing for her to come forward to receive any medical treatment she may require. This is a tragic incident which will sadden the local community and our priority at the moment is finding the mother of the baby. I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Spar store on Thursday morning or afternoon who may be able to offer any information to assist our inquiry."
Todd Williamson/WireImage.com Drew Barrymore and Justin Long are back together—at least for a movie! A source tells me that Ms. Barrymore has just signed on to star opposite—yup!—her former boyfriend in the romantic comedy Going the Distance. New Line announced earlier this month that Long will star in the flick about a man and woman in a long-distance relationship. American Teen filmmaker Nanette Burstein will direct. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot are producing. As we all know, Barrymore and Long were once real-life girlfriend and boyfriend but broke up in July after dating for nearly a year. They costarred in the Barrymore-produced ensemble flick He's Just Not That Into You. Most recently, the two have raised some eyebrows and curiosity about their romantic status. They were spotted this weekend at the Farmers Market in Hollywood. So is it all work and no play for the adorable little twosome? It's still unclear, because reps decline to comment on their status. Barrymore will next be seen opposite Jessica Lange in director Michael Sucsy's Grey Gardens, premiering April 18 on HBO. Long, meanwhile, stars opposite Kristen Bell and Meg Ryan in Serious Moonlight, also out next month. \|\|\|\|\| Drew Barrymore gets 'Going' Actress to star with Long in New Line comedy By DAVE MCNARY Barrymore Long More Articles: Drew Barrymore is "Going the Distance," signing for the lead role in New Line's romantic comedy opposite Justin Long. "Distance," to be directed by Nanette Burstein, is being produced by Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot via their Offspring Entertainment shingle. Penned by tyro writer Geoff LaTulippe, "Distance" is an observational comedy about a young couple navigating their way through the perils of a long distance relationship who quickly discover that "going the distance" might cost them everything they have, including one another. The project reunites Barrymore and Long, who starred in New Line's "He's Just Not That Into You." Barrymore's Flower Films produced the ensemble comedy, which has grossed $145 million worldwide. \|\|\|\|\| Drew Barrymore cast opposite Justin Long in 'Going the Distance' Mar 30, 2009, 08:25 PM \| by Christine Spines Categories: Movie Biz New Line has cast Drew Barrymore opposite her former boyfriend, Justin Long, in the romantic comedy Going the Distance. The plot finds the pair as a couple dealing with the challenges of a cross-country romance. Documentary director Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Picture and American Teen) will make her feature debut on the project written by New Line staffer Geoff LaTulippe.	Drew Barrymore will star in the romantic comedy "Going the Distance" alongside Justin Long.Drew Barrymore and Justin Long have been cast in a romantic comedy called ''Going the Distance''. The New Line Cinema film is to be directed by documentary filmmaker Nanette Burstein, who made the films ''The Kid Stays in the Picture'' and ''American Teen''. It will be Burstein's feature film debut. ''Going the Distance'', written by New Line staffer Geoff LaTulippe, will focus on a couple dealing with challenges arising from a cross-country romance. Media reports did not indicate a release date had been determined. The film is being produced by Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot via their independent production company, Offspring Entertainment. Barrymore and Long last appeared together in the 2009 film, ''He's Just Not That into You'', which grossed $145 million worldwide. The duo dated in real life, but broke up in July after dating for about a year.
Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb general, could be extradited to The Hague within days to face genocide charges, after a Belgrade court ruled on Friday he was healthy enough to stand trial. The long-time fugitive’s family had argued that Mr Mladic, said to be suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and a kidney stone and to have suffered strokes, was too ill to be extradited. The court gave Mr Mladic until Monday to appeal, which his lawyers said he would do. Mr Mladic, arrested on Thursday after 16 years on the run, has long been sought by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to stand trial on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. He is accused of orchestrating the siege of Sarajevo during the 1992-95 Bosnian war, and the massacre of about 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica, the worst atrocity in Europe since the second world war. The speed with which the Serbian authorities are moving signals an apparent desire to end the country’s relative isolation since the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, and to accelerate its integration into the European Union. EU and other international leaders have hailed Mr Mladic’s arrest as the opportunity for a new start by the Balkan country. But the former general is still seen as a hero by many Serbs, and supporters said they planned to hold demonstrations in coming days. The nationalist Serbian Radical Party called for supporters to rally on Sunday, and sporadic protests took place in Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia’s second biggest city, on Friday. Serbian officials, asking not to be named, told Associated Press on Friday that Mr Mladic was captured in a “routine raid” in the village of Lazarevo, in the early hours of Thursday. They said they had no specific intelligence indicating that Mr Mladic was in the house, belonging to his cousin, although they had information he was in the village in the north-east of the country. \|\|\|\|\| Mladic arrest bittersweet for Bosnian survivors By Rachel Carbonell Updated Bosnian survivors continue to celebrate the arrest and impending extradition of former Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic after he was deemed fit to stand trial. Mladic was interviewed by an investigative judge at the Belgrade special war crimes court and now faces extradition to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. He is accused of orchestrating the 43-month siege of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo and the massacre of more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys from the town of Srebrenica in July 1995. Last night hundreds of members of the Australian Bosnian Islamic Society gathered at a mosque in Deer Park, in Melbourne's west, for an annual memorial service for those who died in concentration camps during the Bosnian conflict. Hajreta Custovic lost family in the massacre. She is happy about Mladic's arrest, but upset it took so long, and she says many others are also to blame. "I lost my father, I lost my grandfather, I lost my aunty, more than half of my family, males, they are all dead," she said. "We always hoped and wanted and prayed that he would pay for what he's done. But unfortunately it's not just him, there are others who helped him too, they are with him as well." Mina Kojic also lost her father in the Srebenica massacre. Her brothers survived because of her mother's desperate ingenuity. "My mum, what she did, she put on a skirt and she put on a scarf on my brothers' heads so that way they would think that they are girls instead of boys. And that's how they survived," she said. "I'm so happy, I'm thrilled, I'm really, really happy [about Mladic's arrest]. It's sort of one chapter of my life closed, that is how I see it." One man, who wished only to be referred to as Nedzad, still finds it difficult to speak of his experience as a prisoner in a concentration camp. "It was a terrible experience, it's hard to speak about that, but I survived," he said. He is also happy about Mladic's arrest, but is disappointed by how long it took. "I'm also angry because it took them 16 years to find him, [he was] maybe 80 kilometres out of Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia so, it's mixed." The president of the Australian Council of Bosnian Organisations, Senata Softic-Telalovic, says such mixed feelings are common. "There is three levels of feelings here: One is that everyone is obviously celebrating his arrest, there's no doubt about it," she said. "Then the sarcasm comes in and cynicism, which is purely 100 per cent accurate. Why has it taken 16 years? This man should have been brought before justice 16 years ago. "And then of course the third level is grief. It brings back absolutely everything. "The next level that falls into is that now you have to relive all the crimes that were committed by him and his army. "So it brings back the memories, it brings back the deaths, it brings back the rape camps, it brings back the concentration camps, it brings back home the genocide." First posted \|\|\|\|\| STARING up into the unknown, his watery blue eyes betray a mixture of fear and confusion. This is the face of former Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic – Europe’s most wanted war criminal – just moments after his dramatic arrest. Gone was the cold, menacing stare of the ranting bully who once struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. His trademark camouflage army fatigues were replaced by a scruffy black tracksuit and his closely-shorn white hair peeked from beneath a faded cap. The 69-year-old had the haunted look of a cornered animal. Age seems to have taken a heavy toll on Mladic after his 16 years on the run, although his bloated, ruddy face suggests he enjoyed a drink or two as he hid from the authorities. After suffering two strokes as well as kidney problems, he is now claiming ill-health and his die-hard supporters say he is not fit enough to stand trial. His wife Bosiljka and son Darko had recently tried to have him declared dead after claiming, unconvincingly, that they had not seen him for five years. But they were first to visit him in his Belgrade cell soon after his arrest at a remote Serbian village. Darko said later: “He is too weak to be extradited. We will ask that he be transferred to hospital.” Prosecutors believe Mladic is exaggerating his illness to try to avoid facing a war crimes tribunal in the Hague – but his ploy failed yesterday as a judge ruled he was fit enough to face justice. He now has until Monday to appeal against his extradition. Mladic’s capture has divided Bosnians, with some nationalists hailing him as an “honourable man” while others – particularly the relatives of his victims – labelling him “a monster”. Sabra Kolenovic, whose husband and son were murdered by Mladic’s troops, said: “He may seem like a frail old man now, but he’s still just as evil.” Mladic is accused of personally ordering the slaughter of more than 8,000 innocent civilians in the 1995 massacre in the UN-protected enclave of Srebrenica, and overseeing the 43-month assault on the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, in which 12,000 died. His barbaric methods were part of his genocidal plan to “cleanse” villages of Croats and Muslims. In total 100,000 people lost their lives and 1.8 million were displaced. Mladic will go to the same court as former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, who was captured three years ago and whose trial began in 2009. Another accused, former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, died of a heart attack in 2006 while in custody. \|\|\|\|\| Emma Alberici reported this story on Saturday, May 28, 2011 08:06:00 ELIZABETH JACKSON: Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb General is a step closer to facing justice after a court in Belgrade deemed him fit enough to travel to The Hague. The war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has been chasing Mladic since 1995, the same year he was accused of ordering the massacre of thousands of Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica. Lawyers for Europe's most wanted man say they'll appeal against the extradition claiming their client is too sick to face trial. Here's our Europe correspondent Emma Alberici. EMMA ALBERICI: For 16 years Ratko Mladic has been evading justice over his role in the killings of thousands during the near four-year siege of Sarajevo and the attempted extermination of Bosnia's Muslims at Srebrenica with the murder of close to 8000 of the town's men and boys. A judge in Belgrade ruled that he should be sent to The Hague to face 15 charges of war crimes. Outside the court, his son Darko Mladic said the decision would be appealed on the grounds that his father is too ill to travel. DARKO MLADIC: We are not stating anything about the trial. We are focused at this time on his health, his condition and we are calling for independent experts to verify his conditions. EMMA ALBERICI: Ratko Mladic has suffered a stroke and is partially paralysed down his right side but Vladimir Vukcevic, the chief prosecutor in Belgrade, says the 69-year-old former commander of the Bosnian Serb army understands the charges against him and is well enough to get take the two-hour flight to the Netherlands. VLADIMIR VUKCEVIC (translated): Ratko Mladic is absolutely ready to be prosecuted as far as his mental state, he's completely capable and healthy. EMMA ALBERICI: More details have emerged of the capture of Mladic who had been living under the alias of Milorad Komadic. According to officials in Belgrade, he was wearing no disguise and didn't resist arrest. He was armed with two guns but there was no time to use them. He was living at a cousin's home in Lazarevo 60 kilometres from Belgrade. His capture turns a dark page in the history of the Balkans, with this single act, Serbian president, Boris Tadic, expects his country's status as international pariah to be recast. Zlatko Lagumdzija was the deputy prime minister of Bosnia in the 90s and was among the victims of the then General Mladic's bloody campaign. ZLATKO LAGUMDZIJA: I was heavily wounded in one of those massacres on the streets of Sarajevo. I was lucky, I just spent 12 months in hospital and 12 surgeries and survived. In Sarajevo, 10,000 people were not as luck as me. EMMA ALBERICI: Zlatko Lagumdzija is a good friend of the Serbian president. ZLATKO LAGUMDZIJA: And I speak every time with him and calling him to promote the principles of shared values, of shared societies. If the world is becoming a shared society, we have to see that Europe is really closing the chapter and being a shared society in south-eastern Europe. EMMA ALBERICI: And it's in that spirit of reconciliation that some believe the time has come to welcome Serbia into the 27-member bloc of the European Union, a nod of respectability and legitimacy the country has long craved. But there are war criminals are still hiding in Serbia probably enjoying the same military and Nationalist Party protection that allowed Ratko Mladic to escape justice for so long. This is Emma Alberici reporting for Saturday AM. \|\|\|\|\| BELGRADE \| BELGRADE (Reuters) - Bosnian Serb wartime general Ratko Mladic will face trial on genocide charges in the Hague following his arrest in Serbia after 15 years on the run, with European officials expecting his extradition within 10 days. The arrest on Thursday of Mladic, the last of the three men blamed for instigating the ethnic cleansing during the 1992-5 Bosnian war, was expected to clear the way for the former pariah state of Serbia to join the European Union. "On behalf of the Republic of Serbia I can announce the arrest of Ratko Mladic. The extradition process is under way," Serbian President Boris Tadic told reporters in Belgrade. Mladic, accused of orchestrating the massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the town of Srebrenica and a brutal 43-month siege of Sarajevo, was found in a farmhouse owned by a cousin, a police official said. "Mladic was handcuffed and whisked away," said the official, who added that he had been cooperative. The once burly and widely feared general was not disguised but had false identity papers and looked haggard and much older, he said. "Hardly anyone could recognize him." European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she expected Mladic to be extradited to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague within nine or 10 days. Tadic confirmed Mladic, 69, had been detained in Serbia, which had long said it could not find a man who is still seen as a hero by many Serbs and whose Bosnian Serb Army was armed and funded by the late Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic, who died in 2006 while on trial for war crimes. "This