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<p>Michael Weaver, spokesman for the hotel, confirmed it removed Ford’s lines of those items from its stores over the weekend, but declined to say why.</p>
<p>Trump said in an interview that aired Tuesday night on Fox News Channel’s “Fox &amp; Friends” that hotel owner Steve Wynn “said he thought it was so terrible what Tom Ford said, that he threw his clothing out of his Las Vegas hotel.”</p>
<p>Ford has said he declined to dress Melania Trump years ago, saying “she’s not necessarily my image.”</p>
<p>Trump told Fox his wife never asked Ford to dress her as first lady and “doesn’t like” Ford or his designs.</p>
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<p>“I’m not a fan of Tom Ford, never have been,” Trump added.</p>
<p>Representatives for Ford did not immediately return email requests for comment Wednesday.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Ken Ritter in Las Vegas contributed to this report.</p> | President-elect Donald Trump escalates Tom Ford fashion dis | false | https://abqjournal.com/930889/president-elect-donald-trump-escalates-tom-ford-fashion-dis.html | 2017-01-18 | 2 |
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<p>The mountain lion was spotted walking across a street and into Jordan Commons in Sandy, Utah, just before 8 a.m., Sandy police Sgt. Dean Carriger said.</p>
<p>Officers found the female cat hunkered down at the entrance of a steakhouse. Though it was early, there were dozens of people coming and going, many of whom work at a nearby office building, Carriger said.</p>
<p>Some were taking pictures and videos of the mountain lion while others were unaware the cat was there, he said.</p>
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<p>“I was scared,” Leesha Francis said . She works at an office tower and saw the cat along with co-worker Maddie Gilbert who said, “It was a little bit shocking.”</p>
<p>When the cat came running out, an officer fired one shot but missed, Carriger said.</p>
<p>“He was concerned there was imminent danger to the public,” Carriger said.</p>
<p>The mountain lion ran away, jumped over a fence and hid in the brush near a commuter train line. Two wildlife officers arrived and cornered the cat with the help of the fences around the train tracks, hitting it with a tranquilizer gun about 1½ hours after it was first spotted, Carriger said.</p>
<p>The cat is about 2 years old and weighs about 100 pounds, said Scott Root, spokesman for Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. It was still under the effects of the tranquilizer Friday afternoon. When it awakes, officials plan to release her into the wild in central Utah, Root said.</p>
<p>The cat wasn’t acting aggressively and doesn’t have a history of being caught, so she’ll be given a “second chance,” Root said.</p>
<p>Mountain lion sightings are fairly common in Sandy, a suburb south of Salt Lake City with a population of about 90,000. But most cats are seen on the eastern side of the city that nestles up against the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Carriger said.</p>
<p>This shopping center, Jordan Commons, is on the western side of the city about 5 miles west of the mountains. Authorities think the mountain lion followed one of the gullies or ravines that run east-west in Sandy.</p>
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<p /> | Mountain lion scares shoppers | false | https://abqjournal.com/421975/mountain-lion-scares-shoppers.html | 2 |
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<p>Italy's president has dissolved parliament, the first step toward new elections.</p>
<p>President Giorgio Napolitano gave the order on Saturday, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/22/italy-vote-president-idUSR1N09M00120121222" type="external">Reuters reported</a>, a day after caretaker prime minister <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/italy/121221/italian-pm-mario-monti-expected-resign-today-after-budget" type="external">Mario Monti resigned</a>.</p>
<p>Monti had <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/italy/121210/prime-minister-mario-monti-resignation-results-italian-sto" type="external">announced his exit</a>almost two weeks earlier, saying it was impossible to continue after Silvio Berlusconi's center-right People of Freedom party withdrew its support for Monti's technocrat government.</p>
<p>Monti waited only to ensure that parliament approved his 2013 budget, which it did in a vote on Friday.</p>
<p>He hasn't yet revealed whether he will run in the upcoming election, though his centrist allies have been <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/italy/121211/mario-monti-talks-run-italian-pm-0" type="external">urging him</a> to do so.</p>
<p>As <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/italy/121210/italy-berlusconi-monti-austerity-euro-crisis-elections" type="external">GlobalPost has reported</a>, many people credit Monti with saving Italy from economic ruin and restoring much-needed market confidence.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/after-resigning-monti-weighs-running-for-office-as-italys-president-sets-stage-for-elections/2012/12/22/6a3979b2-4c19-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_story.html" type="external">the Associated Press</a>, he is due to give a press conference on Sunday at which he will most likely announce his intentions.</p>
<p>Berlusconi, the three-time former prime minister forced to resign amid financial chaos last November, recently confirmed that he would make another bid for office.</p>
<p>Berlusconi has already warned Monti against running, telling him the move would be "morally questionable," <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/20/italy-vote-monti-idUSL5E8NK8YW20121220" type="external">Reuters said</a>.</p>
<p>Observers say a hard-fought campaign risks dragging Monti into partisan politics and, depending on which party he is aligned with, splitting the moderate vote.</p>
<p>Italy's election is expected in late February.</p> | Italy: Parliament dissolved in preparation for snap elections | false | https://pri.org/stories/2012-12-22/italy-parliament-dissolved-preparation-snap-elections | 2012-12-22 | 3 |
<p>A traveler motoring through southeastern Chiapas these days is apt to encounter neatly-lettered road signs advising that one is now entering “Autonomous Zapatista Rebel Territory”. Several such notices are posted along the two-lane black-top that winds through the highlands up to Oventic, the site of one of five recently inaugurated “caracoles” (literally “spirals”) from which the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) is building regional autonomy.</p>
<p>But as one nears Oventic, other road signs pop up in the nearby cornfields. “EUSKAL PRESOAK! EUSKAL HERRIA!” reads one announcement, against which a Tzotzil-speaking Zapatista militia man leans, casually puffing on a cigarette. The sign, however, is not written in Tzotzil but in an equally esoteric lingo, Euskara, or the language of the Basques, and when translated demands “Let the Basque prisoners return to their homeland!” The road sign in Euskara is a forceful reminder of the odd bond between the largely Mayan EZLN and those who struggle for the independence of the Basque Country (“Pais Vasco” or “Euskadi.”)</p>
<p>“Gora Euskadi!” (Long Live the Basque Homeland!) greeted a ski-masked Indian comandante, Zebedeo, at the recent Oventic inauguration festivities, “that this cry will never be extinguished even in the prisons and torture chambers of the Spanish government!” The comandante then explained that the EZLN supports “the political and cultural struggle” for Basque independence but not the terror tactics of the notorious ETA (“Euskara Ta Askatasuna” or Basque Homeland and Liberty.)</p>
<p>Indeed, a bitter epistolary conflict has erupted between the EZLN’s quixotic spokesperson Subcomandante Marcos and that homicidal terrorist band–at one point in the angry colloquy, Marcos even feared that he could be ETA’s next victim.</p>
<p>Last November, after 18 months of frozen silence, the Subcomandante broke his word fast with a rambling, cheeky comunique addressed to Zapatista supporters at a Madrid conclave. The screed lacerated Spanish king Juan Carlos (“a constipated old man”) and right-wing prime minister Jose Maria Aznar (a “pipsqueak” and a “donkey”) but reserved special vitriol for National Audience judge Baltazar Garzon for his persecution of supporters of Basque independence.</p>
<p>Garzon, often mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, is best known for his flawed attempts to extradite ex-Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet to Spain to answer charges of human rights atrocities during his tyrannical regime (1973-89.) The Judge has been more successful in obtaining the extradition of accused Argentinean torturer Ricardo Cavallo from Mexico–Cavallo is charged with the disappearance of at least 5000 Leftists during the “dirty war” (1976-83) in that southern cone nation.</p>
<p>Garzon, whose judicial position allows him ample investigative powers, first won public attention in Spain when he revealed that former Socialist prime minister Felipe Gonzalez had sponsored a counter-terrorism unit, the GAL, deemed responsible for the killings of 27 Basque independence fighters in Spain and France, a disclosure that helped bring down the Gonzalez government.</p>
<p>But Judge Garzon soon turned his legal guns upon the Basque independence movement itself. Hundreds were taken prisoner and tortured (as substantiated each year by Amnesty International), newspapers have been shuttered, and political parties proscribed–Batasuna, outlawed late last year as alleged “apologists for terrorism”, won 11% of the Basque vote in the last elections and held seats in both the national and local parliaments.</p>
<p>In his stinging November note, Marcos labeled Garzon “a grotesque clown” who demonstrates “his true fascist avocation” by persecuting the Basques. The Judge, the dyed white streak in his ample head of hair bristling like a bantee rooster, immediately fired back. The rebel leader was “a ridiculous figure with his pipe”, and “a miserable coward who insults” the nearly 900 victims of ETA terrorism by bad-mouthing Garzon’s crusade. Baltazar Garzon also threw down the gauntlet, challenging the Subcomandante to a debate “without masks or disguises where and whenever you like.”</p>
<p>Not to be daunted, the unflappable Zapatista mouthpiece immediately set a date and a place, April at Lanzarote in the Canary Islands near the home of Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, a great fan of the rebels. Marcos also summoned ETA and Batasuna and the Aznar government to Lanzarote for a “Festival of the Word” and implored the ETArras to declare a 177-day truce until the talks could be entabled.</p>
<p>Suggesting that the Subcomandante was “mentally unbalanced” and suffering from delusions of grandeur, Spanish authorities turned the invite hands down. ETA was even less diplomatic, tagging the proposed talks “a pantomime” and expressing the suspicion that Marcos was just trying to get his picture back “on the front pages of the newspapers and the popular tee-shirts.” Moreover, by asking for a truce, the Zapatistas were intervening in the internal dynamic of the Basque independence movement. The aspersions put a quick damper on “The Fiesta of the Word” and the fracaso soon faded from public visibility.</p>
<p>Then this past August 8th, as the EZLN was preparing to inaugurate the new “caracoles” with their regional autonomous authorities, who should show up in Chiapas but Judge Baltazar Garzon himself. He was on vacation, Hizzoner insisted to reporters at the airport in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capitol, but did not miss the opportunity to diss the Zapatistas’ “caracoles” as being “Illegal” because they do not conform to the Mexican Constitution. Marcos was a charlatan who was bamboozling the Indians the Judge insisted, and soon disappeared into the foliage “on vacation.”</p>
<p>The unexplained absence of Subcomandante Marcos at the Oventic ceremonies August 8th-10th has led to wild speculation that the two adversaries had finally conducted their long-awaited debate–in private.</p>
<p>More probably, Garzon’s mystery trip to Chiapas obeyed his obsession with ETA and not the EZLN–although he may well have had an eye ou the ties between the two groups. The Judge’s touch-downs in Mexico City and Tuxtla came at a moment when President Vicente Fox–with whom Garzon met in July–has ordered a crack-down on suspected ETA terrorists and sympathizers living in Mexico. In most cases, detention and extradition orders have been crafted by Garzon’s office.</p>
<p>Since 1996, when then-presidents Ernesto Zedillo and Felipe Gonzalez inked an extradition treaty that was finalized under Aznar (the agreement opened the door to Spanish support for a free trade pact with the European Union), 36 Basques have been detained and expelled from Mexico into the waiting arms of the Spanish police. One deportee died under suspicious circumstances during a 1997 round-up in which Spanish police officials directly participated in violation of Mexican law.</p>
<p>Now Fox is eager to demonstrate to Aznar and the diminutive prime minister’s big boss, George Bush, that he too can be tough on terrorism.</p>
<p>Item: in late April, Lorenzo Llona, a naturalized citizen, was detained on his way to work in the central Mexican city of Zacatecas and held for extradition to Spain on allegations that he had participated in a triple murder in the Basque province of Guipuzcoa on June 24th, 1981 (Basques picked up in Mexico are increasingly charged with crimes dating back to the 1980s.) The only problem with this scenario is that Llona had already emigrated to Mexico when the murders were committed and had the paperwork to prove it. Nonetheless, Garzon pushes ahead with the extradition claim, a process that could take years while Llona remains behind bars. Item–On July 4th, Miguel Ebxanda, a Basque who may have been in Mexico illegally, was nabbed by immigration agents, driven to the Mexico City airport, and deported to Madrid where Spanish police took immediate custody, before anyone even knew he was missing. Such summary deportations of Basques have become common practice here when the suspect’s papers are adjudged to be not in order.</p>
