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<p>TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson firefighters rescued a woman who was trapped by storm runoff in a drainage tunnel on the city’s north side.</p>
<p>The Fire Department says the woman was sleeping in the drainage tunnel early Tuesday morning when she was swept into grates near the Rillito (ree-YEE’-toh) River.</p>
<p>Firefighters cut metal bars to free the woman, who wasn’t injured.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Tucson firefighters rescue woman trapped in drainage tunnel | false | https://abqjournal.com/1031370/tucson-firefighters-rescue-woman-trapped-in-drainage-tunnel.html | 2 |
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<p>We’ve been very busy in East Jerusalem and the West Bank since we arrived six days ago, racing against the clock trying to fit in as much as we can in case the Israelis impose a total curfew on the West Bank because of the war or impose a closure that cuts off travel between Jerusalem and the West Bank.</p>
<p>So far we’ve traveled to Nablus and Jenin and have had a series of fascinating meetings in Ramallah, the principal West Bank city. Thanks to some great contacts and wonderful help from the friends of friends who know these people, we’ve been lucky enough to have meetings with Hanan Ashrawi, who’s widely known throughout the U.S. from the days in the late ’80s and early ’90s when she was the spokesperson for the Palestinian negotiating delegation and appeared frequently on television; with a physician who directs the principal medical relief organization in the occupied territories; and–this is amazing to us–with Yasir Arafat himself.</p>
<p>Hanan Ashrawi is a very warm, gracious woman, and we had a long talk about prospects for the future, the need (but the lack of much hope) for changes in U.S. and Israeli policies that lead directly to so much hardship and despair in Palestinian society, and what the war in Iraq is likely to mean. The physician, Mustafa Barghouti, emphasized the dire medical situation for most Palestinians, who already have extreme difficulty getting medical help and are likely to be without help altogether if there’s a curfew. Arafat and three of his advisers gave us almost an hour, again talking about U.S. and Israeli policies and the grim outlook for the future. We’ll give you more details on all this as soon as we can catch our breath and collect our thoughts.</p>
<p>The trips to Nablus and Jenin were dramatic and depressing. Although we’ve read quite a bit about the Israeli attacks on these and other towns in the West Bank and Gaza, actually seeing the extent of the destruction–and in particular seeing the huge open area in the middle of Jenin, probably the size of a large city block in a major American city, where once thousands of people had lived in a tightly packed warren of multistory buildings and where now there’s absolutely nothing but pulverized rubble flattened and bulldozed over–literally takes your breath away. It strangles you to drive into this “plaza” and suddenly see nothing and know what happened here, and it’s impossible to understand how one people could do this to another for the sake of keeping land. Suicide bombings, horrific and indefensible though they are, cannot justify destruction on a scale like this.</p>
<p>Getting around is not easy, and we’re discovering the full extent of the travel restrictions Palestinians endure. We’ve tied up with an excellent taxi driver who lives in East Jerusalem and so has yellow Israeli license plates, which are a sort of ticket to free travel, and who’s highly experienced at getting journalists, medical people, UN people, etc. around, but even he, being a Palestinian, has occasional trouble at checkpoints. We’ve now gone to Ramallah, about a 20-minute drive north of Jerusalem, three times, as well as to Nablus and Jenin, and every time has been a bit of an adventure. The first time we ourselves got into a minor argument with a smart-aleck Israeli soldier who wanted us to tell him what we thought of the Israeli army, the IDF, and didn’t particularly appreciate it when we told him we wished the IDF wouldn’t be so hard on the Palestinians. Once, coming back out of Ramallah at night without our favorite taxi driver, we had to be dropped off on the Ramallah side of the checkpoint since no car with West Bank plates can enter Jerusalem, walk through the checkpoint (in the rain, as it happened), show our passports to some Israeli soldiers who bad-mouthed Ramallah and suggested we couldn’t possibly have enjoyed ourselves there (Palestinians are all terrorists, you know), and try to find a Jerusalem taxi at the other end to take us back to the hotel. Yesterday, trying to enter Jenin, the Israeli soldiers wouldn’t let our driver’s taxi in, so the driver and we had to walk the approximately two miles between this first checkpoint and the next one before finding a ride inside the checkpoint to take us into Jenin. Coming back, we did the same walk–after passing the first checkpoint while the Israeli soldiers fired several rounds from their weapons, just to worry us probably.</p>
<p>This has all been a very graphic demonstration of how much Palestinians, wherever they go, live at the mercy of one or two or three 19- or 20-year-old Israeli soldiers who may be bored, or scared, or intoxicated with his own power, or just plain an SOB.</p>
<p>Bill Christison joined the CIA in 1950, and served on the analysis side of the Agency for 28 years. From the early 1970s he served as National Intelligence Officer (principal adviser to the Director of Central Intelligence on certain areas) for, at various times, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa. Before he retired in 1979 he was Director of the CIA’s Office of Regional and Political Analysis, a 250-person unit.</p>
<p>Kathleen Christison also worked in the CIA, retiring in 1979. Since then she has been mainly preoccupied by the issue of Palestine. She is the author of <a href="" type="internal">Perceptions of Palestine</a> and <a href="" type="internal">The Wound of Dispossession</a>.</p>
<p>The Christison’s can be reached at: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p> | On the Road in the West Bank | true | https://counterpunch.org/2003/03/22/on-the-road-in-the-west-bank/ | 2003-03-22 | 4 |
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<p>Google achieves that by pulling together the best features from Apple, Samsung and other phone makers and offering them at prices comparable to iPhones — starting at about $650 for the regular, 5-inch model and $770 for the 5.5-inch “XL” edition. Both versions go on sale Thursday through Verizon, Best Buy and Google’s online store.</p>
<p>I tested the Pixel XL model; the regular version has identical features except for its smaller display and battery — still enough for 13 hours of internet use, according to Google. With either, you get an excellent camera and a strong voice assistant that promises to get smarter — all without the bloat common with other Android phones.</p>
<p>The Pixel isn’t quite an iPhone replacement, as Google wants you to believe ; hardware is just part of what makes an iPhone an iPhone. But it might serve up a strong challenge to Samsung, especially as people look for alternatives to the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 .</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE CAMERA</p>
<p>The Pixel’s image quality is superb — though purists may quibble. Colors in some shots look too strong and clean to me, thanks to software processing intended to reduce distortion and improve detail (something all phones do to some extent).</p>
<p>But automation pays off in another way: The Pixel will automatically combine successive shots into an animated “GIF” file, offering a fun way to share a toddler’s steps or a dog jumping. For video, the Pixel’s stabilization technology compensates for shaky hands and other movement, matching what the iPhone and Galaxy phones can do.</p>
<p>The Pixel borrows a quick-launch feature from Samsung phones. Just double tap the power button to start the camera, even if the phone is locked. To switch between the front and rear cameras, just double twist the phone like a door knob — a feature Motorola, which Google once owned, has long offered.</p>
<p>Low-light images taken with the Pixel in three museums aren’t as crisp as those from the iPhone 7 and Samsung’s Galaxy S7 (which has the same camera as the Note 7). But differences are small, and the Pixel does better than typical smartphones. Where the Pixel falls short is in extreme close-ups, such as shooting a flower petal or a small bug; photos were typically blurry. The Pixel’s selfie camera is also inferior, with no front flash or control over the focus. But it’s fine in good light and at typical distances for selfies.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE ASSISTANT</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Google’s voice assistant, simply known as Google Assistant, will seem familiar to those who have used Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa features.</p>
<p>Google’s version goes further in offering daily updates such as weather and news, though plenty of apps already offer similar capabilities through notifications. Google is also better at remembering preferences — say, if you prefer temperatures in Celsius — and at integrating with its own services, such as Translate and Photos.</p>
<p>But Assistant doesn’t yet sync with a similar Assistant in Google’s Allo chat app and upcoming Home speaker. And it isn’t as proactive as the Google Now assistant already built into Android phones. Google Now, for instance, will look through your Gmail account for flight reservations and remind you when to head to the airport. It will analyze your daily commute and warn of delays. Assistant waits for you to ask.</p>
<p>Assistant holds up well compared with Siri and Alexa, but for more, swipe from left to right to get the old Google Now back. Google says Assistant will eventually get the Google Now functionality.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>OTHER FEATURES</p>
<p>If you need help, you can reach Google’s customer support and enable screen sharing reminiscent of Amazon’s Mayday help feature. And the Pixel will work with Google’s upcoming Daydream View virtual-reality headset, much as Samsung phones have Samsung’s Gear VR.</p>
<p>Long-pressing an app icon brings up a menu of shortcuts, such as getting directions to home or launching the selfie camera. It’s similar to the iPhone’s 3D Touch. The Pixel also offers “Night Light,” a feature that tints your screen amber by filtering out blue light that might keep you up at night. Apple calls it Night Shift.</p>
<p>Pixel owners get unlimited storage of photos at original resolution, though that’s a little like offering Google search for free. Google Photos already offers unlimited storage at up to 16 megapixels; the Pixel’s camera is 12 megapixels. The free offer will make a difference for those who take video in ultra-sharp “4k” resolution, but the default setting is lower, at 1080p, which is already free at Google Photos.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>WHAT’S MISSING</p>
<p>The Pixel will be OK if you spray it with water, but don’t drop it in the pool. You also can’t expand its storage with a memory card, as you can with the S7 and Note 7 — though for $100 more, the Pixel’s 32 gigabytes of storage quadruples to 128 gigabytes, and the free online storage should take care of your photos and videos. The battery isn’t removable, though that’s true for most phones these days.</p>
<p>Those looking for a Note 7 replacement will find the Pixel missing a stylus. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll have to brace yourself for the switch to Android, which would entail buying new apps and learning new ways to navigate.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>MAKING THE SWITCH</p>
<p>Google tries to make it easy to switch. The phone comes with a transfer cable, and the set-up process walks you through transferring photos, music and video, as long as it’s not encrypted (so scratch iTunes video). But apps won’t switch over from iPhones; you need to buy them again.</p> | Google’s Pixel phone: Not much new, but still a standout | false | https://abqjournal.com/869605/googles-pixel-phone-not-much-new-but-still-a-standout.html | 2016-10-18 | 2 |
<p />
<p>The Western Publications Association has announced this year's <a href="http://www.wpa-online.org/" type="external">finalists</a> for its annual Maggie Awards and Mother Jones has nabbed two. Chuck Bowden's tour de force, <a href="/news/feature/2006/09/exodus.html" type="external">Exodus</a>, which takes the reader deep inside the immigration debate in a way only Bowden, who has lived and worked on both sides of the line for decades, can, is up for Best Feature Article. And our entire <a href="/toc/2006/09/index.html" type="external">September/October issue</a>, featuring our <a href="/bush_war_timeline/" type="external">Lie by Lie timeline</a>, is a nominee in the Politics &amp; Social Issues category. Winners of the 56th annual awards will be announced April 27th.</p>
<p /> | Mother Jones Nominated for WPA Magazine Awards | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2007/03/mother-jones-nominated-wpa-magazine-awards/ | 2007-03-08 | 4 |
<p>The report was prepared by Maj. Gen. ANTONIO M. TAGUBA on alleged abuse of prisoners by members of the 800th Military Police Brigade at the Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad.</p>
<p>It was ordered by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of Joint Task Force-7, the senior U.S. military official in Iraq, following persistent allegations of human rights abuses at the prison.</p>
<p>ARTICLE 15-6 INVESTIGATION OF THE 800th MILITARY POLICE BRIGADE</p>
<p>TABLE OF CONTENTS</p>
<p>References …………………………………………………… …… 3</p>
<p>Background …………………………………………………… … 6</p>
<p>Assessment of DoD Counter-Terrorism Interrogation and Detention Operations In Iraq (MG Miller’s Assessment)……………………………. 8</p>
<p>IO Comments on MG Miller’s Assessment……….. 8</p>
<p>Report on Detention and Corrections In Iraq (MG Ryder’s Report)……………………………… 9</p>
<p>IO Comments on MG Ryder’s Report……………… 12</p>
<p>Preliminary Investigative Actions ……………….. 12</p>
<p>Findings and Recommendations</p>
<p>Part One (Detainee Abuse). ………………………… 15</p>
<p>Findings …………………………………………. 15</p>
<p>Recommendations …………………………… 20</p>
<p>Part Two (Escapes and Accountability) …….. 22</p>
<p>Findings …………………………………………. 22</p>
<p>Recommendations. ………………………… 31</p>
<p>Part Three (Command Climate, Etc…). ……… 34</p>
<p>Findings ……………………………………… … 36</p>
<p>Recommendations …… …………………… 44</p>
<p>Other Findings/Observations ……………………… 49</p>
<p>Conclusion ………………………………………… ………… 50</p>
<p>Annexes …………………………………………………… …… 51</p>
<p>References</p>
<p>Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 12 August 1949Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in the Armed Forces in the Field, 12 August 1949</p>
<p>3. Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, 12 August 1949</p>
<p>4. Geneva Convention Protocol Relative to the Status of Refugees, 1967</p>
<p>5. Geneva Convention Relative to the Status of Refugees, 1951</p>
<p>6. Geneva Convention for the Protection of War Victims, 12 August 1949</p>
<p>Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, 12 August 1949DOD Directive 5100.69, “DOD Program for Prisoners of War and other Detainees,” 27 December 1972DOD Directive 5100.77 “DOD Law of War Program,” 10 July 1979STANAG No. 2044, Procedures for Dealing with Prisoners of War (PW) (Edition 5), 28 June 1994STANAG No. 2033, Interrogation of Prisoners of War (PW) (Edition 6), 6 December 1994AR 190-8, Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees, and Other Detainees, 1 October 1997AR 190-47, The Army Corrections System, 15 August 1996</p>
<p>14. AR 190-14, Carrying of Firearms and Use of Force for Law Enforcement and Security Duties, 12 March 1993</p>
<p>15. AR 195-5, Evidence Procedures, 28 August 1992</p>
<p>16. AR 190-11, Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition and Explosives, 12 February 1998</p>
<p>17. AR 190-12, Military Police Working Dogs, 30 September 1993</p>
<p>18. AR 190-13, The Army Physical Security Program, 30 September 1993</p>
<p>19. AR 380-67, Personnel Security Program, 9 September 1988</p>
<p>20. AR 380-5, Department of the Army Information Security, 31 September 2000</p>
<p>21. AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, 5 September 2003</p>
<p>22. AR 190-40, Serious Incident Report, 30 November 1993</p>
<p>23. AR 15-6, Procedures for Investigating Officers and Boards of Officers, 11 May 1988</p>
<p>24. AR 27-10, Military Justice, 6 September 2002</p>
<p>25. AR 635-200, Enlisted Personnel, 1 November 2000</p>
<p>26. AR 600-8-24, Officer Transfers and Discharges, 29 June 2002</p>
<p>27. AR 500-5, Army Mobilization, 6 July 1996</p>
<p>28. AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, 13 May 2002</p>
<p>29. AR 623-105, Officer Evaluation Reports, 1 April 1998</p>
<p>30. AR 175-9, Contractors Accompanying the Force, 29 October 1999</p>
<p>FM 3-19.40, Military Police Internment/Resettlement Operations, 1 August 2001FM 3-19.1, Military Police Operations, 22 March 2001FM 3-19.4, Military Police Leaders’ Handbook, 4 March 2002 FM 3-05.30, Psychological Operations, 19 June 2000FM 33-1-1, Psychological Operations Techniques and Procedures, 5 May 1994FM 34-52, Intelligence Interrogation, 28 September 1992FM 19-15, Civil Disturbances, 25 November 198538. FM 3-0, Operations, 14 June 2001</p>
<p>39. FM 101-5, Staff Organizations and Functions, 23 May 1984</p>
<p>40. FM 3-19.30, Physical Security, 8 January 2001</p>
<p>41. FM 3-21.5, Drill and Ceremonies, 7 July 2003</p>
<p>42. ARTEP 19-546-30 MTP, Mission Training Plan for Military Police Battalion (IR)</p>
<p>43. ARTEP 19-667-30 MTP, Mission Training Plan for Military Police Guard Company</p>
<p>44. ARTEP 19-647-30 MTP, Mission Training Plan for Military Police Escort Guard Company</p>
<p>45. STP 19-95B1-SM, Soldier’s Manual, MOS 95B, Military Police, Skill Level 1, 6 August 2002</p>
<p>46. STP 19-95C14-SM-TG, Soldier’s Manual and Trainer’s Guide for MOS 95C Internment/Resettlement Specialist, Skill Levels 1/2/3/4, 26 March 1999</p>
<p>47. STP 19-95C1-SM MOS 95C, Corrections Specialist, Skill Level 1, Soldier’s Manual, 30 September 2003</p>
<p>48. STP 19-95C24-SM-TG MOS 95C, Corrections Specialist, Skill Levels 2/3/4, Soldier’s Manual and Trainer’s Guide, 30 September 2003</p>
<p>49. Assessment of DOD Counter-Terrorism Interrogation and Detention Operations in Iraq, (MG Geoffrey D. Miller, Commander JTF-GTMO, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba), 9 September 2003</p>
<p>50. Assessment of Detention and Corrections Operations in Iraq, (MG Donald J. Ryder, Provost Marshal General), 6 November 2003</p>
<p>51. CJTF-7 FRAGO #1108, Subject: includes- para 3.C.8 &amp; 3.C.8.A.1, Assignment of 205 MI BDE CDR Responsibilities for the Baghdad Central Confinement Facility (BCCF), 19 November 2003</p>
<p>52. CJTF-7 FRAGO #749, Subject: Intelligence and Evidence-Led Detention Operations Relating to Detainees, 24 August 2003</p>
<p>53. 800th MP BDE FRAGO # 89, Subject: Rules of Engagement, 26 December 2003</p>
<p>54. CG CJTF-7 Memo: CJTF-7 Interrogation and Counter-Resistance Policy, 12 October 2003</p>
<p>55. CG CJTF-7 Memo: Dignity and Respect While Conducting Operations, 13 December 2003</p>
<p>56. Uniform Code of Military Justice and Manual for Courts Martial, 2002 Edition</p>
<p>ARTICLE 15-6 INVESTIGATION OF THE800th MILITARY POLICE BRIGADE</p>
<p>BACKGROUND</p>
<p>1. (U) On 19 January 2004, Lieutenant General (LTG) Ricardo S. Sanchez, Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Seven (CJTF-7) requested that the Commander, US Central Command, appoint an Investigating Officer (IO) in the grade of Major General (MG) or above to investigate the conduct of operations within the 800th Military Police (MP) Brigade. LTG Sanchez requested an investigation of detention and internment operations by the Brigade from 1 November 2003 to present. LTG Sanchez cited recent reports of detainee abuse, escapes from confinement facilities, and accountability lapses, which indicated systemic problems within the brigade and suggested a lack of clear standards, proficiency, and leadership. LTG Sanchez requested a comprehensive and all-encompassing inquiry to make findings and recommendations concerning the fitness and performance of the 800th MP Brigade. (ANNEX 2)</p>
<p>2. (U) On 24 January 2003, the Chief of Staff of US Central Command (CENTCOM), MG R. Steven Whitcomb, on behalf of the CENTCOM Commander, directed that the Commander, Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC), LTG David D. McKiernan, conduct an investigation into the 800th MP Brigade’s detention and internment operations from 1 November 2003 to present. CENTCOM directed that the investigation should inquire into all facts and circumstances surrounding recent reports of suspected detainee abuse in Iraq. It also directed that the investigation inquire into detainee escapes and accountability lapses as reported by CJTF-7, and to gain a more comprehensive and all-encompassing inquiry into the fitness and performance of the 800th MP Brigade. (ANNEX 3)</p>
<p>3. (U) On 31 January 2004, the Commander, CFLCC, appointed MG Antonio M. Taguba, Deputy Commanding General Support, CFLCC, to conduct this investigation. MG Taguba was directed to conduct an informal investigation under AR 15-6 into the 800th MP Brigade’s detention and internment operations. Specifically, MG Taguba was tasked to:</p>
<p>a. (U) Inquire into all the facts and circumstances surrounding recent allegations of detainee abuse, specifically allegations of maltreatment at the Abu Ghraib Prison (Baghdad Central Confinement Facility (BCCF));</p>
<p>b. (U) Inquire into detainee escapes and accountability lapses as reported by CJTF-7, specifically allegations concerning these events at the Abu Ghraib Prison;</p>
<p>c. (U) Investigate the training, standards, employment, command policies, internal procedures, and command climate in the 800th MP Brigade, as appropriate;</p>
<p>d. (U) Make specific findings of fact concerning all aspects of the investigation, and make any recommendations for corrective action, as appropriate. (ANNEX 4)</p>
<p>4. (U) LTG Sanchez’s request to investigate the 800th MP Brigade followed the initiation of a criminal investigation by the US Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) into specific allegations of detainee abuse committed by members of the 372nd MP Company, 320th MP Battalion in Iraq. These units are part of the 800th MP Brigade. The Brigade is an Iraq Theater asset, TACON to CJTF-7, but OPCON to CFLCC at the time this investigation was initiated. In addition, CJTF-7 had several reports of detainee escapes from US/Coalition Confinement Facilities in Iraq over the past several months. These include Camp Bucca, Camp Ashraf, Abu Ghraib, and the High Value Detainee (HVD) Complex/Camp Cropper. The 800th MP Brigade operated these facilities. In addition, four Soldiers from the 320th MP Battalion had been formally charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) with detainee abuse in May 2003 at the Theater Internment Facility (TIF) at Camp Bucca, Iraq. (ANNEXES 5-18, 34 and 35)</p>
<p>5. (U) I began assembling my investigation team prior to the actual appointment by the CFLCC Commander. I assembled subject matter experts from the CFLCC Provost Marshal (PM) and the CFLCC Staff Judge Advocate (SJA). I selected COL Kinard J. La Fate, CFLCC Provost Marshal to be my Deputy for this investigation. I also contacted the Provost Marshal General of the Army, MG Donald J. Ryder, to enlist the support of MP subject matter experts in the areas of detention and internment operations. (ANNEXES 4 and 19)</p>
<p>6. (U) The Investigating Team also reviewed the Assessment of DoD Counter-Terrorism Interrogation and Detention Operations in Iraq conducted by MG Geoffrey D. Miller, Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO). From 31 August to 9 September 2003, MG Miller led a team of personnel experienced in strategic interrogation to HQ, CJTF-7 and the Iraqi Survey Group (ISG) to review current Iraqi Theater ability to rapidly exploit internees for actionable intelligence. MG Miller’s team focused on three areas: intelligence integration, synchronization, and fusion; interrogation operations; and detention operations. MG Miller’s team used JTF-GTMO procedures and interrogation authorities as baselines. (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>7. (U) The Investigating Team began its inquiry with an in-depth analysis of the Report on Detention and Corrections in Iraq, dated 5 November 2003, conducted by MG Ryder and a team of military police, legal, medical, and automation experts. The CJTF-7 Commander, LTG Sanchez, had previously requested a team of subject matter experts to assess, and make specific recommendations concerning detention and corrections operations. From 13 October to 6 November 2003, MG Ryder personally led this assessment/assistance team in Iraq. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>ASSESSMENT OF DoD COUNTER-TERRORISM INTERROGATION AND DETENTION OPERATIONS IN IRAQ (MG MILLER’S ASSESSMENT)</p>
<p>1. (S/NF) The principal focus of MG Miller’s team was on the strategic interrogation of detainees/internees in Iraq. Among its conclusions in its Executive Summary were that CJTF-7 did not have authorities and procedures in place to affect a unified strategy to detain, interrogate, and report information from detainees/internees in Iraq. The Executive Summary also stated that detention operations must act as an enabler for interrogation. (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>2. (S/NF) With respect to interrogation, MG Miller’s Team recommended that CJTF-7 dedicate and train a detention guard force subordinate to the Joint Interrogation Debriefing Center (JIDC) Commander that “sets the conditions for the successful interrogation and exploitation of internees/detainees.” Regarding Detention Operations, MG Miller’s team stated that the function of Detention Operations is to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment that supports the expeditious collection of intelligence. However, it also stated “it is essential that the guard force be actively engaged in setting the conditions for successful exploitation of the internees.” (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>3. (S/NF) MG Miller’s team also concluded that Joint Strategic Interrogation Operations (within CJTF-7) are hampered by lack of active control of the internees within the detention environment. The Miller Team also stated that establishment of the Theater Joint Interrogation and Detention Center (JIDC) at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) will consolidate both detention and strategic interrogation operations and result in synergy between MP and MI resources and an integrated, synchronized, and focused strategic interrogation effort. (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>4. (S/NF) MG Miller’s team also observed that the application of emerging strategic interrogation strategies and techniques contain new approaches and operational art. The Miller Team also concluded that a legal review and recommendations on internee interrogation operations by a dedicated Command Judge Advocate is required to maximize interrogation effectiveness. (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>IO COMMENTS ON MG MILLER’S ASSESSMENT</p>
<p>1. (S/NF) MG Miller’s team recognized that they were using JTF-GTMO operational procedures and interrogation authorities as baselines for its observations and recommendations. There is a strong argument that the intelligence value of detainees held at JTF-Guantanamo (GTMO) is different than that of the detainees/internees held at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) and other detention facilities in Iraq. Currently, there are a large number of Iraqi criminals held at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). These are not believed to be international terrorists or members of Al Qaida, Anser Al Islam, Taliban, and other international terrorist organizations. (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>2. (S/NF) The recommendations of MG Miller’s team that the “guard force” be actively engaged in setting the conditions for successful exploitation of the internees would appear to be in conflict with the recommendations of MG Ryder’s Team and AR 190-8 that military police “do not participate in military intelligence supervised interrogation sessions.” The Ryder Report concluded that the OEF template whereby military police actively set the favorable conditions for subsequent interviews runs counter to the smooth operation of a detention facility. (ANNEX 20)</p>
<p>REPORT ON DETENTION AND CORRECTIONS</p>
<p>IN IRAQ (MG RYDER’S REPORT)</p>
<p>1. (U) MG Ryder and his assessment team conducted a comprehensive review of the entire detainee and corrections system in Iraq and provided recommendations addressing each of the following areas as requested by the Commander CJTF-7:</p>
<p>a. (U) Detainee and corrections system management</p>
<p>b. (U) Detainee management, including detainee movement, segregation, and accountability</p>
<p>c. (U) Means of command and control of the detention and corrections system</p>
<p>d. (U) Integration of military detention and corrections with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and adequacy of plans for transition to an Iraqi-run corrections system</p>
<p>e. (U) Detainee medical care and health management</p>
<p>f. (U) Detention facilities that meet required health, hygiene, and sanitation standards</p>
<p>g. (U) Court integration and docket management for criminal detainees</p>
<p>h. (U) Detainee legal processing</p>
<p>i. (U) Detainee databases and records, including integration with law enforcement and court databases (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>2. (U) Many of the findings and recommendations of MG Ryder’s team are beyond the scope of this investigation. However, several important findings are clearly relevant to this inquiry and are summarized below (emphasis is added in certain areas):</p>
<p>A. (U) Detainee Management (including movement, segregation, and accountability)</p>
<p>1. (U) There is a wide variance in standards and approaches at the various detention facilities. Several Division/Brigade collection points and US monitored Iraqi prisons had flawed or insufficiently detailed use of force and other standing operating procedures or policies (e.g. weapons in the facility, improper restraint techniques, detainee management, etc.) Though, there were no military police units purposely applying inappropriate confinement practices. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>2. (U) Currently, due to lack of adequate Iraqi facilities, Iraqi criminals (generally Iraqi-on-Iraqi crimes) are detained with security internees (generally Iraqi-on-Coalition offenses) and EPWs in the same facilities, though segregated in different cells/compounds. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>3. (U) The management of multiple disparate groups of detained people in a single location by members of the same unit invites confusion about handling, processing, and treatment, and typically facilitates the transfer of information between different categories of detainees. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>4. (U) The 800th MP (I/R) units did not receive Internment/Resettlement (I/R) and corrections specific training during their mobilization period. Corrections training is only on the METL of two MP (I/R) Confinement Battalions throughout the Army, one currently serving in Afghanistan, and elements of the other are at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. MP units supporting JTF-GTMO received ten days of training in detention facility operations, to include two days of unarmed self-defense, training in interpersonal communication skills, forced cell moves, and correctional officer safety. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>B. (U) Means of Command and Control of the Detention and Corrections System</p>
<p>1. (U) The 800th MP Brigade was originally task organized with eight MP(I/R) Battalions consisting of both MP Guard and Combat Support companies. Due to force rotation plans, the 800th redeployed two Battalion HHCs in December 2003, the 115th MP Battalion and the 324th MP Battalion. In December 2003, the 400th MP Battalion was relieved of its mission and redeployed in January 2004. The 724thMP Battalion redeployed on 11 February 2004 and the remainder is scheduled to redeploy in March and April 2004. They are the 310th MP Battalion, 320th MP Battalion, 530th MP Battalion, and 744th MP Battalion. The units that remain are generally understrength, as Reserve Component units do not have an individual personnel replacement system to mitigate medical losses or the departure of individual Soldiers that have reached 24 months of Federal active duty in a five-year period. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>2. (U) The 800thMP Brigade (I/R) is currently a CFLCC asset, TACON to CJTF-7 to conduct Internment/Resettlement (I/R) operations in Iraq. All detention operations are conducted in the CJTF-7 AO; Camps Ganci, Vigilant, Bucca, TSP Whitford, and a separate High Value Detention (HVD) site. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>3. (U) The 800th MP Brigade has experienced challenges adapting its task organizational structure, training, and equipment resources from a unit designed to conduct standard EPW operations in the COMMZ (Kuwait). Further, the doctrinally trained MP Soldier-to-detainee population ratio and facility layout templates are predicated on a compliant, self-disciplining EPW population, and not criminals or high-risk security internees. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>4. (U) EPWs and Civilian Internees should receive the full protections of the Geneva Conventions, unless the denial of these protections is due to specifically articulated military necessity (e.g., no visitation to preclude the direction of insurgency operations). (ANNEXES 19 and 24)</p>
<p>5. (U) AR 190-8, Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees, and other Detainees, FM 3-19.40, Military Police Internment and Resettlement Operations, and FM 34-52, Intelligence Interrogations, require military police to provide an area for intelligence collection efforts within EPW facilities. Military Police, though adept at passive collection of intelligence within a facility, do not participate in Military Intelligence supervised interrogation sessions. Recent intelligence collection in support of Operation Enduring Freedom posited a template whereby military police actively set favorable conditions for subsequent interviews. Such actions generally run counter to the smooth operation of a detention facility, attempting to maintain its population in a compliant and docile state. The 800th MP Brigade has not been directed to change its facility procedures to set the conditions for MI interrogations, nor participate in those interrogations. (ANNEXES 19 and 21-23)</p>
<p>6. MG Ryder’s Report also made the following, inter alia, near-term and mid-term recommendations regarding the command and control of detainees:</p>
<p>a. (U) Align the release process for security internees with DoD Policy. The process of screening security internees should include intelligence findings, interrogation results, and current threat assessment.</p>
<p>b. (U) Determine the scope of intelligence collection that will occur at Camp Vigilant. Refurbish the Northeast Compound to separate the screening operation from the Iraqi run Baghdad Central Correctional Facility. Establish procedures that define the role of military police Soldiers securing the compound, clearly separating the actions of the guards from those of the military intelligence personnel.</p>
<p>c. (U) Consolidate all Security Internee Operations, except the MEK security mission, under a single Military Police Brigade Headquarters for OIF 2.</p>
<p>d. (U) Insist that all units identified to rotate into the Iraqi Theater of Operations (ITO) to conduct internment and confinement operations in support of OIF 2 be organic to CJTF-7. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>IO COMMENTS REGARDING MG RYDER’S REPORT</p>
<p>1. (U) The objective of MG Ryder’s Team was to observe detention and prison operations, identify potential systemic and human rights issues, and provide near-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations to improve CJTF-7 operations and transition of the Iraqi prison system from US military control/oversight to the Coalition Provisional Authority and eventually to the Iraqi Government. The Findings and Recommendations of MG Ryder’s Team are thorough and precise and should be implemented immediately. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>2. (U) Unfortunately, many of the systemic problems that surfaced during MG Ryder’s Team’s assessment are the very same issues that are the subject of this investigation. In fact, many of the abuses suffered by detainees occurred during, or near to, the time of that assessment. As will be pointed out in detail in subsequent portions of this report, I disagree with the conclusion of MG Ryder’s Team in one critical aspect, that being its conclusion that the 800th MP Brigade had not been asked to change its facility procedures to set the conditions for MI interviews. While clearly the 800th MP Brigade and its commanders were not tasked to set conditions for detainees for subsequent MI interrogations, it is obvious from a review of comprehensive CID interviews of suspects and witnesses that this was done at lower levels. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>3. (U) I concur fully with MG Ryder’s conclusion regarding the effect of AR 190-8. Military Police, though adept at passive collection of intelligence within a facility, should not participate in Military Intelligence supervised interrogation sessions. Moreover, Military Police should not be involved with setting “favorable conditions” for subsequent interviews. These actions, as will be outlined in this investigation, clearly run counter to the smooth operation of a detention facility. (ANNEX 19)</p>
<p>PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIVE ACTIONS</p>
<p>1. (U) Following our review of MG Ryder’s Report and MG Miller’s Report, my investigation team immediately began an in-depth review of all available documents regarding the 800th MP Brigade. We reviewed in detail the voluminous CID investigation regarding alleged detainee abuses at detention facilities in Iraq, particularly the Abu Ghraib (BCCF) Detention Facility. We analyzed approximately fifty witness statements from military police and military intelligence personnel, potential suspects, and detainees. We reviewed numerous photos and videos of actual detainee abuse taken by detention facility personnel, which are now in the custody and control of the US Army Criminal Investigation Command and the CJTF-7 prosecution team. The photos and videos are not contained in this investigation. We obtained copies of the 800th MP Brigade roster, rating chain, and assorted internal investigations and disciplinary actions involving that command for the past several months. (All ANNEXES Reviewed by Investigation Team)</p>
<p>2. (U) In addition to military police and legal officers from the CFLCC PMO and SJA Offices we also obtained the services of two individuals who are experts in military police detention practices and training. These were LTC Timothy Weathersbee, Commander, 705th MP Battalion, United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, and SFC Edward Baldwin, Senior Corrections Advisor, US Army Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood. I also requested and received the services of Col (Dr) Henry Nelson, a trained US Air Force psychiatrist assigned to assist my investigation team. (ANNEX 4)</p>
<p>3. (U) In addition to MG Ryder’s and MG Miller’s Reports, the team reviewed numerous reference materials including the 12 October 2003 CJTF-7 Interrogation and Counter-Resistance Policy, the AR 15-6 Investigation on Riot and Shootings at Abu Ghraib on 24 November 2003, the 205thMI Brigade’s Interrogation Rules of Engagement (IROE), facility staff logs/journals and numerous records of AR 15-6 investigations and Serious Incident Reports (SIRs) on detainee escapes/shootings and disciplinary matters from the 800th MP Brigade. (ANNEXES 5-20, 37, 93, and 94)</p>
<p>4. (U) On 2 February 2004, I took my team to Baghdad for a one-day inspection of the Abu Ghraib Prison (BCCF) and the High Value Detainee (HVD) Complex in order to become familiar with those facilities. We also met with COL Jerry Mocello, Commander, 3rd MP Criminal Investigation Group (CID), COL Dave Quantock, Commander, 16th MP Brigade, COL Dave Phillips, Commander, 89th MP Brigade, and COL Ed Sannwaldt, CJTF-7 Provost Marshal. On 7 February 2004, the team visited the Camp Bucca Detention Facility to familiarize itself with the facility and operating structure. In addition, on 6 and 7 February 2004, at Camp Doha, Kuwait, we conducted extensive training sessions on approved detention practices. We continued our preparation by reviewing the ongoing CID investigation and were briefed by the Special Agent in Charge, CW2 Paul Arthur. We refreshed ourselves on the applicable reference materials within each team member’s area of expertise, and practiced investigative techniques. I met with the team on numerous occasions to finalize appropriate witness lists, review existing witness statements, arrange logistics, and collect potential evidence. We also coordinated with CJTF-7 to arrange witness attendance, force protection measures, and general logistics for the team’s move to Baghdad on 8 February 2004. (ANNEXES 4 and 25)</p>
<p>5. (U) At the same time, due to the Transfer of Authority on 1 February 2004 between III Corps and V Corps, and the upcoming demobilization of the 800th MP Brigade Command, I directed that several critical witnesses who were preparing to leave the theater remain at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait until they could be interviewed (ANNEX 29). My team deployed to Baghdad on 8 February 2004 and conducted a series of interviews with a variety of witnesses (ANNEX 30). We returned to Camp Doha, Kuwait on 13 February 2004. On 14 and 15 February we interviewed a number of witnesses from the 800th MP Brigade. On 17 February we returned to Camp Bucca, Iraq to complete interviews of witnesses at that location. From 18 February thru 28 February we collected documents, compiled references, did follow-up interviews, and completed a detailed analysis of the volumes of materials accumulated throughout our investigation. On 29 February we finalized our executive summary and out-briefing slides. On 9 March we submitted the AR 15-6 written report with findings and recommendations to the CFLCC Deputy SJA, LTC Mark Johnson, for a legal sufficiency review. The out-brief to the appointing authority, LTG McKiernan, took place on 3 March 2004. (ANNEXES 26 and 45-91)</p>
<p>FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS</p>
<p>(PART ONE)</p>
<p>(U) The investigation should inquire into all of the facts and circumstances surrounding recent allegations of detainee abuse, specifically, allegations of maltreatment at the Abu Ghraib Prison (Baghdad Central Confinement Facility).</p>
<p>1. (U) The US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID), led by COL Jerry Mocello, and a team of highly trained professional agents have done a superb job of investigating several complex and extremely disturbing incidents of detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Prison. They conducted over 50 interviews of witnesses, potential criminal suspects, and detainees. They also uncovered numerous photos and videos portraying in graphic detail detainee abuse by Military Police personnel on numerous occasions from October to December 2003. Several potential suspects rendered full and complete confessions regarding their personal involvement and the involvement of fellow Soldiers in this abuse. Several potential suspects invoked their rights under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (ANNEX 25)</p>
<p>2. (U) In addition to a comprehensive and exhaustive review of all of these statements and documentary evidence, we also interviewed numerous officers, NCOs, and junior enlisted Soldiers in the 800th MP Brigade, as well as members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade working at the prison. We did not believe it was necessary to re-interview all the numerous witnesses who had previously provided comprehensive statements to CID, and I have adopted those statements for the purposes of this investigation. (ANNEXES 26, 34, 35, and 45-91)</p>
<p>REGARDING PART ONE OF THE INVESTIGATION, I MAKE THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC FINDINGS OF FACT:</p>
<p>1. (U) That Forward Operating Base (FOB) Abu Ghraib (BCCF) provides security of both criminal and security detainees at the Baghdad Central Correctional Facility, facilitates the conducting of interrogations for CJTF-7, supports other CPA operations at the prison, and enhances the force protection/quality of life of Soldiers assigned in order to ensure the success of ongoing operations to secure a free Iraq. (ANNEX 31)</p>
<p>2. (U) That the Commander, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, was designated by CJTF-7 as the Commander of FOB Abu Ghraib (BCCF) effective 19 November 2003. That the 205th MI Brigade conducts operational and strategic interrogations for CJTF-7. That from 19 November 2003 until Transfer of Authority (TOA) on 6 February 2004, COL Thomas M. Pappas was the Commander of the 205th MI Brigade and the Commander of FOB Abu Ghraib (BCCF). (ANNEX 31)</p>
<p>3. (U) That the 320th Military Police Battalion of the 800th MP Brigade is responsible for the Guard Force at Camp Ganci, Camp Vigilant, &amp; Cellblock 1 of FOB Abu Ghraib (BCCF). That from February 2003 to until he was suspended from his duties on 17 January 2004, LTC Jerry Phillabaum served as the Battalion Commander of the 320th MP Battalion. That from December 2002 until he was suspended from his duties, on 17 January 2004, CPT Donald Reese served as the Company Commander of the 372ndMP Company, which was in charge of guarding detainees at FOB Abu Ghraib. I further find that both the 320th MP Battalion and the 372ndMP Company were located within the confines of FOB Abu Ghraib. (ANNEXES 32 and 45)</p>
<p>4. (U) That from July of 2003 to the present, BG Janis L. Karpinski was the Commander of the 800th MP Brigade. (ANNEX 45)</p>
<p>5. (S) That between October and December 2003, at the Abu Ghraib Confinement Facility (BCCF), numerous incidents of sadistic, blatant, and wanton criminal abuses were inflicted on several detainees. This systemic and illegal abuse of detainees was intentionally perpetrated by several members of the military police guard force (372nd Military Police Company, 320thMilitary Police Battalion, 800th MP Brigade), in Tier (section) 1-A of the Abu Ghraib Prison (BCCF). The allegations of abuse were substantiated by detailed witness statements (ANNEX 26) and the discovery of extremely graphic photographic evidence. Due to the extremely sensitive nature of these photographs and videos, the ongoing CID investigation, and the potential for the criminal prosecution of several suspects, the photographic evidence is not included in the body of my investigation. The pictures and videos are available from the Criminal Investigative Command and the CTJF-7 prosecution team. In addition to the aforementioned crimes, there were also abuses committed by members of the 325th MI Battalion, 205th MI Brigade, and Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center (JIDC). Specifically, on 24 November 2003, SPC Luciana Spencer, 205th MI Brigade, sought to degrade a detainee by having him strip and returned to cell naked. (ANNEXES 26 and 53)</p>
<p>6. (S) I find that the intentional abuse of detainees by military police personnel included the following acts:</p>
<p>a. (S) Punching, slapping, and kicking detainees; jumping on their naked feet;</p>
<p>b. (S) Videotaping and photographing naked male and female detainees;</p>
<p>c. (S) Forcibly arranging detainees in various sexually explicit positions for photographing;</p>
<p>d. (S) Forcing detainees to remove their clothing and keeping them naked for several days at a time;</p>
<p>e. (S) Forcing naked male detainees to wear women’s underwear;</p>
<p>f. (S) Forcing groups of male detainees to masturbate themselves while being photographed and videotaped;</p>
<p>g. (S) Arranging naked male detainees in a pile and then jumping on them;</p>
<p>h. (S) Positioning a naked detainee on a MRE Box, with a sandbag on his head, and attaching wires to his fingers, toes, and penis to simulate electric torture;</p>
<p>i. (S) Writing “I am a Rapest” (sic) on the leg of a detainee alleged to have forcibly raped a 15-year old fellow detainee, and then photographing him naked;</p>
<p>j. (S) Placing a dog chain or strap around a naked detainee’s neck and having a female Soldier pose for a picture;</p>
<p>k. (S) A male MP guard having sex with a female detainee;</p>
<p>l. (S) Using military working dogs (without muzzles) to intimidate and frighten detainees, and in at least one case biting and severely injuring a detainee;</p>
<p>m. (S) Taking photographs of dead Iraqi detainees.</p>
<p>(ANNEXES 25 and 26)</p>
<p>7.(U) These findings are amply supported by written confessions provided by several of the suspects, written statements provided by detainees, and witness statements. In reaching my findings, I have carefully considered the pre-existing statements of the following witnesses and suspects (ANNEX 26):</p>
<p>a. (U) SPC Jeremy Sivits, 372nd MP Company – Suspect</p>
<p>b. (U) SPC Sabrina Harman, 372nd MP Company – Suspect</p>
<p>c. (U) SGT Javal S. Davis, 372nd MP Company – Suspect</p>
<p>c. (U) PFC Lynndie R. England, 372nd MP Company – Suspect</p>
<p>d. (U) Adel Nakhla, Civilian Translator, Titan Corp., Assigned to the 205th MI Brigade- Suspect</p>
<p>(Names deleted)</p>
<p>8. (U) In addition, several detainees also described the following acts of abuse, which under the circumstances, I find credible based on the clarity of their statements and supporting evidence provided by other witnesses (ANNEX 26):</p>
<p>a. (U) Breaking chemical lights and pouring the phosphoric liquid on detainees;</p>
<p>b. (U) Threatening detainees with a charged 9mm pistol;</p>
<p>c. (U) Pouring cold water on naked detainees;</p>
<p>d. (U) Beating detainees with a broom handle and a chair;</p>
<p>e. (U) Threatening male detainees with rape;</p>
<p>f. (U) Allowing a military police guard to stitch the wound of a detainee who was injured after being slammed against the wall in his cell;</p>
<p>g. (U) Sodomizing a detainee with a chemical light and perhaps a broom stick.</p>
<p>h. (U) Using military working dogs to frighten and intimidate detainees with threats of attack, and in one instance actually biting a detainee.</p>
<p>9. (U) I have carefully considered the statements provided by the following detainees, which under the circumstances I find credible based on the clarity of their statements and supporting evidence provided by other witnesses:</p>
<p>a. (U) Amjed Isail Waleed, Detainee # 151365</p>
<p>b. (U) Hiadar Saber Abed Miktub-Aboodi, Detainee # 13077</p>
<p>c. (U) Huessin Mohssein Al-Zayiadi, Detainee # 19446</p>
<p>d. (U) Kasim Mehaddi Hilas, Detainee # 151108</p>
<p>e. (U) Mohanded Juma Juma (sic), Detainee # 152307</p>
<p>f. (U) Mustafa Jassim Mustafa, Detainee # 150542</p>
<p>g. (U) Shalan Said Alsharoni, Detainee, # 150422</p>
<p>h. (U) Abd Alwhab Youss, Detainee # 150425</p>
<p>i. (U) Asad Hamza Hanfosh, Detainee # 152529</p>
<p>j. (U) Nori Samir Gunbar Al-Yasseri, Detainee # 7787</p>
<p>k. (U) Thaar Salman Dawod, Detainee # 150427</p>
<p>l. (U) Ameen Sa’eed Al-Sheikh, Detainee # 151362</p>
<p>m. (U) Abdou Hussain Saad Faleh, Detainee # 18470 (ANNEX 26)</p>
<p>10. (U) I find that contrary to the provision of AR 190-8, and the findings found in MG Ryder’s Report, Military Intelligence (MI) interrogators and Other US Government Agency’s (OGA) interrogators actively requested that MP guards set physical and mental conditions for favorable interrogation of witnesses. Contrary to the findings of MG Ryder’s Report, I find that personnel assigned to the 372ndMP Company, 800th MP Brigade were directed to change facility procedures to “set the conditions” for MI interrogations. I find no direct evidence that MP personnel actually participated in those MI interrogations. (ANNEXES 19, 21, 25, and 26).</p>
<p>11. (U) I reach this finding based on the actual proven abuse that I find was inflicted on detainees and by the following witness statements. (ANNEXES 25 and 26):</p>
<p>a. (U) SPC Sabrina Harman, 372nd MP Company, stated in her sworn statement regarding the incident where a detainee was placed on a box with wires attached to his fingers, toes, and penis, “that her job was to keep detainees awake.” She stated that MI was talking to CPL Grainer. She stated: “MI wanted to get them to talk. It is Grainer and Frederick’s job to do things for MI and OGA to get these people to talk.”</p>
<p>b. (U) SGT Javal S. Davis, 372nd MP Company, stated in his sworn statement as follows: “I witnessed prisoners in the MI hold section, wing 1A being made to do various things that I would question morally. In Wing 1A we were told that they had different rules and different SOP for treatment. I never saw a set of rules or SOP for that section just word of mouth. The Soldier in charge of 1A was Corporal Granier. He stated that the Agents and MI Soldiers would ask him to do things, but nothing was ever in writing he would complain (sic).” When asked why the rules in 1A/1B were different than the rest of the wings, SGT Davis stated: “The rest of the wings are regular prisoners and 1A/B are Military Intelligence (MI) holds.” When asked why he did not inform his chain of command about this abuse, SGT Davis stated: ” Because I assumed that if they were doing things out of the ordinary or outside the guidelines, someone would have said something. Also the wing belongs to MI and it appeared MI personnel approved of the abuse.” SGT Davis also stated that he had heard MI insinuate to the guards to abuse the inmates. When asked what MI said he stated: “Loosen this guy up for us.” Make sure he has abad night.” “Make sure he gets the treatment.” He claimed these comments were made to CPL Granier and SSG Frederick. Finally, SGT Davis stated that (sic): “the MI staffs to my understanding have been giving Granier compliments on the way he has been handling the MI holds. Example being statements like, “Good job, they’re breaking down real fast. They answer every question. They’re giving out good information, Finally, and Keep up the good work . Stuff like that.”</p>
<p>c. (U) SPC Jason Kennel, 372nd MP Company, was asked if he were present when any detainees were abused. He stated: “I saw them nude, but MI would tell us to take away their mattresses, sheets, and clothes.” He could not recall who in MI had instructed him to do this, but commented that, “if they wanted me to do that they needed to give me paperwork.” He was later informed that “we could not do anything to embarrass the prisoners.”</p>
<p>d. (U) Mr. Adel L. Nakhla, a US civilian contract translator was questioned about several detainees accused of rape. He observed (sic): “They (detainees) were all naked, a bunch of people from MI, the MP were there that night and the inmates were ordered by SGT Granier and SGT Frederick ordered the guys while questioning them to admit what they did. They made them do strange exercises by sliding on their stomach, jump up and down, throw water on them and made them some wet, called them all kinds of names such as “gays” do they like to make love to guys, then they handcuffed their hands together and their legs with shackles and started to stack them on top of each other by insuring that the bottom guys penis will touch the guy on tops butt.”</p>
<p>e. (U) SPC Neil A Wallin, 109th Area Support Medical Battalion, a medic testified that: “Cell 1A was used to house high priority detainees and cell 1B was used to house the high risk or trouble making detainees. During my tour at the prison I observed that when the male detainees were first brought to the facility, some of them were made to wear female underwear, which I think was to somehow break them down.”</p>
<p>12. (U) I find that prior to its deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 320th MP Battalion and the 372nd MP Company had received no training in detention/internee operations. I also find that very little instruction or training was provided to MP personnel on the applicable rules of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, FM 27-10, AR 190-8, or FM 3-19.40. Moreover, I find that few, if any, copies of the Geneva Conventions were ever made available to MP personnel or detainees. (ANNEXES 21-24, 33, and multiple witness statements)</p>
<p>13.(U) Another obvious example of the Brigade Leadership not communicating with its Soldiers or ensuring their tactical proficiency concerns the incident of detainee abuse that occurred at Camp Bucca, Iraq, on May 12, 2003. Soldiers from the 223rd MP Company reported to the 800th MP Brigade Command at Camp Bucca, that four Military Police Soldiers from the 320th MP Battalion had abused a number of detainees during inprocessing at Camp Bucca. An extensive CID investigation determined that four soldiers from the 320th MP Battalion had kicked and beaten these detainees following a transport mission from Talil Air Base. (ANNEXES 34 and 35)</p>
<p>14. (U) Formal charges under the UCMJ were preferred against these Soldiers and an Article-32 Investigation conducted by LTC Gentry. He recommended a general court martial for the four accused, which BG Karpinski supported. Despite this documented abuse, there is no evidence that BG Karpinski ever attempted to remind 800th MP Soldiers of the requirements of the Geneva Conventions regarding detainee treatment or took any steps to ensure that such abuse was not repeated. Nor is there any evidence that LTC(P) Phillabaum, the commander of the Soldiers involved in the Camp Bucca abuse incident, took any initiative to ensure his Soldiers were properly trained regarding detainee treatment. (ANNEXES 35 and 62)</p>
<p>RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO PART ONE OF THE INVESTIGATION:</p>
<p>1. (U) Immediately deploy to the Iraq Theater an integrated multi-discipline Mobile Training Team (MTT) comprised of subject matter experts in internment/resettlement operations, international and operational law, information technology, facility management, interrogation and intelligence gathering techniques, chaplains, Arab cultural awareness, and medical practices as it pertains to I/R activities. This team needs to oversee and conduct comprehensive training in all aspects of detainee and confinement operations.</p>
<p>2. (U) That all military police and military intelligence personnel involved in any aspect of detainee operations or interrogation operations in CJTF-7, and subordinate units, be immediately provided with training by an international/operational law attorney on the specific provisions of The Law of Land Warfare FM 27-10, specifically the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees, and Other Detainees, and AR 190-8.</p>
<p>3. (U) That a single commander in CJTF-7 be responsible for overall detainee operations throughout the Iraq Theater of Operations. I also recommend that the Provost Marshal General of the Army assign a minimum of two (2) subject matter experts, one officer and one NCO, to assist CJTF-7 in coordinating detainee operations.</p>
<p>4. (U) That detention facility commanders and interrogation facility commanders ensure that appropriate copies of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War and notice of protections be made available in both English and the detainees’ language and be prominently displayed in all detention facilities. Detainees with questions regarding their treatment should be given the full opportunity to read the Convention.</p>
<p>5. (U) That each detention facility commander and interrogation facility commander publish a complete and comprehensive set of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding treatment of detainees, and that all personnel be required to read the SOPs and sign a document indicating that they have read and understand the SOPs.</p>
<p>6. (U) That in accordance with the recommendations of MG Ryder’s Assessment Report, and my findings and recommendations in this investigation, all units in the Iraq Theater of Operations conducting internment/confinement/detainment operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom be OPCON for all purposes, to include action under the UCMJ, to CJTF-7.</p>
<p>7. (U) Appoint the C3, CJTF as the staff proponent for detainee operations in the Iraq Joint Operations Area (JOA). (MG Tom Miller, C3, CJTF-7, has been appointed by COMCJTF-7).</p>
<p>8. (U) That an inquiry UP AR 381-10, Procedure 15 be conducted to determine the extent of culpability of Military Intelligence personnel, assigned to the 205th MI Brigade and the Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center (JIDC) regarding abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib (BCCF).</p>
<p>9. (U) That it is critical that the proponent for detainee operations is assigned a dedicated Senior Judge Advocate, with specialized training and knowledge of international and operational law, to assist and advise on matters of detainee operations.</p>
<p>FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS</p>
<p>(PART TWO)</p>
<p>(U) The Investigation inquire into detainee escapes and accountability lapses as reported by CJTF-7, specifically allegations concerning these events at the Abu Ghraib Prison:</p>
<p>REGARDING PART TWO OF THE INVESTIGATION,</p>
<p>I MAKE THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC FINDINGS OF FACT:</p>
<p>1. The 800th MP Brigade was responsible for theater-wide Internment and Resettlement (I/R) operations. (ANNEXES 45 and 95)</p>
<p>2. (U) The 320th MP Battalion, 800th MP Brigade was tasked with detainee operations at the Abu Ghraib Prison Complex during the time period covered in this investigation. (ANNEXES 41, 45, and 59)</p>
<p>3. (U) The 310th MP Battalion, 800th MP Brigade was tasked with detainee operations and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Operations at the Camp Bucca Detention Facility until TOA on 26 February 2004. (ANNEXES 41 and 52)</p>
<p>4. (U) The 744th MP Battalion, 800th MP Brigade was tasked with detainee operations and FOB Operations at the HVD Detention Facility until TOA on 4 March 2004. (ANNEXES 41 and 55)</p>
<p>5. (U) The 530th MP Battalion, 800th MP Brigade was tasked with detainee operations and FOB Operations at the MEK holding facility until TOA on 15 March 2004. (ANNEXES 41 and 97)</p>
<p>6. (U) Detainee operations include accountability, care, and well being of Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Person, Civilian Detainees, and Other Detainees, as well as Iraqi criminal prisoners. (ANNEX 22)</p>
<p>7. (U) The accountability for detainees is doctrinally an MP task IAW FM 3-19.40. (ANNEX 22)</p>
<p>8. (U) There is a general lack of knowledge, implementation, and emphasis of basic legal, regulatory, doctrinal, and command requirements within the 800th MP Brigade and its subordinate units. (Multiple witness statements in ANNEXES 45-91).</p>
<p>9. (U) The handling of detainees and criminal prisoners after in-processing was inconsistent from detention facility to detention facility, compound to compound, encampment to encampment, and even shift to shift throughout the 800th MP Brigade AOR. (ANNEX 37)</p>
<p>10. (U) Camp Bucca, operated by the 310th MP Battalion, had a “Criminal Detainee In-Processing SOP” and a “Training Outline” for transferring and releasing detainees, which appears to have been followed. (ANNEXES 38 and 52)</p>
<p>11. (U) Incoming and outgoing detainees are being documented in the National Detainee Reporting System (NDRS) and Biometric Automated Toolset System (BATS) as required by regulation at all detention facilities. However, it is underutilized and often does not give a “real time” accurate picture of the detainee population due to untimely updating. (ANNEX 56)</p>
<p>12. (U) There was a severe lapse in the accountability of detainees at the Abu Ghraib Prison Complex. The 320th MP Battalion used a self-created “change sheet” to document the transfer of a detainee from one location to another. For proper accountability, it is imperative that these change sheets be processed and the detainee manifest be updated within 24 hours of movement. At Abu Ghraib, this process would often take as long as 4 days to complete. This lag-time resulted in inaccurate detainee Internment Serial Number (ISN) counts, gross differences in the detainee manifest and the actual occupants of an individual compound, and significant confusion of the MP Soldiers. The 320th MP Battalion S-1, CPT Theresa Delbalso, and the S-3, MAJ David DiNenna, explained that this breakdown was due to the lack of manpower to process change sheets in a timely manner. (ANNEXES 39 and 98)</p>
