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Washington State LB receives award for court-mandated community service hours | And now, another example of "when PR goes horribly wrong" ...
According to a release from Washington State, defensive lineman Logan Tago recently became the recipient of the CCE Community Involvement Award as given by the Center for Civic Engagement. On the surface, this seems like the type of feel-good story you don't hear enough about in sports.
"Tago was honored for his commitment to service around the City of Pullman and Palouse communities where he volunteered 240 civic engagement hours this past fall," the press release states.
Except, that's not really the whole story. Or anything close to it.
The 240 hours of service were part of a plea agreement that Tago accepted last year, ridding himself of a felony robbery charge and pleading guilty to a reduced third-degree assault charge. Tago was arrested in 2016 following an investigation in which a man accused him of stealing a six-pack of beer and punching him in the head, resulting in a concussion for the victim. As a result, Tago was ordered to perform the aforementioned community service and spend 30 days in jail. He was also suspended from the team.
That's hardly "volunteering" for community service.
That's not a knock on Tago, though. He was obviously was in the wrong, but he did what was required of him. For all anyone knows, he might have even enjoyed it or it might have changed him for the better. That's not the issue here. The issue is taking a court-mandated punishment and spinning it as a charitable act without any kind of further context.
And because nothing gets by anyone anymore, plenty of people let Washington State hear about it.
@wsucougfb you do realize that's not how it's supposed to work right? Court-mandated community service is just a LITTLE bit different from voluntary community service but hey, you do you. — Josh Lippold (@TxsPhotog) February 2, 2018
Coug’d it. — Mike Strandoo (@Strandoom) February 2, 2018
Really? Did WSU give this ANY thought first? pic.twitter.com/nQPu0EzFM7 — Mike Sprouse (@MichaelSprouse) February 2, 2018
This was not well thought out.... pic.twitter.com/T1z3DEZYKK — Patrick Mest (@PatMest) February 3, 2018
Wink of the CBS Eye to Deadspin |
RPT-China orders miners, utilities to sign more long-term coal deals to ease price pain | (Repeats earlier story for wider readership with no change to text.)
BEIJING, April 12 China's embattled power companies may receive a long-sought reprieve from rising coal prices after the country's state planner ordered miners to increase the share of supplies sold through lower-priced long-term contracts.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), in an April 7 document, ordered coal companies and utilities to fix 75 percent of their total coal purchases through long-term contracts by April 30, up from the current 60 percent, three power utility officials who received the notice said this week.
Chinese thermal coal futures have rallied nearly 25 percent this year, hitting a record high of 648.60 yuan ($94.11) per tonne in March. Prices are surging on falling domestic supply as China's government clamped down on illegal mining and required miners to shut production as way to combat pollution and overcapacity.
Requiring miners to commit to larger long-term volumes would reduce costs for China's electric utilities, which have suffered mounting losses in recent months as coal prices have climbed.
For the miners, the results are more mixed. Shifting to long-term contracts, they will sell less supply at higher spot prices. However, they do lock in sales for a majority of their output near the high prices and gain firm outlets for their supply.
"We would love to sign more long-term contracts with utilities, but the problem is coal producers do not have enough supply to sign with us," a senior manager with China Datang Group told Reuters.
"The utilities sector has turned unprofitable since October 2016. We expect power companies to make a total loss of more than 100 bln yuan due to the high cost of coal," he said.
Another source at China's Huaneng Group said they have arranged meetings with coal miners, trying to secure more supply before the NDRC deadline.
Following a surge in coal prices last year, Beijing capped long-term thermal coal prices at 535 yuan per tonne for big utilities from Dec. 1 - well below the spot market at the time. Long-term contract prices were then adjusted gradually every month, but remain at a 40 yuan per tonne discount to current spot prices.
HARSH PUNISHMENT
In the document reviewed by Reuters, the NDRC said it will penalize any suppliers or utilities who do not comply with the deal terms.
Coal producers that default on more than 10 percent of supplies for a contract and do not have at least 75 percent of their sales through long-term contracts by April 30 will be charged higher power prices.
Power companies that fail to take more than 10 percent of their contracted supply under a long-term contract and do not secure 75 percent of their supply on a long-term basis will receive lower subsidies on power prices.
In addition, power companies that fail to reach the target will be restricted in the direct power trading scheme.
The NDRC did not reply to Reuters inquiry for comments.
Spot coal prices for delivery to the Chinese port of Qinhuangdao were $102.20 a tonne on April 3, according to reporting service McCloskey. CO-FOBQHG-CN
($1 = 6.8918 Chinese yuan renminbi)
(Reporting by Meng Meng and Aizhu Chen; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) |
What a DNA blueprint can achieve in crimebusting, where India lags still | DNA fingerprinting was first developed in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys in the UK, after Jeffreys discovered that no two people could have the same DNA sequence. DNA fingerprinting was first developed in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys in the UK, after Jeffreys discovered that no two people could have the same DNA sequence.
In March 2011, Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja was convicted and sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for raping his maid — even though the victim had told the court that she was never raped. But the Sewri fast-track court, which delivered the verdict, relied heavily on DNA evidence, in which semen samples from the vaginal swab of the victim matched with the samples obtained from the accused.
It was DNA evidence that established the identity of Thenmozhi Rajaratnam, also known as Dhanu, the suicide bomber who killed Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991. And until the blueprint — another word for DNA — of some charred bones were discovered in a forest in Raigad, Maharashtra, in August 2015, and matched with the DNA of media entrepreneur Indrani Mukherjea, she had maintained that her daughter Sheena Bora was away in the USA.
From 1995’s Naina Sahni murder case to modern-day incidents of terrorism such as the 2013 Hyderabad blasts, DNA fingerprinting has not only come of age, but is also being increasingly used for crime investigations and prosecutions.
As the scientific community mourned the demise on December 10 of Dr Lalji Singh, celebrated as “the father of DNA fingerprinting in India”, the focus is back on the technology he was associated with, the science which claims to have close to 100% accuracy.
Also read| Rajiv Gandhi killing to Delhi bus gangrape: How DNA helped investigators
DNA fingerprinting was first developed in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys in the UK, after Jeffreys discovered that no two people could have the same DNA sequence. Within three years of the discovery, the UK achieved the world’s first conviction based on DNA evidence in a case of rape and murder. Crucially, the evidence also saved the life of an innocent man who had earlier been charged with the crime.
Lynda Mann, a 15-year-old girl, had been found raped and murdered in Narbourough, England. This was followed by a similar rape and murder case three years later in the same area. The police arrested one Richard Buckland, who confessed to both crimes. However, with the advent of DNA fingerprinting, his samples were checked against those found on the dead bodies — they didn’t match. Buckland was cleared and another man, Colin Pitchfork, was then arrested and convicted of the murders.
By 1988, Lalji Singh, who had been in the UK from 1974 to 1987 on a Commonwealth Fellowship, developed DNA fingerprinting for crime investigations at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, which he joined after returning to India. In 1989, DNA fingerprinting was first used in a case by the Kerala Police. By the early 1990s, the technology had begun to be used for establishing paternity, and to link criminals and identify victims in sensational crimes. From the 2000s onwards, the technology became a staple in rape cases where vaginal swab samples were matched with semen samples from suspects.
The uniqueness of DNA fingerprinting as a tool of investigation is not just limited to its accuracy but extends to the way it can sift through crime scene evidence. Advanced DNA fingerprinting can make separate prints of various individuals even from a sample mixture found at the crime scene — for example, in a gangrape case, DNA fingerprinting can identify each of the individuals involved in the act through one sample. In such cases, it becomes the clinching evidence against the accused, and also helps exonerate those whose samples do not match.
DNA can typically be extracted from blood and semen stains on clothes or on the body, from hair and teeth (with roots), and even from bones and flesh if they are not completely charred. Under the Indian criminal justice system, there are broad guidelines on how DNA samples are to be collected from a crime scene. It is vital to ensure that the DNA of the investigators does not get mixed with that of the victims or the suspects. Thus, picking up samples from a crime scene with sterile tools and storing samples in a proper manner are crucial for the evidence to stand a judicial test.
And this is where India’s police forces have a lot of catching up to do with counterparts overseas. While central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have found DNA fingerprinting to be very effective, thus ensuring that crime scenes are protected and samples collected by forensic teams, state police forces are yet to be trained in conducting such scientific investigations.
“The Aarushi Talwar murder case of 2008 is a prime example. Because the crime scene was not made out of bounds, both police and media trampled all over it. Now the case has no evidence to conclusively establish who killed the 14-year-old girl. Until state police are trained to isolate the crime scene, scientific investigation cannot take place,” a senior UP Police officer said.
Contrast the NIA’s investigation in 2013’s Bodh Gaya blasts, where a Buddhist robe was found abandoned at the crime scene. The agency got a forensic team to pick up strands of hair from the robe — these matched with strands from the suspected bomber, Haider Ali, when he was arrested the following year. This has now become the most crucial piece of evidence against him, the case having gone to trial recently.
The problem, however, is not limited to police. There is also a serious paucity of capacity for DNA fingerprinting in the country. While several states have their own forensic labs, DNA fingerprinting is available only at a few places — Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Advanced practices in the technology are limited to the Centre For DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad. There are also several private labs that offer DNA testing, but all work under an unregulated environment, as a law to regulate such institutions has lain in a limbo since 2003.
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Venezuela military ouster remarks dog Tillerson in Latin America | MEXICO CITY/CARACAS (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s first tour of Latin America got off to a rocky start on Friday with U.S. ally Mexico distancing itself from his suggestion that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro could be toppled by his own military.
Tillerson ruffled feathers across the region on the eve of his five-nation tour with comments in Texas defending 19th century U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and suggesting the Venezuelan army could manage “a peaceful transition” from Maduro.
Both Maduro and his defence minister condemned the comments on Friday, and even Mexico, no friend of the Venezuelan government, was at pains to say it did not support any non-peaceful solution in the South American country that is engulfed in a political and economic crisis.
“Mexico, in no case, would back any option that implies the use of violence, internal or external, to resolve the case of Venezuela,” Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray
said at a news conference, flanked by Tillerson and Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland.
“It will have to be the Venezuelans themselves who find a peaceful route, a peaceful solution to this crisis,” he said.
Tillerson, in Mexico on the first leg of a trip that will also take in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Jamaica, did not repeat his comments about military action, but reiterated a call for Maduro to reinstate a legislative assembly and hold free and fair elections.
In Venezuela, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino accused Washington of seeking to undermine democracy in Latin America and return to the days of “imperialism,” lashing out at Tillerson during a broadcast on state television.
Padrino said Tillerson’s Latin American tour was aimed at fomenting a regional “intervention” against Venezuela’s socialist government.
“The armed forces radically reject such deplorable remarks that constitute a vile act of interference,” he said, flanked by military top brass, before reading a formal statement of support for Maduro.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson steps off his plane as he arrives to the presidential hangar in Mexico City, Mexico February 1, 2018. REUTERS/Henry Romero
At a political rally later in the day, Maduro said he would not be bowed by Tillerson’s comments.
“We will not give in. They don’t know what we are made of,” Maduro said.
CALLS FOR MILITARY ACTION
Venezuela’s opposition leaders have long urged the military to take action against Maduro. Maduro claims the United States and opposition parties are part of an international right-wing conspiracy to oust him and get their hands on the OPEC nation’s oil wealth.
U.S. President Donald Trump has himself suggested possible military intervention in Venezuela, though that was widely rejected in Latin America. Trump has imposed individual and economic sanctions on Venezuela’s government, accusing it of rights abuses and corruption.
On Thursday, Tillerson referred to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, which is widely seen in Latin America as a justification for U.S. armed intervention in the region, saying it was “as relevant today as it was the day it was written.”
Discussing Venezuela, the top U.S. diplomat said militaries in Latin America often “handled” transitions from bad governments, but insisted he was not advocating “regime change.”
“If the kitchen gets a little too hot for him, I am sure that he’s got some friends over in Cuba that could give him a nice hacienda on the beach and he could have a nice life over there,” Tillerson said, referring to 55-year-old Maduro, who has a close relationship with Cuba’s communist government.
Senior military leaders have consistently stood by Maduro, whom critics accuse of turning Venezuela into a dictatorship and wrecking its economy.
But discontent among the rank-and-file, especially at their own economic penuries, is evident.
There have been some small uprisings against Maduro from within the security forces. A National Guard captain led an attack on a barracks but was later arrested. A police helicopter pilot, Oscar Perez, who lobbed grenades at government buildings, was tracked down and killed last month. |
Cartref Bryn Yr Eglwys | We always recommend that before selecting or making any important decisions about a care home you take the time to check that it is right for your or your relative's particular circumstances. Any description and indication of services and facilities on this page have been provided to us by the relevant care home and we cannot take any responsibility for any errors or other inaccuracies. However, please email us on the address you will find on our About us page if you think any of the information on this page is missing and / or incorrect. |
"Toxic" rail fares rising twice as fast as wages and they're going up AGAIN in January | Get money updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Rail fares have risen twice as much as wages since 2010 a report has uncovered - and they're set to hike a further 3.9% in January.
An analysis by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) found that the cost of train tickets have risen by around 32% in eight years, while average weekly earnings have only grown by 16%.
The rises mean that a new nurse or police officer commuting from Chelmsford to London, where an annual season ticket would cost £4,000, would pay 20% of their salary on just travel, the union said.
The report comes as the Government is expected to announce another hike in the New Year following a 1.9% jump back in January.
The annual increase is linked to July's Retail Price Index (RPI) - a measure of inflation - which will be announced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Tuesday - it's expected to be around 3.9%, which would mean the highest increase in fares since 2012.
Regulated fares make up almost half of all tickets and include season tickets and standard returns.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "Government policy of suppressing workers' wages while at the same time presiding over corporate welfare on our privatised railway has resulted in a toxic combination of fare rises easily outstripping wages.
"The private operators and government say the rises are necessary to fund investment but the reality is that they are pocketing the profits while passengers are paying more for less, with rail engineering work being delayed or cancelled, skilled railway jobs being lost and staff cut on trains, stations and at ticket offices."
"Overcrowded and understaffed trains"
Fewer than half of passengers are satisfied with the value for money of train tickets, according to passenger watchdog Transport Focus.
A TUC report also showed that UK commuters spend up to six times as much of their salary on rail fares as other European passengers - yet described the service as "overcrowded and understaffed".
"This is grim news for commuters, who are facing another year of fare hikes," TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said.
"Meanwhile it's pay day for private rail companies, whose owners gifted themselves nearly a quarter billion in dividends last year.
"Enough is enough. It's time for rail services to be publicly owned, saving money for passengers and taxpayers alike."
Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said the Government "simply can't justify allowing passengers to be ripped-off under privatised rail".
"It is outrageous that UK commuters pay over the odds in order to subsidise travel in France, Germany, Holland and Italy and generate huge profits for private train companies," he said.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The Government carefully monitors how rail fares and average earnings change, and keeps under review the way fare levels are calculated.
"We are investing in the biggest rail modernisation programme for over a century to improve services for passengers - providing faster and better trains with more seats."
What you can do about it
(Image: Mirrorpix)
1. Swap your station
How many stations can you commute from? Because there might be one a little further away that could be cheaper to travel from.
In fact, you might be able to make big savings cycling or getting a bus to a station that's further from home but closer to your destination or on a different line.
Exactly the same is true in reverse, is there a different station you can travel to near work? Adding a 10 minute walk to the end of your commute might – again – produce big savings.
What about methods of travel? Can you get the train for longer, and the underground or tram for less distance? Would going backwards a stop or two put you on a different line for the rest of the journey?
2. Ditch the train
Do you have to get the train to work every day? If you live within a few miles of the office, catching the bus, tram, cycling or even running might be an option for you.
It might be slower, and more subject to traffic, than the train or tube, but a bus season ticket can save you a lot.
Bus and tram journeys in London – for example – cost £1.50 each and no more than £21.20 a week if you're paying with Oyster or contactless. Compare that to £32.40 for the cheapest weekly travelcard including Zone 1.
An annual bus pass will save you at least £448 on the price of an annual travel card that includes Zone 1 and possibly as much as £3,164.
Cycling, by contrast, can prove quicker than trains and the tube – as it lets you go direct door-to-office eliminating any walking time to and from stations.
A decent bike costs less than £400 new , or can be picked up second hand for less than £100 . You might also be able to get it with a big discount, and spread the cost interest-free, by using a Cycle-to-work scheme from your employer.
3. Split your journey
(Image: EyeEm)
One of the best ways to save on fares is to split up your ticket.
Because of the incredibly complex way fares are calculated, it can be cheaper to buy two or three tickets covering parts of the same trip than one for the whole journey.
For example, it can be cheaper to book a ticket from Liverpool to Crewe, then Crewe to London, than to simply buy a ticket from Liverpool to London.
It's perfectly legal as long as the train you're on stops at the stations you've bought tickets from. You can use a split ticket calculator to see if you can make savings.
Confused? We've got a complete guide on TrainSplit here , or you can see a breakdown on Raileasy.co.uk .
4. Sign up for 25% off your next journey
Register with the main ticket retailers for exclusive discounts, sales news and vouchers straight to your inbox.
London Midland often sends members 25% off vouchers. Virgin Trains also offers a free cup of tea as well as a few quid off your next journey. It's also worth getting on TheTrainline.com's mailing list too.
5. Virgin Trains: Tickets from £7.50
(Image: Getty)
If you know the date and time you'll be travelling well ahead, book in advance using Virgin Trains' 'Ticket Offers' tool and you can get peak single fares to Manchester, Birmingham and more from £7.50.
You can book up to 24-hours in advance, but tickets sell out fast, especially peak ones. The best advice is to book around 12-weeks-6-months early. Tickets times vary from 6am - midnight.
6. Register with a cashback site
Join a cashback website like TopCashback or Quidco and you can earn money every time you book a ticket online.
Both sites also regularly offer free bonus travel incentives, like this £10 to spend at thetrainline.com deal . You can keep an eye on all of these deals on our offers page.
7. Avoid automated ticket machines
Most in-station ticket machines do not advertise discounted or group tickets , and can therefore work out a lot more expensive, compared to buying in advance, over the counter or online the night before. Avoid this at all costs. If you've left it last minute, buy over-the-counter.
8. Book at the right time
Ticket retailers release a handful of cheap seats for each journey around 12-weeks before the date of travel, and these can save you as much as 80% – that's around £100 off the price of a London to Edinburgh ticket.
If you can't book 12-weeks in advance, you can still make big savings by booking even just a week early, so if you have any trips pencilled in your diary, check now .
9. Do you own a Nectar Card?
Nectar Cards work on Virgin Trains and First Great Western – meaning you can get a bit extra back at no cost.
If you book train tickets often, you can rack up money back in the form of points.
10. Are you eligible for a railcard discount?
Before you book, check to see if you're eligible for any discount railcards.
These are available for anyone under 26, over 60, disabled or with a family (discounts only if you travel with at least one child), and cost around £30 for a year. A Two-Together railcard will also save you and a friend/partner a 1/3 of your journey.
Railcards apply to all UK Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advanced fares (although only after 9:30 in the morning on weekdays).
11. Consider a season ticket
If you're a commuter, it may be worth investing in a season (monthly or annual) ticket, rather than paying daily, or weekly.
For example, if you're travelling from London to Birmingham and back every day, a monthly ticket may be cheaper than a weekly one: |
best eye creams to perk up and de-puff your eyes including Clinque, Olay and Liz Earle | Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
The eyes don't lie, and one of the best ways to prevent signs of aging is paying attention to your peepers.