<p>Item: On July 18th, in a muscular show of force with Judge Garzon in country, Federal Investigation Agency (AFI) robo-cops broke down doors in four Mexican cities and arrested sic Basques and three Mexicans for allegedly laundering ETA moneys (another Garzon investigation.)</p>
<p>All of the Basques arrested were prosperous middle-aged business men and women, some of them naturalized or married to Mexicans. At least one of the arrestees was so confident of his legal status in Spain that he had bought a ticket to move back to Pais Vasco. He and his wife were reportedly waiting for the moving van in front of their Monterrey home when he was collared by the AFI.</p>
<p>The morning after the July 18th raids, code-named “Operation Donasti”, Aznar phoned Fox to congratulate the Mexican president for his tough stance in the War on Terror.</p>
<p>Basques first came to Mexico with the Conquest–Hernan Cortez carried eight Vascos in his crew. The Franciscan missionary Vasco de Quiroga evangelized western Mexico. Basques and their descendants have assembled immense fortunes here and are captains of industry and commerce (one example: the Azcarriaga family, principle owners of the Televisa conglomerate.) Basque names are ubiquitous–an Echeverria has been president and an Arizmendi a bishop.</p>
<p>Basque refugees from the Spanish civil war (1936-39) were welcomed to Mexico by a sympathetic president Lazaro Cardenas. They established businesses and social centers like the Centro Vasco in the old quarter of the capital, for decades a venue noted for conviviality and fine dining. But now the Centro Vasco has fallen on dark days. The AFI and Spanish police are thought to surveil its elegant quarters–the six accused money launderers often met there.</p>
<p>“Being Basque in Mexico these days is a lot like being an Arab in the U.S. right after 9/11” observes Javier Elorriaga, a Mexican of Basque descent and a civil Zapatista leader.</p>
<p>Why Garzon was dirt-digging in Chiapas has not yet emerged from the mud but there is little doubt that he kept tabs on the Zapatista celebrations up at Oventic. Despite its astringent relations with ETA, the EZLN is routinely attacked by his detractors for backing the terrorists. In a paroxysm of xenophobia, ex-president Zedillo once accused the rebels of harboring ETArras in peace camps established by the civil society in the jungles and mountains of Chiapas, and immigration agents in the region continue to zealously pursue possible Basque visitors.</p>
<p>But the coincidences between the Indians and Basque country has less to do with terrorist plots than it does with the essential nature of their struggles. Both are nations within nations–fourth world nations if you will–and both fight for meaningful autonomy from what they regard as the “mal gobierno: (bad government.)</p>
<p>JOHN ROSS was a resident of Pais Vasco during the late 1970s, the most explosive years of the struggle for Basque independence.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | Fox Government’s Attack on Mexican Basques | true | https://counterpunch.org/2003/08/18/fox-government-s-attack-on-mexican-basques/ | 2003-08-18 | 4 |
<p>Shares of planes, trains and automobiles are skidding, and that often spells trouble for the rest of the market. But some analysts and investors aren't heeding the century-old warning sign this time around.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Transportation Average is on track for its first quarterly decline in more than a year, as the index has fallen nearly 3.4% so far this quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 5.3% the final three-month period of the year.</p>
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<p>The index of 20 of the largest U.S. airlines, railroads and trucking firms is used by some in the market as a proxy to gauge the health of the U.S. economy since those companies are responsible for the vital movement of raw materials, goods and people.</p>
<p>So when the index diverges from the broader Dow Jones Industrial Average, some investors take it as a sign to sell. However, several analysts and investors say the Dow transports' weak performance is due to a spate of downbeat earnings rather than a deeper economic funk.</p>
<p>Analysts specifically pointed to a series of hurricanes in the previous quarter that disrupted thousands of flights among airliners, including United Continental Holdings Inc., American Airlines Group Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co., and caused service disruptions for railroad operators and shipping companies at a time when most transportation businesses are grappling with rising costs.</p>
<p>"There's pretty good divergence there. But the latest pullback in transports was more due to disappointing third-quarter earnings," said Leo Grohowski, chief investment officer of BNY Mellon Wealth Management, adding that airlines were particularly weak.</p>
<p>Still, the quarterly decline in transport stocks is noteworthy given how closely the two indexes tend to trade. Since 1900, the Dow industrials and the Dow transports have traded above their 200-day trading average in tandem more than 50% of the time, according to data from Ned Davis Research.</p>
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<p>Airlines in the Dow transports were among the hardest-hit stocks. Shares of United have fallen 15% since it reported earnings last month. United said storms like Hurricane Harvey disrupted its operations and caused it to incur higher costs, while the rollout of new low-cost, no-frills fares, known as "Basic Economy," all contributed to a drop in revenue, executives said while discussing third-quarter results.</p>
<p>Both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines reported improved revenue in the previous quarter, while maintaining prices that helped offset rising fuel, labor and other costs. Still, the hurricanes shaved off millions of dollars in profit and revenue at both carriers. American shares have fallen 7.5% since it reported earnings Oct. 26, while Southwest has declined 4.4%.</p>
<p>Railroad companies haven't fared much better in recent months, despite the double-digit gains they had already notched. Norfolk Southern Corp. posted upbeat results last month, beating revenue and profit estimates, yet its stock has fallen 4.4% since it reported earnings Oct. 25. CSX Corp. beat profit expectations but saw revenue fall short due, in part, to service delays that stemmed from the hurricanes and derailments. Its shares have fallen 8% since it released earnings Oct. 17.</p>
<p>Another big laggard in the index: Avis Budget Group Inc. The car-rental company's shares tumbled 19% since it said Nov. 6 that higher fleet costs and weaker international pricing had hurt the car-rental company, causing it to miss earnings and revenue expectation and lower its sales guidance for the remainder of the year.</p>
<p>As the transports index lurches toward its first three-month decline since the second quarter of last year, stock market volatility has picked up slightly relative to much of the rest of the year. That has created a better environment for stock pickers, some investors added.</p>
<p>"Stock disparity is picking up and that's an opportunity for active managers," said Jason Pride, director of investment strategy at wealth-management firm Glenmede. "Stocks are showing signs of moving away from one another."</p>
<p>Concerns around how Republicans proceed on their tax overhaul contributed to recent declines in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, causing the index to snap an eight-week winning streak and swing between gains and losses in recent sessions. Sectors that had been performing better earlier this year, such as industrials, are now lagging, while concerns about the market's health picked up following losses in the junk-bond market.</p>
<p>Lofty valuations, especially among technology companies that have contributed significantly to the market's gains this year, have also kept investors on edge, with some believing those stocks could pull back on geopolitical concerns or due to developments in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>"The albatross for the market is valuations at this point," said Terri Spath, chief investment officer of Sierra Investment Management, an investment firm with $2.7 billion in assets. "They've been too high for a while."</p>
<p>Write to Michael Wursthorn at [email protected]</p>
<p>Shares of planes, trains and automobiles are skidding, and that often spells trouble for the rest of the market. But some analysts and investors aren't heeding the century-old warning sign this time around.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones Transportation Average is on track for its first quarterly decline in more than a year, as the index has fallen 3% so far this quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 5.3% the final three-month period of the year.</p>
<p>The index of 20 of the largest U.S. airlines, railroads and trucking firms is used by some in the market as a proxy to gauge the health of the U.S. economy since those companies are responsible for the vital movement of raw materials, goods and people.</p>
<p>So when the index diverges from the broader Dow Jones Industrial Average, some investors take it as a sign to sell. However, several analysts and investors say the Dow transports' weak performance is due to a spate of downbeat earnings rather than a deeper economic funk.</p>
<p>Analysts specifically pointed to a series of hurricanes in the previous quarter that disrupted thousands of flights among airliners, including United Continental Holdings Inc., American Airlines Group Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co., and caused service disruptions for railroad operators and shipping companies at a time when most transportation businesses are grappling with rising costs.</p>
<p>"There's pretty good divergence there. But the latest pullback in transports was more due to disappointing third-quarter earnings," said Leo Grohowski, chief investment officer of BNY Mellon Wealth Management, adding that airlines were particularly weak.</p>
<p>Still, the quarterly decline in transport stocks is noteworthy given how closely the two indexes tend to trade. Since 1900, the Dow industrials and the Dow transports have traded above their 200-day trading average in tandem more than 50% of the time, according to data from Ned Davis Research.</p>
<p>Airlines in the Dow transports were among the hardest-hit stocks. Shares of United have fallen 12% since it reported earnings last month. United said storms like Hurricane Harvey disrupted its operations and caused it to incur higher costs, while the rollout of new low-cost, no-frills fares, known as "Basic Economy," all contributed to a drop in revenue, executives said while discussing third-quarter results.</p>
<p>Both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines reported improved revenue in the previous quarter, while maintaining prices that helped offset rising fuel, labor and other costs. Still, the hurricanes shaved off millions of dollars in profit and revenue at both carriers. American shares have fallen 4.6% since it reported earnings on Oct. 26, while Southwest has declined 3%.</p>
<p>Railroad companies haven't fared much better in recent months, despite the double-digit gains they had already notched. Norfolk Southern Corp. posted upbeat results last month, beating revenue and profit estimates, yet its stock has fallen 2.4% since it reported earnings on Oct. 25. CSX Corp. beat profit expectations but saw revenue fall short due, in part, to service delays that stemmed from the hurricanes and derailments. Its shares have fallen 5% since it released earnings Oct. 17.</p>
<p>Another big laggard in the index: Avis Budget Group Inc. The car-rental company's shares tumbled 13.4% since it said on Nov. 6 that higher fleet costs and weaker international pricing had hurt the car-rental company, causing it to miss earnings and revenue expectation and lower its sales guidance for the remainder of the year.</p>
<p>As the transports index lurches toward its first three-month decline since the second quarter of last year, stock market volatility has picked up slightly relative to much of the rest of the year. That has created a better environment for stock pickers, some investors added.</p>
<p>"Stock disparity is picking up and that's an opportunity for active managers," said Jason Pride, director of investment strategy at wealth-management firm Glenmede. "Stocks are showing signs of moving away from one another."</p>
<p>Concerns around how Republicans proceed on their tax overhaul contributed to recent declines in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, causing the index to snap an eight-week winning streak and swing between gains and losses in recent sessions. Sectors that had been performing better earlier this year, such as industrials, are now lagging, while concerns about the market's health picked up following losses in the junk-bond market.</p>
<p>Lofty valuations, especially among technology companies that have contributed significantly to the market's gains this year, have also kept investors on edge, with some believing those stocks could pull back on geopolitical concerns or due to developments in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>"The albatross for the market is valuations at this point," said Terri Spath, chief investment officer of Sierra Investment Management, an investment firm with $2.7 billion in assets. "They've been too high for a while."</p>
<p>Write to Michael Wursthorn at [email protected]</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 21, 2017 18:24 ET (23:24 GMT)</p> | Transport Stocks Fall, But Market Shrugs Off Broader Concerns -- Update | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/21/transport-stocks-fall-but-market-shrugs-off-broader-concerns-update.html | 2017-11-21 | 0 |
<p>Former Miami Marlins President David Samson discusses NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s contract negotiations and the fallout surrounding Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.</p>