<p>13. (U) The 320th Battalion TACSOP requires detainee accountability at least 4 times daily at Abu Ghraib. However, a detailed review of their operational journals revealed that these accounts were often not done or not documented by the unit. Additionally, there is no indication that accounting errors or the loss of a detainee in the accounting process triggered any immediate corrective action by the Battalion TOC. (ANNEX 44)</p>
<p>14. (U) There is a lack of standardization in the way the 320th MP Battalion conducted physical counts of their detainees. Each compound within a given encampment did their headcounts differently. Some compounds had detainees line up in lines of 10, some had them sit in rows, and some moved all the detainees to one end of the compound and counted them as they passed to the other end of the compound. (ANNEX 98)</p>
<p>15. (U) FM 3-19.40 outlines the need for 2 roll calls (100% ISN band checks) per day. The 320th MP Battalion did this check only 2 times per week. Due to the lack of real-time updates to the system, these checks were regularly inaccurate. (ANNEXES 22 and 98)</p>
<p>16. (U) The 800th MP Brigade and subordinate units adopted non-doctrinal terms such as “band checks,” “roll-ups,” and “call-ups,” which contributed to the lapses in accountability and confusion at the soldier level. (Annexes 63, 88, and 98)</p>
<p>17. (U) Operational journals at the various compounds and the 320th Battalion TOC contained numerous unprofessional entries and flippant comments, which highlighted the lack of discipline within the unit. There was no indication that the journals were ever reviewed by anyone in their chain of command. (Annex 37)</p>
<p>18. (U) Accountability SOPs were not fully developed and standing TACSOPs were widely ignored. Any SOPs that did exist were not trained on, and were never distributed to the lowest level. Most procedures were shelved at the unit TOC, rather than at the subordinate units and guards mount sites. (Annexes 44, 67, 71, and 85)</p>
<p>19. (U) Accountability and facility operations SOPs lacked specificity, implementation measures, and a system of checks and balances to ensure compliance. (AnnexES 76 and 82)</p>
<p>20. (U) Basic Army Doctrine was not widely referenced or utilized to develop the accountability practices throughout the 800th MP Brigade’s subordinate units. Daily processing, accountability, and detainee care appears to have been made up as the operations developed with reliance on, and guidance from, junior members of the unit who had civilian corrections experience. (Annex 21)</p>
<p>21. (U) Soldiers were poorly prepared and untrained to conduct I/R operations prior to deployment, at the mobilization site, upon arrival in theater, and throughout their mission. (ANNEXES 62, 63, and 69)</p>
<p>22. (U) The documentation provided to this investigation identified 27 escapes or attempted escapes from the detention facilities throughout the 800th MP Brigade’s AOR. Based on my assessment and detailed analysis of the substandard accountability process maintained by the 800th MP Brigade, it is highly likely that there were several more unreported cases of escape that were probably “written off” as administrative errors or otherwise undocumented. 1LT Lewis Raeder, Platoon Leader, 372nd MP Company, reported knowing about at least two additional escapes (one from a work detail and one from a window) from Abu Ghraib (BCCF) that were not documented. LTC Dennis McGlone, Commander, 744th MP Battalion, detailed the escape of one detainee at the High Value Detainee Facility who went to the latrine and then outran the guards and escaped. Lastly, BG Janis Karpinski, Commander, 800th MP Brigade, stated that there were more than 32 escapes from her holding facilities, which does not match the number derived from the investigation materials. (ANNEXES 5-10, 45, 55, and 71)</p>
<p>23. (U) The Abu Ghraib and Camp Bucca detention facilities are significantly over their intended maximum capacity while the guard force is undermanned and under resourced. This imbalance has contributed to the poor living conditions, escapes, and accountability lapses at the various facilities. The overcrowding of the facilities also limits the ability to identify and segregate leaders in the detainee population who may be organizing escapes and riots within the facility. (ANNEXES 6, 22, and 92)</p>
<p>24. (U) The screening, processing, and release of detainees who should not be in custody takes too long and contributes to the overcrowding and unrest in the detention facilities. There are currently three separate release mechanisms in the theater-wide internment operations. First, the apprehending unit can release a detainee if there is a determination that their continued detention is not warranted. Secondly, a criminal detainee can be released after it has been determined that the detainee has no intelligence value, and that their release would not be detrimental to society. BG Karpinski had signature authority to release detainees in this second category. Lastly, detainees accused of committing “Crimes Against the Coalition,” who are held throughout the separate facilities in the CJTF-7 AOR, can be released upon a determination that they are of no intelligence value and no longer pose a significant threat to Coalition Forces. The release process for this category of detainee is a screening by the local US Forces Magistrate Cell and a review by a Detainee Release Board consisting of BG Karpinski, COL Marc Warren, SJA, CJTF-7, and MG Barbara Fast, C-2, CJTF-7. MG Fast is the “Detainee Release Authority” for detainees being held for committing crimes against the coalition. According to BG Karpinski, this category of detainee makes up more than 60% of the total detainee population, and is the fastest growing category. However, MG Fast, according to BG Karpinski, routinely denied the board’s recommendations to release detainees in this category who were no longer deemed a threat and clearly met the requirements for release. According to BG Karpinski, the extremely slow and ineffective release process has significantly contributed to the overcrowding of the facilities. (ANNEXES 40, 45, and 46)</p>
<p>25. (U) After Action Reviews (AARs) are not routinely being conducted after an escape or other serious incident. No lessons learned seem to have been disseminated to subordinate units to enable corrective action at the lowest level. The Investigation Team requested copies of AARs, and none were provided. (Multiple Witness Statements)</p>
<p>26. (U) Lessons learned (i.e. Findings and Recommendations from various 15-6 Investigations concerning escapes and accountability lapses) were rubber stamped as approved and ordered implemented by BG Karpinski. There is no evidence that the majority of her orders directing the implementation of substantive changes were ever acted upon. Additionally, there was no follow-up by the command to verify the corrective actions were taken. Had the findings and recommendations contained within their own investigations been analyzed and actually implemented by BG Karpinski, many of the subsequent escapes, accountability lapses, and cases of abuse may have been prevented. (ANNEXES 5-10)</p>
<p>27. (U) The perimeter lighting around Abu Ghraib and the detention facility at Camp Bucca is inadequate and needs to be improved to illuminate dark areas that have routinely become avenues of escape. (ANNEX 6)</p>
<p>28. (U) Neither the camp rules nor the provisions of the Geneva Conventions are posted in English or in the language of the detainees at any of the detention facilities in the 800th MP Brigade’s AOR, even after several investigations had annotated the lack of this critical requirement. (Multiple Witness Statements and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team)</p>
<p>29. (U) The Iraqi guards at Abu Ghraib BCCF) demonstrate questionable work ethics and loyalties, and are a potentially dangerous contingent within the Hard-Site. These guards have furnished the Iraqi criminal inmates with contraband, weapons, and information. Additionally, they have facilitated the escape of at least one detainee. (ANNEX 8 and 26-SPC Polak’s Statement)</p>
<p>30. (U) In general, US civilian contract personnel (Titan Corporation, CACI, etc…), third country nationals, and local contractors do not appear to be properly supervised within the detention facility at Abu Ghraib. During our on-site inspection, they wandered about with too much unsupervised free access in the detainee area. Having civilians in various outfits (civilian and DCUs) in and about the detainee area causes confusion and may have contributed to the difficulties in the accountability process and with detecting escapes. (ANNEX 51, Multiple Witness Statements, and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team)</p>
<p>31. (U) SGM Marc Emerson, Operations SGM, 320th MP Battalion, contended that the Detainee Rules of Engagement (DROE) and the general principles of the Geneva Convention were briefed at every guard mount and shift change on Abu Ghraib. However, none of our witnesses, nor our personal observations, support his contention. I find that SGM Emerson was not a credible witness. (ANNEXES 45, 80, and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team)</p>
<p>32. (U) Several interviewees insisted that the MP and MI Soldiers at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) received regular training on the basics of detainee operations; however, they have been unable to produce any verifying documentation, sign-in rosters, or soldiers who can recall the content of this training. (Annexes 59, 80, and the Absence of any Training Records)</p>
<p>33. (S/NF) The various detention facilities operated by the 800th MP Brigade have routinely held persons brought to them by Other Government Agencies (OGAs) without accounting for them, knowing their identities, or even the reason for their detention. The Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center (JIDC) at Abu Ghraib called these detainees “ghost detainees.” On at least one occasion, the 320th MP Battalion at Abu Ghraib held a handful of “ghost detainees” (6-8) for OGAs that they moved around within the facility to hide them from a visiting International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) survey team. This maneuver was deceptive, contrary to Army Doctrine, and in violation of international law. (Annex 53)</p>
<p>34. (U) The following riots, escapes, and shootings have been documented and reported to this Investigation Team. Although there is no data from other missions of similar size and duration to compare the number of escapes with, the most significant factors derived from these reports are twofold. First, investigations and SIRs lacked critical data needed to evaluate the details of each incident. Second, each investigation seems to have pointed to the same types of deficiencies; however, little to nothing was done to correct the problems and to implement the recommendations as was ordered by BG Karpinski, nor was there any command emphasis to ensure these deficiencies were corrected:</p>
<p>a. (U) 4 June 03- This escape was mentioned in the 15-6 Investigation covering the 13 June 03 escape, recapture, and shootings of detainees at Camp Vigilant (320th MP Battalion). However, no investigation or additional information was provided as requested by this investigation team. (ANNEX 7)</p>
<p>b. (U) 9 June 03- Riot and shootings of five detainees at Camp Cropper. (115th MP Battalion) Several detainees allegedly rioted after a detainee was subdued by MPs of the 115th MP Battalion after striking a guard in compound B of Camp Cropper. A 15-6 investigation by 1LT Magowan (115th MP Battalion, Platoon Leader) concluded that a detainee had acted up and hit an MP. After being subdued, one of the MPs took off his DCU top and flexed his muscles to the detainees, which further escalated the riot. The MPs were overwhelmed and the guards fired lethal rounds to protect the life of the compound MPs, whereby 5 detainees were wounded. Contributing factors were poor communications, no clear chain of command, facility-obstructed views of posted guards, the QRF did not have non-lethal equipment, and the SOP was inadequate and outdated. (ANNEX 5)</p>
<p>c. (U) 12 June 03- Escape and recapture of detainee #8399, escape and shooting of detainee # 7166, and attempted escape of an unidentified detainee from Camp Cropper Holding Area (115th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly made their escape in the nighttime hours prior to 0300. A 15-6 investigation by CPT Wendlandt (115th MP Battalion, S-2) concluded that the detainees allegedly escaped by crawling under the wire at a location with inadequate lighting. One detainee was stopped prior to escape. An MP of the 115th MP Battalion search team recaptured detainee # 8399, and detainee # 7166 was shot and killed by a Soldier during the recapture process. Contributing factors were overcrowding, poor lighting, and the nature of the hardened criminal detainees at that location. It is of particular note that the command was informed at least 24 hours in advance of the upcoming escape attempt and started doing amplified announcements in Arabic stating the camp rules. The investigation pointed out that rules and guidelines were not posted in the camps in the detainees’ native languages. (ANNEX 6)</p>
<p>d. (U) 13 June 03- Escape and recapture of detainee # 8968 and the shooting of eight detainees at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) (320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly attempted to escape at about 1400 hours from the Camp Vigilant Compound, Abu Ghraib (BCCF). A 15-6 investigation by CPT Wyks (400th MP Battalion, S-1) concluded that the detainee allegedly escaped by sliding under the wire while the tower guard was turned in the other direction. This detainee was subsequently apprehended by the QRF. At about 1600 the same day, 30-40 detainees rioted and pelted three interior MP guards with rocks. One guard was injured and the tower guards fired lethal rounds at the rioters injuring 7 and killing 1 detainee. (ANNEX 7)</p>
<p>e. (U) 05 November 03- Escape of detainees # 9877 and # 10739 from Abu Ghraib (320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly escaped at 0345 from the Hard-Site, Abu Ghraib (BCCF). An SIR was initiated by SPC Warner (320th MP Battalion, S-3 RTO). The SIR indicated that 2 criminal prisoners escaped through their cell window in tier 3A of the Hard-Site. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 11)</p>
<p>f. (U) 07 November 03- Escape of detainee # 14239 from Abu Ghraib (320th MP Battalion). A detainee allegedly escaped at 1330 from Compound 2 of the Ganci Encampment, Abu Ghraib (BCCF). An SIR was initiated by SSG Hydro (320th MP Battalion, S-3 Asst. NCOIC). The SIR indicated that a detainee escaped from the North end of the compound and was discovered missing during distribution of the noon meal, but there is no method of escape listed in the SIR. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 12)</p>
<p>g. (U) 08 November 03- Escape of detainees # 115089, # 151623, # 151624, # 116734, # 116735, and # 116738 from Abu Ghraib (320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly escaped at 2022 from Compound 8 of the Ganci encampment, Abu Ghraib. An SIR was initiated by MAJ DiNenna (320th MP Battalion, S-3). The SIR indicated that 5-6 prisoners escaped from the North end of the compound, but there is no method of escape listed in the SIR. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 13)</p>
<p>h. (U) 24 November 03- Riot and shooting of 12 detainees # 150216, #150894, #153096, 153165, #153169, #116361, #153399, #20257, #150348, #152616, #116146, and #152156 at Abu Ghraib(320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly began to riot at about 1300 in all of the compounds at the Ganci encampment. This resulted in the shooting deaths of 3 detainees, 9 wounded detainees, and 9 injured US Soldiers. A 15-6 investigation by COL Bruce Falcone (220th MP Brigade, Deputy Commander) concluded that the detainees rioted in protest of their living conditions, that the riot turned violent, the use of non-lethal force was ineffective, and, after the 320th MP Battalion CDR executed “Golden Spike,” the emergency containment plan, the use of deadly force was authorized. Contributing factors were lack of comprehensive training of guards, poor or non-existent SOPs, no formal guard-mount conducted prior to shift, no rehearsals or ongoing training, the mix of less than lethal rounds with lethal rounds in weapons, no AARs being conducted after incidents, ROE not posted and not understood, overcrowding, uniforms not standardized, and poor communication between the command and Soldiers. (ANNEX 8)</p>
<p>i. (U) 24 November 03- Shooting of detainee at Abu Ghraib(320th MP Battalion). A detainee allegedly had a pistol in his cell and around 1830 an extraction team shot him with less than lethal and lethal rounds in the process of recovering the weapon. A 15-6 investigation by COL Bruce Falcone (220th Brigade, Deputy Commander) concluded that one of the detainees in tier 1A of the Hard Site had gotten a pistol and a couple of knives from an Iraqi Guard working in the encampment. Immediately upon receipt of this information, an ad-hoc extraction team consisting of MP and MI personnel conducted what they called a routine cell search, which resulted in the shooting of an MP and the detainee. Contributing factors were a corrupt Iraqi Guard, inadequate SOPs, the Detention ROE in place at the time was ineffective due to the numerous levels of authorization needed for use of lethal force, poorly trained MPs, unclear lanes of responsibility, and ambiguous relationship between the MI and MP assets. (ANNEX 8)</p>
<p>j. (U) 13 December 03- Shooting by non-lethal means into crowd at Abu Ghraib(320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly got into a detainee-on-detainee fight around 1030 in Compound 8 of the Ganci encampment, Abu Ghraib. An SIR was initiated by SSG Matash (320th MP Battalion, S-3 Section). The SIR indicated that there was a fight in the compound and the MPs used a non-lethal crowd-dispersing round to break up the fight, which was successful. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 14)</p>
<p>k. (U) 13 December 03- Shooting by non-lethal means into crowd at Abu Ghraib(320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly got into a detainee-on-detainee fight around 1120 in Compound 2 of the Ganci encampment, Abu Ghraib. An SIR was initiated by SSG Matash (320th MP Battalion, S-3 Section). The SIR indicated that there was a fight in the compound and the MPs used two non-lethal shots to disperse the crowd, which was successful. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 15)</p>
<p>l. (U) 13 December 03- Shooting by non-lethal means into crowd at Abu Ghraib(320th MP Battalion). Approximately 30-40 detainees allegedly got into a detainee-on-detainee fight around 1642 in Compound 3 of the Ganci encampment, Abu Ghraib (BCCF). An SIR was initiated by SSG Matash (320th MP Battalion, S-3 Section). The SIR indicates that there was a fight in the compound and the MPs used a non-lethal crowd-dispersing round to break up the fight, which was successful. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 16)</p>
<p>m. (U) 17 December 03- Shooting by non-lethal means of detainee from Abu Ghraib(320th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly assaulted an MP at 1459 inside the Ganci Encampment, Abu Ghraib (BCCF). An SIR was initiated by SSG Matash (320th MP BRIGADE, S-3 Section). The SIR indicated that three detainees assaulted an MP, which resulted in the use of a non-lethal shot that calmed the situation. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 17)</p>
<p>n. (U) 07 January 04- Escape of detainee #115032 from Camp Bucca(310th MP Battalion). A detainee allegedly escaped between the hours of 0445 and 0640 from Compound 12, of Camp Bucca. Investigation by CPT Kaires (310th MP Battalion S-3) and CPT Holsombeck (724th MP Battalion S-3) concluded that the detainee escaped through an undetected weakness in the wire. Contributing factors were inexperienced guards, lapses in accountability, complacency, lack of leadership presence, poor visibility, and lack of clear and concise communication between the guards and the leadership. (ANNEX 9)</p>
<p>o. (U) 12 January 04- Escape of Detainees #115314 and #109950 as well as the escape and recapture of 5 unknown detainees at the Camp Bucca Detention Facility (310th MP Battalion). Several detainees allegedly escaped around 0300 from Compound 12, of Camp Bucca. An AR 15-6 Investigation by LTC Leigh Coulter (800th MP Brigade, OIC Camp Arifjan Detachment) concluded that three of the detainees escaped through the front holding cell during conditions of limited visibility due to fog. One of the detainees was noticed, shot with a non-lethal round, and returned to his holding compound. That same night, 4 detainees exited through the wire on the South side of the camp and were seen and apprehended by the QRF. Contributing factors were the lack of a coordinated effort for emplacement of MPs during implementation of the fog plan, overcrowding, and poor communications. (ANNEX 10)</p>
<p>p. (U) 14 January 04- Escape of detainee #12436 and missing Iraqi guard from Hard-Site, Abu Ghraib (320th MP Battalion). A detainee allegedly escaped at 1335 from the Hard Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). An SIR was initiated by SSG Hydro (320th MP Battalion, S-3 Asst. NCOIC). The SIR indicates that an Iraqi guard assisted a detainee to escape by signing him out on a work detail and disappearing with him. At the time of the second SIR, neither missing person had been located. No information on findings, contributing factors, or corrective action has been provided to this investigation team. (ANNEX 99)</p>
<p>q. (U) 26 January 04- Escape of detainees #s 115236, 116272, and 151933 from Camp Bucca(310th MP Battalion). Several Detainees allegedly escaped between the hours of 0440 and 0700 during a period of intense fog. Investigation by CPT Kaires (310th MP Battalion S-3) concluded that the detainees crawled under a fence when visibility was only 10-15 meters due to fog. Contributing factors were the limited visibility (darkness under foggy conditions), lack of proper accountability reporting, inadequate number of guards, commencement of detainee feeding during low visibility operations, and poorly rested MPs. (ANNEX 18)</p>
<p>36. (U) As I have previously indicated, this investigation determined that there was virtually a complete lack of detailed SOPs at any of the detention facilities. Moreover, despite the fact that there were numerous reported escapes at detention facilities throughout Iraq (in excess of 35), AR 15-6 Investigations following these escapes were simply forgotten or ignored by the Brigade Commander with no dissemination to other facilities. After-Action Reports and Lessons Learned, if done at all, remained at individual facilities and were not shared among other commanders or soldiers throughout the Brigade. The Command never issued standard TTPs for handling escape incidents. (AnnexES 5-10, Multiple Witness Statements, and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team)</p>
<p>RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING PART TWO OF THE INVESTIGATION:</p>
<p>(U) ANNEX 100 of this investigation contains a detailed and referenced series of recommendations for improving the detainee accountability practices throughout the OIF area of operations. (U) Accountability practices throughout any particular detention facility must be standardized and in accordance with applicable regulations and international law. (U) The NDRS and BATS accounting systems must be expanded and used to their fullest extent to facilitate real time updating when detainees are moved and or transferred from one location to another. (U) “Change sheets,” or their doctrinal equivalent must be immediately processed and updated into the system to ensure accurate accountability. The detainee roll call or ISN counts must match the manifest provided to the compound guards to ensure proper accountability of detainees. (U) Develop, staff, and implement comprehensive and detailed SOPs utilizing the lessons learned from this investigation as well as any previous findings, recommendations, and reports. (U) SOPs must be written, disseminated, trained on, and understood at the lowest level.(U) Iraqi criminal prisoners must be held in separate facilities from any other category of detainee. (U) All of the compounds should be wired into the master manifest whereby MP Soldiers can account for their detainees in real time and without waiting for their change sheets to be processed. This would also have the change sheet serve as a way to check up on the accuracy of the manifest as updated by each compound. The BATS and NDRS system can be utilized for this function.(U) Accountability lapses, escapes, and disturbances within the detainment facilities must be immediately reported through both the operational and administrative Chain of Command via a Serious Incident Report (SIR). The SIRs must then be tracked and followed by daily SITREPs until the situation is resolved. (U) Detention Rules of Engagement (DROE), Interrogation Rules of Engagement (IROE), and the principles of the Geneva Conventions need to be briefed at every shift change and guard mount. (U) AARs must be conducted after serious incidents at any given facility. The observations and corrective actions that develop from the AARs must be analyzed by the respective MP Battalion S-3 section, developed into a plan of action, shared with the other facilities, and implemented as a matter of policy. (U) There must be significant structural improvements at each of the detention facilities. The needed changes include significant enhancement of perimeter lighting, additional chain link fencing, staking down of all concertina wire, hard site development, and expansion of Abu Ghraib (BCCF) . (U) The Geneva Conventions and the facility rules must be prominently displayed in English and the language of the detainees at each compound and encampment at every detention facility IAW AR 190-8. (U) Further restrict US civilians and other contractors’ access throughout the facility. Contractors and civilians must be in an authorized and easily identifiable uniform to be more easily distinguished from the masses of detainees in civilian clothes. (U) Facilities must have a stop movement/transfer period of at least 1 hour prior to every 100% detainee roll call and ISN counts to ensure accurate accountability.(U) The method for doing head counts of detainees within a given compound must be standardized. (U) Those military units conducting I/R operations must know of, train on, and constantly reference the applicable Army Doctrine and CJTF command policies. The references provided in this report cover nearly every deficiency I have enumerated. Although they do not, and cannot, make up for leadership shortfalls, all soldiers, at all levels, can use them to maintain standardized operating procedures and efficient accountability practices.</p>
<p>FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS</p>
<p>(PART THREE)</p>
<p>(U) Investigate the training, standards, employment, command policies, internal procedures, and command climate in the 800th MP Brigade, as appropriate:</p>
<p>(Names deleted)</p>
<p>(ANNEXES 45-91)</p>
<p>REGARDING PART THREE OF THE INVESTIGATION, I MAKE THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC FINDINGS OF FACT:</p>
<p>1. (U) I find that BG Janis Karpinski took command of the 800th MP Brigade on 30 June 2003 from BG Paul Hill. BG Karpinski has remained in command since that date. The 800th MP Brigade is comprised of eight MP battalions in the Iraqi TOR: 115th MP Battalion, 310th MP Battalion, 320th MP Battalion, 324th MP Battalion, 400th MP Battalion, 530th MP Battalion, 724th MP Battalion, and 744th MP Battalion.</p>
<p>(ANNEXES 41 and 45)</p>
<p>2. (U) Prior to BG Karpinski taking command, members of the 800th MP Brigade believed they would be allowed to go home when all the detainees were released from the Camp Bucca Theater Internment Facility following the cessation of major ground combat on 1 May 2003. At one point, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 detainees were held at Camp Bucca. Through Article-5 Tribunals and a screening process, several thousand detainees were released. Many in the command believed they would go home when the detainees were released. In late May-early June 2003 the 800th MPBrigade was given a new mission to manage the Iraqi penal system and several detention centers. This new mission meant Soldiers would not redeploy to CONUS when anticipated. Morale suffered, and over the next few months there did not appear to have been any attempt by the Command to mitigate this morale problem. (ANNEXES 45 and 96)</p>
<p>3. (U) There is abundant evidence in the statements of numerous witnesses that soldiers throughout the 800th MP Brigade were not proficient in their basic MOS skills, particularly regarding internment/resettlement operations. Moreover, there is no evidence that the command, although aware of these deficiencies, attempted to correct them in any systemic manner other than ad hoc training by individuals with civilian corrections experience. (Multiple Witness Statements and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team)</p>
<p>4. (U) I find that the 800th MP Brigade was not adequately trained for a mission that included operating a prison or penal institution at Abu Ghraib Prison Complex. As the Ryder Assessment found, I also concur that units of the 800th MP Brigade did not receive corrections-specific training during their mobilization period. MP units did not receive pinpoint assignments prior to mobilization and during the post mobilization training, and thus could not train for specific missions. The training that was accomplished at the mobilization sites were developed and implemented at the company level with little or no direction or supervision at the Battalion and Brigade levels, and consisted primarily of common tasks and law enforcement training. However, I found no evidence that the Command, although aware of this deficiency, ever requested specific corrections training from the Commandant of the Military Police School, the US Army Confinement Facility at Mannheim, Germany, the Provost Marshal General of the Army, or the US Army Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. (ANNEXES 19 and 76)</p>
<p>5. (U) I find that without adequate training for a civilian internee detention mission, Brigade personnel relied heavily on individuals within the Brigade who had civilian corrections experience, including many who worked as prison guards or corrections officials in their civilian jobs. Almost every witness we interviewed had no familiarity with the provisions of AR 190-8 or FM 3-19.40. It does not appear that a Mission Essential Task List (METL) based on in-theater missions was ever developed nor was a training plan implemented throughout the Brigade. (ANNEXES 21, 22, 67, and 81)</p>
<p>6. (U) I also find, as did MG Ryder’s Team, that the 800th MP Brigade as a whole, was understrength for the mission for which it was tasked. Army Doctrine dictates that an I/R Brigade can be organized with between 7 and 21 battalions, and that the average battalion size element should be able to handle approximately 4000 detainees at a time. This investigation indicates that BG Karpinski and her staff did a poor job allocating resources throughout the Iraq JOA. Abu Ghraib (BCCF) normally housed between 6000 and 7000 detainees, yet it was operated by only one battalion. In contrast, the HVD Facility maintains only about 100 detainees, and is also run by an entire battalion. (ANNEXES 19, 22, and 96)</p>
<p>7. (U) Reserve Component units do not have an individual replacement system to mitigate medical or other losses. Over time, the 800th MP Brigade clearly suffered from personnel shortages through release from active duty (REFRAD) actions, medical evacuation, and demobilization. In addition to being severely undermanned, the quality of life for Soldiers assigned to Abu Ghraib (BCCF) was extremely poor. There was no DFAC, PX, barbershop, or MWR facilities. There were numerous mortar attacks, random rifle and RPG attacks, and a serious threat to Soldiers and detainees in the facility. The prison complex was also severely overcrowded and the Brigade lacked adequate resources and personnel to resolve serious logistical problems. Finally, because of past associations and familiarity of Soldiers within the Brigade, it appears that friendship often took precedence over appropriate leader and subordinate relationships. (ANNEX 101, Multiple Witness Statements, and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team)</p>
<p>8. (U) With respect to the 800th MP Brigade mission at Abu Ghraib (BCCF), I find that there was clear friction and lack of effective communication between the Commander, 205th MI Brigade, who controlled FOB Abu Ghraib (BCCF) after 19 November 2003, and the Commander, 800th MP Brigade, who controlled detainee operations inside the FOB. There was no clear delineation of responsibility between commands, little coordination at the command level, and no integration of the two functions. Coordination occurred at the lowest possible levels with little oversight by commanders. (ANNEXES 31, 45, and 46)</p>
<p>9. (U) I find that this ambiguous command relationship was exacerbated by a CJTF-7 Fragmentary Order (FRAGO) 1108 issued on 19 November 2003. Paragraph 3.C.8, Assignment of 205th MI Brigade Commander’s Responsibilities for the Baghdad Central Confinement Facility, states as follows:</p>
<p>3.C.8. A. (U) 205 MI BRIGADE.</p>
<p>3.C.8. A. 1. (U) EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY COMMANDER 205 MI BRIGADE ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BAGHDAD CONFINEMENT FACILITY (BCCF) AND IS APPOINTED THE FOB COMMANDER. UNITS CURRENTLY AT ABU GHRAIB (BCCF) ARE TACON TO 205 MI BRIGADE FOR “SECURITY OF DETAINEES AND FOB PROTECTION.”</p>
<p>Although not supported by BG Karpinski, FRAGO 1108 made all of the MP units at Abu Ghraib TACON to the Commander, 205th MI Brigade. This effectively made an MI Officer, rather than an MP Officer, responsible for the MP units conducting detainee operations at that facility. This is not doctrinally sound due to the different missions and agendas assigned to each of these respective specialties. (ANNEX 31)</p>
<p>10 (U) Joint Publication 0-2, Unified Action Armed Forces (UNAAF), 10 July 2001 defines Tactical Control (TACON) as the detailed direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish assigned missions or tasks. (ANNEX 42)</p>
<p>“TACON is the command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands or military capability made available for tasking that is limited to the detailed direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish assigned missions or tasks. TACON is inherent in OPCON and may be delegated to and exercised by commanders at any echelon at or below the level of combatant commander.”</p>
<p>11. (U) Based on all the facts and circumstances in this investigation, I find that there was little, if any, recognition of this TACON Order by the 800th MP Brigade or the 205th MI Brigade. Further, there was no evidence if the Commander, 205th MI Brigade clearly informed the Commander, 800th MP Brigade, and specifically the Commander, 320th MP Battalion assigned at Abu Ghraib (BCCF), on the specific requirements of this TACON relationship. (ANNEXES 45 and 46)</p>
<p>12. (U) It is clear from a comprehensive review of witness statements and personal interviews that the 320th MP Battalion and 800th MP Brigade continued to function as if they were responsible for the security, health and welfare, and overall security of detainees within Abu Ghraib (BCCF) prison. Both BG Karpinski and COL Pappas clearly behaved as if this were still the case. (ANNEXES 45 and 46)</p>
<p>13. (U) With respect to the 320th MP Battalion, I find that the Battalion Commander, LTC (P) Jerry Phillabaum, was an extremely ineffective commander and leader. Numerous witnesses confirm that the Battalion S-3, MAJ David W. DiNenna, basically ran the battalion on a day-to-day basis. At one point, BG Karpinski sent LTC (P) Phillabaum to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for approximately two weeks, apparently to give him some relief from the pressure he was experiencing as the 320th Battalion Commander. This movement to Camp Arifjan immediately followed a briefing provided by LTC (P) Phillabaum to the CJTF-7 Commander, LTG Sanchez, near the end of October 2003. BG Karpinski placed LTC Ronald Chew, Commander of the 115th MP Battalion, in charge of the 320th MP Battalion for a period of approximately two weeks. LTC Chew was also in command of the 115th MP Battalion assigned to Camp Cropper, BIAP, Iraq. I could find no orders, either suspending or relieving LTC (P) Phillabaum from command, nor any orders placing LTC Chew in command of the 320th. In addition, there was no indication this removal and search for a replacement was communicated to the Commander CJTF-7, the Commander 377th TSC, or to Soldiers in the 320th MP Battalion. Temporarily removing one commander and replacing him with another serving Battalion Commander without an order and without notifying superior or subordinate commands is without precedent in my military career. LTC (P) Phillabaum was also reprimanded for lapses in accountability that resulted in several escapes. The 320th MP Battalion was stigmatized as a unit due to previous detainee abuse which occurred in May 2003 at the Bucca Theater Internment Facility (TIF), while under the command of LTC (P) Phillabaum. Despite his proven deficiencies as both a commander and leader, BG Karpinski allowed LTC (P) Phillabaum to remain in command of her most troubled battalion guarding, by far, the largest number of detainees in the 800th MP Brigade. LTC (P) Phillabaum was suspended from his duties by LTG Sanchez, CJTF-7 Commander on 17 January 2004. (ANNEXES 43, 45, and 61)</p>
<p>14. (U) During the course of this investigation I conducted a lengthy interview with BG Karpinski that lasted over four hours, and is included verbatim in the investigation Annexes. BG Karpinski was extremely emotional during much of her testimony. What I found particularly disturbing in her testimony was her complete unwillingness to either understand or accept that many of the problems inherent in the 800th MP Brigade were caused or exacerbated by poor leadership and the refusal of her command to both establish and enforce basic standards and principles among its soldiers. (ANNEX 45 and the Personal Observations of the Interview Team)</p>
<p>15. (U) BG Karpinski alleged that she received no help from the Civil Affairs Command, specifically, no assistance from either BG John Kern or COL Tim Regan. She blames much of the abuse that occurred in Abu Ghraib (BCCF) on MI personnel and stated that MI personnel had given the MPs “ideas” that led to detainee abuse. In addition, she blamed the 372nd Company Platoon Sergeant, SFC Snider, the Company Commander, CPT Reese, and the First Sergeant, MSG Lipinski, for the abuse. She argued that problems in Abu Ghraib were the fault of COL Pappas and LTC Jordan because COL Pappas was in charge of FOB Abu Ghraib. (ANNEX 45)</p>
<p>16. (U) BG Karpinski also implied during her testimony that the criminal abuses that occurred at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) might have been caused by the ultimate disposition of the detainee abuse cases that originally occurred at Camp Bucca in May 2003. She stated that “about the same time those incidents were taking place out of Baghdad Central, the decisions were made to give the guilty people at Bucca plea bargains. So, the system communicated to the soldiers, the worst that’s gonna happen is, you’re gonna go home.” I think it important to point out that almost every witness testified that the serious criminal abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) occurred in late October and early November 2003. The photographs and statements clearly support that the abuses occurred during this time period. The Bucca cases were set for trial in January 2004 and were not finally disposed of until 29 December 2003. There is entirely no evidence that the decision of numerous MP personnel to intentionally abuse detainees at Abu Ghrabid (BCCF) was influenced in any respect by the Camp Bucca cases. (ANNEXES 25, 26, and 45)</p>
<p>17. (U) Numerous witnesses stated that the 800th MP Brigade S-1, MAJ Hinzman and S-4, MAJ Green, were essentially dysfunctional, but that despite numerous complaints, these officers were not replaced. This had a detrimental effect on the Brigade Staff’s effectiveness and morale. Moreover, the Brigade Command Judge Advocate, LTC James O’Hare, appears to lack initiative and was unwilling to accept responsibility for any of his actions. LTC Gary Maddocks, the Brigade XO did not properly supervise the Brigade staff by failing to lay out staff priorities, take overt corrective action when needed, and supervise their daily functions. (ANNEXES 45, 47, 48, 62, and 67)</p>
<p>18. (U) In addition to poor morale and staff inefficiencies, I find that the 800th MP Brigade did not articulate or enforce clear and basic Soldier and Army standards. I specifically found these examples of unenforced standards:</p>
<p>a. There was no clear uniform standard for any MP Soldiers assigned detention duties. Despite the fact that hundreds of former Iraqi soldiers and officers were detainees, MP personnel were allowed to wear civilian clothes in the FOB after duty hours while carrying weapons. (ANNEXES 51 and 74)</p>
<p>b. Some Soldiers wrote poems and other sayings on their helmets and soft caps. (ANNEXES 51 and 74)</p>
<p>c. In addition, numerous officers and senior NCOs have been reprimanded/disciplined for misconduct during this period. Those disciplined include; (ANNEXES 43 and 102)</p>
<p>1). (U) BG Janis Karpinski, Commander, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>* Memorandum of Admonishment by LTG Sanchez, Commander, CJTF-7, on 17 January 2004.</p>
<p>2). (U) LTC (P) Jerry Phillabaum, Commander, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>* GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 10 November 2003, for lack of leadership and for failing to take corrective security measures as ordered by the Brigade Commander; filed locally * Suspended by BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, 17 January 2004; Pending Relief for Cause, for dereliction of duty</p>
<p>3). (U) LTC Dale Burtyk, Commander, 400th MP Battalion</p>
<p>* GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 20 August 2003, for failure to properly train his Soldiers. (Soldier had negligent discharge of M-16 while exiting his vehicle, round went into fuel tank); filed locally.</p>
<p>4). (U) MAJ David DiNenna, S-3, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>* GOMOR from LTG McKiernan, Commander CFLCC, on 25 May 2003, for dereliction of duty for failing to report a violation of CENTCOM General Order #1 by a subordinate Field Grade Officer and Senior Noncommissioned Officer, which he personally observed; returned to soldier unfiled. * GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 10 November 03, for failing to take corrective security measures as ordered by the Brigade Commander; filed locally.</p>
<p>5). (U) MAJ Stacy Garrity, Finance Officer, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>* GOMOR from LTG McKiernan, Commander CFLCC, on 25 May 2003, for violation of CENTCOM General Order #1, consuming alcohol with an NCO; filed locally.</p>
<p>6). (U) CPT Leo Merck, Commander, 870th MP Company</p>
<p>* Court-Martial Charges Preferred, for Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Unauthorized Use of Government Computer in that he was alleged to have taken nude pictures of his female Soldiers without their knowledge; Trial date to be announced.</p>
<p>7). (U) CPT Damaris Morales, Commander, 770th MP Company</p>
<p>* GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 20 August 2003, for failing to properly train his Soldiers (Soldier had negligent discharge of M-16 while exiting his vehicle, round went into fuel tank); filed locally.</p>
<p>8). (U) CSM Roy Clement, Command Sergeant Major, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>. GOMOR and Relief for Cause from BG Janis Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, for fraternization and dereliction of duty for fraternizing with junior enlisted soldiers within his unit; GOMOR officially filed and he was removed from the CSM list.</p>
<p>9). (U) CSM Edward Stotts, Command Sergeant Major, 400th MP Battalion</p>
<p>* GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 20 August 2003, for failing to properly train his Soldiers (Soldier had negligent discharge of M-16 while exiting his vehicle, round went into fuel tank); filed locally.</p>
<p>10). (U) 1SG Carlos Villanueva, First Sergeant, 770th MP Company</p>
<p>* GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 20 August 2003, for failing to properly train his Soldiers (Soldier had negligent discharge of M-16 while exiting his vehicle, round went into fuel tank); filed locally.</p>
<p>11). (U) MSG David Maffett, NBC NCO, 800th MP Brigade,</p>
<p>* GOMOR from LTG McKiernan, Commander CFLCC, on 25 May 2003, for violation of CENTCOM General Order #1, consuming alcohol; filed locally.</p>
<p>12) (U) SGM Marc Emerson, Operations SGM, 320th MP Battalion,</p>
<p>. Two GO Letters of Concern and a verbal reprimand from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, for failing to adhere to the guidance/directives given to him by BG Karpinski; filed locally.</p>
<p>d. (U) Saluting of officers was sporadic and not enforced. LTC Robert P. Walters, Jr., Commander of the 165th Military Intelligence Battalion (Tactical Exploitation), testified that the saluting policy was enforced by COL Pappas for all MI personnel, and that BG Karpinski approached COL Pappas to reverse the saluting policy back to a no-saluting policy as previously existed. (ANNEX 53)</p>
<p>19. (U) I find that individual Soldiers within the 800th MP Brigade and the 320th Battalion stationed throughout Iraq had very little contact during their tour of duty with either LTC (P) Phillabaum or BG Karpinski. BG Karpinski claimed, during her testimony, that she paid regular visits to the various detention facilities where her Soldiers were stationed. However, the detailed calendar provided by her Aide-de-Camp, 1LT Mabry, does not support her contention. Moreover, numerous witnesses stated that they rarely saw BG Karpinski or LTC (P) Phillabaum. (Multiple Witness Statements)</p>
<p>20. (U) In addition I find that psychological factors, such as the difference in culture, the Soldiers’ quality of life, the real presence of mortal danger over an extended time period, and the failure of commanders to recognize these pressures contributed to the perversive atmosphere that existed at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) Detention Facility and throughout the 800th MP Brigade. (ANNEX 1).</p>
<p>21. As I have documented in other parts of this investigation, I find that there was no clear emphasis by BG Karpinski to ensure that the 800th MP Brigade Staff, Commanders, and Soldiers were trained to standard in detainee operations and proficiency or that serious accountability lapses that occurred over a significant period of time, particularly at Abu Ghraib (BCCF), were corrected. AR 15-6 Investigations regarding detainee escapes were not acted upon, followed up with corrective action, or disseminated to subordinate commanders or Soldiers. Brigade and unit SOPs for dealing with detainees if they existed at all, were not read or understood by MP Soldiers assigned the difficult mission of detainee operations. Following the abuse of several detainees at Camp Bucca in May 2003, I could find no evidence that BG Karpinski ever directed corrective training for her soldiers or ensured that MP Soldiers throughout Iraq clearly understood the requirements of the Geneva Conventions relating to the treatment of detainees. (Multiple Witness Statements and the Personal Observations of the Investigation Team )</p>
<p>22. On 17 January 2004 BG Karpinski was formally admonished in writing by LTG Sanchez regarding the serious deficiencies in her Brigade. LTG Sanchez found that the performance of the 800th MP Brigade had not met the standards set by the Army or by CJTF-7. He found that incidents in the preceding six months had occurred that reflected a lack of clear standards, proficiency and leadership within the Brigade. LTG Sanchez also cited the recent detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) as the most recent example of a poor leadership climate that “permeates the Brigade.” I totally concur with LTG Sanchez’ opinion regarding the performance of BG Karpinski and the 800th MP Brigade. (ANNEX 102 and the Personal Observations of the Investigating Officer)</p>
<p>RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO PART THREE OF THE INVESTIGATION:</p>
<p>1. (U) That BG Janis L. Karpinski, Commander, 800th MP Brigade be Relieved from Command and given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to ensure that MP Soldiers at theater-level detention facilities throughout Iraq had appropriate SOPs for dealing with detainees and that Commanders and Soldiers had read, understood, and would adhere to these SOPs. * Failing to ensure that MP Soldiers in the 800th MP Brigade knew, understood, and adhered to the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Making material misrepresentations to the Investigation Team as to the frequency of her visits to her subordinate commands. * Failing to obey an order from the CFLCC Commander, LTG McKiernan, regarding the withholding of disciplinary authority for Officer and Senior Noncommissioned Officer misconduct. * Failing to take appropriate action regarding the ineffectiveness of a subordinate Commander, LTC (P) Jerry Phillabaum. * Failing to take appropriate action regarding the ineffectiveness of numerous members of her Brigade Staff including her XO, S-1, S-3, and S-4. * Failing to properly ensure the results and recommendations of the AARs and numerous 15-6 Investigation reports on escapes and shootings (over a period of several months) were properly disseminated to, and understood by, subordinate commanders. * Failing to ensure and enforce basic Soldier standards throughout her command. * Failing to establish a Brigade METL. * Failing to establish basic proficiency in assigned tasks for Soldiers throughout the 800th MP Brigade. * Failing to ensure that numerous and reported accountability lapses at detention facilities throughout Iraq were corrected.</p>
<p>2. (U) That COL Thomas M. Pappas, Commander, 205th MI Brigade, be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand and Investigated UP Procedure 15, AR 381-10, US Army Intelligence Activities for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command were properly trained in and followed the IROE. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command knew, understood, and followed the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF).</p>
<p>3. (U) That LTC (P) Jerry L. Phillabaum, Commander, 320th MP Battalion, be Relieved from Command, be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, and be removed from the Colonel/O-6 Promotion List for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to properly ensure the results, recommendations, and AARs from numerous reports on escapes and shootings over a period of several months were properly disseminated to, and understood by, subordinates. * Failing to implement the appropriate recommendations from various 15-6 Investigations as specifically directed by BG Karpinski. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command were properly trained in Internment and Resettlement Operations. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command knew and understood the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to properly establish and enforce basic soldier standards, proficiency, and accountability. * Failure to conduct an appropriate Mission Analysis and to task organize to accomplish his mission.</p>
<p>4. (U) That LTC Steven L. Jordan, Former Director, Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center and Liaison Officer to 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, be relieved from duty and be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Making material misrepresentations to the Investigating Team, including his leadership roll at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct control were properly trained in and followed the IROE. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct control knew, understood, and followed the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise soldiers under his direct authority working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF).</p>
<p>5. (U) That MAJ David W. DiNenna, Sr., S-3, 320th MP Battalion, be Relieved from his position as the Battalion S-3 and be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Received a GOMOR from LTG McKiernan, Commander CFLCC, on 25 May 2003, for dereliction of duty for failing to report a violation of CENTCOM General Order #1 by a subordinate Field Grade Officer and Senior Noncommissioned Officer, which he personally observed; GOMOR was returned to Soldier and not filed. * Failing to take corrective action and implement recommendations from various 15-6 investigations even after receiving a GOMOR from BG Karpinski, Commander 800th MP Brigade, on 10 November 03, for failing to take corrective security measures as ordered; GOMOR was filed locally. * Failing to take appropriate action and report an incident of detainee abuse, whereby he personally witnessed a Soldier throw a detainee from the back of a truck.</p>
<p>6. (U) That CPT Donald J. Reese, Commander, 372nd MP Company, be Relieved from Command and be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command knew and understood the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his Soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to properly establish and enforce basic soldier standards, proficiency, and accountability. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command were properly trained in Internment and Resettlement Operations.</p>
<p>7. (U) That 1LT Lewis C. Raeder, Platoon Leader, 372nd MP Company, be Relieved from his duties as Platoon Leader and be given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command knew and understood the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to properly establish and enforce basic Soldier standards, proficiency, and accountability. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers under his direct command were properly trained in Internment and Resettlement Operations.</p>
<p>8. (U) That SGM Marc Emerson, Operations SGM, 320th MP Battalion, be Relieved from his duties and given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Making a material misrepresentation to the Investigation Team stating that he had “never” been admonished or reprimanded by BG Karpinski, when in fact he had been admonished for failing to obey an order from BG Karpinski to “stay out of the towers” at the holding facility. * Making a material misrepresentation to the Investigation Team stating that he had attended every shift change/guard-mount conducted at the 320th MP Battalion, and that he personally briefed his Soldiers on the proper treatment of detainees, when in fact numerous statements contradict this assertion. * Failing to ensure that Soldiers in the 320th MP Battalion knew and understood the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to properly establish and enforce basic soldier standards, proficiency, and accountability. * Failing to ensure that his Soldiers were properly trained in Internment and Resettlement Operations.</p>
<p>9. (U) That 1SG Brian G. Lipinski, First Sergeant, 372nd MP Company, be Relieved from his duties as First Sergeant of the 372nd MP Company and given a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to ensure that Soldiers in the 372nd MP Company knew and understood the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to properly establish and enforce basic soldier standards, proficiency, and accountability. * Failing to ensure that his Soldiers were properly trained in Internment and Resettlement Operations.</p>
<p>10. (U) That SFC Shannon K. Snider, Platoon Sergeant, 372nd MP Company, be Relieved from his duties, receive a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, and receive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Failing to ensure that Soldiers in his platoon knew and understood the protections afforded to detainees in the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. * Failing to properly supervise his soldiers working and “visiting” Tier 1 of the Hard-Site at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). * Failing to properly establish and enforce basic soldier standards, proficiency, and accountability. * Failing to ensure that his Soldiers were properly trained in Internment and Resettlement Operations. * Failing to report a Soldier, who under his direct control, abused detainees by stomping on their bare hands and feet in his presence.</p>
<p>11. (U) That Mr. Steven Stephanowicz, Contract US Civilian Interrogator, CACI, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, be given an Official Reprimand to be placed in his employment file, termination of employment, and generation of a derogatory report to revoke his security clearance for the following acts which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Made a false statement to the investigation team regarding the locations of his interrogations, the activities during his interrogations, and his knowledge of abuses. * Allowed and/or instructed MPs, who were not trained in interrogation techniques, to facilitate interrogations by “setting conditions” which were neither authorized and in accordance with applicable regulations/policy. He clearly knew his instructions equated to physical abuse.</p>
<p>12. (U) That Mr. John Israel,Contract US Civilian Interpreter, CACI, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, be given an Official Reprimand to be placed in his employment file and have his security clearance reviewed by competent authority for the following acts or concerns which have been previously referred to in the aforementioned findings:</p>
<p>* Denied ever having seen interrogation processes in violation of the IROE, which is contrary to several witness statements. * Did not have a security clearance.</p>
<p>13. (U) I find that there is sufficient credible information to warrant an Inquiry UP Procedure 15, AR 381-10, US Army Intelligence Activities, be conducted to determine the extent of culpability of MI personnel, assigned to the 205th MI Brigade and the Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center (JIDC) at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). Specifically, I suspect that COL Thomas M. Pappas, LTC Steve L. Jordan, Mr. Steven Stephanowicz, and Mr. John Israel were either directly or indirectly responsible for the abuses at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) and strongly recommend immediate disciplinary action as described in the preceding paragraphs as well as the initiation of a Procedure 15 Inquiry to determine the full extent of their culpability. (Annex 36)</p>
<p>OTHER FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS</p>
<p>1. (U) Due to the nature and scope of this investigation, I acquired the assistance of Col (Dr.) Henry Nelson, a USAF Psychiatrist, to analyze the investigation materials from a psychological perspective. He determined that there was evidence that the horrific abuses suffered by the detainees at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) were wanton acts of select soldiers in an unsupervised and dangerous setting. There was a complex interplay of many psychological factors and command insufficiencies. A more detailed analysis is contained in ANNEX 1 of this investigation.</p>
<p>2. (U) During the course of this investigation I conducted a lengthy interview with BG Karpinski that lasted over four hours, and is included verbatim in the investigation Annexes. BG Karpinski was extremely emotional during much of her testimony. What I found particularly disturbing in her testimony was her complete unwillingness to either understand or accept that many of the problems inherent in the 800th MP Brigade were caused or exacerbated by poor leadership and the refusal of her command to both establish and enforce basic standards and principles among its Soldiers. (ANNEX 45)</p>
<p>3. (U) Throughout the investigation, we observed many individual Soldiers and some subordinate units under the 800th MP Brigade that overcame significant obstacles, persevered in extremely poor conditions, and upheld the Army Values. We discovered numerous examples of Soldiers and Sailors taking the initiative in the absence of leadership and accomplishing their assigned tasks.</p>
<p>a. (U) The 744th MP Battalion, commanded by LTC Dennis McGlone, efficiently operated the HVD Detention Facility at Camp Cropper and met mission requirements with little to no guidance from the 800th MP Brigade. The unit was disciplined, proficient, and appeared to understand their basic tasks.</p>
<p>b. (U) The 530th MP Battalion, commanded by LTC Stephen J. Novotny, effectively maintained the MEK Detention Facility at Camp Ashraf. His Soldiers were proficient in their individual tasks and adapted well to this highly unique and non-doctrinal operation.</p>
<p>c. (U) The 165th MI Battalion excelled in providing perimeter security and force protection at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). LTC Robert P. Walters, Jr., demanded standards be enforced and worked endlessly to improve discipline throughout the FOB.</p>
<p>4. (U) The individual Soldiers and Sailors that we observed and believe should be favorably noted include:</p>
<p>a. (U) Master-at-Arms First Class William J. Kimbro, US Navy Dog Handler, knew his duties and refused to participate in improper interrogations despite significant pressure from the MI personnel at Abu Ghraib.</p>
<p>b. (U) SPC Joseph M. Darby, 372nd MP Company discovered evidence of abuse and turned it over to military law enforcement.</p>
<p>c. (U) 1LT David O. Sutton, 229th MP Company, took immediate action and stopped an abuse, then reported the incident to the chain of command.</p>
<p>CONCLUSION</p>
<p>1. (U) Several US Army Soldiers have committed egregious acts and grave breaches of international law at Abu Ghraib/BCCF and Camp Bucca, Iraq. Furthermore, key senior leaders in both the 800th MP Brigade and the 205th MI Brigade failed to comply with established regulations, policies, and command directives in preventing detainee abuses at Abu Ghraib (BCCF) and at Camp Bucca during the period August 2003 to February 2004.</p>
<p>2. (U) Approval and implementation of the recommendations of this AR 15-6 Investigation and those highlighted in previous assessments are essential to establish the conditions with the resources and personnel required to prevent future occurrences of detainee abuse.</p>
<p>Annexes</p>
<p>Psychological AssessmentRequest for investigation from CJTF-7 to CENTCOMDirective to CFLCC from CENTCOM directing investigationAppointment Memo from CFLCC CDR to MG Taguba15-6 Investigation 9 June 200315-6 Investigation 12 June 200315-6 Investigation 13 June 200315-6 Investigation 24 November 200315-6 Investigation 7 January 2004 15-6 Investigation 12 January 2004 SIR 5 November 2003 SIR 7 November 2003SIR 8 November 2003SIR 13 December 2003SIR 13 December 2003SIR 13 December 2003SIR 17 December 2003Commander’s Inquiry 26 January 2004MG Ryder’s Report, 6 November 2003MG Miller’s Report, 9 September 2003AR 190-8, Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees, and Other Detainees, 1 October 1997FM 3-19.40, Military Police Internment/Resettlement Operations, 1 August 2001FM 34-52, Intelligence Interrogation, 28 September 1992Fourth Geneva Convention, 12 August 1949CID Report on criminal abuses at Abu Ghraib, 28 January 2004CID Interviews, 10-25 January 2004800th MP Brigade Roster, 29 January 2004205th MI Brigade’s IROE, UndatedTOA Order (800th MP Brigade) and letter holding witnessesInvestigation Team’s witness listFRAGO #1108Letters suspending several key leaders in the 800th MP Brigade and Rating Chain with suspensions annotated FM 27-10, Military Justice, 6 September 2002CID Report on abuse of detainees at Camp Bucca, 8 June 2003Article 32 Findings on abuse of detainees at Camp Bucca, 26 August 2003AR 381-10, 1 July 1984Excerpts from log books, 320th MP Battalion310th MP Battalion’s Inprocessing SOP320th MP Battalion’s “Change Sheet”Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center’s (JIDC) Slides, UndatedOrder of Battle Slides, 12 January 2004Joint Publication 0-2, Unified Actions Armed Forces, 10 July 2001General Officer Memorandums of Reprimand800th MP Battalion’s TACSOPBG Janis Karpinski, Commander, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>46. COL Thomas Pappas, Commander, 205th MI Brigade</p>