Eye creams look to help mask signs of aging, including dark circles and puffiness, and an eye cream is one of the best ways to keep these delicate areas looked after.
Whether you're new to eye creams or looking to invest in a different one, we've rounded up the best eye creams for every budget and skin tone. Here's some of our favourites.
1. Liz Earle Superskin Eye Cream £39
(Image: Boots)
Beauty fans will recognise Liz Earle from her best selling Hot Cloth Polish, but her eye cream is another success story.
It contains a 'blend of rosehip, borage and cranberry seed oils, plus extracts of paracress to lift and firm, pomegranate fruit and green tea to brighten, and alfalfa to ease puffiness'.
It's a luxurious feeling cream that looks to firm and brighten the eye area for visibily noticeable results.
2. Estée Lauder 'Advanced Night Repair' eye treatment £43
(Image: Estée Lauder)
Whilst there's a slightly higher price tag, this Estée Lauder eye cream is a firm favourite and described as a star product by many.
It uses an 'exclusive chronoluxCB technology' to improve the appearence of visible damage such as fine lines, crow's feet, dark circles, puffiness, dryness and uneven texture.
It's a rich, gel cream that won't leave your skin feeling oily, but will leave it feeling moisterised.
Get it from Debenhams for £43
3. Keihl's Midnight Recovery Eye £28.13
(Image: Keihl's)
This US favourite boasts a blend of 'restorative essential oils and botanicals' alongside a number of natural ingriedients.
Specially designed for the delicate under eye area, this paraben and fragrance free eye cream will reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve puffiness.
Get it from Saks Fifth Avenue £28.13
4. Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream £24.99
(Image: Olay)
If you're looking for a good daily eye cream without breaking the bank, Olay is worth a try.
The supercharged formula is packed full of vitamins and blends with every skin tone, to renew the skins appearance over time. It also looks to colour correct the skin under your eyes to perk up dark circles.
Get it from Boots for £24.99
5. Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Moisturising Eye Cream £26
(Image: Elizabeth Arden)
This ultra moisturising but not heavy eye cream delivers just the right amount of moisture. It aims to work deep into the skin's surface and leaves skin looking fresh and smooth.
It works on all skin types, and looks to improve the appearance of fine lines.
Get it from Boots for £26.00
6. No. 7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Eye Cream £18
(Image: Boots)
This No.7 eye cream looks to smooth the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles and delay new ones.
It uses Matrixyl 3000 Plus™, No.7's most concentrated peptide technology to target lines and wrinkles in delicate areas without being too heavy.
Get it from Boots for £18.00
7. Origins Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff £21.00
(Image: Origins)
Want to look wide awake? Try this Origins eye cream, which has been clinically proven to reduce dark circles.
It uses 'Coffee Beans, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners' which will help you look more awake, refreshed and radient.
Get it from Look Fantastic from £20.50
8. REN Keep Young And Beautiful Anti-Ageing Eye Cream £32.00
(Image: Ren)
This REN eye cream has been made using advanced peptide complexes, and has been credited with making skin appear smoother and firmer in just one day.
It's unique blend uses 'Hexapeptide-11 technology is designed to gene response and collagen production to firm the skin, whilst alpha-linoleic acid regulates melanin to reduce the appearance of age spots'.
Get it from Look Fantastic for £32.00
9. Clinque All About Eyes £24.75
(Image: Clinique)
This popular eye cream has a lightweight gel formula which diminishes the appearance of puffiness, dark and fine lines, and as an added bonus also helps to help eye make up stay put.
Perfect for firming up your eye area without breaking the bank.
Get it from All Beauty for £24.75
10. Benefit! It's Potent Eye Cream £25.20
(Image: Benefit)
Benefit's eye cream looks to fade dark circles and smoother lines for a brighter appearence. It contains a peptide complex to restore elasticity and 'a blend of hydrating botanical extracts and loquat extract, known to help protect the skin from free radical damage'.
Plus, we love the old school packaging.
Get it from All Beauty for £25.20
11. Bobbi Brown Eye Repair Cream £48.00
Bobbi Brown's Eye Repair Cream is one of their best sellers, thanks to a rich formula which makes eyes look well rested. It's packed full of 'peptides, natural plant oils and humectants to target fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness and dryness'.
Bobbi Brown also say it's been formulated with 'Extra Repair Complex' which is a 'a combination of clary sage ferment and argireline' which helps boost skin's natural collagen production and gives your skin an extra protective moisture barrier.
Get it from Fabled for £48.00 |
BRIEF-Canadian Natural Resources announces 2016 year end reserves | Feb 14 Canadian Natural Resources Ltd :
* Canadian Natural Resources Limited announces 2016 year end reserves
* Says at end of 2016, Canadian Natural increased company gross proved plus probable reserves to about 9.18 billion BOE
* Says at end of 2016, proved reserves increased 4% to 5.969 billion BOE Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: ([email protected]) |
Officials: Trump knew Flynn misled White House weeks before ouster | Former White House National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. (Photo: Reuters) Former White House National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. (Photo: Reuters)
Just six days into his presidency, Donald Trump was informed his national security adviser had misled his vice president about contacts with Russia. Trump kept his No. 2 in the dark and waited nearly three weeks before ousting the aide, Michael Flynn, citing a slow but steady erosion of trust, White House officials said. Flynn was interviewed by the FBI about his telephone conversations with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., a sign his ties to Russia had caught the attention of law enforcement officials.
But in the White House’s retelling of Flynn’s stunning downfall, his error was not that he discussed U.S. sanctions with the Russian before the inauguration — a potential violation of a rarely enforced law — but the fact that he denied it for weeks, apparently misleading Vice President Mike Pence and other senior Trump aides about the nature of the conversations. White House officials said they conducted a thorough review of Flynn’s interactions, including transcripts of calls secretly recorded by U.S. intelligence officials, but found nothing illegal.
Pence, who had vouched for Flynn in a televised interview, is said to have been angry and deeply frustrated.
Trump lashed out at the news media Wednesday, sending out a tweet berating some news organisations for focusing on “This Russian connection non-sense”. In a post on his verified Twitter account, Trump said, “The fake news media is going crazy with their conspiracy theories and blind hatred.” He added that the news reporting was “merely an attempt to cover-up the many mistakes made in Hillary Clinton’s losing campaign.”
Trump also asserted in a tweet, “Information is being illegally given to the failing (at)nytimes & (at)washingtonpost by the intelligence community (NSA and FBI?). Just like Russia.”
At the White House Tuesday, press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters, “The evolving and eroding level of trust as a result of this situation and a series of other questionable incidents is what led the president to ask General Flynn for his resignation.”
Flynn, in an interview with The Daily Caller News Foundation, said, “there were no lines crossed” in his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
The explanation of the episode left many questions unanswered, including why Trump didn’t alert Pence to the matter and why Trump allowed Flynn to keep accessing classified information and taking part in the president’s discussions with world leaders up until the day he was fired. White House officials also struggled to explain why Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway had declared the president retained “full confidence” in Flynn just hours before the adviser had to submit his letter of resignation.
Later Tuesday, The New York Times reported that U.S. agencies had intercepted phone calls last year between Russian intelligence officials and members of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign team. Current and former U.S. officials who spoke to the Times anonymously said they found no evidence that the Trump campaign was working with the Russians on hacking or other efforts to influence the election.
The White House shakeup, less than one month into Trump’s tenure, marked another jarring setback for a new administration already dealing with tensions among top aides and a legal fight over the president’s travel ban order. Flynn’s firing also heightened questions about the president’s friendly posture toward Russia. Democrats called for investigations into Flynn’s contacts, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Congress needed to know whether he had been acting with direction from the president or others.
Trump initially thought Flynn could survive the controversy, according to a person with direct knowledge of the president’s views, but a pair of explosive stories in The Washington Post in recent days made the situation untenable. As early as last week, he and aides began making contingency plans for Flynn’s dismissal, a senior administration official said. While the president was said to be upset with Flynn, he also expressed anger with other aides for “losing control” of the story and making his young administration look bad.
Pence spokesman Marc Lotter said Pence became aware that he had received “incomplete information” from Flynn only after the first Washington Post report Thursday night. Pence learned about the Justice Department warnings to the White House around the same time. The officials and others with knowledge of the situation were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity.
Ahead of the January 20 inauguration, Pence and other officials insisted publicly that Flynn had not discussed sanctions in his talks with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. On January 26, Acting Attorney General Sally Yates contacted White House counsel Don McGahn to raise concerns about discrepancies between the public accounting and what intelligence officials knew to be true about the contacts based on routine recordings of communications with foreign officials who are in the U.S.
The Justice Department warned the White House that the inconsistencies would leave the president’s top national security aide vulnerable to blackmail from Russia, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion. The president was informed of the warnings the same day, Spicer said.
Flynn was interviewed by the FBI around the same time, according to a U.S. official who was briefed on the investigation. It was not immediately known what questions the FBI asked of Flynn or what he told law enforcement officials.
McGahn, along with chief of staff Reince Priebus and strategist Steve Bannon, also questioned Flynn multiple times in the ensuing weeks, a White House official said. Top aides also reviewed transcripts of Flynn’s contacts with the ambassador, according to a person with knowledge of the review process.
At the same time, the official said Trump aides began taking steps to put some distance between the president and Flynn. CIA Director Mike Pompeo and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, a top Flynn aide, started taking part in Trump’s daily security briefings.
Top Trump advisers quietly met with Vice Admiral Robert Harward last week and spoke with the former Navy SEAL again Monday, the White House official said. Harward is seen as the top contender for the job, though former CIA Director David Petraeus and Kellogg, who has temporarily stepped into the role, are also under consideration.
Spicer said other “questionable incidents” had contributed to Flynn’s firing. According to one person with knowledge of the matter, those incidents included Flynn seeking a security clearance for his son during the transition. At the time, it was Pence who was again put in the position of defending Flynn on television, saying he had not sought a clearance for the retired general’s son.
A U.S. official told The Associated Press that Flynn was in frequent contact with Kislyak on the day the Obama administration slapped sanctions on Russia for election-related hacking, as well as at other times during the transition. Spicer said Flynn was not discussing sanctions at the president’s behest.
Before he resigned Monday night, Flynn told the investigative news nonprofit affiliated with the website The Daily Caller that he and Kislyak spoke only generally about the Russian diplomats expelled by President Barack Obama as part of the previous administration’s response to Moscow’s interference in the U.S. presidential election.
“It wasn’t about sanctions. It was about the 35 guys who were thrown out,” Flynn said. “It was basically, `Look, I know this happened. We’ll review everything.’ I never said anything such as, `We’re going to review sanctions,’ or anything like that.” |
Turnbull opens Monash Centre in France | John Monash was a lawyer, an engineer and a general who "revolutionised" warfare amid the horror of the Western Front.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull officially opened the Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Bretonneux in France on Tuesday to honour the Australian war hero.
He praised Monash as an innovator and leader who looked after his troops and won critical battles.
"He pioneered aerial supply drops, and air reconnaissance in near-real time, and showed how to use the trench-busting power of armoured tanks," Mr Turnbull said in his speech at the centre's opening.
"In short, he revolutionised warfare on the Western Front."
In July 1918, Monash led Australian and American infantry in what was then the most sophisticated joint operation in history, involving air drops, artillery and a line of British tanks in the Battle of Hamel.
"He planned to take the village of Hamel in 90 minutes - but was famously three minutes late," Mr Turnbull said.
"That victory put the German army on the defensive right up until Armistice Day."
The prime minister said Britain's Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery later judged Monash to be "the best general on the Western Front in Europe".
"Montgomery said 'the war might have been won sooner, and certainly with fewer casualties' if Monash had been in command of the British armies too," he said.
"This is why we are naming this centre after Sir John Monash - but it is a memorial to all the Australians who served in this terrible war - from the private soldiers like my grandfather Fred Turnbull, to our greatest General.
"We need to know the appalling suffering of the Western Front."
The $100 million museum was funded by the federal government and aims to ensure the deaths of 46,000 diggers on the Western Front are not forgotten. |
Woman builds organic brand inspired by maternity wear | It all began with the need for more than just a 'nanna nightie'.
Anna McGregor knew nothing about fashion when she first started Sorella Organics, but the savvy businesswoman saw an opening in the market and took it.
The 38-year-old first got the idea for Sorella when her sister, Alisha Watson, noticed a lack of maternity pieces that were both comfortable and functional.
'There was nothing in the market that she felt was suitable for an Australian women who wanted to feel good about her body as she changed shapes,' Anna told Daily Mail Australia.
Anna McGregor, 38, knew nothing about fashion when she first started Sorella Organics, an independent Australian sleep and loungewear label
Anna first got the idea for Sorella when her sister, Alisha Watson, noticed a lack in the market for comfortable maternity pieces (pictured is Sorella's $70 nursing cami on a model)
When Alisha's second pregnancy came around and she realised nothing had changed, the sisters decided to do something about it.
They began to research and at first Anna, who was working in community development at the time, felt conflicted about diving into the fashion world.
'It was a big issue for me to move into fashion knowing it was one of the worst contributors to poverty and human rights violations for people in developing countries,' she said.
'There was quite a conflict figuring out how I could operate a business that's profitable that could also be contributing to that.'
But after a year of research, Anna was able to locate a fair trade cotton supplier in India and a factory in Australia that she knew treated its workers fairly.
Patents were made, products were tested and retested, and in 2011 Sorella Organics was finally born.
Anna said the reaction to the brand, which initially offered only maternity wear, was positive right off the bat.
'We got a fantastic response immediately from women who really felt nothing was available for them,' she said.
Soon friends and fans were requesting both a women's and men's range, and the label quickly expanded.
The sisters began to research starting their own line and at first Anna, who was working in community development at the time, felt conflicted about diving into the fashion world
Anna believes that one of the reasons why Sorella was such an instant hit is that it finally gave pregnant women something 'comfortable' to lounge in.
'Sleepwear is typically either big bold prints and cheap polyester or sexy lingerie,' she said.
'Then, particularly for maternity women it's like oversized nanna nighties, that sort of thing.'
'Women who reached out to us wanted something that was comfortable, that would make them feel good during pregnancy, that would be functional so they could actually nurse.'
But Anna was able to locate a fair trade cotton supplier in India and an Australian factory that she knew treated workers fairly to make the clothes (pictured is Sorella's $90 nursing nightie)
Anna bought out her sister's share when Alisha decided to focus on her family and begin a business with her husband, and now runs Sorella Organics on her own.
Although its 'certainly challenging', Anna said the work ethic required to run a business comes naturally to her.
The Melbourne-based entrepreneur comes from a family of small business owners, where it was the norm for her parents to work seven days a week.
It is a schedule Anna has adopted for herself, noting that she often works from 7am to 10pm on Sorella, Monday through Sunday.
But its that dedication that has allowed Sorella to become known for its personal touch, one that includes a handwritten note from Anna with every order.
Anna now runs Sorella Organics on her own and said she gets her hard work ethic from her family. Pictured (L-R) is her father Kevin, sister Alisha, sister Martina, sister Zara, and mum Joan
'The reason why Sorella has stayed strong is I'm putting heart in every communication, every order, every email, every Facebook post,' Anna said.
'It's all me. It's difficult, but I don't think I could do it any other way.'
Anna admits that she has struggled to find a life and work balance, and that certain sacrifices had to be made to get to where she is today.
'I don't have children myself, and maybe that's been a result of working so hard,' she said.
'There are moments I could've done things a bit different.'
But with higher prices due to the use of expensive organic cotton and fair-trade practices, Anna knew she needed to do something to make Sorella stand out.
'Its so competitive now with a global marketplace and pricing as well, its very difficult for me to compete on price with China,' she said.
'I have to prove myself in another way, and the only way I can do that is to get the actual garment in the hands of the actual customer.'
Anna believes that one of the reasons why Sorella was such an instant hit is that it finally gave pregnant women something 'comfortable' to lounge in before and after their pregnancy
'And it's got to be in a way that makes them feel good in that process,' she added.
'Makes them feel it's special to them and that I'm a real person on the other end of that purchase, rather than a factory in China pumping out T-shirts.'
Now that the company is getting a bit older, Anna is starting to let go of total control so that she can focus on other passions as well, such as returning to community development.
'I'm getting there with a a bit of balance,' she added. 'It's certainly a focus of 2017.'
But making that all the more challenging is that so much of Sorella's marketing is on social media.
Friends and fans began requesting both a women's and men's range, and the label quickly expanded to make loungewear fit for everyone
Although the strategy comes with zero cost in terms of dollars, it takes up plenty of time.
'It's 24/7, I think that's why I have problems switching off,' she said.
'Its consumed so much of my life for so long, but its essential. We're not stocked in brick and mortar stores, so we need to be able to reach our customers in that virtual platform.'
But for all the sacrifices she's made, Anna said there have also been plenty of gains.
Anna knew nothing about fashion when Sorella was still in its infancy, but today can use a sowing machine and even helps with pattern making.
And there are the countless emails she has received from people who put on a pair of her super-soft shorts or pajama pants and 'feel like they're wearing nothing'.
Anna has also been heartened to watch people change the way they think about clothes and where they're coming from.
'It's really exciting to have been thinking about that myself so many years ago, for no other reason than that I cared about those people on the other end of the sowing machine,' she said.
'I know we've had some impact in that way. It's a great legacy to show others you can run businesses ethically and still have a profit at the end of the day.' |
Sunidhi Chauhan flooded with birthday wishes, she thanks her friends and fans with a sweet message. Watch video | Sunidhi Chauhan turned 34 today. Sunidhi Chauhan turned 34 today.
Famous playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan is getting a lot of love on Twitter on her birthday from the music fraternity to other Bollywood celebs and her numerous fans. The award winning singer has turned 34 today. Her last peppy track “Bakheda” from Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednelar starrer Toiler: Ek Prem Katha has received a lot of positive reception from people. The song is a duet with Sukhwinder Singh. She came to prominence at the tender age of sixteen with the song “Ruki Ruki” in the film Mast. On Twitter, wishes poured in for the “Dhoom Machale” songstress.
Shaan, who has sung many duets with Sunidhi, wished the “rockstar” in his own way, “Sunidhiji Vary Vary…. Happy Birthday!! Tu hi toh mera Rokstar Hai… :))) Very Happy Birthday Sunidhi @SunidhiChauhan5”. Mika Singh also took to Twitter and said, “Happy birthday to my sweet sweet freind and super talented @SunidhiChauhan5 …”. Lyricist Irshad Kamil known for writing songs for films like Jab We Met and Rockstar, also wished the birthday girl. “Happy birthday to my sweet sweet freind and super talented @SunidhiChauhan5 …” he tweeted.
Shreya Goshal, another young playback singing talent, wished Sunidhi Chauhan too. She posted a selfie with Sunidhi and captioned it, “Happy birthday rockstar @SunidhiChauhan5 Love you so much! May this year be super duper duper special and full of joy and happiness😘”
Sunidhiji Vary Vary…. Happy Birthday!! Tu hi toh mera Rokstar Hai… :))) Very Happy Birthday Sunidhi @SunidhiChauhan5 — Shaan (@singer_shaan) August 14, 2017
Happy birthday to my sweet sweet freind and super talented @SunidhiChauhan5 … — King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) August 14, 2017
Happy B’day to One of the Best Voices of our times… @SunidhiChauhan5 Stay Healthy, Happy & Blessed. — Irshad Kamil (@Irshad_Kamil) August 14, 2017
Happy birthday rockstar @SunidhiChauhan5 Love you so much! May this year be super duper duper special and full of joy and happiness😘 pic.twitter.com/UF88160rj4 — Shreya Ghoshal (@shreyaghoshal) August 14, 2017
Happy happy birthday to the Sunder Singer @SunidhiChauhan5 . ♥️🌺🎂 — Sunil Grover (@WhoSunilGrover) August 14, 2017
Comedian-actor Sunil Grover also gave his best wishes for Sunidhi’s birthday and called her “sunder singer”. “Happy happy birthday to the Sunder Singer @SunidhiChauhan5 . ♥️🌺🎂,” he said.