removes a heavy burden from Serbia and closes a page of our unfortunate history," Tadic said. The arrest may have come too late to place the general jointly on trial alongside his former political leader Radovan Karadzic, the Yugoslavia tribunal's prosecution office said. Mladic was indicted in 1995 together with Karadzic, who was arrested in July 2008 and went on trial in October 2009, and prosecutors initially wanted to try both men together, but separated the case shortly before Karadzic's trial started. Frederick Swinnen, special adviser to chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz, said it was too early to say for certain whether the Mladic and Karadzic cases would be rejoined, but added that doing so would also delay the trial of Karadzic. Peter Robinson, one of Karadzic's legal advisers, said that Karadzic regretted the arrest of Mladic. "Dr. Karadzic is sorry for General Mladic's loss of freedom. He looks forward to working with him to bring out the truth about what happened in Bosnia," Robinson told Reuters by email. ARRESTED NEAR BELGRADE Mladic was arrested in the village of Lazarevo, near the northeastern town of Zrenjanin around 100 km (60 miles) from the capital Belgrade in the early hours, the police official said. Bosnian Muslim survivors said the news was bittersweet. "This represents a small bit of justice for my heart, my soul and my pain," said Sabaheta Fejzic, 55, who lost her only son, her husband and many other male relatives in the massacre. Many nationalists in Serbia, which was under international sanctions over the war in Bosnia and then bombed by NATO to stop atrocities in Kosovo in 1999, idolise Mladic and one representative made clear their fury with the government. "This shameful arrest of a Serb general is a blow to our national interests and the state," Boris Aleksic, a spokesman for the ultranationalist Serbian Radical Party said. "This is a regime of liars -- dirty, corrupt and treacherous." Several dozen nationalists and soccer hooligans rallied in downtown Belgrade to protest the arrest, clashing briefly with police who dispersed them from the main square, a Reuters reporter said. Dozens of people were arrested and injured in 2008 throughout Serbia in riots following the arrest of Karadzic. Tadic said he would not allow a repeat of such violence. "This country will remain stable," he said. "Whoever tries to destabilize it will be prosecuted and punished." Washington and other capitals hailed the arrest. "The European prospects of Serbia are now brighter than ever," said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. "Serbia is a country that has suffered a lot but the fact it has delivered presumed war criminals is very good news. It's one more step toward Serbia's integration one day into the European Union," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said at a Group of Eight summit in France. Although his arrest removed a diplomatic thorn from Belgrade's side, the revelation that Mladic was in Serbia, as many suspected, raises questions as to how he eluded justice for so long. (Additional reporting by Adam Tanner in Rabat, Aaron Gray-Block in Amsterdam and David Brunnstrom in Brussels, Daria Sito-Sucic in Sarajevo and Catherine Bremer in Deauville; Writing by Michael Roddy; Editing by Louise Ireland) \|\|\|\|\| BELGRADE, Serbia – Ratko Mladic is eating strawberries and receiving family visits in a Serbian jail, but as early as Monday the ex-general could be on his way to face a war-crimes tribunal in The Hague, possibly joining his former ally Radovan Karadzic on trial for some of the worst horrors of the Balkan wars. The former Bosnian Serb army commander known for his cruelty and arrogance began issuing demands from behind bars Friday, calling for a TV set and Tolstoy novels, and regaining some of his trademark hubris after a pre-dawn raid in a Serbian village the day before ended his 16 years on the run. Now a disheveled old man, his family claim he's too ill to stand up to the rigors of a genocide trial and that he's not guilty of crimes including his alleged role in the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II, the massacre that left 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the Srebrenica enclave in Bosnia dead. Serbia's war crimes court ruled that the 69-year-old is fit to stand trial and that conditions have been met for him to be handed over to the U.N. tribunal. A defense lawyer said Mladic would appeal the decision on Monday. The former fugitive could be extradited within hours if that appeal is rejected. His defense is demanding that an "independent medical commission" examine Mladic — preferably one from Russia, a historical friend of the Serbs. Instead the government dispatched the health minister, a former friend, who deemed him stable. Serbian war crimes prosecutors argue that the defense was simply trying to delay the extradition, and the tribunal promises it is capable of dealing with any health problems. Mladic was in command of the Bosnian Serb army during the country's 1992-95 war, which left more than 100,000 people dead and drove another 1.8 million from their homes. Thousands of Muslims and Croats were slain, tortured or expelled in a campaign to purge the region of non-Serbs. Mladic's ruthlessness was legendary: "Burn their brains!" he once bellowed as his men pounded Sarajevo with artillery fire. So was his opinion of himself: He nicknamed himself "God," and kept goats which he was said to have named after Western leaders he despised. He eluded the net of war crimes investigators for years after his 1995 indictment by the U.N. war crimes court on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity — until going out into his garden for a pre-dawn walk. New details emerged Friday of the raid, revealing it was more of a shot in the dark than a pinpoint operation. Police had been conducting similar operations throughout Serbia for years. Two dozen masked, black-clad members of a team of special police had no specific intelligence that Mladic was inside a relative's yellow brick house in Lazarevo, a village they were visiting for the first time. Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information, Serbian police officials told the AP that Mladic identified himself immediately after his arrest, handing over two pistols that he was carrying without a fight. "Good work," Mladic told the officers, according to Serbian police chief Ivica Dacic. "You found the one you were looking for." A police photo of Mladic showed him looking hollow-cheeked and shrunken after a decade and a half on the run, a far cry from the beefy commander he once was. The photo taken moments after his arrest in a tiny northern Serbian village shows a clean-shaven Mladic with thinning hair and wearing a navy blue baseball hat. He looks up with wide eyes, as if in surprise. By Friday, however, after a night's sleep, Mladic was digging in his heels, refusing to remove the cap, demanding he receive money from his military pension, and requesting a visit to the Belgrade grave of his daughter Ana, who killed herself in 1994, said a judicial official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. He received a visit from his son, who said if Mladic is extradited he will argue that he's innocent of war crimes charges. "His stand is that he's not guilty of what he's being accused of," Darko Mladic told reporters outside the Belgrade court. The chief prosecutor of the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal said he was considering whether to put Mladic on trial together with former Bosnian Serb political leader Karadzic. Serge Brammertz said that ideally he would have both men in one trial, facing charges of jointly orchestrating Serb atrocities throughout the 1992-95 Bosnian war. Karadzic's ongoing trial started in 2009 and a Mladic trial would not begin for months, but Brammertz said he is confident he has "strong and credible evidence" against him. Serbia had been under intense pressure to find the war crimes suspect, with the EU insisting that his capture was necessary for its membership bid and Brammertz accusing the country of a lack of cooperation in tracking him down. While in Belgrade in the late '90s and early 2000s, Mladic showed up at soccer games, dined in plush restaurants and frequented elite cafes. Although he went underground in 2002, as recently as 2004 Mladic was seen driving a battered, boxy Yugo car in Belgrade — without the six black-clad bodyguards with shaven heads who had typically escorted him. Dacic said new police leadership increased the number of people hunting for Mladic by 50 percent. Police officials said they learned that Mladic moved into the largely Bosnian Serb village of Lazarevo about two years ago, figuring he could be safe with his relatives there. But, Mladic turns out not to have had the large support network of hardline supporters that many believed had helped him hide out for so long, Dacic said. "Mladic lived alone with his relatives, without any financial means," the chief told reporters Friday. "The stories that he had a major ring of security and many helpers turned out not to be true." Even so, some residents of Lazarevo remained defiant. "I know everybody in this village. Even if we saw him, they would have never been able to find him, if we knew," said villager Nedeljko Arsic. "we would have hidden him and they would have never been able to find him and arrest him." Serbian officials said no one will pick up the $10 million (euro7 million) reward for Mladic's arrest because police were not acting on a tip when they arrested him. The arrest was trumpeted by the government as a victory for a country worthy of EU membership and Western embrace. ______ Aida Cerkez in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Danica Kirka in Belgrade and Slobodan Lekic in Brussels contributed to this report.	Ratko Mladić in 1993 , otherwise known as "The Butcher of Bosnia," has been arrested after being sought for over a decade. The 69-year-old former Serbian general and war crimes suspect was arrested on May 26 by Serbian special police in , Serbia. Mladić was accused of war crimes shortly after the 1992–1995 . He was wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity, including the orchestration of a massacre of over 8000 Muslim Bosniak men and boys in . The arrest has prompted protests from Serbian nationalists, who herald Mladić as a national hero and patriot. However, the international reaction to Mladić's capture is more positive. French President Nicolas Sarkozy praised Serbia's actions, saying it is another step for Serbia on the path to joining the European Union. Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt gave similar praise, saying that the Serbia's prospects of joining the EU are "brighter than ever." Serbia's war crimes court ruled that Mladić is fit for trial, despite claims from family and supporters to the contrary. Ratko Mladić's son Darko claims that his father is too weak to face extradition to The Hague for trial. Mladić could face extradition within a matter of days. == Sources == * * * * * * cs:Srbové chytili Mladiće, půjde před tribunál v Haagu de:Serbien: Mutmaßlicher Kriegsverbrecher Ratko Mladić verhaftet fr:Serbie : Ratko Mladić arrêté pour crimes contre l'humanité ru:Арестован Ратко Младич sr:Ухапшен Ратко Младић
Diggers in Bathhurst were trying to come to terms with the desecration of their war memorial overnight. The diggers, who had been looking forward to the dawn service, said they were brought to tears after five teenaged girls had allegedly painted "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" on Bathurst's Carillion War Memorial. The war veterans, along with many others, were forced to work through the night to clean up the memorial in time for the dawn service. The five girls were arrested. Sergeant Andrew Holland told smh.com.au police were called to the memorial after reports that "hoodlums" had covered the sacred site with highly offensive graffiti. "Police arrived a short time later and observed that they had painted approximately one metre high, [beige coloured] slogans all the way around the exteriors of the war memorial using words such as "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" along with peace symbols," he said. "They've then taken the remnants of the four-litre paint cans and splashed these on the doors and external steps of the war memorial." When the teenagers were tracked down by police, some were allegedly still covered in paint. The group, aged between 15 and 17, were arrested and taken to Bathurst police station, he said. A 17-year-old was charged with two counts of malicious damage, break, enter and steal and offensive conduct. She is due to appear at Bathurst Children's Court on May 28. "The other four juveniles are going through the juvenile cautioning process where a determination of police action will be made by the local youth liaison officer," Mr Holland said. More than 30 people, including members of the military, Fire Brigades and local council, worked through the night to remove the graffiti before this morning's ANZAC Day dawn service, he said. Bill Abbot, president of the Bathurst RSL sub-branch, said he was horrified by the "garbage" that had been left on the memorial. "Absolutely devastated. I was in tears. It was really hard to believe. Everybody was devastated of course," the 60-year-old Vietnam veteran said. "It's very hard to comprehend really. I think that once the perpetrators sobered up, they would probably be ashamed as well." He said he was heartened by the community's efforts to clean up the site. "The NSW Fire Brigade and the local army were terrific. Fair dinkum, everyone just jumped in and give us a hand. It was really community spirit." Jim MeFerran, honorary secretary of the Bathurst RSL sub-branch, said he wanted the alleged offenders to be required to meet war veterans and war veteran widows to understand what ANZAC Day is all about. \|\|\|\|\| Teenage girls alleged to have labelled diggers "murderers" in a graffiti attack on a war memorial in NSW should be "kicked up the backside", says Premier Morris Iemma. NSW RSL president Don Rowe also said the five girls arrested over the vandalism of Bathurst's Carillon war memorial should be taught a lesson in Australian history. Police arrested the five teenagers, allegedly still covered in paint, near the memorial at about midnight after taking calls from the public. They were accused of painting peace signs and the slogan "Anzacs are murderers" on the memorial. Locals said the anti-war graffiti galvanised the community, with people pitching in to clean it off before the dawn service at the memorial.	The carillion war memorial in Bathurst in Central Western NSW was vandalised just hours before a dawn ANZAC day service. Police allege that five teenage girls aged 15 and 16 were involved. 'Diggers' who had been looking forward to the dawn service said they were bought to tears after they learned that statements saying "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" were painted on the war memorial. Police say they were called to the memorial after reports that a group of vandals had covered the shrine with offensive graffiti. Sergent Andrew Holand from Bathurst police said "Police arrived a short time later and observed that they had painted approximately one metre high, beige coloured slogans all the way around the exteriors of the war memorial using words such as "ANZAC murderers" and "Aussies don't fight" along with peace symbols". "They've then taken the remnants of the four-litre paint cans and splashed these on the doors and external steps of the war memorial," he said. When police located the group of five teenagers some were still covered in paint. All were taken to Bathurst Police Station where the 16 year-old girl was charged with maliciously damaging a shrine or war memorial and malicious damage to police property. It is alleged after she was arrested she damaged a police cell. The four other girls involved, all aged 15 will be cautioned under the state's Youth Offenders Act. Jim McFerran from the Bathurst Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) said he was humbled by efforts to clean up the graffiti. He said an effort involving RSL members, local army personnel, council workers, volunteer firefighters and a group of young men on their way home after a night out. "We had about a dozen young fellas that were going home from the pub, they sort of stopped and said: 'What's going on here?'," said Mr McFerran. "When they got told, they sort of walked over, bloody downed their things, grabbed ... pads and rags and starting getting in there with the rest of us." NSW Premier Morris Iemma condemned the vandalism, saying "They need a history lesson and a good kick up the backside as well."