<p>Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is going to war with the National Football League and Commissioner Roger Goodell over a proposed contract extension for the league’s top official.</p>
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<p>Jones, considered one of the most powerful owners in the NFL, denied reports suggesting several of the owners have expressed interest in voting him out of the league.</p>
<p>“I've had not one, not one, inkling of communication from the league office or any owner that would suggest something that laughable and ridiculous, and that's about where that is,” Jones told the Dallas radio station 105.3 “The Fan” on Tuesday.</p>
<p>In an interview with FOX Business’ Trish Regan, former Miami Marlins president David Samson said the Dallas Cowboys owner is making some valid points, but he may be going about it in a way that is hurting himself and the league.</p>
<p>“He had no inkling on Tuesday, well guess what, the sun came up on Wednesday and Thursday. I think he has an inkling now. But I think there is a long way to go between what the NFL is saying they’ll do and what they’ll really do,” Samson said.</p>
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<p>Jones voiced concerns over Goodell’s reported salary raise from $30 million to $49.5 million per year. Goodell is also said to be asking for lifetime use of a private jet and lifetime health insurance for his family.</p>
<p>Samson said Jones should have addressed the commissioner’s contract extension with the compensation committee and NFL owners.</p>
<p>“What’s [Jones] doing? The NFL needs to focus on the field. They need to get their house in order and stop with all this front page news,” he said.</p> | Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is hurting the NFL: Fmr. Miami Marlins pres. | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/16/cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-is-hurting-nfl-fmr-miami-marlins-pres.html | 2017-11-16 | 0 |
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<p>Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren told the Associated Press on Monday that pasting stickers on Anthony’s grave has become a “rite of passage for many citizens.” The cemetery normally closes at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. But Warren said that Mount Hope Cemetery will remain open until 9 p.m. on Election Day, to reflect the historic inclusion of Democrat Hillary Clinton as the first woman atop the presidential ticket of a major U.S. political party.</p>
<p>(Lights will be installed at the cemetery, but after-dusk visitors are advised to bring flashlights.)</p>
<p>Anthony died 100 years ago, more than a decade before she could have legally voted. Matters of legislation did not keep her from the polls. On Nov. 5, 1872, Anthony cast a ballot for Ulysses S. Grant in the presidential election, after she was able to convince the Rochester election inspectors to allow her to vote.</p>
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<p>In a letter to another suffragist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Anthony wrote of her success later in the day. “Well I have been &amp; gone &amp; done it!!-positively voted the Republican ticket-strait this a.m. at 7 O’clock,” she said. “If only now-all the women suffrage women would work to this end of enforcing the existing constitution-supremacy of national law over state law-what strides we might make this winter.”</p>
<p>The victory did not last. Within two weeks of voting, she was arrested by a United States deputy marshal. The young marshal, as she told it to a May 1873 meeting of the National Women’s Suffrage Association, “hemmed and hawed” until she “demanded that I should be arrested properly,” in the way the deputy would arrest another man.</p>
<p>In the months leading up to her trial, she stumped across counties in upstate New York. “It was we, the people, not we, the white male citizens, nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed this Union,” Anthony said in her New York address. “And we formed it, not to give the blessings or liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people – women as well as men.”</p>
<p>Anthony died in March 1906. Fourteen years later, in August 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified.</p>
<p>Some 90 years later, the pilgrimage to Anthony’s gravestone on Election Day began, possibly as recently as 2014, according to the Smithsonian magazine.</p>
<p>The idea struck a chord with voters as far away as Maryland. “Ever since I first found out about people putting their ‘I Voted’ stickers on Susan B. Anthony’s grave, it has been on my bucket list to do the same,” said Elissa Blattman to ABC News on Monday. Blattman drove with her mother 350 miles from Rockville, Md., to New York.</p>
<p>Tuesday will not be the first time that the gravestone will be honored with stickers this year. About 30 voters pasted their labels on the tombstone in April, after New York’s primary.</p>
<p>“It was definitely like I was putting it on her lapel, like, ‘This one’s for you Susan, here you go,'” visitor Brianne Wojtesta said to The Washington Post at the time. The cemetery fully embraced the practice, as it told The Post in April.</p>
<p>The fight for women’s right to vote has echoed in the 2016 election cycle more than once. In October, Twitter users launched an impassioned defense of the 19th Amendment, in the face of rumors (though likely exaggerated) that Trump supporters wanted to repeal it. Some Clinton supporters have worn white, a color associated with the suffrage movement, to the polls.</p>
<p>Clinton, too, wore a white pantsuit when sheaccepted the Democratic nomination in late July and again October to the third presidential debate – a sartorial choice by many as a reference to the suffrage movement, and one echoed by the all-white outfits of Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice president candidate, and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress.</p>
<p>voting-grave</p> | Susan B. Anthony died without the right to vote. Now people are covering her tombstone in ‘I voted’ stickers. | false | https://abqjournal.com/884463/susan-b-anthony-died-without-the-right-to-vote-now-people-are-covering-her-tombstone-in-i-voted-stickers.html | 2 |
|
<p>BEIJING (AP) — The United States should look within to cut down demand for opioids which are fueling its deadly drug crisis rather than stressing unsubstantiated claims that China is the major source of these chemicals, a top Chinese drug enforcement official said Thursday.</p>
<p>China and the U.S. have worked to build a close working relationship to fight global flows of illicit synthetic drugs, but their collaboration remains fraught.</p>
<p>Yu Haibin of the China National Narcotics Control Commission told reporters there was little evidence showing China was the source of much of the chemicals used in the production of the powerful opioid fentanyl. President Donald Trump in November blamed a "flood of cheap and deadly" fentanyl made in China for the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history.</p>
<p>"China doesn't deny that shipments to the U.S. happen, but there isn't the proof to show how much — whether it's 20 percent or 80 percent," said Yu, adding that U.S. authorities have only sent him information about six shipments from China in the past year.</p>
<p>In October 2016, the AP identified 12 Chinese companies willing to export carfentanil around the world for a few thousand dollars a kilogram (2.2. pounds), no questions asked. Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and is legally used as an anesthetic for elephants and other large animals.</p>
<p>Yu urged the U.S. to share more data and police intelligence with Chinese authorities and said rampant over-prescription of pain medication and lax cultural attitudes toward drugs had fueled massive demand for opioids in the U.S.</p>
<p>Insufficient drug education and the trend in some states of legalizing marijuana have hurt drug enforcement efforts, he said.</p>
<p>"As many states decriminalize marijuana, the public's attitudes and trends of thinking toward drugs will also have a bad effect" on the fight against hard drugs, Yu said.</p>
<p>Chinese officials have been eager to tout their collaboration with American counterparts on drug enforcement as a bright spot in the occasionally rocky relationship.</p>
<p>Though Beijing has said U.S. assertions that China is the top source of fentanyls lack evidence, the two countries have deepened cooperation as the U.S. opioid epidemic intensifies. Beijing already regulates fentanyl and a number of related compounds, even though they are not widely abused domestically.</p>
<p>Since 2016, China has arrested dozens of synthetic drug exporters, destroyed several illegal labs and seized tons of new psychoactive substances, according to the Office of the National Narcotics Control Committee.</p>
<p>Officials in Beijing said Thursday they busted a fentanyl factory in November and seized 4.7 kilograms (10.36 pounds) of the substance thanks to a tip-off from U.S. Immigration and Customs about a major online purveyor named "Diana" that turned out to be a front for a 19-person drug ring scattered across China.</p>
<p>China wanted to work more closely with U.S. law enforcement, as well as authorities in Mexico, a transshipment point, Yu said.</p>
<p>China has backed a successful U.S. proposal this year to add several fentanyl precursors to a U.N. list of controlled substances. China has listed the two chemicals, NPP and 44-ANPP, under domestic drug laws, officials said.</p>
<p>More than 66,000 people in America died of drug overdoses in the year ending May 2017, a jump of 17.4 percent from the year before, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports most cases of fentanyl overdose are linked to illicitly produced batches of the substance.</p>
<p>BEIJING (AP) — The United States should look within to cut down demand for opioids which are fueling its deadly drug crisis rather than stressing unsubstantiated claims that China is the major source of these chemicals, a top Chinese drug enforcement official said Thursday.</p>
<p>China and the U.S. have worked to build a close working relationship to fight global flows of illicit synthetic drugs, but their collaboration remains fraught.</p>
<p>Yu Haibin of the China National Narcotics Control Commission told reporters there was little evidence showing China was the source of much of the chemicals used in the production of the powerful opioid fentanyl. President Donald Trump in November blamed a "flood of cheap and deadly" fentanyl made in China for the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history.</p>
<p>"China doesn't deny that shipments to the U.S. happen, but there isn't the proof to show how much — whether it's 20 percent or 80 percent," said Yu, adding that U.S. authorities have only sent him information about six shipments from China in the past year.</p>
<p>In October 2016, the AP identified 12 Chinese companies willing to export carfentanil around the world for a few thousand dollars a kilogram (2.2. pounds), no questions asked. Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and is legally used as an anesthetic for elephants and other large animals.</p>
<p>Yu urged the U.S. to share more data and police intelligence with Chinese authorities and said rampant over-prescription of pain medication and lax cultural attitudes toward drugs had fueled massive demand for opioids in the U.S.</p>
<p>Insufficient drug education and the trend in some states of legalizing marijuana have hurt drug enforcement efforts, he said.</p>
<p>"As many states decriminalize marijuana, the public's attitudes and trends of thinking toward drugs will also have a bad effect" on the fight against hard drugs, Yu said.</p>
<p>Chinese officials have been eager to tout their collaboration with American counterparts on drug enforcement as a bright spot in the occasionally rocky relationship.</p>
<p>Though Beijing has said U.S. assertions that China is the top source of fentanyls lack evidence, the two countries have deepened cooperation as the U.S. opioid epidemic intensifies. Beijing already regulates fentanyl and a number of related compounds, even though they are not widely abused domestically.</p>
<p>Since 2016, China has arrested dozens of synthetic drug exporters, destroyed several illegal labs and seized tons of new psychoactive substances, according to the Office of the National Narcotics Control Committee.</p>
<p>Officials in Beijing said Thursday they busted a fentanyl factory in November and seized 4.7 kilograms (10.36 pounds) of the substance thanks to a tip-off from U.S. Immigration and Customs about a major online purveyor named "Diana" that turned out to be a front for a 19-person drug ring scattered across China.</p>
<p>China wanted to work more closely with U.S. law enforcement, as well as authorities in Mexico, a transshipment point, Yu said.</p>
<p>China has backed a successful U.S. proposal this year to add several fentanyl precursors to a U.N. list of controlled substances. China has listed the two chemicals, NPP and 44-ANPP, under domestic drug laws, officials said.</p>
<p>More than 66,000 people in America died of drug overdoses in the year ending May 2017, a jump of 17.4 percent from the year before, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reports most cases of fentanyl overdose are linked to illicitly produced batches of the substance.</p> | China: US should curb demand for opioids, not blame China | false | https://apnews.com/amp/bd16cfe466ea4e77855dfd24ce69d11d | 2017-12-28 | 2 |
<p>Dozens of vehicles and apartment buildings affiliated with the US military in Japan were vandalized in Okinawa, shortly after a local man was killed in car crash blamed by authorities on a drunken American marine.</p>
<p>A total of 29 civilian vehicles owned by US personnel in Japan were covered with paint early on Monday in the towns of Ginowan and Chatan in Okinawa, Stars and Stripes, the official US military newspaper, reported.</p>
<p>The cars had the blue-colored English letter ‘Y’ painted on them by unidentified perpetrators, the paper said. The marking may be explained by the fact that ‘Y’ is usually added to the license plates of vehicles owned by those who are covered by the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which provides a legal framework to the vast US military presence in Japan.</p>