Sunidhi Chauhan heartily thanked her fans and peers for their birthday wishes with a short video message which she posted between her recording sessions and also announced that she will be going live today.
Sunidhi’s father in an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com, revealed that the singer was five months pregnant, and hence, was keeping her public appearances low.
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Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho revealed what he said to Marouane Fellaini after injury | Jose Mourinho has revealed what he said to Marouane Fellaini.
The Belgian midfielder picked up a knee injury during the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in midweek.
The full extent of Fellaini’s damage is still unknown but Mourinho wants him to sign a contract extension incase of the worst.
The former Everton man came off the bench on the 63rd minute at Wembley but had to withdraw just seven minutes later.
Fellaini’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he is stalling over a new deal at Old Trafford.
But in a cheeky bid to get him to stay with Man Utd, Mourinho asked him to put pen to paper before the results of the tests get back. |
BRIEF-Archos to list new ordinary shares on Euronext Paris as of March 31 - Euronext | March 29 Euronext:
* 1,710,669 new ordinary shares issued by Archos SA to be listed on Euronext paris as of March 31, following conversion of non listed convertible bonds
* 218,000 new ordinary shares issued by Archos SA to be listed on Euronext Paris as of March 31 in free allocation Further company coverage: (Gdynia Newsroom) |
Help wanted: Bilingual teachers for California schools | In this Oct. 15, 2015, file photo, seen from left, Kaden Cooper, Mia Thoms, Milly Jimenez and Naomy Bravo Molina work with their classmates on math problems in Jasmin Nelson's Spanish-speaking second grade class at Bear Creek Elementary School in Bend, Ore. Educators say growing interest in bilingual programs will boost already high demand for teachers trained and credentialed to teach the classes.
Start the conversation, or Read more at KRMG-AM Tulsa. |
Dimensions Somerset Newholme | We always recommend that before selecting or making any important decisions about a care home you take the time to check that it is right for your or your relative's particular circumstances. Any description and indication of services and facilities on this page have been provided to us by the relevant care home and we cannot take any responsibility for any errors or other inaccuracies. However, please email us on the address you will find on our About us page if you think any of the information on this page is missing and / or incorrect. |
James Carpenter was a disaster last season for Jets | As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 16: James Carpenter
Last year’s ranking: 4
Position: LG
Age: 29
How acquired: Signed as a free agent to a four-year, $19.1 million contract on March 15, 2015
Years left on contract: 1
2018 Salary Cap figure: $6.8 million
Looking back at 2017: Carpenter had his worst season of three with the Jets last year.
He took a step back along with the entire offensive line and really struggled at times. Carpenter had a really strong 2015 and 2016 seasons, making his signing look like a genius move by general manager Mike Maccagnan. But last season, he did not look like the same guy.
Pro Football Focus rated him the 75th guard out of 80 they graded. He was 77th in pass blocking and 58th in run blocking. Carpenter gave up four sacks, tied for ninth-most among guards and 10 quarterback hits, tied for the most at the position.
Carpenter was penalized five times, three times for false starts.
His worst game came in Tampa Bay, when the Buccaneers dominated the Jets up front in one of the worst games of the season for Gang Green.
One positive from Carpenter last year was his durability. He played all 1,038 offensive snaps, the only player to do so.
Outlook for 2018: This is probably Carpenter’s final year with the Jets. With his contract expiring and him approaching 30, the Jets most likely will let him leave in free agency after this year. The Jets have a boatload of salary cap space in 2019 and revamping the offensive line has to be a top priority.
In the meantime, the Jets have to hope that his 2017 season was an anomaly and not a sign of things to come. The Jets fired offensive line coach Steve Marshall after last season and brought in Rick Dennison, hoping he can get the line playing well.
Carpenter is the top offensive lineman on my list. That means within the first 10 players in this top 25, all the starting linemen are off the board already. If my assessment is correct, that is not good news for the Jets. |
Norway PM casts doubt on temporary British EFTA membership | By Joachim Dagenborg
ARENDAL, Norway, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Norway cast doubt on Monday that Britain could easily join it in a half way house trading group after Brexit.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg told Reuters it would be challenging and costly for Britain to rejoin, even temporarily, the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA, because it would bring with it some of the obligations that Britain objects to in its dealings with the European Union.
Membership of EFTA, which London helped found in 1960 but later left, is one option being discussed to allow Britain to remain in the EU's common market -- the European Economic Area.
"There would be a cost they would have to share, and an authority outside their border that could impose binding decisions on them, which is not entirely in line with what they've said they want," Solberg said on the sidelines of a news conference.
She added that Norway was nonetheless "prepared for various scenarios".
It is far from clear whether London would want to rejoin EFTA, although there are various ideas being floated to stop a "cliff edge" Brexit in 2019 in which British business is left hanging.
Oslo, which has chosen to remain out of the EU but follows many of its rules, is closely following divorce talks between Brussels and London.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier visited Norway earlier this year to reassure Norwegians they would be kept in the loop about the talks.
Norway is concerned, among other things, about the fate of Norwegians living in Britain after Brexit; fisheries policy; what kind of terms would be given to Britain after Brexit and whether Britain would get preferential treatment over Norway.
Within EFTA, all member countries have to approve new members, giving each a theoretical veto. Current members are Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Alongside being members of EFTA, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein also have free movement of goods, services and people with the 28-nation EU. Switzerland is outside that deal. (Writing by Terje Solsvik and Gwladys Fouche, editing by Jeremy Gaunt) |
EU news: Brussels caves in to Donald Trump over car trade tariffs | Brussels officials are looking to negotiate a new deal with the US President, who is a fierce critic of the EU's trade policy. The EU currently imposes tariffs of 10 percent on imports of US-built cars, compared to Washington's 2.5 percent levy on European car imports. Any move to lower the punitive tariffs would be warmly welcomed by Mr Trump. The news comes ahead of a meeting between European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the US leader later this month.
They send a Mercedes in, we can't send our cars in Donald Trump
Donald Trump recently claimed the EU was "possibly just as bad as China" when it comes to trade. The President said: "It's terrible what the EU does to us. They treat us very badly, they treat us very poorly. "Take a look at the car situation. They send a Mercedes in, we can't send our cars in." The US Department of Commerce is also investigating whether imports of foreign cars undermine American national security.
GETTY European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker will meet Donald Trump this month
EU leaders have ruled out making major concessions to Washington, instead vowing to defend their economic interests. They signed a joint statement last week backing "safeguarding measures to protect our own markets" amid the trade war. At a meeting with Dutch leader Mark Rutte on Monday, Mr Trump said it would be "positive" if the EU trade dispute was not resolved. Mr Rutte responded bluntly: "It's not positive. We have to work something out." Meanwhile, Angela Merkel revealed Mr Juncker would "submit proposals setting out what we can do" during his meeting with Mr Trump.
GETTY Donald Trump is a fierce critic of the EU's punitive tariffs on US-built cars |
Why Meghan Markle is ditching her signature messy bun ahead of the Royal Wedding | Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
There's no doubt about it, Meghan knows how to rock a bun. It's become something of a signature style for the former actress.
On formal occasions where others would have spent hours perfecting a flawless blow dry, Megan seems to throw caution (and royal protocol) to the wind and chooses a low-maintenance messy bun instead.
Recently though, she's been styling her brunette locks into some more polished updos - and it might have something to do with her wedding day being now less than a month away.
(Image: REUTERS)
Since her hair set to be one of the big talking points of the day, could her most recent glossy bun tell us that she's taking a leaf out of future-sister-in-law Kate's books and swapping to a more regal chic chignon?
(Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
During one of her first royal outing to Brixton in January, the former Suits actress delighted fans by wearing her hair in a casual bun with loose flyaways a-plenty. Since then, she has stuck closely to this effortless updo, including on this recent visit to Northern Ireland with her future husband, Prince Harry.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
But yesterday, the 36-year-old seemed to take inspiration from Kate, who favours a chignon, when she styled her dark lengths into a glossy low bun. She kept some loose tendrils down to frame her face, but the over-all look had much more of a polished finish than we're used to seeing.
Could this mean that the future is all bouncy blow dries and pulled-back ponies for Meghan? Who knows, but we're pretty sure the sleek chignon will be staying until her wedding day. |
China Nov total social financing rises to 1.60 trln yuan | BEIJING, Dec 11 (Reuters) - China’s total social financing (TSF), a broad measure of credit and liquidity in the economy, rose to 1.6 trillion yuan ($241.82 billion) last month from 1.04 trillion yuan in October, data from the central bank showed on Monday.
TSF includes off-balance sheet forms of financing that exist outside the conventional bank lending system, such as initial public offerings, loans from trust companies and bond sales.
The economic barometer has become a gauge of fundraising trends and can provide hints of activity in China’s vast and unregulated shadow banking sector. Chinese authorities have been trying to clamp down on risky forms of lending as part of a broader campaign to contain systemic financial risks. ($1 = 6.6166 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk; Editing by Richard Borsuk) |
Emma Stone debuts shoulder-length platinum locks on set | Emma Stone debuted her shoulder-length platinum blonde hair extensions on the downtown Manhattan set of her Netflix series Maniac on Monday.
The 28-year-old Oscar winner - who relies on stylist Petra Flannery - dressed warmly in a mustard brown duster over a black sweater, grey patterned pants, and brown boots.
For her big scene, the La La Land actress sipped on soup while seated beside a window at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
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New look! Emma Stone debuted her shoulder-length platinum blonde hair extensions on the downtown Manhattan set of her Netflix series Maniac on Monday
In costume: The 28-year-old Oscar winner - who relies on stylist Petra Flannery - dressed warmly in a mustard brown duster over a black sweater, grey patterned pants, and boots
Lunch time: For her big scene, the La La Land actress sipped on soup while seated beside a window at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant
It's unknown what role Emma (born Emily) is playing in the 10-episode dramedy series - due out next year - about a mental patient fantasizing a new life for himself.
The Cary Fukunaga-directed show - which will wrap before Thanksgiving - marks Stone's reunion with her newly-slim Superbad love interest, Jonah Hill, from a decade ago.
Maniac is based on the 2014 Norwegian series of the same name starring Espen Petrus Andersen Lervaag.
Audiences can next catch the Arizona-born beauty with Steve Carell as real-life tennis rivals Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in the 1973-set comedy, Battle of the Sexes.
Due out next year! It's unknown what role Emma (born Emily) is playing in the 10-episode dramedy series about a mental patient fantasizing a new life for himself
A decade ago! The Cary Fukunaga-directed show - which will wrap before Thanksgiving - marks Stone's reunion with her newly-slim Superbad love interest, Jonah Hill (R)
American remake: Maniac is based on the 2014 Norwegian series of the same name starring Espen Petrus Andersen Lervaag
'I felt uncomfortable talking to my agent or lawyer about [getting equal pay] because I was like, "Do people want to see me as much as they want to see Steve Carell?"' the Golden Globe winner lamented to OUT Magazine last month.
'It's a weird conversation to have because it's trying to see oneself from the outside. What are we at [nationally]? 79 cents to the dollar? It's insane. There's no excuse for it anymore.'
Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris directed the feminist flick - also starring Elisabeth Shue, Alan Cumming, and Sarah Silverman - which hits US theaters September 22 and UK theaters November 24.
Upcoming film: Audiences can next catch the Arizona-born beauty with Steve Carell as real-life tennis rivals Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in the 1973-set comedy, Battle of the Sexes
On the court: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris directed the sporty feminist flick, which hits US theaters September 22 and UK theaters November 24
To prepare, Emma put on 15lbs of muscle with twice-a-day workouts - which included deadlifting 185lbs, cardio/strength training, pushing a 200lb sled, and chugging protein drinks.
'Emma was good at deadlifts, which are hard!' fitness trainer-to-the-stars Jason Walsh told Glamour last week.
'She kind of became a meathead...Every client I've had, including Emma, finds strength training addictive.' |
Jacob Rees-Mogg says he fears for women MP's safety from online trolls | SKY-PA Video emerged of the backbencher getting involved in a scuffle
The Brexiteer appeared on Sky News to discuss a talk he gave at Bristol University which was attended by protestors wearing balaclavas. Video emerged of the backbencher getting involved in a scuffle in which he attempted to de-escalate the situation. When asked if he feared for his safety, Mr Rees-Mogg replied: “What has happened is a peaceful protest got out of hand. "I intervened because I didn’t want anything like that to happen.
"Unfortunately, it became more scuffley. “I never felt threatened or unsafe. I am a lot more concerned about abuse of women MPs particularly on social media is much more troubling and dangerous.” Jacob Rees-Mogg spoke at a dinner hosted by a man who advocates the repatriation of “non-indigenous” Britons.
Shock LIVE pics as Jacob Rees-Mogg confronts masked men Fri, February 2, 2018 Jacob Rees-Mogg confronts masked men as Bristol University event descends into CHAOS Play slideshow TWITTER/CHLOEKAYEX 1 of 5 The moment Jacob Rees-Mogg is confronted by a masked man
When asked about this gaffe, he said: “That is a disgraceful organisation, I did not realise they had those views. “They were called the Traditional Britain Group, I thought it sounded harmless. “Clearly it was a mistake to go, I think it is a bad group.
“I made a mistake but one learns from one's mistakes. I am very sorry I made that mistake. “I think they have unpleasant views which I do not share.” When asked if the activists disrupted his talk in protest against this, Mr Rees-Mogg dismissed the idea.
SKY he Brexiteer appeared on Sky News to discuss a talk he gave at Bristol University
He added: “They didn’t mention the dinner, they just shouted. You can’t have a rational debate with someone who just shouts.” Mr Rees-Mogg caused controversy among students who raised questions about whether to ban the politician from giving his speech at Bristol. A video was posted on social media showing Mr Rees-Mogg involved in the fracas as a punch is thrown.
GETTY Mr Rees-Mogg said he did not fear for his safety |
Tiny sensor placed under the skin to test for diabetes | A sensor in the arm may help thousands with diabetes avoid having frequent finger prick tests.
The device, called Eversense, is slightly larger than a pill and is implanted under the skin in a five-minute procedure.
It then continuously monitors blood sugar levels from the fluid that bathes cells just below the skin and transmits the data to a smartphone.
If blood sugar levels drop too low or are too high, the patient receives an alert on their phone, so they can take insulin to reduce the levels or eat something sugary to increase them.
A sensor in the arm can help patients with diabetes by sending messages to their phones when their blood sugar is too low or high. The device, called Eversense, is slightly larger than the pill (file photo)
The device also has a vibration alert in case the phone is off or there is no signal.
It stops patients needing regular finger prick tests, which can be painful. It has been approved in Europe, but is not yet available in the UK, though it is being considered by the NHS.
A study presented recently at the Diabetes Technology Meeting in Maryland, U.S., showed it was accurate and effective when tested on 90 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 90 days.
If this type of monitoring was used more widely, it could help to reduce hospital admissions and diabetic complications, according to the charity Diabetes UK.
It is particularly useful for patients with type 1 diabetes —where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the pancreas, which then cannot produce insulin. It affects 400,000 Britons — about 10 per cent of all adults with diabetes.
Patients with this type of diabetes currently monitor blood sugar levels by taking between four and ten finger-prick tests a day, which helps them work out how much insulin they need.
But this method only gives a snapshot of blood sugar levels at that time, so it can be difficult to tell if they are rising or falling. It means that despite regular checking, patients may still suffer attacks of hypoglycaemia — when levels drop too low, causing shakiness, sweating and confusion.
Eversense is a continuous glucose monitor. Some patients already use devices such as the FreeStyle Libre and Enlite, which work in a similar way, but these need to be replaced every seven to 14 days. In contrast, Eversense will last for 90 days before it needs replacing.
It comprises a pill-sized implant and a small, square patch stuck to the skin above the device. Patients are given a local anaesthetic in the arm. A 1cm incision is made in the skin to insert the sensor and is then closed.
The device also has a vibration alert in case the phone is off or there is no signal. It is thought to be particularly helpful for people who suffer from Type One diabetes (file photo)
‘Research shows that continuous glucose monitoring can improve overall diabetes control and reduce complications such as diabetic coma and foot amputations by reducing the amount of time someone spends with very high or very low blood sugar,’ says Simon O’Neill, director of health intelligence at Diabetes UK.
However, these devices cost several thousand pounds a year and the Eversense is likely to be similarly priced.
‘People pay for continuous monitoring devices themselves and even those who fit the criteria to have one on the NHS can find their local health authority does not fund them for everyone,’ says Mr O’Neill.
‘However, in the long term, the cost benefit could be substantial when you factor in the A&E visits and extra medical support needed when someone suffers from uncontrolled hypoglycaemia or very high sugar levels.
‘Complications can include seizures, foot disease and even amputations, which reduce mobility and quality of life.’
He says more evidence is needed about the efficacy and cost effectiveness of these devices.
‘All the systems use different methods of measuring glucose. It may be this one is more durable than other methods.’
Could adding fibre to your diet ease painful joints?
Eating more fibre may reduce the pain caused by arthritic knees.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine tracked 4,796 patients for eight years and found that those who ate the most fibre were 44 per cent less likely to develop severe pain and had a 24 per cent lower risk of suffering from moderate pain.
It’s thought that fibre reduces inflammation in the body, causing the patient less pain.
The findings, in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, suggested 25g of fibre a day (two cups of prunes) was enough to lower pain by a third.
The magic pen that can diagnose Parkinson's
A special pen can diagnose Parkinson's disease as it detects tremors. There is no definitive test for the disease and brain scans that can help diagnose are expensive (file photo)
Parkinson's disease could be diagnosed with the help of a special pen.
The device, known as the ManusNeuro Pen, contains sensors that analyse subtle hand movements.
The idea is that when patients use it to write, the special pen detects tremors that are a symptom of the disease, helping doctors to diagnose the illness. There is no definitive test for Parkinson’s and brain scans that distinguish it from other neurological disorders are expensive.
The pen, which is being trialled at several NHS trusts, would reduce the number of unnecessary scans and ensure that only the patients who need to see a specialist are referred, the maker says.
Heavy lifting raises the risk of retinal detachment — where a tear or hole in the retina at the back of the eye causes it to pull away.
A Swedish study of 49,321 men found those aged 50 to 59 with severe short-sightedness (a risk factor, as the retina is already stretched thinly) were seven times more at risk of detachment when heavy lifting.
Sniffer dogs used to spot bowel cancer
A major trial is under way into whether dogs can diagnose colorectal cancer.
Around 2,000 patients at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust — some with the disease, the others otherwise healthy — will supply urine and stool samples, and doctors will test whether dogs trained by the charity Medical Detection Dogs can ‘smell’ which patients have cancer.
It is thought they can pick up on the way cancer changes cells, which subtly affects their smell.
Researchers hope this non-invasive method of diagnosis could encourage more people to be tested, which could save lives.
Previous research has found that dogs can be trained to detect prostate cancer using the same method.
New hearts grown on spinach leaves!
Scientists have used spinach leaves to grow human heart tissue.
Researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the U.S. stripped the leaves of plant cells, leaving only the vein.
They then placed human heart cells on it and found the spinach leaf vein can transport blood, oxygen and nutrients between the cells because it acts in a similar way to a human heart. The heart cells on the spinach started beating.