Russia Vladimir Putin President of the Russian Federation A KGB-trained strategist, Vladimir Putin continues to use the fight against terrorism as a cover for his project of taking control of the main news media. The Beslan hostage-taking in September 2004 highlighted the growing difficulties for independent journalists to cover the operations of the Russian security services. Anna Politkovskaya of the daily Novaya Gazeta learned this. She was the victim of a strange "indigestion" after drinking tea on the plane that was taking her to Beslan. The investigation into the murder of Paul Khlebnikov, the editor of the Russian version of Forbes, has gone nowhere. Predators There are instigators and powerful people behind press freedom violations whose responsibility is not always apparent. Whether presidents, ministers, chiefs of staff, religious leaders or the heads of armed groups, these predators of press freedom have the power to censor, imprison, kidnap, torture and, in the worst cases, murder journalists. To better expose them, Reporters Without Borders has produced these portraits. \|\|\|\|\| Shortly before his poisoning, ex-spy accused Putin of involvement in Russian journalist's murder by Ted Lipien FreeMediaOnline.org Free Media Online, Dublin, CA, December 5, 2006 -- Shortly before he was poisoned by a radioactive substance polonium-210, former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko had accused President Putin of ordering the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya. She had been killed by an unknown assailant in Moscow in early October. Just before his own death from poisoning in London in late November, Mr. Litvinenko accused Mr. Putin of also being responsible for ordering his murder. None of these accusations has been substantiated. Most Western intelligence analysts doubt that Mr. Putin would have ordered assassinations of his critics. Analysts do not exclude, however, the possibility that current or former members of Russia's intelligence and security services may have been involved in these murders. No firm evidence has been produced to support these claims. In a radio interview with the Voice of America Russian Service in early October following the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, Mr. Litvinenko, who described himself as a close friend of Ms. Politkovskaya’s, told VOA that he had seen her in London shortly before her death. According to VOA's English transcript of the interview, Mr. Litvinenko was emphatic in stating his belief that Mr. Putin had been responsible for Ms. Politkovskaya's murder: "There is no doubt," he was quoted by VOA as saying, "that Russian special services killed her by Putin’s order. This was a cynical act, which was done mainly as a lesson to other independent journalists. Every journalist in Russia now understands that if this murder could happen to a celebrity, it could certainly happen to anyone." President Putin categorically denied any prior knowledge of the two murders and described them as a possible provocation instigated by Russia's enemies whom he did not specifically identify. Mr. Putin's critics in Russia and abroad point out, however, that even if there has been no direct link between the two assassinations and the Kremlin, Mr. Putin is ultimately responsible for the climate of lawlessness and suppression of free media. They argue that Mr. Putin's attacks on democratic institutions and independent journalists may have facilitated these and other murders. More than 20 journalists have been killed in Russia since Mr. Putin came to power. Most of these murders have not been solved. Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based nongovernmental organization, has called Mr. Putin "Predator of Press Freedom." Authoritarian leaders who openly disregard the law and restrict free media are sometimes surprised by unauthorized actions of their security services. Polish communist dictator General Wojciech Jaruzelski, who in 1981 had imposed martial law to prevent democratic reforms demanded by the Solidarity labor union, was apparently unaware that members of his own security services had planned and carried out the 1984 murder of Polish pro-Solidarity priest Father Jerzy Popieluszko. The brutal murder of the priest proved to be a major political and public relations embarrassment for General Jaruzelski. He was forced to put the agents responsible for the killing on trial. The court testimony during the trial showed remarkable incompetence of the priest's killers and destroyed the myth of the Polish intelligence service as being highly professional and effective. The use of a traceable radioactive substance polonium-210 to poison Mr. Litvinenko also seems to show poor planning on the part of his killers. The Polish agents who murdered Father Popieluszko were convicted by a communist court but served relatively short prison sentences. Subsequent investigations have shown that Father Popieluszko's Polish killers had contacts with the KGB Soviet agents responsible for monitoring religious activities. The KGB has been accused in media reports of organizing the unsuccessful assassination attempt on the life of Pope John Paul II in May 1981. No firm evidence has been uncovered to substantiate these accusations. Accusations that KGB-trained agents may have been behind the poisoning of the Ukrainian presidential candidate Victor Yushchenko prior to the elections in December 2004 also could not be proven. President Putin was strongly opposed to Mr. Yushchenko's candidacy and backed his pro-Russian opponent. The theory that former Russian secret service agents plotted to poison Mr. Yushchenko was advanced by his then chief of staff Oleh Rybachuk. [Link] The accusations were categorically denied by Russian officials. Discovering the truth behind the murders of Ms. Politkovskaya and Mr. Litvinenko has been made much more difficult by Mr. Putin's largely successful attempts to restrict independent journalism in Russia. At the same time, the United States government has drastically reduced its support for independent media in Russia and in other former Soviet republics. The Voice of America Russian-language radio service, which aired one of the last interviews with Mr. Litvinenko before his death, is scheduled to be closed down under the proposal approved by the White House and the bipartisan Broadcasting Board of Governors which oversees all U.S. international broadcasts. FreeMediaOnline.org, a California-based nonprofit organization which supports freedom of the press worldwide, called the decision to restrict U.S. broadcasting to Russia "a major blow to free media and a gift to dictators and authoritarian regimes in Eurasia." Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Russian-language radio programs are heard in Russia and in other countries of the former Soviet Union where Russian is still a lingua franca. Since most journalists in Russia have been intimidated by the recent wave of murders, Western-based journalists have an additional obligation to investigate Mr. Litvinenko's claim regarding Mr. Politkovskaya's murder as well as his own mysterious death by poisoning. Getting clear answers will be difficult, however, since Mr. Putin -- himself an ex-KGB official -- seems unlikely to agree to putting current or former intelligence agents on trail if they were indeed involved in these two high-profile murders or any other crimes against independent journalists and pro-democracy activists in Russia and abroad. Investigative journalists may want to look for signs of future dismissal or shake-ups within the Russian security services. Even of there is no official admission of complicity, major personnel changes within the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) could be one sign that President Putin may have uncovered unauthorized or bungled plots against his political enemies. Comment \|\|\|\|\| Voice of Russia's web site ignores poisoning death of Putin's critic by Ted Lipien FreeMediaOnline.org Free Media Online, Dublin, CA, November 28, 2006 -- The Voice of Russia's (VOR) English web site has ignored on its main opinion page the poisoning death in London of Alexander Litvinenko, a former intelligence agent who became a strong critic of President Putin. The state-funded radio station, a successor to Radio Moscow which had broadcast internationally during the Cold War, has been silent in recent years about a number of controversial news developments that proved to be highly embarrassing for President Putin. While international media are full of stories about Mr. Litvinenko's poisoning, the Voice of Russia's English web site has been focusing instead on political scandals in the United States and Great Britain. The web site has not been posting articles about current political issues in Russia that might include critical comments about President Putin's policies. Asked at the Russia-EU summit meeting in Helsinki last week about Mr. Litvinenko's poisoning and the recent murder in Moscow of an independent Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, Mr. Putin said that it would be unfortunate to endlessly politicize these issues or stigmatize only Russia for these kinds of murders. "The same thing happens in many other countries," Mr. Putin said. [Link] Observers of the Russian media point out that the Kremlin has been responsible for an unprecedented crackdown on independent journalists and media outlets which dare to criticize Mr. Putin. They also point out that the Russian authorities have not solved the vast majority of the cases of the murdered journalists. According to the International Committee to Protect Journalists, Russia is the third deadliest country in the world for journalists over the past 15 years, behind only the conflict-ridden countries of Iraq and Algeria. A new CPJ report found that 42 journalists had been killed in Russia since 1992.[ Link to the Committee to Protect Journalists press release] The Voice of Russia did not provide any in-depth coverage on its English web site about Anna Politkovskaya's murder. Her reporting on human rights violations in Czechnya angered the Kremlin. Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based international nongovernmental organization, has named Mr. Putin "Predator of Press Freedom" for his actions aimed at bringing independent broadcasting in Russia under government control. Reporters Without Borders have also called for a full and impartial investigation into Ms. Politkovskaya's murder. The most recent Voice of Russia web site postings are more reminiscent of the Cold War-type political analysis of what is wrong with the United States rather than providing detached reporting on current events in Russia. They include such topics as political corruption in the U.S. Congress, NATO's apparent expansion into protection of energy supplies viewed as potentially threatening for Russia, a call for the U.S. to avoid confrontation with Moscow by advancing common interests, an alleged U.S. mass media propaganda in support of the war in Iraq in line with the interests of the American elites, and other "continuing failures" in U.S. foreign policy. In a pattern that is also reminiscent of the Cold War Soviet media treatment of domestic Russian news stories, most of the coverage of on Voice of Russia's English web site deals with noncontroversial issues with references to history rather than to any current social or political problems. Of the nine stories listed on the Voice of Russia home page on November 28, only two dealt specifically with Russian events. One of the stories described the birth of the Russian empire in the 17th century as a response to threats and invasions from the West. The second report dealt with the growing real estate and antique purchases in Britain by Russia's rich businessmen. In contrast to the Voice of Russia's reporting, Moscow's newly created 24-hour English-language satellite television news channel, Russia Today, has covered the Litvinenko story at some length. While it reported on the Western media allegations of possible links between the poisoning of Mr. Litvinenko and the FSB Russian security service, the successor to the KGB, Russia Today focused largely on challenging such reports as unsubstantiated speculations. On September 24, Russia Today carried an exclusive interview with a former KGB agent who had met with Mr. Litvinenko in London and has been linked in Western media reports to his death. The agent and now businessmen Andrey Lugovoy denied in the Russia Today interview that he had anything to do with the poisoning of Mr. Putin's critic. [Link] The Russian international TV channel with news programming in English employs a number of Western-trained journalists who try to be objective in their reporting. Russia Today has a much more balanced coverage of international news than the Voice of Russia radio programs and avoids using anti-American polemical tone typical of VOR reports. But the television channel, which now can be viewed in Europe and in North America on satellite and cable, most of the time also avoids reporting comments critical of President Putin's clampdown on press freedom and political liberties in Russia. The Bush Administration has no plans to launch a taxpayer-funded 24-hour international TV news channel in English similar to Russia Today. The Voice of America, the main taxpayer-funded U.S. international broadcaster, can offer less than 30 minutes of television news programming a day in English excluding weekends. Most of new government funding for U.S. international broadcasting goes to supporting the 24-hour Arabic television channel Alhurra TV. The White House and the bipartisan Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which oversees all civilian U.S. international broadcasting operations, have decided earlier this year to eliminate all Voice of America radio broadcasts in Russian in order to support further expansion of TV, radio and Internet programs to the Muslim world. [Link] This decision has been strongly criticized by press freedom supporters in Russia and in the United States as a major blunder in light of President Putin's clampdown on the Russian media. Some BBG members and Congressional leaders are now working on trying to reverse this decision. The BBG has also decided to eliminate most of VOA English radio programs for international audiences. At the same time, international broadcasters in other major countries, including Russia and China, have been expanding their English-language radio and television broadcasts. Al Jazeera, the highly popular Arab satellite television news channel, has recently launched a 24-hour television news program, Al Jazeera English. FreeMediaOnline.org, a California-based nonprofit organization which supports free media worldwide, has called the decision to end all Voice of America Russian-language radio programs "a blow to media freedom and a gift to dictators and authoritarian regimes throughout Eurasia." FreeMediaOnline.org has also criticized the planned reductions in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Russian programs. Some independent stations in Russia still use VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty news programs in Russian. Their number, however, has declined from well over a 100 a few years ago to less than a dozen as a result of intimidation from Russian security services. A manager of a regional radio station in Russia which used to carry VOA programs said recently that cooperation with Western broadcasters has become too dangerous under Mr. Putin's rule. Stations which continue such partnerships risk losing their broadcast licenses or are accused of engaging in financial irregularities. Last week, TV3, a Russian network which carried a weekly VOA Russian television news magazine, has stopped using the Washington-produced program. At the same time, Russia Today is expanding placement of its news programs on satellite and cable channels in Europe and North America without any politically-motivated restrictions. Voice of Russia with its Cold War-style programming has been less successful in placing its reports on radio stations in the West, but the Russian state radio broadcaster has not encountered any political obstacles in seeking affiliates in Western countries. Comment	Russia Today TV, Moscow's English-language satellite television channel, reported that Russian government officials are considering filing libel suits against international journalists over their reporting on the poisoning death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. Litvinenko was a strong critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and shortly before he died in London from radiation poisoning in late November, Litvinenko accused Putin of ordering his assassination. Putin and other Russian officials strongly denied any prior knowledge of a plot to kill Litvinenko. According to a report posted late Friday on the Russia Today TV web site, the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Media is gathering publications worldwide to be studied for libelous and offensive comments against Russia in their coverage of the Litvinenko's case. Russia Today TV reported that the Russian government intends to file law suits for libel against international media if there is evidence of journalistic misconduct. In a Voice of America interview shortly before he was poisoned by a radioactive substance polonium-210, former Russian spy Litvinenko had accused Putin of ordering the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya to silence her and intimidate other independent journalists. She had been killed by an unknown assailant in Moscow in early October. Several senior Russian politicians have said that the deaths of Politkovskaya and Litvinenko were playing into the hands of Russia’s enemies and, therefore, could not have been authorized by Moscow. The Russian government's warnings aimed at international journalists follow Putin's largely successful efforts to bring major media outlets in Russia under government control and to limit media criticism of his policies. Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based nongovernmental organization, has called Putin one of the world's top "Predators of Press Freedom." FreeMediaOnline.org, a California-based nonprofit organization which monitors media and supports press freedom worldwide, said that the latest warnings issued by the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Media would prove a major embarrassment for Putin and for Russia if they were carried out. An article on the FreeMediaOnline.org web site claims that even if there is no direct link between the two assassinations and the Kremlin, Putin is ultimately responsible for the climate of lawlessness and suppression of free media that may have contributed to these murders. FreeMediaOnline.org also noted that uncovering the truth about the murders of Politkovskaya and Litvinenko would be difficult because independent journalists in Russia have been either silenced or intimidated by President Putin's media advisors, government regulators, and security services. Putin insists he is a strong supporter of democracy and press freedom. In a speech to Russian television broadcasters in late November 2006, Putin said that the development of Russian state and society would be unthinkable without independent media, without the possibility of listening to different points of view, and without television. Putin's critics point out that he has successfully placed under the Kremlin's control all major nationwide television channels. According to FreeMediaOnline.org, journalists working for these channels no longer dare to offer any significant criticism of Mr. Putin's policies. The organization warned that restrictions on media freedom in Russia have emboldened criminal elements to engage in illegal activities. ==Sources== * * * * * *
Wed, June 8, 2005 It's soggy down south Deluge causes rivers to overflow, more rain forecast By SARAH KENNEDY, SUN MEDIA Brothers Alex and Nick Malcolm walk past a pump in Lethbridge yesterday after heavy rains threatened homes with flooding. (CP Photo/Lethbridge Herald-David Rossiter) CALGARY -- Rivalling the historic floods of 10 years ago, rain-swollen rivers and streams burst their banks yesterday, flooding southern Alberta towns and forcing rural communities to evacuate. And the worst may be yet to come with forecasts by Alberta Environment that the torrential downpour could continue for at least two more days. Between 100 mm and 170 mm of rain has pounded some water-logged communities since Sunday, forcing several areas to declare a state of emergency. About 200 residents of High River were forced to evacuate to the Highwood High School after the Highwood River breached the banks, drowning yards and basements. A voluntary evacuation also was issued for about 3,500 residents around the community's golf course. Officials were expecting the Highwood River to crest this morning, and predicted flow would increase from 450 to 750 cubic metres per second by early today. The last time the river peaked at these levels was almost 10 years ago to the day, in the worst flood to hit the province in 100 years. The floods of 1995 caused mass evacuations and more than $100 million in damages around southern Alberta. Yesterday afternoon, flood water forced the closure of a bridge and three blocks of the downtown in High River. Two separate states of emergency were also issued in the M.D. of Rocky View. In Bragg Creek, officials set up a command post and an emergency response team as water levels rose and rain continued to pound the area. As of last night, evacuation in the area was voluntary. In the hamlet of Langdon, emergency crews planned to work all night at the wastewater treatment plant to prevent any sewage backups. Residents of Claresholm also faced a foul situation as sewage wastewater backed up into their basements. Mayor Rob Steel said by yesterday afternoon 153 mm of rain had pounded down on the town within 24 hours. "It's maxed out the storm sewer system and the sanitary sewer system." Because of possible health concerns due to the sewage backup, Steel declared a local state of emergency. Schools were closed after the town was urged to limit water use. Because the town's water comes from Willow Creek, now tainted with dirt and debris from the fast-churning water, the town switched to using their 60-million-gallon reservoir. In Pincher Creek, volunteers scrambled to fill sandbags, and vacuum trucks sucked and pumped from storm drains and sewage systems. Mayor Don Anderberg also declared a local state of emergency. Anderberg said if rain continues to fall, the province may have to declare a state of emergency for the entire area. Okotoks, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Fort MacLeod were also covered by flood warnings. Parts of Highway 22, Highway 549 and Highway 762 were closed due to flooding and washouts. Back in Calgary, the city opened the valves at the Glenmore Dam yesterday morning to allow excess water to flow through the Elbow River at a manageable rate. During the 1995 floods in southern Alberta, people lost homes or businesses in a disaster that cost more than $100 million. Next story: Crash survivor was taking nap \|\|\|\|\| High River residents wait to return home About 1,000 High River, Alta., residents forced from their homes are in a tense wait to find out whether they will be allowed back into their subdivisions later Wednesday. A state of emergency has been extended for the town, south of Calgary, because of severe flooding on the Highwood and Sheep Rivers due to heavy rains over the past several days. The area has been hit with 80 millimetres over the past 24 hours. Displaced High River residents will be told when it is safe for them to return to their homes, High River public information officer Scott Kovatch told globeandmail.com. In total, people from approximately 400 homes were told to leave over the past day or so in low-lying subdivisions. About 100 have registered with a local high school, which is being used as emergency shelter, and the rest are staying with family and friends, he said. Advertisements Later Wednesday afternoon, residents living in the area between Riverside Drive and High Country Drive were allowed to return, the town announced. The good news is, Mr. Kovatch said, is that the Highwood River appears to have crested early Wednesday morning. At midnight, it was flowing at 651 cubic metres per second, and that had dropped to 601 by 4 a.m. "We're currently re-evaluating the situation," he said, adding that a decision will be made later in the day whether to allow people to return home. Although there is localized flooding to some homes and some rainwater backup, Mr. Kovatch said a true picture of the damage will not emerge until after the water recedes. He said it probably will be some weeks before the estimated cost of the mess and cleanup is established. "Our mandate is safety over property," he said. One concern is whether the weather will hold. Rains have stopped, at least for the time-being. Mr. Kovatch said a blizzard that hit nearby Kananaskis on Tuesday is a worry, snow melting too quickly in the foothills could increase the volume of the already-raging river. "That could certainly impact the flow." A heavy rainfall warning, however has been ended, Alberta Environment said Wednesday morning. A system that had been hammering the region from Montana is now dissipating. The department says only a few scattered showers are expected in the next few days. Residents of High River, meanwhile, are being warned to stay away from riverbanks, streams, bridges, golf-courses and other low-lying areas. The town's supply of drinking water is still safe for consumption, although it's being checked regularly. People are being asked to lower their water use by not using dishwashers or washing machines and by taking shorter showers. Alberta Environment has placed a flood warning on all of the southern part of the province because of the continued danger of fast-moving water, including High River, Pincher Creek, Okotoks, Turner Valley and Black Diamond. The entire area has received between 120 and 200 millimetres since Sunday night. Elsewhere in Alberta, some residents of Okotoks were also ordered to leave their homes Wednesday because of high water in the Sheep River. And a flood watch was placed on towns near the South Saskatchewan River basin, including Medicine Hat. Flows in that area were expected to rise early next week and result in more flooding. In Manitoba, meanwhile, a flash flood warning was extended in the western part of the province from Brandon north to Dauphin. Between 20 and 40 millimetres of rain are expected Wednesday. Although more flooding is expected, it will not be as severe as flooding that occurred late last week, Manitoba's Water Stewardship said in a statement. Near Winnipeg, the Red River rose 0.3 metres overnight. It is expected to rise slowly next week and then to return to normal levels by July. \|\|\|\|\| WINNIPEG People in southwestern Manitoba are mopping up after more rain fell on Wednesday than the area usually receives in half a year. The flooding situation in the area is described as even worse than the major flood of 1999, although the flash flood warning issued Thursday has been discontinued. Environment Canada reports as much as 116 millimetres fell on the Melita area on June 1 and 2. The province's Water Stewardship Department received reports of more than 122 millimetres in Elphinstone. Several people have reported rain gauges overflowing at 170 to 200 millimetres in other areas, and unofficial reports indicate as much as 270 millimetres – 11 inches – in isolated areas around Griswold and Newdale. Premier promises help where needed Premier Gary Doer surveyed the damage by helicopter Friday morning. He said the government will offer aid to people who had their homes or crops damaged by the rising water. "I just wanted people to know they're not going to get a bureaucratic run-around. We're going to work as fast as we can to settle the legitimate claims from the rain," he said. Fields, roads submerged Many farmers fear their crops will drown in all the water – if they've been able to seed at all. Scott Day, who toured the area for Manitoba Agriculture Thursday evening, said many fields are a soggy mess. "At this time of year, the crop's really young, or in some cases the fields haven't been planted yet. The soil's quite vulnerable to erosion … there is a lot of soil moving into the ditches and waterways," he said. "Then there's the fields themselves. There's many fields that are 20 per cent, 30 per cent or even more than that under water right now, and if that water doesn't get off those fields quickly, all that crop that's under water right now is going to die." All the water has also washed out roads and bridges around southwestern Manitoba. Several highways have water running over them, and other roads are too soft and muddy to support traffic. Provincial transportation officials advise drivers to stay off secondary roads in the area. "Everything that can hold water is absolutely right full of water," said Day. "Driving around last night, I encountered six places where water was still running over the road. It's an amazing amount of water." MANITOBA TRANSPORTATION: Road Conditions In Melita, where 115 millimetres of rain was reported – more than 30 millimetres in one hour – homeowner Gordon McNish hasn't slept since the deluge sent water pouring into his basement. Every 20 minutes, McNish turns on a pump to stop the water from re-entering his basement. "We went away to a band concert for an hour, and when we came home, we'd had four inches of rain in little over four hours, and came home to find 2.5 inches of rain in the basement," he said. Bob Reddaway, Melita's town foreman, said this is the most water he's seen in town since he started working there 27 years ago. "We're pumping out of our sewage lift station, and just pumping it out and it's going in the ditch now and running down," he said. Town and municipal officials say it will be a few more days before they know the extent of the damage.	Canadian forecasters are predicting more rain in the upcoming two days as floodwaters wash across southern Alberta, forcing people in West Bragg Creek and High River to evacuate their homes. As rain continues to steadily fall, Alberta Environment has issued a flood warning on more than 20 rivers as more than 100 to 170 millimetres have fallen in certain areas over the last few days. The sight of swollen rivers brings to mind the floods of ten years ago in the same region, when water levels rose to such a height that, at the time, it was considered a once in a 125-year event. About 200 High River residents have been forced to evacuate and about 3,500 people living around the community’s golf course were put under a voluntary evacuation order. Meanwhile, Manitoba has also seen more rain than usual this time of year and is facing a flooding situation that’s been described as worse than the one faced by the province in 1999. Roads and bridges have been washed out and fears are growing among farmers that their crops will drown under the watery conditions. There have been estimates that as much as 10% of crops may have been lost in Manitoba. The wet weather has also been affecting the neighbouring province of Saskatchewan, where a flood watch has been put on towns surrounding the South Saskatchewan River basin.