<p>47. COL Ralph Sabatino, CFLCC Judge Advocate, CPA Ministry of Justice</p>
<p>48. LTC Gary W. Maddocks, S-5 and Executive Officer, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>49. LTC James O’Hare, Command Judge Advocate, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>50. LTC Robert P. Walters Jr., Commander, 165th MI Battalion (Tactical exploitation)</p>
<p>51. LTC James D. Edwards, Commander, 202nd MI Battalion</p>
<p>52. LTC Vincent Montera, Commander 310th MP Battalion</p>
<p>53. LTC Steve Jordan, former Director, Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center/LNO to the 205th MI Brigade</p>
<p>54. LTC Leigh A. Coulter, Commander 724th MP Battalion and OIC Arifjan Detachment, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>55. LTC Dennis McGlone, Commander, 744th MP Battalion</p>
<p>56. MAJ David Hinzman, S-1, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>57. MAJ William D. Proietto, Deputy CJA, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>58. MAJ Stacy L. Garrity, S-1 (FWD), 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>59. MAJ David W. DiNenna, S-3, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>60. MAJ Michael Sheridan, XO, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>61. MAJ Anthony Cavallaro, S-3, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>62. CPT Marc C. Hale, Commander, 670th MP Company</p>
<p>63. CPT Donald Reese, Commander, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>64. CPT Darren Hampton, Assistant S-3, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>65. CPT John Kaires, S-3, 310th MP Battalion</p>
<p>66. CPT Ed Diamantis, S-2, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>67. LTC Jerry L. Phillabaum, Commander, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>68. CPT James G. Jones, Commander, 229th MP Company</p>
<p>69. CPT Michael A. Mastrangelo, Jr., Commander, 310th MP Company</p>
<p>70. CPT Lawrence Bush, IG, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>71. 1LT Lewis C. Raeder, Platoon Leader, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>72. 1LT Elvis Mabry, Aide-de-Camp to Brigade Commander, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>73. 1LT Warren E. Ford, II, Commander, HHC 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>74. 2LT David O. Sutton, Platoon Leader, 229th MP Company</p>
<p>75. CW2 Edward J. Rivas, 205th MI Brigade</p>
<p>76. CSM Joseph P. Arrison, Command Sergeant Major, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>77. SGM Pascual Cartagena, Command Sergeant Major, 800th MP Brigade</p>
<p>78. CSM Timothy L. Woodcock, Command Sergeant Major, 310th MP Battalion</p>
<p>79. 1SG Dawn J. Rippelmeyer, First Sergeant, 977th MP Company</p>
<p>80. SGM Mark Emerson, Operations SGM, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>81. MSG Brian G. Lipinski, First Sergeant, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>82. MSG Andrew J. Lombardo, Operations Sergeant, 310th MP Battalion</p>
<p>83. SFC Daryl J. Plude, Platoon Sergeant, 229th MP Company</p>
<p>84. SFC Shannon K. Snider, Platoon SGT, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>85. SFC Keith A. Comer, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>86. SSG Robert Elliot, Squad Leader, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>87. SSG Santos A. Cardona, Army Dog Handler</p>
<p>88. SGT Michael Smith, Army Dog Handler</p>
<p>89. MA1 William J. Kimbro, USN Dog Handler</p>
<p>90. Mr. Steve Stephanowicz, US civilian contract Interrogator, CACI, 205th MI Brigade</p>
<p>91. Mr. John Israel, US civilian contract Interpreter, Titan Corporation, 205th MI Brigade</p>
<p>92. FM 3-19.1, Military Police Operations, 22 March 2001</p>
<p>93. CJTF-7 IROE and DROE, Undated</p>
<p>94. CJTF-7 Interrogation and Counter Resistance Policy, 12 October 2003</p>
<p>95. 800th MP Brigade Mobilization Orders</p>
<p>96. Sample Detainee Status Report, 13 March 2004</p>
<p>97. 530th MP Battalion Mission Brief, 11 February 2004</p>
<p>98. Memorandum for Record, CPT Ed Ray, Chief of Military Justice, CFLCC, 9 March 2004</p>
<p>99. SIR 14 January 2004</p>
<p>100. Accountability Plan Recommendations, 9 March 2004</p>
<p>101. 2LT Michael R. Osterhout, S-2, 320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>102. Memorandum of Admonishment from LTG Sanchez to BG Karpinski, 17</p>
<p>January 2004</p>
<p>103. Various SIRs from the 800th MP Brigade/320th MP Battalion</p>
<p>104. 205th MI Brigade SITREP to MG Miller, 12 December 2003</p>
<p>105. SGT William A. Cathcart, 372nd MP Company</p>
<p>106. 1LT Michael A. Drayton, Commander, 870th MP Company</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | US Army Report on Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners | true | https://counterpunch.org/2004/05/05/us-army-report-on-abuse-of-iraqi-prisoners/ | 2004-05-05 | 4 |
<p>MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Asia has made huge strides in developing clean energy over the last decade but must boost investment and its use of energy efficiency technology to meet rising demand and cope with climate change, Asian Development Bank officials and other experts said Wednesday.</p>
<p>Renewable energy has become cheaper as technology progresses and governments must seize the chance low oil prices present to eliminate costly fuel subsidies and level the playing field for renewables, said Bindu Lohani, an ADB vice president.</p>
<p>He told the Asia Clean Energy Forum that gathers around 1,000 business leaders, government officials and experts that the ADB sees coal remaining a dominant energy source in Asia despite a leap in renewable energy use including solar, wind and geothermal power. Use of coal is forecast to rise fifty percent by 2035 from 2010 levels. Coal is cheap but is highly polluting and blamed for contributing to climate change.</p>
<p>Global investment in renewable energy rose 17 percent last year to $270 billion from 2013. Nearly half of that amount, or $131.3 billion, was investments in developing countries, according to a UN Environment Program report released in March. China accounted for the lion’s share of developing world investment in renewables at $83.3 billion, up 39 percent from 2013.</p>
<p>Lohani said even if the U.N. achieves its goal to make renewable energy 36 percent of the world’s energy supply by 2050, two thirds of global energy needs would still be met by fossil fuels, where coal is dominant.</p>
<p>“Asia’s renewable resources are still under-utilized despite enormous demand for energy,” he said.</p>
<p>He said Asia also has not sufficiently tapped commercially available technologies for energy efficiency and needs to retrofit aging power plants.</p>
<p>Robin Dunnigan, the U.S. State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for energy diplomacy, said renewables represent around 17 percent of the United States power mix, and the country is on track to double its 2009 numbers by 2020. The U.S. has also made big strides in energy efficiency measures, she said</p>
<p>According to the International Energy Agency, “if we realize full energy efficiency potential we can shave off up to 15 percent of demand globally by 2040,” Dunnigan said.</p>
<p>“Energy efficiency measures are particularly important in cities so if migration to cities occurs at increasing rates in Asia, energy efficiency can really be a game changer,” she said.</p>
<p>MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Asia has made huge strides in developing clean energy over the last decade but must boost investment and its use of energy efficiency technology to meet rising demand and cope with climate change, Asian Development Bank officials and other experts said Wednesday.</p>
<p>Renewable energy has become cheaper as technology progresses and governments must seize the chance low oil prices present to eliminate costly fuel subsidies and level the playing field for renewables, said Bindu Lohani, an ADB vice president.</p>
<p>He told the Asia Clean Energy Forum that gathers around 1,000 business leaders, government officials and experts that the ADB sees coal remaining a dominant energy source in Asia despite a leap in renewable energy use including solar, wind and geothermal power. Use of coal is forecast to rise fifty percent by 2035 from 2010 levels. Coal is cheap but is highly polluting and blamed for contributing to climate change.</p>
<p>Global investment in renewable energy rose 17 percent last year to $270 billion from 2013. Nearly half of that amount, or $131.3 billion, was investments in developing countries, according to a UN Environment Program report released in March. China accounted for the lion’s share of developing world investment in renewables at $83.3 billion, up 39 percent from 2013.</p>
<p>Lohani said even if the U.N. achieves its goal to make renewable energy 36 percent of the world’s energy supply by 2050, two thirds of global energy needs would still be met by fossil fuels, where coal is dominant.</p>
<p>“Asia’s renewable resources are still under-utilized despite enormous demand for energy,” he said.</p>
<p>He said Asia also has not sufficiently tapped commercially available technologies for energy efficiency and needs to retrofit aging power plants.</p>
<p>Robin Dunnigan, the U.S. State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for energy diplomacy, said renewables represent around 17 percent of the United States power mix, and the country is on track to double its 2009 numbers by 2020. The U.S. has also made big strides in energy efficiency measures, she said</p>
<p>According to the International Energy Agency, “if we realize full energy efficiency potential we can shave off up to 15 percent of demand globally by 2040,” Dunnigan said.</p>
<p>“Energy efficiency measures are particularly important in cities so if migration to cities occurs at increasing rates in Asia, energy efficiency can really be a game changer,” she said.</p> | ADB: Asia must boost investment in clean energy | false | https://apnews.com/4817af41d97f4e96b9840c8bb60354fa | 2015-06-17 | 2 |
<p>In 2001, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant married at the youthful ages of 21 and 18 -- senza pre-nup.&#160; Two years later, in 2003, a hotel employee accused the NBA star of sexual harassment. While the charges were eventually dropped, Bryant admitted to adultery -- and the couple's marriage took a toll. On January 20, 2012, Kobe Bryant's soon-to-be ex-wife was awarded a $75 million settlement. The hefty takeaway provides the mother-of-two with half of the couple's estimated $150 million assets, including the couple's three mansions. The Bryants are from the first pricey split. Here's a look back at some of Hollywood's other costly celebrity divorces.&#160;</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p> | Costly Celebrity Divorce Settlements | true | http://foxbusiness.com/slideshow/2012/01/20/top-10-celebrity-divorce-settlements.html | 2016-03-04 | 0 |
<p>By Steve Keating</p>
<p>PARK CITY, Utah (Reuters) – LA2028 Chairman Casey Wasserman knows full well that he, and the rest of the world, will look very different by the time the cauldron is lit for the opening ceremony of the 2028 Summer Games.</p>
<p>Already with a full head of gray hair, Wasserman admitted his life, appearance, and the city will all be very different following an unprecedented 11-year run-up to the Games.</p>
<p>Even inventor Elon Musk, the chief executive of electric car maker Tesla (NASDAQ:) and rocket company SpaceX who is developing plans to colonize Mars, was unable to offer Wasserman a picture of what the world might look like when Los Angeles hosts the Olympics for a third time.</p>
<p>“He (Musk) said he couldn’t even imagine what the world is going to be like then,” Wasserman, recalling a conversation he had with Musk, said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday.</p>
<p>“It’s hard to imagine that the guy who is imagining the future can’t imagine what the world is going to be like so I’m not sure how I could possibly do that.”</p>
<p>The cornerstone of the Los Angeles bid was that the city could host a Games tomorrow. That tomorrow, however, is now more than a decade away.</p>
<p>There will be five Olympics staged before 2028 and a lot can happen in 11 years, including a possibility of the United States staging another Games before Los Angeles takes the spotlight.</p>
<p>Still basking in the glow of being confirmed as the 2028 hosts, the United States Olympic Committee admitted at this week’s Team USA Media Summit that they are considering bidding for the 2026 or 2030 Winter Games.</p>
<p>But it is just not the Olympic landscape that Wasserman and his team must map.</p>
<p>Technology may well represent the biggest challenge facing the LA2028 organizing committee, changing everything from the way fans purchase tickets to the way they get to venues and experience events.</p>
<p>“To think that in 2006 in Turin there was no iPhone is almost incomprehensible given where we are today. So to try and imagine where we will be in 11 years is almost impossible,” Wasserman said on Tuesday. “The yearly iterations are hard to fathom let alone a decade iteration.</p>
<p>“From the mundane to maybe there is no more cash or credit cards to everyone having driverless cars and what does that do to the traffic flows.</p>
<p>“What does the virtual reality experience look like in 2028.</p>
<p>“There is really simple day-to-day stuff and then there is big idea whiz-bang stuff.</p>
<p>“Technology will evolve, that is one thing that is certain and our job will be to make sure we put the Olympics in LA in the right place in the right time.”</p>
<p>One thing LA2028 organizers have plenty of is time as cities are usually given a seven-year run up to hosting an Olympics. However, following the withdrawals of all but two candidates – Paris and LA – for the 2024 Olympics, officials decided to award both staging rights of successive Games.</p>
<p>But time can be both a blessing and a curse. For Wasserman, it is one of LA2028’s most valuable commodities.</p>
<p>“We have tons of it but I am certain we will never have enough,” said Wasserman. “We aspire to do great things with the Olympic Games in LA and so time is frankly our most valuable and more scarce resource, which sounds ironic given we have 11 years to plan and no venues to build.”</p>
<p>Driverless cars, virtual reality, new sports and new athletes, the 2028 Summer Games could have them all but Wasserman is emphatic one thing will not change — Olympic traditions.</p>
<p>While all that is around the Games may evolve, Wasserman said the history and traditions that anchor the Olympics and make them unique will remain intact.</p>
<p>“The Olympic traditions are what make the Olympic Games special and our job will be to make that moment emotional and special for the people in the stadium, for the city of Los Angeles, the United States and the whole world,” said Wasserman. “No technology, no developments are going to change that.”</p> | Face of LA2028 braced for brave new world | false | https://newsline.com/face-of-la2028-braced-for-brave-new-world/ | 2017-09-26 | 1 |
<p>Joe Walsh, the legendary guitarist from The Eagles and The James Gang, has launched a new foundation to help veterans and their families.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.vetsaid.org/" type="external">VetsAid</a> will support charities that “provide complete and holistic care for veterans and their families, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” said Walsh, a Gold Star family member whose flight-instructor dad died in a plane crash during active duty in Okinawa —&#160;when Joe was just 20 months old.</p>
<p>“War is hell for everyone involved. I lost my father when I was a baby, before I could even make a memory of him. I stopped counting the number of friends I lost in the Vietnam War or that came home forever scarred mentally or physically or both.</p>
<p>“We’ve only just begun to appreciate the long-term impacts on our troops home from Iraq. And in Afghanistan, the longest war in American history continues to drag on with no end in sight …”</p>
<p>Finally, Walsh said, “I had to do something and seeing as though rock-and-roll seems to be what I do best, it’s also the least I could do for those who have served and continue to serve our country. We’re all in this together as Americans and seems to me lately that people are forgetting that.”</p>
<p>Walsh, 69, said he’ll help support VetAid with an annual concert, the first to be staged on Sept. 20th at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.</p>
<p>The show will feature Walsh, the Zac Brown Band, Gary Clark Jr. and Keith Urban, with other guests to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday.</p>
<p>Over the years, Walsh has been involved with veterans’ causes and has regularly visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, giving guitar lessons to wounded vets. He campaigned for Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Iraq War veteran and double amputee.</p>
<p>The Kansas-born rocker joined the Eagles in 1975 as the group’s keyboardist and guitarist after founding member Bernie Leadon’s departure. His first album with the band was “Hotel California.” Previously, he fronted the James Gang, and had solo hits with “Rocky Mountain Way,” “Life’s Been Good” and “All Night Long.”</p> | Guitarist Joe Walsh Launches Foundation to Aid Vets | false | https://newsline.com/guitarist-joe-walsh-launches-foundation-to-aid-vets/ | 2017-07-18 | 1 |
<p />
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — White House budget director Mick Mulvaney says that Democratic negotiators on a massive spending bill need to agree to fund top priorities of President Donald Trump such as a down payment on a border wall and hiring of additional immigration agents.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Mulvaney told The Associated Press in an interview that "elections have consequences" and that "we want wall funding" as part of the catchall spending bill, which lawmakers hope to unveil next week.</p>
<p>The former GOP congressman from South Carolina also said that the administration is open, though undecided, about a key Democratic demand that the measure pay for cost-sharing payments to insurance companies that help low-income people afford health policies under the Affordable Care Act.</p>
<p>The $1 trillion-plus legislation is leftover business from last year's election-season gridlock and would cover the operating budgets of every Cabinet department except for Veterans Affairs.</p>
<p>Talks on the measure have hit a rough patch as a deadline to avert a government shutdown looms late next week. Trump's presidency is approaching the symbolic 100-day mark, but his GOP allies in Congress have been tempering expectations that the president would emerge as a big winner. Democratic votes are likely to be needed to pass whatever bill emerges from the talks, and Senate Democrats could bottle it up entirely if they object to provisions that they deem to be "poison pills" — such as the money for the wall.</p>
<p>GOP leaders on Capitol Hill are eager to avert a shutdown, and the slow pace may make it necessary to enact another temporary spending bill to avert a shutdown next weekend. Mulvaney's hard line could foreshadow a protracted impasse and increases the chances of a government shutdown.</p>
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<p>"A shutdown is never a desired end and neither is it a strategy," Mulvaney said.</p>
<p>Democrats are confident that Republicans, controlling both House and Senate, would bear the blame for any shutdown, even as Democrats wield power in the talks.</p>
<p>"We have the leverage and they have the exposure," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told fellow Democrats on a Thursday conference call, according to a senior Democratic aide.</p>
<p>Mulvaney said the White House delivered an offer to negotiators Wednesday night, with funding for the border wall a top demand. Other items on the White House priority list, Mulvaney said, are a $30 billion request for a cash infusion for the military and a controversial provision to give the administration greater latitude to deny certain federal grants to "sanctuary cities" that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement by federal authorities.</p>
<p>"We want wall funding. We want (immigration) agents. Those are our priorities," Mulvaney said. "We know there are a lot of people on the Hill, especially in the Democratic Party, who don't like the wall, but they lost the election. And the president should, I think, at least have the opportunity to fund one of his highest priorities in the first funding bill under his administration."</p>
<p>He said the wall is "something that's a tremendous priority for us and that clearly was a seminal issue in the 2016 presidential race." Trump also repeatedly promised that Mexico would pay for the wall. But its cost, expected to exceed $20 billion, would likely be borne by taxpayers. And some Republicans are opposed to the wall as well, instead preferring to spend more on technologies such as sensors and drone aircraft to beef up border security.</p>
<p>Democrats have taken a hard line against any money for the border wall and insist that the measure include the "Obamacare" payments to insurance companies.</p>
<p>At issue are cost-sharing payments that are a key subsidy under the health care law to help low-income people enrolled through the law's insurance marketplaces with their out-of-pocket expenses. Trump has threatened to withhold the payments as a means to force Democrats to negotiate on health care legislation.</p>
<p>The cost-sharing payments are the subject of a lawsuit by House Republicans, and Trump threatened in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last week to drop the payments, which experts warn would severely disrupt Obamacare's marketplaces.</p>
<p>Mulvaney said the White House isn't enthusiastic about Democratic demands on the Obamacare payments but is open to them as part of a broader agreement.</p>
<p>"The president has been quoted several times and said he's inclined not to make them and I can't tell you that I'm interested in dissuading him from that position," Mulvaney said. "That being said, if it's important enough to the Democrats, we'd be happy to talk to them about including that in sort of some type of compromise."</p>
<p>Added Mulvaney: "If Democrats are interested and serious about compromise and negotiation, the ball is in their court."</p>
<p>"Everything had been moving smoothly until the administration moved in with a heavy hand," countered Matt House, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "Not only are Democrats opposed to the wall, there is significant Republican opposition as well."</p> | Trump Budget Chief: Spending Bill Must Have Money for Wall | true | http://foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/04/20/trump-budget-chief-spending-bill-must-have-money-for-wall.html | 2017-04-20 | 0 |
<p>The <a href="http://prospect.org/article/unbearable-whiteness-liberal-media" type="external">unbearable whiteness</a> of liberal media.</p>
<p>The last <a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2014/05/the-last-13-feminist-bookstores-in-the-us-and-canada.html" type="external">13 feminist bookstores</a> in the US and Canada.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/extremist-video-shows-abducted-girls-praying/2014/05/12/463fd336-d9d9-11e3-a837-8835df6c12c4_story.html" type="external">Good</a>: Virginia&#160;Gov. Terry McAuliffe is calling for a review of the state’s strict TRAP regulations of abortion clinics passed a couple years.</p>
<p>Boko Haram released&#160; <a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/5/12/boko-haram-offerstoswapkidnappedgirlsforprisoners.html" type="external">video allegedly showing 130 of the kidnapped Nigerian school girls</a>.</p>
<p>Colorlines has launched a series on Black men called “ <a href="http://colorlines.com/archives/2014/05/life_cycles_of_inequity_a_colorlines_series_on_black_men.html" type="external">Life Cycles of Inequity</a>.”</p> | Daily Feminist Cheat Sheet | true | http://feministing.com/2014/05/12/daily-feminist-cheat-sheet-322/ | 4 |
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<p>The current purge enveloping the Saudi state is not actually as unprecedented as some are making it out to be. Whilst it is easy to view the kingdom as a stagnant, immobile place where time has frozen forever in the 7th century, it’s entire establishment and upkeep as property of the Saudi family has occasionally had to be reasserted through alarmingly swift and violent shifts. Not long after the state was united in its modern form, the founding King Ibn Saud rewarded the fanatical soldiers who had conquered it for him by machine-gunning them en masse. In 1979 equally fanatical students seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca and tried to spark an Islamic revolution. The state responded with ruthless violence, then further embraced the Wahhabi ideology espoused by the rebels themselves, as well as the nation’s religious establishment. More recently the state has seen off threats from Al Qaeda, and taken extraordinary brutal (and extraordinarily under-reported) measures against the oppressed Shia population in the East of the Country [1].</p>
<p>So if anything, the image of Saudi Arabia as a country where nothing can change, and the people live in a state of docile somnambulism is a mirage. And it is a mirage largely fashioned by the ruling family itself to justify their legitimacy over a supposedly monolithic society.</p>
<p>There are of course major differences between the current crisis and those that came before, and not in ways that should be seen as encouraging. Whilst the willingness to target members of the royal family and billionaires has been seen by some as a sign of Mohammed bin Salman’s reforming seriousness, it also displays a more squalid, fraternal-squabble character to his power-grab. Unlike the previous uprisings and confrontations, which all entailed battles of ideas and class warfare, this current fight is between equally corrupt members of a palace elite. The supposed reformer himself is famed for living a luxurious lifestyle at the cost of the state, as well as for masterminding the bellicose and inhumane foreign policy against his neighbours. The very fact that he is aiming for the throne indicates the futility of his reforming endeavour (if he’s even serious about it). The Saudi state is based upon a contract between religious extremism and nepotistic tribal dominance. There is only so far he can reform that without simply abolishing himself.</p>
<p>And yet, in our age of extrapolation, the relatively minor nature of this ‘revolution’ has not stopped it gaining a global significance. One of the apparent casualties of the coup is Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon. The joint Saudi citizen suddenly resigned in a trip to Riyadh, and then farcically went on to accuse Iran of excessive interference in Lebanon’s affairs. The act is guaranteed to &#160;destabilise Lebanon, ensuring a major rift between Hezbollah and other elements of the Lebanese government [2]. Other losers from this coup have been Syrian opposition leaders the Saudis once supported but now want arrested [3].</p>
<p>And all this for a family squabble? It would seem that there is no state bin Salman will not undermine in order to win power in his own.</p>
<p>The silence and signs of tacit support this move has garnered from the Trump White House also speak to the devaluation of international relations currently shaping the region’s destiny. Theories about the US government’s acquiescence can include anything from its monomaniacal obsession with anything that might harm Iran, to its preoccupation with equally petty squabbles at home, to plain ignorance about the situation. It’s certainly not outside the realm of possibility that Trump was quite happy with any plan that got rid of his past critic Prince Al Waleed bin Talal [4].</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia has been notorious in recent years for it’s attempts to spread Wahhabism throughout the Muslim world, aiming to turn Islamic communities into copies of itself. This was one of the most far-reaching effects of the 1979 conflict between Saudi Arabia’s religious fanatics and its corrupt monarchy. But while this campaign has in many ways failed to make Wahhabism a dominant world force, the Saudi style has become normalised in another sense. The petty Ancien Regime court politics of personal slight and favouritism has moved from being an embarrassing vice of world politics to an unashamed driver of it. World-changing events from Brexit, to the triumph of the Trump Presidency, to the endless interventions in the Syrian Ragnarok, have all been driven less by a firm belief in executing popular will and more by transparent desires to rescue the credibility of atrophying parties and settle personal scores. One could look at President Barzani drafting the notion of an independence referendum for the Kurds, or the British Conservative party’s plotting out of Brexit proposals, and see political milestones that will shape the lives of millions being toyed with by shallow visionless Lilliputians acting like spoiled princelings. It is an utter disgrace that such important issues as the future of Europe and the Kurdish question are being decided by such shallow, small-minded types. Only amid this return to personal, monarchic politics can a man like bin Salman be considered a statesman of note.</p>
<p>Notes.</p>
<p>[1] Robert Lacey (2010): <a href="" type="internal">Inside the Kingdom</a></p>
<p>[2] <a href="http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/things-go-bump-night-riyadh-1511882449" type="external">http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/things-go-bump-night-riyadh-1511882449</a></p>
<p>[3] <a href="https://www.mintpressnews.com/in-stunning-reversal-saudi-arabia-order-arrest-of-syrian-opposition-leaders/234136/" type="external">https://www.mintpressnews.com/in-stunning-reversal-saudi-arabia-order-arrest-of-syrian-opposition-leaders/234136/</a></p>
<p>[4] <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-prince-alwaleed-long-feud/" type="external">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-prince-alwaleed-long-feud/</a></p> | The Return of the Kings: Saudi Arabia’s Squalid Court is Indicative of the Age | true | https://counterpunch.org/2017/11/10/the-return-of-the-kings-saudi-arabias-squalid-court-is-indicative-of-the-age/ | 2017-11-10 | 4 |
<p>Yesterday a Trump district chair called me and said she was off the Trump train. Over 50,000 people viewed the interview on <a href="" type="internal">my blog</a>, <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/4/17/1653795/-A-Trump-district-co-chair-just-called-me-I-am-off-the-train-We-were-trumped" type="external">DailyKos</a>, <a href="https://www.opednews.com/articles/A-Trump-district-co-chair-by-Egberto-Willies-Trump-Protesters_Trump-Supporters-170417-993.html" type="external">OpEdNews</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PoliticsDoneRight/posts/1321029961308937" type="external">Facebook</a>. One of my Liberal readers,&#160;Cliff Nelson, wrote an extensive rebuttal saying "Tania Vojvodic is poison!" What do you think about the points he made.</p>
<p>The point of the interview was to hear out a Trump supporter who was having several thoughts and wanted it known. My goal was to give her space. I wanted to listen and have her say as much as possible. It helps me understand the thought process and provides inroads when it is appropriate to work on eradicating that type of mindset.</p>
<p>I think it is important for liberals and Right Wingers alike to understand that no one will change anyone's mind unless we get to the root of the pathology.</p>
<p>After the <a href="" type="internal">full interview with&#160;Tania Vojvodic</a>, we spoke for a while longer over Skype where she had a moment that I thought was genuine as <a href="" type="internal">she expressed a sense of being deceived by Trump</a>.</p>
<p>I understand where Cliff Nelson is coming from&#160;entirely. I understand the inability to understand how people who genuinely believe they are good can fall prey to the evil emanating from well-constructed campaigns that necessarily use all the isms to foment division, dissension, and fear. My thought is if both sides abide by that tenet, then the purveyors of said evil would have won.</p>
<p>Here is the letter from my Liberal reader.</p>
<p>Dear Mr. Willies:</p>
<p>I don't know where to post this publicly. I tried to register on your site, to put it in the comments, but apparently, my pop-up blocker won't let me. I wish I could somehow scream this warning from the rooftops:&#160;Tania Vojvodic is poison!</p>
<p>My observations, taken chronologically as the recording progresses:</p>
<p>Vojvodic said she's "never had a bad engagement with a liberal." That's too bad, because she deserves to experience one. She bears a great burden of responsibility -- a personal guilt with which she obviously has not yet come to terms, and desperately seeks to avoid confronting, as do all embarrassed Republicans these days.</p>
<p>Some will claim I am being superficial with the following point, but to me it is important: her poor command of language -- repeated subject-verb disagreements, bad conjugation -- are enough to put me on my guard. I have seen the fruits of leadership by mediocrity. One thing about it, though: she's the perfect GOP communications pro -- saccharine, sly, and windy.</p>
<p>Vojvodic seems mainly annoyed that Trump hasn't kept all of his worst promises -- e.g. she thinks Trump isn't deporting enough "illegals."</p>
<p>And did anyone else notice this? She referred to "Democrat caucus leaders" -- so she's got the old "Democrat as an adjective" slur down pat. I'm willing to believe she doesn't know any better, but it is still repellent, an indicator of the unsanitary political space that hatched her.</p>
<p>I don't like the way Vojvodic nods reflexively at her interlocutor even as he is still framing his question, before she can really know what it is he is going to say or ask. That kind of tic has always alerted me to fake comity, dishonesty, even to total lack of interest in what is being said. She's just trying to get through to her next turn to talk. Which reminds me: I don't like her overbearing speech style, either. She didn't have that much to say, and it needn't have taken 19 minutes.</p>
<p>Vojvodic said the only Trump "appointments" she agrees with so far are Jeff Sessions and Neil Gorsuch! Really? If she agrees with those disastrous nominations, then what basis for constructive engagement with her can liberals hope for? She hasn't at all changed her heart or her mind; she's just disappointed in Trump because (in her view) he's not as awful as she had hoped he would be.</p>
<p>Vojvodic said, "I think you and I can agree that both parties has [sic] gone in a complete different direction [sic]. (I cannot agree on that.) She then takes the thought to exactly the place she really wanted to go, adding, "both parties are just as corrupt" and that it's a "major disappointment on both sides." That's right, she even shoe-horned in the literal, hackneyed "both sides" phrase. This destroys all trust with me. Here I am being sold false equivalency between the treasonous, seditious, venal, white-nationalist, neo-Nazi GOP, and the Democratic party. False equivalency is how Vojvodic inoculates herself from answering for her own complicity: by tainting the "other side" with an "equal" brush where it is not deserved. She wants us to believe we are all just as traitorous, and so we should all just get along. Well, she's not getting away with it -- not with me, anyway. It is the Republican party that has gone insane. Democrats are pretty much still where we have been since the New Deal. Democrats are not veering in any "direction." Republicans are detaching from the Earth!</p>
<p>Vojvodic ended on a predictably Christian note (how did I know this was coming?), claiming that one can't be a Christian and "bash a liberal" without being a hypocrite. She said, "If you are a Christian then you need to treat others as you would like and want to be treated." Ah! The Golden Rule! Someone should tell her that the Golden Rule runs across virtually all cultures and faiths and non-faiths, and is much older than Christianity, and does not depend on any religious superstition to work beautifully. I am an atheist, but I still believe in the Golden Rule, as it was taught to me in kindergarten and by my mother.</p>
<p>I wish Tania Vojvodic only well personally, but I don't want to be allied with her; I don't want to be friends; and I don't want any "dialog" with her or people like her. I don't want to make room for their rehabilitation, so they could have a place to come after they have betrayed Trump the same way they betrayed America. Life is too short, and after 58 years I'm starting to feel the press of time. Today I only want to commune with the good and the wise. And I want to defeat and destroy the political party to which Vojvodic will always naturally attach herself. Not make peace with it. That time has passed.</p>
<p>Yours truly,</p>
<p>Cliff Nelson</p>
<p>Fountain, NC</p>
<p>So what do you think?</p>
<p>Also published on <a href="https://medium.com/@egbertowillies/liberal-reader-slams-trump-supporter-who-left-the-trump-train-f7f8b2f636ef" type="external">Medium</a>.</p> | Liberal reader slams Trump supporter who ‘left the Trump train’ | true | https://egbertowillies.com/2017/04/18/liberal-reader-slams-trump-supporter/ | 2017-04-18 | 4 |
<p>Nashville, Tennessee.</p>
<p>A federal court house in Nashville today was witness to the ironic spectacle of lawyers for former New York Times reporter Kurt Eichenwald pleading with federal district judge Aleta Trauger to shield her courtroom proceedings from the public by keeping under seal all documents and submissions and having legal arguments about these requests for secrecy also conducted privately in her chambers.</p>
<p>Judge Trauger denied these requests, remarking that the public and the press have a right to know. The subsequent proceedings in the courtroom strongly suggest why Eichenwald’s lawyers tried to keep a lid on the proceedings.</p>
<p>Both the New York Times and its former reporter were embarrassed earlier this year by the disclosure that Eichenwald had paid his prime source for a sensational 2005 story about web porn the sum of $2,000 even before actually meeting this source, Justin Berry.</p>
<p>Berry is the young man who posted masturbation videos of himself on the net when he was a minor — then, after turning 18, became a criminal by making and distributing porn using other underage teens.</p>
<p>After the $2000 check surfaced New York Times public editor Byron Calame wrote a fierce piece in the Times stigmatizing Eichenwald’s rationales as “baloney”. Calame’s unsparing column included this passage:</p>
<p>“I should have told my editors,” Mr. Eichenwald wrote of the $2,000 transaction, which he said had simply slipped his mind. “Once the reporting began … a financial transaction from a month before … just slipped away amid the 18 hour days, seven days a week of turmoil and chaos.”</p>
<p>We learned in court today that it was not just a matter of one $2,000 payment (which Eichenwald says was repaid by Berry’s grandmother). Eichenwald used a fake name and address to give Berry even more cash before he started working on the story. It seems these covert payments also slipped Eichenwald’s mind, even when jolted by the sight of his $2,000 check to Berry which surfaced in evidentiary proceedings in a Michigan courtroom earlier this year. During the time he received Eichenwald’s money, Berry revived an inactive sex site by posting freshly minted child porn images.</p>
<p>The new details have emerged here because Eichenwald’s blockbuster 2005 Times story led to arrests and convictions of four men who had helped Berry with his child porn site, even as Berry received prosecutorial immunity. Lawyers for one convicted man, Tim Richards, have continued looking into hard-drive evidence for material to lessen Richards’ prison time when he is sentenced in a few weeks, or to support a motion for a new trial.</p>
<p>While looking into the hard drives, Richards’ lawyer Kimberly Hodde told federal court Judge Aleta Trauger on Tuesday, investigators discovered that in May or June 2005, someone calling himself Andrew McDonald used PayPal to send money to Berry from Dallas. “McDonald” used a Yahoo address, and one from AOL that the FBI earlier identified as Kurt Eichenwald’s. Dallas is Eichenwald’s home.</p>
<p>In court, Richards’ lawyers explained that they subpoenaed PayPal and got back a fake snail-mail address and two credit card numbers used to make the “Andrew McDonald” payments. They then subpoenaed the credit card companies to find out the real name of the person who owns the cards. They also subpoenaed AOL and Yahoo.</p>
<p>In response, Eichenwald’s personal attorney Bruce Perkins filed motions to quash the subpoenas and seal all filings related to the motions – including that they’re about Kurt Eichenwald. The former Times reporter’s name was even blacked out of the only documents posted on the DoJ’s federal court case website that are unsealed.</p>
<p>Tim Richards’ attorney Hodde argued that the subpoenas should not be quashed because the information they ask for is relevant to Richards’ sentencing. The Paypal payments, Hodde asserted, point to the possibility that Eichenwald “assisted in orchestrating the revival” of Berry’s illegal, child porn website. Richards, Hodde said, will use the PayPal and credit card information to argue that he was entrapped by Berry and his cohorts, one of whom, Richards will argue, was Eichenwald. Eichenwald’s lawyer Perkins dismissed Hodde’s arguments as “conspiracy theories.”</p>
<p>Judge Trauger kept the court open to the public and used Eichenwald’s name many times. She turned down motions to quash the subpoenas. She said payments Eichenwald made to Berry were not previously known to the press or the government, and they have “some relevance to the defense.” She said she will consider the new evidence when she sentences Richards, because the timing of Eichenwald’s payments to Berry is “so close to some of the timing involved in this case.”</p>
<p>Trauger also refused to keep Eichenwald’s voluminous filings sealed. They will be opened to review in a few days, after they’ve been redacted to remove his credit card numbers.</p>
<p>Tim Richards’ DOJ prosecutor, Carren Doughtrey, attended the hearing, and so did FBI agent Brook Donohue. When asked by this reporter if Eichenwald is under criminal investigation on child pornography-related charges, Donohue said, “I can’t tell you.” “We’re not supposed to comment,” said Doughtrey.</p>
<p>CounterPunch left phone messages with Eichenwald’s former Times editor, Larry Ingrassia, asking if the Times knew about Eichenwald’s pseudonymous PayPal transactions with Berry. Ingrassia has not thus far responded. Challenging the secrecy bid of Eichenwald’s lawyers at today’s hearing was Douglas Pierce, a Nashville attorney acting for CounterPunch.</p>
<p>DEBBIE NATHAN is a New York City-based journalist who writes about sexual politics and immigration. She can be reached at <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a></p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p> | More Secret Payments by Former New York Times Reporter to Web Porn Star Surface in Nashville Courtroom | true | https://counterpunch.org/2007/08/01/more-secret-payments-by-former-new-york-times-reporter-to-web-porn-star-surface-in-nashville-courtroom/ | 2007-08-01 | 4 |
<p>WALDORF, Md. (AP) — Maryland authorities say a sheriff’s deputy shot and wounded a man who reached for his waistband where a gun was later found.</p>
<p>Charles County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Diane Richardson said the shooting happened about 2 p.m. Thursday in Waldorf. She said the deputy saw a man standing in an intersection in an apparent dispute with a driver.</p>
<p>Richardson says the deputy told the man several times to show his hands, but the man refused and reached for his waistband. She says the deputy shot the man twice.</p>
<p>Richardson says a nearby off-duty U.S. Secret Service agent helped take the man into custody, and a handgun was found in the man’s waistband.</p>
<p>The man was taken to a hospital with what Richardson said were non-life-threatening injuries.</p>
<p>WALDORF, Md. (AP) — Maryland authorities say a sheriff’s deputy shot and wounded a man who reached for his waistband where a gun was later found.</p>
<p>Charles County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Diane Richardson said the shooting happened about 2 p.m. Thursday in Waldorf. She said the deputy saw a man standing in an intersection in an apparent dispute with a driver.</p>
<p>Richardson says the deputy told the man several times to show his hands, but the man refused and reached for his waistband. She says the deputy shot the man twice.</p>
<p>Richardson says a nearby off-duty U.S. Secret Service agent helped take the man into custody, and a handgun was found in the man’s waistband.</p>
<p>The man was taken to a hospital with what Richardson said were non-life-threatening injuries.</p> | Maryland deputy shoots man who reached for waistband | false | https://apnews.com/caafa6559baf4f58b9a71ef0505d1595 | 2016-02-05 | 2 |
<p>Illustration: Ryan Snook</p>
<p />
<p>When I met Michael Bagley at the Hamilton, a cavernous watering hole two blocks from the White House, he was decked out like Sterling Archer: black turtleneck, black pants, black shoes. It seemed fitting for a man whose company— <a href="http://www.jellyfishintel.co/" type="external">Jellyfish</a>—sounds like it was ripped from the pages of a spy novel. The firm specializes in “political intelligence,” the fastest-growing Washington industry you’ve never heard of.</p>
<p>“What’s the old Gordon Gekko quote? Information is a valuable thing,” the 45-year-old Bagley said as he sipped his pale ale. Jellyfish collects information about what’s happening behind the scenes and rushes it to its corporate clients so they can make investments based on things like forthcoming regulations or tax code tweaks. Secrecy is a key selling point; the firm isn’t required to disclose its agents or customers. “So a company like Philip Morris would like a seat at the table, literally and figuratively,” Bagley said, somewhat reluctantly name-dropping his biggest client at the moment. “We provide that to them.” In addition to tracking legislative and regulatory wheeling and dealing, his shop connects clients with officials at places like US Central Command, the better to figure out, say, what impact overseas military operations could have on tobacco shipments. Bagley’s original associates were veterans of the security contractor <a href="http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/05/blackwater-datamining-vets-want-to-save-big-business/" type="external">Academi (formerly Xe, previously Blackwater)</a> and <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/update-operation-jellyfish-takes-intelligence-operatives-to-frontlines-of-fortune-500-companies-121578453.html" type="external">Able Danger</a>, a Pentagon program that was said to have identified Mohamed Atta before September 11.</p>
<p>Though Jellyfish traffics in knowledge that’s “nonpublic or not easily accessible to the public,” Bagley insisted that everything it does is aboveboard. “We work on unclassified information, but our information is based on relationships,” he explained. “Just like you and I are having a beer here, we’re just exchanging information. There’s nothing nefarious going on here.”</p>
<p>As Wall Street has pursued ever more complex ways to make a buck, the political-intelligence industry has boomed, bringing in <a href="http://www.integrity-research.com/cms/2012/02/06/stock-act-requires-political-intelligence-firms-to-register/" type="external">$402 million in 2009</a>, according to Integrity Research Associates, which tracks the PI sector. That’s still small potatoes compared to the <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/" type="external">$3.3 billion lobbying industry</a>, but it has caught the eye of critics who worry that it amounts to selling special access to the public’s business. “This is basically the kind of thing that America hates,” says former lobbyist-turned-reformer Jack Abramoff.</p>
<p>Heather Podesta, a corporate lobbyist who once proudly sewed a <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=3&amp;ved=0CD4QFjAC&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baravaida.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2FPartying-With-The-Podestas.pdf&amp;ei=sWQvUtzhFZOY2gWAj4G4CQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNE03v6kW3APgf6FAp4YzOzcZKSVQQ&amp;sig2=wpP90T5rqeUVjqAA9_oEXg&amp;bvm=bv.51773540,d.b2I&amp;cad=rja" type="external">scarlet “L” on her dress</a> at a Democratic convention party, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxm-T_8QKfY" type="external">recalls the moment</a> several years ago when she realized political intel had taken on a life of its own. Hedge funders had packed the audience at a Senate hearing on asbestos legislation. They had no interest in the policy implications; they just wanted to find out first so they could place their <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116554698892944296.html" type="external">bets for or against the asbestos makers</a>. “The whole thing,” Podesta tells me at the power-lunch staple Charlie Palmer, “was just so sleazy.” Yet so long as they don’t veer into insider trading or Abramoff-style shenanigans, the political-intelligence firms aren’t breaking any laws. “All they’re doing is discovering the information and conveying it,” concedes Abramoff, whose influence-peddling schemes swept up a half-dozen Republican lawmakers and landed him in prison. “I’m not even sure if you made it illegal there’s any way to enforce it. It’s ingenious.”</p>
<p>The political-intelligence industry began to take shape in the early 1980s. As federal regulatory power expanded, big business wanted to know what happened in obscure subcommittee hearings—and didn’t want to wait for the next day’s papers to read about it. In 1984, investment banker <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meet-ivan-boesky-the-infamous-wall-streeter-who-inspired-gordon-gecko-2012-7?op=1" type="external">Ivan Boesky</a> hired lobbyists to attend committee hearings about a big oil merger and report back to him. It paid off: Boesky made a cool $65 million just by finding out first and buying low. “Investors started to realize that there was money to be made by knowing what was going on in Washington and knowing it as quickly as possible,” says Michael Mayhew, the founder of Integrity Research Associates.</p>
<p>As Wall Street put an <a href="" type="internal">ever-greater premium on speed</a>, investing in supercomputers to place orders milliseconds before the competition, the industry took off. The biggest known score came in 2005, when Congress was weighing approval of a $140 billion trust fund for <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116554698892944296.html" type="external">asbestos liability claims</a> at the hearings Podesta witnessed. A few days before then-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) announced a vote on the plan, hedge funds snapped up stock in companies that would be shielded from lawsuits if the fund were set up. The Securities and Exchange Commission suspected that advance notice of the vote had leaked from the senator’s office to lobbyists who then tipped off their political-intelligence clients. That the asbestos fund ultimately <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113997553681374401.html" type="external">never came to be</a> was beside the point; the hedge funds had already made their money.</p>
<p>In 2006, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) introduced the <a href="http://www.louise.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=2623&amp;Itemid=1" type="external">Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act</a>, which banned insider trading by members of Congress and their staffs. It also mandated that firms that specialize in information peddling (journalists excepted) register and disclose their clients and payments. But in the final version passed last year, that provision was removed after a <a href="http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/209027-stock-act-spotlight-is-set-to-expose-wall-streets-tipsters" type="external">furious lobbying push</a>. “I didn’t even realize we were going to get hit with that type of opposition,” says Craig Holman, a lobbyist for Public Citizen. “Wall Street brought out their guns.” Much of the pushback came from the Securities Industry and Financial Market Association, which spent more than $5.5 million lobbying Congress last year.</p>
<p>Transparency advocates admit that there’s a lot they don’t know about how the industry works, which is one reason they suspect it’s up to no good. “It sounds cloak-and-dagger, but what the heck: There’s billions of dollars involved here,” says former Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.), a sponsor of the STOCK Act. “It’s only a matter of time before there’s going to be a massive scandal,” says one Republican Senate staffer.</p>
<p>It is hard to define what exactly constitutes political intelligence, much less when it crosses the line between research and sleaze. In April, a firm called Height Securities alerted its clients to an imminent change in Medicare Advantage rates, prompting them to buy up health care stocks. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/grassley-eyes-former-aides-role-in-market-intelligence-90197.html" type="external">launched an investigation</a> into how the company got its inside information, yet so far there’s been no evidence of wrongdoing. When I called Bagley in late summer, he told me that Jellyfish had rearranged its operations to focus on foreign governments, citing the “lack of continuity in what the definition of political intelligence is, was, and was going to be.”</p>
<p>What likely won’t change, though, is the commodification of policy as K Street increasingly caters to the financial industry. “What is it Wall Street wants?” asks Barbara Dreyfuss, a former political-intelligence analyst who’s now an investigative reporter. “They want quick action. They want insider information that only they know that will give them quick action. And that’s because Wall Street has become a speculative bonanza.”</p>
<p /> | The Fastest-Growing Washington Industry You’ve Never Heard Of | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2013/11/political-intelligence-industry-jellyfish/ | 2018-11-01 | 4 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's premier medical research institute is in "a scramble" to prepare for a partial government shutdown that could ruin costly experiments and leave sick patients unable to enter cutting-edge studies, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said Thursday.</p>
<p>Fauci stressed that patients currently in NIH-run studies — including those at the research-only hospital often called the "house of hope" — wouldn't be adversely affected even if President Donald Trump and Congress don't reach a budget deal to avert a shutdown at midnight Friday.</p>
<p>"We still take care of them," Fauci, the NIH's infectious disease chief, told The Associated Press. "You never want to put patients in any jeopardy."</p>
<p>But new patients attempting to enter studies of experimental therapies, often because they've failed standard treatment, would have to be turned away, as happened during the last government shutdown.</p>
<p>And across the NIH, Fauci described how researchers working on projects from cancer therapies to new vaccines are figuring out how to try to save work in progress so it wouldn't go to waste.</p>
<p>"It's a scramble," Fauci said, offering a peek at the practical impact of the budget impasse.</p>
<p>As at other federal agencies, NIH must determine who is an "essential" employee and would report to work if there is a partial shutdown — and who would be barred. There's also a potential ripple effect, because NIH funds basic research and clinical trials at universities and other institutions across the country.</p>
<p>Fauci, who directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, called the cycle of off-and-on budget deals and shutdown threats demoralizing and disruptive to science.</p>
<p>"You have experiments that have been going on for months if not years, and then all of a sudden you've got to stop — you can't do that," Fauci said. "You can't push the pause button on an experiment when you inject an animal with a particular substance to see what the response is and then you have to go home for a week."</p>
<p>In a wide-ranging interview Thursday, Fauci also said:</p>
<p>— It's too soon to know how well this year's flu vaccine is protecting against the tough virus strain hitting much of the country. Probably the flu shot will be about 30 percent effective, he estimated, and he said science must come up with better protection against the constantly mutating virus.</p>
<p>He is prioritizing development of a universal flu vaccine to protect against both seasonal flu and super-strains that can trigger pandemics. How soon? "Years, not decades," he said. Meanwhile, get the regular flu vaccine: "Any degree of protection is better than no protection at all."</p>
<p>—Despite years of failed attempts, the hurdles to getting an HIV vaccine are "surmountable," but expect such a shot to be only partially effective. Even a vaccine that's 50 to 60 percent effective "would be a home run" because it could be combined with condoms, preventive medications and other steps, Fauci said.</p>
<p>"When you put even a modestly effective HIV vaccine together with all of the other prevention modalities, I think we could put an end to the epidemic. That's what I hope we can do at least while I'm still alive," he said.</p>
<p>—Science has the capability, given the right resources, to create vaccines for tuberculosis and malaria, as well as HIV. Tackling all three, "you're talking about millions and millions of lives per year that you'll be saving."</p>
<p>—Zika may have faded from the headlines but if it rebounds in Latin America, NIH has "a vaccine ready to go and prove whether it's effective or not." Perhaps more important, it was made in a way that NIH thinks could be copied quickly to fend off other emerging viruses.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's premier medical research institute is in "a scramble" to prepare for a partial government shutdown that could ruin costly experiments and leave sick patients unable to enter cutting-edge studies, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said Thursday.</p>
<p>Fauci stressed that patients currently in NIH-run studies — including those at the research-only hospital often called the "house of hope" — wouldn't be adversely affected even if President Donald Trump and Congress don't reach a budget deal to avert a shutdown at midnight Friday.</p>
<p>"We still take care of them," Fauci, the NIH's infectious disease chief, told The Associated Press. "You never want to put patients in any jeopardy."</p>
<p>But new patients attempting to enter studies of experimental therapies, often because they've failed standard treatment, would have to be turned away, as happened during the last government shutdown.</p>
<p>And across the NIH, Fauci described how researchers working on projects from cancer therapies to new vaccines are figuring out how to try to save work in progress so it wouldn't go to waste.</p>
<p>"It's a scramble," Fauci said, offering a peek at the practical impact of the budget impasse.</p>
<p>As at other federal agencies, NIH must determine who is an "essential" employee and would report to work if there is a partial shutdown — and who would be barred. There's also a potential ripple effect, because NIH funds basic research and clinical trials at universities and other institutions across the country.</p>
<p>Fauci, who directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, called the cycle of off-and-on budget deals and shutdown threats demoralizing and disruptive to science.</p>
<p>"You have experiments that have been going on for months if not years, and then all of a sudden you've got to stop — you can't do that," Fauci said. "You can't push the pause button on an experiment when you inject an animal with a particular substance to see what the response is and then you have to go home for a week."</p>
<p>In a wide-ranging interview Thursday, Fauci also said:</p>
<p>— It's too soon to know how well this year's flu vaccine is protecting against the tough virus strain hitting much of the country. Probably the flu shot will be about 30 percent effective, he estimated, and he said science must come up with better protection against the constantly mutating virus.</p>
<p>He is prioritizing development of a universal flu vaccine to protect against both seasonal flu and super-strains that can trigger pandemics. How soon? "Years, not decades," he said. Meanwhile, get the regular flu vaccine: "Any degree of protection is better than no protection at all."</p>
<p>—Despite years of failed attempts, the hurdles to getting an HIV vaccine are "surmountable," but expect such a shot to be only partially effective. Even a vaccine that's 50 to 60 percent effective "would be a home run" because it could be combined with condoms, preventive medications and other steps, Fauci said.</p>
<p>"When you put even a modestly effective HIV vaccine together with all of the other prevention modalities, I think we could put an end to the epidemic. That's what I hope we can do at least while I'm still alive," he said.</p>
<p>—Science has the capability, given the right resources, to create vaccines for tuberculosis and malaria, as well as HIV. Tackling all three, "you're talking about millions and millions of lives per year that you'll be saving."</p>
<p>—Zika may have faded from the headlines but if it rebounds in Latin America, NIH has "a vaccine ready to go and prove whether it's effective or not." Perhaps more important, it was made in a way that NIH thinks could be copied quickly to fend off other emerging viruses.</p> | Gov't scientists scramble to save research ahead of shutdown | false | https://apnews.com/amp/e6a9e62134de460d8123281d68cabdae | 2018-01-18 | 2 |
<p>&lt;a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hikingartist/5727282498/"&gt;Frits Ahlefeldt-Laurvig&lt;/a&gt;/Flickr</p>
<p>For the first installment of a new weekly feature, here’s a quick look at the week that was in the <a href="" type="internal">world of political dark money</a>: <a href="http://www.americanbanker.com/issues/177_66/SuperPAC-banking-Howard-Headless--Friends-of-Traditional-Banking-1048138-1.html?zkPrintable=1&amp;amp;nopagination=1" type="external" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.chron.com/news/politics/article/Female-donors-shift-away-from-super-PACs-3448038.php%20" type="external">Dudes dominate super-PAC&#160;giving:</a> No surprise here: Super-PAC contributions, <a href="" type="internal">like certain magazine award nominations</a>, are dominated by men. The Houston Chronicle reported that women account for just 14 percent of super-PAC donors, citing it as an example of the “link between the underrepresentation of women in the political money chase and the underrepresentation of women in U.S. elected&#160;office.”</p>
<p><a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/04/05/stephen-colberts-super-pac-satire-lands-him-a-peabody/" type="external">Colbert wins award for dark-money mockery:</a> On Wednesday’s Colbert Report, <a href="http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/04/05/stephen-colberts-super-pac-satire-lands-him-a-peabody/" type="external">Stephen announced</a> that his show had won a Peabody award for it satirization of super-PACs. To poke fun at the runaway campaign spending following the Citizens United ruling, the Colbert Report founded its own super-PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, <a href="" type="internal">which ran bizarro political ads</a> in early primary states.&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>The Colbert Report Get More: <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/" type="external">Colbert Report Full Episodes</a>, <a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/" type="external">Political Humor &amp; Satire Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/video" type="external">Video Archive</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Romney hires GOP guru:</a> As MoJo‘s <a href="" type="internal">Andy Kroll reported</a>, Ed&#160;Gillespie, the man who created the powerhouse American Crossroads super-PAC&#160;with Karl Rove, has hopped aboard Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. The move calls into question the supposed ban on coordination between super-PACs and candidates’ campaign operations.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/461/take-the-money-and-run-for-office" type="external">“Take the Money and Run for Office”:</a> Last week’s episode of This American Life explored the world of campaign finance. Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) and former Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) discussed the campaign reform bill they championed, which the Supreme Court <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2010/01/money_grubbers.html" type="external">ultimately ruled unconstitutional</a>. NPR’s Planet Money blog published a companion piece <a href="https://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/03/26/149390968/take-the-money-and-run-for-office" type="external">charting the delicious ways politicians woo megadonors</a>.</p>