The scientists hope to create human heart tissue using layers of spinach leaves covered in heart cells — the tissue could then be transplanted into patients with damaged hearts.
DIY monitor keeps you out of hospital
A new system allowing patients with chronic conditions to monitor their health at home halved the number of calls to the NHS non-emergency number, 111.
It also reduced the number of lung patients’ admissions to hospital by a fifth.
Whzan Telehealth, being trialled in NHS trusts in Newcastle and the Isle of Wight, comes in a portable case and includes devices needed for testing lung function, blood pressure, pulse, urine and temperature.
The device wirelessly transmits readings to the patient’s doctor, who will contact them if a problem is spotted.
It is hoped that the technology will improve the quality of life for patients with long-term conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes. |
Cathedral View House | We always recommend that before selecting or making any important decisions about a care home you take the time to check that it is right for your or your relative's particular circumstances. Any description and indication of services and facilities on this page have been provided to us by the relevant care home and we cannot take any responsibility for any errors or other inaccuracies. However, please email us on the address you will find on our About us page if you think any of the information on this page is missing and / or incorrect. |
J.J. Watt becomes the NFL's second doctor, gets an honorary degree from Baylor | Laurent Duvernay-Tardif's run as the NFL's only active player to hold a medical degree has come to a close. It lasted less than one day. Houston Texans star J.J. Watt received a medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine on Wednesday.
One big difference: Duvernay-Tardif's degree is real, while Watt's is honorary.
I’ve had a lot of big dreams in my life, but not even I dreamt that I could one day become a Doctor. I am truly humbled and honored to receive the degree of Doctor of Humanities in Medicine from the Baylor College of Medicine! #CanTheyPutMDonMyJersey pic.twitter.com/7TyNKrvhh7 — JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 30, 2018
Watt received the honorary degree along with Houston Emergency Medical Services Director Dr. David Persse, both of whom have "provided exceptional support or service directly or indirectly to Baylor or to academic medicine as a whole and to the community at large," according to a press release from Baylor.
Watt raised millions of dollars and delivered food, water, and supplies to residents in order to help assist with Houston's recovery from Hurricane Harvey last year. He was also named Sports Illustrated's Person of the Year and the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year for his Harvey-related efforts.
Desperately wish you had a 30-minutes-or-so, daily NFL podcast in your podcast app every morning by 6 a.m.? Put some Pick Six Podcast in your life and join Will Brinson as he breaks down the latest news and notes from around the league, as well as the win totals on a team-by-team schedule. It's a daily dose of football to get you right for that commute or gym trip. Subscribe: via iTunes | via Stitcher | via TuneIn | via Google Play |
REVEALED: Drinking wine daily can SLASH the risk of early death | GETTY STOCK IMAGE A glass of wine can reduce the risk of early death from all causes
A wide-ranging study suggests that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption – classed as less than 14 drinks a week for men and seven for women – may actually have “protective” health effects, particularly with heart disease. While heavy drinking has long been linked to a host of very serious health issues including liver failure, heart disease and oral cancers, the new paper suggests that alcohol in moderation can be beneficial. Experts said the findings showed that for most older people, the overall benefits of light drinking “clearly outweighed” the possible cancer risk.
The researchers studied data from 333,247 participants in the US obtained through the National Health Interview Surveys from 1977 to 2009. Moderate drinking was associated with a 13 per cent and 25 per cent decreased risk of all-cause mortality, and 21 per cent and 34 per cent decreased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, respectively, in both men and women. Similar findings were observed for moderate drinking in both genders.
GETTY STOCK IMAGE The study revealed there are benefits of drinking wine
If you drink alcohol it is important to keep within the guidelines British Heart Foundation spokesman
Study lead author Doctor Bo Xi, associate professor at Shandong University School of Public Health in China which analysed the American figures, said: “Our research shows that light-to-moderate drinking might have some protective effects against cardiovascular disease, while heavy drinking can lead to death. "A delicate balance exists between the beneficial and detrimental effects of alcohol consumption, which should be stressed to consumers and patients.” Cardiovascular disease is the UK’s biggest killer, claiming the lives of around 155,000 people annually.
10 common health myths Thu, July 20, 2017 Here are 10 common health myths that most people think are true. Play slideshow Getty 1 of 11 Common health myths and old wives' tales
UK research bodies and charities gave a cautious welcome to the new study, but stressed that people should be careful over their alcohol intake. A spokesman for the British Heart Foundation said: “Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol can have a harmful effect on your heart and general health. “If you drink alcohol it is important to keep within the guidelines. Men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week. You should have several alcohol-free days each week.” The charity’s senior dietitian Victoria Taylor added: “Our advice is that if you don’t drink alcohol, then don’t start as a way of improving your health.”
GETTY STOCK IMAGE Similar findings were observed for moderate drinking in both genders
Researchers examined the association between alcohol consumption and risk of mortality from all causes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study participants were divided into six groups, based on their drinking including lifetime abstainers, light, moderate (more than three drinks per week to less than 14 drinks per week for men or less than seven drinks per week for women) and heavy drinkers. Some 34,754 participants died from all causes. Of those, 8,947 deaths were cardiovascular disease-specific and 8,427 were cancer-specific. |
2013 in review | 2013's must-try cookie recipes The holidays can be a hectic time of year. Don’t make this time of the year more stressful than it has to be with complicated cake recipes. Try these easy...
Your Golden Bricks for 2013 Presenting the Between the Bricks annual Golden Bricks to the best and worst of the city’s slickers: Super Swapper: This award goes to Gary Barnett, who dubbed his Eleventh Avenue...
The 10 best New York City moments of 2013 The year 2013 proved once again that New York is the city that never sleeps. Not only did we get a new mayor, we showed that New York City politics...
Top 8 social media posts of 2013 We can't stop Facebooking, Instagraming and tweeting our favorite things. Here are the top posts for 2013.
The top 10 tweets of 2013 Twitter is just seven years old, yet it’s taken over our collective consciousness like dandelions on an untended lawn. The year in tweets brought us some Twitter-only phenomena: your “Sharknado’s”,...
Baseball's overrated and over-hated in 2013 Another year is nearly behind us, and at the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, there’s more urgency than ever to rush to judgment — to strong judgment...
The worst social media blunders of 2013 The Internet was filled with things to love this year – but a lot to hate, too, and 2013 was the year we decided that hate was more interesting. We...
2013's top 10 TV actors We’ve compiled our picks for the year’s 10 Best TV Actors, who lit up the screen in their respective shows — in many cases overshadowing that show’s star. You may...
2013's most notable deaths Both were mold-breaking former heads of state who reshaped their own countries and the world. Nelson Mandela, revered for his efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, and Margaret Thatcher,... |
Bulls' Bobby Portis: Double-double off bench Saturday | Portis scored 10 points (3-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT) while adding 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal in 25 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 113-103 loss to the Clippers.
Despite the poor shooting performance, the 22-year-old still came though with his sixth double-double of the season, With Nikola Mirotic now in New Orleans, Portis' role on the second unit is a lot more secure, but he's still struggling to turn those minutes into consistent production. |
Spain says will not reopen Castor gas storage site after quakes | MADRID Spain will not reopen the Castor underwater gas storage facility which was shut in 2014 following minor earthquakes in the area, after a study showed tremors could return if it resumed operations, the government said on Wednesday.
Meant to store almost a third of Spain's daily gas consumption, Castor stopped gas injections after more than 200 minor earthquakes were detected in 2013.
A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University commissioned in October 2015 aimed to detect the origin of the quakes and their connection with the facility.
"The localisation of the tremors coincide with the Amposta fault line and the studies conclude that these faults were put under stress as a result of the gas injections," the energy ministry said in a statement.
Castor was designed to store 1.3 billion cubic metres of gas and pump it in to the national grid when needed.
The consortium which built the plant, including Spanish builder ACS (ACS.MC) and Canada's Dundee Energy, was paid 1.35 billion euros ($1.47 billion) in 2014 in compensation for not being able to operate the site.
(Reporting by Jose Elias Rodriguez; writing by Paul Day; editing by Julien Toyer and Jason Neely) |
Pledging more austerity, Greece cuts deal with lenders | FILE PHOTO: An anti-government demonstrator waves a Greek flag outside the parliament during a protest in Athens, Greece June 15, 2016. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Greek pensioners take part in a demonstration against planned pension cuts in Athens, Greece April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A man looks down as a Greek national flag flutters atop one of the bastions of the 17th century fortress of Palamidi under an overcast sky at the southern port city of Nafplio, Greece, February 19. 2017. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Euro coins are seen in front of a displayed Greece flag in this picture illustration, June 29, 2015. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A woman waves a Greek flag in front of parliament during a protest against the government's austerity measures in Athens May 3, 2010. REUTERS/John Kolesidis/File photo
ATHENS Promising to cut pensions and give taxpayers fewer breaks, Greece has paved the way for the disbursement of further rescue funds from international lenders and possibly opened the door to reworking its massive debt.
Officials from both sides reached a deal early on Tuesday on a package of bailout-mandated reforms, ending six months of staff-level haggling. Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos announced it with a term associated with papal elections.
"There was white smoke," he told reporters.
READ MORE: Greek economy to grow 1.5 percent this year, less than official forecasts - IOBE
Greece now needs to legislate the new measures - which also include opening up the energy market to competition - before euro zone finance ministers approve the disbursement of loans, probably at the next scheduled Eurogroup meeting on May 22.
Athens needs the funds urgently to repay 7.5 billion euros in debt maturing in July.
The main opposition party New Democracy said it would not support the deal, but the government coalition has a small but firm majority and is expected to push it through.
Germany, one of the main lenders and a hard-liner in forcing Greek reforms, said the deal was a step forward but noted that work was not yet complete.
READ MORE: Rome, Athens look to Macron to help douse anti-EU fires
Financial markets welcomed it, however. Greek 10-year bond yields fell 35 basis points to 6.13 percent, their lowest since 2014. The main Athens stock index was up 2.9 percent with banks gaining 9 percent.
The Eurogroup meeting, meanwhile, may mark the first formal discussion of debt relief for Greece, an issue that means different things to each side.
The International Monetary Fund reckons Greek debt is unsustainable at 179 percent of gross domestic product and is reluctant to participate in further funding without a debt relief agreement.
European Union lenders, however, have ruled out forgiving the debt and refused to discuss such things as cutting repayment rates until after a reform-for-cash deal is cut.
Both groups of lenders have differed markedly about what Greece's budget is capable of sustaining.
The Greek government, however, hailed Tuesday's agreement as now allowing the yet-to-be-defined relief go ahead.
"The government believes that this road, despite the difficulties, will lead to the country's exit from bailouts," Interior Minister Panos Skourletis told ERT TV.
"What's important after closing the bailout review is to have a roadmap for debt relief."
Skourletis repeated Greece's mantra that demanding increasing amounts of austerity risks alienating great swathes of EU citizens.
"The consequences for every government, including ours, that is obliged to implement bailout measures, is the risk of damaging the relationship with society, particularly the groups that you want to represent," he said.
TARGETS
As part of the reforms, Athens has promised to cut pensions in 2019 and cut the tax-free threshold in 2020 to produce savings worth 2 percent of gross domestic product.
If it outperforms its targets, it will be allowed to activate a set of measures offsetting the impact of the additional austerity, which includes mainly lowering taxes.
Athens also agreed to sell coal-fired plants and coal mines equal to about 40 percent of its dominant power utility Public Power Corp's capacity.
On the budgetary target level, the lenders are now likely to decide among themselves on Greece's medium-term primary surplus targets, a key element for granting further debt relief.
In a draft document seen by Reuters, the IMF says Greece can reach a primary surplus - the budget balance excluding debt repayments - of 2.2 percent in 2018 and aim at 3.5 percent annually in 2019-2021. It suggests the primary surplus target be reduced to 1.5 percent of GDP thereafter.
Euro zone lenders, however, believe Greece must sustain a 3.5 percent GDP primary surplus target over a longer period.
Last year's Greek primary surplus was 4.2 percent, according to the lenders. Whether that can be maintained is unclear.
(Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Writing by Karolina Tagaris and Jeremy Gaunt; Editing by Tom Heneghan) |
New York Post | Aramark — the largest US food-service provider at schools, businesses, hospitals, sports and entertainment venues — will work with the American Heart Association to make its meals more healthy, the... |
FRA to fix light timers | CURRENT time settings on the crossing lights in the Suva City area do not give enough time for pedestrians to cross the roads, says the Fiji Roads Authority. Traffic lights and crossing lights come under the jurisdiction of the Fiji Roads Authority and it had been highlighted that pedestrians only reached as far as the middle of the road before the lights turned red again.
Start the conversation, or Read more at Fiji Times. |
New York Post | “We are looking for eighth and ninth starters. Most teams are looking for fourth and fifth guys. We are a little ahead of the game.” — Sandy Alderson, March 6,... |
UK's Sainsbury's profit falls for third straight year | LONDON May 3 British supermarket Sainsbury's on Wednesday reported a third straight year of underlying profit decline, despite the boost to earnings from last year's purchase of Argos, the general merchandise retailer.
Sainsbury's, which trails market leader Tesco in annual sales, made an underlying pretax profit of 581 million pounds ($749.3 million) in the year to March 11.
That was ahead of analysts' average forecast of 578 million pounds but down from 587 million pounds made in 2015-16.
Sainsbury's said the outcome reflected price cuts and cost inflation, offset by cost savings of 130 million pounds and a contribution from Argos of 77 million pounds.
"The market remains competitive and the impact of cost price pressures remains uncertain. However, we are well placed to navigate the external environment and we remain focused on delivering our strategy," said Chief Executive Mike Coupe. ($1 = 0.7754 pounds) (Reporting by James Davey; editing by Kate Holton) |
Meghan Markle news: Has dad Thomas Markle been FROZEN OUT by royals since his interview? | The latest reports from palace insiders claim Meghan Markle and her new in-laws are “frustrated” by Thomas Markle’s dealings with the press. The insider claimed Meghan “hasn’t spoken to Thomas since the day after her wedding,” US Weekly has reported. The situation was further aggravated by an unexpected interview Mr Markle, 73, gave to ITV’s Good Morning Britain. In it, he gushed about how much he loved his daughter, but also revealed some personal details and hinted at Harry’s political alignments.
Meghan’s father – who is not a fan of Donald Trump - revealed that Prince Harry said Trump should be given "a chance" and Brexit was an "experiment" that "we have to try”. He also said he "was jealous" of Prince Charles for talking Meghan’s arm at St George’s Chapel but added: "Thank God he was there … how can I ask for a better replacement?" The interview came after Mr Markle’s last-minute decision not to attend the royal wedding, citing health issues. There was speculation the decision not to walk his daughter down the aisle could have something to do with the staged photograph scandal which emerged just days before the wedding.
ITV / Getty Meghan Markle news: Meghan “hasn’t spoken to Thomas since the day after her wedding"
Mr Markle was repeatedly snapped by paparazzi in the run-up to the wedding, seemingly unaware the images were being taken. It later emerged the pictures were an attempt to improve his public image after some unflattering publicity. Speaking to Good Morning Britain on the scandal, he said: "They'd take photos of me grabbing a beer, take photos of me getting into my car... they'd take photos of me making me look negative. “I realised it was a serious mistake. It’s hard to take it back.” However, in the same breath, he insisted Harry and Meghan had been “very forgiving” of the embarrassing incident.
Getty Meghan Markle news: Charles replaced Meghan's dad to walk her down the aisle
ITV Meghan Markle news: Thomas Markle appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain
Now it seems this may not be entirely true. One source said to be close to the couple said: “Thomas is walking a fine line. This blabbing needs to stop if he wants to maintain any relationship with Harry and Meghan." A source close to Mr Markle told US Weekly: “Thomas adores his daughter and swears he never wanted attention from the interviews. “All he’s ever cared about is protecting Meghan.”
Getty Meghan Markle news: Meghan's mother Doria Ragland was the only member of her family to attend |
BRIEF-Anadolu Efes to suspend brewing operations in Istanbul as of May 22 | April 20 Anadolu Efes:
* Decided to suspend its brewing operations located in Merter, Istanbul, which has 15 percent share in total capacity, as of May 22
* Says to transfer these operations to other facilities in Adana, Ankara and Izmir
* Says the total estimated employment termination benefits for all of employees in our Merter plant amounts to 14 million lira ($3.82 million)
* This decision was taken considering the environmental and logistic effects of company's factory that remains in the city center after urbanization
* Says to consider the options about the land where the Istanbul factory is located Source text for Eikon:
Further company coverage: ($1 = 3.6646 liras) (Gdynia Newsroom) |
England v Colombia: Players sent DEATH THREATS after missing World Cup penalty shootout | England triumphed in a nerve-jangling penalty shootout to progress to the quarter final after Colombia players Mateus Uribe and Carlos Bacca missed penalties.
The players have now received shocking death threats on social media on the 24th anniversary of the death of Andres Escobar, a Colombia star who scored an own goal at USA 1994 before being shot dead after returning home.
Uribe and Bacca have both been targeted on social media after fluffing their lines after Colombia and England could not be separated after 120 minutes of play.
One particularly vicious Twitter attack said: “Die Carlos Bacca. Son of a b***h. No-one wants you, gonorrhoea. To this country you don’t return.” |
LKQ to buy German car parts retailer Stahlgruber in $1.77 billion deal | (Reuters) - Auto parts retailer LKQ Corp (LKQ.O) said on Monday it would buy German peer Stahlgruber for about 1.5 billion euros ($1.77 billion), including debt, to expand its already large European presence.
Stahlgruber will help Chicago-based LKQ compete better with rivals including U.S.-based Genuine Parts Co (GPC.N), which in September announced its foray into Europe with a $2 billion deal to buy Alliance Automotive Group.
Stahlgruber, which sells car replacement parts, tools and other accessories, will also complement LKQ’s portfolio of vehicle engines, axles and wheels.
LKQ is the No.1 parts distributor by billings in the roughly 68-billion-euro European light vehicle aftermarket. It has expanded in the continent mainly through acquisitions and most recently bought Rhiag-Inter Auto Parts Italia S.p.A for $1.14 billion.
LKQ plans to fund the acquisition with debt offerings, its credit facility and by issuing 8.1 million new LKQ shares to Stahlgruber Otto Gruber AG, Stahlgruber’s owner.
Reuters reported in September that Stahlgruber’s owner had put the car parts retailer up for sale and selected bidders including LKQ.
LKQ expects Stahlgruber to have revenue of about 1.6 billion euros for 2017. |
Giants’ offensive line will be without at least one starter | Life will get no easier for the Giants’ offensive line.
The much-maligned unit will be without center Weston Richburg (concussion) Sunday against the Chargers. The group may also have to play without guard John Jerry, who is listed as questionable after injuring the back of his hamstring during practice Thursday, which Jerry was able to complete.
With Richburg out, Brett Jones is expected to start at center.
Running back Paul Perkins (ribs) is also officially out for Sunday. Defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder/knee), Olivier Vernon (ankle) and Avery Moss (shoulder) are listed as questionable, though Pierre-Paul said Thursday he will play. |
Leicester making most of Champions League moment | And the players don’t hide that fact. They don’t have an inferiority complex, just a realization of how difficult it will be to reach the semifinals in their first shot at European soccer’s elite competition, let alone returning in the near future.
Unless a 1-0 deficit can be overturned on Tuesday, it’s likely to be a long, long wait before the Champions League returns to the King Power Stadium.
“We are small Leicester,” defender Christian Fuchs said Monday. “Playing in the Champions League is already great, then being in quarter-finals is outstanding. We just enjoy the time that we have. We might never be here again.”