Pour associer votre compte PassMedia avec votre compte Paris Match en toute sécurité, validez votre email : Vous disposez déjà d'un compte sur parismatch.com avec l'email \|\|\|\|\| 3 hours 18 minutes ago. Yves Saint Laurent, who has died aged 71, was one of a handful of designers who dominated 20th century fashion, on a par with Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret.The reclusive French maestro, who had retired from haute couture in 2002 after four decades at the top of his trade, died in Paris on Sunday.He had been ill for some time.During his farewell appearance seven years ago, Saint Laurent had told reporters he had "always given the highest importance of all to respect for this craft, which is not exactly an art, but which needs an artist to exist".Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent was born in the coastal town of Oran, Algeria, on August 1, 1936, at a time when the North African country was still considered part of France.A shy, lonely child, he became fascinated by clothes, and already had a solid portfolio of sketches when he first arrived in Paris in 1953, aged 17.Vogue editor Michel de Brunoff, who was to become a key supporter, was quickly won over, and published them.The following year, Saint Laurent won three of the four categories in a design competition in Paris - the fourth went to his contemporary Karl Lagerfeld, now at Chanel.Discerning the young man's potential, de Brunoff advised Christian Dior to hire him and he rapidly emerged as heir apparent to the great couturier, taking over the house when Dior died suddenly three years later.Saint Laurent would say of his mentor: "Dior fascinated me. I couldn't speak in front of him. He taught me the basis of my art. Whatever was to happen next, I never forgot the years spent at his side."However in 1960, like many Frenchmen of his age, Saint Laurent was called up to fight in his native Algeria, where an independence war was underway.Less than three weeks later he won an exemption on health grounds, but when he returned to Paris it was to learn that Dior had already found a replacement for him, in the person of Marc Bohan.With his close associate and lover Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent resolved to strike out on his own, with Berge, who survives the couturier, taking care of the business side.Saint Laurent's success lay in the harmony he achieved between body and garment - what he called "the total silence of clothing".He was also in the right place at the right time. Having learned his trade at the house of Dior, he founded his own couture house at the start of the 1960s, at a time when the world was changing and there was a new appetite for originality.Saint Laurent rode his luck through the rise of the youth market and pop culture fuelled by the economic boom of the 1960s, when women suddenly had more economic freedom.His name and the familiar YSL logo became synonymous with all the latest trends, highlighted by the creation of the Rive Gauche ready-to-wear label and perfume, as well as astute licensing deals for accessories and perfumes.Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he set the pace for fashion around the world, opening up the Japanese market and subsequently expanding to South Korea and Taiwan.Among his many fans in his native France was the actress Catherine Deneuve, who was always seen at his shows.Saint Laurent's career was not without controversy. In 1971 a collection modelled on the styles of World War II Paris was slammed by some American critics, and his launch in the mid 1970s of a perfume called Opium brought accusations that he was condoning drug use.For fellow-designer Christian Lacroix, the reason for Saint Laurent's success was his astonishing versatility. There had, Lacroix said, been other great designers but none with the same range."Chanel, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga and Dior all did extraordinary things. But they worked within a particular style," he explained."Yves Saint Laurent is much more versatile, like a combination of all of them. I sometimes think he's got the form of Chanel with the opulence of Dior and the wit of Schiaparelli."In his later years the depression that had haunted him all his life became more oppressive, and at his farewell bash in 2002 Saint Laurent admitted to having recourse to "those false friends which are tranquillisers and narcotics". \|\|\|\|\| Yves Saint Laurent was a major name in 20th Century fashion Yves Saint Laurent, considered by many as the greatest fashion designer of the 20th Century, has died in Paris at the age of 71. Saint Laurent changed the face of the fashion industry when he became chief designer of the House of Dior at 21. He designed clothes that reflected women's changing role in society: more confident personally, sexually and in the work-place. He retired from haute couture in 2002 and had been ill for some time. Saint Laurent died on Sunday evening in the French capital, the Pierre-Berge-Saint Laurent Foundation announced. Pierre Berge, the designer's former business and personal partner, said he had died at his home after a long illness. He did not give details. French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Saint Laurent's "creative genius". 'I draw on woman' "I found my style through women," Saint Laurent once said. He was a libertarian, an anarchist and he threw bombs at the legs of society Pierre Berge Yves Saint Laurent's former partner Obit: Synonymous with elegance YSL: Life in pictures "That's where its strength and vitality comes from because I draw on the body of a woman." He changed forever what women wear, introducing trouser suits, safari jackets and sweaters, BBC arts correspondent Razia Iqbal says. Saint Laurent was a great innovator, helping to revitalise haute couture while making ready-to-wear design popular. The editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, said he had helped democratise fashion: "Before that people had small salons for rich people. "Saint Laurent brought it to the people. "He was young and groovy. Pop stars were hanging out with him and younger generations related to him." 'Devastating' news President Sarkozy said the designer had been "the first to elevate haute couture to the rank of art and that gave him global influence". Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. "Yves Saint Laurent infused his label with his creative genius, elegant and refined personality... because he was convinced that beauty was a necessary luxury for all men and all women," he added. Speaking on French radio, Pierre Berge said his former partner had empowered women. "In this sense he was a libertarian, an anarchist and he threw bombs at the legs of society," he said. "That's how he transformed society and that's how he transformed women." Famous French embroiderer Francois Lesage, who worked 40 years with the designer, said he was "devastated" by news of his death. "I have never known a designer who would give so much thought to something when it was proposed to him," he told French TV. "It is a great grief for me." Life of ill-health Born in the Algerian city of Oran at a time when the North African country was a French colony, he had a precocious talent. HAVE YOUR SAY What an absolutely exquisite designer, his fashions will be long remembered Julie, Atlanta, USA In quotes: Tributes pour in His first collection caused a sensation with its gently flared dresses and jackets that set the mould for 1950s fashion. Within three years, Dior had died and Yves St Laurent had taken his place. He took the world by storm with his trouser suits, highly coloured ethnic prints and designs inspired by the art world. Taunted as a schoolboy because of his homosexuality, Yves St Laurent suffered mental and physical ill health for much of his life and he appeared in public only rarely. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these?	Beverly Hills, California. Yves Saint-Laurent, one of the major fashion designers of the 20th century, died Sunday evening of cancer at the age of 71, after four decades at the top of his profession. Friends say he died while at his home in Paris, France. Saint-Laurent was born Yves Henri Donat Dave Mathieu-Saint-Laurent on August 1, 1936 in Oran, Algeria. Saint-Laurent was famous for designing women's clothing and at age 21 he became the head designer for the company House of Dior. He was hired to take the place of the late Christian Dior, who died in 1957. He retired from his job there and ultimately left the fashion industry in 2002, but not before starting his own clothing line and shop with Pierre Berge in 1962. It was once rumored that woman who wore his newly designed pantsuits were not allowed to eat at restaurants or stay in hotels in New York City and London, England. "Fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves," Saint-Laurent once said. Saint-Laurent not only fought the effects of cancer, but through the years dealt with drug use and depression. "I've known fear and terrible solitude. Tranquilizers and drugs, those phony friends. The prison of depression and hospitals. I've emerged from all this, dazzled but sober," stated Saint-Laurent.
SBC :NYSE - commentary research ) picked cable equipment maker SFA :NYSE - commentary research ) as its video gear supplier. In its latest bid to challenge the cable and satellite industry, the San Antonio phone giant says it will spend $195 million with Scientific-Atlanta to build a TV-over-the-Internet system. SBC's multiyear contract with Scientific calls for a cable TV-like infrastructure with video distribution handled by two super hubs that feed 41 regional hubs. Scientific will provide hardware and network management services to SBC, according to the announcement Thursday. SBC has vowed to spend $4 billion on a fiber optic network expansion plan that would deliver the so-called triple play of video, phone and Internet access. The IP-TV portion of the project promises to deliver advanced video services like high-definition programming, video-on-demand and video recording features over upgraded telephone lines. Using Internet protocol and fiber optics, SBC hopes to beat cable and satellite players at their own game by offering users more control over their TV programming. But some observers are skeptical about SBC's ability to pull it off, pointing out that it is much harder for phone companies to add video than it is for video broadcasters to add phone service. Though dollarwise the deal is only a fraction of SBC's total commitment to network spending, "This is certainly a win for Scientific-Atlanta," says Legg Mason analyst Timm Bechter. Bechter does not have a rating on Scientific-Atlanta. At midday Thursday, SBC shares were off 4 cents at $23.66, while Scientific was up 81 cents to $28.68. Shares of Scientific rival Harmonic Lightwaves (HLIT:Nasdaq - commentary - research) dropped 8% to $9.27, as investors saw the cable infrastructure supplier getting snubbed in the deal. In January, SBC announced that Microsoft (MSFT:Nasdaq - commentary - research) would provide the IP TV operating system for its future set-top boxes. And in November, SBC said it would trim its fiber spending plan to $4 billion from $6 billion, and also shortened the time frame to three years from five years. The company says that by the end of 2007, 17 million homes will be eligible for the faster network connections. New York-based Bell Verizon (VZ:NYSE - commentary - research) has said it plans to spend about $3 billion extending fiber cables directly to homes to offer its own bundle of advanced services including IP TV. Skeptics point to the seemingly prohibitive costs of the telcos' plans and the poor track record phone companies have had in previous attempts to offer video. \|\|\|\|\| Communications Taking Fiber to the Home ABSTRACT Telecom firms are struggling along a rough road in 2004, as voice businesses weaken and cable increases its lead in data services. Their plight comes just when cable companies are pushing triple-play services – video, voice, and data – to customers in one package. Some telecom firms are matching cable’s moves, but with greater trial as the two groups remain on unequal infrastructural footing. Cable can offer the triple play via one wire to the home, but telecom must work with satellite television providers to provide video. So while voice was a relatively simple addition to cable’s menu of services (marketing challenges aside), adding video to telecom’s bill of fare will prove a far more difficult challenge. To counter cable’s threat, a trio of incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) has announced plans to extend their optical networks all the way to customer premises using fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technologies. They are not alone in their fiber initiatives, however, and were even slow out of the gate. Nearly 70 FTTH deployments have been announced in North America by entities ranging from rural municipal governments to independent local telephone companies, and even real estate development firms. Still, the potential scale of the ILEC business gives FTTH equipment manufacturers the most hope for broader industry development. But with prices reaching $1,364 per household in urban areas and $2,705 per household in rural domains, and a total U.S. price tag of more than $233 billion, fiber networks will not come cheap. Even with scale-related equipment cost reductions, the length of time required to recover per-subscriber investments will be measured in years. Fiber networks could, however, prove telecom’s only long-term option to neutralize cable’s threat. It is thus very likely – despite the massive price tag – this year will see an increasing number of fiber buildouts across the country. This report details the theoretical cost to deploy such fiber networks, referred to generically as fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) networks, where the “x” represents a particular type of customer premises. The report, generated with the assistance of HAI Consulting, is the next segment in RHR’s coverage of the FTTx space. It is intended as a reference for network operators, municipal authorities, industry analysts, journalists, and academics researchers reviewing the economic feasibility of FTTx networks within the United States. Red Herring Research February 2004 Pages: 43 Format: PDF Price: $1,295.00 PACKAGE DEAL Buy both FTTH Reports: Fiber-to-the-Home Cost Profile Report + Fiber-to-the-Home Profile Report Price: $1,495.00 Red Herring Sponsors:	Regional U.S. telephone giant SBC Communications is one step closer to offering cable television to the 18 million households in its 13 state coverage area. The company announced a $195 million contract with Scientific-Atlanta Thursday to provide a video operations center and regional hubs for the new service. Under the brand name, U-verse, the SBC's television rollout is set to launch in 2006 after field trials begin later this year. The company is seeking the so-called "triple play," where a telecommunications company offers voice, data and video in one bundled package. Local telephone companies like SBC have been losing business to cable TV companies, which have added telephone and Internet services in recent years. In a slew of recent deals, SBC is looking to stop that trend. Within the past six months it has signed alliances with various technology firms to build out a fiber network to the home strategy. For instance, SBC has a $1.7 billion deal with Alcatel to build out its fiber optic network and a 10-year, $400 million, pact with Microsoft to license its IPTV technology to allow multi-channel television to stream over its Internet backbone. In most of the U.S. only cable TV companies like Comcast have been able to offer the "triple play" of voice, video and data services. But traditional phone companies like SBC and Verizon have been upgrading their copper wire telephone networks to fiber optic. SBC says it plans to spend billions of dollars to overhaul its telecommunications network, saying the aging and brittle copper wires which were originally laid in the early 1900s do not have enough bandwidth to allow television capability.
Govt to pressure Asia to cut fuel subsidies Posted Updated The Federal Government says it wants to put pressure on Asian countries to lower their subsidies on petrol. The Government hopes lower subsidies in Asia will reduce demand for petrol, ensuring prices do not continue to rise at such a rapid rate. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has told Channel Nine he backs comments on the matter made by Energy Minister Martin Ferguson. "What Martin Ferguson's suggesting is very sensible, it's important for Australia to put pressure on these other countries but of course we can't force them to make those changes," he said. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb says the Government needs to do more than lecture Asian countries. "We ought to get on with the job of dealing with the petrol crisis ourselves in our own way in Australia," he said. The Government is likely to raise the matter of subsidies through the East Asian Summit's energy task force. \|\|\|\|\| Asian countries will be pressured to remove fuel subsidies that "distort" the demand for petrol and push up prices, the federal government says. The Rudd government argues subsidies and price caps prescribed by Asian countries to promote development are artificially inflating prices across the region. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner says the government will lobby for the subsidies to be removed. "We can put pressure on other countries to remove subsidies that do distort choices that people make and do reduce the extent to which they can move into other technologies," Mr Tanner told the Nine Network. "But of course we can't force them to make those changes." Mr Tanner said there was a "once in a lifetime" transformation occurring in Asia with hundreds of millions of people moving from basic peasant lifestyles to more resource intensive ones. This benefits Australia by driving the commodity boom "but at the same time they're also demanding more petrol", he said. "That's putting huge upward pressure on petrol prices and outstripping demand and of course we have to pay those global petrol prices as well," Mr Tanner said. Energy Minister Martin Ferguson has said "the challenge of dealing with energy subsidies in our region is a serious one". "When it comes to energy, particularly oil, the world is retreating from the open markets and free trade we have worked so hard to achieve," he said. The government could use the regional Energy Working Group and the East Asian Summit's Energy Cooperation Task Force to lobby for the abolition of subsidies and price caps. Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Andrew Robb told Sky News it was a bit presumptuous of Australia to be lecturing Asian countries. "It's a really difficult issue not just for the Asian countries but ... for every country in the world," he said. "The best thing for us is to look at our own affairs in the first instance, that way you then have some credibility in lecturing others." Mr Robb said there had been a recent pattern of "gratuitous advice" by the Rudd government, which had lectured the international community on a variety of issues, including nuclear weapons, an Asia Pacific union and OPEC about petrol. "There has been this frenzy of gratuitous advice that we've been providing to our neighbours," he said. "(They've been) putting it out by press release with no discussion. There is an Asian way of diplomacy and it seems to have gone over the head of (Prime Minister Kevin) Rudd." AAP	service station.The Australian Government is to lobby Asian counties to reduce fuel subsidies and price caps in a bid to lower fuel prices, which the Government argues that fuel subsidies are artificially inflating fuel prices across the Asia-Pacific region. Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson said that the Rudd Government does not want to be critical of countries which have used the subsidies to help promote development, however he said that "the challenge of dealing with energy subsidies in our region is a serious one". Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrew Robb told Sky News Australia that "it was a bit presumptuous of Australia to be lecturing Asian countries". "The best thing for us is to look at our own affairs in the first instance, that way you then have some credibility in lecturing others".