<p>Footage from Japanese broadcaster NHK also showed an apartment block hosting US military personnel in Okinawa vandalized in a similar manner. The building had a ‘Y’ and an image of a two-leaf clover painted on it, the police said, adding that they were unaware of the meaning of the latter symbol. The police told Stars and Stripes that they were investigating the incident, but declined to comment if US personnel had been targeted.</p>
<p>Read more</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/410387-us-troops-okinawa-alcohol/" type="external" /></p>
<p>On Sunday, Japanese law enforcement detained Lance Cpl. Nicholas James-McLean over a fatal road accident. The US marine is said to have ignored a red light, crashing his two-ton military truck into a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old local man, who was later pronounced dead in hospital. According to the results of a breath test, James-McLean’s blood alcohol level was three times over the limit allowed in Japan.</p>
<p>“We cannot contain our indignation,” Takeshi Onaga, the Okinawa governor, said after the crash, blaming the US military for not doing enough to eradicate such incidents. “The Okinawa Prefectural Government has urged the US Forces to make sure to implement preventive measures, enforce stricter discipline and conduct thorough education programs. Despite our repeated requests, however, the accident took place, taking a precious human life,” Onaga said, as cited by the <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/20/national/crime-legal/fatal-okinawa-accident-u-s-service-members-restricted-base-banned-drinking-alcohol/#.WhQz21Vl9aQ" type="external">Japan Times</a>.</p>
<p>Following the crash, US Forces Japan (USFJ) ordered personnel to remain confined to their bases or homes, and forbade the purchase and consumption of alcohol. Similar restrictions were imposed by USFJ in May 2016, after a civilian employee was arrested for allegedly murdering a Japanese woman.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/news/410315-us-navy-accident-okinawa/" type="external">READ MORE: US Marine kills elderly civilian in drunk-driving accident in Okinawa, Japan</a></p>
<p>There are around 100,000 US military personnel currently in Japan, with half of them stationed in Okinawa, according to the <a href="http://www.usfj.mil/About-USFJ/" type="external">USFJ</a> website. The US military presence in the country is a hot topic with the Japanese public, which frequently sees thousands taking to streets in protest. The main causes for objection include jet crashes related to the US bases as well as sexual assaults and other crimes linked to US military personnel.</p> | US military vehicles & homes vandalized after ‘drunk’ marine blamed for fatal Okinawa car crash | false | https://newsline.com/us-military-vehicles-homes-vandalized-after-drunk-marine-blamed-for-fatal-okinawa-car-crash/ | 2017-11-21 | 1 |
<p>Is the Republican Party imploding? Revelations about the arrest of a growing number of rightwing, GOP-leaning “patriots” and the Republican party’s misuse of campaign funds to cover a wild night at the Voyeur, a West Hollywood “gentlemen’s club,” well might indicate a political party in freefall.</p>
<p>The Voyeur story first broke on The Daily Caller, a conservative online site, that revealed Republic party filings to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showing that a party operative submitted a $2,000 invoice for a fundraising get-together at the club. The get-together took place after an RNC “Young Eagles” fundraiser in Beverly Hills. However, after the national press, talk shows and the blogosphere joined in reporting the episode with a great chuckle, Michael Steele, the head of the Republic party, moved quickly to fire those involved in the episode. It was an expected action attempting to stanch the embarrassment; one can only wonder how long Steele will hold his office.</p>
<p>In the wake of its rout in the 2008 elections, the GOP appeared increasingly desperate. Seeking to distance itself from the failed domestic and foreign policies of the Bush administration, it simply denies that Bush, Cheney &amp; company were Republicans. Rather, the new-new Republicans insist that the Bush regime was really RINO, Republicans-in-name-only in big-government drag. The ’08 election exposed clearly that they lacked a coherent program to oppose the Democrats, thus forcing the GOP to become the party of “No!,” seeking to stall or tie-up Democratic legislative efforts no matter how modest. Recognizing that they lost their base in ‘08, particularly the “independent” voter, the new-new Republicans chose to chase the Tea Party activists, hoping that by adopting every crazy slogan, whether “death panels” or that Obama is a “communist,” to prove that they are really populists at heart.</p>
<p>The Republican party’s failed effort to sink the Obama-Democrat’s health-insurance reform effort is a testament to a failed political strategy. The evening’s night out at the Voyeur is more then the foolish blunder of a shortsighted party functionary; it is a testament to the arrogant (and sexually dubious) values of the country-club set that still controls the once-grand and pathetically-ageing party.</p>
<p>* * *</p>
<p>The Voyeur, also known as Club 7969, is located on Santa Monica Blvd near Fairfax Ave. It is described as “designed like an off-color fantasy scene” from Stanley Kubrick’s erotic thriller, “Eyes Wide Shut,” starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It “errs on the side of eroticism [and] is suited up with an A-list clientele.”</p>
<p>As an upscale “gentlemen’s club,” it features topless dancers and offers performance sex shows involving bondage and other simulated play. According to one account, it regularly features “impromptu bondage and S&amp;M ‘scenes’ being played out on an elevated platform by scantily clad [female] performers throughout the night ….” One of its distinguishing features is a heavy net suspended above the club’s lounge area where female performers writhe above the heads of upscale partygoers. However, its most famous attraction is an enclosed glass booth area adjacent to the dance floor where provocative homoerotic lesbian sex scenes are played out. No less an authority then the invaluable website, Yelp, currently rates the Voyeur as LA’s hottest nightspot.</p>
<p>It is not yet clear who attended the RNC’s night-on-the-town on January 31st. However, Erik Brown, an Orange, CA, Republican consultant and donor, submitted a reimbursement request to the RNC for $1,946.25 to cover the costs of the night’s charges. Dutifully, the party paid the outstanding bill.</p>
<p>As the scandal gained momentum, the party leadership reacted as expected. Doug Heye, a party spokesman, huffed, “It was not a sanctioned R.N.C. activity. It was improper because of the venue.” Seeking to deflect criticism, Heye rationalized: “It is unfortunate that a loyal G.O.P. donor [Brown] who has recruited other donors became involved in this incident while merely trying to help what turned out to be the improper request of a staffer who is no longer with the committee.” He insists that the party’s “accounting and reimbursement processes are being revised” to prevent similar episodes from occurring. And this hapless “Brownie” agreed to repay the money.</p>
<p>Complicating the episode of Brown and his guests partying at the Voyeur club are other revelations about the free-spending ways of party officials. FEC filings show GOP hucksters spent $17,500 on travel by private jet, $15,000 on limousines and stays in Four Star hotels including the Beverly Hills Hotel ($9,000), Washington’s W Hotel ($15,000) and Philadelphia’s Four Seasons ($7,000). It’s so reassuring to see that Republican functionaries can live as well as the bankers who finance them.</p>
<p>This scandal follows an earlier embarrassing episode involving Steele. In January, he published a book attacking the Obama presidency and, as he traveled the nation promoting his work at paid engagements, he not only pocked the proceeds of his book’s advance but the speaking fees as well. His speaking fees range between $8,000 and $20,000 per address, plus first-class travel and lodging expenses.</p>
<p>* * *</p>
<p>Marx once famously noted: “Hegel remarks somewhere that all great world-historic facts and personages appear, so to speak, twice. He forgot to add: the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce.”</p>
<p>A series of sex scandals befell the Republican party in the months leading up to the November 2006 election and contributed to the growing popular disillusionment with the Bush presidency. Among these were incidents that involved the former Congressmen Mark Foley (R-FL) and Don Sherwood (R-PA), religious leaders like Revs. Ted Haggard and Paul Crouch, and the pundit Bill Bennett. It also involved revelations (along with disturbing photographs) of tortured prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Lynndie England’s seductive leer to the camera. And the absurd scandal involving Jeff Gannon, the Republican White House blogger who, after hours, turned out to be James Dale Guckert (aka “Bulldog”), operator of a gay website with U.S. Marine Corp. themes for the solicitation of male prostitutes. For Republicans, these incidents may well have been tragic examples of a party unraveling after six years exercise unchecked power.</p>
<p>The latest revelations about Republican goings-on at the Voyeur club may well be the second of a series of scandals that could represent pathetic farce. Having neither a coherent political program nor a secure electoral appeal among “independents,” the GOP is groping blindly for a viable identity in an increasingly diverse and economically troubled America. Amidst such blindness, it will likely move further to the right, appealing to ignorance and rage and thus promoting a neo-fascist program so as to avoid dealing with the pressing challenges facing a nation buffeted by a global capitalist system in the throws of a restructuring crisis.</p>
<p />
<p />
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<p><a href="http://greentags.bigcartel.com/" type="external">WORDS THAT STICK</a></p>
<p /> | GOP in Freefall? | true | https://counterpunch.org/2010/03/31/gop-in-freefall/ | 2010-03-31 | 4 |
<p>Most investors dream of blockbuster returns, and while the&#160;S&amp;P 500&#160;only returns an average of about 9% a year, there are at least a handful of stocks that skyrocket every year.</p>
<p>As the adage goes, past performance does not guarantee future returns, but it's worth examining big winners on the market to see where the next ones will come from or if these three-bagger stocks have any more gas left in the tank. As you can see below,&#160;SodaStream International&#160;(NASDAQ: SODA),&#160;Square, Inc.&#160;(NYSE: SQ), and&#160;Shopify, Inc.&#160;(NYSE: SHOP) have all more than tripled since last summer.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Let's take a closer took at what's propelled each of these stocks so high over the last 15 months.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago, SodaStream was regarded as all but a broken company. The stock had fallen sharply through 2014 and 2015 after it misread demand in the U.S during the 2013 holiday and was forced to discount excess inventory, while it cleared out those channels. Demand had peaked, and revenue growth turned negative.</p>
<p>As a result, SodaStream rebranded as a sparkling water company, and moved its production to a new, more efficient facility in Israel. Those moves resulted in a return to revenue growth and the tripling of its earnings per share.</p>
<p>With the help of its razor-and-blades model, SodaStream has soared past <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/12/dont-be-fooled-by-the-sodastream-selloff.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">earnings estimates Opens a New Window.</a> as its model gives it valuable operating leverage -- modest growth in sales leads to outsize growth in profits. Following the recent comeback, management expects operating income growth to moderate, but the company seems to have found a winning formula with its new position as a sparkling brand.</p>
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<p>Square stock dropped in the opening months after its 2015 IPO, but since last summer, the stock has surged as results have crushed estimates over the past year, with Square turning profitable sooner than expected.</p>
<p>Gross payment volume grew 32% in its most recent quarter to $16.4 billion, and adjusted revenue increased 41% to $240 million.</p>
<p>Investors have high hopes for so-called fintech companies like Square, as there should be a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/09/14/this-long-term-trend-makes-square-an-awesome-buy.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">long tail of growth Opens a New Window.</a>ahead as payments become more digitized and smartphones and tablets play a greater role in accepting them.</p>
<p>The company is also beginning to enter markets outside the U.S. It expanded into the U.K. in March, and international territory could be a huge opportunity going forward as credit cards are less common outside the U.S. The proliferation of smartphones makes Square a natural solution for such evolving markets. Earnings per share is expected to nearly double next year, and investor enthusiasm could push the stock up further.</p>
<p>It's no secret that Amazon.com has been one of the best-performing stocks of the last 20 years, evidence of the massive opportunity in e-commerce. For investors looking to capture that lightning in a bottle once again, <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/08/13/1-thing-shopify-does-right.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Shopify appears to present the best chance Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>The Canadian company offers e-commerce management software for small and medium-sized businesses, and its growth is evidence of the popularity of its product and its future growth potential.</p>