While Atletico is third in La Liga, Leicester has sunk far from the Champions League places in England — 12th in the Premier League it won so unexpectedly last May.
Losing would close a chapter on an improbable eight-year ascent for the Premier League champions.
The quarter-final second leg is being played eight years to the day since the club secured its passage out of English soccer’s third tier by beating Southend United.
“The journey has been incredible,” said caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare, who was in his first season on the coaching staff when Leicester won 2-0 at Southend on April 18, 2009. “Where this club has come from has been remarkable.”
That’s why writing off the Foxes can backfire.
They were expected to falter in last season’s Premier League title race, but the 5,000-1 shots not only improbably lifted the trophy for the first time but seized top spot by 10 points.
Even as Leicester slid down the standings this season, plunged into a relegation fight that cost manager Claudio Ranieri his job, the team still defied expectations in Europe.
As English teams were eliminated — first Tottenham, then Arsenal and Manchester City, Leicester defied the odds once again. It’s the last English team standing, but only given about a 3-1 chance of going through with bookmakers while Atletico is the overwhelming favourite.
“Let’s show they have got it wrong tomorrow,” Shakespeare said. “We will start as underdogs because of the history of Madrid but we are quite comfortable with that, we know what we have got to do and let’s hope we can earn people a few bob (pounds).”
And not crack under the pressure, Fuchs said in response to an Easter egg-themed question.
“That’s what everyone is expecting from us anyway, what they expected last season,” the 31-year-old Austrian said. “We have such a great team spirit we don’t let it affect us. There’s a lot of pressure all the time, this year it was fighting against relegation and we came out of that. We’re just looking forward to the game and trying to give everything.”
Captain Wes Morgan could return after missing the last six games with a back injury, including last Tuesday’s first leg when Antoine Griezmann’s penalty gave Atletico the advantage.
Griezmann was clipped by defender Marc Albrighton but the striker appeared to be just outside the penalty area when contact was made.
“It’s not gnawing away, the referee gave his decision and the last thing the club and players need is me harping on about it,” Shakespeare said. “We have to get on with it. The referee made his decision, although it’s there for everyone to see it’s the wrong one. We have to make sure we’re ready and focused for the game.” |
Avengers Infinity War shock theory - Will THIS character destroy Thanos? | The latest trailer for the upcoming Marvel film came out last week, in which a huge raft of Marvel favourites were seen in the clash with Thanos.
We also got our first look at Ebony Maw, a villain from Thanos’s Black Order who was seen torturing Dr Stange (Benedict Cumberbatch).
A Reddit user has convincingly argued that it will be Maw who ultimately spells the end for Thanos - potentially opening up a whole new wave of trouble for the heroes.
User tschandler71 wrote: “After watching the released trailers and reading the reports of the not publicly released or leaked D23 trailer I've been rattling this theory around in my head. |
Murder probe launched after man stabbed to death in west London as city's knife crime epidemic continues | Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
A man has been stabbed to death in west London as the city's spate of knife killing continues.
The victim, believed to be in his 40s, was found with multiple knife wounds at around 10.20pm on Cathcart Road, Kensington last night.
Police and the London Ambulance Service attended but sadly the man died at the scene at around 11pm.
A murder investigation has been launched but no arrests have been made.
A statement from Met Police said: “A man, believed to be aged in his 40's, was found with multiple stab wounds.
"Despite the best efforts of the medical teams, he died at the scene shortly after 23:00hrs.
"His next of kin have been informed, although formal identification awaits.
"A post-mortem will take place in due course.
"Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating. A crime scene remains in place.
"No arrests have been made at this early stage, and enquiries continue."
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information should call 101 or the incident room on 0208 358 0200.
To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. |
Second man arrested in connection with London subway attack | Police have nabbed a second man in connection with Friday’s London subway attack.
The 21-year-old suspect was collared in Hounslow in West London on Saturday night, and investigators were searching a home in Surrey, about four miles away, that he is associated with, authorities said.
Earlier Saturday, police arrested an 18-year-old man about an hour away in Dover.
The younger man is believed to have lived in a foster home with a married couple who took in Syrian refugees and were once honored for their charitable work by Queen Elizabeth, reports said.
A neighbor, Serena Barber, 47, told the Telegraph that police had confronted the unruly 18-year-old within the past two weeks, and foster parents Penny and Ron Jones were at their wits’ end over how to deal with him.
“He kept getting in trouble with the police and they didn’t know what to do with him,” Barber said.
Police would not comment on whether the teen was known to them, the Telegraph reported.
Another resident told The Sun that she once asked the teen “if he wanted to come to my church to help settle in and meet people, but he didn’t want to.
“His family [was] not happy he [was] with a Christian family,’’ the unnamed neighbor said.
Investigators believe that the young men have some connection to the attack, in which a crude, homemade device exploded in a London subway train, sending a fireball through the cars and sending commuters fleeing.
Thirty people were injured.
Neither man has been charged with a crime, but police can hold them for up to two weeks if they can prove investigations are gaining ground, the BBC reported.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but investigators said Sunday that they cannot definitively connect the attackers to the radical group.
“It is inevitable that so-called Islamic State, or Daesh, will reach in and try to claim responsibility. We have no evidence to suggest that yet,” Home Secretary Amber Rudd said.
Officials believe that the bomb may have detonated incompletely and by accident.
The country’s terror-threat level has been lowered to “severe” from “critical,” Rudd said, meaning authorities no longer believe another attack is imminent, although they still think one is “highly likely.”
Rudd urged “everybody to continue to be vigilant but not alarmed.”
With Wires |
The Walking Dead season 8 spoilers Who is Georgie? Jayne Atkinson reveals twist | Last night’s episode of The Walking Dead continued the saga of Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln) taking on Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Although the instalment ramped up the tension by putting Rick and Negan at risk of zombie attack within the basement, the pair parted untouched. But as the feud continued, the group were introduced to a brand new character, Georgie (Jayne Atkinson). Georgie reminded many The Walking Dead fans of a certain comic book antagonist.
AMC The Walking Dead: The group met Georgie last night, but will she remain on their side?
Viewers have begun pointing out that Georgie strongly resembles Pamela Milton, the leader of the Commonwealth. Georgie’s entrance lead fans to begin theorising that the show will now start introducing the group, who were originally based in Ohio. The Commonwealth is a group that holds 50,000 people, and was only introduced into The Walking Dead’s comic book in November last year. Pamela was introduced even more recently, as she debuted in volume 176 last month. If Georgie really is the leader of the Commonwealth, could her power have something to do with the end of Negan’s reign?
AMC The Walking Dead: Negan and Rick got into some trouble on the latest episode
AMC The Walking Dead: Rick Grimes finished the fight without either of the leaders getting hurt
She looks a little like I would look on House of Cards Jayne Atkinson
Alternatively, Georgie may be revealed as Rick’s next antagonist following Negan. Speaking to Insider, Jayne discussed the character: “I found a character that I thought she might be like in the Walking Dead lore, but this is definitely Scott [Gimple's] brainchild and I was told that she might possibly have been a professor. "There's a picture of [Pamela], my son showed it to me, she looks a little like I would look on House of Cards, almost presidential or some sort of leadership position. “But her name isn't Georgie, so that could be just a red herring."
AMC The Walking Dead: Georgie made her appearance with her twins, but does she have an ulterior motive?
Fear the Walking Dead: FIRST LOOK at season 4 Thu, March 8, 2018 Fear the Walking Dead: First look pictures of Morgan James crossover. Play slideshow AMC 1 of 23 Morgan Jones will team up with new cast members Garret Dillahunt as John Dorey and Maggie Grace as Althea |
Egypt puts relics recovered from smugglers in Italy on display | CAIRO (Reuters) - Hundreds of ancient artifacts returned by Italy after they were recovered from smugglers in May went on display at the Egyptian museum in Cairo on Wednesday.
Tourists look at artefacts inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt July 4, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
The relics date to different eras, suggesting that the smugglers were well organized, according to museum curator Ahmed Samir.
“They researched Egypt from north to south to extract these artifacts. Thank God they were returned to their country,” he said.
Slideshow (4 Images)
Shaaban Abdel-Gawad, head of the Department of Recovered Antiquities at the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, said Naples police seized a collection of parcels in May dating back to several civilizations, stolen from illegal excavations.
The treasure haul included 19,000 coins from the Greco-Roman period, 151 small statues and 175 other artifacts, which were returned and displayed. Some required restoration but most were intact, museum director Sabah Abdelrazek said.
“The restoration did not take long. The coffin was separated. It was repaired by the museum and there was a bronze statue which was also separated. It was repaired as well. We have pictures from before the restoration displayed here.”
Antiquities theft has flourished in Egypt in the years of chaos since the 2011 uprising, with relics stolen from museums, mosques, storage facilities, and illegal excavations. Egypt’s Pharaonic heritage is not only a source of immense national pride, but also a source of income from tourists. |
Hibs eager to test ourselves against Aberdeen - John McGinn | John McGinn believes Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen will give Hibs an early opportunity to parade their Premiership credentials.
The Scotland midfielder admitted Neil Lennon’s side will go into the Hampden clash as underdogs given the Dons currently sit nine points clear in second place in the top flight.
But McGinn insisted he and his team-mates can take confidence from their performances against Premiership sides in the past couple of seasons, Aberdeen, Dundee United and St Johnstone all beaten enroute to the League Cup final while Hibs toppled Hearts, Inverness Caley – the then holders – and United again as they marched on to lift the Scottish Cup for the first time in 114 years.
Capital rivals Hearts were beaten again this season as the Easter Road outfit have demonstrated their intent on doing all they can to hold onto the trophy.
Admitting winning promotion was of more importance to Hibs in terms of moving forward as a club, McGinn nevertheless firmly believes Lennon’s players have a chance of following up their Championship title win with another piece of silverware.Revealing there was only a “small celebration” to mark clinching the league with three games to spare, the 22-year-old said: “Our season still has a long way to go. We are excited to be playing one of the top teams in the country and to prove we are more than capable of playing the top teams.
“I think in our games against Premiership opposition – Ross County apart [in the League Cup final] – we have been more than a match for them. We go into Saturday’s game as underdogs but we know against teams with a bit of quality they’ll come and attack which suits us much more than trying to beat teams that are sitting in. Saturday gives us a platform to do that and hopefully we’ll do that every week next season. The Championship is really, really tough but we are delighted to be back and hopefully we’ll never see that league again.”
Meanwhile, Hibs boss Lennon insisted he was convinced Hibs were heading back to the top for the first time in three years even when they went down to a 1-0 defeat in early December at Tannadice against United, who were seen as their biggest rivals for the title when the season began.
He said: “I wasn’t overly concerned when we were two points behind on Christmas Eve. I thought it was nothing at that stage of the season. I knew we would get our gander up again and go on a gallop eventually. Then we won five games in a row and, after we won at Tannadice again [in mid-March], I thought ‘we’re not going to get stopped now’.”
n HIBS Under-20s head for Dingwall tonight knowing they need to beat SPFL Development League leaders Ross County to keep their title hopes alive. The young Hibees sit four points behind the Staggies with just three matches remaining. |
Love Island's Olivia Attwood gives fans 'anxiety' with her latest Instagram post about Chris Hughes | Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Olivia Attwood has seriously upset Love Island fans with her latest Instagram post about Chris Hughes - but not for the reason you might think.
The blonde beauty shared a gushing post about her beau alongside an adorable selfie of the pair.
Grinning at the camera, Olviia caresses Chris' hunky jawline with her immaculately manicured talons.
"I can promise you, this love we have, has never and will never; be ordinary (sic)," she commented.
And fans couldn't help but pick up on Olivia's poor - and confusing - use of punctutation.
"That semi colon is giving me anxiety," one fan commented.
"Surprised she can spell tbh (sic)," another added.
But others leapt to Olivia's defence, with one writing: "Stop commenting on her grammar/punctuation! You two are a great couple that been through a lot!"
(Image: Rex)
Last week, Chris took ti social media to indicate that his romance with Olivia was in trouble.
The pair have seen their romance rocked after Olivia was spotted canoodling with her footballer ex-boyfriend, Bradley Dack.
And despite both taking to social media to declare their romance is still on track, Chris then suggested it is coming off the rails.
Last week, the star posted a graphic of an ‘inspirational’ quote from the internet on Twitter to provide insight into his hugely documented love life.
(Image: @chrishughes_22/Twitter)
In the post - which he simply titled: “Life” - the star appeared to suggest that his relationship is riddled with “problems” and is far from “ideal”.
The quote read: "You can’t just give up on someone because the situation’s not ideal.”
It continued: "Great relationships aren’t great because they have no problems.”
The quote concluded: “They’re great because both people care enough about the other person to find a way to make it work.”
The couple's ups and downs have already been well documented, with their on/off relationship being one of the more entertaining story lines of Love Island this year. |
Super W to help Wallaroos close gap on Kiwis | INCREASING the national competition from as little as 20-minute halves to 80-minute games - and sometimes more - in the Super W has given the Wallaroos a genuine shot at New Zealand in a two-Test showdown in August.
That was the view of Wallaroos forward Grace Hamilton after it was announced Australia's womens team will take on the world champion Black Ferns in two double-header Test matches in Sydney and Auckland; prior to the Wallabies and All Blacks' games on August 18 and August 25.
The news is another positive step for womens rugby in Australia and comes after a successful first Super W season finished last week. NSW claimed the title over Queensland with thrilling golden-point win.
The intense battle capped a six-week season where Australia's women's XVs players not only displayed a high standard, but improved markedly every week with consistent training and games.
Prior to Super W, Hamilton said womens XVs players played club footy and in brief spurts of elite competition; some of which was cut in half.
"(In Super W) we are not just playing at club level, we are playing at state level and we are getting those 80-minute games," Hamilton said.
"Our national competition used to be over three days and we were playing 20-minute halves sometimes. So playing full 80-minute games is definitely important for us leading into Test matches and building that platform for the Wallaroos."
Hamilton enjoys the Waratahs’ inaugural Super W win. Pic: Matt King/Getty Images
The Black Ferns are a dominant side in the mould of their male counterparts, and they beat Australia 44-17 last year before later winning the Women's World Cup.
But Australian players have been hardening minds and bodies since in the Super W, and the experience of knife-edge battle in a 97-minute Super W grand final is invaluable.
"We definitely benefit. I know I have personally," Hamilton said.
"Knowing what to do in those moments, you just have to pick yourself off the ground even though you are busted and keep going. Just keep building to do the best for your team and the people standing beside you."
Keeping the Super W momentum going is now the goal, however. Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor will name an extended train-on squad on Thursday, and players will train at their states along with playing club footy.
There are calls for the Super W competition to be extended to two rounds, instead of one round.
"I thought the length was fine," Hamilton said.
"We are going from last year where we played for three days, so for us six weeks of that kind of level of rugby is really important for us. And it's a building block, so it's only going to get bigger and better." |
RBS's Williams & Glyn management quit as EU probes alternative to sell-off | FILE PHOTO: A flag flies above the head office of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, September 11, 2014. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo
LONDON Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) announced on Wednesday that the team managing its Williams & Glyn division of branches are leaving after the bank abandoned its seven-year-old plan to sell it to meet regulatory obligations.
Jim Brown, the chief executive of the Williams & Glyn division for the last two years, will step down next month, according to an internal memo sent to staff.
Other senior managers at Williams & Glyn including its Chief Financial Officer Leigh Bartlett, Chief Operating Officer Chris Davis and Chief Risk Officer Rick Hunkin, are also leaving.
Paul Fox, the managing director of retail and business banking at Williams & Glyn, will step up to head the remaining team, the memo said.
The British government earlier this year asked the European Commission to free RBS from its obligation to create a challenger bank for small businesses, one of the conditions set by the EU for approving its state rescue in 2008, and instead proposed alternative measures to meet its obligations.
"Jim Brown and the senior team that supported him were brought in to create a standalone challenger bank," RBS said in a statement. "As this is no longer happening, Jim and some members of the existing executive team will be leaving."
European regulators originally ordered the sale of the unit to prevent RBS from having an unfair advantage after receiving the world's biggest bank bailout at the height the 2007-2009 global financial crisis.
(Reporting By Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Greg Mahlich) |
Yelp can't be made to remove negative reviews, California high court rules | Online review site Yelp.com cannot be ordered to remove posts against a San Francisco law firm that a judge determined were defamatory, a divided California Supreme Court has ruled.
In a 4-3 opinion, justices agreed, saying removal orders such as the one attorney Dawn Hassell obtained against Yelp 'could interfere with and undermine the viability of an online platform.'
The decision overturned a lower court ruling that Yelp had said could lead to the removal of negative reviews from the popular website.
The decision overturned a lower court ruling that Yelp had said could lead to the removal of negative reviews from the popular website.
THE YELP CASE Attorney Dawn Hassell's 2013 lawsuit accused a client she briefly represented in a personal injury case of defaming her on Yelp by falsely claiming that her firm failed to communicate with the client, among other things. Yelp said the removal order violated a 1996 federal law that courts have widely interpreted as protecting internet companies from liability for posts by third-party users and prohibiting the companies from being treated as the speaker or publisher of users' posts.
Hassell said Yelp was exaggerating the stakes of her legal effort.
Her attorney, Monique Olivier, said in a statement that the ruling 'stands as an invitation to spread falsehoods on the internet without consequence.'
She said her client was considering an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Yelp said the decision 'had threatened the rights of online platforms that allow people to freely share their thoughts and the billions of people that do so.
'With this decision, online publishers in California can be assured that they cannot be lawfully forced to remove third-party speech through enterprising abuses of the legal system, and those of us that use such platforms to express ourselves cannot be easily silenced through such tactics either,' it added.
Hassell's 2013 lawsuit accused a client she briefly represented in a personal injury case of defaming her on Yelp by falsely claiming that her firm failed to communicate with the client, among other things.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Donald Sullivan found the online statements defamatory and ordered the client and Yelp to remove them.
Hassell said the client failed to answer her lawsuit or remove the posts, so she had to seek a court order demanding that Yelp do it.
A second judge and a state appeals court upheld Sullivan's order.
'Ms. Hassell did exactly what she should have done,' Olivier said Monday.
'After both the defamer and Yelp refused to remove untrue and damaging statements, she obtained a judgment against the defamer, and sought to enforce that judgment by requiring Yelp to remove the defamation.'
Yelp said the lower court ruling would give businesses unhappy about negative reviews a new legal pathway for getting them removed.
Yelp said the removal order violated a 1996 federal law that courts have widely interpreted as protecting internet companies from liability for posts by third-party users and prohibiting the companies from being treated as the speaker or publisher of users' posts.
Three of the California Supreme Court justices agreed.
'In substance, Yelp is being held to account for nothing more than its ongoing decision to publish the challenged reviews,' Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said in an opinion joined by associate justices Ming Chin and Carol Corrigan.
Associate Justice Leondra Kruger said in a separate opinion that she agreed that the removal order against Yelp was invalid, but for a different reason.
Hassell did not name Yelp as a defendant, so the company did not get its 'own day in court,' Kruger said. |
China accuses US of "Cold War mentality" with new nuclear policy | BEIJING, Feb 4 (Reuters) - China urged the United States to drop its “Cold War mentality” and not misread its military build-up, after Washington published a document on Friday outlining plans to expand its nuclear capabilities to deter others.
“Peace and development are irreversible global trends. The United States, the country that owns the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, should take the initiative to follow the trend instead of going against it,” said China’s Ministry of Defence in a statement on Sunday.
The review of U.S. nuclear policy has already riled Russia, which viewed the document as confrontational, and raised fears that it could increase the risk of miscalculation between the two countries.