Email to a friend Simulations help explain fast water transport in nanotubes 9/16/08 James E. Kloeppel, Physical Sciences Editor 217-244-1073; kloeppel@illinois.edu Click photo to enlarge Photo by L. Brian Stauffer Narayana R. Aluru, professor of mechanical science and engineering, left, and doctoral student Sony Joseph have discovered the physical mechanism behind the rapid transport of water in carbon nanotubes. Image in background shows the trajectory of water molecules in a carbon nanotube moving in the direction of their orientations due to rotation-translation coupling. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — By discovering the physical mechanism behind the rapid transport of water in carbon nanotubes, scientists at the University of Illinois have moved a step closer to ultra-efficient, next-generation nanofluidic devices for drug delivery, water purification and nano-manufacturing. “Extraordinarily fast transport of water in carbon nanotubes has generally been attributed to the smoothness of the nanotube walls and their hydrophobic, or water-hating surfaces,” said Narayana R. Aluru, a Willett Faculty Scholar and a professor of mechanical science and engineering at the U. of I. “We can now show that the fast transport can be enhanced by orienting water molecules in a nanotube,” Aluru said. “Orientation can give rise to a coupling between the water molecules’ rotational and translational motions, resulting in a helical, screw-type motion through the nanotube,” Aluru said. Using molecular dynamics simulations, Aluru and graduate student Sony Joseph examined the physical mechanism behind orientation-driven rapid transport. For the simulations, the system consisted of water molecules in a 9.83 nanometer long nanotube, connected to a bath at each end. Nanotubes of two diameters (0.78 nanometers and 1.25 nanometers) were used. Aluru and Joseph reported their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters. For very small nanotubes, water molecules fill the nanotube in single-file fashion, and orient in one direction as a result of confinement effects. This orientation produces water transport in one direction. However, the water molecules can flip their orientations collectively at intervals, reversing the flow and resulting in no net transport. \|\|\|\|\| Public Affairs : Newsroom : News Releases : 2008 News Release Archive :: NR-08-08-09 News Release Printer-Friendly Contact: Anne M. Stark Phone: (925) 422-9799 E-mail: stark8@llnl.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2008 NR-08-08-09 LLNL researchers peer into water in carbon nanotubes LIVERMORE, Calif. – Researchers have identified a signature for water inside single-walled carbon nanotubes, helping them understand how water is structured and how it moves within these tiny channels. This is the first time researchers were able to get a snapshot of the water inside the carbon nanotubes. An NMR spectrum showing features associated with water external and internal to the carbon nanotube (see inset). Figure by Charles Chen and Yue Wu University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Click for high resolution image Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) offer the potential to act as a unique nanofiltration system. While experiments have demonstrated extremely fast flow in these channels, it is still unclear why, and few studies have experimentally probed the detailed structure and movement of the water within nanotubes. That’s where Lawrence Livermore scientists Jason Holt, Julie Herberg, and University of North Carolina’s, Yue Wu and colleagues come in. As described in an article appearing in the July edition of Nanoletters, they used a technique called Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to get a glimpse of the water confined inside one-nanometer diameter SWCNTs. The nanotubes, special molecules made of carbon atoms in a unique arrangement, are hollow and more than 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. The confined water exhibited very different properties from that of bulk water, and this allowed it to be distinguished in the NMR spectrum. Carbon nanotubes have long been touted for their superior thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, but recent work suggests they can be used as nanoscale filters. Earlier Livermore studies have suggested that carbon nanotubes may be used for desalination and demineralization because of their small pore size and enhanced flow properties. Conventional desalination membranes are typically much less permeable and require large pressures, entailing high energy costs. However, these more permeable nanotube membranes could reduce the energy costs of desalination significantly. While the technology offers great promise, there still are important unanswered scientific questions. “There have been many predictions about how water behaves within carbon nanotubes,” said Holt, the principal investigator of the project, which is funded through LLNL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD). “With experiments like these, we can directly probe that water and determine how close those predictions were.” Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a national security laboratory, with a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. \|\|\|\|\| Carbon nanotube-based membranes will dramatically cut the cost of desalination. A water desalination system using carbon nanotube-based membranes could significantly reduce the cost of purifying water from the ocean. The technology could potentially provide a solution to water shortages both in the United States, where populations are expected to soar in areas with few freshwater sources, and worldwide, where a lack of clean water is a major cause of disease. The new membranes, developed by researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), could reduce the cost of desalination by 75 percent, compared to reverse osmosis methods used today, the researchers say. The membranes, which sort molecules by size and with electrostatic forces, could also separate various gases, perhaps leading to economical ways to capture carbon dioxide emitted from power plants, to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. The carbon nanotubes used by the researchers are sheets of carbon atoms rolled so tightly that only seven water molecules can fit across their diameter. Their small size makes them good candidates for separating molecules. And, despite their diminutive dimensions, these nanopores allow water to flow at the same rate as pores considerably larger, reducing the amount of pressure needed to force water through, and potentially saving energy and costs compared to reverse osmosis using conventional membranes. Indeed, the LLNL team measures water flow rates up to 10,000 times faster than would be predicted by classical equations, which suggest that flow rates through a pore will slow to a crawl as the diameter drops. "It's something that is quite counter-intuitive," says LLNL chemical engineer Jason Holt, whose findings appeared in the 19 May issue of Science. "As you shrink the pore size, there is a huge enhancement in flow rate." The surprising results might be due to the smooth interior of the nanotubes, or to physics at this small scale -- more research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved. "In some physical systems the underlying assumptions are not valid at these smaller length scales," says Rod Ruoff, a physical chemist and professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern University (who was not involved with the work). To make the membranes, the researchers started with a silicon wafer about the size of a quarter, coated with a metal nanoparticle catalyst for growing carbon nanotubes. Holt says the small particles allow the nanotubes to grow "like blades of grass -- vertically aligned and closely packed." Once grown, the gaps between the nanotubes are filled with a ceramic material, silicon nitride, which provides stability and helps the membrane adhere to the underlying silicon wafer. The field of nanotubes functions as an array of pores, allowing water and certain gases through, while keeping larger molecules and clusters of molecules at bay.	This illustration demonstrates one form a carbon nanotube can take. Experiments during the past several years examining membranes formed from carbon nanotubes have demonstrated potential for a variety of applications, perhaps most notably economical filtration of water for desalination. But something that has consistently confused researchers is that the rate of flow for water passing through these special membranes is considerably higher than would be predicted by classical physics. In some experiments the flow rate was up to 10,000 times the speed expected. In addition, recent measurements by a team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conducted via nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the water passing through nanotubes exhibits very different properties in comparison to bulk water. In a press release Tuesday the News Bureau of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign highlighted a recent finding that offers one possible explanation for the phenomenon. The research, published in ''Physical Review Letters'' last month (), used molecular modeling to analyze the predicted behavior and interactions of individual water molecules passing through a nanotube. UIUC researchers Narayana R. Aluru, a professor of mechanical science and engineering, and doctoral student Sony Joseph found that the chemical polarity of H2O and what they describe as "confinement effects" within the bounds of smaller nanotubes cause the molecular movements to couple. Due to the water molecules interacting and orienting themselves in response to one another they flow in a more orderly helical or corkscrew pattern through the nanotube. This flow pattern may explain some of the experimental results obtained by other scientists. Hopefully this discovery is another step towards an affordable technology to produce plentiful potable water for drinking, irrigation of crops, and other purposes, a vital resource that is in short supply in many parts of the world.
Turkey tycoon Bernard Matthews dies Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Continue reading the main story Related stories Norfolk turkey tycoon Bernard Matthews has died at the age of 80, his company has confirmed. He began his business more than 60 years ago - with 20 eggs and a second-hand incubator. Mr Matthews, famous for his "bootiful" catchphrase, stepped down from the company's main board of directors in January on his 80th birthday. Noel Bartram, group chief executive of Bernard Matthews Farms, said Mr Matthews died on Thursday afternoon. Mr Bartram said: "I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family. "Rarely has any business been as synonymous with the hard work and values of one man. "It was Bernard Matthews who grew and developed this company through his entrepreneurial spirit, and clear focus." Humble beginnings Mr Matthews was famous for playing the leading role in his company's adverts, which featured his mansion home. Lord Sugar wrote on Twitter: "Shame about Bernard Matthews he was a great inspiration to people to show what can be achieved in life by hard work. National Treasure RIP." The son of a mechanic, he was born in Brooke, Norfolk, in 1930 and left school at 16. He began his rise to prominence in 1950 when he bought 20 turkey eggs and an incubator at a market in Acle. By 1952 he was producing 3,000 turkey eggs at his home and moved into poultry farming full-time. Three years later he bought Great Witchingham Hall, near Norwich - a derelict mansion with 36 acres of land which remains the headquarters of the Bernard Matthews Farms. The company had suffered some difficult years recently which had included job cuts and an outbreak of bird flu. When celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched a crusade to improve school dinners, it was Matthews' Turkey Twizzlers he wanted off plates first. Charity work Mr Bartram said: "In latter years he devoted himself to a host of charitable causes, often in an unsung manner." These included the independent Caister Lifeboat and the Nelson Museum in Great Yarmouth. The Sportspark at the University of East Anglia site named its pool after Mr Matthews. Assistant director of Sportspark Maria Rowe paid tribute and said: "He was a very generous benefactor when we were gathering funding to build the Sportspark. "He supported us from the start and ensured these excellent sporting facilities were built in Norfolk. "The Bernard Matthews Olympic pool was named after him in his honour and as a result his legacy will live on." His death, on the fourth Thursday of November, coincided with US Thanksgiving, often referred to as "Turkey Day". National Farmers' Union chief poultry adviser Rob Newbery said: "The Bernard Matthews story is an inspiration to any farmer, or entrepreneur. "Bernard Matthews is a strong rural company, brand and employer, with roots firmly in farming. He created a legacy to be proud of. Mr Bartram added: "Despite yesterday's very sad news the business will continue to thrive, as we honour his memory through our ongoing work and ensure that the business remains a great British institution, and a key part of the fabric of life in Norfolk and across East Anglia." \|\|\|\|\| 'Bootiful' Turkey Boss Bernard Matthews Dies Alison Chung, Sky News Online Turkey farmer Bernard Matthews, who grew his Norfolk-based business into a multi-million pound empire, has died aged 80. Bernard Matthews' empire began with a humble 2.50p investment Famed for his "bootiful" TV ad catchphrase, Mr Matthews passed away yesterday - while America celebrated Thanksgiving, often referred to as 'Turkey Day'. In a statement, Bernard Matthews Farms' chief executive Noel Bartram said: "It is with a great deal of personal sadness that I confirm Bernard Matthews passed away on the afternoon of the 25th November. "I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family." From humble beginnings Mr Matthews built up his poultry firm to bring cheap turkey meat to the masses. He is the man who effectively put turkey on the plates of everyday working families and in so doing became one of the largest employers in rural East Anglia and a major supporter of the local farming community. Noel Bartram, Bernard Matthews Farm's chief exec Born in Brooke, Norfolk in 1930, Mr Matthews was the son of a mechanic. He left school at 16 and began his rise to prominence in 1950 with a 2.50p investment in 12 turkey eggs and an incubator at a market in Acle, Norfolk. By 1952 he was producing 3,000 turkey eggs at his home and decided to move into poultry farming full-time. Three years later he bought Great Witchingham Hall, near Norwich, which remains the headquarters of the Bernard Matthews Farms company. Mr Matthews holding one of his birds outside No10 in 1979 The National Farmers' Union paid tribute to Mr Matthews, describing him as "an inspiration to any farmer". Chief poultry adviser Rob Newbery said: "From humble beginnings he built an innovative, and in its time, unique business. Bernard Matthews's success was poultry farming's success. "Bernard Matthews is a strong rural company, brand and employer, with roots firmly in farming. He created a legacy to be proud of." Mr Bartram added: "He is the man who effectively put turkey on the plates of everyday working families and in so doing became one of the largest employers in rural East Anglia and a major supporter of the local farming community." But during his long and successful career, Mr Matthews was often criticised by animal rights campaigners for employing "factory farming" methods. In 2005, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched a crusade to improve school dinners, and it was a Bernard Matthews product - Turkey Twizzlers - he wanted off plates first. There were more grim headlines in 2006 when an animal welfare group called for an inquiry after a court heard how two Mr Matthews' workers were filmed playing "baseball" with live turkeys. Both men admitted ill-treating birds during a hearing before magistrates in Norwich. The firm tried to restore its reputation with a full-page newspaper ad telling shoppers that its employees were "conscientious people". And there was more bad news in February 2007 when the H5N1 strain of bird flu surfaced in the UK - at a Bernard Matthews' plant at Holton, Suffolk. The virus led to almost 160,000 birds being slaughtered and caused a slump in sales.	Matthews started producing turkey eggs in 1950 , founder of the turkey company of the same name, has died at the age of 80. His death was announced by Noel Bartram, the group chief executive of the company. Matthews started in 1950 when he invested in a small number of turkey eggs and a used incubator. Within two years he had turned his production into full time and was producing 3,000 turkey eggs. Bartram released a statement on Matthews death. He said "It is with a great deal of personal sadness that I confirm Bernard Matthews passed away on the afternoon of the 25th November. I have personally known Bernard Matthews for well over 30 years, and on behalf of myself and my fellow colleagues, I wish to express our great sorrow and extend our thoughts and sympathies to the family." Matthews died on the US holiday of , also known as "Turkey Day". He steped down as director in January of this year on his 80th birthday following a few hard years for the company. Chef targeted Bernard Matthews Turkey Twizzlers during his healthy eating campaign, and in 2007 a strain of was found at one of his farms. Following the outbreak sales dropped and staff were cut.