<p>Appetite for seduction:&#160;Congressional fundraisers, by meal NPR</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-04/republican-donor-simmons-seeks-rule-to-fill-texas-dump" type="external">Romney’s radioactive supporter:</a> Texas billionaire <a href="" type="internal">Harold Simmons</a>, who has pumped <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-04/republican-donor-simmons-seeks-rule-to-fill-texas-dump" type="external">at least $700,000</a> into the pro-Romney Restore Our Future super-PAC, is pressuring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow him to dump radioactive materials including depleted uranium into <a href="" type="internal">his giant West Texas landfill</a>. The “King of Superfund Sites” is <a href="http://www.salon.com/2012/04/05/the_gops_nuke_dump_donor/" type="external">hoping for Republican victories</a> in November, having invested $16 million in the 2012 elections, including $12 million in American Crossroads.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.americanbanker.com/issues/177_66/SuperPAC-banking-Howard-Headless--Friends-of-Traditional-Banking-1048138-1.html?zkPrintable=1&amp;amp;nopagination=1" type="external">Small banks launch super-PAC:</a> Friends of Traditional Banking, a new super-PAC&#160;representing the interests of “traditional banks,” says it plans to raise money through small contributions. “Everyone knows that traditional banks didn’t cause the economic crisis, but that didn’t stop Congress from heaping massive new regulations on them and their customers,” the group, which like most banks opposes <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodd%E2%80%93Frank_Wall_Street_Reform_and_Consumer_Protection_Act" type="external">Dodd-Frank’s</a> “massive new regulations,” said in a mission statement.</p> | This Week in Dark Money | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2012/04/week-dark-money-colbert-romney/ | 2012-04-06 | 4 |
<p>HARBIN, China (AP) - Ice sculptures of Moscow's Red Square and Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha are among landmarks featured in the world's largest ice festival.</p>
<p>The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in the frigid northeastern Chinese city is known for massive, elaborate and colorfully lit ice sculptures featuring animals, cartoon characters and landmarks.</p>
<p>Some of this year's displays center on Chinese President Xi Jinping's major foreign policy and trade initiative, the One Belt One Road, an ambitious plan to link Asia and Europe with a network of railways, ports and other infrastructure.</p>
<p>Ice sculpture artist Han Zhenkun designed his work based on the historic Silk Road.</p>
<p>"Back then, through the Silk Road, exquisite art works from China like potteries were transported by camels and horses to the Western world," Han said.</p>
<p>Main activities start this week and the festival runs through late February, with heavy crowds expected during Lunar New Year celebrations, Feb. 15-23. Temperatures at this time of the year can dip below zero Fahrenheit (minus 18 Celsius).</p>
<p>Last year's festival drew 18 million visitors and 28.7 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in tourism revenue for Harbin, data from the city's tourism bureau showed.</p>
<p>One park, the Harbin Ice-Snow World, features more than 2,000 ice sculptures made from 180,000 cubic meters (240,000 cubic yards) of ice collected from the Songhua River by nearly a thousand workers. In the evening, sculptures are lit with colorful lights.</p>
<p>In addition to ice sculpture competitions, the festival also includes winter swimming, ice hockey, skiing and snow biking.</p>
<p>"Art has no borders," Han said. "It's an abstract language. We communicate with our works in this international competition. It means a lot."</p>
<p>HARBIN, China (AP) - Ice sculptures of Moscow's Red Square and Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha are among landmarks featured in the world's largest ice festival.</p>
<p>The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in the frigid northeastern Chinese city is known for massive, elaborate and colorfully lit ice sculptures featuring animals, cartoon characters and landmarks.</p>
<p>Some of this year's displays center on Chinese President Xi Jinping's major foreign policy and trade initiative, the One Belt One Road, an ambitious plan to link Asia and Europe with a network of railways, ports and other infrastructure.</p>
<p>Ice sculpture artist Han Zhenkun designed his work based on the historic Silk Road.</p>
<p>"Back then, through the Silk Road, exquisite art works from China like potteries were transported by camels and horses to the Western world," Han said.</p>
<p>Main activities start this week and the festival runs through late February, with heavy crowds expected during Lunar New Year celebrations, Feb. 15-23. Temperatures at this time of the year can dip below zero Fahrenheit (minus 18 Celsius).</p>
<p>Last year's festival drew 18 million visitors and 28.7 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in tourism revenue for Harbin, data from the city's tourism bureau showed.</p>
<p>One park, the Harbin Ice-Snow World, features more than 2,000 ice sculptures made from 180,000 cubic meters (240,000 cubic yards) of ice collected from the Songhua River by nearly a thousand workers. In the evening, sculptures are lit with colorful lights.</p>
<p>In addition to ice sculpture competitions, the festival also includes winter swimming, ice hockey, skiing and snow biking.</p>
<p>"Art has no borders," Han said. "It's an abstract language. We communicate with our works in this international competition. It means a lot."</p> | Red Square, Bangkok temple among ice festival sculptures | false | https://apnews.com/amp/3ffbf3fe1397447dadd0034d46570985 | 2018-01-05 | 2 |
<p>For hundreds of years, bald eagle numbers in the U.S. plummeted due to habitat destruction and, in the 20th century, the introduction of poisonous pesticides. Now, conservationists are welcoming the sights of new nesting grounds, and people across the country are spotting more of the majestic birds flying overhead as the numbers finally recover.</p>
<p>Patti Barber, a Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist, said that she feels rewarded for the fight to bring back the endangered species. “It’s hard to step away from the fact that they are our nation’s symbol and knowing that they’ve now come back from the brink,” she said. “I think a lot of people have a lot of pride that we managed to do that.”</p>
<p>The bald eagle was adopted as the symbol for the newly-formed United States of America in 1782. At that point, the country may have been home to as many as 100,000 nesting eagles. The first major decline of their numbers was noted in the mid-1800s, in conjunction with the disappearance of prey such as waterfowl and shorebirds. The decline was likely linked to habitat destruction, as humans felled tall nesting trees and polluted rivers and lakes, which act as the eagles’ food sources.</p>
<p>The biggest blow to the bald eagle population came after World War II, when the introduction of the pesticide DDT caused a rapid decline. The eagles became exposed to the pesticide through food sources like fish, and the presence of DDT in their diet caused often fatal reproductive issues. Ingesting the pesticide thinned the eagles’ eggshells and caused them to break easily, which meant that few bald eagle chicks made it past infancy. The use of DDT in the U.S. was banned in 1972, but the measure seemed to come too late: six years later, bald eagles were listed as an endangered species in 43 states.</p>
<p>After years of fighting to clean habitats and keep the birds alive, the birds finally dropped from the ranks of endangered species in the 1990s. Now, 69,000 bald eagles fly across the United States, up from as few as 487 nesting pairs in 1963.</p>
<p>However, new dangers hide in store for the recovering species: Lisa Smith, head of the Tri-state Bird Rescue and Research Inc., said that bald eagles are now competing for space and inflicting wounds on one another. Some birds are solving the problem by nesting in residential areas. “As the population has increased over the past 20 years, the amount of suitable habitat for bald eagles to breed in has decreased,” said Smith.</p>
<p /> | Bald eagle population soars back from near extinction | false | http://natmonitor.com/2015/02/14/bald-eagle-population-soars-back-from-near-extinction/ | 2015-02-14 | 3 |
<p>TORONTO, Canada - A visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to an obscure Quebec town would normally go unnoticed. But last Friday, his trip to Thetford Mines was seen by many as a defiant gesture toward the international community.</p>
<p>Thetford Mines, 125 miles northeast of Montreal, has been mining cancer-causing asbestos for more than a century. And Harper's Conservative government last week made sure it will continue to freely export the hazardous product.</p>
<p>On the day of Harper's visit, Canada blocked attempts to list chrysotile asbestos as a hazardous substance on a United Nations treaty called the Rotterdam Convention. His trip to Thetford Mines was a kind of solidarity celebration among the mounds of grey asbestos tailings.</p>
<p>At the U.N. conference in Geneva, where consensus was required to list a substance as hazardous, Canada was the only developed nation to oppose placing chrysotile asbestos on the treaty. Its position was backed by Ukraine, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan - the kind of international support one doesn't normally boast about.</p>
<p>The listing of chrysotile asbestos would not have banned its export. It simply would have forced exporters to warn recipient countries of the health hazards. But even this is unacceptable to the Canadian government, which, for the third time, blocked its listing internationally.</p>
<p>(Read more: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/south-korea/090608/asbestos-mines-respiratory-diseases" type="external">South Korea ignores warnings about asbestos</a>)</p>
<p>The World Health Organization has warned that "at least 90,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis resulting from occupational exposures." The Canadian Medical Association has called on the government to end its mining.</p>
<p>Canada is the fifth largest producer of chrysotile asbestos in the world, exporting about $90 million-worth each year. Almost all of it is exported to developing countries, including India (the biggest buyer), Pakistan and Sri Lanka. About 500 people work in the only two companies that mine asbestos, both of which are in the French-speaking province of Quebec.</p>
<p>Chrysotile asbestos is a fire-resistant material often mixed in cement and used in construction. In India it is widely used as roofing. (In Geneva, India pushed to have the substance listed as hazardous, as did the European Union and the United States.)</p>
<p>Critics describe the Canadian government's position as grossly hypocritical. They note the government is spending tens of millions of dollars to remove asbestos from public buildings, including schools and the Parliament buildings. Even 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa - the official residence of the prime minister "&#160;is being stripped of asbestos. If Harper doesn't believe it is safe for him and his family to live with the stuff, why would he oppose warning families in developing countries about its dangers"</p>
<p>Most developed countries have stopped using chrysotile asbestos. The European Union banned it more than a decade ago. In Canada, its use is so tightly controlled that it is effectively banned.</p>
<p>In the province of Ontario, for instance, asbestos is considered so dangerous that exposure is limited by law to a maximum of one dust-like fiber in 10 cubic centimeters of air. Sophisticated monitoring and ventilation equipment is therefore needed to keep workers safe. The chances of such equipment being available to workers in developing countries are slim, say critics of Canada's position.</p>
<p>Indeed, about a year ago, CBC TV showed shocking images of laborers in India working with chystoline asbestos. They worked without protective suits and their clothes were covered in fibers. Handkerchiefs tied across their faces were the only protection they had against inhaling the cancer-causing fibers.</p>
<p>"Asbestos is the greatest industrial killer the world has ever known. More people die from asbestos than all other industrial causes combined, yet Canada continues to be one of the largest producers and exporters in the world," Pat Martin, a member of the New Democratic Party, told the government during a Parliamentary debate last week.</p>
<p>"Without exaggeration, we are exporting human misery on a monumental scale, and yet we are taking active steps to make sure they don't even warn their customers - the developing nations where we are dumping hundreds of thousands of tones of asbestos," he added. "Our position is morally and ethically reprehensible. Do they not realize the black eye they're giving our country?"</p>
<p>Industry Minister Christian Paradis, who comes from Thetford Mines, replied by monotonously reading out the government's position each time he was challenged.</p>
<p>"For over 30 years, the Canadian government has advocated the safe and controlled use of asbestos," he said. "This can be done in a controlled environment, which is what recent scientific studies have shown."</p>
<p>It's a mantra that dumbfounds Canada's Western allies. Canada is placing lives at risk, critics charge, with an indefensible position: What isn't good for Canada is good for others.</p> | Asbestos: Canada's deadly export | false | https://pri.org/stories/2011-06-28/asbestos-canadas-deadly-export | 2011-06-28 | 3 |
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<p>Edward Elgar’s Piano Quintet in A minor is the most dramatic and the biggest in terms of its scope, Holland said.</p>
<p>“It changes moods a lot,” he said. “In the first five or six minutes, it goes from a very spooky opening into a kind of strange march and then into beautiful, lyrical singing passages. It changes gears so much.”</p>
<p>Holland said a legend is believed to have inspired the first movement of the quintet. There were bizarre-looking trees in the countryside near where Elgar lived. “The local legend was that the trees were the bodies of Spanish monks who were doing a sacrilegious ritual and were struck by lightning. Elgar’s wife wrote about it in her diary,” Holland said.</p>
<p>Compared with the emotional complexity of the first movement, the second movement is romantic, starting with a viola solo. “It’s classic heart on your sleeve and as a chamber musician you lick your chops to play,” he said.</p>
<p>The third movement is bright and optimistic but revives some of the music of the first movement.</p>
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<p>Also on the program is Igor Stravinsky’s Divertimento for Violin and Piano. The composer took music from his ballet “The Fairy Kiss” and used it to create the divertimento. It was also inspired by Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky.</p>
<p>Holland thinks of the divertimento as having Tchaikovsky’s melodies and Stravinsky’s rhythms.</p>
<p>The third work, “Credo” for String Quartet, is by Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer Kevin Puts. The work is made up of three episodes that had given Puts solace, Holland said. The first is a violin shop in Katonah, N.Y. The second is a jogging path framed by a bridge and railroad ties in Pittsburgh. The third is a scene he witnessed of a mother teaching her daughter how to dance.</p>
<p>Performing in the concert are Holland on cello, Megan Holland and Robyn Julyan on violin, Kimberly Fredenburgh on viola and Debra Ayers on piano.</p>
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<p /> | Chamber Soloists’ show to include Elgar piece | false | https://abqjournal.com/976181/chamber-soloists-show-to-include-elgar-piece.html | 2 |
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<p><a href="" type="internal">Chuck Todd continued</a> either his devil's advocate impression or his snarky corporatist modal as he attempted to malign Bernie Sanders' push for <a href="https://singlepayerhealthcarenow.com/best-answer-what-single-payer/" type="external">single-payer Medicare for All</a>. Todd seemed to be pushing the Right Wing false narrative to Medicare for all for which Bernie Sanders summarily schooled him on the reality of the program.</p>
<p>We have been discussing our health care system for decades. Journalists and politicians know just about everything there is to know about the healthcare industry. As such it is incumbent on journalists to ask the right questions and provide the correct narrative. In other words, they should not allow fallacies even to get a hearing.</p>
<p>Chuck Todd started this portion of the interview with the truth but then decided to ask a question misleadingly. He said most Americans support Medicare for All. But then he went on the narrative implying that supports drop when people find out how much it would cost and how much taxes would rise. Of course, if people are lied to, they will change opinions based on the lie they believe. Cost does not go up with Medicare for All. They go down because all insurance administrative costs are gone. Taxes do not have to go up for most in the context that health insurance premium&#160;is no different than a tax. If total health care costs are lowered, of course, taxes in the aggregate are lower as well.</p>
<p>Bernie Sanders did a great job in answering Chuck Todd. He once again pointed out that the insurance administrative costs are 18+ percent (the reality is more) while it is around 2% for Medicare for all which would save north of $500 billion a year.</p>
<p>He then pointed out that negotiating prices down on prescription drugs would be another huge saving, something that Obamacare did not do as it had to make concessions to get the bill through. Bernie then pointed out how much employers and employees would save not having the arcane system we now have.</p>
<p />
<p>Proponents of Medicare for All must simplify their message. After all, Medicare for All is much simpler than the fraud we call health care in America now. They must develop soundbites that are easily understandable and digestible.</p>
<p>Also published on <a href="https://medium.com/@egbertowillies/bernie-sanders-dismissed-chuck-todd-snark-schools-him-on-medicare-for-all-video-7618d393388c" type="external">Medium</a>.</p> | Bernie Sanders dismissed Chuck Todd snark & schools him on Medicare for all (VIDEO) | true | https://egbertowillies.com/2017/09/17/bernie-sanders-chuck-todd-medicare/ | 2017-09-17 | 4 |
<p>Veteran NBA star forward Zach Randolph was arrested on a marijuana charge after several police cars were vandalized when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project, authorities said Thursday.</p>
<p>Randolph, 36, was taken into custody late Wednesday on suspicion of possessing marijuana with intent to sell, according to Los Angeles Police Department Officer Liliana Preciado.</p>
<p>“The charges are false and misleading,” Randolph’s agent and attorney Raymond Brothers told The Associated Press on Thursday. “We’re looking at all options to resolve this matter.”</p>
<p>Police on patrol observed a crowd drinking, smoking pot, blasting music and blocking streets at the Nickerson Gardens project in Watts, Preciado said.</p>
<p>Officers called for backup when the crowd grew and people began throwing bottles and rocks.</p>
<p>Five police cars and one sheriff’s vehicle ended up with smashed windows and slashed tires. No officers were hurt.</p>
<p>Officers also arrested Stanley Walton, 43, on suspicion of carrying a gun as an ex-convict, Preciado said. She didn’t know if Walton has an attorney.</p>
<p>Police recovered two guns, impounded two vehicles and seized narcotics, Preciado said.</p>
<p>Randolph, a 16-year league veteran, spent 8 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before signing with the Sacramento Kings in July. Representatives for the Kings did not immediately return calls seeking comment Thursday.</p>
<p>The two-time NBA All-Star played for Michigan State University before being drafted in 2001 by the Portland Trail Blazers. Randolph also played for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.</p> | NBA's Randolph Arrested on Pot Charge at LA Housing Project | false | https://newsline.com/nbas-randolph-arrested-on-pot-charge-at-la-housing-project/ | 2017-08-10 | 1 |
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<p>Luis Mendez, 23, left, and Maurice Mike, 23, wait in line at a job fair held by the Miami Marlins, at Marlins Park in Miami on Oct. 23, 2013. The labor Department issues the December jobs report, the last one for 2103, on January 10. 2014. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, FIle)</p>
<p>WASHINGTON — The Labor Department said Friday employers added a scant 74,000 jobs in December after averaging 214,000 in the previous four months, and a sharp contrast from payroll processor ADP’s report on Thursday that suggested 238,000 jobs were added last month.</p>
<p>Economists cautioned that cold weather likely played a role in the apparent sharp slowdown. Many analysts said more data is needed to tell whether the job market had lost momentum.</p>
<p>“The disappointing jobs report flies in the face of most recent economic data, which are pointing to a pretty strong fourth quarter,” said Sal Guatieri, an economist at BMO Capital Markets.</p>
<p>Friday’s weak Labor Department jobs report for December contrasted sharply with payroll processor ADP’s upbeat report released just a day earlier. (The Associated Press)</p>
<p>Some analysts predicted that the job gain would be revised up in the coming months. The government adjusts each month’s jobs figure in the following two months as more companies respond to its survey.</p>
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<p>“There is a good possibility this is just a one-shot deal that could either get revised away or made up for in next month’s release,” Scott Anderson, chief economist at Bank of the West, said in a note to clients.</p>
<p>Mark Vitner of Wells Fargo noted that several industries reported unusually steep job losses. Accounting and bookkeeping services, for example, lost 24,700 jobs, the most in nearly 11 years. And performing arts and spectator sports cut 11,600, the most in 2½ years. The movie industry shed 13,700 jobs. Economists said those unusually large losses are likely a statistical quirk that’s unlikely to be repeated.</p>
<p>Despite December’s sharp slowdown, monthly job gains averaged 182,000 last year, nearly matching the average monthly gains for the previous two years.</p>
<p>The Labor Department also said Friday that the unemployment rate fell from 7 percent in November to 6.7 percent, mostly because many Americans stopped looking for jobs.</p> | U.S. economy adds 74K jobs; rate falls to 6.7 pct. | false | https://abqjournal.com/334371/us-economy-adds-74k-jobs-rate-falls-to-6-7-pct.html | 2014-01-10 | 2 |
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<p>Udall, one of the Senate’s more liberal members, and Paul, a libertarian/conservative, don’t usually agree on much, but they are both deeply wary of the Obama administration’s intensifying war against the terror group. Both lawmakers serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which voted today for a three-year authorization despite their objections.</p>
<p>“The reason I urge a one-year is because this is an extraordinary situation,” Udall said. “We’re not declaring war on a country – this is a terrorist group. I believe that it is our responsibility as a Congress to exercise real oversight to do everything we can to make sure there aren’t unintended consequences – that this situation doesn’t morph into a situation that none of us could imagine.”</p>
<p>“I know people will say this is tying the hands or preventing our ability to achieve victory. This isn’t about any of that; this is about Congress trying to exercise oversight,” Udall added.</p>
<p>The senators’ amendment failed 12-6.</p>
<p>Udall said the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would have ended sooner if they had not had open-ended authorizations.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>“If Congress had stepped in earlier, if we had had some kind of limits and revisited the issue because there was some kind of timeline, we would have ended them a lot earlier because the American people would want them to end,” he said. “I really believe we should be doing our job when it comes to war and peace.”</p>
<p>Paul said it was about “reasserting Congress’ authority to review how long this war lasts in one year.”</p>
<p>“This isn’t a limitation to one year,” Paul said.</p>
<p>Committee Chairman Bob Menendez said he had “a great deal of respect for Sen. Udall and the essence of what he is trying to do,” but he opposed the amendment. The Senate panel also rejected an amendment by Udall and Paul to limit the geographic scope of the U.S. fight against Islamic State to Iraq and Syria.</p>
<p>“I’m not comfortable with a one-year authorization simply because the president, the secretary of state and others have said this will be a multiple-year conflict,” Menendez said. “As such, we tried to bridge the divide between a multiple year conflict and having an open-ended authorization and do it in a way that allows this president and the next president to prosecute …and still have enough time to come to a conclusion. It does not mean we should not have the most vigorous oversight possible during the course of those years.”</p> | Udall seeks limits on war against Islamic State group | false | https://abqjournal.com/510205/udall-seeks-shorter-time-frame-for-isis-war.html | 2 |
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<p>Ladies and gentlemen, you can proceed to the cash register to purchase your pot now that the Florida legislature has passed a bill that would legalized a strain of marijuana for specific medical purposes, such as treating Floridians who are currently suffering from epilepsy.</p>
<p>The Tampa Bay Times <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/gov-rick-scott-says-he-backs-limited-medical-marijuana-bill/2177939" type="external">reported</a> that the measure, would be signed into law by Governor Rick Scott, if it were to pass, it did in the House.</p>
<p>More than 125,000 people suffer from severe epilepsy in Florida and the bill authorizes doctors to order low-THC cannabis for use by patients suffering from chronic seizures. The House bill also allows the specific strains of cannabis to cover cancer and persistent muscle spasms, including Lou Gehrig's disease and other chronic conditions.</p>
<p>Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar, the prime sponsor of the bill, called it a "very cautious step for those very sick children, without cracking open the door too far to inappropriate use."</p>
<p>Five dispensaries throughout the state, operated by nurserymen who have been registered in Florida for at least 30 years, must be licensed to provide access to the drug. The dispensaries must show they can cultivate non-euphoric marijuana, have the appropriate financial stability and have its operators undergo a background check.</p>
<p>Authorized patients will be allowed access to the drug through oil or vapor form, but it may not be smoked. The House reached a compromise with the Senate to reduce the number of ailments covered by the legalized marijuana.</p>
<p>Rep. Dennis Baxley is cautious about the bill, saying that he is concerned that this could create a marijuana "avalanche."</p>
<p>For the most part, Americans like myself support this kind of measured medicinal marijuana usage, regardless of whether it is dispensed in oil, vapor, or bill form.&#160;</p>
<p>Now the whole idea that smoking pot for medical reasons is the way to go, is just a pile of excrement that the pro-pot-smoking lobby is pitching so that they can openly smoke up.</p>
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<p /> | Rick Scott Supports Florida's Move To Legalize Medicinal Marijuana | true | http://shark-tank.com/2014/05/02/rick-scott-supports-floridas-move-to-legalize-medicinal-marijuana/ | 0 |
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<p>Thousands of protesting Ukrainians successfully forced their Supreme Court to order a new presidential run-off election and are still agitating for anti-fraud legislation. But their counterparts in the U.S. – which holds itself up as a model of Democracy – are plunging into a tough fight to recount and dispute the election in Ohio which handed President Bush twenty decisive electoral votes.</p>
<p>On December 6th, Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell certified the vote in the critical swing state declaring that President George Bush beat out John Kerry by 118,775 votes. The President’s 136,000 vote lead on election night was narrowed to two percent after the absentee and provision votes were counted. But the election was not close enough to trigger an automatic recount and Blackwell, who co-chaired Bush’s campaign, declared on NPR that there was “no widespread proof of fraud or intimidation or shenanigans.”</p>
<p>Not so, say Ohio election activists who have spent the past month gathering what they say is evidence of voting irregularities, voter intimidation and suppression. Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian presidential candidate Michael Badnarik plan to file a request for a recount in all 88 Ohio counties. Having raised the required $113,600 and landed a favorable federal ruling against a county that tried to stop the recount, the candidates also want to review all 155,000 provisional ballots. A recount must begin within ten days of the formal request, but it is unlikely that it will be completed when Ohio’s presidential electors are set to meet on December 13th.</p>
<p>There’s an urgency to postpone the electors meeting, but the pressure’s not coming from the Democrats. The third party recount is supported by John Kerry’s presidential campaign which also wants to count votes, but not dispute the results. “The Kerry Edwards campaign does not expect the outcome to change,” said Don McTigue, a Columbus lawyer who filed suit for the campaign in U.S. District Court seeking to impose uniform standards for counting provisional ballots.</p>
<p>The Democratic National Committee announced December 6th that it would appoint a panel of experts to look at voting problems in Ohio. Outgoing Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe, vowed that Democrats will spend “whatever it takes” to examine voting flaws and “make sure every vote is counted.” But they’re not seeking to overturn the race either, focusing instead on issuing a report on how to improve future elections – due out next spring.</p>
<p>The main effort to actually channel election investigations into a win for Kerry is being led by a fair election group called the Alliance for Democracy. The organization says it will press the Ohio Supreme Court to review what it says is abundant evidence of election irregularities and ask the court for a declaratory judgment which names Kerry the winner.</p>
<p>“We are basically going to make allegations that the votes, if properly counted, would reveal a different result then that which was certified by the Secretary of State not in the change in number, but a change in the outcome by which candidate won,” said Cliff Arnebeck, a Columbus lawyer who represents the group. He says that for this to happen, the December 13 meeting of the state electors should be postponed. “The Supreme Court has the power to order that the election outcome be determined differently than what was presented by the Secretary of State by a standard of proof and by clear and convincing evidence,” said Arnebeck.</p>
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<p>Gathering The Evidence and Making It Count</p>
<p>As an example of the type of evidence that might overturn the Ohio election, Arnebeck points to a computer error on election night which recorded an extra 3,893 votes for Bush in the Columbus suburb of Gahanna where the precinct recorded only 638 people casting votes on Danaher electronic voting machines. He said concerns about “inadvertent migration of votes from one candidate to the other” has been raised in a number of Ohio counties with different types of voting systems. According to Arnebeck, they include Clermont County’s optical scan machines and punch card ballot readers used in Warren, Butler and Hamilton County.</p>
<p>About 70% of Ohio voters cast their ballots via punch cards. Arnebeck notes that the certification of votes on December 6th did not address the 92,000 spoiled punch card ballots with no valid presidential choice which he says will be addressed in the recount process. The Alliance for Democracy also plans to use sworn testimony gathered in public hearings in Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland where witnesses charged that election officials disenfranchised voters by withholding voting machines in African American and Democratic precincts – while dispersing them generously to Republican leaning suburbs.</p>
<p>But the Alliance for Democracy is particularly concerned about voting machines. According to Arnebeck, statistical anomalies in vote totals are evident in both a statewide county by county macro analysis of the vote, and a micro analysis on the precinct level. He says his group seeks to break the vote analysis down by county and determine if the anomalies are a result of error, inadvertence or fraud. “We want to clearly establish what happened and that can include having all the machines and all the documents subjected to analysis by the top experts in the country,” said Arnebeck.</p>
<p>Getting election officials to agree to an analysis of voting machines has proved difficult. On November 22, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Verified Voting Foundation (VVF) announced that they had sent letters to voting officials in eight counties around the country urging them to allow independent testing of their electronic voting machines. The two groups were among the 60 organizations in the Election Protection Coalition which ran an election day hotline and the web-based Election Incident Reporting System. The Coalition received 37,862 reports of election irregularities, including 2,112 incidents concerning voting machines.</p>
<p>The two major machine errors involved voters who selected Kerry on an electronic touch screen and saw their vote change to Bush on a summary screen. The second was a specific problem with the Sequoia AVC Edge machine where voters saw preselected default choices presented to them. According to EFF and VFF, counties where the most serious problems were reported include Mahoning and Franklin County in Ohio, Broward and Palm Beach Counties Broward and Palm Beach in Florida, in Florida, Mercer and Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania, Harris County in Texas and Bernalillo County in New Mexico.</p>
<p>The response so far from these counties? “Pretty much zilch,” says EFF staff attorney Matt Zimmerman who notes that many county officials are under heavy pressure to certify the vote. Matt Damschroder, directer of Ohio’s Franklin County Board of Elections, said officials there have received the request. But he insisted that the county had “no problems” with it’s Danaher e-voting machines – the same machines that malfunctioned in Gahanna. “They functioned as they were intended to on election night,” said Damschroder.</p>
<p>Even when election activists appeal to the courts, Zimmerman says judges often give local election officials broad authority on how to conduct machine audits. Former Riverside, California County Board of Supervisors candidate Linda Soubirous learned this lesson when she challenged Riverside County and its Registrar of Voters earlier this year. The county refused to conduct a proper recount of a race that Soubirous lost by 45 votes. Soubirous requested examination of the audit logs and redundant memory stored in the machines. But the Registrar refused to grant her access to any of this material arguing it was not “relevant” to a recount. According to Zimmerman, a state court ruled that local election officials could decide what recount data is relevant and the case is now on appeal.</p>
<p>“If we wanted to get close to voter intent, that would mean going to machines individually to look at data,” said Zimmerman. “But a judge is mostly going to defer to election officials and the law does not require them to look at individual machines and undergo the labor intensive task to get the vote counts – the judge will not require them to do that.”</p>
<p>Even if activists turn up evidence of tampering with punch card readers or optical scan machines, Zimmerman says there are few clear guidelines or laws that would force officials to act on the information. “To the extent that there is some kind of paper record, that is good thing,” said Zimmerman. “But unless the laws and regulations force you to do something with it, they are almost worthless.”</p>
<p>Will recount activists be able to look inside each voting machine in Ohio to conduct a post election analysis? If they get the right judge with the right disposition who lets them look at the logs, it’s possible, says Zimmerman. But if the judge simply requires that the election tallies be recounted, he says the counties may just look at the votes after they have been filtered through a central tabulation system.</p>
<p>EFF is trying to use the Open Records Act to get access to voting data, but Zimmerman said it cannot be used effectively to impound voting machines. “It underscores the notion that election laws have not caught up to technology,” said Zimmerman. “Right now we are up against a ticking clock and time is running out to uncover problems and malfeasance that might have been examined.”</p>
<p>ANN HARRISON covers politics for CounterPunch, the San Francisco Bay Guardian and other publications. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a>.</p>
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<p>&#160;</p> | The Ohio Recount: Reluctant Officials and Few Rules | true | https://counterpunch.org/2004/12/08/the-ohio-recount-reluctant-officials-and-few-rules/ | 2004-12-08 | 4 |
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<p>Ted Cruz was born on foreign soil from an American mother and a foreign father. That is fact. President Obama was born on American soil from an American mother and a foreign father. In effect there was never a real constitutional question regarding President Obama’s eligibility to be president. Irrespective of his parents, he was born on American soil. There is a constitutional question on Cruz’s eligibility based on the definition of ‘natural born citizen’. As such one would expect the <a href="" type="internal">Right Wing birthers to go after Ted Cruz</a>.</p>
<p>As long as you have constituents like Walden Republican Christina Katok, Canadians would qualify for the presidency. She says “As far as I am concerned, Canada is not foreign soil. That’s the way I look at it”.&#160; Listen to her and others in this short <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/23/cruzs-supporters-dont-question-eligibility/" type="external">Texas Tribune</a> video snippet.</p>
<p>Aren’t these guys the strict constitutionalists? This behavior is called willful ignorance. Adjust your beliefs to satisfy your desires. What is ironic is had President Obama&#160; been born in Kenya, based on Cruz’s circumstance and acceptance by the Right Wing, President Obama would be just as eligible given his American mother to these birthers. The reality is even if both President Obama’s parents were foreign; he constitutionally qualifies for the presidency as he was born on American soil while Cruz was not.</p>
<p>The reason the country is at a standstill is that we have a sect that is obstructing that has no interest in reality based governing. They can do this as long as their willfully ignorant base continues to vote at higher rates than the rest of America in gerrymandered districts. In effect America gets the government it deserves. Those who want good government must vote for good politicians.</p> | Ted Cruz Follower: Canada Is Not Really Foreign Soil (VIDEO) | true | http://egbertowillies.com/2013/08/23/ted-cruz-follower-canada-really-foreign-soil-video/?fb_source%3Dpubv1 | 2013-08-23 | 4 |
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<p>"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" The Pretribulation Rapture. NTEB has started a series making the historical and biblical case for the existience of the Pretribulation Rapture of the Church. We believe it is stated time and time again in the bible, in no uncertain terms, and we are proud to take a stand to defend this exciting End Times Bible prophecy. Does the bible teach a Pretribulation Rapture? Yes, we believe it does, and present evidence for proof of a Pretribulation Rapture. It Is Written "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rev&amp;c=3" type="external">Revelation 3:10</a></p>
<p>Scriptural Evidence for the Pretribulation Rapture This section is used by permission from <a href="http://www.raptureready.com/rr-pretribulation-rapture.html" type="external">RaptureReady.com</a> The Unknown Hour When we search the Scriptures and read the passages describing the Lord Jesus' return, we find verses that tell us we won't know the day and hour of that event. Matthew 25:13 says Jesus will return at an unknown time, while Revelation 12:6 indicates that the Jews will have to wait on the Lord 1,260 days, starting when the Antichrist stands in the Temple of God and declares himself to be God (2 Thes 2:4). This event will take place at the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation (Dan 9:27).</p>
<p>Note that some people only see a three-and-a-half-year tribulation. In a way, they are correct because the first half of the tribulation will be relatively peaceful compared to the second half. Nonetheless, peaceful or not, there still remains a seven-year period called the tribulation. When the Jews flee into the wilderness, they know that all they have to do is wait out those 1,260 days (Mat 24:16). There is no way to apply the phrase "neither the day nor the hour" to this situation. The only way for these two viewpoints to be true is to separate the two distinct events transpiring here: 1) the rapture of the Church, which comes before the tribulation; and 2) the return of Jesus to the earth, which takes place roughly seven years later. The Pretribulation Rapture: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb In Luke 12:36, the Word states that when Christ returns, He will be returning from a wedding. In Revelation 19:7-8, we read about the marriage itself. The marriage supper takes place before the marriage. According to Jewish custom, the marriage contract, which often includes a dowry, is drawn up first. The contract parallels the act of faith we use when we trust Jesus to be our Savior. The dowry is His life, which was used to purchase us. When it's time for the wedding, the groom goes to the bride's house unannounced. She comes out to meet him, and then he takes her to his father's house. This precisely correlates with the events according to the pre-trib scenario. Jesus, the Groom, comes down from heaven and calls up the Church, His Bride. After meeting in the air, He and His Bride return to His Father's house, heaven. The marriage supper itself will take place there, while down here on earth the final events of the tribulation will be playing out. After the marriage supper of Jewish tradition, the bride and groom are presented to the world as man and wife. This corresponds to the time when Jesus returns to earth accompanied by an army "clothed in fine linen, white and clean" (Rev 19:14). The Pretribulation Rapture: What They Didn't Teach You in History Class Many groups try to discredit the pre-trib rapture by saying most of the end-time events in the Bible have already taken place. A group of people called preterists claims that the Book of Revelation was mostly fulfilled by 70 AD. If the events described in the Book of Revelation took place in the past, I'm at a loss to explain some of the current situations I see around us: the rebirth of Israel, the reunification of Europe, the number of global wars that have occurred, and the development of nuclear weapons. During history class, I must have slept through the part where the teacher talked about the time when a third of the trees were burned up, 100-pound hailstones fell from the sky, and the sea turned into blood (Rev 8:7-8, 16:21). I think several people would have to question their opposition to the pre-trib rapture doctrine if they knew that the evidence provided to them was based on the understanding that most tribulation prophecies have already occurred. The Pretribulation Rapture: The Time of Jacob's Trouble In several passages, the Bible refers to the tribulation as a time of trouble for the Jews. The phrase "Jacob's trouble" pertains to the descendants of Jacob. Jeremiah 30:7 says that this time of trouble will come just before the Lord returns to save His people. The final week of Daniel's 70th week is yet to take place. An angel told Daniel that, "70 weeks are determined unto thy people" (Dan 9:24). Scripture never mentions that the tribulation is meant to be a time of testing for Christians. However, some post-tribbers try to claim that they are the ones being tested during the tribulation. To make this so, they need to spiritualize the 144,000 Jewish believers in Revelation 7:2-8 who receive God's protective seal. Placing the Church dispensation into the same time frame as the seven-year Jewish dispensation, as the post-tribbers do, raises one good question: Can two dispensations transpire at the same time? In the past, God has only dealt with one at a time. Having both present during the tribulation would have to be an exception. The Pretribulation Rapture: God Hath Not Appointed Us to Wrath In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul assures us that God has not appointed His people to wrath. This wrath is plainly God's anger that will be poured out during the tribulation. Pre-trib believers interpret this as meaning that Christians will be removed from the earth. Post-trib believers tell a different story. They describe this as meaning that God will protect Christians during the tribulation and pour this wrath out on the unbelievers only. This idea runs against the statement made in Revelation 13:7, in which the Antichrist is given power to make war with the saints and to overcome them. A post-trib view would make God's promise of protection from wrath into a lie. In years past, it was possible to think of being protected from the guns and swords of that day. Today, when any major war would involve nuclear and chemical weapons, it's impossible to expect that same kind of protection. When Nagasaki, Japan was bombed during World War II, the bomb exploded over a Catholic church. Everyone who was in the center of the explosion died--both Christians and non-Christians. The only way to validly interpret God's promise of protection from wrath is by viewing 1 Thessalonians 5:9 as the bodily removal of the Church from this world. The Pretribulation Rapture: Noah and Lot as Examples The tribulation period is compared to the times of Noah and Lot by Jesus in Luke 17:28. Most people argue over whether the time frame Jesus was talking about in that passage was pre-trib or post-trib. In doing so, they miss an important point. The two circumstances that the Noah and Lot situations have in common are the removal of the righteous and the judgment of the unbelievers. From these two accounts, we see that God prefers to remove His own when danger is involved. <a href="javascript:;" type="external">source - Rapture Ready</a></p>
<p>The Pretribulation Rapture: The Unknown Hour</p>
<p>When we search the Scriptures and read the passages describing the Lord Jesus' return, we find verses that tell us we won't know the day and hour of that event. Matthew 25:13 says Jesus will return at an unknown time, while Revelation 12:6 indicates that the Jews will have to wait on the Lord 1,260 days, starting when the Antichrist stands in the Temple of God and declares himself to be God (2 Thes 2:4). This event will take place at the mid-point of the seven-year tribulation (Dan 9:27). Note that some people only see a three-and-a-half-year tribulation.</p>
<p>In a way, they are correct because the first half of the tribulation will be relatively peaceful compared to the second half. Nonetheless, peaceful or not, there still remains a seven-year period called the tribulation. When the Jews flee into the wilderness, they know that all they have to do is wait out those 1,260 days (Mat 24:16). There is no way to apply the phrase "neither the day nor the hour" to this situation. The only way for these two viewpoints to be true is to separate the two distinct events transpiring here: 1) the rapture of the Church, which comes before the tribulation; and 2) the return of Jesus to the earth, which takes place roughly seven years later.</p> It Is Written click here | The Pretribulation Rapture Of The Church Explained Understanding the Time of the Pretribulation Rapture Through End Times Bible Prophecy | true | http://nowtheendbegins.com/pages/rapture/the-pretribulation-rapture-explained.htm | 0 |
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<p>Press Release</p>
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<p>On Harvard’s Commencement Day, following the Kennedy School’s diploma ceremony, Ambassador Kanat Saudabayev of Kazakhstan presented Dr. Graham Allison, Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Chair of the Caspian Studies Program, with a special award from the President of Kazakhstan.</p>
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<p /> | Graham Allison Awarded Medal From Kazakhstan | false | http://belfercenter.org/publication/graham-allison-awarded-medal-kazakhstan | 2003-06-06 | 2 |
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<p>WASHINGTON – There’s nothing like a crisis to fire up a crowd.</p>
<p>Some 700 cultural leaders gathered in Washington this week to visit lawmakers and make the case for federal funding of the arts. It was a record showing for Arts Advocacy Day and the direct result of President Donald Trump’s call to kill funding for four federal agencies.</p>
<p>For two hours Tuesday morning, representatives of arts groups, businesses, school districts and universities listened to dozens of speakers pump them up with slogans, cheers and data points demonstrating the power of arts to change lives, educated children and revitalize communities.</p>
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<p>“We need to heal our country with the arts, that’s what we’re here to do,” actor Ben Vereen said. “Our children are depending on us.”</p>
<p>Any hint of “this again?” fatigue was wiped out by campaign-style speeches from Congressional backers, Republicans and Democrats, many members of the Arts, Humanities, Cultural, STEAM and Public Broadcasting caucuses.</p>
<p>“It’s about enjoyment and inspiration and jobs, but it’s also about our humanity,” Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said. “This is about America and who we are as a nation.”</p>
<p>Ford Foundation President Darren Walker gave a lecture Monday night at the Kennedy Center, where he urged the audience to fight for the $970 million budgets of the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Institute of Museum and Library Services,</p>
<p>“Art is not a privilege. It is the soul of our country, the beating heart of our humanity,” Walker said. “And in these times, these menacing, perilous challenging times, we need the arts and humanities more than ever before.”</p>
<p>Walker outlined reasons to support government funding and rebutted the rhetoric of those who want to see it eliminated. The arts are not luxuries, but are essential to community life in all sizes and geographies. They are an economic power and an emotional balm.</p>
<p>“All people also yearn for beauty and they also long for grace,” he said. “And the notion that low-income and working-class people do not derive meaning from the arts? That notion is insulting and ignorant.”</p>
<p>The national advocacy event – sponsored by Americans for the Arts – is the opening drive in a push that will stretch through the summer as lawmakers hammer out a massive federal spending plan.</p>
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<p>“We understand what a long and complicated process this is, to go from a proposed budget to actual action in Congress,” said Rusty Foley of the Arizona Citizens for the Arts. “I would say there is deep concern but I think some cautious optimism.”</p>
<p>Actors Brian Stokes Mitchell and Gabrielle Ruiz were among the artists who were meeting with lawmakers and their staffs. Mitchell said the fight begins with awareness.</p>
<p>“It’s an optics issue. Like fish swimming in water, we are swimming in the arts. But we take them for granted,” he said.</p>
<p>Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., thanked the participants for making the journey, saying their in-person efforts have great influence lawmakers. “We’ve been through this before,” he said as he was leaving the breakfast rally. “But there’s a lot of energy here.”</p>
<p>The event was the first for Laurie Baefsky, executive director of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities, who traveled from Michigan. She described her series of meetings with lawmakers and their staffs as wonderful.</p>
<p>“It’s not a partisan issue,” she said. “We have complex problems and we need an integrated approach to get at the best solutions.”</p> | 700 cultural leaders gather in Washington to fight for arts funding | false | https://abqjournal.com/973129/the-arts-are-the-soul-of-the-country-and-are-worth-fighting-for-ford-foundation-leader-tells-arts-advocates.html | 2017-03-21 | 2 |
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<p><a type="external" href="" /> Do you have photos of a New Mexico fire? Submit them below and they will appear in the slideshow on this post.</p>
<p>SANTA FE – Fire managers on the Diego Fire, burning on Santa Fe National Forest and private land about eight miles south of Coyote, are hoping predicted monsoonal rains this week help them contain the blaze.</p>
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<p>The fire was zero percent contained Tuesday afternoon, with an estimated containment date of July 10, said public information officer Matt Heckel with the Bureau of Land Management.</p>
<p>Reports on Tuesday, following overnight aerial mapping, showed the fire had consumed an estimated 3,425 acres or not quite 5½ square miles. It blew up from only 100 to 200 acres on Sunday with help of high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.</p>
<p>A lightning strike around June 15 started the fire, which was not discovered until June 25.</p>
<p>“There have been structures threatened,” said Heckel, but so far only one – a travel trailer – has been burned and that happened Sunday. Structure protection crews from Albuquerque and Santa Fe worked through the night and are standing by in areas that contain seasonal homes, RVs and campers, he said.</p>
<p>Evacuations for anyone in the Whetherall Estates, Jarosa and Dunlap and West Dunlap Spring areas are recommended, Heckel said. There are ranches and cattle and other livestock in the area, and ranchers “all are on edge and a little tense,” he said.</p>
<p>About 100 people attended a fire information meeting Monday night at the Coyote Elementary School and another meeting was scheduled at the same place for Tuesday night.</p>
<p>About midday Tuesday, the fire was “laying down” or not very active, said Heckel, but from 2 to 6 p.m. is typically when gusty winds produced by building thunderstorms can make fire behavior extreme and unpredictable.</p>
<p>The blaze, being fought by crews from various agencies, is burning in an area with many dead, down and standing bug-killed conifer trees.</p>
<p>Upward of 600 personnel are working the fire along with eight engines, four helicopters, heavy air tankers and multiple bulldozers.</p>
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<p /> | Diego Fire grows to nearly 3,425 acres | false | https://abqjournal.com/423830/diego-fire-has-now-consumed-nearly-5frac12-square-miles.html | 2 |
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<p>Jennifer Lopez may be promoting a new movie in which she seduces her neighbor but her real-life neighborly relations may be chillier. The actress, singer, and American Idol judge is in hot water after her ex-boyfriend Casper Smart’s dog escaped from her house and bit a neighbor.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tmz.com/2015/01/22/jennifer-lopez-casper-smart-dog-attacks-neighbor-boxer-bites/" type="external">TMZ reports</a> that the dog, a boxer named Bear, was staying with Lopez in December when he escaped from her Los Angeles area home. He bit a female neighbor, clamping down on her arm and breaking her hand.&#160;&#160; The dog has been isolated in Smart’s home since the incident and animal control authorities are investigating to determine if it is a threat to others.</p>
<p>Lopez and Smart have both said their romantic relationship is over but TMZ claims the dog still visits Lopez frequently to see her two children. It is not yet known if either Lopez or Smart were home at the time of the incident but Smart, as the legal owner, was given a citation for an unleashed dog. He has not commented formally on the event.</p>
<p>Lopez has been making headlines for her romantic interests lately. Her latest film, The Boy Next Door, tells the story of an older woman who has a one-night-stand with her younger neighbor. Despite the willingness of the media to label her a “cougar,” Lopez has no interest in embracing what she says is a sexist title.</p>
<p>“There’s like guys who just go after younger women. They have no name,” <a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/156543_jennifer_lopez_slams_cougar_label/" type="external">Lopez told</a>Ellen DeGeneres in a recent trip to her talk-show. “No label. &#160;And you can date one person. &#160;Label.”</p>
<p>The Boy Next Door opens Friday.</p>
<p /> | Jennifer Lopez caught up in drama while dogsitting for her ex | false | http://natmonitor.com/2015/01/22/jennifer-lopez-caught-up-in-drama-while-dogsitting-for-her-ex/ | 2015-01-22 | 3 |
<p>COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Danish police say a valuable bottle of vodka that was reported stolen from a Copenhagen bar has been found.</p>
<p>Copenhagen police say the bottle - which is worth $1.3 million, according to its owner - was recovered intact. Police say the investigation is continuing.</p>
<p>The vessel is made of 3 kilograms (6.6. pounds) of gold and the equivalent amount of silver. It has a diamond-encrusted cap fashioned to resemble a vintage car front.</p>
<p>Cafe 33 owner Brian Ingberg told The Associated Press that he received a call on Friday from person who reported finding the vessel at a construction site in Copenhagen and handing it over to the police.</p>
<p>Ingberg says no arrests have been made. He refused to identify the caller.</p>
<p>COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Danish police say a valuable bottle of vodka that was reported stolen from a Copenhagen bar has been found.</p>
<p>Copenhagen police say the bottle - which is worth $1.3 million, according to its owner - was recovered intact. Police say the investigation is continuing.</p>
<p>The vessel is made of 3 kilograms (6.6. pounds) of gold and the equivalent amount of silver. It has a diamond-encrusted cap fashioned to resemble a vintage car front.</p>
<p>Cafe 33 owner Brian Ingberg told The Associated Press that he received a call on Friday from person who reported finding the vessel at a construction site in Copenhagen and handing it over to the police.</p>
<p>Ingberg says no arrests have been made. He refused to identify the caller.</p> | Valuable vodka bottle reported stolen found in Copenhagen | false | https://apnews.com/amp/1ad5e5898c534c2e994d7b739104f3db | 2018-01-05 | 2 |
<p>The Pentagon has quietly shifted combat troops and warships to the Middle East after the top American commander in the region warned that he needed additional forces to deal with Iran and other potential threats, U.S. officials said.&#160;&#160;Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, who heads U.S. Central Command, won White House approval for the deployments late last year after talks with the government in Baghdad broke down over keeping U.S. troops in Iraq, but the extent of the Pentagon moves is only now becoming clear.</p>
<p>Media reports January 13, 2012&#160;</p>
<p>Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling . . . You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them.</p>
<p>General James Mattis, February 3, 2005&#160;</p>
<p>The Marine commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, defended Mattis, calling him “one of this country’s bravest and most experienced military leaders.”</p>
<p>CNN February 4, 2005&#160;</p>
<p>The Marine Corps said the actions portrayed in the clip, which was posted online but has not yet been verified, were not consistent with its values. The footage shows four men in military fatigues appearing to urinate on three apparently lifeless men.&#160;&#160;A man’s voice is heard saying: “Have a great day, buddy.”</p>
<p>BBC January 12, 2012&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>The fact that a psychotic moron like James Mattis is now chief of the US military’s Central Command is a depressing indication that Washington prefers smart-ass murderous dum-dums to intelligent life. Someone who finds it fun to kill people because they “ain’t got no manhood” is seriously disturbed and should not be in command of a pretzel stand.&#160;&#160;The appalling Mattis, that piece of perambulating filth — whose official photograph bears an uncanny, terrible and probably intentional resemblance to that of the disloyal, dishonorable and disastrous General Douglas MacArthur — is, quite simply, brainless beyond belief.</p>
<p>As I wrote two years ago in CounterPunch,&#160;&#160;this is the man ‘who in 2001 boasted that&#160;&#160;“The Marines have landed, and we now own a piece of Afghanistan,” which is one of the most stupid comments made by any general in recent years. If Mattis, the supposed “strategic thinker”, believed his words about “owning” a part of the country would be a positive contribution to US policy as regards Afghanistan, then he is a fool. If he spoke without thinking, then he is a fool. But being a fool doesn’t affect promotion, so long as you go the Pentagon way ; and Mattis went onwards and upwards.’</p>
<p>On January 18 he was in Bahrain at the invitation of that country’s dictator,&#160;&#160;His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the despot who last year crushed protests against his totalitarian regime with murderous energy.&#160;&#160;Like meets like.&#160;&#160;And the crown prince of Bahrain, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is deputy commander of the country’s inefficient but savage armed forces, according to an official announcement, “reviewed with General James Mattis the latest developments in the kingdom, asserting that the implementation of the National Consensus Dialogue, which engaged all social spectra, ushered a new phase in the kingdom’s history, under the wise leadership of HM King Hamad, and will ensure it a brighter future.”&#160;&#160;But of course that future doesn’t include voting rights for the majority of Bahrain’s population.&#160;&#160;If it did, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa would be out on his ear, and a democracy would appear. Which would not suit Washington.</p>
<p>Moronic Mattis, who appears to be the US State Department spokesman on policy in the Persian Gulf, “lauded the steps taken by the kingdom to implement the National Consensus Dialogue visions for the sake of enhancing democracy in the kingdom through promoting social partnership in the decision-making process. He also commended the crucial role played by the Kingdom in the Middle East peace process.”&#160;&#160;No doubt he also discussed the satisfactory basing of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, which is on instant standby to attack Iran and whose ships and aircraft trail their coats along the Iranian coastline, hoping that an Iranian riposte to their goading might provide an excuse for a whoopee shoot in retaliation.</p>