The U.S. military has put countering China and Russia, dubbed “revisionist powers”, at the centre of a new national defence strategy unveiled earlier this month.
By expanding its own low-yield nuclear capability, the U.S. would deter Russia from using nuclear weapons, say American officials.
China accused the United States of “presumptuous speculation” about China’s intentions, and said it has always adopted a restrained attitude towards the development of nuclear weapons and kept its nuclear forces to a minimum.
“We hope that the United States will abandon its Cold War mentality, earnestly assume its special disarmament responsibilities, correctly understand China’s strategic intentions and objectively view China’s national defense and military build-up...,” the ministry said in the statement posted on its website.
It called on the U.S. to work together with China and for their armies to become a stabilizing factor in Sino-U.S. relations and in the region. (Reporting by Dominique Patton) |
Professor accused of anti-Semitic posts gets punished | NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Rutgers University removed a professor accused of posting anti-Semitic statements on Facebook from his position as a director at the New Jersey school.
Michael Chikindas will no longer serve as director of the Center for Digestive Health at the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, Rutgers President Robert Barchi said Friday. The tenured food science professor was also barred from teaching required courses and will take cultural sensitivity training courses.
Barchi called the situation “sad and deeply troubling.” He said the university is seeking further disciplinary action against the professor through the faculty union.
Chikindas shared over a period of several months anti-Semitic cartoons along with conspiracy posts that claimed 9/11 was orchestrated by Jews, according to university administrators. Officials said Chikindas also referred to first lady Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, as “sluts.”
Administrators said the posts “perpetuated toxic stereotypes” and were upsetting to Jewish students and staff at the university. The professor will be subject to ongoing monitoring “if and when” he returns to teaching, Barchi said.
Chikindas claimed his account was hacked and denied the posts were anti-Semitic. He previously told NJ.com he does not identify himself as an anti-Semite.
“It is my lifelong credo that all people are born equal regardless of their ethnicity, religion and wealth,” the professor said in October.
The nonprofit Israel education organization StandWithUs praised the university for taking action against Chikindas. The organization said the university “did the right thing in the end.”
Chikindas joined the university as a professor in 1998. He became tenured in 2007. |
Which? Elderly Care | We always recommend that before selecting or making any important decisions about a care home you take the time to check that it is right for your or your relative's particular circumstances. Any description and indication of services and facilities on this page have been provided to us by the relevant care home and we cannot take any responsibility for any errors or other inaccuracies. However, please email us on the address you will find on our About us page if you think any of the information on this page is missing and / or incorrect. |
Man pleads guilty in rape that victim posted to Snapchat | MARBLEHEAD, Ohio (AP) - A 77-year-old man in Ohio has pleaded guilty to raping a woman who posted a Snapchat video of herself being attacked.
James Allen says he had been drinking and did not remember what happened.
Police in Danbury Township, near Marblehead, arrested Allen in early August after the victim's friend saw the Snapchat video and alerted officers. Ottawa County Prosecutor James VanEerten says the video clearly showed a sexual assault taking place.
Prosecutors say Allen pleaded guilty Friday to rape and faces up to 11 years in prison when he is sentenced in December.
Allen said Friday that he takes full responsibility. |
First pictures inside stricken inferno tower reveal horror | A video has emerged showing the flooded ground floor of Grenfell Tower with firefighters surrounded by mangled wreckage caused by the inferno.
These first pictures inside the stricken inferno tower reveal the flooding and horror that would have been faced by residents as they scrambled for their lives.
Blackened hand prints can be seen on the stairwell walls, rivers of waters can be seen flooding through the hallways and possessions are left abandoned on the ground.
Scroll down for video
These first pictures inside the stricken inferno tower reveal the flooding and horror that would have been faced by residents as they scrambled for their lives
A firefighter is understood to have filmed the video, which starts in the car park where he is greeted with the utter carnage of fallen debris.
The camera pans around to a blown out window which is used to gain access to the building.
Footsteps can be heard as the firefighter wades through the water on the ground floor and a river is seen flooding down the stairs.
After climbing the stairs for a dozen or so steps the cameraman cuts off the footage and it pans to another shot of the ground floor outside Grenfell Tower.
The crunch of debris under the firefighter's boots can be heard as the officer walks towards the building through the wreckage and fire hoses.
Again the person behind the lens walks towards the building and enters the carnage.
Water can be heard pouring from above and chairs, tables and high-visibility jackets can be seen strewn across the floor, which is covered in a couple of inches of water.
The eerie silence is only broken by the sound of the officer splashing his way through the water.
Dozens, possibly hundreds, of people are feared dead after the devastating blaze ripped through the Grenfell Tower housing block.
Seventy eight people were taken to hospital, with 18 fighting for lives in critical condition, as around 600 residents tried desperately escape the flames that broke out at around 1am on Wednesday.
Firefighters are still working to completely extinguish the smouldering block of flats more than 24 hours after the blaze started, but a picture of the extent of the damage is now beginning to emerge.
Harrowing photographs showing blown out windows, melted kitchen tables and washing machines stopped mid-load were taken this morning in West London capturing how residents abandoned their homes in horror to reach safety.
A fire hose on the floor (left) and a table and traffic cone knocked over in the basement
The debris piled up on top of the fire hose and the stairs which firefighters climb to get higher
What appears to be a washing machine in the burnt out remains of the inside of some of the apartments at Grenfell Tower
A picture is beginning to emerge of the complete devastation left behind by the blazing fire which started in the early hours of yesterday
There were fears the tower block, home to 600 people, would collapse yesterday and smoke can still be seen emanating from the flats today
The burnt out remains of the inside of some of the apartments can be seen the Grenfell Tower block in west London.
Firefighters are now combing their way through the skeleton of the building trying to piece together the chain of events and search for residents.
A kitchen table and chairs where a family would have sat down to eat on Tuesday night before going to bed is seen completely melted
The smoke pictured still coming from the building which has been completely stripped of its controversial outer layer
The mangled wreckage of the raging fire
The tower block, which was wrapped in controversial cladding, has been left charred by the blaze which started around 1am yesterday.
Burnt appliances such as washing machines can be seen abandoned inside the apartments, which are now completely bereft of any of the residents' personal belongings.
Firefighters are now combing their way through the skeleton of the building trying to piece together the chain of events and search for residents.
Nobody left in the London tower block which burned down on Wednesday morning is still alive, fire crews have said.
Rescuers say there are still 'unknown numbers' of people dead inside, but at the moment it is too risky to try to recover them from the upper floors of the fire-ravaged and unstable Grenfell Tower.
London fire chief Dany Cotton told Sky News: 'Tragically now we are not expecting to find anyone else alive. The severity and the heat of the fire would mean it is an absolute miracle for anyone to be left alive.'
The blown out windows, outer layers of the building peeling off and complete devastation left inside Grenfell Tower
The bottom couple of floors of Grenfell Tower are seen relatively unscathed (right), but the middle and top floors have been completely gutted (left)
Officials have confirmed nobody left in the London tower block which burned down on Wednesday morning is still alive
A structural survey is now being carried out and when the building is declared safe a full search will take place
Wreckage and debris covers the ground (right) as the firefighter climbs a flight of stairs (left)
Full searches of the upper floors, where no one is said to have survived, are yet to be carried out.
In a separate interview, Ms Cotton told ITV today: 'Some of the internal structures are not regarded as safe at the moment, however the central core is, so my firefighters have been up to the top floor last night, they have done the initial brief search from the doorways.'
'So although we've been up there we haven't managed to do a comprehensive search and until we can make the building safe then I really don't want to risk the safety of my firefighters at this moment in time,' she added.
Ms Cotton said structural surveyors and urban search and rescue specialists would inspect the building on Thursday and once it was declared safe a full search would take place. |
Bhakhra Beas Management Board undertakes five-day Swachh Abhiyan | At the Swachh Abhiyan drive. Express At the Swachh Abhiyan drive. Express
The Bhakhra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in a fortnight long ‘Swachh Abhiyan’, which concluded on Wednesday, took up various activities including construction of toilet blocks for general public to avoid open defecation, installing waste bins and distribution of sanitary napkins in schools. Along with this, BBMB, in its special drive installed “flower based converter machine” at Naina Devi Temple to check floral wastage of Temple.
This machine will convert floral offerings into ‘Hawan Samagri’ at Temple. On the same pattern BBMB is also installing a food waste converter machine at Luxmi Narayan Mandir, Sundernagar.
D K Sharma, Chairman, BBMB, led the special drive. Apart from this, the special cleanliness drive was undertaken at various villages which are out of BBMB’s jurisdictions under which ponds, schools, hospitals & neglected areas of villages were cleaned. Also a drive at Project Stations to make India polythene free was carried out. Debates & Lectures were organised to motivate people towards cleanliness and NCC cadets, schools children of BBMB schools were also involved to create awareness among local residents by organising a rallies, nukad nataks. Painting competitions were also organised at various places. Chairman, BBMB, D K Sharma appreciated his team for their untiring efforts made during the drive.
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Industrial scenario in country worsened after note ban: Mamata Banerjee | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File Photo) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File Photo)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, without mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name, said if someone, after coming to power, thinks himself to be a “dictator”, it is not “good for the country”. Targetting the Prime Minister on note ban, she said the industrial scenario in the country has worsened in the last two months because of demonetisation.
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“If someone thinks he or she is a dictator after coming to power, it is not good for the country,” the Chief Minister said at a programme. “I have no individual agenda. I live and work for the people. In a democracy, government is for the people, of the people and by the people,” Banerjee said. She had described the new Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), named after B R Ambedkar by the Centre, as a lottery app and had slammed the Prime Minister for this.
Modi while addressing a rally at Lucknow today asked, “Will politics stoop so low….. we launched Bhim mobile app a couple of days ago and named it after Bhimrao Ambedkar who was an expert in economy…if dealings in the future business is named after Bhim why is it troubling some people.” Hitting back at Banerjee for criticising the new app launched by the Prime Minister, Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal had on Saturday said she should think beyond her “own narrow interests.” |
French and Benelux stocks-Factors to watch on April 6 | PARIS, April 6 Below are company-related news and stories from French and Benelux media which could have an impact on the region's markets or individual stocks.
ACCORHOTELS
The French hotel chain said it had acquired digital booking specialist Availpro. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
BNP PARIBAS:
BNP Paribas SA said Wednesday it has sold its $120 million share of the loan for the Dakota Access Pipeline, becoming the second bank to divest from the project that faced opposition from Native Americans and environmentalists.
EDF:
French Energy Minister Segolene Royal warned EDF board members on Wednesday against maneuvers that would prevent the closure of the Fessenheim nuclear plant, France's oldest.
FRENCH POLITICS:
Centrist Emmanuel Macron's lead in France's presidential election has narrowed though he is still on course to win, two polls casting light on voter intentions following a televised debate between candidates showed.
VIVENDI:
French media group Vivendi has told the European Commission it could "de facto" control Telecom Italia after a shareholder meeting next month appoints a new board of directors, three sources close to the matter said.
Pan-European market data: European Equities speed guide................... FTSE Eurotop 300 index.............................. DJ STOXX index...................................... Top 10 STOXX sectors........................... Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors...................... Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors..................... Top 25 European pct gainers....................... Top 25 European pct losers........................ Main stock markets: Dow Jones............... Wall Street report ..... Nikkei 225............. Tokyo report............ FTSE 100............... London report........... Xetra DAX............. Frankfurt items......... CAC-40................. Paris items............ World Indices..................................... Reuters survey of world bourse outlook......... European Asset Allocation........................ Reuters News at a glance: Top News............. Equities.............. Main oil report........... Main currency report..... |
the Civil War Musical to Run at Schwartz Center in Dover This Month | Celebrate the City of Dover's 300th Anniversary with this outstanding lineup of Delaware actors and musicians, produced by Delaware's own Tommye Staley. A local production of the Broadway musical, THE CIVIL WAR will be presented during the weekends of April 21-23 and April 28-30, 2017.
Start the conversation, or Read more at BroadwayWorld.com. |
Ex-South Korean president Park, Lotte chief charged with bribery | South Korean prosecutors on Monday charged ousted president Park Geun-hye and Lotte Group chairman Shin Dong-bin with bribery in the latest twist to a corruption scandal that rocked the country for months. The probe by prosecutors has already convulsed the biggest conglomerate, Samsung Group, with its heir apparent Lee Jae-yong under arrest for bribing Park and her friend, Choi Soon-sil.
Start the conversation, or Read more at South China Morning Post. |
Teacher gives up classroom to tour with Rag'n'Bone Man | An East Sussex music teacher is giving up his day job to go on tour with one of the country's hottest new artists - Rag'n'Bone Man. For the last three years, 30-year-old music teacher Ben Thomas has been combining his role teaching youngsters drums and percussion for East Sussex Music with his duties as a drummer for his former Uckfield Community College schoolmate.
Start the conversation, or Read more at Worthing Herald. |
Afghan president leaves open possibility of talks with some Taliban | KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Ashraf Ghani left open on Saturday the possibility for talks with militants who accept peace but said the door was closed to those who cause tragedies like recent attacks in the capital, Kabul.
An attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul on Jan. 20 and a suicide bombing on a crowded city street a week later have stoked public anger and stepped up pressure on Ghani’s Western-backed government to improve security.
The attacks, which killed more than 130 people and were claimed by the Taliban, have also raised fresh doubt about long-running efforts to initiate talks with the insurgents.
The president’s office said on Tuesday the militants had crossed a “red line” and peace would have to be won on the battle field.
But Ghani raised the possibility of reconciliation with some militants in a speech to Islamic clerics in Kabul.
“Those who are responsible for this tragedy and do not want peace, the door of peace is closed to them,” Ghani said.
“Those who accept peace, they will witness that the nation will embrace them. But there is a clear difference, our commitment to bringing peace does not mean we will sit quietly and won’t retaliate.”
“We will dig them out from any hiding holes.”
Afghanistan’s government has made such vows for years but the insurgency appears ever more resilient. Peace efforts have been made in fits and starts but without progress.
U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to dash any hope for peace efforts on Monday when he condemned the Taliban for the Kabul violence and rejected the idea of talks.
Trump last year ordered an increase in U.S. troops, air strikes and other assistance to Afghan forces, to force the Taliban to negotiate.
But his comments on Monday suggested he saw a military victory over the Taliban, an outcome that U.S. military and diplomatic officials said could not be achieved with the resources and manpower he had authorized.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan said in Kabul on Tuesday the U.S. strategy had not changed and the aim was still to press the Taliban militarily to convince them that they had to negotiate.
The Taliban are fighting to drive out foreign troops and re-establish their form of strict Islamic law.
Afghanistan has long accused neighboring Pakistan of failing to act against Taliban plotting violence from safe havens on the Pakistani side of the border.
On Friday, Ghani accused Pakistan of being the “Taliban center” and said he was waiting for Pakistani action.
Pakistan denies helping the Taliban and a Pakistani delegation led by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Kabul on Saturday with the aim of fostering cooperation. Janjua called for both sides to stop the “blame game”, Pakistani media reported.
The United States said last month it would cut security aid to Pakistan, complaining it was not doing enough to fight militants sheltering there. |
Queen Mathilde of Belgium wears vibrant yellow for visit to Art Deco exhibition | Getty Images Queen Mathilde news: The royal wore vibrant yellow for her day out today
Queen Mathilde of Belgium, 45, looked ready for sunshine as she stepped out in Brussels today. The Belgian royal was visiting the Art Deco exhibition at the Villa Empain. She wore a bright yellow dress which had a cut out pattern. A yellow lining could be seen underneath. To offset the dress, Mathilde chose rose gold accessories - a slim belt and stiletto court shoes. Despite the warm temperatures, she wore a pair of nude tights.
Queen Mathilde news: Belgian royal wears bright yellow to visit Villa Empain in Brussels
The Queen matched her outfit with her accessories, wearing a pair of bright yellow hoops and a chunky gold watch. Villa Empain was a private house built between 1930-1934 by Swiss architect Michel Polak for Baron Louis Empain. It is now the home of the Boghossian Foundation and is a centre of art and culture, hosting regular exhibitions. Queen Mathilde is the wife of King Philipe, who become King after his father abdicated in 2013. Mathilde is the first Belgian-born Queen of Belgium. Born to Jonkheer Patrick d’Udekem d’Acoz, who was of Belgian noble ancestry, and his wife, Countess Anna Maria Komorowska, she grew up on her family’s estate Castle Losange in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau in the Bastogne municipality of Belgium, near the Luxembourgish border.
Getty Images Queen Mathilde news: The Belgian royal visited the Art Deco Villa Empain today
Queen Mathilde of Belgium's life in pictures Sat, January 20, 2018 See Queen Mathilde of Belgium as a child, her charity work, royal visits and family life. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 44
Getty Images Queen Mathilde news: Mathilde paired her yellow dress with rose gold accessories
Queen Mathilde has carried the title Jonkvrouw from birth, as her father descends from French-speaking, Walloon nobles and was titled Jonkheer, the lowest title within the Belgian nobility system. She has four siblings, Jonkvrouw Marie-Alix d’Udekem d’Acoz, Elisabeth Pallavicini, Baroness Hélène Janssen and Count Charles-Henri d’Udekem d'Acoz. Between 1991-1994, Mathilde studied speech therapy at the Institut Libre Marie Haps in Brussels and earned a diploma with high honours (magna cum laude). Following this, she began studying psychology at the Université Catholique de Louvain and ran her own speech therapy practice in Brussels from 1995 until her marriage in 1999. Mathilde met Prince Philippe of Belgium, the Duke of Brabant in 1996 while playing tennis, and their engagement in September 1999 came as a complete surprise to the country who did not know about their relationship.
Getty Images Queen Mathilde news: The royal carried a pretty bunch of flowers as she was given a tour
Getty Images Queen Mathilde news: As well as her royal duties, Mathilde stays busy with lots of charity work
Getty Images Queen Mathilde news: Villa Empain was built in the 1930s as a private home |
BRIEF-AIG Files For Potential Fixed-To-Floating Rate Series A-9 Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2048 | March 19 (Reuters) - American International Group Inc :
* AIG FILES FOR POTENTIAL FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE SERIES A-9 JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE 2048, SIZE NOT DISCLOSED - SEC FILING
* AIG SAYS JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES WILL BE SOLD IN DENOMINATIONS OF $2,000 AND INTEGRAL MULTIPLES OF $1,000 IN EXCESS THEREOF Source text: (bit.ly/2tW2pnu) Further company coverage: |
B.j. Armstrong | B.J. Armstrong, the former Chicago Bull and Derrick Rose’s agent, still feels this Knicks group has a good future together despite their record, and he hopes his client is part... |
Jamestown series two news: Main cast reveal what to expect | GETTY Sophie Rundle, Niamh Walshand Naomi Battrick tell us what to expect from the new series
Based on the real story of women purchased as wives for the settlers of America’s Jamestown colony, Jamestown’s women arrived in 1619 to a dangerous and hostile early America run by men who, having been deprived of female company for a dozen years, had largely forgotten how to treat them. The drama, written by Lark Rise To Candleford’s Bill Gallagher, forsakes a measure of historical accuracy – it’s filmed outside Budapest, Hungary, for starters – to focus on the engaging emotional struggles of the three young English brides. They are Alice Kett (Peaky Blinders’ Sophie Rundle), streetwise Verity Bridges (Niamh Walsh) and posh Jocelyn Woodbryg (Naomi Battrick). The drama’s first series pulled no punches in depicting the brutality of the settlers’ society. Kind-hearted farm girl Alice was brutally raped by Henry Sharrow (Max Beesley), the husband who’d paid for her passage and expected to marry her, but she spurned his advances.