Mr Nashar says he was on holiday in Egypt when he was arrested An interior ministry report "made clear there was no link between Magdi al-Nashar and al-Qaeda or the bombings", a government spokesman said. British police have not formally named Mr Nashar as a suspect in their investigation. The 33-year-old, who was arrested last week, has denied having any role in the attacks that left 56 people dead. On Saturday, the Egyptian interior minister said that reports linking Mr -Nashar to al-Qaeda were "groundless" and based on a hasty conclusion. In custody Mr Nashar, who completed a PhD in chemistry at Leeds University, was arrested in Cairo as part of the inquiry into the 7 July bombings. He is reported to have admitted knowing one of the bombers, Hasib Hussain, and helping to arrange the rental of a flat in which traces of explosives were found. Mr Nashar told Egyptian investigators that he had intended to return to Leeds at the end of a holiday in Egypt, which began a week before the bombings. \|\|\|\|\| Sarah Telford United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) In a world awash with data, aid workers contend with gaps With nearly 168 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2020 -- the highest figure in decades -- there is no time, or data, to lose	The Egyptian chemist arrested in Cairo last week has no links with the London bombings, officials have said. The Egyptian interior ministry published a report which "made clear there was no link between Magdi Asdi el-Nashar and Al Qaeda or the bombings". Mr Nashar has still not been named a suspect by British police. Just after his arrest, the Egyptian interior minister said that reports linking Mr Nashar to al-Qaeda were "groundless" and based on a hasty conclusion. Mr Nashar has always denied being part of the London bombings; however he is reported to have told investigators that he helped arrange the rental of a flat for one of the bombers, Hasib Hussain. Mr Nashar has always maintained that he had intended to return to Leeds at the end of a holiday in Egypt, which began a week before the bombings.
In France the Holy Headdress brings about a sacred union Event is one of the most significant of the festivities celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral of Cahors The Holy Headdress was carried in procession through the streets of Cahors for the first time since 1940. (Photo by MICHAEL FABRE/MAXPPP) Within the context of the festivities celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral of Cahors in Southwestern France, the relic of the Holy Headdress of Christ was carried in a procession through the city's streets on April 27. This is the first time since 1940 that the relic has been carried in procession. This was made possible through the joint efforts of the diocese, the city, the State, and the civil society. Under heavy guard in police transport, the Holy Headdress was unaffected by the rain as it was brought to St Bartholomew's Church in Cahors. Under a clearing sky, around 2,000 of the faithful gathered before the church for the first procession of this great relic of the Passion of Christ in 80 years. This event was one of the most significant of the festivities celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral of Cahors. With over 100 committed volunteers who have been working hard for several months, Cahors' Catholic community processed through the narrow streets of this medieval city. Bystanders looked on, curious or astonished. Some business owners had stuck posters of the event onto their windows. "I am not a believer," said Mireille, for example, "but I am very attached to this treasure of our city, the Holy Headdress, a historic legacy." Jeanne Dumont, coordinator of the spiritual events of the cathedral's 900th anniversary, stated: "This relic is a means of deepening one's faith. It symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. Before it, we are like the apostles before the empty tomb. It also allows us to testify publicly and to reach out to all." The procession was a manifestation of popular devotion that surprised and pleased Bishop Laurent Camiade of Cahors, who returned the Holy Headdress to its place of honor. "This touches the heart of people who are not interested in other, more abstract propositions of the Church. They experience a closeness with something that they are able to see, almost touch. Our role is to be present in this process," he said. In this region, marked - as elsewhere - by de-Christianization, this procession was made possible by close collaboration between the diocese, Cahors' municipal authorities, the State and civil society. An association was formed to allow extensive festivities to celebrate the cathedral's 900th anniversary from March 12 to Dec. 8 and, over and above the cathedral itself, to celebrate the history of the city. "As the Lot department is rather anti-religious, I am astonished to see the very strong enthusiasm about this project. Different people have all made contributions and demonstrate a real commitment to our heritage," said a woman who has a good knowledge of the local situation. "The cathedral and its treasures are part of the identity of Cahors, just like the Valentré Bridge." The State, through the regional leadership of Cultural Affairs of the administrative region of Occitanie that wished to recognize the value of the Holy Headdress, was part of the driving force behind the procession, as was the municipal council of Cahors. "For rural regions like ours, this kind of project with historical monuments is fundamental," said Michel Simon, first deputy of the medieval city. "Here, in a city of 20,000 inhabitants, we have to come together or else it doesn't work." The fire at Notre Dame brought to mind the fragility of this age-old heritage. Through the promotion of the cathedral and its Holy Headdress, the common objective is to "cast a light on Cahors and to develop spiritual tourism so that the city can take its place with Rocamadour and Lourdes," said Sylvain Ginier, the general coordinator of the cathedral's 900th anniversary celebrations. The celebrations, however, were shaken by the standing down of the man who was at the origin of this project, Ronan de Gouvello, rector of the cathedral. On March 3, the Bishop of Cahors announced that he had asked him to "step down" following "serious allegations of breaches in his priestly duties." "We wondered whether we should go on," said Jean-François Masurier, one of the leaders of the volunteers committed to the 900th anniversary celebrations, who is still affected by the shock of this event that had ramifications beyond the diocese. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm about the Holy Headdress has not diminished. In the image of the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil, Cahors is hoping for the same trajectory. The showing of this important relic began on Palm Sunday in the cathedral. Another procession is already being planned. \|\|\|\|\| l'essentiel La Sainte Coiffe du Christ a été montrée au grand jour et à la grande foule, cet après-midi. Pour l’église, tout est grandeur dans cet événement qualifié « d’unique et majeur », sans le pape mais avec l’évèque. Il était une « foi »... Considérée comme le principal temps fort des événements organisés autour des 900 ans de la cathédrale de Cahors, la procession de la Sainte Coiffe du Christ a rassemblé aujourd'hui près de 2 000 fidèles dans les rues de la cité médiévale. 2 000 personnes déterminées à braver les intempéries dès le début de la journée très humide. Mais à l’instant dit « solennel et sacré » de la procession, les cieux ont gratifié le cortège d’une belle éclaircie et d’un soleil relativement généreux. Un miracle ? Dieu seul le sait. Quoi qu’il en soit, la procession de la Sainte Coiffe a été décrite comme « un moment de grâce » sur les ondes de Radio Présence qui commentait en direct ce rendez-vous, tandis que le cortège avançait doucement le long des rues du secteur sauvegardé au son des chants chrétiens et des prières. Le « Notre Père » a été prononcé dans chacune des rues où se formait une haie d’honneur empreinte de respect de la part des pratiquants ou d’étonnement pour certains, non croyants. Les chants et les prières cessaient parfois de longues minutes, laissant place à un grand silence (religieux forcément) et au recueillement. La Sainte Coiffe n’avait pas vécu pareille célébration en pleine ville depuis l’année 1940. La foi et la force des porteurs Le cortège poursuit son chemin. Les porteurs se relayent. Quelques-uns grimacent discrètement en peinant pour tenir à bonne hauteur l’imposant pavois sur lequel reposait la relique. Rappelons que celle-ci serait le linge qui aurait recouvert le visage du Christ au moment où celui-ci a été conduit au tombeau. Y croire ou en douter n’était pas la question aujourd'hui. Les porteurs, quant à eux, sont convaincus de son authenticité. Et même si leur progression ressemblait de temps à temps à un véritable chemin de croix, leurs difficultés ont été atténuées par leur foi et surtout par leur remplaçant qui venait prendre le relais. Ouf ! Pas de chute. La Sainte Coiffe est arrivée jusqu’à la cathédrale, encadrée par 33 bannières représentant la Passion du Christ. Les vêpres de la Miséricorde, puis la veillée et d’autres moments solennels consacrés au recueillement ont ponctué cette ultime étape où la Sainte Coiffe a retrouvé son écrin de pierres et de vitraux : la cathédrale. Une vieille et belle dame de 900 ans. Les mots et l'émotion de l'évêque Laurent Camiade, évêque de Cahors, était serein au départ de la procession. Ravi que le ciel soit avec lui et que la foule soit au rendez-vous. Ainsi soit-il. « C’est un moment important très ouvert qui permet à chacun de participer avec des motivations religieuses ou culturelles. C’est d’abord un rendez-vous historique. Un instant très particulier quand même. Les gens sont libres. Il y aura sans doute d’autres processions, mais peut-être pas tous les ans tout de même. Elle doit avoir lieu dans des moments forts » estime-t-il. Des moments puissants comme celui d’aujourd'hui. Laurent Camiade l’a parfaitement incarné. \|\|\|\|\| Près de 3000 personnes ont assisté à la procession de la Sainte Coiffe dans les rues de Cahors samedi 27 avril 2019, après une matinée pluvieuse, le beau temps est arrivé peu avant le départ de la procession. « Je suis agnostique. Je ne sais pas ce que je fais ici mais j’ai voulu voir, confesse cet enseignant venu passer sa retraite sur le causse de Gramat. Je me suis senti attiré jusqu’à la cathédrale ». « Moi, je sais pourquoi je suis cette procession, renchérit une fidèle pèlerine des Chemins de saint Jacques. Depuis Rodez, je viens remercier. J’avais demandé à Notre Dame de Rocamadour de pouvoir me réconcilier avec ma mère avant que celle-ci ne meure. J’ai été exaucée. Mon mari se moque de mes bondieuseries mais ce sont elles qui me conduisent à Dieu ». La vénération des reliques, un renouveau ? Alors, reliques, le retour ? Des dizaines de milliers de chrétiens assistaient à l’ostension de la Couronne d’épines tous les premiers vendredis du mois à Notre Dame de Paris. Samedi 27 avril, c’était à Cahors, l’événement-clé du 900e anniversaire de la cathédrale Saint-Etienne, célébré par le Diocèse et la Ville depuis le 12 mars jusqu’au 8 décembre 2019. Pour la première fois depuis 1940, la Sainte Coiffe a été remise à l’honneur par une procession présidée par Mgr Laurent Camiade, en présence des autorités civiles. La relique, soutenue par une équipe de Gardes d’honneur, entourée de clercs, est partie de l’église Saint-Barthélemy, a longé la rue des Soubirous, la rue du Château du Roi, place de la Libération, rue Nationale, Quai Champollion pour reprendre place au cœur de la cité, afin d’être « rendue à la cathédrale, à la vénération de tous » selon le souhait de l’évêque de Cahors. Opération réussie puisque l’ostension exceptionnelle a rassemblé à Cahors des milliers de pèlerins et visiteurs, des Lotois bien sûr, mais aussi d’autres départements d’Occitanie, de la région parisienne, des Espagnols, des Portugais et même des Polonais. Qu’on soit sensible ou non aux reliques, qu’on vive sa foi d’une manière intériorisée ou non, beaucoup se sont sentis concernés par la présentation de la Sainte Coiffe qui a fait église comble. « Un événement qui rassemble et respecte les conditions diverses, est un événement heureux » a conclu l’évêque de Cahors. La cathédrale saint Étienne, reliquaire de la Sainte Coiffe Puisqu’il a été élevé aux cieux le jour de son Ascension, il n’y a pas de reliques corporelles du Christ. Du Christ, que demeure-t-il ? Plusieurs lieux de pèlerinages abritent les reliques de la Passion. On pense aux trois linges mortuaires liés à la mise au tombeau de Jésus : le Linceul de Turin, le Suaire d’Oviedo et la Coiffe de Cahors. « Simon-Pierre entre dans le tombeau, dit l’Évangile de Jean (XX-6). Il aperçoit les linges posés à plat ainsi que le suaire qui avait entouré la tête de Jésus » : Cet écrit atteste l’existence de la Sainte Coiffe. Ces linges seront récupérés par les disciples après la Résurrection. Restés à Jérusalem, ils auraient été cédés à Charlemagne soit par le Calife Haroum El Rachid et le Patriarche Thomas de Jérusalem, soit par l’impératrice Irène de Constantinople. En 803, Charlemagne aurait donné la Sainte Coiffe à l’évêque de Cahors, Aymatus. Selon une autre tradition, elle aurait été rapportée par l’évêque Géraud de Cardaillac à son retour de Terre Sainte au début du XIIe siècle. En 1119, même si l’imposant édifice religieux cadurcien n’est pas terminé, le pape Calixte II tient lui-même à venir jusqu’à Cahors pour consacrer l’autel du Saint Suaire de la cathédrale. C’est, durant tout le Moyen Âge, une relique très vénérée. Après Conques, le Quercy est une étape importante sur la voie de Saint-Jacques. De toute l’Europe, depuis Le Puy-en-Velay, les pèlerins viennent en nombre, prier devant « le linge de la Passion de Cahors » avant de continuer leur marche jusqu’à Compostelle. Dans le respect de la tradition orale Le culte des reliques revient de très loin dans le temps. Les premiers chrétiens vénéraient les restes des martyrs pour recevoir la même force qu’eux. Parce que leur corps, habité par l’Esprit était promis à la résurrection. Les reliques fédèrent autour d’elles des groupes humains qui se reconnaissent d’un même terroir ou dans un même but. « On se fie à la tradition orale » assure Alexandra de Nantes, chargée des relations avec la presse pour l’événement et paroissienne de Figeac. « À l’époque, différents évêques l’ont reconnue comme telle » souligne-telle. L’importance accordée à cette célébration est due au fait que la Sainte Coiffe est vraiment considérée comme une relique christique ». C’est pour cette raison, qu’à l’occasion des 900 ans de la cathédrale, (aujourd’hui le monument est classé au Patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO), l’évêque de Cahors a voulu la remettre à l’honneur. « Cette tradition ancienne de vénération des différents linges de la Passion, de la mort du Christ et du tombeau vide, nous encourage à espérer davantage la résurrection promise de notre chair renouvelée par l’Esprit Saint » explique Mgr Camiade. La piété populaire est un chemin pour conduire à Dieu Les reliques sont un chemin pour conduire ceux qui en ressentent le besoin, au Christ. À travers l’objet vénéré, c’est évidemment la personne qui est honorée. La vénération des reliques doit pousser les fidèles à s’élever vers l’adoration du premier saint, Jésus Christ et à lui rendre gloire. Authentiques ou pas, elles ont soutenu la prière et la foi des générations de croyants. La prière devant des reliques a toujours été l’occasion de grandes grâces, des miracles de guérison, de conversion et de libération. Leur vénération doit être entourée d’explication historique et théologique et reliée à la célébration liturgique. Mais la primauté de la liturgie ne peut servir de prétexte pour exclure ces pratiques de piété populaire. Ces manifestations ancestrales ont leur pertinence dans le monde d’aujourd’hui. Enracinées dans une très longue tradition, dans une culture locale ou dans le registre de l’émotionnel, il faut de plus en plus prendre en compte cette religion proche du monde. Cette religion, élaborée par le peuple, traduit une soif de foi. « Nos diocèses deviennent des déserts spirituels. Le culte des reliques est un instrument précieux d’évangélisation, à condition qu’il soit accompagné, précise ce jeune prêtre du Lot. Les reliques, comme la Sainte Coiffe, peuvent être des graines qui peuvent faire éclore quelque chose ». Dimanche 28 avril la cathédrale était à nouveau comble, lors de la messe de 10 h 30 avec la participation de confréries du Lot et de tout le sud-ouest de la France. Prochains rendez-vous : procession aux flambeaux autour de Notre Dame de Fatima, samedi 18 mai 2019 à 21 h, à l’église Saint-Barthélemy et messe en l’honneur de Notre Dame de Fatima dimanche 19 mai à 10 h 30 en la cathédrale Saint Etienne. ANDRÉ DÉCUP	__NOTOC__ As part of the celebration of 900 years of the in , France, celebration ongoing through April, a precious relic was carried in procession through the streets of the city on Saturday, April 27: the of . Photo of the Sainte Coiffe during the ostension on April 27, 2019. The Holy Headdress is recognized by tradition as the veil that covered the head of when he was buried. By one tradition, brought back the relic of Jerusalem and offered it to the diocese of Cahors. The relic has been venerated in since the construction of the cathedral 900 years ago. The "Sainte Coiffe" got back into the streets of for the first time in nearly eight decades. The relic was carried in procession followed by, according to varying reports, nearly 2000 people, perhaps some hundreds more, in an event both for believers and curious. The procession made its way at the pace of hymns and prayers, through the narrow streets of the town, then on the banks of the , and ended on the forecourt of the . The event was sustained by the city of Cahors, the State of France, and the civil society, for which many people have invested themselves, including volunteers. Other celebrations and other events have been planned in Cahors until December. File:Procession de la Sainte Coiffe Rue des Soubirous.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue des Soubirous. File:Sainte Coiffe Rue du Château du Roi.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue du Château du Roi. File:Sainte Coiffe Rue du Château du Roi Relique.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue du Château du Roi. File:Procession de la Sainte Coiffe Rue nationale.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Rue nationale. File:Procession de la Sainte Coiffe Place Hélène Metges.jpg\|thumb\|The procession at the Place Hélène Metges.