<p>Shopify's revenue has nearly doubled in every quarter since it went public and grew by 75% in its most recent quarter. Shopify investors are clearly excited about the company's long-term opportunities as e-commerce is becoming increasingly important for small retailers and other businesses. Its products are also strong enough that even Amazon pulled the plug on its own competitor, Amazon Webstore.</p>
<p>The company is the leader in a fast-growing industry. That's often a good recipe for multibagging growth.</p>
<p>If I were to bet on one of the three from here, I would go with Shopify due to its strong revenue growth and the potential in e-commerce, but SodaStream and Square should continue to outperform the market as analysts are underestimating both stocks.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than SodaStreamWhen 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=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=e6e98dcc-1906-4ef2-a316-a0c1b78063af&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">10 best stocks Opens a New Window.</a> for investors to buy right now... and SodaStream wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Fmms%2Fmark%2Fe-foolcom-sa-bbn-static%3Faid%3D8867%26source%3Disaeditxt0010449%26ftm_cam%3Dsa-bbn-evergreen%26ftm_pit%3D6312%26ftm_veh%3Dbbn_article_pitch&amp;impression=e6e98dcc-1906-4ef2-a316-a0c1b78063af&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFHobo/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;uuid=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Jeremy Bowman Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of SodaStream. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon and Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of SodaStream and Square. 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=7f8203d6-a937-11e7-afe9-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | 3 Stocks That Tripled | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/03/22/3-stocks-that-tripled.html | 2017-10-05 | 0 |
<p>Millions of people around the world are affected by depression and&#160;scientists are constantly looking for new and&#160;more effective treatments to help them.&#160; <a href="http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/hip-hop-magic-mushrooms-could-help-cure-depression--xJF8S__Yve?utm_source=indy&amp;utm_medium=top5&amp;utm_campaign=i100" type="external">The Independent recently</a>&#160;reported on&#160;two, shall we say, unusual&#160;lines of research:&#160;hip-hop music and magic mushrooms.</p>
<p>Magic mushrooms are the popular name for&#160;fungi&#160;that&#160;contain the hallucinogen psilocybin. Researchers believe the ingredient could reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The study is not complete, but early tests seem to show it can relieve the anxiety faced by&#160;cancer patients.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, researchers at Cambridge University are testing hip hop, whose lyrics often paint&#160;a&#160;bleak picture of the world, as a way to reach people who feel equally hopeless. They point out that many hip hop songs, after focusing on problems,&#160;provide images of the world that rappers would like to live in — and function like positive visual imagery&#160;therapy. The&#160;Cambridge researchers have even identified three especially helpful songs, including <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=_JZom_gVfuw" type="external">Juicy by Notorious B.I.G</a>.</p>
<p>(Editor's note: The Global Scan can be delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. Just&#160; <a href="" type="internal">register and sign up&#160;</a>today.)</p>
<p>During a chilly evening event at this week's&#160;APEC summit in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped a shawl around the shoulders of&#160;Peng Liyuan, the wife of his host, Chinese President Xi Jinping. Her husband was busy chatting with US President Barack Obama.</p>
<p>She gave an appreciative nod and the gesture&#160;was recorded and aired on state television. But Chinese authorities had second thoughts about the video.&#160;Apparently, they felt the moment of kindness by Putin reflected poorly on Chinese President Xi Jinping, who seemed inattentive by contrast. And jokes started circulating that the divorced Russian president had designs on Peng Liyuan, who is famous in her own right as a popular folk&#160;singer.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>So, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/11/putin-gallant-gesture-chinese-leader-wife-censored" type="external">according to The Guardian</a>, state media censors quickly scrubbed the video from&#160;television and the Internet. We've got to think that Putin must have admired their&#160;control over media.</p>
<p>Ahmad, a 10-year-old boy in Lebanon,&#160;wants to be a pro basketball player. That's not&#160;unlike countless other kids around the world. But Ahmad has an NGO supporting&#160;his efforts.</p>
<p>The group, Nawaya, helps disadvantaged kids to pursue their dreams. It bought Ahmad&#160;his basketball and&#160;shoes and even arranged&#160;for free basketball lessons. Ahmad loves the sport; so does his dad. He looks forward to his basketball lessons more than almost anything. But not everyone is convinced this is such a good idea.</p>
<p>While Ahmad loves basketball, he's not doing so well in school. His mom is worried that if basketball doesn't pan out,&#160;he'll have nothing to fall back on. Nawaya says its job is not to educate, but to help these kids&#160;dream.&#160; <a href="" type="internal">PRI's The World went to Lebanon</a>&#160;to profile the country's youth, like&#160;Ahmad, for its series, "Young Lebanon."</p>
<p>Malala Yousafzai, the 17-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been hailed around the world for standing up for the right of girls&#160;to an education in her native Pakistan. But at home, she's not universally admired, even by schools.</p>
<p>A group of Pakistani private schools decided to hold&#160;“I am not Malala" Day on Monday. The group condemns the young human rights activist for her&#160;"support for controversial novelist Salman Rushdie," <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/school-body-observes-antimalala-day/article6585011.ece" type="external">The Hindu reports</a>.&#160;The schools held walks, seminars and press conferences as part of "I am not Malala" Day festivities.&#160;</p>
<p>The criticism centers on the young woman's book, which the group&#160;All Pakistan Private Schools Federation banned last year — claiming&#160;it contains&#160;“anti-Pakistan and anti-Islam content.”&#160;Malala is viewed by some Pakistanis as being an agent of the West, introduced to discredit and shame her country.</p>
<p>The Metolius River in Oregon is home to a thriving population of bull trout, as well as some recovering sockeye&#160;salmon runs. But that's not all.&#160;It has also become home to an invasive plant species called&#160;ribbon grass — an ornamental grass that is choking out native grasses and disrupting the ecosystem.</p>
<p>The ribbon grass arrived in the river in a not-at-all nefarious way.&#160;It was planted in someone's yard. But over time, the grass, which is particularly well-suited to that area of Oregon, expanded, taking root in the Metolius River.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">PRI's Living on Earth</a>&#160;reports that&#160;environmentalists have tried digging it up, cutting it back and even burning it. Their latest strategy involves applying herbicides to the grass by hand, with a sponge — a process that is working, but awfully&#160;time-consuming.&#160;</p>
<p>Heavy rains in northern Italy on Tuesday led to flooding and a landslide. An elderly couple is missing, thought to be&#160;buried inside their home. Another woman, trapped by the rising waters, died of a heart attack. More than 8 inches (20 cm)&#160;of rain fell in 12 hours on some towns in the province of Liguria. Buildings were evacuated in several places, including Genoa, the largest city in the province,&#160;after three rivers overflowed their banks, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/11/us-italy-weather-idUSKCN0IV1I620141111" type="external">according to the BBC</a>.</p> | 'Magic' mushrooms to treat depression? Some researchers think so | false | https://pri.org/stories/2014-11-11/magic-mushrooms-treat-depression-some-researchers-think-so | 2014-11-11 | 3 |
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<p>HOUSTON - Houston police have arrested a man accused of being in a fight outside a club, stealing a patrol car and crashing the vehicle into a ditch.</p>
<p>No officers were hurt in the incident early Thursday. The suspect was treated for a cut hand suffered in the argument outside a bar.</p>
<p>The incident began when police responded to a report of a stabbed man. The seriously injured victim was found in the bar's parking lot and transported to a hospital.</p>
<p>Officers who drove up had a description of the suspect, spotted him nearby and ran after him. Police say the suspect got into the squad car and drove toward one officer. Another officer opened fire, but didn't strike anyone.</p>
<p>The chase ended with the car in a ditch.</p>
<p>Charges are pending.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Houston police nab man accused of stealing patrol car | false | https://abqjournal.com/648792/houston-police-nab-man-accused-of-stealing-patrol-car.html | 2 |
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<p>After Saturday’s 59-55 loss in Fresno, the team’s eighth in a row and all in the month of February after going 6-3 through the first half of Mountain West play, Sunday brought with it maintenance and weather delays on its American Airlines flight home, leading to an overnight bus ride back from Phoenix.</p>
<p>That plan worked fine for about 90 minutes.</p>
<p>Just a few miles outside Payson, Ariz., the bus’ battery light lit up, and an engine belt shredded, forcing the team to return to Payson. A mechanic made some repairs and the bus was back on the road shortly after 11 p.m. following nearly a 3 hour delay at a Giant gas station.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, a delay of 2 hours, 15 minutes out of Fresno due to maintenance issues on the plane caused the Lobos to miss their connecting flight in Phoenix. Instead of breaking up the team, and the 22-member travel party, by sending players and support staff home one or two at a time as standby passengers, Lobo coach Craig Neal said he would rather them all get home together on a bus.</p>
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<p>“We can’t break them up like that,” Neal said. “And there are no guarantees they even get home tomorrow (today) if we don’t do it this way. This way they all get back today and won’t miss class.”</p>
<p>After loading up for dinner at Lo-Lo’s Chicken &amp; Waffles at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the Lobos loaded their bus about 7 p.m. on Sunday night and were originally hopeful to arrive home around 2 a.m. Obviously that did not happen. For last Tuesday’s trip to Boise, Idaho, the team didn’t arrive back at campus until 7 p.m. Wednesday.</p>
<p>Neal stayed in Phoenix, where future Lobos signee Dane Kuiper (class of 2015) and verbally committed recruit Mitch Lightfoot (Class of 2016) play tonight in high school state title games. Assistant coach Drew Adams took the bus back to Albuquerque, but still planned on making a 6:45 a.m. flight out this morning to go recruiting.</p>
<p>Cody Hopkins, the team’s first-year director of basketball operations, was scrambling throughout the day to make arrangements for the drive back.</p>
<p>The Lobos, who don’t have a midweek game, play their regular-season finale Saturday against Wyoming.</p>
<p>“I think they want to play (again sooner), but I think the biggest thing is we’ll get over some things (like recent sickness) with some of our guys and give them a couple of days away,” Neal said. “They can reflect on how close they were – just how close they were on how many games, like this game. Maybe it will be a thing where we can breed some confidence in them with how well we’ve played.”</p>
<p>HIGH ON HUGH: As many opposing coaches have said throughout the season, the focal point for Fresno State’s defensive strategy was Lobo senior guard Hugh Greenwood. Make things difficult on him, so opposing scouting reports go, and most teams in the league are more than comfortable taking their chances that nobody else on the Lobo roster will make them pay.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Fresno State coach Rodney Terry said he was happy with the aggressive defense played on Greenwood, who finished the game shooting 1-of-7 from the floor with three points, three rebounds, three steals and five turnovers.</p>
<p>Being able to contain Greenwood, and get over the hump of beating the Lobos for the first time in six games playing in the Mountain West, especially after the Lobos made their run to cut the lead to two points in the second half, was a big step for the Bulldogs, Terry said.</p>
<p>“Greenwood is one of the more clutch players in our league,” Terry said. “He’s a winner. … We knew they weren’t just going to lay down. They have too much pride, and their culture of winning won’t allow them to do that. We knew we had to continue to play and compete at a high level.”</p>
<p>NEW STARTERS TO STAY? Xavier Adams was inserted into the starting lineup Saturday night and, while he responded with a solid stat line of eight points, four rebounds and two assists on 4-of-4 shooting, the move clearly didn’t get the team going.</p>
<p>The Lobos found themselves down 22 points (30-8) with 7:30 left in the opening half.</p>
<p>Still, Neal doesn’t regret trying a new lineup, something some fans had hoped for a few games ago.</p>
<p>“I just thought I had to change something up,” Neal said. “I don’t know if it would have mattered who we put in (avoiding that bad start). … I just put who I thought should have a chance. That was the biggest thing. Then we got off to a real slow start and we had to go back. I thought we had good efforts. A lot of these guys are growing up.”</p>
<p>LOBO LINKS: <a href="" type="internal">Geoff Grammer’s blog</a> | <a href="" type="internal">Schedule/Results</a> | <a href="" type="internal">Roster</a></p>