GETTY Peaky Blinders' Sophie Rundle is joined by Niamh Walsh and Naomi Batrick
Alice was always very strong, but now she’s a new mother, she has this ferocity and this primal need to protect her family Sophie Rundle
Although eventually she escaped Henry’s clutches to marry his brother, Silas (Stuart Martin), as the second series opens Alice faces further turmoil when she gives birth to a baby that may be Henry’s. While her status is elevated as the first Jamestown woman to help create the next generation of settlers, Alice’s emotional scars have not healed – the extended Sharrow family live cheek by jowl, forcing Alice to live in close proximity to her tormentor. Sophie explains that Alice’s rage towards Henry has not abated. “It was very important to me that that doesn’t go away, because it’s a brutal primal violation that we saw in episode one [of the last series], and not something you should minimise or trivialise,” she says. “He’s the spectre she’s haunted by the entire time and that very much comes into play.” The conflict between Alice and Henry means divided loyalties for Silas. “I think for Silas that’s very hard – it’s his brother, so he has loyalty there, but it’s also his wife, so that is just a ticking timebomb,” continues Sophie.
“Alice was always very strong, but now she’s a new mother, she has this ferocity and this primal need to protect her family. She’s biding her time, but she’s just being pushed and pushed.” Alice’s birth scenes are so dramatic that a stuntwoman was required to film them, and the actual birth takes place in freezing water. “It was like my fourth or fifth birth scene in my career,” says Sophie, adding with a laugh: “I don’t know what it is about me that says, ‘Difficult birthing scene,’ but that was one of the hardest ones because it was in the water.” Alice is by no means the only female settler facing hardship. Jocelyn experiences a devastating reversal of fortune early on, but is such a determined character that she bounces back. Her ambitions mean she’ll do anything to influence Jamestown’s politics.
GETTY Naomi Battrick says her character is ready for anything, despite hardships in the previous series |
Reports: SMU hires ex-Cal, Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes to replace Chad Morris | SMU has hired former Louisiana Tech and California coach Sonny Dykes, according to multiple reports.
Dykes replaces Chad Morris, who left SMU to take the job at Arkansas last week. Dykes spent last season as serving as an offensive analyst on the TCU staff after being fired by Cal following the 2016 season.
He went 19-30 in four seasons at Cal with a 10-26 record in the Pac-12. During his three seasons at Louisiana Tech, the Bulldogs went 22-15 and won the WAC in 2011.
Dykes, the son of Texas Tech's all-time winningest coach Spike Dykes, is a Texas Tech alumnus himself -- he actually played baseball at the school -- and was an assistant at Texas Tech himself from 2000-06. So he's familiar with the state and local high schools, which was no doubt appealing to SMU as it was reportedly looking for an offensive-minded coach that will be able to recruit the area. |
ODOT looks back at 2016 | The completion of a five-year project to reconstruct Interstate 75 is among the notable accomplishments for the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 in 2016. The reconstruction of Interstate 75 through Lima and Allen County began in 2012.
Start the conversation, or Read more at Putnam County Sentinel. |
Marine Le Pen rally disrupted by Femen protestor | A woman tried to protest whilst Ms Le Pen was speaking on stage to the party faithful during a rally by the far-right party ahead of Sunday’s first round of presidential voting. However, the woman was dragged off the stage by bodyguards. According to the organisation’s website: “Our Mission is Protest! Our Weapon are bare breasts! And so FEMEN is born and sextremism is set off.
EPA Security guards remove the Femen protestor
“FEMEN is an international women’s movement of brave topless female activists painted with the slogans and crowned with flowers. “FEMEN female activists are the women with special training, physically and psychologically ready to implement the humanitarian tasks of any degree of complexity and level of provocation. FEMEN activists are ready to withstand repressions against them and are propelled by the ideological cause alone. "FEMEN is the special force of feminism, its spearhead militant unit, modern incarnation of fearless and free Amazons.”
Things you didn't know about Marine Le Pen Wed, April 5, 2017 Marine Le Pen is a French politician who is the president of the National Front, a national-conservative political party in France and one of its main political forces. Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 10 Described as more democratic and republican than her nationalist father, she has led a movement of "de-demonization of the Front National" to detoxify it and soften its image
It is not the first time the feminist group has tried to disrupt an event organised by Marine Le Pen. A topless protestor was carried out by three security guards at a press conference by the right-wing leader in February this year. She had writing on her torso and repeatedly yelled: “Marine, fake feminist.”
EPA Security guards remove a Femen protestor
Following the incident, Femen took to its Facebook page to criticise the politician. The organisation said: “Nothing in the programme of Marine Le pen promotes the empowerment of women, no proposal was raised to further equality between the sexes. “Le Pen is a fictitious Republican, she's neither feminist, nor secular, nor for the defence of human rights... yet she is a candidate for the presidential election!”
Reuters Marine Le Pen addressed the Front National supporters |
12 of the best carbs for weight loss | Packed with protein and probiotics, a cup of yogurt will satisfy hunger and improve your gut health, a key factor in weight loss. It is also rich in vitamin D and calcium, and it's one of the few foods containing conjugated linoleic acid, a special fat that studies show may reduce body fat. But you need to get the right kind to take advantage of this benefits. Most yogurts are full of sugar and fruity sweeteners. Shop for plain Greek yogurt.
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Inspectors halt Royal Caribbean cruise on life-saving gear -media | Feb 14 A Royal Caribbean cruise ship remained in a Florida port on Tuesday morning after U.S. Coast Guard inspectors halted its departure when they found a problem with its life-saving equipment, local media reported.
Majesty of the Seas, a ship that carries more than 2,000 passengers, remained docked in Port Canaveral, Florida after it was scheduled to leave for a Bahamas cruise on Monday afternoon, an NBC affiliate reported.
"We passed our previous inspection but the U.S. Coast Guard would like for us to change the jackets immediately," Royal Caribbean tweeted late on Monday night. It was not immediately clear if it was referring to emergency flotation vests.
Several Royal Caribbean passengers expressed frustration on the delay on Twitter, and the company responded by asking for their patience.
"We couldn't be more disappointed," Tweeted Kelsey Graham, who said that she was on the cruise with her grandmother to celebrate the latter's 85th birthday.
It is unclear how many people are aboard the 880-foot-long (268-meter-long) ship.
No comment was immediately available on Tuesday by telephone from Royal Caribbean headquarters in Miami before business hours. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee Editing by W Simon) |
BRIEF-Hunan Fangsheng Pharma unit to buy 26 medical equipments worth 66.2 mln yuan | UPDATE 8-UPS worker kills 3 colleagues in San Francisco, turns gun on himself
SAN FRANCISCO, June 14 A UPS driver opened fire with a handgun inside a United Parcel Service Inc delivery center in San Francisco on Wednesday, killing three co-workers before fatally shooting himself as police closed in, authorities and company officials said. |
Fitch Rates Caixa Geral's AT1 Notes Final 'B-' | (The following statement was released by the rating agency) BARCELONA, April 05 (Fitch) Fitch Ratings has assigned Caixa Geral de Depositos, S.A.'s (CGD, BB-/Stable/B/bb-) EUR500 million additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital notes a final rating of 'B-'. The notes have a 10.75% coupon for the first five years. The final rating is in line with the expected rating Fitch assigned to the notes on 16 March 2017 (see "Fitch Rates Caixa Geral's AT1 Notes 'B-(EXP)'" at www.fitchratings.com). KEY RATING DRIVERS The notes are CRD IV-compliant perpetual, deeply subordinated, fixed-rate reset AT1 debt securities. The notes have fully discretionary interest payments and are subject to partial or full write-down if the consolidated or unconsolidated common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of CGD falls below 5.125%. The write-down could be reversed under certain conditions and at the discretion of the bank. The rating assigned to the securities is three notches below CGD's 'bb-' Viability Rating (VR), in accordance with Fitch's criteria for assigning ratings to hybrid instruments. The notching reflects higher expected loss severity relative to senior unsecured creditors and higher non-performance risk. Non-performance risk reflects the full discretionary coupon payment. CGD has estimated its distributable reserves at EUR1.8 billion after the capital reduction of 4 January 2017. Fitch expects the non-payment of interest on this instrument will occur before it breaches the notes' 5.125% CET1 trigger level, when CGD's capital ratio approaches its Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process requirement set at 8.25% for 2017. CGD's pro-forma end-2016 phase-in CET1 ratio was 12% on a consolidated and 13.7% on an unconsolidated basis, which provide it with a buffer from the equity conversion trigger level. The principal write-down can be reinstated and written up at full discretion of the issuer if positive net income (unconsolidated or consolidated) is recorded. RATING SENSITIVITIES The AT1 notes' rating is primarily sensitive to changes in CGD's VR. The rating is also sensitive to changes in the notes' notching from CGD's VR, which could arise if Fitch changes its assessment of the probability of the notes' non-performance relative to the risk captured in the VR. This may reflect a change in capital management in the group or an unexpected shift in regulatory buffer requirements, for example. Under Fitch's criteria, a one-notch upgrade of the AT1 instrument would be conditional upon a two-notch upgrade of CGD's VR. Date of the relevant committee: 15 March 2017 Contact: Primary Analyst Josu Fabo, CFA Director +34 93 494 3464 Fitch Ratings Espana, S.A.U. Av. Diagonal, 601, 2nd Floor 08028 Barcelona Secondary Analyst Arnau Autonell Associate Director +44 20 3530 1712 Committee Chairperson Olivia Perney Guillot Senior Director +33 1 44 29 91 74 Media Relations: Elaine Bailey, London, Tel: +44 203 530 1153, Email: [email protected]. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com Applicable Criteria Global Bank Rating Criteria (pub. 25 Nov 2016) here Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form here _id=1021689 Solicitation Status here Endorsement Policy here ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: here. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM.. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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City agency makes no moves on civilian assault complaint against CPD officer 1.5 years later | CLEVELAND - A Cleveland woman, who filed an official complaint with Cleveland's Office of Professional Standards against a Cleveland police officer for assault, still has no resolution to her case a year and a half later.
"I've basically given up," said Rachelle Smith. "It's a slap in the face to feel disrespected."
Smith said a Cleveland police officer struck her across both forearms two years ago during a Brelo verdict protest as she was attempting to get a picture of the officer's badge.
She said that officer appeared to be documenting the protest on his personal phone, and he hit her in an attempt to get her to drop her phone.
Personal phone use is a violation of Cleveland Police policy, unless one is given special permission, according to police officials.
The Office of Professional Standards, or OPS , is charged with investigating citizen complaints made against Cleveland police officers.
For years, News 5 has uncovered efficiency and transparency problems with the department.
"I don't know what they're doing, but it's clearly not working, whatever it is," said Smith. "Until they figure out a way to make it work, they're just going to continue wasting our money."
The Cleveland Police Monitoring Team, which oversees the implementation of the city's consent decree with the federal government, has also has expressed frustration with OPS in its reports and again issued the same sentiment in its third semi-annual report released Tuesday.
"The monitoring team has run out of words to capture the depth and breath of the progress that needs to be made to cure the current inability of Cleveland residents to have complaints about city employees fairly and fully addressed in a timely manner - and pursuant to the city's own charter," the team wrote in the report.
As of April 13, 2017, the team said OPS reported 383 pending investigations, with many complaints originating more than two years ago.
The report also said OPS lacks communication with complainants about the progress of cases and repeatedly does not forward completed cases up the chain for a decision.
"The system has been broken for some time and has failed to adequately serve the citizens of Cleveland and the men and women of the Division of Police," the report stated.
Damon Scott is the administrator of OPS. He has repeatedly ignored or refused News 5's interview requests. Scott's boss is Public Safety Director Mike McGrath. He did not respond to News 5's interview request Tuesday.
In response to previous criticism, the city authorized OPS to hire eight more investigators. |
Panthers' Michael Palardy: Signs exclusive-rights deal with Panthers | Palardy inked an exclusive-rights, free-agent tender from the Panthers on Monday, David Newton of ESPN reports.
Palardy received an extended audition with the Panthers last season due to Andy Lee's (hamstring) placement on injured reserve in mid-November. He punted pretty well, posting a 37.9 net average while pinning the opposition inside the 20 on 13 different occasions. Palardy will need to beat out his veteran opposition in training camp to earn a 53-man roster spot. |
BRIEF-Guangdong Chant Group's share trade to resume in the afternoon | UPDATE 3-Nestle takes food price rises in its stride
ZURICH, Aug 9 Nestle expects pressure from the rising price of ingredients for its products such as chocolate bars, coffee and soup to ease, helping it meet its target for increasing sales despite tough markets. |
Barcelona star Javier Mascherano's future to be resolved | Javier Mascherano's future at Barcelona is expected to be resolved in the next few weeks, according to club director Guillermo Amor.
The defender has spent seven years at the Nou Camp but has fallen down the ranks at the Catalan giants.
He has made just 10 appearances for Ernesto Valverde this season.
Javier Mascherano's future at Barcelona is expected to be resolved in the next few weeks
'What happens with Mascherano we will see soon,' Amor told Movistar.
'We have to see the movements and how everything happens.
'Mascherano is a captain, he is a winner and he is very important for us, when he plays and when he does not play, when he is injured or on the bench.'
Mascherano still has 18 months left on his current contract but he has hinted at a move away from the La Liga side.
Over a week ago, he told ESPN that he thought his career at Barcelona was coming to an end.
'I think that my stage here is ending,' he said.
'It makes sense that after such a long time there's not much more I can do in this club.
Mascherano (right) playing in the Champions League in October has found chances limited
'I'm not saying it with a heavy heart. I've had the best years of my career in this club. I'll never forget it.
'I'm one of those people that thinks that you have to know when is the right time to end a stage.
'I would like to close mine (at Barcelona) on the right time but it doesn't really depend on me.'
During his time in Spain, Mascherano has won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. |
Katie Price bares all as she goes KNICKERLESS while flaunting baby bump in throwback snap | The mother-of-five - who was moments away from giving birth to daughter Bunny at the time - posed in the hospital in the image, which she shared on Instagram.
The Loose Women panellist could be seen clutching her gown above her huge baby bump, with her smiling sweetly for the camera and bending her leg slightly to cover her modesty.
Katie captioned the shot: "Omg got some throw back pictures this was me pregnant with bunny and 5 mins after this picture I had my c section."
The author then went on to share an array of snaps of Bunny, now two-years-old, explaining that she didn't have the easiest start because she was premature. |
Classmate: Accused Charlottesville killer referred to Germany as "the Fatherland" | James Alex Fields Jr. was not present in the courtroom but appeared via video monitor dressed in a black-and-white striped uniform. Seated, he answered questions from the judge with simple responses of “Yes, sir” when asked if he understood what was being explained to him. Fields also replied “No, sir” when asked if he had ties to the community of Charlottesville.
Judge Robert Downer set an Aug. 25 hearing for the 20-year-old Fields, who has been charged with second-degree murder and other counts.
Downer said the public defenders’ office informed him it could not represent Fields because a relative of someone in the office was injured in Saturday’s protest. He appointed local attorney Charles Weber to represent him. Weber did not immediately respond to telephone messages and no one answered the door at his office on Monday.
Fields is charged in the death of Heather Heyer, 32, of Charlottesville, who died after a car that police say Fields was driving slammed into a crowd of people protesting the nationalist rally Saturday. Fields was arrested shortly afterward and taken into custody.
Fields was fascinated with Nazism, idolized Adolf Hitler, and had been singled out in the 9th grade by officials at the Randall K. Cooper high school in Union, Kentucky, for his “deeply held, radical” convictions on race, his former high school teacher Derek Weimer said Sunday.
Keegan McGrath, 18, who said he was roommates with Fields on a class trip to Europe in 2015, said Fields referred to Germany as “the Fatherland,” had no interest in being in France, and refused to interact with the French.
“He just really laid on about the French being lower than us and inferior to us,” McGrath told the AP on Monday.
McGrath challenged Fields on his beliefs, and the animosity between them grew so heated that it came to a boil at dinner on their second day. He said he went home after three or four days because he said he couldn’t handle being in a room with Fields.
The incident shocked McGrath because he had been in German class with Fields for two unremarkable years.
“He was just a normal dude” most of the time, although he occasionally made “dark” jokes that put his class on edge, including one “off-hand joke” about the Holocaust, McGrath said.
McGrath said that Fields wasn’t ostracized and doesn’t believe Fields deserves sympathy.
“He had friends, he had people who would chat with him, it wasn’t like he was an outcast.”
Weimer described Fields as an “average” student, but with a keen interest in military history, Hitler, and Nazi Germany.
“Once you talked to James for a while, you would start to see that sympathy toward Nazism, that idolization of Hitler, that belief in white supremacy,” Weimer said. “It would start to creep out.”
Fields also confided that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was younger and had been prescribed an anti-psychotic medication, Weimer said.
Police say Fields drove his silver Dodge Challenger into the crowd in Charlottesville on Saturday, killing Heyer and wounding 19 other people. A Virginia State Police helicopter deployed in a large-scale police response to the violence later crashed into the woods outside of town and both troopers on board died.
Fields had been photographed hours earlier with a shield bearing the emblem of Vanguard America, one of the hate groups that took part in the “take America back” campaign to protest the removal of a Confederate statue. The group on Sunday denied any association with the suspect.
Meanwhile, a message posted Saturday night on a leading neo-Nazi website called The Daily Stormer promised future events that would be “bigger than Charlottesville.”
The mayor of Charlottesville, political leaders of all political stripes, and activists and community organizers around the country planned rallies, vigils and education campaigns to combat the hate groups. They also urged President Donald Trump to forcefully denounce the organizations, some of which specifically cited Trump’s election after a campaign of racially charged rhetoric as validation of their beliefs. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced late Saturday that federal authorities would pursue a civil rights investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Weimer said Fields left school for a while, and when he came back he was quieter about politics until his senior year, when politicians started to declare their candidacy for the 2016 presidential race. Weimer said Fields was a big Trump supporter because of what he believed to be Trump’s views on race. Trump’s proposal to build a border wall with Mexico was particularly appealing to Fields, Weimer said. Fields also admired the Confederacy for its military prowess, he said, though they never spoke about slavery.
As a senior, Fields wanted to join the Army, and Weimer, a former officer in the Ohio National Guard, guided him through the process of applying, he said, believing that the military would expose Fields to people of different races and backgrounds and help him dispel his white supremacist views. But Fields was ultimately turned down, which was a big blow, Weimer said. Weimer said he lost contact with Fields after he graduated and was surprised to hear reports that Fields had enlisted in the Army.
McGrath said Fields wanted to become a tank commander in the Army.
Army spokeswoman Lt. Col. Jennifer Johnson said Fields reported for basic military training in August 2015, but was released from active duty four months later “due to a failure to meet training standards.” |
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India seeks ways to revive state steel giant after damning report | * Expert panel met on Tuesday to draw up plan within two weeks
* Boston Consultancy Group to advise SAIL on revival
* Steel ministry aims to make SAIL profitable in 2017/18
* SAIL may show improvement by end of decade - analyst
By Neha Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, March 30 India has set up an expert panel to help revive its loss-making state steel maker after a government review found the company to be far less efficient than its rivals despite spending more than $10 billion in the past eight years.
A review document, containing previously undisclosed data and seen by Reuters, criticises Steel Authority of India (SAIL) for everything from the use of low-quality raw materials to outdated technology, suggesting that its problems were not simply the result of cheap Chinese steel imports.
SAIL, which has been overtaken by JSW Steel as India's biggest producer, has posted seven straight quarterly losses, and Reuters reported last week that it was at risk of losing business from its biggest client.