<p>The Mattis Mission is given as “With national and international partners, U.S. Central Command promotes cooperation among nations, responds to crises, and deters or defeats state and nonstate aggression, and supports development and, when necessary, reconstruction in order to establish the conditions for regional security, stability, and prosperity.”&#160;&#160;Which no doubt is based on&#160;&#160;his pronouncement that&#160;&#160;“I like brawling . . . You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them.”</p>
<p>It’s straight out of Hitler’s declaration (from Moltke) that “in time of war the essential thing is to get a decision as quickly as possible and that the most ruthless methods of fighting are at the same time the most humane.”&#160;&#160;Just like being “a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them” and having fun pissing on the dead bodies of people you’ve killed.</p>
<p>On January 13 “Reserve Marine Lt Col Paul Hackett, who teaches the law of war to Marines before they are sent off to Afghanistan, made it clear he was not condoning the Marines’ actions. But he warned against judging them too harshly, saying: “When you ask young men to go kill people for a living, it takes a whole lot of effort to rein that in.”</p>
<p>This is utter nonsense. And such a statement denigrates the Profession of Arms, which I was honored to belong to for over thirty years.&#160;&#160;Commanders of soldiers — real leaders of men — good officers — have no difficulty in maintaining discipline and decency in their troops.&#160;&#160;It is when the rot comes from the top that vicious filth appears at the bottom.</p>
<p>In his book about serving in the Pacific in World War II (‘With the Old Breed’) Eugene Sledge wrote that a fellow Marine officer in Okinawa “would locate a Japanese corpse, stand over it, and urinate in its mouth. It was the most repulsive thing I ever saw an American do in the war. I was ashamed that he was a Marine officer.”&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;And so say all of us.&#160;&#160;(And I have two friends who were US Marines :&#160;&#160;Semper Fi, Guys.)&#160;&#160;But tradition dies hard “From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli [as the Marine Anthem goes], We fight our country’s battles, in the air, on land, and sea.”</p>
<p>But is it by pissing on dead bodies, they “keep our honor clean”?&#160;&#160;Is this why they “are proud to claim the title of United States Marine”?</p>
<p>Brian Cloughley’s&#160;website is&#160; <a href="http://www.beecluff.com/" type="external">www.beecluff.com</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Moronic Marine Mattis is the typical US General of our times. He is brash, arrogant, conceited, over-promoted and incompetent. He loves killing people. His troops and aircraft killed 24 soldiers of the Pakistan army on November 26 last year in a cross-border attack, and, like his Washington admirers, he offered no apology for the catastrophe.&#160;&#160;And he rages on, in martial apoplexy, achieving nothing but advantage for America’s enemies (which, now, number a majority of the countries in the world).</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>In July 2010 I wrote in Counterpunch about Mattis that</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>This stupid man has been placed in command of all troops in Afghanistan. His troops know he believes it is “fun to shoot some people” and who could blame them for acting accordingly, given such guidance? The stage is set for more of a “hell of a fun to shoot them”.</p>
<p>The insurgents’ propagandists know about Mattis, too. And they will spread the word that the new foreign occupation general thinks they have “no manhood”, which is the ultimate insult to a tribesman of any persuasion.</p>
<p>Although the consequences of the words of General Mattis can never be measured, it is obvious they are unbalanced to the point of being psychopathic. The man’s crass and barbaric tirade is not only alarming from the aspect of animal rabble-rousing, it demonstrates that the Pentagon appoints some extremely peculiar people to senior rank and command.</p>
<p>A person who believes that it is “a hell of a hoot” to kill people is seriously demented. The fact that such a person has been appointed to a major US military command is alarming, to put it mildly. But a country gets the military leaders it deserves. It’s a pity that some are psychotic morons.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>And US Marines pissing on dead Afghans sums it up. America isn’t in Afghanistan to make the world a better place. It’s there because it can’t get out.&#160;&#160;And with Mattis in command of the entire region (forget national governments having any say in their affairs), there will continue to be a military and societal shambles in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Remember that</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>In May 2004 Major General Taguba produced his findings on the Abu Ghraib outrages, writing that “sadistic, blatant, and wanton criminal abuses were inflicted on several detainees.” He apportioned blame. So he was immediately posted to the Office of Reserve Affairs, which in any army is a professional graveyard.</p>
<p>He was then insulted face-to-face by Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and humiliated by senior officers who jumped on the official bandwagon of Taguba-denigration, and told that he and his Report would be “investigated.” His treatment was proclamation to the entire military system that any officer who wants to rise to senior rank in the Profession of Arms should not upset the cradle of promotion by revealing uncomfortable truth. The cradle might rock (who remembers that great Broadway Show?), and truth can be manipulated.</p>
<p>In 2006 General Taguba was ordered to retire, and the army lost a loyal, decent, honorable and truthful officer. But the Pentagon doesn’t seem to want too many truthful officers who are loyal to the Constitution. It favors officers who are loyal to the Pentagon. Which brings us to General James Mattis, a Marine described by Defense Secretary Gates as “one of our military’s outstanding combat leaders and strategic thinkers.”</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>And dead-body pissers. Not much manhood, there, General Mattis. And no leadership, either, you poor booby.</p> | Moronic Marine Killers | true | https://counterpunch.org/2012/01/20/moronic-marine-killers/ | 2012-01-20 | 4 |
<p>After much speculation and concern from fans and recording artists alike, Hillary Scott of the band Lady Antebellum is coming forward with a response to the tour bus fire, which occurred Thursday.</p>
<p>Reported by Billboard, Hillary wrote: “Hey guys, we had a crazy morning on the way to Dallas today. She went on to say, “Our bus tire caught on fire and we had to evacuate very quickly. EVERYONE IS SAFE AND SOUND. It was me, my husband, our tour manager, and driver. Thanking God for our safety and the safety of all those who helped put this fire out and keep us safe. Love you all!!!!”</p>
<p>Friends, family and fans are relieved that the beloved country music stars have escaped unscathed from what could have been a disastrous occurrence for members of the band and those aiding in the band’s success and performances.</p>
<p>The local NBC affiliate <a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Bus-Fire-Blocks-I-30-in-Rowlett-Police-300079591.html" type="external">NBCDFW</a>&#160;wrote that Hillary Scott and crew were headed from Nashville to Dallas for the American Country Music Awards at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, when the fire occurred.</p>
<p>As reported by NBCDFW in Fort Worth, Hillary posted a moving message on her Facebook page. It goes like this: “I just got this picture from the scene of the fire and HAD to share this. Today, when our bus caught on fire we had quite a few personal belongings in the back (where I was asleep before evacuating the bus) one of them being my Bible. I kid you not, EVERYTHING in the back lounge was destroyed from the flames, except my Bible. The outside cover was burned and messed up but NOT ONE PAGE was missing. Yall God’s Word will always stand. He is FOR YOU, WILL PROTECT YOU, AND HIS LOVE FOR YOU WILL NEVER FADE. My faith is forever deepened because of today. I hope this story deepens yours.”</p>
<p /> | Aftermath of the Lady Antebellum tour bus fire | false | http://natmonitor.com/2015/04/16/aftermath-of-the-lady-antebellum-tour-bus-fire/ | 2015-04-16 | 3 |
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Twitter jokers had a field day Tuesday with a widespread outage suffered by the work-focused messaging service Slack.</p>
<p>Used by cubicle-dwellers and remote workers around the world to chat with co-workers, Slack was briefly out for many users.</p>
<p>Might we have to ... gasp ... speak out loud? Tristan Cooper, an editor at Dorkly.com, <a href="https://twitter.com/TristanACooper/status/950810748661452801" type="external">tweeted</a> “how am i going to communicate with someone five feet from me without making eye contact.”</p>
<p>But the outage may have actually increased productivity. When you don’t have 20 coworkers messaging you, you might actually get some work done.</p>
<p>That, or go home.</p>
<p>Barring that, reporter Will Ganss <a href="https://twitter.com/willganss/status/950810786221477888" type="external">tweeted</a> , “it’s time to resurrect AOL Instant Messenger. You can reach fifth grade me at PopularStar5.”</p>
<p>Slack said it had “connectivity issues” but gave no further details.</p>
<p>NEW YORK (AP) — Twitter jokers had a field day Tuesday with a widespread outage suffered by the work-focused messaging service Slack.</p>
<p>Used by cubicle-dwellers and remote workers around the world to chat with co-workers, Slack was briefly out for many users.</p>
<p>Might we have to ... gasp ... speak out loud? Tristan Cooper, an editor at Dorkly.com, <a href="https://twitter.com/TristanACooper/status/950810748661452801" type="external">tweeted</a> “how am i going to communicate with someone five feet from me without making eye contact.”</p>
<p>But the outage may have actually increased productivity. When you don’t have 20 coworkers messaging you, you might actually get some work done.</p>
<p>That, or go home.</p>
<p>Barring that, reporter Will Ganss <a href="https://twitter.com/willganss/status/950810786221477888" type="external">tweeted</a> , “it’s time to resurrect AOL Instant Messenger. You can reach fifth grade me at PopularStar5.”</p>
<p>Slack said it had “connectivity issues” but gave no further details.</p> | Slack down? You might get some work done! | false | https://apnews.com/a8064ebfc1bf413e88d99797e5b72c49 | 2018-01-09 | 2 |
<p>It’s about time. A U.N. panel has concluded that members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime are guilty of “gross human rights violations”—including the torture and killing of civilians—amounting to crimes against humanity. The group did not release the names of the officials accused in the report.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, two Western journalists — Marie Colvin of London’s Sunday Times and French photographer Rémi Ochlik — were killed in Homs on Wednesday during a 19th day of bombardment by Assad’s military. Their deaths brought the number of journalists killed in the region in the last four months to <a href="http://www.cpj.org/killed/mideast/syria/" type="external">eight</a>, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Experts suspect officials may have <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/23/world/middleeast/marie-colvin-and-remi-ochlik-journalists-killed-in-syria.html" type="external">targeted</a> their makeshift media center by tracing satellite signals. –ARK</p>
<p>The New York Times:</p>
<p>The investigators said the report was based on 369 interviews with victims, witnesses, defectors and other people with “inside knowledge” of the situation in Syria. They also examined photographs, video recordings and satellite imagery to corroborate some witness accounts. The investigators said they were not allowed to enter Syria to conduct inquiries at first hand.</p>
<p />
<p>… “The commission received credible and consistent evidence identifying high- and mid-ranking members of the armed forces who ordered their subordinates to shoot at unarmed protesters, kill soldiers who refused to obey such orders, arrest persons without cause, mistreat detained persons and attack civilian neighborhoods with indiscriminate tanks and machine gun fire,” the investigators said.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/world/middleeast/shelling-resumes-in-homs-syria-despite-ceasfire-calls.html?_r=1&amp;pagewanted=all" type="external">Read more</a></p> | U.N. Team Accuses Syria of Crimes Against Humanity | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/u-n-team-accuses-syria-of-crimes-against-humanity/ | 2012-02-23 | 4 |
<p>FEB. 1, 2012</p>
<p>By KATY GRIMES</p>
<p>Anyone involved in state politics would concede that it would be a cold day in hell when Democratic legislators vote to cut school funding, especially to schools in their own districts. But that it exactly what happened on Tuesday.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>This week, the&#160; <a href="http://abgt.assembly.ca.gov/" type="external">Assembly Budget Committee</a>&#160;passed&#160; <a href="http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/Bills/SB_81/20112012/" type="external">SB 81</a>,&#160;a fast-tracked bill that supporters say would restore the trigger cuts in the Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget to the&#160; <a href="http://www.bsa.ca.gov/pdfs/sr2008/2006-109.pdf" type="external">Home to School Transportation program</a>. By doing this, legislators reversed a $248 million school bus and transportation cut, and transformed it into a reduction that instead targets cuts in each of the state’s K-12 school districts, more “equitably and evenly.”&#160;Or so they say.</p>
<p>The 27-member committee passed SB 81 with a <a href="http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/billtrack/vote.html?bill=201120120SB81&amp;vdt=2012-01-31+00%3A00%3A00&amp;vds=1004" type="external">vote of 20-5</a>, with two abstentions; 15 Democrats and five Republicans&#160; <a href="http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/billtrack/vote.html?bill=201120120SB81&amp;vdt=2012-01-31+00%3A00%3A00&amp;vds=1004" type="external">voted</a> in favor of the cuts. Five other Republicans <a href="http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/billtrack/vote.html?bill=201120120SB81&amp;vdt=2012-01-31+00%3A00%3A00&amp;vds=1004" type="external">voted</a> no.</p>
<p>The day before, the Assembly passed <a href="http://www.calcharters.org/advocacy/statewide/ab1172.html" type="external">AB 1172</a>, by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, to make it more difficult for charter schools to be approved by school districts, based on a nebulous definition of “negative fiscal impact” to the district.</p>
<p>It has been a tough two days for California charter schools.</p>
<p>Last summer, the Legislature passed a majority-vote budget that relied on “trigger” cuts, if by December 2011, revenues were not at the levels that were expected when the budget was enacted.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/billtrack/analysis.html?aid=240491" type="external">SB 81</a> “restores a reduction of $248 million to the HTST program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011-12 and replaces this with a reduction of $248 million to school district, county office of education and charter school funding,” the bill’s <a href="http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/billtrack/analysis.html?aid=240491" type="external">analysis</a> states.</p>
<p>But if the bill was equitable, fair and even, why single out charter schools for the funding reduction?</p>
<p>California’s public charter schools do not receive any of the state’s home-to-school transportation funds. Instead of just taking money back that had been previously allocated to traditional public schools for transportation, this would be just a sizeable budget take-away for the charter schools.</p>
<p>The Legislative Analyst’s Office just released a new report, “ <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2012/edu/charter-schools/charter-schools-012612.pdf" type="external">Comparing Funding For Charter Schools and Their School District Peers</a>,” and not a moment too soon. The report is two years overdue, according to charter school advocates.</p>
<p>The report found that charter schools have been substantially underfunded compared to traditional public schools. “Completely closing this funding gap in 2012-13 for the roughly 440,000 charter students projected statewide would cost $133 million,” the LAO reported.</p>
<p>Add this new cost onto the disproportionate cuts charter schools have faced since 2008, and it appears that there are many lawmakers who don’t want charters around.</p>
<p>Charter schools are funded at a base year rate, with 2008 as the base. But many charter schools were either not in existence, or very new in that year. Jed Wallace, CEO for the <a href="http://www.calcharters.org/" type="external">California Charter Schools Association</a>, said this can cost charters as much as $1,000 per student in state funding.</p>
<p>“On top of that reality, charter schools are blocked from borrowing the same tax revenue notes as traditional public schools,” Wallace explained. “They borrow at a 1-2 percent rate. We have to go to capital markets and pay 15-20 percent interest.”</p>
<p>Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, asked that a representative from Gov. Jerry Brown’s office comment on the bill, which reverses one of the trigger cuts in Brown’s budget.&#160;“The governor is okay with the current version of the bill,” reported Michael Cohen with the Department of Finance.</p>
<p>“I am frustrated with a lot of other members,” Nestande said to the committee. “This is not a new issue. Some districts are getting disproportionately hit. It should have been addressed previously and was not.”</p>
<p>Nestande said after the hearing that while the state has to fix this problem with the budget we have, charter schools are deliberately short-changed.</p>
<p>The governor proposed creation of a new block grant funding program for K-12 schools, from which schools could choose to have bus service if they need it. Nestande said that the governor’s proposal would allow school districts manage their own affairs, including transportation needs. Some school districts have serious transportation issues, and others do not.</p>
<p>“It’s a catastrophic problem in my district and in many other rural parts of California,” said Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, D-Arcata. “Garberville students have no other options for going to school. And there are no public transportation systems. For some parents, it would be three-hours to and from school,” Chesbro added.</p>
<p>“There are 770 square miles, and one high school,” said Dr. Paul Stanton, Superintendant of the Humbolt Unified School District. “And there are no sidewalks.”&#160;Several officials from the Humbolt School District traveled six hours in school buses to attend the hearing, along with many Humbolt area school children.</p>
<p>SB 81 had many union supporters at the hearing, including the California Teachers Association, the Los Angeles Unified School District, State Superintendant of Schools Tom Torlakson, the California School Boards Association, the California School Transportation Officials and the California Labor Federation.</p>
<p>While the transportation cut would hit some rural districts disproportionately hard, Torlakson has not actively addressed this issue.</p>
<p>“Enough was enough,” Torlakson said in response to Brown’s announcement of the elimination of home-to-school transportation. “It’s a sad day for California.”</p>
<p>‘Taking hundreds of millions of dollars from our schools — on top of the $18 billion in cuts they have already suffered — will only make life harder for students in California’s chronically underfunded schools,” said Torlakson in December, when it became clear that the state budget trigger cuts would go into effect.</p>
<p>Torlakson had a representative at the hearing on Tuesday, but she merely stated his support for the bill.</p>
<p>Public charter schools have never been fully funded by the state, and do not receive all of the block grant funds that the state’s traditional public schools receive. The <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/PubDetails.aspx?id=2554" type="external">LAO report</a> confirms this.</p>
<p>With passage of SB 81, instead of cutting bus service, an across-the-board cut of $42 per student would take place for all public school students.</p>
<p>But charter schools are ineligible for bus money and are inequitably funded by the state. Charter schools would also be cut $42 per student, adding to the <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2012/edu/charter-schools/charter-schools-012612.pdf" type="external">$301 per-pupil shortfall charter schools already have</a>.</p>
<p>“The wheels of the bus are falling off the majority vote budget we just passed. We had other options of where to spend the money in the budget,”&#160;said Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point.&#160;“The districts I represent, I called virtually all of the superintendents from the larger districts, and not one of them comes out a winner. This will go on and on. And the only reason is, we’re out of money.”</p>
<p>Assemblyman Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres, said his district will also be hit hard. He said, “We have enough money to do anything we want, just not everything. It’s a matter of priority.”</p> | Dems Vote to Slash School Funding | false | https://calwatchdog.com/2012/02/01/dems-vote-to-slash-school-funding/ | 2018-02-20 | 3 |
<p>The letter itself was simple. "I wrote about how I like to play football with my dad," said Curtis Kipple to the&#160; <a href="" type="external">Democrat and Chronicle</a>. "And video games."</p>
<p>But it turned out that this was not an ordinary letter. What happened next brought the young boy from New York to tears, according to the teacher who organized the letter project, Chris Albrecht.</p>
<p>That's because Kipple packaged the letter in a bottle, which was then dropped into the Gulf Stream by a fisherman from North Carolina's Outer Banks, according to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/APc2232616e263430093168004350d94a0.html" type="external">The Wall Street Journal</a>.</p>
<p>The bottle then traveled 2,600 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for 10 months to a small fishing village called&#160;Terceira, located in the Azores archipelago.&#160;</p>
<p>It was found by Ana Ponte, 25. He woke up early with his father and brother to catch some seafood. Ponte later emailed Kipple's school, in both English and Portuguese, informing them that he found the letter.</p>
<p>The message was written as an assignment for Kipple's class at Fred W. Hill School in March. His then fourth-grade teacher (Kipple is in the fifth grade now), Amy Stoker, joined with Albrecht on the project. Albrecht told <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16037665" type="external">BBC News</a> that he wanted to teach his students how to write formal letters and geography.&#160;</p>
<p>"I was blown away," Albrecht said to Democrat and Chronicle.&#160;"It took the students a month to write the letters, and when the project was done, I didn't think anything of it."</p>
<p>Both Stoker and Albrecht have indicated that they wish to continue correspondence with the Ponte family.</p>
<p>Read more form GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/weird-wide-web/message-bottle-harold-hackett-news" type="external">Man sends 4,800 messages in bottles, gets 3,100 responses</a></p> | NY boy sends message in a bottle, gets reply from Azores | false | https://pri.org/stories/2011-12-05/ny-boy-sends-message-bottle-gets-reply-azores | 2011-12-05 | 3 |
<p>The Federal Reserve increased its projections for 2012 economic growth and core inflation, and lowered its forecast for the unemployment rate. The projections also showed seven officials at the Federal Reserve expect the central bank to hike interest rates in 2014, up from five when projections were released in January.</p>
<p>Graphical Breakdown of Projections by Federal Reserve Officials</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p> | Fed Increases 2012 Economic Growth Forecast | true | http://foxbusiness.com/politics/2012/04/25/fed-increases-2012-economic-growth-forecast.html | 2016-03-03 | 0 |
<p>It’s been another haphazard week for the Trump administration. The big story of the week had little to do with Trump — it was an attempted assassination of Republican congresspeople by a Bernie Sanders-supporting, Trump-hating leftist. Trump responded beautifully to it. At the same time, Trump repeatedly headed to Twitter to disgorge his passions, and it pressed forward an obstruction narrative that should already be falling apart. Meanwhile, he pushed forward a grab bag of policies that amount to a nearly-random assortment of good and bad.</p>
<p>So, as always, here we go. We grade Trump on rhetoric, policy, and the in-between (rhetoric that shapes policy).</p>
<p>Rhetoric: The week started off on a bizarre note, with Trump holding a cabinet meeting at which Reince Priebus decided to play full sycophant. Trump’s rhetoric soared, however, when it came to the fallout from the Congressional baseball shooting — even constant critic Stephen Colbert was forced to thank Trump for his attitude. Then, after 24 hours of unity, Trump jumped back into tweeting about how the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller was a “witch hunt,” and this morning, Trump attacked his own deputy attorney general.</p>
<p>Policy: Last week was supposed to be infrastructure week. That didn’t happen. This week was supposed to include a public push for Trumpcare and apprenticeship programs. That happened, but was overshadowed by events. In terms of policy, the biggest Trump move came late on Thursday night, when Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary quietly re-enshrined President Obama’s executive amnesty for illegal immigrant children, and then in order to balance out that betrayal, announced that the administration would not implement Obama’s executive amnesty for illegal immigrant parents. The problem: Obama never implemented it, because the courts stayed it. So nothing actually changed. Meanwhile, another federal court stayed Trump’s travel ban on appeal, and Trumpcare moved forward without anybody knowing what is in it. On foreign policy, the Trump administration made the weird move of selling $12 billion in jets to the government of Qatar, which Trump himself has been linking with terrorism.</p>
<p>The In-Between: Trump did promote his apprenticeship program this week, but he also said that the House version of Trumpcare is “mean,” which undercuts support for the plan unless the Senate tosses a bunch of money at an already-shoddy replacement.</p>
<p>Final grade: D+</p>
<p>Cumulative GPA: C (1.98)</p>
<p>Four-Week Running Average: B- (2.5)</p> | Grading Trump, Week 21 | true | https://dailywire.com/news/17620/grading-trump-week-21-ben-shapiro | 2017-06-16 | 0 |
<p>Bill Maher has made his comedic career on provocative statements that challenge the status quo, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he has come out swinging at American Sniper, the new drama by Clint Eastwood that has made an astounding $135 million at the box office in just two weeks, and garnered 6 Oscar nominations, including a Best Actor nod for Bradley Cooper, who plays the film’s lead, U.S. military sniper Chris Kyle.</p>
<p>Maher is the most recent prominent figure to comment on American Sniper – comic actor Seth Rogen and filmmaker Michael Moore <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/01/19/american-sniper-seth-rogen-michael-moore-jane-fonda-and-other-stars-take-sides.html" type="external">were critical</a> of the film, although both claimed their comments had been taken out of context.</p>
<p>The comic discussed the film at a roundtable panel during yesterday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, considering with his guests whether Chris Kyle, who wrote the book on which the film was based, was a “hero or not.”</p>
<p>“Hurt Locker made $17 million because it was a little ambiguous, and thoughtful,” said Maher. “And this one was just, ‘American hero! He’s a psychopath patriot, and we love him.’”</p>
<p>Maher seemed to take issue with the praise Hollywood and the public has levied on Kyle. He <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/bill-maher-american-sniper-hero-chris-kyle-hes-050032942.html" type="external">contrasted Kyle’s alleged public statements,</a> such as “I love killing bad guys” and “I hate the damn savages” to the anti-war sentiment of former president and 5-star general Dwight D. Eisenhower, who denounced the theater of war after World War II.</p>
<p>“Eisenhower once said, ‘I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can.’ I just don’t see this guy in the same league as Eisenhower, I’m sorry,” said Maher. “And if you’re a Christian—I know this is a Christian country—‘I hate the damn savages’ doesn’t seem like a very Christian thing to say.”</p>
<p /> | Bill Maher has harsh words for ‘Sniper’ Chris Kyle – “Psychopath,” “Not Very Christian” | false | http://natmonitor.com/2015/01/24/bill-maher-has-harsh-words-for-sniper-chris-kyle-psychopath-un-christian/ | 2015-01-24 | 3 |
<p />
<p>The Dow Industrials blew past all-time highs on Tuesday, capping off a four-year bull market party that many crisis-scarred Americans declined to attend.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>This week’s milestone leaves many asking whether it’s too late to jump back into the market.</p>
<p>But market veterans don’t expect the already-hot stock market to shoot straight up from here, with many calling for at least a short-term break that could provide an appealing entry point for investors still on the sidelines.</p>
<p>Of course, the caveat is that a correction rarely comes when everyone expects it to.</p>
<p>“Obviously this market looks pretty good right now, but it can be put flat on its back with a number of potential surprises that we know are out there but are ignoring right now just because we’re feeling good as investors,” said Bruce McCain, who helps manage more than $20 billion as chief investment strategist at KeyCorp.’s (NYSE:KEY) Key Private Bank.</p>
<p>There are legitimate reasons for investors to feel good right now: the Dow easily knocked out its all-time intraday record high that had been set in October 2007 -- weeks before the Great Recession began.</p>
<p>Since tumbling to a bear-market low of 6547.05 in March 2009, the blue chips have surged 118.08% as fears of a depression turned out to be overblown and incredibly easy Federal Reserve policies began taking effect.</p>
<p>Room to Run?</p>
<p>Despite the impressive start to 2013 -- the DJIA is up as much as 9% -- some believe the markets may continue setting record highs.</p>
<p>“We expect to go higher,” said David Bianco, chief U.S. equity strategist at Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB).</p>
<p>Bianco has a 1600 year-end target on the S&amp;P 500, representing a 3.7% gain from Tuesday’s highs and a 4.9% increase from Monday’s close at 1525.20. He notes that 1600 represents a sub-15 price-to-earnings ratio on Deutsche Bank’s 2013 earnings per share target of $108.</p>
<p>“The risk is building to the upside on our earnings target, even if full-blown sequestration takes hold,” said Bianco, who called equity valuations “ridiculously low” compared with interest rates.</p>
<p>Ironically, the latest market landmark comes just days after the triggering of sequestration, the $85 billion of automatic spending cuts caused by Washington’s political paralysis.</p>
<p>“The markets have come to simply ignore what’s going on in Washington,” said McCain. “Sequestration was viewed as a minor sideshow compared with the fiscal cliff.”</p>
<p>Another Spring Break for the Bulls?</p>
<p>On the other hand, some market watchers believe investors should brace for at least a short-term correction, which is defined as a decline of 10% or more from recent highs.</p>
<p>“While the housing market is recovering, we don’t think it’s yet enough of a game changer to turn that growth from 2%-trend to 3%-trend,” said Barry Knapp, head of U.S. equity strategy at Barclays Capital (NYSE:BCS).</p>
<p>Knapp said even though “the Fed is all in,” the markets are likely headed toward a “growth-related correction” at the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second.</p>
<p>Such a pullback would be nothing new as Wall Street has suffered springtime retreats in each of the past three years.</p>
<p>Knapp, who has a modest year-end price target of 1525 on the S&amp;P 500, believes this pullback may be triggered in part by the expiration of the payroll tax holiday, which is projected to sap $125 billion from disposable income in 2013.</p>
<p>“The effects of the tax hike in the system are just coming through now. The market hasn’t really caught up to this as a macro factor yet,” Knapp said.</p>
<p>Internal documents leaked to Bloomberg News last month revealed that executives at Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE:WMT) believe February sales have been a “total disaster” due to a “potent one-two punch” of increased payroll taxes and delayed tax returns.</p>
<p>Timing a Pullback</p>
<p>Knapp also isn’t a believer in the argument that stock prices look undervalued based on earnings projections.</p>
<p>“The stock market looks cheap to the bond market but that might just be an argument that the bond market is really expensive. We think valuation is okay but not a reason to be bullish stocks,” he said.</p>
<p>Of course, it’s notoriously difficult to time a pullback in the markets, in part due to the herd mentality that often takes hold among investors.</p>
<p>“Virtually everyone seems to be searching for a pullback so maybe what we need to do is run this thing even more” to make room for a retreat, said McCain. “This is a treacherous time to be too cute about trying to reduce exposure on the premise of a pullback. You’ve got to be ready to zig or zag.”</p>
<p>Despite the record highs, many market participants remain skeptical of the current rally’s foundation, pointing to 7.9% unemployment, anemic gross domestic product growth and historic help from the Fed.</p>
<p>“The fundamentals don’t support it but that doesn’t matter,” said Joe Saluzzi, co-head of trading at Themis Trading. “When it stops, it’s going to stop hard. But who knows when that will be? Even if I think it’s silly, it doesn’t mean I’m going to fight it. You’d be crazy to fight it right now.”</p>
<p>It’s not clear whether the buzz generated by the Dow’s new record highs will help persuade retail investors to jump back into the markets, nor whether such a development would even be positive or negative for stock prices.</p>
<p>Bianco said he doesn’t believe “retail is going to be an engine” to propel stock prices, saying the market will “climb a lot higher” even without it.</p>
<p>McCain noted that retail participation, which has largely been absent during the current bull market, can often be a contrarian signal.</p>
<p>“A lot of new players coming off the sideline may be the beginning of the end for this short-term rally,” said McCain.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | Dow Shatters All-Time Records -- But Now What? | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2013/03/05/dow-shatters-all-time-records-but-now-what.html | 2016-03-02 | 0 |
<p>This is text of a&#160;commencement talk delivered at the&#160;University of Washington anthropology graduation.</p>
<p>You are graduating in Anthropology, the most radical, unique and subversive of all the social sciences and humanities. Radical in the sense of going to the root of human social life: kinship and community. Unique in the breadth and depth it brings to the study of contemporary life, anchored as it is, in both the study of Paleolithic and traditional societies. Subversive in its ethnographic method which studies society as it’s experienced from the bottom up.</p>
<p>Charles Darwin once penned an interesting note to himself. Referring to the study of biology, he wrote, “Never say higher or lower.” He argued that there was no progressive tendency in evolution. Evolution is just a wandering, driven by local environmental conditions. Darwin’s biological relativity profoundly undermined thousands of years of anthropocentric belief that humans are destined to be on top.</p>
<p>A few decades later, Franz Boas–the founder of contemporary American anthropology–made a similar argument in the realm of human society. Against the dominant scientific racism of his day, he argued that it was primarily culture that distinguished human groups. Like Darwin, Boas argued that there is no higher or lower. No unilineal cultural evolution necessarily leads from savagery to civilization. We have been fully human for a long time. Or as Picasso said after viewing the artwork of Lascaux cave for the first time,“We have learned nothing in 12,000 years”</p>
<p>In 1968, anthropologist Gregory Bateson, husband of Margaret Mead, wrote an essay entitled “Conscious Purpose versus Nature” which makes a similar point. He argues that we as Homo sapiens need to check our interventionist and technical hubris because we cannot be aware of all the unintended consequences of our tool use. A part can never comprehend the whole. Nature resists human purposes in ways we don’t initially comprehend. Mastery is an illusion.</p>
<p>Think about the climate change crisis which we have brought upon ourselves. To paraphrase anthropologist-poet Gary Snyder, the most radical resistance to human purpose is found among “the most ruthlessly exploited classes: animals, trees, water, air, grasses.”</p>
<p>Anthropologists ask bottom-up questions from fieldwork which flip the script of empire: Who is civilized, who is primitive, who is a terrorist? Anthropologists were forced to confront these questions as they witnessed the destruction and occupation of native nations. In 1876 Lewis Henry Morgan himself bravely raised these questions as he argued publicly that the Sioux had a right to defend themselves against George Custer and the Army of the United States at Little Bighorn.</p>
<p>“Never say higher or lower”</p>
<p>It makes sense that anthropology would be the first academic discipline in which women would occupy leading roles: Consider Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict, Zora Neale Hurston. Or consider Erna Gunther, the founding mother of the University of Washington anthropology department. Read her essential monograph on the First Salmon Ceremony, the key ritual that unites native peoples on the entire North Pacific rim from the Sacramento River to Korea.</p>
<p>Or consider the important work of northwest science fiction writer Ursula le Guin, daughter of Alfred Kroeber—the anthropologist most responsible for the salvage ethnography of California native peoples. Her widely published works put Boasian anthropology into dystopian worlds of empire, ethnocentrism, and traditional cultures.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>I’ve taught at Seattle Central College for many years. Some of my students have gone on to earn advanced degrees in anthropology doing powerful work on vehicle residence in Seattle, Lake Victoria fishing cultures, Muslim identity in the United States, and lactation practices in primates. However, most of my students did not become anthropologists. Most of the community college students come from the kind of marginalized and oppressed worlds that are often the subjects of ethnography.</p>
<p>What is the value of anthropology if you don’t become an anthropologist? For these students, the discipline provides tools which can further existential self-reflection. Their autoethnographies of work, military, prisons and immigration help them realize what they already, in fact, know. This makes it more possible for them to act as historical subjects and to understand their ties with others. In this process, they educate me.</p>
<p>Regardless of where you go with your anthropology degree, this field connects you with your species legacy. That is valuable in itself. Some us will teach anthropology or do field research. All of us will take a more mindful perspective into whatever path we take.</p>
<p>Don’t allow anyone to devalue your degree. Resist that strain of enthusiastic anti-intellectualism so embedded in our American cultural unconscious and so dominant in mainstream mass media and what passes for political discourse.</p>
<p>Florida Governor Rick Scott is a classic example of this. The governor said:</p>
<p>We don’t need a lot more anthropologists in the state. It’s a great degree if people want to get it, but we don’t need them here. I want to spend our dollars giving people science, technology, engineering, and math degrees. That’s what our kids need to focus all their time and attention on…so when they get out of school, they can get a job.</p>
<p>Against Governor Scott’s very narrow perspective, I would suggest that anthropology will actually prepare you for the market and life as well or better than any STEM discipline because it teaches you to understand human culture.</p>
<p>We cannot simply react to the horrific shootings in Orlando this morning with more surveillance and more weaponry. We need wisdom as well as technology.</p>
<p>If you were paying attention when you took Anthropology 101, you should remember the !Kung San custom called “insulting the meat.” When Richard Lee finished his fieldwork among the San, he purchased a large fatty cow to give to the group for a farewell feast. It was perfect gift since they loved to eat a plump cow.</p>
<p>Instead of praising Lee for his gift, the elders mocked him and ridiculed his gift as grossly unfit for consumption. “How can you insult us with this scrawny piece of meat! We can’t eat this”, they told him. Nevertheless, the party went off just fine and the San ate the gift with gusto.</p>
<p>Puzzled, Lee later went to the elders and asked why they had originally insulted his gift.</p>
<p>They painstakingly explained to him that in their culture, when a hunter returns to the group, his kill, his meat is ritually insulted until it is distributed to the entire group. In this way, the hunter is re-integrated into the community and the obligations to the group are satisfied.</p>
<p>This balance of earlier kinship-based societies such as the !Kung San has been upset, replaced by an American social system in which, as anthropologist Jules Henry argued, children are taught that the success of the individual means the failure of the group. Today, Seattle is a hub of fantastic technologies and one of the wealthiest cities on the planet with plenty of billionaires. And yet homeless are everywhere. And those who hoard the most meat are the most praised in the mass media.</p>
<p>While the STEM disciplines provide the toolkit for the hunters, anthropology insults the meat. When it comes to living in community, we insist with Darwin and Boas, that there is no higher or lower. Everyone must be served by the harvest.</p>
<p>So I say share your game–the traditional wisdom that anthropology gives as its gift to our culture!</p>
<p>Congratulations anthropology graduates!</p>
<p>Peter Knutson is a professor of anthropology at Seattle Central College.</p> | Insulting the Meat | true | https://counterpunch.org/2016/06/15/insulting-the-meat/ | 2016-06-15 | 4 |
<p />
<p>The end of the year is a good time to review your finances and your retirement plan. A happy and less stressful retirement is the best gift you can give yourself.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>“[For] Baby Boomers closest to retirement, it’s natural to feel unsure about how to protect your future when faced with the possibility of policy changes [under an incoming Trump administration].&#160;While you shouldn’t overreact, the old wisdom to ‘stay the course’ may not hold true in every situation,” said Robert Steen, director of retirement advice for USAA.</p>
<p>Steen said Boomers should consider two New Year’s resolutions: 1) Meet with a financial advisor in order to take a hard look at your current strategy and make sure you test drive different scenarios. 2) Calculate real spending because understanding how much money you actually spend annually can help you avoid a huge source of grief in the future. Take a look at your 2016 spending to get an accurate account of your expenses, and look for opportunities to increase savings.</p>
<p>If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes managing your financial health more effectively, Dara Luber, senior manager of retirement at TD Ameritrade and Keith Denerstein, director of guidance product management at TD Ameritrade offered these additional end-of-year financial tips:</p>
<p>Boomer:&#160; What should I do with my 401K and IRA contributions?</p>
<p>Luber:&#160;The most important thing for your 401k is, at the very least, you should be contributing enough each year to get the maximum amount out of your company match.&#160; Additionally, consider contributing an extra 1% each year. As your salary increases, so should your contribution: consider saving it before spending it!&#160;For both IRA and 401k contributions, consider making any catchup contributions if you are over the age of 50.&#160;Also, allocate a portion of your bonus to your retirement account.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Boomer:&#160; What are ETFs and what tax advantages do they offer?</p>
<p>Denerstein:&#160; An ETF, or exchange traded fund, is a marketable security that tracks an index, a commodity, bonds, or a basket of assets like an index fund. Unlike mutual funds, an ETF trades like a common stock on a stock exchange. ETFs experience price changes throughout the day as they are bought and sold (as defined by Investopedia).</p>
<p>Boomer: What should I be looking for when reviewing my retirement portfolio?</p>
<p>Luber: Revisit your portfolio at least once a year. Make sure your time horizon, investment options and risk tolerance still align with the retirement goals and plan you have in place.&#160;A good start is a goal plan or retirement plan, and at TD Ameritrade you can come in for a complimentary, comprehensive goal planning session to help strategize for your financial future with support from a financial consultant.</p> | 2017 Retirement Outlook and Financial New Year's Resolutions | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2016/12/30/2017-retirement-outlook-and-financial-new-years-resolutions.html | 2016-12-30 | 0 |
<p>When Donald Trump first launched his presidential campaign, he looked like a man who was on a mission to become King of the Media Circus. He was boisterous, bold, and didn’t hesitate to take his opponents and detractors to the cleaners on a daily basis. Surely, this was some sort of stunt or vanity campaign, right?</p>
<p>Then, of course, the poll numbers started hitting the airwaves, proving that what he was saying and doing was resonating with voters and the American people at large. Now, a new report from NBC News shows that the Trump campaign has decided to put its money where its candidate’s mouth is, and launch a “formidable” ground game in the cycle’s most crucial primary state.</p>
<p>Other candidates shied away from Iowa, not wanting to peak too early; Trump, on the other hand, made multiple, high-profile and highly-attended appearances in the state, and has now embedded 12 paid staffers—more than any other candidate currently campaigning in Iowa—to put boots on the ground and start doing the grunt work that actually wins elections.</p>
<p />
<p>The man leading his operation, Chuck Lautner, is local, and <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trumps-ground-game-iowa-soaring-aides-say-n445336" type="external">highly respected</a> by activists and operatives alike:</p>
<p>“They are doing everything right. I have no doubt that their numbers are there. If they stay solid, they could turn out 23 to 26 percent of the vote — enough to win,” a longtime GOP operative in the state told NBC News.</p>
<p>“[Chuck Laudner] knows how to build a database. He knows how to organize grassroots. And he talks their language,” the Republican said. “He is a deity among conservative grassroots.”</p>
<p>The staffers are reportedly active, and they’re talking to voters—which is exactly what they should be doing. Even in 2015, with all the opportunities we have to campaign in new mediums, the single most important thing a candidate must do to win is to ask for votes. Simple exposure and idea-sharing, while helpful, isn’t nearly enough.</p>
<p>More from <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/trumps-ground-game-iowa-soaring-aides-say-n445336" type="external">NBC News</a>:</p>
<p>The campaign is executing an extensive ground game operation. The next phase—identifying neighborhood leaders who commit to bringing a certain number of Trump supporters to caucus in February—should be in place by Thanksgiving, Laudner said.</p>
<p>“We have the total tonnage of names and support–we’ve got the numbers,” Laudner said. “Now we just have to point everybody in the direction.”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>There are 1,682 precincts in Iowa. Laudner’s team is determining the number of supporters needed in each of those precincts to result in a caucus-day win and then identifying “precinct captains” to help turn out those numbers on caucus day.</p>
<p>“Let’s say we need 40 votes in whatever precinct—[the designated Trump precinct captain] will say, ‘Here’s the 40 people who are going to vote for Trump,'” Laudner said.</p>
<p>The campaign intends to designate their precinct captains—likely more than one captain in most precincts—by Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>Neighborhood leaders—and especially precinct captains—are crucial to success, especially when you’re dealing with a caucus situation as opposed to a simple primary. The effort is more local, and with these types of leaders and organizers, you’re better able to get personal with neighbors and friends and make a persuasive case for your candidate.</p>
<p>Names and support are one thing. Generating enough momentum to turn those sign-ups into neighborhood leaders and surrogates is another. That’s where the real work begins, so I’m going to reserve judgment on the success of their grassroots campaign until I see how many people step up to knock on doors, make phone calls, and drag their friends to the caucus. I have to admit, though—it’s a good strategy.</p>
<p>Multiple precinct captains? I’ve had fever dreams about those—so we’ll see if they can manage it.</p>
<p>The campaign just reported its 3Q fundraising (remember: self-funding) number—$3.9 million, which is competitive with other candidates:</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>However, the campaign also reports that they have spent just <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/arappeport/status/654790044176154624" type="external">$1.9 million</a> thusfar, which represents a far lower burn rate than we’ve seen in other candidates like Jeb Bush or Ben Carson.</p>
<p>Trump has a self-funded media campaign, a self-funded ground game, and his polling numbers are still <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-poll-nevada-south-carolina-2015-10" type="external">impressing</a> even skeptical pundits.</p>
<p>Whaddya know—this is looking more and more like a campaign every day.</p>
<p>Follow Amy on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/thatamymiller" type="external">@ThatAmyMiller</a></p> | Iowa: The Trump Campaign is Actually…Campaigning | true | http://legalinsurrection.com/2015/10/iowa-the-trump-campaign-is-actually-campaigning/ | 2015-10-15 | 0 |
<p />
<p>Deletion and de-contextualization are standard instruments in the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12617.Manufacturing_Consent" type="external">corporate U.S. media’s propagandistic, power-serving toolbox</a>. The nightly news streams endless terrifying images of violent inner city Black criminality with no reference the savage jobless poverty imposed on the Black community by contemporary state-capitalist race-class apartheid. The typical white suburban news viewer is thereby encouraged to conclude that urban people of color are a mass of dangerous barbarians best handled with mass arrest and incarceration.</p>
<p>Nightly weather reporters regularly relay new heat, drought, rain, and snowfall records along with epic floods, unprecedented tornado and hurricane waves, and other extreme meteorology. They do so without reference to the anthropogenic – really capital-o-genic – global warming that lay behind the new planetary conditions. The mass viewing audience is encouraged to conclude that Mother Nature is going off on its own – with no assistance from the human-made Greenhouse Effect cooked up by <a href="http://www.paulstreet.org/?p=1646" type="external">modern capitalism and Big Carbon</a>.</p>
<p>The national news blares horrifying footage of terror, violence, and “anti-Americanism” in Africa and the Middle East without reference to the role of the giant U.S. military empire in wreaking colossal, criminal, and <a href="http://zcomm.org/zmagazine/uncle-sam-top-menace-to-peace-onand-earth/" type="external">mass-murderous destruction</a> (with help from powerful allies like England, France, Israel, and the Saudi kingdom) in those lands. (No such destructive criminality can ever be acknowledged in dominant U.S. mass media, which doctrinally portrays Uncle Sam as an inherently noble, benevolent, and humanistic actor on the global stage.) The typical U.S. news consumer is incited to conclude that these parts of the world are chock full of bloodthirsty, Islamist lunatics who “ <a href="" type="internal">hate us for no good reason</a>.” Send in the drones, gunships, bombers, and special forces!</p>
<p>In the summer of 2014, U.S. corporate media gave spectacular coverage to the flood of “unaccompanied minors” fleeing abject poverty and endemic violence in Central America to the United States through Mexico. There was no reference in this reporting to the central and ongoing historical role of the United States in devastating El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and thus in creating the extreme misery that drove parents to send children on perilous northward journeys. U.S. news-watchers were encouraged to see the child migrants as unworthy of decent treatment from the United States.</p>
<p>Sometimes the failure to make basic contextualizing connections and the doctrinal practice of deletion reaches a level that seems almost beyond belief. I sat stunned while one broadcast news outlet after another reported on the historic, climate change-driven wildfire that razed much of the Canadian town of Fort McMurray and northern Alberta to the ground last month. None of the broadcasts dared to craft the obvious story connection begging to be made between the epic blaze and the large-scale extraction of tar sands oil in that region.</p>
<p>It was a remarkable story NOT to report. The fire took off and spread thanks to record-setting heat (into the low Fahrenheit 90s) that reflected a pronounced regional warming trend evident for years. Under the influence of climate change resulting from the excessive extraction, sale, and burning of fossil fuels, the northern latitudes are warming faster than anywhere else. One of the consequences is that North American wildfire seasons are getting bigger, fiercer, and longer than ever.</p>
<p>At the same time, to complete the story left out, Fort McMurray is a boomtown with rising population and business driven primarily by the extraction of exceptionally carbon-rich Canadian tar sands oil. The fire-ravaged town is smack in the heart of one of the world’s leading centers of planet-baking oil extraction. It sits beneath the Athabasca Oil Sands, whose “dirty [filthy carbon-rich] oil” is extracted on a giant, Earth-warming scale by great Big Carbon firms including Syncrude, Suncor Energy, CNRL, Shell, and Nexen.</p>
<p>The Alberta tar sands region is home to some of the most carbon-rich, planet-cooking fossil fuels on Earth. Alberta’s vast oil sands are the world’s third-largest crude reserves. Environmental concerns about the mining of those reserves were the main reason that climate activists like Bill McKibben engaged in high-profile protests of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline – a leading news story a few years ago.</p>
<p>The Canada fire story wrote itself, it would have seemed. Imagine the following obvious and reasonable headline: “Nearly 100,000 Flee Planet-Warming Oil Town – Mother Nature Uses Raging Inferno to Tell Canada and Humanity to Break Free From Fossil Fuels.”</p>
<p>In reality, no such headline had a snowball’s chance in Hell of making it into print in “mainstream” (corporate and commercial) U.S. media, which is intimately bound up with the vast, many-sided carbon-industrial complex.</p>
<p>What did appear in leading “mainstream” media was quite different from what any serious investigator concerned for the fate of a livable Earth would have known to be real story and hook behind the Canadian fire. Below I discuss the fire’s coverage in print and online corporate media. I pay special attention to the United States’ leading newspaper, the purportedly arch-liberal and even (the FOX News right would preposterously have Americans believe) left-wing The New York Times and add some critical (actually left and environmentalist) commentary on the depressing determination of “mainstream” reporters (and/or their editors) to omit the most relevant and urgent point.</p>
<p>“Forces of Nature Again Firefighters”</p>
<p>An early New York Times report, for example, was titled “Forces of Nature Against Firefighters Around Fort McMurray” (May 5th). Blaming the destruction on “strong, shifting winds,” Times reporter Fernanda Santos quoted a “senior disaster management response manager” on how “forces of nature we cannot control” had plagued firefighters. Santos cited an emergency commander who told the Times that “Mother Nature has conspired against us on multiple fronts.”</p>
<p>The article began with the following sentence: “The Alberta fire department said it would be a couple more days before investigators would be able to determine whether the fire there was caused by people or lightning.” The phrase “by people” referred to the chance that some human individual or group provided the immediate spark with, say, a campfire, not to the giant carbon-industrial complex that has been heating the planet to a treacherous degree for many decades. &#160;Santos and/or her editor(s) did not see it as news worth printing that the “forces of nature” in question bore the clear and obvious, scientifically proven imprint of human-/capitalism-generated carbon emissions, fueled in no small part by the mining, refining, sale and burning of super-toxic, hyper-potent tar sands oil.</p>
<p>“One of the Largest Human Outposts in the Boreal Forest”</p>
<p>The Times’ editors knew that human-driven climate change was a factor in the Canadian fire, of course. A May 10tt article by the Times’ leading climate reporter <a href="" type="internal">Justin Gillis and Henry Fountain</a> was cautiously titled “Global Warming Cited as Wildfires Increase in Fragile Boreal Forest.” Gillis and Fountain wrote that “the near destruction of Fort McMurray by a wildfire” was “the latest indication that the boreal forest is at risk from climate change.” They included the burning of fossil fuels alongside other factors – logging, insects, and inadequate emergency fire services – that were threatening the great sub-Arctic swath of woodlands stretching from Canada and Alaska into Russia.</p>
<p>Remarkably and revealingly enough, however, Gillis and Fountain never mentioned the planet-cooking industry that turned Fort McMurray into a boom town. They referred to Fort McMurray only as “a Canadian city” and as “one of the largest human outposts in the boreal forest.”</p>
<p>Both descriptions were accurate but they left something out: the “human outpost’s” core connection to one of the world’s largest and most toxic centers of human-generated, fossil-fueled climate-change.</p>
<p>Concerns About Supplies, Not Livable Ecology</p>
<p>To be sure, there was considerable business news reporting on one aspect of the relationship between the Canadian fire and oil sands production above Fort McMurray – on how the fire threatened that production and hence “economic growth.” A May 8th <a href="" type="internal">Reuters report</a> was titled “Oil Sands Fared Well Through Canada Fire, But Restart a Challenge.” It discussed the oil sands industry but omitted the climate issue, treating the fire in purely short-term, bottom-line economic terms. Reuters’ correspondents Jessica Resnick Ault and Liz Hampton stuck obediently to relating how the disruption of the oil sands’ labor supplies and production, leading to an increase in oil prices:</p>
<p>“The mass evacuation of residents from the wildfire-devastated Canadian oil town of Fort McMurray is likely to significantly delay the restart of production, even though energy facilities themselves have escaped major damage from the flames, oil prices jumped in early Asian trading on concerns over the loss of production capacity caused by the fire – equivalent to around half of the country’s oil sands production.”</p>
<p>“…A prolonged shutdown will heighten concerns about supplies after three major oil firms warned on Friday they won’t be able to deliver on some contracts for Canadian crude…Only one oil sands production site, CNOOC unit Nexen’s Long Lake facility, has sustained minor damage, and provincial fire officials said on Sunday they expected to hold flames back from Suncor Energy Inc’s main oil sands plant north of Fort McMurray….The fire has shut down about 1 million barrels per day or 40 percent of total oil sands production.”</p>
<p>Reuters deleted the obvious scientifically demonstrated connection between oil extraction (including oil sands extraction) and the conditions that gave rise to the fire that interrupted oil sands production. Those are matters that (un)naturally hold no interest to good capitalist journalists who know to stick responsibly to nothing but the basic business facts.</p>
<p>It was unthinkable, of course, that Ault and Hampton might have conveyed environmentalists’ reasonable sense that a 40 percent reduction in tar sands oil extraction was a good thing for human beings and other living things.</p>
<p>“Staggering Blow to Economy,” Not Earth</p>
<p>Similar in its indifference to capital’s environmental arch-criminality and that criminality’s relationship to the Great Canadian Wildfire of 2016 was a <a href="" type="internal">May 11th New York Times report</a> titled “Canada Fire Deals Staggering Blow to Oil Sands Industry and Economy.” Times reporter Ian Austen discussed the epic, capital-o-genically fueled blaze purely as a story about markets, production infrastructure, “global growth,” and fuel prices – really (though Austen could not say so) about profits:</p>
<p>“As the fire ripped through Fort McMurray, oil companies severely pulled back or stopped pumping altogether… While the oil markets have remained relatively stable and production is slowly picking up, the economic blow is significant to a region and a country already battered by weak oil prices and uncertainty over global growth…The full toll will depend largely on the health of the oil sands. The largest projects, north of Fort McMurray have been largely unscathed, protected in part by their wide, deforested perimeters…But oil companies are still assessing the damage to the electrical network, the aboveground buildings and the pipelines that ship Fort McMurray’s production. Then there is the complex nature of the projects, which means that oil will not necessarily start flowing again quickly.”</p>
<p>“The status of smaller plants, which are largely south of the city, is less clear…The southern plants, for the most part, bring the tarlike bitumen of the oil sands to the surface by injecting vast quantities of steam underground. Plants of that variety, like Japan Canada Oil Sands, have been operating for several years and have built up so much heat underground they can sit idle for up to 12 months and be restarted with comparative ease…The global oil markets are sensitive to that timeline. Goldman Sachs estimates that the lost production, assuming companies can ramp up production over 10 days, will total 14 million barrels. If so, that would have a relatively minor impact on North American stockpiles, which are nearly full” (emphasis added).</p>