Kiribati gets donor funding for Tarawa solar panels Posted at 03:12 on 26 March, 2013 UTC Kiribati has got funding to install solar panels at four sites across the capital Tarawa to feed electricity into the national power grid. Australia, the World Bank and the Global Environment Fund are providing nearly five million US dollars for the project. It is expected to reduce diesel fuel use in Kiribati by up to 230,000 litres a year and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Kiribati President, Anote Tong, says shifting the country’s focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source. “It’s the first time we are doing this. We’re excited at the prospect of even substituting fossil fuel to a small extent at this stage. What the system being envisaged will only produce around 500 kilowatts, but this is the beginning of what I hope will be a pattern, the trend in the future.” Almost half of the country’s 110,000 people live on Tarawa atoll and are dependent on expensive diesel generation for electricity. \|\|\|\|\| Renewable energy projects across the Pacific Islands are set to receive a $635 million boost after an agreement was reached today. The funding package was secured at the Pacific Energy Summit in Auckland, but falls short of the $800 million that Pacific leaders were hoping to get. The money will go towards projects to enable Pacific nations to ditch their reliance on fossil fuels, which are expensive to ship to the islands. Story continues below... Pacific countries spend 10% of their GDP on diesel to generate electricity, and, on average, a quarter of the region's import bill is spent on diesel. ONE News Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver said the funding will be "so important for the islands". Regional leaders arrived in Auckland this week for the summit in a bid to drum up support for cheaper, cleaner, forms of energy. Today Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced an agreement had been reached. Partners and donors agreed to commit $255 million in grant funding and $380 million in concessional loans to support over 40 of the 79 proposed projects. Investors include co-hosts New Zealand and the European Union, Australia, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the World Bank Group, and the United Arab Emirates. "Clean and efficient modern energy services are the cornerstone of sustainable development, economic activity and poverty reduction," McCully said in a statement. Advertisement "Currently, the Pacific region meets around 80% of its electricity generation needs from expensive imported fossil fuels. Yet the region has abundant renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. "Investment projects featured by Pacific Island countries at the summit would help many of them increase their power generation from renewable resources to close to 50% of total supply." He said he expects to see action within the next three to four years. Andris Piebalgs, EU development commissioner, said the EU welcomed the opportunity to form innovative partnerships, particularly with the energy sector. "Investing in global renewable energy reflects the needs of our modern world. Working with our partner countries in the Pacific, the EU is committed to catalyse real change quickly, bringing citizens and business together to provide security, sustainability and prosperity," Piebalgs said. McCully also announced $65 million of New Zealand funding to assist Pacific Island countries to realise their renewable energy and energy efficiency plans. Support was announced for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu. Dreaver said $10 million of this money will go towards wind and solar farms. "By the end of 2020 we're expecting them to be completely off diesel, using renewable energy," she said. "In Kiribas a third of the country doesn't even have power, so we are actually giving them something that they don't have. "Government's will be able to put the money they (currently) spend on diesel into things like education and health." \|\|\|\|\| Batteries the biggest obstacle to solar power in the Pacific Monday 25th March 2013 Text too small? The rapidly falling costs of electricity produced from the using photo-voltaic cells makes solar power one of the best options for remote Pacific Islands, but the cost and short lifespan of current battery technology is still a limitation. Speaking from an international donors' conference on Pacific Island countries' energy needs, the European Union's Suva-based head of operations for the region, Renato Mele, told BusinessDesk said solar PV technology was now "very high in our set of priorities" now that PV cell costs have fallen. In New Zealand, for example, plummeting solar PV array prices can now deliver electricity at a cost lower than it comes from the national grid, although that is only true if the consumer cuts their links with the grid, meaning they have no security of supply during periods of low sunlight, including night. In more built-up, urban parts of the Pacific, solar PV also needed to be grid-connected, and required island states' electricity grids to be configured to allow variable contributions from solar PV when it was available, backed up by batteries and high efficiency diesel generators. "If the grid distribution isn't sufficient and there are excessive energy losses and the grid isn't configured to absorb production from a solar plant at full power, it doesn't work properly," Mele said. That made energy efficiency an equally important focus for Pacific Island states. For cooking, the EU is promoting bio-gas production using organic waste. The World Bank announced at the conference today a new solar cell project for Kiribati, jointly funded by the Australian government and the bank's Global Environment Facility. AusAID Australia will provide A$3.2 million for the project, with US$1 million coming from the GEF, will install solar panels at four sites in the capital, South Tarawa, and is expected to reduce diesel use by up to 230,000 litres annually. Around half the 110,000 people of Kiribati live on Tarawa atoll and are depend on diesel generators for electricity. However, Mele said while solar was a viable solution for Pacific nations, the humidity and heat of the local climate could reduce battery life, normally around five years, to as little as 12 months, creating additional costs of clean-up and replacement. While battery storage technology is also advancing swiftly, and "the cost of batteries is not as bad as the cost of diesel," he said. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. 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Related News A2 Milk Co changes requirements for NZ directors ahead of ASX listing F&P Appliances subsidiary fined A$200k over misleading warranty claims NZ lamb wool price rises to 3-year high on increased demand Anzco's Harrison to fund new Lincoln University chair in trade, global value chains NZ export log prices rise to 9-month high in January as Chinese inventories fall Spark's long-term executive Chris Quin to leave in June NZ dollar touches fresh 3-year low, dips below 74 US cts, ahead of RBNZ meeting While you were sleeping: Europe extends ECB advance TeamTalk revises first half profit expectations down after poor trading; shares drop NZX 50 soars to fresh record in global equities rally and hunt for yield \|\|\|\|\| Pacific leaders discuss plans to break fossil-fuel reliance with major donors Leaders from the Pacific island nations gathered in Auckland Monday with representatives of major international donor organizations to discuss how their nations can break free of their dependence on imported diesel to generate their electricity. The tiny nation of Kiribati was one of the first to announce progress at the two-day Pacific Energy Summit with an agreement with the World Bank to deliver reliable solar energy to its 110, 000 people. The project to be jointly funded by the Australian government and the Global Environment Facility was expected to reduce diesel fuel use in Kiribati by up to 230,000 liters a year, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Kiribati faces big challenges it is remote, it is at risk from the effects of climate change, and it is vulnerable to economic shocks," Kiribati President Anote Tong said in a statement. "Shifting Kiribati's focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source for the country's people." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key welcomed the delegates on Sunday, saying the summit was intended to connect Pacific island leaders and their energy plans with donor organizations and technical experts and businesses from the private sector. More than 400 delegates and 100 companies are attending the event, which is jointly hosted by the New Zealand government and the European Union. European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs last week announced new EU funding of 10 million euros (13.04 million US dollars) to boost access to sustainable energy for the poorest and most remote Pacific islands, bringing total EU funding to more than 100 million euros. Piebalgs said in a statement that it was clear the Pacific island nations would see no development without sustainable and affordable energy. The high costs of importing fuel resulted in a real lack of access to affordable and sustainable energy that disadvantaged about 46 percent of people in the region and considerably affected health, education and trade opportunities. Most of New Zealand's Pacific neighbours should move close to achieving 50 percent of their electricity from renewable means as a result of the summit, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said last week. Currently most Pacific countries delivered well under 10 per cent of their electricity renewably, with an overriding dependence on diesel generation. "Despite years of rhetoric about climate change, Pacific nations have had too little practical assistance to make the most significant available improvement to both their environmental and economic circumstances: a shift from extremely expensive imported diesel to environmentally friendly renewable sources of electricity. In a region that possesses sunshine and wind in abundance, that is simply not good enough," McCully said in a statement. Some countries such as the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu depended on imported diesel for over 95 percent of their electricity generation, while others had a strong base for renewable energy such as Vanuatu (19 percent mostly from wind) and Samoa (40 percent from hydropower) but still needed a concerted effort from the donor community to reach their potential. In addition to most Pacific leaders, the summit is being attended by international donors such as the EU, Australia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, the World Bank Group and Asian Development Bank, and the heads of international organizations, including the International Renewable Energy Agency.	Solar panel installation in the United States Last Tuesday, Australia and the World Bank's Global Environment Fund (GEF) reached an agreement to give the government of Kiribati 5 million (4,779,000, 5,985,000, 3,885,000) to install around the country capital, located on the . According to of , AusAID promised AU$3.2 million in funding, while GEF promised US$1 million. The country was the first in the Pacific to make a deal with the World Bank. The funding was part of a US$530 million (635 million) package announced at yesterday's Pacific Energy Summit in involving New Zealand and the European Union, Australia, the , the , the , the , and the United Arab Emirates. Also at the summit yesterday, New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister had announced a national commitment of USD$54,262,000 (AU$51,861,000 NZ$65 million, €42,178,000) to Pacific region energy solutions, of which US$8,348,000 (AU$8 million, NZ$10 million, €6,483,000) would be specifically earmarked for renewable energy and improved energy efficiency in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. Kiribati is heavily dependent on for most of the energy available on the national power grid, which supplies power to half Kiribati's population of 110,000. In addition, a third of the country's population lacks access to electricity. Once installation of the solar panels is complete, they are estimated to reduce diesel consumption by 230,000 liters (60,760 gallons) a year and give access to the electricity to some parts of the population that currently have no electricity. The European Union already has committed €100 million to sustainable energy in the region, with €10 million of that coming as a result of an announcement made last week. In a press release about the news, Kiribati President was quoted as saying, "Kiribati faces big challenges it is remote, it is at risk from the effects of climate change, and it is vulnerable to economic shocks. ... Shifting Kiribati's focus to reliable solar energy will provide a more secure, more sustainable power source for the country's people." '''' quoted Tong as saying, "It's the first time we are doing this. We're excited at the prospect of even substituting fossil fuel to a small extent at this stage. What the system being envisaged will only produce around 500 kilowatts, but this is the beginning of what I hope will be a pattern, the trend in the future." The European Union's Fiji-based head of operations for the Pacific region, Renato Mele, supported alternative energy solutions like solar power for the region, but said that solar power had limitations because climate and environmental conditions sometimes meant batteries required to power the panels had a life of only 12 months, compared to other climates where batteries normally last five years. This created the potential to drive up standard operating costs. Mele has also noted these additional costs though are still lower than the cost of diesel power. '''' Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver noted, "Governments will be able to put the money they (currently) spend on diesel into things like education and health." == Sources == * * * *