SAIL's underperformance could derail the government's target to triple steel production in the country by 2030, and shows how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's big infrastructure dreams may have to rely heavily on the private sector and imports.
Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh, worried by what he called SAIL's "unsatisfactory" output performance, has asked the panel to recommend a timeline for ramping up capacity at a "quick pace", to find ways to lower production costs and to improve branding and marketing.
"The terms of the reference of the committee will include chalking out a revival plan for turning around loss-making (companies) of the Ministry of Steel to profit-making companies in 2017/18," Singh's office told the committee this week, in a memo seen by Reuters.
The panel, comprising top officials of various government ministries and SAIL, met for the first time this week and will be helped by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in coming up with a revival plan for the company.
They will set quarterly, six-monthly and yearly targets for SAIL, according to the memo. Two government sources said minister Singh wants a plan for SAIL and smaller state steel company RINL in 15 days.
A SAIL spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. A steel ministry spokesman declined comment.
Government officials earlier said SAIL had failed to take advantage of protectionist measures that have helped private companies out-price Chinese steel and lift their margins.
FAILING TO SAIL
SAIL fares poorly when compared to international efficiency standards and those of private Indian companies such as JSW and Tata Steel in blast furnace productivity, raw material consumption and energy usage, according to the review document.
For example, SAIL's average daily blast furnace productivity of 1.58 tonnes per cubic meter last fiscal year ended March was 40 percent lower than that of JSW. SAIL said the metric improved 7 percent between April and December last year.
Its use of coke - derived from high-quality coal, and thus costly - was also higher than private peers and global standards. April-December coke use came down 3 percent from a year ago, SAIL said.
Its use of pulverized coal injection technology - a cheaper substitute to coke - was the lowest compared to JSW and Tata in 2015/16. During April-December, SAIL said the gauge improved 14 percent.
The government said this week that three of SAIL's ailing units put up for strategic stake sales have made losses for the past five years despite the company pumping in more than $400 million for their modernisation. (bit.ly/2mPA9PB)
The steel ministry told parliament on Wednesday that most SAIL plants were set up almost half a century ago and that the technologies and equipment had become "old and obsolete".
SAIL is chasing tie-ups with foreign majors such as ArcelorMittal and POSCO, companies known for their cutting-edge technology.
Analysts say higher employee costs, typical of government companies in India, were another factor holding SAIL back.
"Even when the market was good, SAIL was under-performing because of higher fixed costs," said Goutam Chakraborty, analyst at Emkay Global Financial Services in Mumbai, who expects SAIL to show improvement by end of this decade. (Reporting by Neha Dasgupta; Editing by Krishna N. Das) |
Mariners' Juan Nicasio: Progressively ramping up velocity | Nicasio fired a scoreless fifth inning in Sunday's 16-3 Cactus League loss to the Indians, recording two strikeouts.
Nicasio has been progressively ramping up his velocity this spring, and Sunday's outing provided a glimpse of how far he's come. The right-hander hit 95 mph on his final pitch, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports, setting down Yonder Alonso for his second strikeout. Nicasio also whiffed Lonnie Chisenhall within his sole frame, and his strong spring (seven strikeouts over 6.2 innings) lends credence to the notion that he could serve as an effective set-up option to closer Edwin Diaz. "Juan has done a really good job all spring and you're starting to see the velocity creep up into the range he pitched at last year," manager Scott Servais said. "He's a veteran guy. He knows how to get ready. No worries with him at all." |
North Korea’s next move: Biological warfare | North Korea plans to acquire machinery for a biological weapons program — including factories to produce deadly microbes and labs that specialize in genetic modification, according to a report.
The country also has sent scientists abroad to earn advanced degrees in microbiology, and is offering to sell biotechnology services to developing nations, US and Asian intelligence officials and weapons experts told the Washington Post.
Current and former US officials said they have not yet seen any hard evidence that North Korea has ordered the production of any weapons besides samples and prototypes, the paper reported.
“That the North Koreans have [biological] agents is known, by various means,” a senior US official familiar with military preparations for a biological attack told the paper on the condition of anonymity.
“The lingering question is, why have they acquired the materials and developed the science, but not yet produced weapons?”
The North’s push on the biological front has alarmed US analysts, who say Pyongyang — which is seeking to develop a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the US mainland — could quickly launch industrial-scale production of deadly pathogens with which to threaten its neighbors or US troops.
US officials acknowledge that spy agencies may not be able to detect a change in North Korea’s program because the new technologies are ensconced in civilian factories that ostensibly produce agricultural and pharmaceutical products.
“If it started tomorrow, we might not know it unless we’re lucky enough to have an informant who happens to be in just the right place,” the senior official said.
The US has been aware of North Korea’s secret work on a biological weapon as far back as five months before its first nuclear test in 2006, according to the paper.
US intelligence officials sent a report to Congress warning that the communist regime, which had acquired pathogens that cause smallpox and anthrax, had assembled teams of scientists — but that they lacked some technical skills.
“Pyongyang’s resources presently include a rudimentary biotechnology infrastructure,” according to the report by the director of national intelligence.
In June 2015, President Kim Jong Un gave a tantalizing look at the Pyongyang Biotechnical Institute, a large facility on the grounds of what used to be a vitamin factory. State media described the institute as a factory for making biological pesticides for agricultural use.
But US analysts were alarmed by images that showed industrial-scale fermenters used for growing large quantities of live microbes and dryers that could turn bacterial spores into a fine powder for easy dispersal.
“It is hard to avoid the conclusion that the institute is intended to produce military-size batches of anthrax,” North Korea specialist Melissa Hanham wrote in a blog post after the video was shown.
“Regardless of whether the equipment is being used to produce anthrax today, it could be in the near future.” |
Nintendo Classic Mini NES UK stock update: Fate of console CONFIRMED by Nintendo | Nintendo confirms the fate of the Mini NES
The fate of the Nintendo Classic Mini NES has been confirmed, as Nintendo issues a statement about UK stock availability.
A Nintendo spokesperson recently said that the console had been discontinued in North America, and that retailers would receive their last shipments of the year in April.
Slightly less clear was the status of the Mini NES in the UK and other territories.
However, in a statement to Express Online, a Nintendo spokesperson confirmed the worst, explaining that the company was no longer manufacturing the console in the region.
"We can confirm that we are no longer manufacturing the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System," reads a Nintendo UK statement.
"If production resumes in the future, an update will be posted on the official Nintendo website."
While this is bad news for fans, the statement suggests that the Mini NES could return in the future. |
Ovarian cancer - SIX signs of the deadly tumour to look out for | Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, according to the NHS. The condition affects the ovaries - a pair of small organs that store a womans’ eggs. You may be at risk of the cancer if you’re over 50 years old, or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. These are the warning signs to look out for.
Cancer symptoms: Ovarian signs of tumour revealed including weight loss and bloating
“One of the key issues with ovarian cancer is that, unfortunately, it often has no early symptoms, and when it does, these symptoms tend to be fairly generic,” said Medigo’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jan Schaefer. “What this means is that women can put off making a trip to the GP, excusing the symptoms as something else, which can give the cancer time to spread. “Many of the above symptoms can also be indicative of irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], so there is no need to panic if you experience them, as IBS is relatively easy to treat. “However, if any of the symptoms are consistent for three weeks, then make sure to see your GP.”
GETTY Images Cancer symptoms: Ovarian cancer signs revealed including weight loss
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Mon, August 1, 2016 It has been reported that DOUCHING could double the risk of developing Ovarian Cancer - a disease which has been dubbed the 'silent killer'. We take a look at the signs and symptoms of the disease Play slideshow 1 of 11
One of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer is a bloating pain that won’t go away. Unexplained weight loss and excessive fatigue may also be signs of the disease, Schaeffer said. Loss of appetite and urinary problems are also warning symptoms of ovarian cancer. You should also see your GP if you have prolonged abdominal pain.
GETTY Images Cancer symptoms: The disease affects the ovaries, which store a womens' eggs
GETTY Images Cancer symptoms: See a GP if you're worried about the symptoms |
Georgia: Five-Year-Old Prince Prepares to Reign | Heir to the Royal Throne of Georgia, HRH Crown Prince Giorgi Bagration Bagrationi Mukhranbatonishvili and his father, Head of the Royal House of Georgia, HRH Prince Davit Bagration-Mukhranbatoni, wearing traditional Georgian chokhas. Like many doting parents, five-year-old Giorgi's post cute pictures of him on Facebook: blowing out candles on a birthday cake, or wearing red plastic sunglasses behind the wheel of a car, pretending to drive.
Start the conversation, or Read more at EurasiaNet. |
Campus conversation: Maggie White, California State University student trustee | Maggie White speaks as the incoming president of the California State Student Assn. For two years, Maggie White has been delivering impassioned speeches as a student appointee on California State University 's board of trustees.
Start the conversation, or Read more at Los Angeles Times. |
New York Post | Phil Jackson will go down with the worst execs in NYC sports Was Phil Jackson the worst executive in New York Sports history? Here are some of the other candidates: M. Donald Grant Mets chairman of the board, 1962-78 Grant is credited...
Nets get the worst possible result to a deal they already lost When the Nets made their infamous trade with the Celtics in 2013, team owner Mikhail Prokhorov said “the basketball gods smiled on” his team. It turns out they actually were...
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BRIEF-Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources Q2 loss per share $0.02 | Aug 14 (Reuters) - Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources Inc
* Strategic environmental & energy resources reports second quarter 2017 financial results
* Q2 revenue rose 71 percent to $2.5 million
* Q2 loss per share $0.02 Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: |
Germany receive Manuel Neuer boost as Bayern Munich No.1 plays 30 minutes in test match ahead of World Cup | The video will start in 8 Cancel
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Manuel Neuer has stepped up his comeback from injury with Germany by playing 30 minutes in a test match.
The Bayern Munich star is aiming to overcome a broken foot that has kept him out since September.
In his absence, Joachim Low has Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, leaving him with a tough predicament.
Bernd Leno and Kevin Trapp are the other options in Die Mannschaft's provisional squad, with one of those two set to be cut on Monday on FIFA's deadline for final squads.
Neuer featured against Germany Under-20s with the senior side winning 7-1 at the training base in Italy.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
(Image: AFP)
(Image: Bongarts)
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
The next step for Neuer is to return to competitive action in the friendly against Austria this Saturday.
The final friendly will be against Saudi Arabia on June 8 before Low's final decision over who keeps goal will be made.
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
(Image: REX/Shutterstock)
Germany kick off the defence of their title against Mexico on June 17, four years after triumphing in Rio de Janeiro against Argentina.
South Korea and Sweden are the other opponents for Die Mannschaft in Group F. |
Pregnant bride-to-be injured in 'horrendous' crash at notorious junction just days before her wedding | Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
A pregnant bride-to-be has been injured in a crash at a notorious junction just days before her wedding .
Madga Mularczyk suffered an injury to her leg and was left in pain with bruising in the smash in Lincoln.
The 22-year-old was pulling out onto Newland from Orchard Street on Friday, September 29 when she collided with a Range Rover.
The young mum is due to walk down the aisle tomorrow, Lincolnshire Live reported .
(Image: Lincolnshire Live / BPM Media)
Accidents at the junction were said to be 'becoming the norm' by one shop worker in the area after another crash just five days later, where two people were taken to hospital.
Magda said her car was spun around by the force of the impact.
She said: "I had injuries to my leg, head and also muscular pain. I also have pain in the ribs and stomach.
"It was very scary. I was worried as my son was in the back and was holding his eye. I managed to get him out of the car seat and luckily he only had a mark by his eye.
"The wedding is going ahead tomorrow and luckily I have no bruises and marks that show.
"My son was crying but he was OK once he saw the police car. My unborn baby is fine as well so we were lucky.
"Thank god the air bag didn't open as it would have damaged my face and may be killed me."
(Image: Lincolnshire Live / BPM Media)
Her sister, Olivia, 19, has now called for action to be taken on the junction to stop more motorists being hurt.
She said: “I did not even know which direction the Range Rover had come from, it happened so quickly – I didn’t know what was going on.
“It was horrendous.
“When I got out I started shouting for an ambulance.
“The police were nearby so got to us almost straight away and when they spoke to us they agreed it was a difficult junction.
“Luckily, we have only been left with bruises and aches, but everyone is fine including the baby.
“The junction needs traffic lights there.”
Olivia, who studies at the University of Lincoln, said the Fiat has since been written off because of the severity of the damage.
Claire Burley, 46, director of Fodders Fine Foods on Newland, says accidents are the norm on the road and feels the junction where Orchard Street and Newland intersect is to blame.
(Image: Google)
“The problem with Orchard Street is it is a turn right junction,” she said.
“You can’t see the second lane of traffic.
“Often you will get flashed by the driver in the left hand lane, so you start edging out.
“However, the person in the middle lane often doesn’t see you and they carry on going – there have been quite a few accidents over the years.
“A lot of people also park on double yellows on Orchard Street as well.”
Elizabeth Smith, 41, a customer service assistant at the Top Nosh sandwich takeaway in the same road, added: “It is quite scary.
“People do drive quite dangerously along this road all the time.
“There was a bad accident just outside our shop on Friday.
“It’s because people ignore the lights and lorries park on the crossing – I’ve nearly been run over several times.
“Drivers always seem to be in a rush - people drive like maniacs.” |
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Billy Corgan in talks to become majority owner of TNA wrestling Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan wants to be the new front man for a pro wrestling group. Corgan is in talks to become the majority owner of cash-strapped Impact Ventures, the... |
Dangal box office: Aamir Khan film has broken all these records in 10 days | Will Dangal become the highest grosser of 2016? The Aamir Khan-starrer is one of the finest films that we saw last year. The blockbuster is getting love and adulation from the audience. Dangal has collected Rs 270.47 in just 10 days. Before its release, the film was being compared to Sultan. Both the films have wrestling as the backdrop. However, Dangal is sprinting towards Rs 300-crore mark. With a whopping profits already, Dangal can soon surpass Sultan's collection of Rs 300.45 crore. In short, Dangal is just short of about Rs 30 crores in smashing Sultan's box office record in the domestic market.
Dangal is also doing an overwhelming business in overseas market. The Aamir Khan film has become the fifth highest Bollywood grosser in the overseas market. It has collected Rs 463 crore at the international box office, according to Bollywood Hungama. Other top overseas grossers of all time include Aamir Khan-starrer PK (Rs 769 crore), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Rs 629 crore), Dhoom 3 (585 crore) and Sultan (Rs 572 crore).
Dangal is also the second biggest overseas grosser of 2016 after Sultan. While Sultan collected Rs 572 crore, Dangal has collected Rs 463 crore till now.
The Aamir Khan film has collected Rs 270.47 crore in ten days. The film will garner Rs 300 crore in the coming days. If it goes on to cross Rs 300 crore, Dangal will become only the 4th film to touch the huge mark. Other films that have collected Rs 300 crore include PK, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan. Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh shared, "At the speed at which #Dangal is sprinting, ₹ 300 cr is an easy target... Will be the 4th film to achieve it [#PK, #BajrangiBhaijaan, #Sultan]."
Dangal had a mid-week release in the overseas market. The film is also the all-time highest weekend grosser in North America. The record was previously held by Aamir Khan's film Dhoom 3.
Dangal also becomes the first Hindi film ever to receive the highest opening in Australia. Trade Analyst Komal Nahta shared, "Dangal opened to packed houses in Australia (USD 181K), making it the highest opening for any Hindi film ever in Australia." |
Mike McCarthy on Aaron Rodgers' return: 'This is a medical decision' | Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is eligible to come off injured reserve for this coming weekend's game against the Carolina Panthers. With the Packers in the thick of the postseason hunt but currently on the outside looking in on a playoff berth (they're a game behind the No. 6-seeded Atlanta Falcons), Rodgers' return from his broken collarbone would be a major boost to their hopes down the stretch.
During his Monday media availability, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was non-committal on the subject of Rodgers' potential return. He repeatedly stated that it was a "medical decision" that would be made by doctors at some point, but declined to give a timeline. "At this time, I do not have a clear decision for you, or an update," he said. "That's where it stands."
LIVE: Coach McCarthy's Monday press conference 🎥 https://t.co/Uc3CcDcIQ0 — Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 11, 2017
McCarthy reiterated that team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie -- not Rodgers or the coaching staff -- would make the decision on Rodgers' status.
Mike McCarthy says Aaron Rodgers underwent scans and tests this am. "Now in the evaluation stage." No update or decision, yet. — Joe Person (@josephperson) December 11, 2017
#Packers coach Mike McCarthy said on Aaron Rodgers: "This is a medical decision. Dr. McKenzie is in touch with a number of medical experts. ... We'll see what medical information comes back." No firm word on if Rodgers comes back this week. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 11, 2017
Pressed for more information on when Rodgers' status might become clear, McCarthy would only allow that he would like to know as soon as possible. "I can't give you a timeline," he said. "Obviously, I think everybody would like to make a decision as soon as possible. Obviously, the offensive coaching staff is in the process of putting together a game plan. But at the end of the day, the organization is focused on doing what's in the best interest of Aaron Rodgers."
For what it's worth: The injuries are obviously not exactly the same, but when Rodgers previously broke his collarbone back in 2013, he returned to the field 55 days later. A return to play this Sunday would end a 63-day absence. |
Colossal Has a Big Idea, but It Quickly Shrinks | EXPAND Courtesy of Neon
Two seemingly incongruous categories — the small-scale romantic doodle and the rampaging-creature feature — are brought together in Nacho Vigalondo’s Colossal, a film that never really fulfills the potential of its adventurous premise. This monster mash-up argues the opposite of what Humphrey Bogart declared in Casablanca: The problems of two little Americans are of monumental importance in this crazy world, or at least on the other side of the globe. But what could have been a barbed look at extreme narcissism, whether individual or national, is reduced to that mildest of metaphors, the road to recovery.
In that respect, Colossal, Vigalondo’s fourth feature (and the first of his that I’ve seen), isn’t too far removed from Jonathan Demme’s Rachel Getting Married (2008); both films center on a substance-abusing mess played by Anne Hathaway. In Demme’s movie, the manipulative protagonist excels at toxic femininity, insisting that the whole world revolves around her. That concept is made literal in Colossal, in which the drunken antics of Hathaway’s Gloria have calamitous effects on the citizens of Seoul, terrorized by a behemoth beast that, we soon learn, is the boozer’s avatar.
Kicked out of the Manhattan apartment she shares with her imperious boyfriend (Dan Stevens) for one tipple too many, Gloria retreats to her hometown, a vaguely leafy Anywheresville that hints at the generalities to come. She reunites with Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), an elementary-school pal who offers the jobless woman — Gloria was let go from her online magazine gig for a never-disclosed misjudged play on words — a few shifts at his bar. Unable to resist the PBR that surrounds her, Gloria tunes in to the news the next day to discover the consequences of her face-planting: “I killed a shitload of people because I was acting like a drunk idiot again.”
Soon Gloria and her mammoth manifestation have a nemesis: Oscar and his own outsize alter-ego, a giant robot that further menaces South Korea. Their battles, at home and abroad, grow bloodier when the initially genial local guy, who never left the neighborhood, reveals what a petty, possessive bottle-abuser he is — a noxious misery beyond the ken of Sudeikis, incapable of conveying self-contempt. That inability to be fully contemptible or even mildly dangerous also hampers Hathaway, a performer who always seems so eager for audience adoration. Engaging ideas bubble up every so often in Colossal, a film that carries out magical thinking to its extreme. But the audacity of its conceit is inexorably tamed, becoming an all-too-familiar lesson on saying no. |