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<p /> | Lobos’ return from Fresno includes missed flight, broken-down bus | false | https://abqjournal.com/548298/bulldogs-put-focus-on-greenwood.html | 2015-03-02 | 2 |
<p>QUINTON, Okla. (AP) — The Latest on a fiery explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig (all times local):</p>
<p>4 p.m.</p>
<p>An initial report into a deadly natural gas rig explosion in Oklahoma indicates there was an uncontrolled release of gas that caught fire and that a worker at the scene tried unsuccessfully to shut down the well.</p>
<p>The incident report into the explosion and fire that killed five workers was released on Tuesday by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates oil and gas operations in the state.</p>
<p>The blast happened Monday morning at a drilling site near Quinton, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. The explosion sent plumes of black smoke into the air and left a derrick crumpled on the ground.</p>
<p>Once the drilling site was stabilized on Tuesday, authorities recovered the remains of all five workers.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3 p.m.</p>
<p>Officials say they have recovered the remains of five workers missing since an explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig.</p>
<p>Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said Tuesday personnel from the state medical examiner’s office began searching for the workers about noon once the drilling site had been stabilized.</p>
<p>Morris says the bodies are being transported to Oklahoma City for identification.</p>
<p>The blast happened Monday morning at a drilling site near Quinton, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. The explosion sent plumes of black smoke into the air and left a derrick crumpled on the ground.</p>
<p>Morris says the five employees who were killed were in an area of the drilling rig known as the “dog house” where the rig hands worked.</p>
<p>An emergency official says five people are missing after an explosion at a drilling rig in eastern Oklahoma. (Jan. 22)</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10:25 a.m.</p>
<p>Officials say the five employees who have been missing since an explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig are presumed dead.</p>
<p>Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said Tuesday that the search for the workers has turned to a recovery mission after the Monday morning blast in eastern Oklahoma.</p>
<p>Three of the workers were employed by Houston-based Patterson-UTI Energy Inc. Company president and CEO Andy Hendricks pledged a full investigation into the explosion.</p>
<p>Emergency management officials said Monday night that the fire was extinguished. Authorities say 16 people who were on the site at the time of the blast escaped without major injuries. One person was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>7:20 a.m.</p>
<p>The search is resuming for five people who are unaccounted for after a fiery explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig.</p>
<p>The blast happened Monday morning at a drilling site near Quinton, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. The explosion sent plumes of black smoke into the air and left a derrick crumpled on the ground. For much of the day Monday, emergency officials were unable to get near the rig because the fire was still burning.</p>
<p>Emergency management officials said Monday night that the fire was extinguished. Authorities say 16 people who were on the site at the time of the blast escaped without major injuries. One person was airlifted to a hospital, and five others remain missing.</p>
<p>The cause of the blast is not yet known.</p>
<p>QUINTON, Okla. (AP) — The Latest on a fiery explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig (all times local):</p>
<p>4 p.m.</p>
<p>An initial report into a deadly natural gas rig explosion in Oklahoma indicates there was an uncontrolled release of gas that caught fire and that a worker at the scene tried unsuccessfully to shut down the well.</p>
<p>The incident report into the explosion and fire that killed five workers was released on Tuesday by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates oil and gas operations in the state.</p>
<p>The blast happened Monday morning at a drilling site near Quinton, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. The explosion sent plumes of black smoke into the air and left a derrick crumpled on the ground.</p>
<p>Once the drilling site was stabilized on Tuesday, authorities recovered the remains of all five workers.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3 p.m.</p>
<p>Officials say they have recovered the remains of five workers missing since an explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig.</p>
<p>Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said Tuesday personnel from the state medical examiner’s office began searching for the workers about noon once the drilling site had been stabilized.</p>
<p>Morris says the bodies are being transported to Oklahoma City for identification.</p>
<p>The blast happened Monday morning at a drilling site near Quinton, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. The explosion sent plumes of black smoke into the air and left a derrick crumpled on the ground.</p>
<p>Morris says the five employees who were killed were in an area of the drilling rig known as the “dog house” where the rig hands worked.</p>
<p>An emergency official says five people are missing after an explosion at a drilling rig in eastern Oklahoma. (Jan. 22)</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>10:25 a.m.</p>
<p>Officials say the five employees who have been missing since an explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig are presumed dead.</p>
<p>Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said Tuesday that the search for the workers has turned to a recovery mission after the Monday morning blast in eastern Oklahoma.</p>
<p>Three of the workers were employed by Houston-based Patterson-UTI Energy Inc. Company president and CEO Andy Hendricks pledged a full investigation into the explosion.</p>
<p>Emergency management officials said Monday night that the fire was extinguished. Authorities say 16 people who were on the site at the time of the blast escaped without major injuries. One person was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>7:20 a.m.</p>
<p>The search is resuming for five people who are unaccounted for after a fiery explosion at an Oklahoma gas drilling rig.</p>
<p>The blast happened Monday morning at a drilling site near Quinton, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. The explosion sent plumes of black smoke into the air and left a derrick crumpled on the ground. For much of the day Monday, emergency officials were unable to get near the rig because the fire was still burning.</p>
<p>Emergency management officials said Monday night that the fire was extinguished. Authorities say 16 people who were on the site at the time of the blast escaped without major injuries. One person was airlifted to a hospital, and five others remain missing.</p>
<p>The cause of the blast is not yet known.</p> | The Latest: Report: Uncontrolled gas release led to rig fire | false | https://apnews.com/fc87a5939bdd4e34b9106a6bed1f657d | 2018-01-23 | 2 |
<p />
<p>New York Times Co. (NYSE:NYT) said Monday it plans to sell its regional newspaper group, further streamlining its operations in the face of a sharp decline in ad revenues in recent years.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The sale to Halifax Media Holdings includes 16 newspapers and various other publications, according to a statement released by the New York Times.</p>
<p>The price was not disclosed and a New York Times spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Halifax Media couldn’t be reached for comment.</p>
<p>The Times's Regional Media Group includes papers in Florida, Louisiana, California and North Carolina and has a combined weekday circulation of over 400,000, according to The Wall Street Journal.</p>
<p>The New York Times, like all newspaper companies, has struggled to adapt to the changing media landscape in which more and more people are getting their news online rather than in print form.</p>
<p>The company has focused much of its attention recently on boosting the digital presence of its flagship property, the New York Times, setting up a paywall earlier this year for its online content. Recent filings suggest the move has been modestly successful but hardly enough to offset losses due to declining ad revenues.</p>
<p>On Friday, the company announced the resignation of its CEO Janet Robinson.</p>
<p>The sale to Halifax is the New York Times’ most recent effort to streamline its business, having sold part of its stake in the &#160;Boston Red Sox for $117 million in July.</p>
<p>The Times’ shares were down 13 cents, or 1.8%, at $7.23 in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | NYT Co. Plans to Sell Regional Paper Group | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2011/12/19/nyt-co-reportedly-selling-regional-papers.html | 2016-01-29 | 0 |
<p>Charles Dharapak/ZUMA</p>
<p />
<p>In his State of the Union address last year, President Barack Obama, just weeks after winning reelection, delivered a <a href="" type="internal">speech with real punch</a>. He presented a fiercely progressive agenda, and it seemed there actually might be a chance that a few items on his to-do list—immigration reform or gun safety measures—would make it through Congress, despite the continuing influence of die-hard tea partiers in the House Republican caucus. Obama forcefully declared then that he would boldly pursue important initiatives. He was making good use of postelection momentum by putting forward an ambitious game plan. It was a call to action that embodied the currents of the moment. The speech was big. A year later, Obama has downsized.</p>
<p>Clearly, Obama has recognized the reality that obstructionist Republicans on the Hill render big things virtually impossible. After all, the past few years have shown that they can barely keep the government open. So in this year’s State of the Union address, Obama talked about large needs, particularly boosting economic opportunity and bolstering the economy for the tough competition of this century. But he didn’t invest much in promoting grand pieces of legislation. He instead made the case for a host of policies that could nudge the nation in a better direction: tax reform that closes corporate loopholes, gun safety measures, immigration reform, patent reform, infrastructure investment, Head Start expansion, a boost in federal funds for scientific research, ending gender inequality in pay, extending unemployment insurance, curbing subsidies for fossil fuels, and a higher minimum wage for all workers. He has pushed for all of this before. And he declared that on its own—without Congress, that is—his administration would raise the minimum wage for employees of federal contractors, open new high-tech manufacturing hubs, set new standards for climate change pollutants, and initiate a program to reform job-training programs (led by Vice President Joe Biden).&#160;</p>
<p>Put all his executive actions together, and it can be real change that helps some Americans, but it is less sweeping than his full vision. Though Obama was in high spirits—enthusiastically defending Obamacare and fervently calling for raising wages for American workers—he did not wrap all of this in one overarching political narrative. And he let the Republicans off easy. He did chide House GOPers&#160;for voting 40 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. And he referenced the recent government shutdown and debt ceiling showdown, noting that when political debate “prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy—when our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the Untied States—then we are not doing right by the American people.” But Obama didn’t use this opportunity to focus on the reason he has to go it alone: Republicans hell-bent on disrupting the government and thwarting all the initiatives he deems necessary for the good of the nation. Even when he quasi-denounced the government shutdown, he did not name-check House Speaker John Boehner and his tea-party-driven comrades. During the speech, he even hailed Boehner, the son of a barkeep, as a symbol of the American dream.</p>
<p>In the past, Obama has not been shy about addressing the fundamental conflict that besieges Washington: He believes government can be used to steer the economy toward a better place and provide support to Americans in need; Republicans consider government&#160;the problem. This clash has brought Washington to a standstill—at least in terms of producing legislation that addresses the country’s priorities. Yet Obama barely called out Republicans in this speech;&#160;he did not exploit this high-profile moment to confront the obstructionist opposition. He delivered heartfelt anecdotes about Americans who need a raise or who rely on Obamacare. His tone was positive; his rhetoric was uplifting. He sought to move CEOs and citizens to action. But he did little to influence the political landscape.&#160;</p>
<p>It could be that Obama does not wish to antagonize Republicans, out of hope that immigration reform or tax reform might still be possible in the last years of his presidency. Perhaps he believes it would be unseemly to poke too hard at Republican legislators within their own chamber. Maybe he didn’t want to appear stuck in the GOP-created muck of the nation’s capital. He took the high road. But this speech lacked a political context. It was full of powerful arguments and powerful tales about the struggles of particular Americans. Obama’s rousing delivery surpassed the content.&#160;His tribute to Sgt. Cory Remsburg, a vet wounded in Afghanistan who was sitting next to Michelle Obama, was moving and justifiably sparked the longest and loudest applause of the evening. “Men and women like Cory,” he proclaimed, “remind us that America has never come easy.”&#160;</p>