<p>So what if oil extraction on the rapacious and reckless scale funded by the likes of Goldman Sachs puts livable ecology and a decent future at grave and ever more imminent risk? So what if tar sands oil is among the most carbon-rich fossil fuels that need to be kept underground if we are to avert environmental catastrophe? So what if the healthiest thing would be for the oil sands to be shut down? Who cares? “Global growth” – and the world petro-capitalist profit rate – must march on!</p>
<p>The “full toll” of the Canada fire includes the exacerbation of global warming, for the burning and vast boreal forest destruction become causes as well as consequences of climate change. But that is a matter of no concern to responsible business journalists.</p>
<p>“A Minimal Impact on Canadian Economic Growth”</p>
<p>The Wall Street Journal was less alarmist about threats to carbon-spewing capitalist growth four days earlier. In <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/canada-wildfire-prompts-new-evacuation-of-oil-sands-workers-in-northern-alberta-1463473452" type="external">a May 7th article</a> titled “Canada Wildfires Raise Threat to Oil-Sands Mining Operations,” the WSJ’s Chester Dawson noted that Suncor had “closed down production of 300,000 barrels of oil a day at two mines and a pair of oil-sands well sites, and its Syncrude unit has shut its 350,000-barrel-a-day-capacity mines.”&#160;&#160; But such (supposedly terrible) developments (welcome for anyone who cares about livable ecology) were nothing for planet-baking investors to get too upset about. For, as Dawson reported:</p>
<p>“The outages are expected to have a minimal impact on Canadian economic growth, according to a report from the Conference Board of Canada released early Tuesday. The Ottawa think tank bases its findings on an estimated oil-production loss of about 1.2 million barrels a day over a two-week period…The Conference Board’s findings are based on information available before the latest evacuations. The latest setback could result in a ‘bigger [production] hit’ in May, but the industry will likely make up that lost output in June, assuming operations resume, said Pedro Antunes, the Conference Board’s deputy chief economist. Similarly, efforts to rebuild the oil-sands region will help to offset the decline in economic growth caused by the fires, Mr. Antunes said.”</p>
<p>That was good to know! It’s a shame that carbon-driven climate change is creating an environmental disaster that has emerged as the biggest issue of our or any time – a catastrophe that raises the not-so distant prospect of human extinction. Thanks to fossil-fueled anthropogenic global warming, the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado <a href="" type="internal">reports that</a> we may have come to “the starting point when melting permafrost begins a likely irreversible release of 190 gigatons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere…Thawing permafrost is threatening to overwhelm attempts to keep the planet from getting too hot for human survival. Without major reductions in the use of fossil fuels, as much as two-thirds of the world’s gigantic storehouse of frozen carbon could be released…this might be irreversible.”</p>
<p>The northern latitudes are aflame like no time in recorded historical memory. But hey, Canadian economic growth will march on. And disasters often bring capitalist investment and growth opportunities, including rebuilding!</p>
<p>A Close Call</p>
<p>There had, however, been a close call. By Dawson’s account, “Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said the fires approached the doorstep of oil-sands mines operated by industry leader <a href="http://quotes.wsj.com/SU" type="external">Suncor Energy</a> Inc. <a href="http://quotes.wsj.com/SU" type="external">(SU -2.64 %)</a>and its subsidiary Syncrude north of the town of Fort McMurray, which the blaze devastated this month. Provincial government officials said by late Tuesday firefighters succeeded in halting the advance of the flames to the south and west perimeters of those facilities, and that weather conditions were expected to help slow the spread of the fires later this week.”</p>
<p>What a shame it would have been if “the forces of nature” had claimed some of the most eco-cidal, life-gassing production facilities on Earth!</p>
<p>“A Loss of Production”</p>
<p>Things got scary again in Canada for Big Carbon in following days. A May 17th <a href="" type="internal">New York Times report</a> was titled “Fort McMurray Wildfire Upends Plan to Restart Oil Sands Operations.” Times reporter Ian Austen noted that “Rapidly changing winds brought Alberta’s huge wildfire to the perimeter of two of the oldest and largest of Canada’s <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/o/oil_petroleum_and_gasoline/oil_sands/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier" type="external">oil sands</a> complexes on Tuesday, posing a new threat to an industry that just a day earlier had been preparing to resume full-scale operations.” The blaze was “now close to the Syncrude and Suncor oil sands plants” and threatened “to enter the open pit mines where gigantic excavators scoop up tar like bitumen and place it in similarly oversize dump trucks…” Austen reported the Conference Board of Canada’s calculation that “14 days of shutdown would mean a loss of production valued at 985 million Canadian dollars, about $762 million.”</p>
<p>How horrible. Never mind that reduced tar sands oil production is a positive for life’s ever-slimming chances of decent survival in an ever hotter and more volatile and inhabitable world that carbon-addicted capital made.</p>
<p>So it’s not true that reporters made no connection between the Great Canada Fire of May 2016 and the Canadian tar sands oil industry. But the connection went one capitalist and extractivist way. It was all about how the fire, treated as a purely natural disaster, was interfering with oil sands production. The fact that oil sands production is a key part of the planetary carbon-industrial-complex that creates the climatological context for such fires as the one that nearly destroyed the oil sands boom town Fort McMurray was irrelevant as far as “mainstream” journalists were concerned.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii reports that the global concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – the leading force behind recent climate change – has reached <a href="" type="internal">400 parts per million</a> (ppm) for the first time in recorded history. Levels that high have only been reached during the Pliocene era. According to Dr. Erika Podest, a leading carbon and water cycle research scientist, “This milestone is a wake-up call that our actions in response to climate change need to match the persistent rise in CO2. Climate change is a threat to life on Earth and we can no longer afford to be spectators.”</p>
<p>By all means let’s “resume full-scale operations” in the Canadian tar sands!</p> | Deleting the Real Story Behind the Great Canada Fire | true | https://counterpunch.org/2016/06/16/deleting-the-real-story-behind-the-great-canada-fire/ | 2016-06-16 | 4 |
<p>Dec. 13, 2012</p>
<p>By Katy Grimes</p>
<p>Hear ye! Hear ye! Cap and trade is alive and working, so says the big announcement today from the California from the California Air Resources Board and California Environmental Agency… at least between California and Quebec.</p>
<p>“California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary&#160;Matthew Rodriquez and Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D.&#160;Nichols today applauded Quebec on the adoption of the Province’s&#160; <a href="http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/changements/carbone/Systeme-plafonnement-droits-GES-en.htm" type="external">amended cap-and-trade regulation</a> to allow for linking with&#160;California’s program,” the press release from the CARB said.</p>
<p>“Welcome to the New World Order,” a friend wrote in an email to me.</p>
<p>“Quebec’s announcement demonstrates the critical role that&#160;government can play in reducing carbon emissions and addressing&#160;climate change,” said Matthew Rodriquez, Secretary for the&#160; <a href="http://www.calepa.ca.gov/" type="external">California Environmental Protection Agency</a>. &#160;“Our two programs&#160;share a common objective and we look forward to coordinating our&#160;work in California with them.”</p>
<p>California working with Quebec on the reduction of carbon emissions has never made sense, unless Quebec is the only government that would work with the Golden State. Perhaps Quebec and California have more in common &#160;than anyone realizes. “Two Quebec towns share the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city on&#160;MoneySense’s annual list,” MoneySense <a href="http://www.moneysense.ca/2012/03/20/11-worst-places-to-live/ms_stgeorges/" type="external">reported</a> in March.</p>
<p>“This step marks a significant advance in our four-year&#160;collaboration to expand climate action between our individual&#160;jurisdictions,” said <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/capandtrade.htm" type="external">ARB Chairwoman Mary D. Nichols</a>. &#160;“Quebec’s&#160;action sets the stage to link our two emissions trading programs&#160;to provide a model program that other states and provinces can&#160;join.”</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>CARB is the same state agency which set up a private corporation, Western Climate Initiative Inc. to manage the cap and trade program, in Delaware.</p>
<p>Delaware is well known as a tax and corporate haven, and does not have the same open-meeting laws that California has. “The&#160;California Open Meeting Act&#160;is a composition of the Ralph M. Brown Act which legislates local governments and political subdivisions and the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act which legislates the executive branch of the state, and the Grunsky-Burton Open Meeting Act which legislates methods by which public meetings are conducted on the state level,” <a href="http://www.sunshinereview.org/index.php/California_Open_Meeting_Act#ixzz2Ez3tVyGB" type="external">the Sunshine Review explains</a>.</p>
<p>CARB has never suffuciently answered why they registered the corporation in Delaware, but anyone who owns or runs a California corporation will tell you that and that between the tax advantages and privacy/secrecy laws, Delaware has its advantages.</p>
<p>CARB pulled this maneuver in defiance of&#160;the <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.const/.article_1" type="external">California Constitution, Article I Section 3</a>:</p>
<p>” (b) (1) The people have the right of access to information&#160;concerning the conduct of the people’s business, and, therefore, the&#160;meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and&#160;agencies shall be open to public scrutiny.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.constitution.org/constit_.htm" type="external">Article 1, Section 10</a> of the <a href="http://www.constitution.org/constit_.htm" type="external">United States Constitution</a>is another the CARB should read:</p>
<p>No State shallenter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation;&#160;grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal;&#160;coin Money;&#160;emit Bills of Credit;&#160;make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts;&#160;pass any Bill of Attainder,&#160;ex post facto Law, or&#160;Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or&#160;grant any Title of Nobility.</p>
<p>No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it’s inspection Laws;&#160;and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States;&#160;and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of&#160;the&#160;Congress.</p>
<p>It is hard to believe that this state agency is flying by the seat of its pants. Surely they have a bevy of state lawyers at their disposal to keep them in line. Or not.</p>
<p>Bienvenue à Québec!</p> | Bienvenue à Québec, CARB! | false | https://calwatchdog.com/2012/12/13/bienvenue-a-quebec-carb/ | 2018-12-20 | 3 |
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<p>Slim Whitman, the country crooner and yodeler who influenced members of the Beatles and whose voice helped repel an alien invasion in director Tim Burton’s 1996 sci-fi parody “Mars Attacks!,” died Wednesday at a hospital in Orange Park, Fla. He was 90.</p>
<p>The cause was heart and kidney ailments, said a son-in-law, Roy Beagle.</p>
<p>To his fans, Whitman’s music was wholesome and sentimental. To others, it was just plain cornball. Either way, he sold more than 70 million recordings.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>His hits included “Indian Love Call” (1952), which reached the Billboard Pop Top 10, “Danny Boy” (1953), “Secret Love” (1953) and “Rose Marie” (1954). Each was replete with yodeling, leading one former colleague to describe him as “an Irish tenor singing Sigmund Romberg.”</p>
<p>None was a typical song for a country singer, but the odd choices had much to do with his appeal. His repertoire of show tunes, cowboy songs and innocent love songs contrasted with the cheating and drinking songs of honky-tonk singers such as Hank Williams and Webb Pierce.</p>
<p>“I was bringing the big songs down to the people’s size,” Whitman said. “I’ve always been with a good song. There’s nothing I say, either, that couldn’t be said in church.”</p>
<p>Whitman’s clear, bell-like tones earned him a spot on the nation’s two most popular country programs, “Louisiana Hayride,” broadcast from Shreveport, La., and “Grand Ole Opry,” from Nashville. In 1956, he became one of the first country stars to perform at the London Palladium.</p>
<p>Whitman’s popularity in the United States waned in the 1960s, but he remained a consistent draw in England and Australia for decades. His remake of “Rose Marie” reached No. 1 on the U.K. pop charts in 1970.</p>
<p>Future Beatle George Harrison recalled his father, a merchant seaman, bringing Whitman’s records home. Whitman, who strummed the guitar with his left hand, also bolstered fellow lefty Paul McCartney’s resolve to play in the way that came naturally.</p>
<p>In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Whitman blanketed the United States with late-night television ads hawking his greatest-hits collection, “All My Best.” These ads were instrumental in revitalizing his career among American record buyers and culminated in the use of “Indian Love Call” in the climax of Burton’s “Mars Attacks!”</p>
<p>In the movie, the invading Martians are repulsed – in many ways – when an elderly woman plays the record. The aliens’ innards explode when they hear Whitman yodel.</p>
<p>Whitman – who received a 2003 lifetime achievement award from NPR’s “The Annoying Music Show!” – took the joke in stride and perhaps even with some pride. “Yes,” he told an interviewer, “I’m the one who killed the blasted Martians.”</p>
<p />
<p>Slim Whitman</p> | Country crooner, yodeler Whitman dies | false | https://abqjournal.com/213338/country-crooner-yodeler-whitman-dies.html | 2 |
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<p>Sept. 11 (UPI) — South Korean boy band BTS will release a collaboration with American duo The Chainsmokers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7957910/bts-chainsmokers-collaboration-love-yourself-her-song-andrew-taggart" type="external">Billboard confirmed</a> Monday that Rap Monster, Suga and J-Hope co-wrote the song “Best of Me” with The Chainsmokers member Andrew Taggart for BTS’ forthcoming album, Love Yourself ‘Her.’</p>
<p>Sources described the collaboration as “an energetic dance track,” with <a href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170911000392" type="external">The Korea Herald adding</a> the song features The Chainsmokers’ typical “expressive harmonies.”</p>
<p>BTS met The Chainsmokers prior to the the 2017 Billboard Music Awards in May. The Chainsmokers teased a future collaboration while sharing a photo with the boy band on Twitter ahead of the awards show.</p>
<p>“Love these dudes! See you guys this summer @BTS_twt,” the duo <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChainsmokers/status/866380360594071552" type="external">wrote</a>.</p>
<p>“Best of Me” marks BTS’ first project with an American act. The group is steadily gaining international exposure, winning Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards and <a href="https://www.upi.com/BTS-makes-list-of-most-watched-singers-on-YouTube/2621502214128/" type="external">making a New York Times list</a> of the most-watched acts on YouTube in the U.S.</p>
<p>Love Yourself ‘Her’ will debut Sept. 18. The boy band <a href="https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2017/09/05/BTS-releases-Serendipity-comeback-trailer-featuring-Jimin/3871504635541/" type="external">teased the album</a> by releasing a “Serendipity” comeback trailer featuring Jimin last week.</p> | BTS to release collaboration with The Chainsmokers | false | https://newsline.com/bts-to-release-collaboration-with-the-chainsmokers/ | 2017-09-11 | 1 |
<p>Discussion Paper - Harvard Project on Climate Agreements, Belfer Center</p>
<p />
<p>This essay provides an overview of the major emissions trading programs of the past thirty years on which significant documentation exists, and draws a number of important lessons for future applications of this environmental policy instrument. References to a larger number of other emissions trading programs that have been implemented or proposed are included.</p>
<p /> | Lessons Learned from Three Decades of Experience with Cap-and-Trade | false | http://belfercenter.org/publication/lessons-learned-three-decades-experience-cap-and-trade | 2015-11-01 | 2 |
<p />
<p>By Mark Schilling</p>
<p><a href="http://variety.com/tag/asia-ireton/" type="external">Asia Ireton</a> has been appointed president of&#160;Cente&#160;Service Corporation, effective Oct. 1, 2017.&#160;Cente, a&#160; <a href="http://variety.com/tag/tohokushinsha/" type="external">Tohokushinsha</a>&#160;Film Corporation group company, functions as the U.S. arm of the Japanese&#160;media leader established in 1961.</p>
<p>Cente’s&#160;current business activities include&#160;production&#160;of television programs and commercials,&#160;film and television acquisition&#160;for distribution in Japan,&#160;and investment in&#160;film and digital content.&#160; Ireton will be responsible for leading the company’s overall strategy, day-to-day operations and new business development, working from&#160;Cente’s&#160;Los Angeles offices.</p>
<p>Ireton was most recently GM of History Channel Japan since 2013. Previously, she served as long-time editor-in-chief of Movie/TV Marketing, the Japan-based entertainment trade paper.</p>
<p /> | Asia Ireton Appointed President at Cente Service | false | https://newsline.com/asia-ireton-appointed-president-at-cente-service/ | 2017-10-02 | 1 |
<p />
<p>Last week, the Senate fell two votes short of passing a budget amendment that would have blocked oil and gas exploration in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR). The vote makes ANWR drilling an increasingly likely reality, though not yet a foregone conclusion: drilling advocates still face several more procedural hurdles in Congress before the refuge can be opened to exploration. In the meantime, all eyes should be fixed on Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL), who, despite casting the key pro-drilling vote last week, could still play a pivotal role in sinking the entire plan.</p>
<p>Martinez, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during President Bush’s first term, was elected to the Senate in Florida last year on the heels of strong administration support. The president had encouraged Martinez to step down and run in Florida so as to strengthen the Republican Party’s presence there. But in order to run competitively in Florida, where voters have shown widespread opposition to any sort of drilling off the state’s coast, Martinez had to run on an anti-drilling platform. (Even Governor Jeb Bush has adopted a similar stance.) And so, when the Senate began discussing the budget early this year, Martinez made it known that he would support the president on ANWR, so long as Florida got something in return.</p>
<p>Martinez’ vote turned out to be crucial: Had he voted for the amendment to block the opening of ANWR, there is reason to believe that at least one other Democratic senator would have switched votes and killed the drilling effort. Given that the House decided not to include ANWR in their budget—which only barely passed, 218-214, as it was—Senate support was the only way drilling was going to stand a chance.</p>
<p>So what did Martinez receive in exchange for his vote? On March 16th, one day before the Senate vote, Martinez was given assurance from the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, that the federal moratorium on offshore drilling—which affects Florida and other coastal states—would be extended for another five years, from 2007 to 2012. At first, this seemed like a perfect compromise for Martinez, who could remain loyal to the White House and still bring back something for his Floridian constituents.</p>
<p>But those plans hit a major snag when Florida papers reported that the moratorium on offshore drilling had already been extended through 2012 under President Clinton, six years ago. Furthermore, Norton had made the exact same promise to Florida’s other Senator, Democrat Bill Nelson, back in 2003. Martinez’s office quickly attempted to clarify the situation, pointing out that the deal he struck with the White House also included an area of slightly more than a million acres called the “Stovepipe”, which had previously been exempted from the moratorium. (Technically off Alabama’s shore, the stovepipe already has three active drilling leases.)</p>
<p>Perhaps of greater concern to Floridians, though, Martinez had passed up an opportunity to protect an even more environmentally important area: the eastern portion of an area known as “L.S. 181”, sized at over 3 million acres and far closer to the bulk of Florida’s gulf coast. On March 17, in response to the news about Martinez, Senator Nelson informed Secretary Norton that unless this area was granted the same protection that she extended to the stovepipe, he would hold up her nomination of Patricia Lynn Scarlet to Deputy Secretary of the Interior—a nomination which had been unanimously approved by committee last week.</p>
<p>Ever since Martinez’ deal with the White House was exposed last week, the senator has tried to control the political fallout by reiterating several of his original campaign pledges. He vowed to introduce legislation aimed at making the moratorium on drilling off Florida’s shores permanent, and to work to buy back active offshore-drilling leases that experts like Mark Ferrulo, Director of the Florida Public Interest Research Group, regard as the largest threat to Florida’s coast. “What seems to go unmentioned in all of this,” Ferrulo says, “is that Florida’s offshore areas are still littered with active leases.” Progress on both issues, according to Ferrulo, will require bipartisan support, and Florida voters are watching closely to see if Martinez can get something done.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Ferrulo contends that Martinez could still decide to change his position and lobby against ANWR in Congress as a result of the uproar back home, although no one’s placing any bets just yet. Instead, the best hope for keeping ANWR off-limits from drilling may be that House and Senate leaders, who have not agreed on a budget in each of the last two years, may fail once again. House Budget Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA) recently told reporters, “It is very disappointing to watch what’s going on over there [in the Senate]. I’m not sure how we get a conference with the Senate with the product where they’re at.” With major differences on Medicaid, spending, taxation, as well as ANWR, the joint-budget committee could still fall apart.</p>
<p>If the committee fails to draft a joint budget by April 15th, ANWR drilling could only proceed as its own legislation, requiring at least 60 votes to pass. Pro-drilling advocates have already admitted that the budget process is their best opportunity and expressed concern that the senate votes just aren’t there. According to Athan Manuel, Director of the US PIRG’s Arctic Wilderness Campaign, if Congressional leaders think that ANWR won’t make it through the budget, or if the budget itself is not going anywhere, they may try to insert a drilling measure in the Energy Bill—which could be drafted as soon as early April.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if Congress does manage to produce a joint-budget that includes a measure to drill in ANWR, they will still need to go through the budget reconciliation process and pass the final budget through both chambers, which is far from a trivial process. According to Manuel, “The Budget reconciliation process is the last and perhaps the best chance to block drilling.” Anti-drilling lobbyists could still influence policymakers to strike ANWR language from the budget. Martinez could be a powerful force here; yet his intention to do so remains in question.</p>
<p /> | The Politics of Drilling | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2005/03/politics-drilling/ | 2005-03-27 | 4 |
<p>The French Communist Party (PCF) once commanded the loyalty of millions.&#160;Buoyed by its role in the resistance to Nazi occupation, the party won over a quarter of the vote in postwar legislative elections and was a permanent fixture in French life. In much of Northern Europe, the working class owed its allegiance to the parties of social democracy. In France, the Communists had that honor.</p>
<p>Though the party today can still claim the country’s third largest membership, its decline has been dramatic. The bulk of opposition to France’s political establishment has been generated from the Right, in the form of the xenophobic populism of the <a href="" type="internal">National Front</a>.&#160;We&#160;spoke to sociologist Julian Mischi about the Communist Party’s decline in this new environment and how it can reconnect with a largely lost social base.</p> | When the Workers Were Communists | true | http://jacobinmag.com/2016/10/when-the-workers-were-communists/ | 2018-10-04 | 4 |
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<p>The news out of Florida with regards to injustice, police abuse and discrimination just doesn’t seem to end. In this latest report, the family of a dead Florida African American man have released a video of him being run over by the police. As in many cases of police chases, there are no major crimes that police are chasing the individual for. Remember the shooting death of young Timothy Thomas in Cincinnati, Ohio a decade ago? That was over unpaid parking tickets that Thomas simply didn’t have the money to pay. Unfortunately, he paid for them with his life, when Officer Roach shot him dead.</p>
<p>Now the victim is Marlon Brown, a 38 year old from Deland, Florida. Police officers ran over Brown on May 8th, when he failed to stop for “an alleged seat belt violation”… That is, for not buckling his seat belt. ABC News reports that Brown “had been arrested more than two dozen times over the past 20 years and served jail time for drug possession,” highlighting the further travesty here when police turn into raging killers because a man has nothing more than a drug record.</p>
<p>While this occurred in May, his family has only now obtained and released the dash cam video. We warn you, police brutality isn’t easy to watch.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>“This was an execution in a vegetable garden,” Benjamin Crump, the Brown family attorney told reporters. “The officer came at Marlon with such velocity that… he could not have stopped.”</p>
<p>“And for what?” Crump asked. “An alleged seat belt violation. That’s why we were having this high speed chase?”</p>
<p>Crump is right. There have been many calls for police to simply issue a revocation of drivers licenses and a warrant when someone fails to pull over for an officer, rather than endangering the lives of not only the person they are chasing, but also of innocent bystanders who are often hit in such chases, or even the lives of officers themselves. But this goes beyond that, this was about how the chase ended, and the quickness of an officer to punish an African American man for daring to defy them, rather than killing only when necessary, and when their own lives or the lives of others were in absolute danger… But then again, this is Florida.</p>
<p /> | ‘Alleged Seat Belt Violation’ Results in Florida Police Running African American Man Over | true | http://politicalblindspot.com/alleged-seat-belt-violation-results-in-florida-police-running-african-american-man-over/ | 2013-09-23 | 4 |
<p>Chinese logistics company Best Inc. (NYSE: BSTI) went public on Sept. 20, and its market debut was a rocky one. The company originally proposed to sell 62.1 million shares between $13 and $15 each, but soft demand caused it to revise the offering to&#160;45 million shares at $10 each. Best stock jumped 18% on the first trading day, but those gains quickly faded and it finished with a modest 5% gain. The stock roared back over the next three days, rising above $13 before dipping back below $12 again. It closed Oct. 3 trading at $11.62 per share.</p>
<p>Despite that volatility, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/18/best-inc-ipo-what-investors-need-to-know.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Best Opens a New Window.</a> represents an interesting opportunity for long-term investors. Let's take a look at five facts you should know about this play on the growing Chinese economy, including that&#160;Alibaba is its biggest backer.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Best founder and CEO Johnny Chou was the co-president of Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google China until&#160;late 2006. The following year, Chou founded Best to capitalize on the surging demand for logistics solutions across the country. Between 2012 and 2016, Best's freight volume achieved a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 93%.</p>
<p>Today, Best offers integrated logistics and supply chain services, last-mile services, and value-added services across China. Its freight network reaches 96% of all Chinese cities, with hundreds of&#160;warehouses and thousands of line-haul routes. It also operates warehouses in the U.S. and Germany, and ships to Australia, Japan, and Canada via regional partners.</p>
<p>It might seem that smaller logistics players could be wiped out by logistics services from e-commerce giants like Alibaba (NYSE: BABA). However, Alibaba is actually Best's top investor, with&#160;a 23.4% stake in the company.</p>
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<p>Back in 2013, Alibaba and its partners pledged to&#160;invest about $16 billion in building a streamlined logistics network across China over the next eight to 10 years. Alibaba said that network should deliver goods across China within 24 hours and support annual sales of 10 trillion yuan ($1.5 trillion). More recently, Alibaba pledged to spend 100 billion yuan ($15 billion) to&#160;expand its logistics network within the next five years.</p>
<p>Instead of building a network from scratch, Alibaba and its partners invested in smaller players like Best, which secured logistics partnerships across the country. Prior to&#160;investing in Best, Alibaba invested in Suning Commerce, China's largest electronics e-tailer, mainly to gain access to its logistics network. It also recently acquired a controlling stake in smart logistics provider Cainiao.</p>
<p>Alibaba's backing is a vote of confidence for Best, but there are still plenty of competitors across the fragmented logistics industry in China. Major rivals include JD.com's JD Logistics, SF Holdings, and ZTO Express (NYSE: ZTO) -- which <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/03/the-most-popular-ipos-of-2016.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">also went public Opens a New Window.</a> last year.</p>
<p>Speaking to CNBC in September, Chou admitted that the competition was going "to be fierce, like anywhere else in the world." But he also declared that Best still has "a great opportunity," and that the overall market was "growing at a tremendous amount of speed."</p>
<p>That growth is certainly noticeable. Best's revenue rose 71.5% to 5.23 billion yuan ($790 million) in 2015, and climbed another 68.3% to 8.84 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) in 2016. Its revenue in the first half of this year surged 133.5% annually to 3.47 billion yuan ($520 million).</p>
<p>Best's current market cap of $2.9 billion gives it a <a href="https://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/using-the-price-to-sales-ratio-to-value-stocks.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">price-to-sales ratio Opens a New Window.</a> of 2.2. That merely matches the industry average of 2.2 for business service providers, but remains much lower than ZTO's P/S ratio of&#160;6.2.</p>
<p>Best's net losses widened over the past three years. It reported net losses of 718.5 million yuan ($108 million) in 2014, 1.06 billion yuan ($160 million) in 2015, and 1.36 billion yuan ($201 million) last year.</p>
<p>But on the bright side, Best's loss narrowed slightly from 634.8 million yuan ($96 million) to 624.6 million yuan ($92 million) between the first halves of 2016 and 2017, which was attributed to improved operating efficiency. Nonetheless, that weak bottom-line growth could make it tough to keep up with the growing competition.</p>
<p>Logistics is a tricky business that can crush companies that lack the cash flows, discipline, and scale to become profitable. During the dot-com bust, many online companies folded because they <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/13/the-biggest-flops-in-silicon-valley-history.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">didn't understand logistics Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Alibaba is playing it safe by investing in regional logistics leaders, since it can reap the benefits of expanded networks with less financial risk. Meanwhile, companies like Best and ZTO shoulder all the risks, which makes them much riskier plays than straight e-commerce investments.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than&#160;BestWhen investing geniuses David and Tom&#160;Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they&#160;have run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom&#160;just revealed what they believe are the&#160; <a href="https://www.fool.com/mms/mark/e-sa-bbn-eg?aid=8867&amp;source=isaeditxt0000476&amp;ftm_cam=sa-bbn-evergreen&amp;ftm_pit=6627&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ten best stocks Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;for investors to buy right now... and Best wasn't one of them! That's right -- they&#160;think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fool.com/mms/mark/e-sa-bbn-eg?aid=8867&amp;source=isaeditxt0000476&amp;ftm_cam=sa-bbn-evergreen&amp;ftm_pit=6627&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p>
<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSunLion/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Leo Sun Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and JD.com. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=07301c86-a33f-11e7-ab1d-0050569d4be0&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | 5 Things to Know About China's Newly Public Best Inc. | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/10/03/5-things-to-know-about-chinas-newly-public-best-inc.html | 2017-10-03 | 0 |
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<p><a href="http://confiringline.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2167596-Carrot_Tree_Yorktown.jpg" type="external" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2013/October/Park-Service-Abuses-Spark-New-Battle-of-Yorktown/" type="external">Glenn Helseth, owner of Carrot Tree Kitchens Restaurant</a> in historic Yorktown, is refusing Obama’s order to close.&#160; 232 years ago, the colonists fought and won against tyranny on these very same grounds.&#160; Helseth would like to make it two for two, as the Obama administration is trying to make government closing as painful as possible, even resorting to closing the Atlantic Ocean and private businesses.</p>
<p>After the government closed down, he received a call giving him 3 hours to shutter his business.&#160; He was later given a 5 day stay and did in fact close his restaurant.&#160; Then it dawned on him that he had a contract and they weren’t paying him, he was paying them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/tyranny-fought-yorktown-once-again" type="external">Continue reading…</a></p> | Tyranny fought in Yorktown once Again | true | http://conservativefiringline.com/tyranny-fought-yorktown/?fb_source%3Dpubv1 | 2013-10-11 | 0 |
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<p>Viacom Inc. has named Bob Bakish, a 19-year company veteran who has spent the past decade leading its international channels, as its acting president and chief executive following the departure of interim CEO Tom Dooley in November.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The Viacom board approved the promotion of Mr. Bakish, currently CEO of Viacom International Media Networks, at its board meeting on Monday, according to people familiar with the matter. The company previously announced that Mr. Dooley would depart on Nov. 15.</p>
<p>The choice of an internal candidate and temporary-sounding title are indications of just how quickly Viacom is expected to potentially reunite with its corporate sibling, CBS Corp., from which it was split off a decade ago. The companies' common controlling shareholder, Sumner Redstone's National Amusements Inc., asked them a month ago to explore a merger.</p>
<p>Analysts expect the combined company would be run by CBS CEO Les Moonves, a darling of Wall Street and an ally of Shari Redstone, the daughter of the 93-year-old Mr. Redstone. Ms. Redstone is also vice chairman of both CBS and Viacom and president of National Amusements.</p>
<p>Viacom's longtime former CEO, Philippe Dauman, was ousted over the summer amid a power struggle that vaulted his rival Ms. Redstone to a new position of power within her family's $40 billion media empire and led to the overhaul Viacom's board of directors.</p>
<p>Mr. Bakish, who would be Viacom's third CEO in four months, will be tasked with providing a steady hand for the media company while the potential merger with CBS is evaluated.</p>
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<p>Since 2007, Mr. Bakish has overseen Viacom's large and growing portfolio of international channels, adding foreign versions of brands like Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, BET, Spike and Nick Jr. to stalwarts like MTV and Nickelodeon. Today, Viacom operates more than 200 television channels in more than 180 countries.</p>
<p>Under Mr. Bakish, Viacom International Media Networks increased the amount of original content it produced internationally and expanded Viacom brands into ancillary areas like theme parks and hotels.</p>
<p>Before running Viacom's international business, he served in a number of senior operations and strategy roles. He joined the company in 1997.</p>
<p>Since being asked to explore a merger, the boards of Viacom and CBS have both named special committees, which have in turn hired their own legal and financial advisers.</p>
<p>Over the past year, Viacom's stock has dropped 24%, while CBS's has risen 22%.</p> | Viacom Taps Bob Bakish as Acting CEO | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/10/31/viacom-taps-bob-bakish-as-acting-ceo.html | 2016-10-31 | 0 |
<p>LONDON (Reuters) – Uber [UBER.UL] lost an appeal on Friday to overturn a decision by a tribunal which said its drivers deserved workers’ rights such as the minimum wage, in a blow to the taxi app as it also battles to keep its license in London.</p>
<p>Uber’s case was rejected at the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in central London.</p>
<p>The U.S. ride-hailing service has faced regulatory and legal setbacks around the world amid opposition from traditional taxi services and concern among some regulators. It has been forced to quit several countries, such as Denmark and Hungary.</p>
<p>Last year, two drivers successfully argued at a tribunal that Uber exerted significant control over them to provide an on-demand taxi service and should grant them workers’ rights such as holiday entitlement and rest breaks.</p>
<p>The decision will not automatically apply to the app’s 50,000 drivers in Britain, but is likely to prompt further claims.</p>
<p>Uber is likely to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal or seek the right to go straight to the Supreme Court.</p>
<p>Uber says its drivers enjoy the flexibility of their work and are self-employed, entitling them in British law to only basic entitlements such as health and safety.</p>
<p>The firm argued in September that its drivers operate in the same way as minicabs, or private hire vehicles, which sprung up in Britain more than 50 years ago.</p>
<p>The verdict could benefit workers at thousands of companies including firms in the “gig economy”, where individuals work for multiple employers day-to-day without a fixed contract, such as food courier Deliveroo.</p>
<p>The Silicon Valley firm, which is valued at around $70 billion with backers including Goldman Sachs (N:) and BlackRock (N:), will be back in court on Dec. 11 to appeal a decision by London’s transport regulator to strip the app of its license.</p>
<p>Transport for London shocked Uber in September by deeming it unfit to run a taxi service and refusing to renew its license, citing the firm’s approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers.</p>
<p>Uber’s 40,000 drivers in the British capital can continue to take rides there until an appeals process is exhausted, which could take months or years.</p>
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<p>Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.</p> | Uber loses UK appeal bid to overturn workers' rights decision | false | https://newsline.com/uber-loses-uk-appeal-bid-to-overturn-workers039-rights-decision/ | 2017-11-10 | 1 |
<p>Catalyst Chicago, dedicated its Summer 2014&#160;issue to examining how the War on Drugs <a href="" type="internal">is playing out</a> in Chicago’s public schools. This article is the first in a series that highlights how education officials are <a href="" type="internal">quick to call police</a> to deal with misconduct, leading to harsher punishments than an adult would face for the same offense. Meanwhile, a new loophole in Chicago Public Schools’ code of conduct could put more students on the <a href="" type="internal">path to expulsion</a> without a hearing.</p>
<p>It is a week and a half before school lets out for the summer, and though the weather is on the cool side, children are on the playground of Little Village Elementary School, shouting and running in the late afternoon.</p>
<p>Anthony Martinez slides into the basement of an old building on the corner across the street. Several teenaged boys are slouched on a worn, weathered couch, playing video games in the dim light. Others are shooting pool. The young men are here as part of Urban Life Skills, a diversion program that allows young offenders to avoid the juvenile court system and a possible criminal record.</p>
<p>Anthony, who is the youngest in the room, sits by himself. He looks nervous in the way a 15-year-old might, staying quiet and biting his lip. Short and with a bit of a round face, Anthony sports a small gold earring in each ear, and today wears what is something of a uniform for teenage boys in the neighborhood—an oversized white t-shirt and too-baggy blue jeans.</p>
<p>Anthony is supposed to be getting ready for his eighth-grade graduation from Kanoon Magnet Elementary, but he is not sure that it will happen. His math teacher is threatening to fail him, and he could be forced to go to summer school.</p>
<p>If so, that would derail his high school plans: Anthony wants to go to Community Links High School, a year-round school that allows students to graduate in three years. It is smaller than most high schools and would give Anthony the individual attention and fresh start he so desperately wants.</p>
<p>But Community Links requires students to be “in good standing” in order to enroll, so Anthony will lose his chance if he fails eighth grade. Instead, he would be stuck at Farragut, his neighborhood high school. Though Farragut’s dean of discipline says the school environment has become calmer and there is almost no gang-banging, Anthony says he knows too many other young men at the school and would come in with too much negative baggage.</p>
<p>“I am trying to have a better life, but if I went to Farragut, I would probably drop out,” he says.</p>
<p>Anthony, the younger brother of a known Latin King gang member, says that the teachers at Kanoon never liked him, always thought he was a bad apple and for years considered him “at-risk.” Mostly, he maintains, the teachers dislike him because of the incident that led to his arrest and his eventual assignment to the Urban Life Skills program: a playground fight that he was accused of participating in and breaking a girl’s nose.</p>
<p>Anthony insists he had nothing to do with the fight. Initially, he was only suspended; it wasn’t until weeks later that police came to the school to arrest him. Fearing he would be found guilty of aggravated assault, Anthony pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was placed on two years’ probation and sent to the Urban Life Skills program.</p>
<p>Art Guerrero, who runs Urban Life Skills and has volunteered at Kanoon, says the arrest probably happened because the girl’s father insisted some action be taken. Guerrero adds that Anthony has had problems with teachers being wary of him and that the school does tend to call the police a lot.</p>
<p>Like Anthony, many of the students arrested at schools are challenging and perhaps made bad decisions, but there are alternative ways to deal with them other than calling the police, says Joel Rodriguez, an organizer for the Southwest Organizing Project, which has worked with Voices of Youth in Chicago Education to advocate for a diminished police presence in schools. He notes that students are usually back in the school very soon after being arrested and nothing has changed about the circumstances surrounding the incident.</p>
<p>“Instead of dealing with human beings, we are just calling the police,” he says. “With all the stresses in schools, people have very little energy to deal with students.”</p>
<p>More so than in other large school districts, Chicago schools are quick to call in police to handle student misbehavior and conflict, according to a Catalyst Chicago analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for the 2011-2012 school year (the most recent available). &#160;In Chicago, police were called at a rate of nearly 18 cases for every 1,000 students, while New York City’s rate was 8 per 1,000 students and numbers in Los Angeles were 6 per 1,000.</p>
<p>Overall, CPS referred 7,157 students to law enforcement, of whom 2,418 students were arrested, according to the federal data. As is the case with school discipline in general, black males are disproportionately targeted: They make up about 20 percent of CPS students, but 40 percent of those referred and arrested. Another 20 percent of students arrested or referred to law enforcement are Latino males—about the same percentage as Latino male enrollment. (Black and Latino girls are the vast majority of the other students who are referred or arrested.)</p>
<p>What’s more, these numbers likely underestimate the true number of arrests of young people in and around schools. The federal CPS data only includes incidents in which a school staff member calls police to the building. However, Chicago police track all arrests of those 17 or younger in a school building or on school grounds, regardless of how the arrest originated.</p>
<p>The Chicago Police Department reported 3,768 arrests of minors in schools and on school grounds during school hours in 2011-2012, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.</p>
<p>(In early July, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that 1,000 fewer students were arrested in the 2014 school year, but the police department did not confirm these figures.)</p>
<p>Students are acutely aware of the heavy police presence in their schools, says Mathilda de Dios, program manager for Northwestern University’s Children and Family Justice Center. As part of her job, she leads Know Your Rights workshops at high schools and community centers.</p>
<p>At the start of workshops, she asks teens how many of them have been arrested at school or know someone who has been. More than 80 percent of them typically stand up.</p>
<p>Asked how many of them go to schools with restorative justice programs such as peace circles or peer juries, and about 30 percent stand up.</p>
<p>De Dios says that police involvement rarely leads to a resolution of the conflict. And when police lead students out of school in handcuffs, it shapes how they view school and how school employees perceive them.</p>
<p>Jennifer Viets learned this the hard way when her son was taken by police out of a freshman summer program at Lane Tech High. Viets says the police were only trying to get information from her son about his friend, who was accused of throwing rocks. But her son told her that when he returned to Lane the next day, teachers commented to him that they didn’t think he would be back.</p>
<p>A few years later, Viets’ son and his friend were led away from school in handcuffs after being accused of stealing at a party. Viets notes that the two were the only young black men at the party. They were never charged, as the investigation eventually pointed to other culprits. Nevertheless, Viets says her son was scared.</p>
<p>“Everything went downhill after that,” Viets says. Her son wound up leaving Lane and completing high school with a virtual charter school. His friend transferred out too.</p>
<p>“It changes the way everyone perceives you when you are arrested, even if you are never charged,” she says. “How do you recover from that?”</p>
<p>At Kanoon, where Anthony attends, 13 students were referred to police or arrested in the 2011-2012 school year. That doesn’t sound like many, but it puts Kanoon at the higher end of the scale for elementary schools: 68 percent of elementary schools had fewer than five incidents of police involvement, and the vast majority did not lead to arrests, according to the federal data.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, just 20 high schools accounted for half of all arrests —even though students in those schools made up less than a quarter of the high school population.</p>
<p>Most incidents that lead to police involvement are simple battery or assault cases, theft cases or possession of small amounts of marijuana, according to a Catalyst analysis of Chicago police data.</p>
<p>In June, CPS overhauled its student code of conduct and drastically cut the list of incidents that require police notification. The new code, which youth and parent advocacy groups had pushed for, now only requires police notification for drug or gun possession. In other cases, school officials can decide themselves whether or not to call police, depending on the severity of the crime and whether others were hurt or in danger of being hurt. Plus, principals must check with the Law Department before calling police on a student who is in fifth grade or younger.</p>
<p>In contrast, the previous code listed 27 categories of incidents that required a call to police, including battery and “any illegal activity which interferes with the school’s educational process.”</p>
<p>Yet Chicago remains an outlier. A Catalyst review of discipline codes from suburban Chicago districts and other large urban school districts shows that many give principals full discretion to decide whether to call in police, even in drug and gun possession cases.</p>
<p>Cliff Nellis, lead attorney for the Lawndale Christian Legal Center, says that too many young people come to him after arrests for incidents that could easily be labeled a misdemeanor or dealt with through school discipline. “In mostly white suburbs, it is almost always misconduct, whereas here it is a crime,” says Nellis, referring to the rough West Side neighborhood.</p>
<p>Nellis points to one case in which a client and his friend broke into their high school and played basketball in the gym. “It was basically a prank,” he says. The alarm was triggered and police wound up surrounding the school. The boys hid, but were eventually sniffed out by dogs.</p>
<p>Nellis says the boys had nothing in their possession and the only things out of place in the school were basketballs. “They could have been charged with misdemeanor trespassing and the boys could have had a call home,” he says. “Instead, they were charged with a Class 2 felony burglary—breaking and entering with intent to steal. The intent is subjective.”</p>
<p>Schools are only part of it, says Nellis. Arrests on the streets and in the schools start young for many and this involvement follows them into adulthood. More than 57 percent of adults in North Lawndale have criminal convictions, according to a 2002 Center for Impact Research study, a mark that makes it more difficult to get a job and do other things necessary to change the direction of one’s life.</p>
<p>“This neighborhood is flat-out oppressed by the criminal justice system,” he says.</p>
<p>Cook County’s Juvenile Justice Division reports that about 75 percent of young people on probation re-enroll in school, but not necessarily the same school they attended at the time of arrest. (As part of juvenile probation, students must enroll in school.) Those on the ground say many are steered toward alternative schools. CPS is in the midst of a major expansion of alternative schools, many of them to be operated by for-profit companies.</p>
<p>Elvis Aguilera found out the hard way how difficult it can be to re-enroll. Elvis just turned 16 in January, but he has already been in and out of the detention center three times and in-patient drug rehab programs three times as well. The last time he got out of youth prison in St. Charles on parole in October 2013, Elvis went with his mother to get back into Farragut High School. School officials, he says, told him to just wait. Every two or three weeks, he and his mother went back and asked for him to be let back in, only to be turned down.</p>
<p>Eventually, the staff at Urban Life Skills got involved and reached out to a re-enrollment specialist at CPS. (In 2013, CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett hired these specialists to look for teenagers not in school.) According to Elvis and Art Guerrero, they were given some surprising news: Farragut still counted Elvis as enrolled.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>The re-enrollment specialist told Guerrero that it is not unusual for schools to keep students enrolled, even though they are gone for months at a time. With high schools struggling to keep enrollment up because the district has switched to providing money on a per-pupil basis, it benefits schools to have these students on their rolls. But schools will quickly drop them when pressured to actually take them back, the re-enrollment specialist told Guerrero—schools don’t want teens perceived as problems or potential trouble. Elvis, in particular, has a tattoo that the principal didn’t like.</p>
<p>Elvis says that on his 16th birthday, he was officially unenrolled from Farragut. He says he was told he could try an alternative school or a GED program, but so far has turned down the idea. Now he spends his day helping walk the neighbor’s children to school and waiting for 4 p.m. when he can go to the diversion program. “I am so bored,” he says, noting that the last time he relapsed into drug use was because he was bored.</p>
<p>For Anthony, getting assigned to juvenile probation officer Elizabeth Marrero and placed in Guerrero’s diversion program felt eerily familiar. Both Marrero and Guerrero worked with Anthony’s older brother, Victor. Guerrero says he met Anthony when was he was about nine or 10 years old and would beg to tag along on field trips with the diversion program. Diversion programs often take their clients to ball games, museums or downtown.</p>
<p>Guerrero also volunteered at Kanoon, taking a group of “at-risk” sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders aside and talking to them about once a week. Anthony was part of that group. “I have known him since he was a shorty,” Guerrero says.</p>
<p>Guerrero’s life mission is to prevent others from following the same path he took. In his wallet, Guerrero, who is almost 50, has a picture of himself from 13 years ago. His face is sunken in, with deep wrinkles. His eyes have large swollen bags under them. He’s rail-thin.</p>
<p>Guerrero says he was just like these boys at one time. He grew up in the neighborhood and his grandmother still lives in the same house just a few blocks from the diversion program. He gang-banged. He smoked weed. He got addicted to heroin. He overdosed six times.</p>
<p>On September 25, 2005, Guerrero was arrested and charged with dealing drugs near a school, a Class X Felony. He was 39 years old, and faced between six and 30 years behind bars. “In jail, I was saved,” he says. “I felt like God was telling me that I had a purpose and it is not to be a dealer or an addict.”</p>
<p>After a year, he came out of prison and started volunteering with Urban Life Skills, which is connected to New Life Church, an evangelical church with several locations in Chicago. That is when Guerrero became involved in Anthony’s life. Guerrero’s face has filled out and now, he has a middle-aged pouch that makes him look healthy and normal. He likes taking Anthony and the other boys out to get something to eat. In the quietness of a car ride or over a taco or some ice cream, they’ll often talk to him about their fears and their hopes.</p>
<p>Guerrero says he gains the boys’ trust. Marrero says he plays good cop. “I play bad cop,” says the probation officer, a tall, thin striking woman. She says she has to be stern to let her clients know that she is about business. She is a mandated court reporter, so what she finds out she has to tell the judge. But she is also motherly.</p>
<p>Guerrero says that over time the drugs may have changed, but the cycle is much the same. Young teens, like Anthony, mostly smoke weed. But as they get deeper into the street life, they graduate to harder drugs. The addiction to drugs makes it more difficult to take a different path.</p>
<p>When Anthony first started at the juvenile diversion program, some drug tests showed he was smoking marijuana. But lately, they have come out clean.</p>
<p>Anthony is young enough and eager enough that he’s still got the potential to change his trajectory. That is why there was a palpable sense of relief on the Friday before graduation when he flew into the Urban Life Skills basement and announced that he was going to graduate. “The principal called me into the office and told me I could walk,” he says. “They gave me a gown.”</p>
<p>That evening the clients were treated to Mexican food, as well as a guest speaker to kick off the theme of the month: perseverance. One of the first things the speaker did was ask the young men if they knew the definition of the word. No one did.</p>
<p>“It means doing something despite difficulty,” says Arnulfo Torres, a counselor for Rudy Lozano Leadership Academy, an alternative school in Humboldt Park. “What happens when you walk down the street and you get jumped and you go to the hospital? What happens when your brother gets shot up? What happens to you? You keep living. Life still goes on. You don’t stop being what you are. You have perseverance.”</p>
<p>A few days later, Guerrero and Marrero attend Anthony’s graduation. They stand in the back behind the parents and brothers and sisters. They each came with different messages that they wanted to get across to him. Marrero wanted this to be special for Anthony. She wanted him to savor the moment. She kept pointing out to him how so many people were proud. “Even the principal gave you a real honest hug,” she told him.</p>
<p>Marrero watched him closely. She noticed that when all the other graduates tossed their caps into the air, Anthony reached up and held his firm on his head. &#160;Later, when she mentions it to Anthony, he says: “I didn’t want to lose it.”</p>
<p>Guerrero wasted so many years cycling in and out of prison and drug rehab and now spends his days trying to hold a life jacket out for young men, some of whom are destined to do the same. Guerrero knows that Anthony’s journey is not going to be easy. The message Guerrero had for Anthony is that he can overcome the assumptions and expectations that he won’t make it.</p>
<p>As he hugged him, over and over again as though repeating a prayer, he says, “This is just the beginning. This is just the beginning.”</p>
<p>“I told the principal that in the end, Anthony is going to prove everyone wrong,” he says, looking straight at Anthony. “He is going to graduate from high school. He is going to make it.”</p>
<p /> | Life after being arrested at school | false | http://chicagoreporter.com/life-after-being-arrested-school/ | 2014-08-12 | 3 |
<p>"Bad Hombres," "Nasty Woman" and puppets galore — Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton faced off Wednesday in their third and final debate before the 2016 election, and the internet went nuts. Here are some of the best debate-inspired memes.</p>
<p>Trump, who began his presidential campaign last year by referring to Mexicans as "rapists," used another jaw-dropping term in defense of his tough stance on immigration Wednesday night.</p>
<p>"We have some <a href="" type="internal">bad hombres</a> here, and we're going to get them out," Trump said.</p>
<p>Naturally, Twitter users had some fun with what exactly "bad hombres" could mean.</p>
<p>"We have some bad hombres here and we need to get them out." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/debate?src=hash" type="external">#debate</a> <a href="https://t.co/td2RVfACid" type="external">pic.twitter.com/td2RVfACid</a></p>
<p>Clinton took a shot at Trump's admitted practice of avoiding taxes, which prompted the GOP nominee to launch a <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/donald-trump-ted-cruz-nasty-guy-217896" type="external">favorite line of attack</a>.</p>
<p>"Such a nasty woman," Trump interjected as Clinton was talking.</p>
<p>Again, Twitter lit up.</p>
<p>Clinton went after Trump's professed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose government has been <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-government-officially-accuses-russia-of-hacking-campaign-to-influence-elections/2016/10/07/4e0b9654-8cbf-11e6-875e-2c1bfe943b66_story.html" type="external">accused</a>of attempting to interfere in the 2016 election, suggesting her opponent would be "a puppet" of Moscow. That prompted one of the most meme-able comebacks in presidential debate history.</p>
<p>"You're the puppet," Trump replied.</p>
<p /> | ‘Bad Hombres’ and Puppets: Best Memes from the Third 2016 Presidential Debate | false | http://nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/bad-hombres-puppets-best-memes-presidential-debate-3-n669946 | 2016-10-20 | 3 |
<p>Two Canadian law firms have filed a joint class action suit against Ashley Madison “on behalf of all Canadians.” From the <a href="http://nypost.com/2015/08/24/ashley-madison-facing-578m-class-action-lawsuit/" type="external">New York Post</a>:</p>
<p>“They are outraged that AshleyMadison.com failed to protect its users’ information,” said attorney Ted Charney, who filed the suit last Thursday. “In many cases, the users paid an additional fee for the Web site to remove all of their user data — only to discover that the information was left intact and exposed.” The data breach exposed some 39 million members. The suit is against Avid Life Media, the Toronto-based company that runs the infidelity site. Ashley Madison did not respond to requests for comment. Also Sunday, the latest C-lister to be exposed as an Ashley Madison user publicly apologize to his family. Married Florida prosecutor Jeffrey Ashton, part of the team that failed to win a conviction of Casey Anthony in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, reportedly said in his profile, “I am looking for someone who has fantasies we can act out. “A big toy collection” would be a plus, he wrote.</p>
<p>We’d love to see a suit from Josh Duggar!</p> | CANADA: Ashley Madison Hit with $578M Class Action Suit | true | http://joemygod.com/2015/08/24/canada-ashley-madison-hit-with-578m-class-action-suit/ | 2015-08-24 | 4 |