<p>One can wonder exactly what that means. But there is a reason why progress in Washington is not coming easy these days—and why the lives of many Americans will remain more difficult than need be. (See the unemployment insurance dust-up.) Yet the president&#160;left this out. He was seeking to inspire but within a political vacuum. How far will his sound carry in that environment?</p>
<p /> | Obama’s State of the Union: Letting the Republicans Off the Hook | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2014/01/obama-state-union-let-republicans-off-hook/ | 2014-01-29 | 4 |
<p>A family in Wilmington, Delaware is <a href="http://wdel.com/story/70797-video-doj-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-in-wilmington-family-disputes-police-account" type="external">demanding answers</a> about why wheelchair-bound Jeremy McDole was shot multiple times. Police officers say he threatened them with a gun, though video suggests otherwise.</p>
<p>In a video of the encounter on Wednesday afternoon, an unidentified officer points his gun at the 28-year-old, yelling “show me your hands!” A shot is fired, but it is unclear who it came from. The officer continues to yell for the man to put his hands up and “drop the gun,” and three more officers arrive for back up, saying “hands up, put your hands up,” with guns drawn. The witness who recorded the video notes that McDole is bleeding. McDole moves his hands around in his lap and appears to put one in his pocket, when the cops fire their weapons at least ten times.</p>
<p>Police say they were responding to a call that McDole shot himself, and that he was still armed with a&#160;.38-caliber gun when they arrived at the scene. It is hard to tell what McDole was doing throughout the video, although there does not appear to be a weapon in his hands.</p>
<p>You can watch the graphic video here:</p>
<p>Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cummings <a href="http://www.local10.com/news/delaware-police-shoot-man-in-wheelchair/35477136" type="external">maintains</a> McDole was removing a weapon from his waist, justifying the police response. But relatives of the deceased <a href="http://wdel.com/story/70797-video-doj-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-in-wilmington-family-disputes-police-account" type="external">contend</a> that McDole was sitting with his hands in his lap. They also dispute that he was suicidal.</p>
<p>“They shot him so many times he fell out of the wheel chair and onto the ground…he wasn’t armed,” McDole’s mother <a href="http://wdel.com/story/70797-video-doj-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-in-wilmington-family-disputes-police-account" type="external">told several news outlets</a>. “He didn’t have a gun.” One bystander later <a href="http://www.fox29.com/news/local-news/24296333-story" type="external">said</a> he did not see McDole with a gun.</p>
<p>The Department of Justice has <a href="http://wdel.com/story/70797-video-doj-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-in-wilmington-family-disputes-police-account" type="external">launched</a> an official investigation. Four officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty.</p>
<p>According to a Washington Post database, <a href="" type="internal">727 people</a> have been shot and killed by police in 2015. But the Wilmington shooting also reveals how police <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/05/misunderstanding-disability-leads-to-police-violence/361786/" type="external">escalate encounters with people with physical disabilities</a>. There are numerous examples of cops assaulting handicapped people. One officer was sentenced to 40 months in jail for <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/11/cop-gets-40-months-for-be_n_214500.html" type="external">handcuffing a stabbing victim to a wheelchair and beating him</a> with a weapon. A San Francisco officer tried to <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/san-francisco-dump-man-wheelchair-article-1.2088636" type="external">dump a man out of his wheelchair</a> for running over his foot. And a double amputee in a wheelchair was <a href="" type="internal">shot and killed by an officer</a> for waving a pen.</p> | Video Shows Delaware Police Shoot And Kill Man In Wheelchair | true | http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/09/25/3705567/delaware-community-outraged-after-wheelchair-bound-man-shot-and-killed-by-police/ | 2015-09-25 | 4 |
<p>Q: What’s the deal with Prof. Joseph Olson’s “unreported stats” from the 2008 election?</p>
<p>A: This chain e-mail is a hoax. The “statistics” are grossly incorrect, and Prof. Olson says he didn’t write it.</p>
<p />
<p>Full Question</p>
<p>Is this true?</p>
<p>INTERESTING FACTS —– NOTICE LINK AND MAP AT BOTTOM</p>
<p>Some unreported stats about the 2008 election</p>
<p>Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2008 Presidential election:</p>
<p>-Number of States won by: Democrats: 20; Republicans: 30</p>
<p>-Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000; Republicans: 2,427,000</p>
<p>[EET ]-Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million; Republicans: 143 million</p>
<p>-Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2; Republicans: 2.1</p>
<p>Professor Olson adds: “In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens. Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in rented or government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare…”</p>
<p>Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the “complacency and apathy” phase of Professor Tyler’s definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation’s population already having reached the “governmental dependency” phase.</p>
<p />
<p>Notice that only in the states of Alaska and Oklahoma: All counties were won by McCain/Palin.</p>
<p>The original posting with this information is below this Newsweek article at this link: http://www.newsweek.com/id/163337.</p>
<p>[/EET]</p>
<p>Full Answer</p>
<p>First, Joseph Olson is a professor at Hamline (not Hemline) University School of Law in St. Paul, Minn. None of what appears in this e-mail was written by him. He has been denying authorship of this old hoax since earlier versions first cropped up after the 2000 election. Most recently he posted a disclaimer about the 2008 version on his <a href="http://law.hamline.edu/constitutional_law/joseph_olson.html" type="external">university profile page</a>:</p>
<p>Olson: There is an e-mail floating around the internet dealing with the 2008 Obama/McCain election and the 2000 Bush/Gore election, remarks of a Scottish philosopher named Alexander Tyler, etc. Part of it is attributed to me. It is entirely BOGUS as to my authorship. I’ve been trying to kill it since December 2000. For details see: &lt; <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/ballot/athenian.asp" type="external">http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/tyler.asp</a>.</p>
<p>More important, the “unreported stats” listed in this e-mail are all wrong:</p>
<p>Our Calculations</p>
<p>We calculated county populations and murder rates using official data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s “ <a href="http://www.census.gov/support/DataDownload.htm" type="external">USA County Data Files</a>.” We obtained nearly complete county-by-county election results from the Web site of <a href="http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mejn/election/2008/" type="external">University of Michigan professor Mark Newman</a>, who extracted them from USA Today’s election Web site as of Nov. 16. We adjusted these figures only to resolve ties in three counties (more recent figures show two of these counties going for Obama, one for McCain). It is possible that a few counties will change hands when all official results are reported.</p>
<p>Population figures are Census estimates for 2007. Murder rates are calculated from the number of murders and non-negligent homicides by county for 2005, the most recent figures Census provides, and population estimates for 2005.</p>
<p>Origins of a Hoax</p>
<p>This hoax goes back eight years, when an earlier version began to circulate following the bitterly disputed 2000 presidential election. Snopes.com, a site devoted to debunking urban myths, <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/ballot/athenian.asp" type="external">took that one apart</a> at the time, noting that Prof. Olson denied authorship and that some factual claims didn’t check out. A new version went around for a time after the 2004 election, and whoever wrote the 2008 version of the e-mail didn’t even bother to make up new “stats,” but simply substituted the words “Democrats” and “Republicans” where the names “Gore” and “Bush” had appeared.</p>
<p>The origin of the population and square-mile figures used in the 2008 version, in fact, is this <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/vote2000/cbc/map.htm" type="external">USA Today map</a> of the 2000 election results. It shows 143 million people in counties won by George W. Bush and 127 million in counties won by Al Gore, for example. Of course elections are won by electoral votes not counties won. And the fact is that in 2008 the counties carried by Obama were far more populous than those carried by McCain.</p>
<p>The crime figures, however, were no more accurate in the original than in the 2008 version. They were <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/tyler.asp" type="external">debunked by Snopes</a> which put the actual county-by-county murder rate at 6.5 for counties supporting Gore, in 2000, and 4.1 for counties supporting Bush. Each of those figures is a far cry from the 13.2 and 2.1 figures used in the original 2000 e-mail, and they’re simply repeated in the most recent version and attributed to Obama and McCain counties.</p>
<p>One original note in the 2008 version of the e-mail is the line added at the end: “Notice that only in the states of Alaska and Oklahoma: All counties were won by McCain/Palin.” But even that is a bit misleading. McCain and his vice presidential running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, did win all counties in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/county/#OKP00p1" type="external">Oklahoma</a> and did carry the state of Alaska, but Alaska <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/results.htm" type="external">doesn’t tally votes</a> by county.</p>
<p>Where Did It Come From?</p>
<p>References to the original e-mail were spotted as far back as November 2000. Terry Krepel, writing for <a href="http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/index.html" type="external">ConWebWatch</a>, a Web site “dedicated to analysis and critique of conservative ‘new media’,” <a href="http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/stories/2004/nmlegend.html" type="external">mentioned</a> two articles that appeared on the news site <a href="http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2000/11/29/95942.shtml" type="external">NewsMax.com</a> in 2000 citing information from the e-mail.</p>
<p>Dave Hamrick, in his article for Georgia’s Fayette Citizen, offers an explanation of how Prof. Olson’s name came to be tied to the bogus murder rate figures. He <a href="http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/archive/main/archive-010117/opinion/op-01.html" type="external">asked</a> Olson about them and discovered that the e-mail wasn’t Olson’s work:</p>
<p>Hamrick, Jan. 17, 2001: But in response to my e-mail, Olson said the “research” was attributed to him erroneously. He said it came from a Sheriff Jay Printz in Montana. I e-mailed Sheriff Printz, and guess what? He didn’t do the research either, and didn’t remember who had e-mailed it to him.</p>
<p>In other words, he got the same legend e-mailed to him and passed it on to Olson without checking it out, and when Olson passed it on, someone thought it sounded better if a law professor had done the research, and so it grew.</p>
<p>Who knows where it originally came from, but it’s just not true. We can’t be certain with whom, or precisely when, the message originated, but Hamrick’s observation, that Olson forwarded a version of the e-mail he had received, may explain how Olson’s name became attached to it.</p>
<p>-D’Angelo Gore and Brooks Jackson</p>
<p>Snopes.com. “ <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/tyler.asp" type="external">The Fall of the Athenian Republic</a>,” 18 Dec. 2008.</p>
<p>Kreppel, Terry. “ <a href="http://conwebwatch.tripod.com/stories/2004/nmlegend.html" type="external">NewsMax’s Urban Legend</a>.” ConWebWatch, 7 April 2004.</p>
<p>Hardy, David. “ <a href="http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2006/10/request_regardi.php" type="external">Request regarding Joe Olson quotation</a>.” Of Arms &amp; Law (Weblog), 1 Oct. 2006.</p>
<p>Hamrick, Dave. “ <a href="http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/archive/main/archive-010117/opinion/op-01.html" type="external">Don’t believe, or pass on, all you read</a>.” Fayette Citizen, 17 Jan. 2001.</p> | Unreported Stats | false | https://factcheck.org/2009/01/unreported-stats/ | 2009-01-05 | 2 |
<p>Developers seeking permission to open casinos in upstate New York fielded questions about their finances and revenue projections Monday as they made direct pitches to the state's siting board.</p>
<p>The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is hearing two full days of in-person presentations from 16 casino applicants. Applicants used their 45-minute blocks to show slickly produced promotional videos, run through economic and revenue statistics and argue why they deserve a casino license over their regional competitors.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>"We're 2 miles from the border. We have a direct highway access," said Jeff Gural, who runs Tioga Downs near the Pennsylvania state line, west of Binghamton. Tioga is among three applicants competing for a license in the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region.</p>
<p>The state has authorized up to four casino licenses to be divided among three upstate regions: the Albany-Saratoga area, the Southern Tier-Finger Lakes region and the Catskills and mid-Hudson River Valley.</p>