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<p>JOURNAL FILEA Stand4KidsNM and Citizens United for Real Education rally at Del Norte High School in 2013 features speakers who opposed teacher evaluations and more tests for New Mexico students. The Obama Administration has a new proposal to better prepare teachers for teaching K-12.</p>
<p>The Obama administration recently unveiled a proposal to regulate how the country prepares teachers, saying that too many new K-12 educators are unprepared for the classroom and that training programs must improve.</p>
<p>Under the plan, the federal government would require states to issue report cards for teacher preparation programs within their borders, including those at public universities and private colleges, as well as alternative programs, such as those run by school districts and nonprofits like Teach for America.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, New Mexico unveiled its own plan to issue report cards to the state’s six colleges of education, which will in part be based on teacher evaluations.</p>
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<p>The rating systems, which would need approval by the federal Education Department, would for the first time consider how teacher candidates perform after graduation: whether they land jobs in their subject field, how long they stay, and how their students perform on standardized tests and other measures of academic achievement.</p>
<p>“Nothing in school matters as much as the quality of teaching our students receive,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan told reporters. “We owe it to our children to give them the best prepared teachers possible.”</p>
<p>Questioning the approach</p>
<p>Ellen Bernstein, president of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, told the Journal she agrees that colleges of education need to improve, but disagrees with the approach of both New Mexico and the federal government.</p>
<p>Colleges of education should focus on creating good teachers, but the increased focus on standardized test scores won’t help accomplish that goal, Bernstein said. And while the report cards might point out flaws, they won’t provide solutions to those problems, she said.</p>
<p>One way colleges of education could improve is to have their students get more supervised time in the classroom while they are still students, Bernstein said.</p>
<p>It will be years before the federal requirements take effect. The administration will take public comments for 60 days and it plans to issue new regulations by September 2015. But states would not be required to issue report cards for teacher programs until April 2019, well into the next administration.</p>
<p>NM moving ahead</p>
<p>New Mexico’s first report cards are, however, expected to come out by the end of this school year, Education Secretary-designate Hanna Skandera has said.</p>
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<p>The initiative was developed by the New Mexico Public Education Department and the Department of Higher Education with the help of each of the six institutions. The colleges of education are at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Highlands University, Eastern New Mexico University, Western New Mexico University and Northern New Mexico College. Combined, they graduate about 1,000 teachers a year who work in New Mexico.</p>
<p>The state and colleges will share responsibility for producing the report cards, which will be based on the following:</p>
<p>⋄&#160; How alumni from each college score on the state’s teacher evaluation system during their first three years.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; Retention rates for alumni measuring whether they stay in the teaching profession and retention rates for those rated as “effective” or better on their teacher evaluations.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; How students fare on the state’s mandatory teacher exam.</p>
<p>⋄&#160; Whether the institutions increase the number of teachers in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math.</p>
<p>The federal push</p>
<p>Arthur Levine, former president of Teachers College at Columbia University and a critic of teacher preparation programs, said the country needs urgent action. “Our colleges and universities have waited far too long to transform these programs to meet the needs of both today and tomorrow,” he said.</p>
<p>Terry W. Hartle, senior vice president at the American Council on Education, which represents colleges and universities, said the move is “a significant expansion in the federal role overseeing state government. But it may well change considerably before it becomes final.”</p>
<p>Some professions have standardized systems and exams to ensure consistency. Medical students, for example, undergo a four-year program and a residency before taking a state licensing exam and national board exams, all designed so that new physicians have the same essential knowledge and practical skills.</p>
<p>Teacher preparation programs vary from school to school and states set licensing requirements.</p>
<p>U.S. vs. others</p>
<p>A 2007 McKinsey study found that 23 percent of U.S. teachers graduated in the top third of their class, while 100 percent of teachers in Singapore, Finland and other nations whose students lead the world on international exams finished near the top of their classes.</p>
<p>A shortcoming of the programs is that few track how their graduates perform in the classroom, Duncan said. The proposed regulations would create a feedback loop for teacher candidates choosing among programs and school districts looking to hire new graduates, he said.</p>
<p>States would be required to judge the quality of an education program in large part by tracking the performance of a newly minted teacher’s students on standardized tests. That idea triggered immediate protests from teachers unions, which argue that student test scores are not an accurate measurement of teacher effectiveness.</p>
<p>Becky Pringle, vice president of the National Education Association, said her union recognizes the need for better teacher training, but she also slammed the “inappropriate” use of test scores to judge teacher preparation.</p>
<p>‘Unprepared’ teachers</p>
<p>“Too many teachers are saying they are unprepared for the realities of the classroom, and that teacher preparation, licensure and induction standards must improve,” she said.</p>
<p>This is the second time the department has tried to regulate how schools prepare teachers. An earlier effort collapsed in 2012 after negotiators could not agree whether test scores are a valid way to assess teacher quality.</p>
<p>Under the proposal, states would rate programs as “low-performing,” “at-risk,” “effective” or “exceptional.”</p>
<p>If a program is “low-performing” or “at-risk” for two consecutive years, it will lose federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education, or TEACH, grants, which give up to $4,000 a year to teacher preparation candidates who agree to work full-time in high-need fields and struggling schools for at least four academic years. In fiscal 2014, the Education Department awarded about 34,000 grants worth $96.7 million under the program.</p>
<p>Charles Barone, policy director for Democrats for Education Reform, said that improving the education schools’ quality will prevent future problems.</p>
<p>“They could save a lot in the long run if they just got the training right from the get go,” he said.</p>
<p>“Too many people are graduating who aren’t prepared to teach. Then you get bad instruction for the kids. And we try to remediate that,” Barone said. “You’d do less of that and disrupt fewer lives if you just got it right from the beginning.”</p>
<p>Journal Staff Writer Jon Swedien contributed to this report</p>
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<p /> | Testing teachers’ trainers | false | https://abqjournal.com/507539/testing-teachers-trainers.html | 2 |
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<p>By Mary Slosson</p>
<p>PASADENA, California (Reuters) - <a href="" type="internal">Berkshire Hathaway</a> Vice Chairman Charlie Munger on Friday stuck by Chinese auto maker BYD &lt;1211.HK&gt;, which has become one of Berkshire's most controversial investments amid poor performance and revelations about its business practices.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>At a meeting with investors, Munger acknowledged BYD had challenges but said he intended to keep supporting the company. BYD has bet its future on electric cars that run on advanced battery technology.</p>
<p>"The stuff they're doing is difficult. They have 20,000 engineers working on it," the 87-year-old Munger told a few hundred investors gathered at the convention center here. "I think I will hold my BYD stocks while it works out. All the way till the end."</p>
<p>In addition to Berkshire's stake of nearly 10 percent, Munger also holds a personal position in the company. He brought BYD to the attention of Berkshire CEO <a href="" type="internal">Warren Buffett</a>, whose conglomerate owns businesses from insurance to ice cream.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, BYD reported an 84 percent drop in quarterly earnings, as its first-quarter domestic auto sales fell nearly 28 percent from a year earlier.</p>
<p>As BYD's performance has waned, so has its share price. While the company is still worth well more than it was when Berkshire bought in during the financial crisis, it has also lost much of the gains it made after the investment.</p>
<p>Given that performance, BYD has come up frequently whenever Munger or Buffett meet with shareholders.</p>
<p>BYD has also attracted controversy because of allegations it copies the industrial designs of other major automakers. Earlier this year, U.S. diplomatic cables released by <a href="" type="internal">WikiLeaks</a> showed American diplomats in <a href="" type="internal">China</a> had raised concerns about BYD's behavior.</p>
<p>Munger also told the investors and admirers who flocked to Pasadena that this would be the last gathering he would hold. Munger appears with Buffett every year at Berkshire's annual meeting in Omaha, but he has also done his own yearly meeting for his Wesco Financial business.</p>
<p>Now that Berkshire has acquired Wesco, he indicated the meetings would end.</p>
<p>(Reporting by Mary Slosson, Writing by Ben Berkowitz in New York, Editing by Gary Hill)</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | Berkshire's Munger stands behind BYD investment | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2011/07/01/berkshires-munger-stands-behind-byd-investment.html | 2016-01-28 | 0 |
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<p>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories will conduct a controlled fire experiment between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. today at Sandia’s Coyote test field on the south side of Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia said in a news release.</p>
<p>A plume of smoke emanating from the eastern side of the base may be visible in the Albuquerque area during the test.</p>
<p>The test will burn liquid jet fuel and will last approximately 30 minutes, according to the release.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Sandia To Conduct Controlled Fire Test | false | https://abqjournal.com/164905/sandia-to-conduct-controlled-fire-test.html | 2 |
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<p>The ceremony Monday — brought to us by Bank of America, Coca-Cola, AT&amp;T and other corporations at a total cost of $124 million — was an exercise in misrepresenting the dangers of global warming, the purpose of education and the future of America’s wars, writes Dave Lindorff at CounterPunch.</p>
<p>Rather than portraying climate change as the looming existential crisis scientists say it is, Obama talked in his inaugural address about “storms … droughts and forest fires” and American “leadership in a new technological marketplace.” Education was reduced to “job training” rather than a means for “transmitting culture.” And 10 years of war were said to be coming to an end at a time when the administration is negotiating the indefinite stationing of 10,000 soldiers in Afghanistan and expanding its drone and special forces operations in Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan and elsewhere around the globe.</p>
<p>“Surely the most jarring disconnect, though,” Lindorff writes, “was the inaugural celebration itself. There is no reason why a Constitutionally-mandated ceremony has to be financed by private money, yet the president’s Inauguration Committee solicited and had, by this last weekend, accepted over $124.3 million in contributions from corporations and labor unions.”</p>
<p>That amount “dwarfs the $50 million that was raised in private donations for the president’s first inauguration. It also came in much bigger amounts, as the president this year dropped a $50,000 maximum donation limit he had set for his first term Inaugural. This time the limit was set at $1 million.” Exxon Mobil alone gave $260,000 to the inauguration committee.</p>
<p />
<p>— Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Alexander Reed Kelly</a>.</p>
<p>Dave Lindorff at CounterPunch:</p>
<p>All these companies and unions are donating not out of some sense of civic duty but to in order to buy favors from the White House during the president’s second term.</p>
<p>These contributors–and especially the corporate ones, since at least the unions are representing large numbers of ordinary working people — make a joke out of the lines the President spoke when he said, “For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it,” and later, “You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course. You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time – not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/01/22/on-obamas-second-inauguration/" type="external">Read more</a></p> | Powerful Money but Weak Speech at Obama's Second Inauguration | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/powerful-money-but-weak-speech-at-obamas-second-inauguration/ | 2013-01-24 | 4 |
<p />
<p>Is Lindsey Graham cooling down after getting hot under the collar over the weekend about health care reform? The day after the passage of the legislation, he warned that the “sleazy” process might derail future bipartisan efforts. His remarks <a href="" type="internal">caused some to wonder</a> whether he was looking for an out on climate legislation. But now Graham says while he may not be happy about how health care reform passed, he’s still intent on working on a climate and energy bill. His Republican colleagues, however, might not be so enthusiastic.</p>
<p>Graham told reporters yesterday ( <a href="http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2010/03/23/1/" type="external">via Greenwire</a>) that he’s “still committed to trying to roll out a vision of how you can price carbon and make it business-friendly.” But he stopped short of predicting that their vision could be come law anytime soon. ”We’re still going to do that … But the truth of the matter is, I think you’re going to find most of our colleagues around here risk adverse [sic],” said Graham. The health care vote, he warned, is “going to make it very difficult to do anything complicated and controversial.”</p>
<p>Case in point: John McCain. “There will be no cooperation for the rest of the year,” the Arizona senator—and Graham’s mentor— <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/88285-mccain-dont-expect-gop-cooperation-the-rest-of-this-year" type="external">declared in a radio interview</a> on Monday.”They have poisoned the well in what they’ve done and how they’ve done it.”</p>
<p>I can’t say I’m shocked that McCain is taking his ball and going home for the next nine months. Most folks had <a href="" type="internal">already written him off</a> as a “no” vote on a climate and energy bill, despite his longtime commitment to the issue. Let’s hope other Republicans who have been active on climate and energy issues will take the same approach. Still, Graham aside, I’m not expecting much comity from Republicans on climate legislation.</p>
<p>John Kerry, however, thinks that the health care fight <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0310/34825.html" type="external">might help his effort</a> to pass a climate bill. “In the wake of health care’s passage, we have a strong case to make that this can be the next break-through legislative fight,” he said.</p>
<p>“Fight” may be the operative word.</p>
<p /> | Comity on Climate? Eh, Not So Much | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2010/03/comity-climate-eh-not-so-much/ | 2010-03-23 | 4 |
<p>Amidst the din of hundreds of housewives beating on pots and pans with a variety of kitchen utensils–a massive “Casarolazo” reminiscent of similar manifestations of discontent in Argentina 2002 (the “Argentinazo”)–the popular classes filled the streets of the Mexican capital January 31st to express outrage at the drastic jump in the cost of household staples (eggs 50%, milk 30%, and tortillas 40%) during the first 50 days of the presidency of Felipe Calderon, the right-winger who was awarded high office in fraud-marred elections last July 2nd.</p>
<p>The steep rise in the price of tortillas cuts right to the quick of the popular economy, dramatically impacting 70,000,000 Mexicans who live in and around the poverty line, 22,000,000 of who barely survive in extreme poverty (less than $2 a day.) Although working class Mexicans eat tortillas at most meals, for 13,000,000 children living in extreme poverty, tortillas are the whole meal according to studies done by Dr. Hector Borgez of the National Nutrition Institute.</p>
<p>Only last November, the month before Calderon took office, tortillas were selling for six pesos a kilo most everywhere in the country. But since Calderon’s chaotic December 1st swearing-in, the price has tripled to 18 and even 20 pesos, well beyond the budgets of the Mexican underclass.</p>
<p>The assault on the poor and the extremely poor is compounded by the Calderon regime’s miserly annual increase in the daily minimum wage by 1.9%, about 17 cents USD, an increment which doesn’t come close to matching the hike in tortillas–let alone milk, eggs, meat, and gasoline which are squeezing working people to a pulp.</p>
<p>With the buying power of its constituents shrinking dramatically (an 18% decline since January 1st), a usually quiescent Mexican labor movement is demanding an emergency boost in the daily minimum wage to match the spiraling cost of living. The National Union of Workers (UNT), a powerful federation of labor organizations independent of the political parties organized the January 31st “Casarolazo” which was heavily attended by supporters of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), the leftist former mayor of Mexico City who millions avow beat Calderon in the July 2nd vote-taking but was deprived of victory by the ruling right-wing PAN Party’s manipulation of the electoral machinery.</p>
<p>AMLO himself made a rare Mexico City appearance at the January 31st march. Although the organizers tried to deny Lopez Obrador a place at the mic, the ex-candidate spoke by popular demand at the conclusion of the mammoth march in the great Zocalo plaza, invoking the militancy of the post-electoral struggle and seemingly signaling his return to the political spotlight.</p>
<p>The nation’s business associations, which heavily financed Calderon’s campaign, have unanimously rejected the demand for an emergency wage increase as being inflationary. But threatened with popular insurrection if the price of tortillas was not brought under control, the new president prevailed upon the nation’s powerful transnational corn merchants — Cargill/Consolidated, Maseca/ADM, and Mimsa/Corn Products — to lock in the increase at 8.50 pesos the kilo, a 40% hike over November.</p>
<p>According to Fred Rosen, an economics writer with the Mexico City edition of the Miami Herald, low-income Mexican families eat three kilos of tortillas a day which. under the new price scheme, would cost a working head of family 42% of the minimum daily wage.</p>
<p>Felipe’s first 50 days in office have brought palpable pain to a populous, at least a third of which does not accept him as the legitimate president of Mexico. Over 200,000 workers have lost their jobs in the seven weeks since Calderon pinned the presidential sash on his breast according to Labor secretariat and Social Security Institute numbers, and social benefits are threatened by the precipitous drop in world oil prices–petroleum exports account for up to 70% of the social benefits budget.</p>
<p>A morning run on public transportation around Mexico City brings home the impacts down below. Two well-dressed little girls, perhaps seven and four years old, navigate through the crowded subway cars handing out slips of paper upon which their parents have painstakingly hand lettered this message: “We are hungry. Our parents cannot afford to buy tortillas. Please help us. God Bless you,”</p>
<p>A rural schoolteacher from the Totonaco sierra of Puebla state shakes a can at a teeming bus stop. “Calderon and the governor have cut our budgets and we can’t feed the Indian children in our school” Arnulfo Prieto explains, “so we have to come here to beg for cooperation from the passengers.”</p>
<p>Felipe Calderon does not travel on public transportation. He moves in a rose-colored bubble protected by elite military troops and seemingly governs another country than the one packed into the sardine can buses and subway cars down below. His goal now is to legitimize his governance and, impatient to impress his “achievements” upon a dubious public, Calderon could not even wait the customary 50 days to toot his own horn.</p>
<p>During a nationally televised address from Los Pinos, the Mexican White House, just 45 days into his six-year stint as president, Felipe Calderon proclaimed Mexico to be “in order and at peace.” The nation was far more “secure and certain” than when he had taken office during a moment of widespread social upheaval just seven weeks previous.</p>
<p>Calderon seemed blissfully oblivious of the casarolazos in the street and the shocking repression of the popular movement in Oaxaca, which animated protests from international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch during Calderon’s first European junket in January.</p>
<p>Among the accomplishments Calderon claims for his short-lived administration are subsidies to the poor to offset escalating electricity rates, a promise of universal health coverage for disadvantaged children, minimal pensions for impoverished senior citizens, and a 10% across the board cut in the salaries of the federal bureaucracy. All of these initiatives were lifted almost verbatim from the platform of the leftist Lopez Obrador who Calderon never tired of labeling “a danger to Mexico” during one of the dirtiest campaigns in the nation’s electoral history.</p>
<p>Another “achievement” of Calderon’s nascent regime: handing out juicy jobs to those who backed his well-financed campaign, including Guillermo Valdez, chief pollster for the GEA political consulting firm, who called the Calderon victory when most polls had AMLO four points up on election day. With no other qualifications, Valdez was designated director of the Center for National Security Intelligence (CISEN), Mexico’s super secret spy agency.</p>
<p>Felipe’s first 50 days have also featured the most intense militarization of Mexico since the Zapatista Army of National Liberation rose up in 1994. 27,000 troops have been dispatched into drug-cropping states from Tijuana to Tapachula on the southern border with the mission of disrupting narco cartel operations. Nonetheless, no top “capos” were snared in the offensive–a huge manhunt in the “Golden Triangle” (Sinaloa, Durango, and Chihuahua) failed to net the nation’s most notorious drug lord, “El Chapo” Guzman, CEO of the Sinaloa Cartel.</p>
<p>But if the dragnet for El Chapo proved a bust, “Fecal” (as his detractors diss him) warmed the hearts of his handlers in Washington by extraditing four imprisoned drug kingpins January 19th, along with 11 underlings (one of whom was wanted for a 1991 murder) to the U.S. justice system. Of the narcos, only Osiel Cardenas, titular ringleader of the Gulf Cartel, appears still to have been active. Other capos, such as “El Guero” (Paleface) Palma had been on ice for years before Calderon shipped them north where U.S. taxpayers will shell out millions to warehouse them at state-of-the-art maximum security prisons for the rest of their lives.</p>
<p>The unprecedented extraditions came one week after George Bush’s attorney general Alberto Gonzalez visited the country of his parents’ birth to encourage Felipe Calderon to jump through his boss’s hoop, and occurred the same week as the U.S. ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Department of Homeland Security) detained and deported 761 undocumented workers without one word of protest from the new Mexican president.</p>
<p>The extraditions so delighted the lame duck Bush that he picked up the Oval Office phone and dialed Felipe for a 15-minute congratulatory chat. U.S. ambassador Tony Garza, a longtime Bush crony, was effusive in his praise of Calderon’s “stupendous leadership” and proclaimed that the extraditions would usher in “a new era” of bi-lateral cooperation. Both Bush and Garza were among the first to congratulate Calderon last July for his severely questioned “victory.”</p>
<p>Calderon also earned fat kudos from the U.S. corporate press, which shamelessly pumped up the right-winger throughout the hard-nosed battle with Lopez Obrador and now exalts Felipe as “a man of action ” (Miami Herald.) The Dallas Morning News even suggested that Calderon should become president of Iraq to put that unruly nation in order.</p>
<p>The new president is utilizing the Mexican military to further his own political ends, considers Jorge Camil, a prolific political writer who suspects the deployment of troops against the narcos is a smokescreen to promote the illusion of Calderon’s legitimacy–Camil has long held that only the legalization of drugs can control drug violence. “This is a dangerous proposition–just who is going to rule Mexico? Calderon or the military?” Camil wondered during a recent telephone interview, implying that the freshman president could become a hostage of the generals’ ambitions.</p>
<p>Calderon has put in an appearance at at least 20 largely ceremonial events staged by the Mexican Armed Force since he took office, even donning an outsized military coat and campaign hat to address drug-fighting troops in Michoacan, the first Mexican president to appear in military dress since Maximo Avila Camacho in the 1940s–Camacho, however, was a real general.</p>
<p>“We will not tolerate anyone who defies the authority of the state,” Calderon declared to a Naval base audience in mid-January in a verbal display of what he likes to call his “firm hand.” The not-so-veiled warning was not just directed at fugitive narco barons but also at Lopez Obrador who had mostly been missing in action before his re-emergence at the January 31st march in defense of the tortilla.</p>
<p>Camil and other politicalologists see disturbing parallels between the first days of George Bush and Felipe Calderon. Both have called in their militaries to legitimize mandates tarnished by accusations that they stole their presidencies. Bush’s declaration of a “War on Terror” following the 9/11 attacks and Calderon’s “War on Drugs” both serve these ends.</p>
<p>Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s evaporation from the political spotlight has made it easier for Felipe Calderon to claim a mandate. Since the National Democratic Convention elected AMLO as the “legitimate” president of Mexico last September 16th, both AMLO and his shadow government have disappeared into the shadows. Barnstorming the backwaters of the country, Lopez Obrador now speaks to dozens whereas just six months ago, he was leading millions in an historic outpouring of public indignation at the stealing of the election.</p>
<p>AMLO’s silence in respect to the on-going repression in Oaxaca and his absence from that powder keg state since the uprising began last May have disillusioned some former die-hards who sense that the ex-candidate has abdicated his responsibilities to the popular movement, leaving a vacuum in leadership on the left.</p>
<p>“Where is AMLO?” asks Alejandro Penaloza, a vender of left-wing newspapers in the old quarter of Mexico City who camped out in the Zocalo plaza during the “planton” that tied up the capital for seven weeks after the July 2nd balloting. “AMLO should never have called the planton off. He was right here in the center of power. It was a big mistake. Now he’s hiding out with the Tarahumaras and no one hardly pays any attention to him anymore” sighs the veteran activist.</p>
<p>Whether or not Lopez Obrador’s return to the political stage January 31st signals a sustained campaign to challenge the Calderon regime could determine the shape of politics in Mexico in 2007.</p>
<p>Despite Lopez Obrador’s months of absence, Felipe Calderon is having a hard time making peace with the people who he is charged with governing. His first visit to popular colonies in Chalco in the misery belt just outside the capital and to Veracruz degenerated into shouting matches as furious housewives screamed and snarled and sobbed at the president about the skyrocketing cost of tortillas. “Thank you Mr. President for Helping Us To Starve” read banners posted along the road from the Veracruz airport. “We want tortillas–not PAN!” (Bread–but also the initials of Calderon’s National Action Party) chanted housewives in that port city.</p>
<p>The new Mexican president received an equally hostile welcome on his first European junket. A meeting with the business community in Berlin had to be called off for “security” reasons and in Bonn, police scuffled with Mexican and German protestors demanding an end to the repression in Oaxaca. Similar welcoming parties awaited Calderon in London and Madrid.</p>
<p>If Felipe Calderon’s second 50 days are anything like his first, the Mexican president may soon be asking his friend Bush for political asylum in Washington–but by then, Bush himself could be considering seeking sanctuary south of the border.</p>
<p>JOHN ROSS is on the road in the southwest (February), the south and mid-west (March), and the East Coast (April) with his latest opus “Zapatistas! Making Another World Possible–Chronicles of Resistance 2000-2006.” Write <a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a> for possible venues.</p>
<p>The “Making Another World Possible” tour kicks off Friday, Feb. 9th at New College in San Francisco’s Mission District when Ross presents a report back from the Mexican cataclysm, including a look inside Felipe Calderon’s brain. These dispatches will continue at ten-day intervals while the Blindman is on the road.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | Felipe’s First Fifty Days | true | https://counterpunch.org/2007/02/03/felipe-s-first-fifty-days/ | 2007-02-03 | 4 |
<p>After Donald Trump threatened General Motors on Tuesday, Ford Motor Company announced it is canceling plans to build a $1.6 billion plant in San Luis Potosi. Is that a coincidence?</p>
<p>Dan Scavino, director of social media for Trump, chortled on Twitter:</p>
<p>"Ford to scrap Mexico plant, invest in Michigan due to Trump policies" <a href="https://t.co/pXym9MonCT" type="external">https://t.co/pXym9MonCT</a></p>
<p>Trump warned GM on Tuesday that it should build its Chevrolet Cruze hatchback in the United or pay a significant tariff:</p>
<p>General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A.or pay big border tax!</p>
<p>Trump had already <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/15/trump-slams-fords-horrible-mexico-move.html" type="external">slammed Ford</a> during the presidential campaign for its plans to move small car production from the U.S. to Mexico.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-03/ford-cancels-plans-for-new-1-6-billion-mexico-plant" type="external">Bloomberg</a>, on Tuesday, Ford announced it would eschew building the Mexican plant, instead building two products at a factory in Wayne, Michigan. That plant already assembles the Ford Focus. Ford’s chief executive officer, Mark Fields, acknowledged that the next-generation Focus compact car will be built at an existing factory in Hermosillo, Mexico. He told reporters, “One of the factors we’re looking at is the more positive U.S. business environment that we foresee under President-elect Trump and the pro-growth policies that he’s been outlining. This is a vote of confidence around that.”</p>
<p>"(Ford) will avoid the risk of a border tax and a smack in the face from the new president.”</p>
<p>Erik Gordon</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford called Trump to tell him the Mexican plant had been canceled.</p>
<p>But Fields also told Bloomberg Television that the plant would have been canceled even without Trump’s actions, protesting that the small cars Ford builds in Mexico aren’t selling in the U.S.</p>
<p>Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, concurred, stating, “It is the wrong time to build new plants in Mexico.” He added that Ford would save money, “American jobs, and will avoid the risk of a border tax and a smack in the face from the new president.”</p> | Ford Junked Its $1.6 Billion Mexico Plant, Vows To Invest $700M In Michigan. Is That Due To Trump? | true | https://dailywire.com/news/12106/ford-junked-its-16-billion-mexico-plant-vows-hank-berrien | 2017-01-03 | 0 |
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<p>“Thinking Tuesday’s traffic woes were due to an accident, I went north on Second after work (Thursday). Back(ed) up again northbound at Second. (Detouring to Edith), I could see backup in all directions of Osuna and Second.</p>
<p>“To add insult to injury, I ran into (a lane reduction) to one lane northbound on Golf Course between Irving and past McMahon with another decent backup of traffic. Do you have any info about why these areas have work that one would think should stop during the evening rush hour? Getting around Paseo del Norte construction is a pain enough without the routes used to do so being impacted by work that should be done in between … rush hours.”</p>
<p>To recap a previous column, Second from Paseo to just north of Montaño is getting paving work that was put on hold because of winter weather. In addition, the contractor is from out of town, and there have been some equipment breakdowns.</p>
<p>On Friday, Tom Raught, Bernalillo County’s road maintenance manager, says he “went ahead and checked with IPR the sealant contractor to make sure they are not working late today!” He learned the crew had “just finished a section right before Osuna at about 2:30 p.m. on the southbound side of the road” and planned to pull the barriers down for the afternoon rush hour.</p>
<p>In addition, Raught says “they are not going to work this weekend because of (the state project work) shutting down Paseo del Norte for the traffic switch over Jefferson.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The paving crew is “going to start back up Monday and should finish early Tuesday. It will not be pain-free, but they are not planning to be around the Paseo interchange during the Monday morning commute.”</p>
<p>As for Golf Course, which is not in what the traffic folks call the Paseo project footprint, a check with the city of Albuquerque turned up that the likely cause of delays was “a Water Utility Authority project at Ellison,” according to spokesman Mark Motsko. Those projects often involve line breaks that need quick attention, but in this case “apparently barricades weren’t out until 6:30 p.m.”</p>
<p>Assistant editorial page editor D’Val Westphal tackles commuter issues for the Metro area on Mondays and West Siders and Rio Ranchoans on Saturdays. Reach her at 823-3858 and <a href="" type="internal">[email protected]</a>.</p>
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<p /> | Second Street repaving work almost done | false | https://abqjournal.com/435839/second-street-repaving-work-almost-done.html | 2 |
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<p><a href="" type="internal" /> لدينا دليل على أمريكا مزورة الهبوط على سطح القمر .</p>
<p>The words above are from page 4 of ISIS’ newly released “Sciences for a Modern World” schoolbook.</p>
<p>ISIS public schools opened in Mosul only days ago, in which the local PTO announced that AP US History and Evolutionary Science had been cut from the school’s curriculum.</p>
<p>Sources familiar with the teachings sent this image, which is included in the new textbook. &#160;The image purports to show the US government working with Hollywood to create fake moon landings.</p>
<p>The textbook also mentions the US government and Hollywood Studios have struck a deal to fake landings on Mars and Jupiter’s Europa.</p> | ISIS: “We Have Proof America Faked The Moon Landing” | true | http://bigamericannews.com/2015/02/22/isis-proof-america-faked-moon-landing/ | 2015-02-22 | 0 |
<p>On Thursday, a State Department spokesman questioned why those with knowledge of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s email didn’t provide better information. He said “there was only a partial understanding of how much Secretary Clinton relied on personal email.”</p>
<p>The spokesman in question is Mark Toner. As reported by CNN, he told reporters that “the people who may have had a broader knowledge or a fuller appreciation of — to the extent at which Secretary Clinton was using her personal email — are no longer here at the department.”</p>
<p>He added:</p>
<p>“They are now, many of them, with Secretary Clinton. And frankly, I would just have to ask you to ask them to answer that question: Whether it was how much they knew? And if they knew that she was relying significantly or solely on personal email, why didn’t they make this — others aware of it? I just can’t answer that question.”</p>
<p>The depositions are part of a Judicial Watch lawsuit focused on the department’s handling of Freedom of Information Act requests.</p>
<p>This information has only been coming to light after a State Department Inspector General issued a report criticizing Clinton’s email practices.</p>
<p>In the first of at least seven dispositions in regards to Clinton’s email usage, the former State Department deputy executive secretary, Lewis Lukens, revealed that Clinton’s staff told him that she was “not adept” at using a computer and that the staff had sought a special room to enable BlackBerry access.</p>
<p>Lukens also discussed how Clinton’s then-chief of staff, Cheryl Mills, talked to him about allowing Clinton to maintain access to her email even through mobile devices.</p>
<p>Mills will be deposed on Friday at an undisclosed location for up to seven hours. She tried to persuade a judge on Thursday to prevent Judicial Watch from releasing video of the deposition.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | State Department Official Details Efforts To Set Up Clinton’s Email | true | http://shark-tank.com/2016/05/27/state-department-official-details-efforts-to-set-up-clintons-email/ | 0 |
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<p>The president appeared on comedic actor Zach Galifianakis’ satirical online program “Between Two Ferns” to plug the Affordable Care Act. Though you may already know most of the information gleaned during the interview (i.e., whom Obama rooted for during the Winter Olympics), some of it will make you laugh.</p>
<p>Several of Obama’s reactions to Galifianakis’ quirky comments and intentionally offensive questions are worth watching. After fawning over “Hangover” star Bradley Cooper, much to the interviewer’s chagrin, the president then explains how to sign up for Obamacare via the Internet or telephone.</p>
<p>Galifianakis, by the way, has neither because he “doesn’t want you people looking at my texts, if you know what I mean.” The episode was released Tuesday on comedy website Funny or Die, which, according to <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/03/here-president-obamas-between-two-ferns-interview-zach-galifianakis" type="external">Mother Jones</a>, “has a very good relationship with the Obama administration, which includes creating a recent batch of pro-Obamacare videos, and even pitching the president a sketch idea directly.</p>
<p>“Galifianakis,” it adds, “is himself an Obama supporter.”</p>
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<p>For those of you who have watched “Between Two Ferns” before, get ready for a shocking revelation about where the program’s been set all along.</p>
<p>—Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Natasha Hakimi Zapata</a></p> | Zach Galifianakis to Obama: 'What Is It Like to Be the Last Black President?' | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/zach-galifianakis-to-obama-what-is-it-like-to-be-the-last-black-president/ | 2014-03-11 | 4 |
<p>President Obama has <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/obama-announces-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage.html" type="external">come out</a> in support of marriage equality for gay and lesbian people in <a href="http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/president-obama-affirms-his-support-for-same-sex-marriage.html" type="external">an interview</a> with ABC News’ Robin Roberts this afternoon:</p>
<p>OBAMA: I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.</p>
<p>Watch it:</p>
<p>His endorsement comes less than a week after Vice President Joe Biden embraced the issue during an appearance on Meet The Press and a day after North Carolina banned marriage equality and civil unions in its state constitution. During the interview, Obama stressed that he personally affirms same-sex marriage, but says the matter should be left to the individual states.</p>
<p>The president last made news on the freedom to marry 560 days ago, when he told progressive journalists at the White House that he is evolving towards greater acceptance.</p>
<p>Obama’s remarks today bring him full circle to his position in 1996, when he was running for the Illinois state Senate. In response to a questionnaire from Chicago’s Outlines gay newspaper, he proclaimed, “ <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76109.html" type="external">I favor legalizing same-sex marriages</a>, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.” You can thank President Obama for completing his evolution <a href="" type="internal">here</a>.</p>
<p>The Log Cabin Republicans’ R. Clarke Cooper was <a href="http://www.logcabin.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=nsKSL7PMLpF&amp;b=6420733&amp;ct=11751137" type="external">quick to try to discredit</a> Obama’s announcement, calling it “cold comfort” and “offensive and callous” in the wake of the defeat in North Carolina yesterday. “This administration has manipulated LGBT families for political gain as much as anybody, and after his campaign’s ridiculous contortions to deny support for marriage equality this week he does not deserve praise for an announcement that comes a day late and a dollar short,” Cooper said.</p> | BREAKING: Obama Embraces Marriage Equality | true | http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/05/09/481147/obama-marriage-2/ | 2012-05-09 | 4 |
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<p>It looks like one of the most powerful driving forces and even the secret weapon behind the successful campaign of President-elect Donald Trump will continue her magic touch all the way to the White House.</p>
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<p>With the incoming president's recent tweets regarding his business transition plans, he all but confirmed that his daughter Ivanka will play a role not in the family empire but in his Presidency. Trump tweeted that even as he is not mandated by law to leave his business, he would voluntarily do so before his inauguration on January 20 in order for him to give his full time focus on the Presidency. He also said that two of his children, Don and Eric, along side his business executives will manage their enterprises. Trump also promised that no new deals involving his businesses will be done during his term.</p>
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<p>Trump leaving out Ivanka in his Twitter announcement of his general plans for his family empire is but a strong indication- short of a confirmation- that indeed Ivanka will play a role in his Presidency. This comes after revealing on Fox News that Ivanka and family will be moving to Washington when he takes over the White House. Reports also have it that Ivanka and her husband did some house-hunting over the week-end in Georgetown. Ivanka attended Georgetown University in the same neighborhood.</p>
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<p>It was also reported recently that Ivanka would take on a number of advocacies, including climate change which she plans to make her " signature issue". True enough shortly after said report, Ivanka helped arranged her father's meeting with climate change leading advocates including former Vice President Al Gore and top celebrity Leonardo DiCaprio.</p>
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<p>Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner both served as key advisers to Trump's presidential campaign. Ivanka was also instrumental in pitching and crafting his maternal and child policy. In fact, Trump in one of his rallies in September acknowledged that it was because of Ivanka that he adopted as his policy the maternity leave proposal. He even entertained the crowd by imitating his daughter, " Daddy! Daddy! We have to do this." A Times report also said that after the election, House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Trump and brought up concerns for women's issues, at which point Trump was said to have passed the phone to Ivanka. These anecdotes reveal Trump's preference to " outsource" women's issues to Ivanka.</p>
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<p>Ivanka has always been visible in Trump's major endeavors, be it in business and in entertainment through his reality shows. Ivanka is also said to be the closest to the incoming President and her opinions matter greatly to him. Those who are worried about Trump's stance on women issues, as well as other concerns where Trump may have made controversial, if not contentious, comments on are pinning their hopes on Ivanka to positively influence him, and serve as " the steadying hand on the wheel" especially when firebrand Donald Trump takes on some rough drives along the way.</p> | Trump Clears The Way For Ivanka To Become A ' Powerful First Daughter' | true | http://thegoldwater.com/news/751-Trump-Clears-The-Way-For-Ivanka-To-Become-A-Powerful-First-Daughter | 2016-12-13 | 0 |
<p>Many have asked whether the Occupy Wall Street Movement has a coherent message. It really seems pretty clear to anyone who is listening at all. Because of the greed of the 1 percent, the other 99 percent of the population has been reduced to working for lower wages (or not working), to trying to survive (unemployment insurance, welfare and family handouts), to renting or homelessness, to suffering environmental degradation with sickness but without health insurance, and to paying higher prices for food and education while getting lower returns on savings and investments. The unchecked greed of these capitalist elite (symbolized by the banks) impoverishes the majority of people and undermines our democracy. This much was obvious in just the first five minutes of OWS.</p>
<p>We in the Christian community are also asking how the movement’s message coheres with our theological precepts. Should the church be for or against OWS? Should the church offer spiritual support? Should the church lend physical and material support to movement members? As I write from here at <a href="http://www.utsnyc.edu/" type="external">Union Theological Seminary</a> in New York City (my alma mater where I’m currently on sabbatical), I have observed and participated with OWS at Zuccotti Park and its Oct. 15 action in Times Square. Union Theological is the seminary of choice for progressive Christian clergy in the United States, so it is no surprise that it has students who are active with an inter-religious group of clergy, religious professionals and leaders, as well as seminarians from other institutions, known as “Protest Chaplains,” who participate in OWS as spiritual support and presence. I have attended meetings and worship services conducted by local clergy <a href="http://occupyfaithnyc.com/" type="external">Occupy Faith NYC</a> who felt drawn to be involved, even before all the questions listed above have been answered.</p>
<p>What has become clear among these liberal and progressive clergy is that although we do not know fully what the movement is or where it will wind up, we know that we are called to be there. The fundamental question is whether we are called to be there for the OWS members’ benefit or for ours. Do they need us or do we need them? We intuitively feel the connections between the nascent OWS and the major social movements of the past from the free speech and civil rights ones of the ’60s to the anti-Vietnam and peace ones of the ’70s. When the history of this second decade of the new millennium is written, we don’t want it said that American Protestantism was late to the party, again.</p>
<p>Upon serious reflection, the question emerges as to whether the Christian church has a message for OWS or whether the movement has a message for us. Of course the answer is “yes” and “yes.” Occupy Wall Street’s message to the church is, “If you were doing your job we wouldn’t be necessary.” The message of the church to OWS is, “There is an ally in the liberal progressive Christian community, and not all Christians are on the right.”</p>
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<p>OWS pushes us to re-examine our fundamental understandings of Christianity to discover what our role is in this historic moment. When it comes to greed the Christian message should be pretty clear across the board. Jesus quite clearly said, “Blessed are the poor” — not the rich. Jesus constantly challenged his listeners to understand that the choice before them was between wealth and fidelity to the Empire of God: “You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). He also spoke to the issue in Luke 18:25: “Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” So it should be immediately obvious that the church from left to right should be doing all it can to breathe life into OWS. In fact, if the liberal progressive Christian community were to find its way to fully supporting this movement it just might breathe life into itself. Occupy Wall Street seems quite healthy, thank you.</p>
<p>The Roman Catholic Church has weighed in indirectly with the recently issued document “Towards Reforming the International Financial and Monetary Systems in the Context of Global Public Authority” prepared by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. This document, although not carrying the authority of the pope, calls for a focus on the “common good” and redress of the “inequalities and distortions of capitalist development.” Mainline Protestant churches have been dribbling into the movement congregation by congregation in various Occupied cities from coast to coast. <a href="http://www.judson.org/" type="external">Judson Memorial Church</a> here in New York City has become the de facto home base for the Protestant Christian response to OWS. In one dramatic gesture, the church carried a papier-mâché “golden calf” in an OWS event symbolizing the worship of false idols that had led us to financial and social catastrophe.</p>
<p>But on the conservative and evangelical end of the spectrum there is either hostility or a deafening silence about OWS. Mark Tooley, president of the ultra-right Institute on Religion &amp; Democracy, commented, “Amid our many blessings is a spirit of entitlement and resentment, embodied in the Occupy Wall Street movement, supported even by religious voices who confuse the Gospel with coercive wealth redistribution.” A search of the website of the Southern Baptist Convention finds no mention at all of OWS.</p>
<p>Back on the progressive end of the theological spectrum would be the voices of Liberation Theology who constantly ask, not as the evangelicals, “What would Jesus do?” but “Who would Jesus be?” In the 1960s, Jesus would be a peasant in South America oppressed by both Fascist regimes and the Roman Catholic Church or a poor black woman in Mississippi during the civil rights movement. Liberation Theology asks how we would recognize Jesus in a contemporary moment followed by the question, “What will we do?” in response to the presence of Jesus in our midst.</p>
<p>So, is Occupy Wall Street the contemporary presence of Jesus? I’ll say this much: It certainly reminds me a lot of John the Baptist of whom it was said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth. …’ And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’&#160;”</p>
<p>The rulers of his time responded first by putting John in prison. When this did not shut him up, they cut off his head (not just an al-Qaida move). Our current rulers, from Mayor Michael Bloomberg in New York City to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in Los Angeles, unable to find a head to decapitate, are attacking the body with mass arrests. The OWS movement is wise to have the non-leadership leadership structure it has. If its members are like John the Baptist, they are wise to keep their heads down.</p>
<p>The Rev. Madison T. Shockley II is a board member of <a href="http://progressivechristianity.org/template/index.cfm" type="external">ProgressiveChristianity.org</a> and pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ (UCC) in Carlsbad, CA.</p> | Jesus and the 99 Percent | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/jesus-and-the-99-percent/ | 2011-12-03 | 4 |
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<p>What a shocker. Black Lives Matter and Antifa are out in droves in Oakland, California blocking the Freeway wasting taxpayer resources with police having to come out in full force.</p>
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<p>In the video hundreds of protesters can be seen marching through Oakland throughout the night, with some briefly blocking traffic on the Interstate 580 freeway in what organizers called an "emergency solidarity" demonstration.</p>
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<p>Police issued an order to disperse shortly after 9:30 PM when about three dozen protesters moved up the I-580 off-ramp at Grand Avenue and then linked hands on the freeway to stop traffic. Others then launched illegal fireworks into the air.</p>
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<p>Traffic was completely blocked for a prolonged period of time stopping even ambulances on the freeway as police stopped the traffic to avoid hitting the protesters.</p>
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<p>Yes, in ass backwards California the citizens trying to use the roads come second to Black Lives Matter and Antifa breaking the law in a shutdown of taxpayer funded streets without a permit.</p>
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<p>After several minutes, the protesters left the freeway and continued marching on city streets as motorists grudgingly made their way through the crowds.</p>
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<p>Police later blocked off Broadway as a few hundred protesters moved back into the downtown area, which kept the march from heading toward North Oakland or Berkeley.</p>
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<p>Protesters began gathering near Frank Ozawa Plaza in downtown Oakland at 7 PM for speeches as a handful of police officers stood nearby allowing the chaos to ensue.</p>
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<p>Just over an hour later, several hundred protesters, including families with young children, began marching through city streets and around Lake Merritt.</p>
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<p>Many of those present expressed words of respect for their "comrade", in reference to the Communist scum which appeared in Charlottesville.</p>
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<p>The west coast marxist groups held signs bashing President Trump and saying "Kill Whitey", the typical Hollywood montages that you hear from these thugs.</p>
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<p>"My grandparents marched back in the day," said Jerrod Anthony, a self proclaimed rapper and artist who said he was from Concord. "I like to think of all who came before us who gave us the right to be here. It wasn't too long ago we couldn't sit at the front of the bus."</p>
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<p>I'm sure his food stamps had just chimed in, since in California welfare recipients can eat late night on the taxpayer's dime at fast food restaurants.</p>
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<p>Dozens of law enforcement officers from the Oakland and BART Police Departments , as well as the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, were within proximity, but gave the protesters a no dismay in the first hours of the march.</p>
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<p>Cat Brooks, Co-founder of the Anti-Police-Terror Project, which was out in full display screaming "Fuck These Racist Ass Police", claimed the usual victimhood issues of racism and bigotry which he said was on display in Charlottesville also afflict Oakland, pointing to high-profile cases of officer misconduct and police shootings in the city.</p>
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<p>The real question is why isn't there any media coverage of this? Or do I even have to ask that question at all? It's quite self explanatory at this point.</p>
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<p>Source:</p>
<p><a href="https://8ch.net/pol/res/10396334.html" type="external">8ch.net/pol/res/10396334.html</a></p>
<p><a href="https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/08/13/peaceful-and-disruptive-protesters-in-oakland-shut-down-i-580/" type="external">ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/08/13/peaceful-and-disruptive-protesters-in-oakland-shut-down-i-580</a></p> | #BlackLivesMatter and #Antifa Shut Down Oakland In Massive Protest, Media Silent | true | http://thegoldwater.com/news/6474-BlackLivesMatter-and-Antifa-Shut-Down-Oakland-In-Massive-Protest-Media-Silent | 2017-08-13 | 0 |
<p>Ira Rennert's Fair Field&lt;a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ira_Rennert_house.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;Wikimedia Commons&lt;/a&gt;</p>
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<p>This weekend, Mitt Romney made a very profitable swing through the Hamptons. On the agenda:&#160;A&#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/fashion/the-republicans-3-million-weekend-in-the-hamptons.html?pagewanted=all" type="external">trio of fundraisers</a>, including a $50,000-a-head party at David Koch’s $18 million estate and a shindig at financier Ronald Perelman’s 57-acre estate, home to “the most outstanding private conifer collection in the United States.” But those spreads have nothing on billionaire Ira Rennert’s estate in Sagaponack (which, sadly for Romney, did not host a fundraiser).&#160;</p>
<p>Thought to be America’s largest inhabited residence, Fair Field <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/archive/1998/08/sandsimeon199808" type="external">cost</a> $100 million to build and is worth at least $200 million. The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/nyregion/at-home-in-versailles-on-the-atlantic.html?pagewanted=all&amp;src=pm" type="external">110,000</a>-square-foot complex has 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, three pools, two libraries, a bowling alley, a playground, a full theater, its own power plant, and a garage for 100 cars. The main building is 66,000 square feet, 28 times bigger than the average new house. It’s the third-largest private home in America. (No. 1 is the 174,000- square-foot <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/nyregion/at-home-in-versailles-on-the-atlantic.html?pagewanted=all&amp;src=pm" type="external">Biltmore Estate</a>.) The mansion even inspired a novel, <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=R0Fza56bc-cC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=house+ate+the+hamptons&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=K2n3T-ngN4PY2QXi0pXQBg&amp;ved=0CD8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&amp;q=house%20ate%20the%20hamptons&amp;f=false" type="external">The House That Ate the Hamptons</a>. Kurt Vonnegut called it “the greatest book ever written.” In a rare public appearance, Rennert <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/nyregion/at-home-in-versailles-on-the-atlantic.html?pagewanted=all&amp;src=pm" type="external">described</a> his mega-mansion as “old age and loneliness insurance.”</p>
<p>A local architect who approved the project <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/archive/1998/08/sandsimeon199808" type="external">praised</a> its “restrained classic design.” Or, as one local put it to MoJo‘s <a href="" type="internal">Josh Harkinson</a>, “It’s a fucking monster!” Fair Field is now at the heart of <a href="" type="internal">a new controversy</a> between Rennert and his slightly less affluent neighbors, who have accused him of “practicing class warfare” with his noisy private helicopters. Seriously. <a href="" type="internal">Check it out</a>.</p>
<p /> | The House That Ate the Hamptons | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2012/07/house-ate-hamptons-ira-rennert/ | 2012-07-09 | 4 |
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<p>State law provides a fundamental right to a terminally ill, competent patient to choose a physician’s aid in obtaining prescription medications that will allow a peaceful death, a judge ruled Monday in a seminal case for New Mexico.</p>
<p>RIGGS: Patient who wants option of aid in dying</p>
<p>The decision by 2nd Judicial District Judge Nan Nash said Drs. Katherine Morris and Aroop Mangalik, both oncologists at the University of New Mexico Hospital, could not be prosecuted under the state’s Assisted Suicide Statute. Assisted suicide is defined as the act of “deliberately aiding another in the taking of his own life.”</p>
<p>It was unclear Monday if the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, which defended the statute, would appeal the decision.</p>
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<p>The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office said it is discussing the possibility of an appeal but needs to fully analyze the judge’s opinion before commenting further.</p>
<p>The practice of aid in dying recognizes that the patient is dying from his or her underlying disease and allows the patient to have medication, usually sedatives, that may be taken at a time of the patient’s choosing to achieve a peaceful death. Patients who most often choose the option are those dying of cancer.</p>
<p>MORRIS: Oncologist at UNMH testified in case</p>
<p>Nash found that the right exists under the New Mexico Constitution, which prohibits the state from depriving a person of life, liberty or property without due process.</p>
<p>“This court cannot envision a right more fundamental, more private or more integral to the liberty, safety and happiness of a New Mexican than the right of a competent, terminally ill patient to choose aid in dying,” Nash wrote in the opinion. “If decisions made in the shadow of one’s imminent death regarding how they and their loved ones will face that death are not fundamental and at the core of these constitutional guarantees, then what decisions are?”</p>
<p>Nash’s ruling comes after a two-day bench trial in December that included testimony from practitioners in other states where aid in dying is legally available.</p>
<p>Morris and Mangalik brought the suit with legal assistance from the ACLU and Compassion and Choices, a national advocacy organization focusing on end-of-life issues. Both doctors have previously practiced in Oregon, which has two decades of experience with aid in dying.</p>
<p>At trial, Morris testified about her previous experience there, and plaintiff Aja Riggs of Santa Fe, who has uterine cancer in remission but likely to recur, testified about her desire to have peace of mind about her options.</p>
<p>Riggs said Monday she was thrilled but still processing the ruling.</p>
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<p>“The process of the trial just reaffirmed for me my understanding how different aid in dying is from assisted suicide,” she said. “It became even clearer to me how medicine is moving forward, as it always does, but how it’s recognizing the clear distinctions between the two.”</p>
<p>The attorney general has argued the law is consistent with the state constitution and that any changes should be made by the Legislature, not the judiciary.</p>
<p>“As plaintiffs describe it, the provision of ‘aid in dying’ is unquestionably assisted suicide” because it isn’t prescribed as a cure but rather “for a single purpose: the death of the patient,” the attorney general argued.</p>
<p>Legislatures in Oregon, Washington and Vermont have explicitly authorized aid in dying.</p>
<p>Montana made it legal after a decision by its state Supreme Court. And in Hawaii, there is no criminal prosecution for assisted suicide.</p>
<p>Two states, Arkansas and Idaho, have enacted laws to make clear that aid in dying is specifically prohibited.</p>
<p>New Mexico’s statute was enacted in 1963, and medical practice, treatment and ethics “have changed radically over the past 50 years,” Nash’s opinion noted.</p>
<p>State courts and the Legislature have shown a desire to respect a terminally ill patient’s end-of-life choices since that time, her ruling says. Among Nash’s factual findings are that when aid in dying is available, end-of-life care for terminal patients improves, and not all patients who choose to get the meds use them. But all find comfort in having the option.</p>
<p>“Most Americans want to die peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, not die in agony in a hospital,” Riggs said in a statement. “I feel the same way. If my cancer returns and I face unbearable suffering, I want the option to cut it short, and to die peacefully at home, not hooked up to a hospital ventilator.”</p>
<p>ACLU of New Mexico Legal Director Laura Schauer Ives hailed the decision as one giving New Mexicans the peace of mind that comes with having more control over their dying process at the end of life.</p>
<p>“The court has agreed that the New Mexico Constitution guarantees that terminally ill patients do not have to stay trapped in a dying process they find unbearable,” she said.</p>
<p>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</p>
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<p /> | NM judge: Patients have right to get help in dying | false | https://abqjournal.com/336206/nm-judge-patients-have-right-to-get-help-in-dying.html | 2 |
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<p>Finding a high-yielding dividend stock that sells on the cheap isn't that hard. There are plenty of high-yield stocks out there that sell for bargain-basement prices. The real challenge is finding a quality business with those credentials that can be held for a long time to let the wonders of reinvested dividends do their magic. When you add that little caveat, the list becomes much, much smaller.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Three companies that look to have the traits investors want in a cheap, high-yield dividend stock are General Motors (NYSE: GM), Terra Nitrogen Company (NYSE: TNH), and Alliance Resource Partners (NASDAQ: ARLP). Here's a quick breakdown as to why you may want to put these stocks on your radar.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>The idea that the U.S. automotive market is at the top of the sales cycle has been going on for more than 18 months, and that made some investors consider that this may be the end of a great run for General Motors. That's why the company's stock trades at a very modest enterprise value to EBITDA of 5.4 times and carries a dividend yield of 4.2%. Basically, the market is saying that earnings are going to contract from here and valuations will revert to the mean.</p>
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<p>Perhaps that is true, but that seems to discount a couple things. One is that the recent sale of Opel and Vauxhall to Peugot S.A. will shed the company of a business unit that <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/03/06/3-charts-that-show-why-general-motors-is-selling-o.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">has been losing money for decades Opens a New Window.</a>. This not only boosts profit margins, but it will also free up capital to be deployed to higher-margin segments or will simply lead to more free cash flow.</p>
<p>Another is that while total sales may be at the top of the cycle, the mix of sales is continuing to favor manufacturers as consumers are buying more higher-margin SUVs and trucks and fewer lower-margin sedans. If these trends continue, the company should be able to produce higher profits while possibly taking a modest hit to revenue.</p>
<p>On top of all of this, a 4.1% dividend yield is already a decent yield for a stock at the top of the cycle. General Motors is clearly in a better place than a few years ago, and a decline isn't the end of the world for this stock. If you are looking for a cheap stock with a strong payout, then General Motors is certainly worth a look.</p>
<p>The agriculture business has been going through a rough patch lately, and fertilizer producers have been hit particularly hard. Not only has demand growth stalled for fertilizers but we have been wrapping up a period of rapid expansion in the business. For nitrogen fertilizer producers like Terra Nitrogen Company, the abundance of cheap domestic natural gas has led to its building of several new facilities. The hope was that these new, low-cost facilities would take market share from more expensive sources such as anthracite coal-based fertilizers made in China and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. These costlier facilities have been slow to shutter, and it has created a glut of capacity. This led urea and ammonium nitrate prices to reach 12 year lows in November 2016.</p>
<p>Image source: CF Industries investor presentation.</p>
<p>There are two reasons why investors in Terra Nitrogen need not worry too much about this. First, the company's natural gas-based facility is one of the lowest-cost sources of urea out there. Even in the fourth quarter of 2016, with urea prices at their nadir, Terra Nitrogen produced a 47% net income margin. Close proximity to America's corn belt and lower transportation costs, a strong relationship with parent company CF Industries, and no debt on the balance sheet are all major contributing factors to why it is able to produce such high rates of return on what is a commodity product in a tough market.</p>
<p>The other reason to be confident is that we're starting to see the response in the market that all those natural gas producers were hoping for. Close to 9 million tons of annual ammonia manufacturing was shuttered in China in 2016, and net reductions are expected in overall capacity between 2017 through 2021 based on current construction plans. As a result, we've seen more than six months of consecutive increases in urea prices.</p>
<p>Terra Nitrogen may not be a growth company -- it has only one facility -- but the company's high distribution yield of 7.3% makes up for a lack of share price growth. And with shares trading at a modest 7.2 times EBITDA, now seems like a good time to consider Terra Nitrogen.</p>
<p>There is little evidence to suggest that coal consumption in the U.S. is going to increase ever again. The low cost of natural gas and the continued cost decline for alternative energy make coal-fired power plants one of the more expensive options for a new power plant today, and that is even before considering any emission regulations that may push decision makers toward other sources as well -- if not by the current administration, then potentially from the following one.</p>
<p>It is also true, though, that the slump in coal consumption across the country won't be as sharp as many might expect, and those trends are going to vary from coal basin to coal basin. The largest decreases are expected to happen in the Powder River Basin, where transportation costs are high, and in the Appalachia regions, where coal seams there have been tapped for more than 100 years and are getting more expensive to recover.</p>
<p>An exception is the Illinois Basin, right where Alliance Resource Partners has a majority of its coal assets.Its mines have the benefit of being in a low-cost, centrally located region so they can undercut transportation costs from other basins. Alliance has coupled that benefit with a management team that has no delusions of grandeur like other coal companies that took on mountains of debt to consolidate at the beginning of the decade, only to go bankrupt in this recent down cycle.</p>
<p>I can't say with great confidence that Alliance is a buy-and-hold-forever kind of investment, but it certainly is a cheap, high-yield stock that has some staying power for a while. With a distribution yield of 8% and an enterprise value to EBITDA of 2.9 times, Alliance can expect to generate a decent return over the next several years, provided it avoids the debt pitfalls that so many other coal companies fell into.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than General MotorsWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-dyn%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=a247afc2-3914-430b-aa84-28032666cfd0&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and General Motors wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFDirtyBird/info.aspx" type="external">Tyler Crowe Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Terra Nitrogen. The Motley Fool recommends Alliance Resource Partners and General Motors. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/Legal/fool-disclosure-policy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | 3 Incredibly Cheap High-Yield Dividend Stocks | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/09/28/3-incredibly-cheap-high-yield-dividend-stocks.html | 2017-03-22 | 0 |
<p>WARREN, N.J. (AP) — Drug and alcohol addiction cost Chris Herren his dream job of playing basketball as a hometown hero for the Boston Celtics and nearly destroyed his family.</p>
<p>The son of an alcoholic, Herren had been drinking and drugging since the days when he was a 1994 McDonald’s All-American on the Fall River, Massachusetts, high school basketball team, he recently shared during a near-capacity assembly at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren.</p>
<p>Despite being a star player bound for college glory, Herren said that a lack of self-esteem and self-worth drove him to drink and do drugs.</p>
<p>His message to keep others from doing the same and awaken parents and school and civic authorities to the reasons why addiction needs to be addressed as a disease, such as diabetes, is why organizers said they presented the chat.</p>
<p>“As parents, we sometimes hover over our kids,” Herren said. “We apply pressure on them athletically and academically. We’re right over their shoulder or on the sideline or in the bleachers. But when our kids need us most, we take a timeout, and to me, that’s sad. Academics and athletics are the focus, but on Friday and Saturday nights and in their social life, we forget about them.</p>
<p>“Recovery put me back in front of a mirror, but there are still days that I don’t like what I see,” he continued. “And that’s why I think self-esteem and self-worth play a big part in this. And I truly believe that we don’t serve our kids well enough with that stuff. . Why wouldn’t you want your kids to walk into school and sit in the classroom and feel empowered and motivated? And teach them skills to communicate and talk openly about what they’re struggling with? Why don’t we do that for them?”</p>
<p>In the wake of Herren’s chat, organizers — the Watchung Hills Regional Municipal Alliance, a substance abuse prevention program that serves Warren, Watchung, Green Brook and Long Hill; the Watchung Hills Board of Education; and the township — said they plan to do just that.</p>
<p>Jack Walsh, chairman of the Municipal Alliance, said the program will help to fund a series of talks that will deal with substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention and mental health. The first will be a discussion between parents and Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson on March 6 at Watchung Hills, health educator Jill Gleason said.</p>
<p>“Trying to talk about drugs and alcohol is very difficult with parents because there’s a lot of deniability,” Walsh said. “One way to do it is to get a good person like Chris, who’s got a big name, to come in and get the people in the community involved.</p>
<p>“It’s an epidemic now,” he continued. “We all have problems with it. I think a lot of people came here tonight because there’s fear because they know it’s around, and they wonder, ‘Is it in my family? How can I talk to people?’ Some people have it in their family and don’t acknowledge it because it’s embarrassing.”</p>
<p>Herren told horrifying tales related to his addiction, including the day he nearly lost his family because he got drunk while on leave from rehab when he was supposed to be with his wife and their son and daughter following a third child’s birth nine years ago. The day after his youngest son’s birthday is his sobriety day, he said.</p>
<p>Herren was asked questions by several audience members, including some who also were in recovery or had been raised by an alcoholic or drug addict. He called heroes young people who don’t need to do drugs and drink alcohol to enjoy themselves on the weekend or just to get through the day.</p>
<p>Watchung Hills sophomore Jack Taub of Warren was among the many students impressed with the program.</p>
<p>“I think it’s a good event for us to have, sharing his story, hearing him talk about his experiences to make sure we don’t go down the same path that he did,” Taub said.</p>
<p>After Herren spoke about five years ago to the Rutgers University football team, members of the Watchung Hills Elks were inspired to establish an annual golf outing for his foundation, The Herren Project. On Jan. 10 at Watchung Hills, Herren was presented by the Elks with a $5,000 check from the tournament, the next of which will be held May 14.</p>
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<p>Online: <a href="http://mycj.co/2AUGOKk" type="external" /> <a href="http://mycj.co/2AUGOKk" type="external">http://mycj.co/2AUGOKk</a></p>
<p>WARREN, N.J. (AP) — Drug and alcohol addiction cost Chris Herren his dream job of playing basketball as a hometown hero for the Boston Celtics and nearly destroyed his family.</p>
<p>The son of an alcoholic, Herren had been drinking and drugging since the days when he was a 1994 McDonald’s All-American on the Fall River, Massachusetts, high school basketball team, he recently shared during a near-capacity assembly at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren.</p>
<p>Despite being a star player bound for college glory, Herren said that a lack of self-esteem and self-worth drove him to drink and do drugs.</p>
<p>His message to keep others from doing the same and awaken parents and school and civic authorities to the reasons why addiction needs to be addressed as a disease, such as diabetes, is why organizers said they presented the chat.</p>
<p>“As parents, we sometimes hover over our kids,” Herren said. “We apply pressure on them athletically and academically. We’re right over their shoulder or on the sideline or in the bleachers. But when our kids need us most, we take a timeout, and to me, that’s sad. Academics and athletics are the focus, but on Friday and Saturday nights and in their social life, we forget about them.</p>
<p>“Recovery put me back in front of a mirror, but there are still days that I don’t like what I see,” he continued. “And that’s why I think self-esteem and self-worth play a big part in this. And I truly believe that we don’t serve our kids well enough with that stuff. . Why wouldn’t you want your kids to walk into school and sit in the classroom and feel empowered and motivated? And teach them skills to communicate and talk openly about what they’re struggling with? Why don’t we do that for them?”</p>
<p>In the wake of Herren’s chat, organizers — the Watchung Hills Regional Municipal Alliance, a substance abuse prevention program that serves Warren, Watchung, Green Brook and Long Hill; the Watchung Hills Board of Education; and the township — said they plan to do just that.</p>
<p>Jack Walsh, chairman of the Municipal Alliance, said the program will help to fund a series of talks that will deal with substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention and mental health. The first will be a discussion between parents and Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson on March 6 at Watchung Hills, health educator Jill Gleason said.</p>
<p>“Trying to talk about drugs and alcohol is very difficult with parents because there’s a lot of deniability,” Walsh said. “One way to do it is to get a good person like Chris, who’s got a big name, to come in and get the people in the community involved.</p>
<p>“It’s an epidemic now,” he continued. “We all have problems with it. I think a lot of people came here tonight because there’s fear because they know it’s around, and they wonder, ‘Is it in my family? How can I talk to people?’ Some people have it in their family and don’t acknowledge it because it’s embarrassing.”</p>
<p>Herren told horrifying tales related to his addiction, including the day he nearly lost his family because he got drunk while on leave from rehab when he was supposed to be with his wife and their son and daughter following a third child’s birth nine years ago. The day after his youngest son’s birthday is his sobriety day, he said.</p>
<p>Herren was asked questions by several audience members, including some who also were in recovery or had been raised by an alcoholic or drug addict. He called heroes young people who don’t need to do drugs and drink alcohol to enjoy themselves on the weekend or just to get through the day.</p>
<p>Watchung Hills sophomore Jack Taub of Warren was among the many students impressed with the program.</p>
<p>“I think it’s a good event for us to have, sharing his story, hearing him talk about his experiences to make sure we don’t go down the same path that he did,” Taub said.</p>
<p>After Herren spoke about five years ago to the Rutgers University football team, members of the Watchung Hills Elks were inspired to establish an annual golf outing for his foundation, The Herren Project. On Jan. 10 at Watchung Hills, Herren was presented by the Elks with a $5,000 check from the tournament, the next of which will be held May 14.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online: <a href="http://mycj.co/2AUGOKk" type="external" /> <a href="http://mycj.co/2AUGOKk" type="external">http://mycj.co/2AUGOKk</a></p> | Hometown hero shares struggle with drug addiction | false | https://apnews.com/0b7bcd675c6c49198ebe2b1d65bbb460 | 2018-01-13 | 2 |
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<p>The strikes represented a broadening of the U.S. campaign against the Islamic State militants, moving the military operations closer to the border of Syria, where the group has also been operating.</p>
<p>Speaking in Georgia where he’s meeting with government and defense officials, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that if the dam were to fall into the militant’s hands “or if that dam would be destroyed, the damage that that would cause would be very significant and it would put a significant additional and big risk into the mix in Iraq” including U.S. interests there.</p>
<p>At the same time, however, Hagel rejected the suggestion that the Haditha strikes opened up a new front in the war against the Islamic State group or that it represented an escalation of the U.S. military operations. He spoke at a press conference with Georgia Defense Minister Irakli Alasania.</p>
<p>Alasania, meanwhile, said Georgia expects to provide some assistance in the campaign against the Islamic State, saying that training and carrying out military exercises with the Iraqi forces are “things that come to our mind.” He said Georgia can play a supporting role and there are plans to discuss the matter further.</p>
<p>U.S. officials said that while the Anbar Province dam remains in control of the Iraqis, the U.S. offensive was an effort to beat back militants who have been trying to take over key dams across the country, including the Haditha complex. Hagel said the Iraqi government had asked the U.S. to launch the airstrikes and that Iraqi forces on the ground conceived the operation.</p>
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<p>The dam is a major source of water and electrical power.</p>
<p>The military said a mix of fighter and bomber aircraft conducted four airstrikes, destroying five Islamic State Humvees, another armed vehicle, a checkpoint and damaged a militant bunker. The U.S. aircraft safely exited the strike area.</p>
<p>Last month, Islamic State fighters were battling to capture the Haditha Dam, which has six power generators located alongside Iraq’s second-largest reservoir. But, despite their attacks, Iraqi forces there backed up by local Sunni tribes have been able to hold them off.</p>
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<p /> | U.S. launches airstrikes to stop insurgents from taking Iraq dam | false | https://abqjournal.com/458536/us-launches-airstrikes-to-stop-insurgents-from-taking-iraq-dam.html | 2 |
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<p>Chevron Corp. reported Friday net income of $4.93 billion on revenue of $53.95 billion for the final three months of 2013. That's down from net income of $7.25 billion on revenue of $56.25 billion during the same period of 2012.</p>
<p>The nation's second-biggest oil company earned $2.57 per share, a penny less than analysts polled by FactSet had expected. Chevron shares were down 3 percent to $112.93 as the market opened.</p>
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<p>Chevron had signaled that results would be relatively weak in a recent update for investors, and the company met those diminished expectations, says Brian Youngberg, an analyst at Edward Jones. He called the results "not disappointing, but more like mediocre."</p>
<p>Despite the U.S. oil and gas boom, Chevron's domestic production fell 4 percent in the quarter as increases in Pennsylvania and Texas were offset by declining production in older fields. Chevron's international production fell 3 percent in the quarter.</p>
<p>Chevron, based in San Ramon, Calif., has been championed by investors in recent years for providing the best growth among major integrated oil companies. But growth stalled last year and the company said Friday that production would rise less than 1 percent in 2014. Better growth is now expected in 2015 and 2016.</p>
<p>This even though Chevron spent $41.9 billion on new projects around the world in 2013, a record for the company, up from $34.2 billion in 2012.</p>
<p>Youngberg says while it's frustrating to see the growth pushed back, he does expect it to come.</p>
<p>"(Chevron) was hitting on all cylinders for quite a while there, but since the fall they've lagged," he said.</p>
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<p>Chevron's refining earnings fell 58 percent compared with a year ago, because the prices received for refined fuels and chemicals were low compared to the cost of the crude oil used to make them.</p>
<p>Refining margins did improve slightly compared to the third quarter, however, which suggests the market may be improving for Chevron.</p>
<p>For all of 2013, Chevron earned $21.42 billion, or $11.09 per share on revenue of $220.16 billion. That's down from net income of $26.18 billion, or $13.32 per share, on revenue of $230.59 billion in 2012.</p>
<p>"?"</p>
<p>Jonathan Fahey can be reached at <a href="http://twitter.com/JonathanFahey" type="external">http://twitter.com/JonathanFahey</a> .</p> | Chevron earnings fall 32 pct in 4Q | false | https://abqjournal.com/345735/chevron-earning-fall-32-pct-in-4q.html | 2 |
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<p>PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Five western nations have warned Kosovo against repealing or amending a law on a war crimes court, saying it would suffer negative consequences "in international and Euro-Atlantic integration."</p>
<p>A statement Thursday from the nations - the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy - said they were "deeply concerned by ongoing efforts to undermine the work of the Specialist Chambers." It called on Kosovo politicians and lawmakers "to abandon any thought of repealing or re-negotiating any aspect of the law ... (because that) calls into question Kosovo's commitment to the rule of law."</p>
<p>In December, a group of Kosovo lawmakers tried to amend the law, seeking to extend its jurisdiction over Serbs, their former adversaries in the 1998-1999 war for independence. The court now has jurisdiction only over potential war crimes suspects who were Kosovo citizens.</p>
<p>"(This move) puts the interests of certain individuals above the interests of Kosovo society. We condemn such a move," the nations said.</p>
<p>Kosovo detached from Yugoslavia following a three-month NATO air war in 1999 to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. It then declared unilateral independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognized by 114 states but not by Serbia.</p>
<p>The court law was passed in 2015 as a result of U.S. and European pressure on Kosovo's government to confront alleged war crimes that the Kosovo Liberation Army committed against ethnic Serbs.</p>
<p>The court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, with judges from European Union member countries, the U.S. and Canada, is part of Kosovo's legal system. It has yet to hear any cases.</p>
<p>PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Five western nations have warned Kosovo against repealing or amending a law on a war crimes court, saying it would suffer negative consequences "in international and Euro-Atlantic integration."</p>
<p>A statement Thursday from the nations - the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy - said they were "deeply concerned by ongoing efforts to undermine the work of the Specialist Chambers." It called on Kosovo politicians and lawmakers "to abandon any thought of repealing or re-negotiating any aspect of the law ... (because that) calls into question Kosovo's commitment to the rule of law."</p>
<p>In December, a group of Kosovo lawmakers tried to amend the law, seeking to extend its jurisdiction over Serbs, their former adversaries in the 1998-1999 war for independence. The court now has jurisdiction only over potential war crimes suspects who were Kosovo citizens.</p>
<p>"(This move) puts the interests of certain individuals above the interests of Kosovo society. We condemn such a move," the nations said.</p>
<p>Kosovo detached from Yugoslavia following a three-month NATO air war in 1999 to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. It then declared unilateral independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognized by 114 states but not by Serbia.</p>
<p>The court law was passed in 2015 as a result of U.S. and European pressure on Kosovo's government to confront alleged war crimes that the Kosovo Liberation Army committed against ethnic Serbs.</p>
<p>The court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, with judges from European Union member countries, the U.S. and Canada, is part of Kosovo's legal system. It has yet to hear any cases.</p> | Western powers warn Kosovo on changing war crimes court law | false | https://apnews.com/amp/a65c755e045d480d8588845dd20a548c | 2018-01-04 | 2 |
<p>Your daily look at late-breaking California news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:</p>
<p>1. SAG AWARDS</p>
<p>Revenge tale “Three Billboards” wins best ensemble, best actress for Frances McDormand, best supporting actor for Sam Rockwell.</p>
<p>2. MUDSLIDES</p>
<p>U.S. 101 reopens in time for Monday commute as crews clear lanes nearly two weeks after deadly flash floods near Montecito.</p>
<p>3. HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT</p>
<p>Authorities plan to start moving hundreds of tent-dwellers from riverbed encampment in Orange County.</p>
<p>4. SEWAGE SPILL</p>
<p>Several beaches closed after nearly five million gallons of sewage fouls water in Monterey County.</p>
<p>5. SHARKS-DUCKS</p>
<p>Mikkel Boedker has two goals and an assist, Joe Thornton has a goal and an assist as San Jose beats Anaheim 6-2.</p>
<p>Your daily look at late-breaking California news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:</p>
<p>1. SAG AWARDS</p>
<p>Revenge tale “Three Billboards” wins best ensemble, best actress for Frances McDormand, best supporting actor for Sam Rockwell.</p>
<p>2. MUDSLIDES</p>
<p>U.S. 101 reopens in time for Monday commute as crews clear lanes nearly two weeks after deadly flash floods near Montecito.</p>
<p>3. HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT</p>
<p>Authorities plan to start moving hundreds of tent-dwellers from riverbed encampment in Orange County.</p>
<p>4. SEWAGE SPILL</p>
<p>Several beaches closed after nearly five million gallons of sewage fouls water in Monterey County.</p>
<p>5. SHARKS-DUCKS</p>
<p>Mikkel Boedker has two goals and an assist, Joe Thornton has a goal and an assist as San Jose beats Anaheim 6-2.</p> | 5 California Things to Know for Today | false | https://apnews.com/be9d2dd0478e427b946cbe65e9f1bb1b | 2018-01-22 | 2 |
<p>Drug Enforcement Administration</p>
<p />
<p>Many questions remain now that&#160;Joaquín Guzmán Loera—better known as “El Chapo”— <a href="" type="internal">has been recaptured</a>. <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/01/mexico-el-chapo-extradition/423495/" type="external">Will he be extradited</a> to the US? What role did <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/01/11/did-delta-force-help-capture-el-chapo-the-secretive-history-of-u-s-manhunts-in-latin-america/" type="external">US forces play</a> in his recapture? <a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-na-sean-penn-guzman-20160110-story.html" type="external">What exactly was Sean Penn’s involvement?</a></p>
<p>But, as El Chapo himself <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/el-chapo-speaks-20160109" type="external">told Penn in the Rolling Stone interview</a>, the international drug trade will keep right on chugging along without him. “The day I don’t exist, it’s not going to decrease in any way at all,” he said.</p>
<p>Chapo isn’t wrong about that. There are plenty of others in the world of illegal drugs to keep law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) busy. One of them is Maria Teresa Osorio De Serna, a Colombian woman who has replaced El Chapo at the top of the <a href="http://www.dea.gov/fugitives/intl/intl_div_list.shtml" type="external">DEA’s most wanted international fugitives</a> list. According to the DEA, Osorio De Serna is wanted in connection with money laundering and “cocaine conspiracy.”</p>
<p>As reported by <a href="http://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2016/01/160108_colombia_maria_teresa_osorio_de_serna_nc" type="external">BBC Mundo on Monday</a>, very little is known about the woman, described as “practically a ghost,” whose aliases include Maria Teresa Correa, Gloria Bedoya, and Iris Conde. Osorio De Serna apparently hasn’t been charged with any crimes in her native Colombia, but is wanted in the US in connection for her alleged work with the Medellín Cartel, the cocaine empire headed by Pablo Escobar until he was killed in a shootout with authorities (and <a href="http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/who-really-killed-pablo-escobar" type="external">perhaps other traffickers</a>) in December 1993. Osorio De Serna, allegedly laundered cocaine trafficking proceeds for the cartel, but the nature of her involvement remains as unclear as her whereabouts. She may be in Colombia, but other information suggests she was last known to live outside of Miami, Fla.</p>
<p>The DEA public affairs office did not respond to questions about her.</p>
<p>According to a BBC Mundo source—who “deeply knows the judicial and criminal world of Colombia”— Osorio De Serna isn’t well known. “It’s surprising that in this country,where the criminals all know each other, nobody knows who this woman is,” he said.</p>
<p /> | This Woman Just Replaced El Chapo as the DEA’s Top Target | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2016/01/meet-woman-who-replaced-el-chapo-deas-most-wanted-international-fugitive/ | 2016-01-14 | 4 |
<p>Japanese auteur, <a href="http://variety.com/t/naomi-kawase/" type="external">Naomi Kawase</a> has started shooting “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/vision/" type="external">Vision</a>,” a drama set in her native Nara province. It stars <a href="http://variety.com/t/juliette-binoche/" type="external">Juliette Binoche</a>.</p>
<p>The film also reteams the director with Masatoshi Nagase, who previously headlined Kawase’s films “An” and “Radiance,” both of which were presented in Cannes.</p>
<p>“Vision” is a co-production between Paris-based Slot Machine and Kawase’s own Kumie production cooperative. Shooting started this month for two and half weeks and will resume in November after a break.</p>
<p>Binoche plays a French essayist who visits Nara, Kawase’s birthplace and long-time base, where she encounters Nagase’s character, a mysterious mountain man who connects to her despite barriers or language and culture.</p>
<p>The start of the project was a dinner at this year’s Cannes festival where Kawase found herself seated to Slot Machine head <a href="http://variety.com/t/marianne-slot/" type="external">Marianne Slot</a>. Their discussion led to a decision in June to collaborate on a film, with Slot bringing in Binoche to star. Wild Bunch is set as the international sales agent.</p> | Japan’s Naomi Kawase Shooting Juliette Binoche in ‘Vision’ | false | https://newsline.com/japans-naomi-kawase-shooting-juliette-binoche-in-vision/ | 2017-09-08 | 1 |
<p />
<p>Saudi billionaire businessman&#160;Prince Alwaleed bin Talal&#160;told me we will not see $100-a-barrel oil again. The plunge in oil prices has been one of the biggest stories of the year. And while cheap gasoline is good for consumers, the negative impact of a 50% decline in oil has been wide and deep, especially for major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. Even oil-producing Texas has felt a hit. The astute investor and prince of the Saudi royal family spoke to me exclusively last week as prices spiraled below $50 a barrel. He also predicted the move would dampen what has been one of the big U.S. growth stories: the shale revolution. In fact, in the last two weeks, several major rig operators said they had received early cancellation notices for rig contracts. Companies apparently would rather pay to cancel rig agreements than keep drilling at these prices. His royal highness, who has been critical of Saudi Arabia's policies that have allowed prices to fall, called the theory of a plan to hurt Russian President Putin with cheap oil "baloney" and said the sharp sell-off has put the Saudis "in bed" with the Russians. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Q: Can you explain Saudi Arabia's strategy in terms of not cutting oil production?</p>
<p>A: Saudi Arabia and all of the countries were caught off guard. No one anticipated it was going to happen. Anyone who says they anticipated this 50% drop (in price) is not saying the truth.</p>
<p>Because the minister of oil in Saudi Arabia just in July publicly said $100 is a good price for consumers and producers. And less than six months later, the price of oil collapses 50%.</p>
<p>Having said that, the decision to not reduce production was prudent, smart and shrewd. Because had Saudi Arabia cut its production by 1 or 2 million barrels, that 1 or 2 million would have been produced by others. Which means Saudi Arabia would have had two negatives, less oil produced, and lower prices. So, at least you got slammed and slapped on the face from one angle, which is the reduction of the price of oil, but not the reduction of production.</p>
<p>Q: So this is about not losing market share?</p>
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<p>A: Yes. Although I am in full disagreement with the Saudi government, and the minister of oil, and the minister of finance on most aspects, on this particular incident I agree with the Saudi government of keeping production where it is.</p>
<p>Q: What is moving prices? Is this a supply or a demand story? Some say there's too much oil in the world, and that is pressuring prices. But others say the global economy is slow, so it's weak demand.</p>
<p>A: It is both. We have an oversupply. Iraq right now is producing very much. Even in Libya, where they have civil war, they are still producing. The U.S. is now producing shale oil and gas. So, there's oversupply in the market. But also demand is weak. We all know Japan is hovering around 0% growth. China said that they'll grow 6% or 7%. India's growth has been cut in half. Germany acknowledged just two months ago they will cut the growth potential from 2% to 1%. There's less demand, and there's oversupply. And both are recipes for a crash in oil. And that's what happened. It's a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Q: Will prices continue to fall?</p>
<p>A: If supply stays where it is, and demand remains weak, you better believe it is gonna go down more. But if some supply is taken off the market, and there's some growth in demand, prices may go up. But I'm sure we're never going to see $100 anymore. I said a year ago, the price of oil above $100 is artificial. It's not correct.</p>
<p>Q: Wow. And you said you are in agreement with the Saudi government to not give up market share?</p>
<p>A: This is the only point I'm agreeing with the Saudi Arabian government on oil. That's the only point, yes.</p>
<p>Q: Should the Saudis cut production if they get an agreement with other oil producing countries to take oil off the market?</p>
<p>A: Frankly speaking, to get all OPEC countries to approve and accept it, including Russia and Iran, and everybody else, is almost impossible You can never have an agreement whereby everybody cuts production. We can't trust all OPEC countries. And can't trust the non-OPEC countries. So it's not on the table because the others will cheat. The past has proven that. When Saudi Arabia cut production in the '80s and '90s, everybody cheated and took market share from us. Plus, remember there is an agenda here also. Although Saudi Arabia and OPEC countries did not engineer the reduction in the price of oil, there's a positive side effect, whereby at a certain price, we will see how many shale oil production companies run out of business. So although we are caught off guard by this, we are capitalizing on this matter whereby we'll live with $50 temporarily, to see how much new supply there will be, because this will render many new projects economically unfeasible.</p>
<p>Q: What about the theory of the pressure on the Russians? There's a theory that the U.S. and the Saudis have agreed to keep prices low to pressure Russia because of what Putin has done in Ukraine.</p>
<p>A: Two words: baloney and rubbish. I'm telling you, there's no way Saudis will do this. Because Saudi Arabia is hurting as much as Russia, period. Now, we don't show it because of our big reserves. But I'll tell you Saudi Arabia and Russia are in bed together here. And both are being hurt simultaneously. And there's no political conspiracy whatsoever against Russia. Because we are shooting ourselves in the foot if we do that.</p>
<p>Q: You said the price of oil will dampen the shale revolution in America. How?</p>
<p>A: Shale oil and shale gas, these are new products in the market. And we see big ranges. no one knows for sure what price is the breaking point for shale. Wells have a higher production cost. And very clearly these will run out of business, or at least not be economical. At $50, will it still be economically feasible? Unclear. This is a very much developing story.</p>
<p>Q: Some people believe this crash in oil will create a lot of new mergers in the energy industry. Do you agree?</p>
<p>A: No doubt about that. For sure there'll be a lot of consolidation in the market. Because many small and medium-sized companies can't afford this. Because they are very much dependent on the price of oil. Big companies like Exxon and Chevron are weathering the oil market crash because they are integrated vertically. But no doubt there'll be some mergers and acquisitions coming in one to two years.</p>
<p>Q: Let me switch to the terrorism in Paris. Terrorists killed the cartoonist who joked about the prophet Mohammed. What is your opinion on this?</p>
<p>A: What took place is a horrendous crime that no one can permit and accept. And unfortunately these small minority people are ruining the name of Islam. Now the whole world — Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists — have to come together and be united, and be sure to eliminate those minority of the Muslim community. Those that hijacked our religion and try to eliminate them not only militarily. That's happening right now against ISIS (the Islamic State) by the Americans and their allies. But also mentally, educationally and culturally, also. This is a disease we are getting at now. This really will put us in the Middle Ages unfortunately. It feels like the Middle Ages right now. But I think that the world is united. I just heard, for example, (U.S. Secretary of State) John Kerry giving a speech in French, which was very nice of him to do. It was a calming process for the French people. My foundation is in communication with the presidential palace in France and the French government, to see what we can do to ... (support) these families and these victims, innocent victims that were under attack. And then we have to show that Islam really is united with Christianity, and Judaism, and other religions in the world to limit this disease from from Earth.</p>
<p>Q: Back to finance. Interest rates have gone down. The 10-year yield dropped below 2%. The Federal Reserve ended quantitative easing. But markets seem to be thinking the other way, that rates are going lower.</p>
<p>A: You are talking about the last two weeks. And remember, the last two weeks were a Saudi panic situation, price of oil collapsing. The stock market collapsing. So don't use this as the barometer indicator, the last two weeks. This was a panic situation. The Fed is navigating rates higher slowly.</p>
<p>Q: The stock market started the year off with heavy selling. What about some of your other investments, in media, banking and in technology? Such as Twitter or jd.com. Would you put new money to work in this market today?</p>
<p>A: Clearly the year began with a sell-off because there are so many events that came together. People are taking profits because 2014 was very good. And also, they had this oil crisis, whereby everyone was caught off guard by this major crash in the price of oil. But I think the U.S. economy is doing really very well. Especially relative to the rest of the world. The big question right now is what happens to Germany. Because Germany really is the anchor of all Europe. Also, Japan, and India, and China. These are the three major countries that the world depends on. So, there are opportunities. But also many risks here. If Japan, China, India and Germany improve 1% or 2%, this would be a major improvement for growth globally.</p>
<p>Q: Do you think the European Central Bank should come up with stimulus?</p>
<p>A: There's a struggle right now between ECB President Mario Draghi, who is pushing for a stimulus, and Angela Merkel of Germany, who is worried about having inflation. We're seeing a clash over there between these two ideas. But I think that Draghi is preparing the market for a stimulus. Yes.</p>
<p>This article originally appeared on <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/bartiromo/2015/01/11/bartiromo-saudi-prince-alwaleed-oil-100-barrel/21484911/" type="external">USA TODAY Opens a New Window.</a></p> | Saudi Prince: $100-A-Barrel Oil 'Never' Again | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2015/01/12/saudi-prince-100-barrel-oil-never-again.html | 2016-03-06 | 0 |
<p>United Parcel Service, Inc. shares jumped 1.2% in premarket trade Thursday after the company announced quarterly results that beat estimates. The worldwide logistics company said it had net income of $1.38 billion, or $1.59 per share, in the quarter, up from $1.27 billion and $1.43 per share in the prior-year period. Adjusted per-share earnings were $1.58, higher than the FactSet consensus of $1.47. Revenues were $15.8 billion in the quarter, compared to $14.6 billion a year ago, driven largely by domestic e-commerce activity. "We continue to invest in our network to expand our capabilities, our market presence and our global reach," CEO David Abney said. The stock has declined 2% in the year-to-date, while the S&amp;P 500 is up 9.9%.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2017 MarketWatch, Inc.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p> | UPS Shares Rise As Earnings Beat Estimates | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/07/27/ups-shares-rise-as-earnings-beat-estimates.html | 2017-07-27 | 0 |
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<p>The bars hold together better when they’re chilled, so try to keep them in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. But if you can’t wait, go ahead and dig in, even if it means you’ll have to use a fork instead of your fingers.</p>
<p>AMERICAN FLAG CHEESECAKE BARS</p>
<p>Makes 16 bars</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>FOR CRUST</p>
<p>1½ cups finely crushed regular or cinnamon graham crackers (24 squares)</p>
<p>1/3 cup butter, melted</p>
<p>Gretchen McKay/TNSShow your patriotism with easy American Flag Cheesecake Bars.</p>
<p>3 tablespoons sugar</p>
<p>FOR CHEESECAKE</p>
<p>3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature</p>
<p>¾ cup sugar</p>
<p>3 large eggs, at room temperature</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>2 tablespoons lemon juice</p>
<p>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</p>
<p>¼ teaspoon salt</p>
<p>FOR GARNISH</p>
<p>80 blueberries</p>
<p>1 cup seedless raspberry or strawberry jelly</p>
<p>Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. Mist foil with cooking spray.</p>
<p>Make crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar in a bowl. Press mixture evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until set. Let cool on a wire rack.</p>
<p>Make filling: With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl. Reduce speed to medium-low and add eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined. Beat in lemon juice, vanilla and salt.</p>
<p>Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over crust. Tap pan on countertop 3 or 4 times to burst air bubbles in filling. Bake for 40 minutes, or until filling is just set. Remove cheesecake from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.</p>
<p>Use foil overhang to lift cheesecake out of pan and onto cutting board. Carefully cut into 16 bars and transfer to a serving platter. Decorate each bar with 5 blueberries in upper left corner to resemble stars on the American flag. Place jelly in a zip-top bag, seal bag and snip off about ¼ inch at one bottom corner. Pipe jelly in thin lines on each bar to resemble stripes on flag.</p>
<p>– Adapted from BettyCrocker.com</p>
<p /> | Unfurl the red, white and blue with cheesecake bars | false | https://abqjournal.com/1024579/unfurl-the-red-white-and-blue-with-cheesecake-bars.html | 2 |
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<p>A Brexit poll released Thursday by market research firm Populus showed a lead for supporters who want the U.K to stay in the European Union. The online poll of 4,700 respondents put the "remain" camp at 55% compared with 45% for the "leave" side.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2016 MarketWatch, Inc.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p> | Populus Poll Puts 'remain' Side Ahead In Brexit Poll | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/06/23/populus-poll-puts-remain-side-ahead-in-brexit-poll.html | 2016-06-23 | 0 |
<p>Well-&#160;known drug trafficker, Joaquín Guzmán Loera, also known as El Chapo, escaped from prison this month via a tunnel. It should have been no surprise, because his cartel specialized in using “supertunnels” to bring drugs and other illicit cargo past the US-Mexican border.</p>
<p>But "supertunnels" are anything but ordinary.</p>
<p>“Supertunnels require a lot of engineering. They’re usually between 30 and 70 feet below ground. Most of them have electrical lighting, they have ventilation and they also have rails that are laid across the floor, where usually electric rail carts can be pushed through,” says Monte Reel, author of&#160; <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/08/03/underworld-monte-reel" type="external">Underworld. How the Sinaloa drug cartel digs its tunnels</a>, for the New Yorker.</p>
<p>That experience was crucial to his escape.</p>
<p>El Chapo and his Sinaloa&#160;cartel&#160;are proficient at&#160;digging tunnels. Chapo’s henchmen stride along Mexican cities to find recruits to build the tunnels. People looking for jobs, often poor, are offered jobs and forced to work in the tunnels.</p>
<p>Reel tells the story of a man called Fernando who was recruited by the cartel while he was applying for a job in a pizzeria in Tijuana.</p>
<p>“While [Fernando] was filling out the job application, a man approached him and said, ‘if you’re looking for work, I have a job for you, cleaning a convenient store.’ And a couple weeks passed and he called the number that the man had left with him and arranged to go see the convenience store. But when he got there, he was, basically taken into the warehouse, the door locked behind him and he couldn’t leave for two months,” Reel says.</p>
<p>According to Reel, it is hard to tap into the illegal tunnel-making network. It's even harder to find who leads the construction efforts. The only people arrested are usually the workers who have nothing to do with the cartels.</p>
<p />
<p /> | Improved tunnels allow for easier drug trafficking | false | https://pri.org/stories/2015-07-27/improved-tunnels-allow-easier-drug-trafficking | 2015-07-27 | 3 |
<p><a href="" type="internal">RINF News</a> reports the truth behind Google’s controversial changes to its privacy policy, a move which outraged privacy advocates and left many wondering what the companies true motives were. Here we reveal how the corporate media ignored the truth about how Google is using it’s power to track and monitor Internet users.</p>
<p /> | RINF Video: Big Brother Google’s Privacy Policy – What They Didn’t Tell You | true | http://rinf.com/alt-news/multimedia/rinf-video-big-brother-googles-privacy-policy-what-they-didnt-tell-you/18077/ | 2012-12-16 | 4 |
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<p />
<p>A federal government hiring freeze through attrition is a top item on his first 100-day agenda.</p>
<p>In a letter to Trump, 106 Democrats urged him to reconsider his hiring freeze proposal, saying it would have “precisely the opposite effect” intended.</p>
<p>Trump outlined the plan in his “Contract with the American Voter” issued during the campaign. It’s the No. 2 point in the contract and calls for “a hiring freeze on all federal employees to reduce the federal workforce through attrition (exempting military, public safety, and public health).”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The letter, led by Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-Mass., demonstrates Democrats can coalesce around federal workforce issues in the face of soon to be complete Republican dominance. But there is no expectation they will be persuasive. Indeed, limiting the growth of federal employees has long been a goal of congressional Republicans. Just this week, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that oversees the workforce, supported Trump’s plan. The chairman said he is considering legislation that would hold agencies to one hire for every two or three that leave.</p>
<p>“We have good-quality federal workers,” Chaffetz said, “but we have too many of them.”</p>
<p>A White House budget document indicates, however, that the federal workforce has grown by 10 percent since the 1960s, while the nation’s general population increased 67 percent during that time.</p>
<p>Rebutting the notion that the federal workforce is bloated, Democrats say a freeze would not be effective.</p>
<p>“The impact of hiring freezes enacted during previous Democratic and Republican administrations demonstrates that such measures have not, in fact, significantly reduced the size of our federal workforce or enhanced federal government operations,” the 106 members wrote, citing a still-relevant 1982 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.</p>
<p>The previous freezes did not result in a significant reduction in the size of the workforce, yet served, the letter said, “to decrease efficiency, transparency, and accountability government-wide at the expense of the public safety and American taxpayer dollars.”</p>
<p>Instead of controlling federal full-time employment, agencies increased temporary and part-time workers. “They also resorted to an extraordinary reliance on private contractors,” the Democrats wrote.</p>
<p>The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>The inability to fill vacancies also could severely interrupt the work of agencies. During a Carter administration freeze, health-care professionals at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital had to perform administrative duties, leading to increased patient wait times.</p>
<p>“Furthermore, a federal hiring freeze would continue to stretch thin a dedicated federal workforce whose employment levels have remained relatively stagnant over the past several decades in comparison to the growing American public that it serves,” the letter added.</p>
<p>A broad range of federal employee organizations endorsed the letter, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).</p>
<p>“A hiring freeze will inevitably lead to the federal government outsourcing work, which has been proven to be far more costly than federal employees doing the work,” said AFGE President J. David Cox Sr. “Hiring freezes also have a disproportionate impact on veterans and minorities, who make up much of the federal workforce. For every day there’s a hiring freeze, understaffed VA hospitals go without the doctors and nurses they desperately need, retirees wait in longer lines to visit their Social Security offices, and communities that depend on federal jobs for their economic survival suffer.”</p>
<p>Tony Reardon, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, agreed, adding: “Hiring freezes, which have been tried in the past and failed, are an ineffective way to manage a workforce and control costs. . . . A federal hiring freeze will only serve to hurt the American public.”</p> | Democrats seek thaw in Donald Trump plan to freeze federal hiring | false | https://abqjournal.com/925511/democrats-seek-thaw-in-donald-trump-plan-to-freeze-federal-hiring.html | 2 |
|
<p />
<p>While Sudan remains mired in turmoil, officials from the Sudanese government and leaders of two rebel factions were <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/africa/07/15/sudan.talks.ap/index.html" type="external">scheduled to begin talks</a> Thursday in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.</p>
<p>Representatives of Chad – where refugee camps include about 1 million escapees from Sudan’s western Darfur region – will join the African Union in leading the negotiations, with the hope of ending what the United Nations labeled the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. As <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&amp;ncid=721&amp;e=1&amp;u=/nm/20040715/wl_nm/sudan_darfur_talks_dc" type="external">African Union Commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare</a> said Thursday:</p>
<p />
<p>“Nothing can justify the conflict in Darfur. It is unacceptable. We should work frankly and with a will toward peace. We should be able to make mutual concessions. For Sudan the only way is political dialogue.”</p>
<p>More than 30,000 black Sudanese have been murdered in raids by Arab Janjaweed militias in Darfur, and up to a million could die from disease and starvation.</p>
<p>John Prendergast of the International Crisis Group visited Darfur, and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/15/opinion/15PREN.html?ex=1090555200&amp;en=9226d03ea5383df3&amp;ei=5006&amp;partner=ALTAVISTA1" type="external">wrote in Thursday’s New York Times</a> about the horrors he witnessed, including mass graves and destroyed villages. He chastised world leaders for not doing enough to stop the slaughter, and for keeping enforcement of cease-fires in the hands of a duplicitous Sudanese government:</p>
<p />
<p>“Obviously, in such a dire situation security is paramount, both for the delivery of humanitarian aid and for the creation of conditions to allow Darfurians to return to their homes. For all the visibility of Darfur lately, the United Nations and others have accepted a Sudanese plan under which the wolf will guard the henhouse. The international community has called on the government to disarm the same militias it helped create and arm, and to use the government police to patrol the same camps the regime has been terrorizing. A mere 300 African Union troops spread over an area the size of France are meant to ensure the government’s change of heart.</p>
<p>“This formula guarantees that six months from now the Janjaweed will still be in a position to kill, rape and pillage, leaving unchallenged the ethnic cleansing campaign that has changed the map of Darfur.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, back in the U.S., members of the Congressional Black Caucus are <a href="http://www.thehill.com/news/071504/rush.aspx" type="external">getting themselves arrested in front of the Sudanese embassy</a> in the hope of drawing attention to the crisis. Rep. Charles Rangel did so Tuesday, with Rep. Bobby Rush scheduled to follow suit today. A Rush spokeswoman told The Hill:</p>
<p />
<p>“He is angry at the fact that at the dawn of the 21st century we are still at a place in this world where innocent people are being killed and subjected to torture, rape and displacement based on skin color and religious belief. He feels a responsibility to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.”</p>
<p>After more than a year with the Sudan conflict off its radar, the Bush administration has taken a new approach in recent weeks. Colin Powell <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&amp;u=/usatoday/20040709/ts_usatoday/powellwarnssudantoactondarfur" type="external">visited refugee camps in Darfur</a> in early July, and warned that U.S.-Sudanese relations will not be normalized unless the killing stops. On Tuesday, President Bush <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-07-13-trade-africa_x.htm" type="external">used the announcement</a> of an extended trade pact with African nations to make his most public denunciation of the conflict:</p>
<p />
<p>“For the sake of peace and basic humanity … I call upon the government of Sudan to stop the Janjaweed violence. I call on all parties of the conflict to respect the cease-fire, to respect human rights, and to allow for the free movement of humanitarian workers and aid.”</p>
<p>While officials meeting in Addis Ababa try to find a compromise, rebels say the Janjaweed continues to rape, kill and destroy villages unabated. And for the refugees, the clock continues to tick.</p>
<p /> | Sudan’s Suffering | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2004/07/sudans-suffering/ | 2004-07-16 | 4 |
<p>By Shubham Kalia and Subrat Patnaik</p>
<p>(Reuters) – Uber Technologies Inc’s [UBER.UL] quarterly losses widened, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, as the ride-hailing company wades through legal troubles and faces regulatory scrutiny across the globe.</p>
<p>The Silicon Valley-based company’s net loss increased to $1.46 billion in the third quarter from $1.06 billion in the previous quarter, the source said.</p>
<p>Quarterly net revenue rose 14 percent to $2 billion and gross bookings increased 11.5 percent to $9.7 billion, on a sequential basis, the person said.</p>
<p>As a private company, Uber is not required to publicly report its financial results, but earlier this year it began offering a glimpse of its performance by disclosing certain numbers.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, a consortium led by SoftBank Group Corp (T:) launched a tender offer for shares of Uber. The Japanese company said some notable early Uber investors including venture capital firms Benchmark, which owns 13 percent of Uber worth $9 billion, and Menlo planned to sell stock.</p>
<p>Uber has been hit by a series of scandals this year with the latest being a regulatory crackdown after disclosing that it paid hackers $100,000 to keep secret a massive breach last year that exposed personal data from around 57 million accounts.</p>
<p>The Financial Times had earlier reported Uber’s third quarter figures.</p>
<p />
<p>Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.</p> | Uber's third-quarter net loss widens to $1.46 billion: source | false | https://newsline.com/uber039s-third-quarter-net-loss-widens-to-1-46-billion-source/ | 2017-11-29 | 1 |
<p>Wednesday, January 31 2018</p>
<p>Natural Rubber</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Turnover: 654,482 lots</p>
<p>Open High Low Settle Prev. Change Vol Open</p>
<p>Settle Interest</p>
<p>Mar-18 13,245 13,275 12,825 12,910 13,540 -630 38 102</p>
<p>Apr-18 13,125 13,125 13,125 13,125 13,665 -540 6 110</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>May-18 13,400 13,440 12,880 13,175 13,585 -410 576,542 509,238</p>
<p>Jun-18 13,505 13,505 13,045 13,270 13,645 -375 22 268</p>
<p>Jul-18 13,635 13,635 13,300 13,445 13,620 -175 22 294</p>
<p>Aug-18 13,665 13,670 13,225 13,515 13,625 -110 12 90</p>
<p>Sep-18 13,705 13,760 13,265 13,520 13,875 -355 72,518 100,862</p>
<p>Oct-18 - - - 13,875 14,165 -290 0 18</p>
<p>Nov-18 13,920 13,980 13,500 13,630 14,060 -430 164 230</p>
<p>Jan-19 15,640 15,640 15,180 15,400 15,800 -400 5,158 16,118</p>
<p>Notes:</p>
<p>1) Unit is Chinese yuan a metric ton;</p>
<p>2) Volume and open interest are in lots;</p>
<p>3) One lot is equivalent to 10 metric tons.</p>
<p>Write to [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>January 31, 2018 02:37 ET (07:37 GMT)</p> | China Shanghai Rubber Futures Closing Prices, Volume | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2017/09/06/china-shanghai-rubber-futures-closing-prices-volume.html | 2018-01-31 | 0 |
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<p />
<p>Given that small population, it was easy to believe that, as the zoo said, of all the birds and beasts in its collection, the bird, a Guam Kingfisher, belonged to the “most endangered species” there.</p>
<p>On Saturday, the zoo said, the bird died. He was 17 years old, the zoo said, making him a survivor among survivors, a long-lived member of the small band who were his avian brethren.</p>
<p>In the words of the announcement made Monday by the zoo, he was “geriatric for his species.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>In Washington, this Guam Kingfisher made his home at the zoo’s Bird House. Before coming to the zoo in July of 2013, he had been spending his blue-backed time at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va.</p>
<p>Members of the species often measure about 10 inches in length, with a prominent, pointed bill that is as long as two inches.</p>
<p>Although the kingfisher had enjoyed a longer life in which to display his cinnamon- colored belly than many of his species, his death was nevertheless sad, the zoo said.</p>
<p>He was not the only Guam kingfisher at the zoo or the Front Royal facility. A report in Smithsonian magazine a little more than five years ago placed the population at the two places at 10. It noted that at the time of its 2011 publication, two new ones had just been born at the conservation institute.</p>
<p>Breeding has been painstaking, and difficult. Population growth has been slow.</p>
<p>With the 17-year-old gone, the zoo said, only 145 Guam kingfishers remain throughout the world.</p>
<p>Even that low-three-figures number is far more than had once existed.</p>
<p>By accident, the brown tree snake was introduced to Guam shortly after the second World War, specialists said.</p>
<p>That brought doom to many of the island’s species. Evolution had not equipped them to elude the reptile. The kingfishers made easy prey, according to the zoo. It was estimated that by the early 1980s, their numbers had dwindled alarmingly, and only about 30 remained.</p>
<p>The threat of extinction touched off vigorous efforts at conservation, which entailed removing the birds from their native haunts, with the hope of some day reintroducing them.</p>
<p>However, at present, specialists say, they exist only in captivity.</p>
<p>The elderly bird that died last week did not contribute to the breeding program, the zoo said. But it said, he was “a terrific ambassador for his species.”</p> | Rare bird dies at Washington National Zoo | false | https://abqjournal.com/924626/rare-bird-dies-at-washington-national-zoo.html | 2 |
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