<p>The board could choose to grant two licenses in one region but is not obligated to issue all four licenses when decisions are expected this fall. Amid signs of market saturation in the Northeast and the recent Atlantic City casino closings, some applicants and industry watchers say privately they aren't counting on the state initially granting all the licenses this fall.</p>
<p>The casinos were promoted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a way to boost economic development in lagging areas of upstate New York. Board members on Monday asked questions that suggested they were cognizant of new casinos "cannibalizing" business from one another or from existing gambling operations. Developers of the proposed Capital View Resort and Casino assured the board their Albany-area casino would not imperil their video lottery and harness track in nearby Saratoga Springs since they could grow the market.</p>
<p>And applicants Monday stressed their ability to create jobs.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Bill Walsh, the developer behind the Traditions Casino and Resort proposal near Binghamton, said the area is ailing and needs the boost his casino would bring.</p>
<p>"This is the right community," Walsh said. "We have the community support."</p>
<p>The Tioga and Traditions teams both argued they could "recapture" gambling dollars now going to casinos in Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>The Tioga team also said they would expect more than 90 percent of their revenues to come from gamblers residing within a 60-minute drive. Gural said he didn't think his current operation could survive if a new casino opened nearby in the Binghamton area.</p>
<p>Three additional public hearings on the proposals are scheduled for later in the month in Albany, Poughkeepsie and Ithaca to allow for public comment.</p> | Developers proposing upstate New York casinos make public pitches, face questions from board | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/09/08/developers-proposing-upstate-new-york-casinos-make-public-pitches-face.html | 2016-03-05 | 0 |
<p>A young woman has told how a “psycho” builder slit her throat and wrists before telling her she had “10 minutes to live” after killing her friend. He allegedly kidnapped, raped and murdered his niece.</p>
<p>Mujahid Arshid, 33, a builder, allegedly abducted his niece Celine Dookhran, 20, a Barclays worker, and another young woman, 21, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He is then said to have taken them to a disused six-bedroom house he was working on in Kingston, south London in July last year.</p>
<p>Read more</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/uk/397573-celine-dookhran-killing-tributes/" type="external" /></p>
<p>The second victim managed to survive by fooling her attacker into believing they could be together. The woman then called her mother and police raided the property. It was then that officers found the remains of Dookhran dumped in a freezer.</p>
<p>Once Arshid was arrested at the Holiday Inn Folkestone, police went through his laptops and found pictures of his victims. His internet history included searches including “chest freezers for sale,” “at what temperature does the human body freeze,” and “can a person freeze to death,” jurors heard.</p>
<p>Arshid, said to be “sexually fixated” on the girls, was also found to have searched for strong painkillers, sulfuric acid, and googled “acid bath murderer.”</p>
<p>Jurors were told the defendant also looked into “human cremation” and “butchering the human carcass.”</p>
<p>According to Prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC, Arshid had searched for information on serial killer John George Haigh, who was hanged in 1949 for murdering six people and disposing of their remains in a number of ways, including by dissolving them in baths filled with acid.</p>
<p>The serial killer, who Aylett said was known in “infamy” for the acid baths, inspired Arshid to set up a new email address at the domain iNeedAnAcidBathSpace.com.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/uk/406614-kidnap-rape-murder-freezer/" type="external">READ MORE: Man denies kidnapping, raping &amp; butchering teenager before stuffing her into a freezer</a></p>
<p>Police also found a bank payment to co-accused Vincent Tappu, an employee of Arshid, who allegedly helped him to abduct the girls. The pair are jointly charged with the kidnap of Dookhran and the second woman, conspiracy to falsely imprison both women, and possessing a firearm with intent – a taser.</p>
<p>Dookhran’s family wept at the Old Bailey as a police interview with the witness was played. She told how they were abducted by Dookhran’s uncle and a taser-wielding accomplice, and bundled into the back of his pick-up truck.</p>
<p>In the police interview, she described hearing screams and thuds as Arshid allegedly killed Dookhran after molesting both women. When he turned on her, the witness allegedly told him: “No, no, no, we need to talk.”</p>
<p>She said, according to the Daily Mail: “I started fighting, I grabbed him, kneed him down below. He did not flinch at all. I grabbed his face. I grabbed the knife. He started to slit me everywhere. I got my neck slit, my wrists.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/uk/397438-honor-killing-freezer-rape/" type="external">READ MORE: London ‘honor killing’ victim ‘raped, murdered &amp; stuffed in freezer for dating Arab Muslim’</a></p>
<p>“He said ‘Now you’ve got 10 minutes to live and your body will shut down.’ I was trying to play dead. He molested Celine’s body while she was dead and then he molested me thinking I was dead. He’s such a psycho.</p>
<p>“I sat up and he said ‘How have you got so much energy?’ I was covered in blood from head to toe. I was swimming in it. I started saying things he wanted to hear: ‘I love you, we can run away together, we can be happy together, we can have a family.’</p>
<p>“He said ‘I’m not good enough for you, look what I have done,’” she recalled.Arshid, of no fixed address, and Tappu, 28, of Acton, west London, deny kidnap, false imprisonment and possession of a firearm with intent.</p>
<p>Arshid has also pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder, rape of both women, and the previous sexual assault and assault by penetration of the surviving woman when she was about 13.</p>
<p>If you like this story, share it with a friend!</p> | Man who ‘kidnapped, raped, killed’ niece gave other victim ‘10 minutes to live,’ court told | false | https://newsline.com/man-who-kidnapped-raped-killed-niece-gave-other-victim-10-minutes-to-live-court-told/ | 2018-01-19 | 1 |
<p>In a new video, Brother Rachid tackles the politically correct responses by politicians like Obama after terrorist attacks.</p>
<p>"How politicians like Obama, Francois Holland, or David Cameron know that Islam is a religion of peace? I wonder how much time they spent reading the Quran and trying to understand it? Did they read the biography of Muhammed for example? I can assure you none of them did, but still they give statements about Islam," he says in the video as well as the description. Rachid goes into detail about the goals of terrorists and how politicians think they know better. <a href="" type="internal">MORE: Group creates fake anti-Israel and anti-Palestine Facebook pages. Only one page was removed from Facebook</a>"Top Islamic scholars couldn't say that ISIS members are not Muslims, but politicians like Obama did. This is too much. This is insane. Political correctness will destroy the west," he says. Watch this video and don't forget to share it with your friends if you agree.Trudeau's Liberals MUST halt plans to bring in thousands of Syrian refugeesuntil they can guarantee the safety of the Canadian people. <a href="" type="internal">SIGN THE PETITION at RefugeePause.ca</a> <a href="http://www.TheRebel.media/join" type="external">JOIN TheRebel.media FREE</a> for more fearless news and commentary you won't find anywhere else. <a href="https://tinyurl.com/LevantEnemyWithin" type="external">READ The Enemy Within: Terror, Lies, and the Whitewashing of Omar Khadr,</a>Ezra Levant's new book about domestic terrorism and radicalization.</p> | 'Political correctness will destroy the west' WATCH: Former Muslim blasts the left-wing response towards Islam | true | http://therebel.media/_political_correctness_will_destroy_the_west_watch_former_muslim_absolutely_destroys_the_left_wing_response_towards_islam | 2016-01-05 | 0 |
<p>SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The season of giving ended with 169 central Illinois children getting their borrowing privileges back at the Lincoln Library in Springfield.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180104/lincoln-library-gets-6700-to-pay-off-childrens-overdue-fines" type="external">The (Springfield) State Journal-Register</a> reports the children had their accounts unblocked after donors gave more than $6,700 to pay off fines for overdue books and other materials.</p>
<p>A display showing children's fine amounts was installed in the library's lobby the Monday after Thanksgiving. Patrons could donate money toward paying off fines.</p>
<p>Library director Will O'Hearn says the library reached its goal Dec. 27, when a donor who didn't want his name revealed paid off the last accounts.</p>
<p>Library access services manager Jessica Paulsen sent letters to children whose accounts were unblocked. She says online posts of some parents indicated their children were pleased they could again check out material.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The State Journal-Register, <a href="http://www.sj-r.com" type="external">http://www.sj-r.com</a></p>
<p>SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The season of giving ended with 169 central Illinois children getting their borrowing privileges back at the Lincoln Library in Springfield.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sj-r.com/news/20180104/lincoln-library-gets-6700-to-pay-off-childrens-overdue-fines" type="external">The (Springfield) State Journal-Register</a> reports the children had their accounts unblocked after donors gave more than $6,700 to pay off fines for overdue books and other materials.</p>
<p>A display showing children's fine amounts was installed in the library's lobby the Monday after Thanksgiving. Patrons could donate money toward paying off fines.</p>
<p>Library director Will O'Hearn says the library reached its goal Dec. 27, when a donor who didn't want his name revealed paid off the last accounts.</p>
<p>Library access services manager Jessica Paulsen sent letters to children whose accounts were unblocked. She says online posts of some parents indicated their children were pleased they could again check out material.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The State Journal-Register, <a href="http://www.sj-r.com" type="external">http://www.sj-r.com</a></p> | Library gets $6,700 to pay off children's overdue fines | false | https://apnews.com/amp/c4821d80481c4336a33ed898288f349f | 2018-01-05 | 2 |
<p>Tickets for Las Vegas' massive, three-day Electric Daisy Carnival are going on sale six months ahead of the event.</p>
<p>The 2015 electronic dance music festival featuring DJs, art installations, carnival rides, on-site weddings and other attractions is scheduled to return June 19-21 to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It's been held in Las Vegas since 2011, and about 134,000 people attended each day of this year's event.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Insomniac, the festival's organizer, said it would start selling three-day passes at noon PST Monday. Tickets start at $329 plus service fees, while a VIP pass costs $699. Payment plans are available to those who don't want to pay the lump sum at once.</p>
<p>Festivalgoers spent nearly $157 million on food, hotels, gambling, transportation and entertainment, according to an economic study commissioned by organizers.</p>
<p>The study conducted by Beacon Economics for Insomniac found that the festival had a nearly $338 million economic impact on Clark County once indirect benefits were factored in. That amount included Insomniac's spending to produce the event, except what it paid to hire performers.</p>
<p>Beacon's staff considered surveys of tens of thousands of festivalgoers and information supplied by organizers to produce the economic impact, Insomniac said in a statement.</p>
<p>State and local governments received $19.9 million in tax revenue from the event, Insomniac said.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>The company also donated $90,000 this year to Las Vegas charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada, the Injured Police Officers Fund and the Emergency Medicine Resident Research Fund, which helps train medical students on staffing large-scale events.</p>
<p>The event promotes an anti-drug policy and searches attendees for contraband, but drug-related deaths and arrests have occurred. This year, three men visiting Vegas for the festival died after ingesting drugs during the event weekend.</p>
<p>A 25-year-old from Washington was found dead in his Las Vegas Strip hotel room. A 24-year-old from California died after being transported from the festival to the hospital. And a 21-year-old, also from California, died days after being found unconscious in a home he rented for the weekend with friends.</p> | Tickets to 2015 Electric Daisy Carnival going on sale; music festival set for June in Vegas | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/12/01/tickets-to-2015-electric-daisy-carnival-going-on-sale-music-festival-set-for.html | 2016-03-04 | 0 |
<p>Malawi has said it will not host the African Union summit in July because of a dispute over the attendance of Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Darfur.</p>
<p>Malawi pulled out Friday as AU summit host after the bloc insisted that all African leaders, including Bashir, be allow to attend, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/malawi-cancels-au-summit-hosting-over-bashir-invite-115247717.html;_ylt=AnXKImDe1qBf6OwHP16PEq_8aQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTQ0bmFoM3UzBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBXb3JsZFNGIEFmcmljYVNTRgRwa2cDMTYyMjVjYjktZTkzMy0zZDZlLWFmNzUtZGRlZmE5YzUyNDk5BHBvcwMyBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyA2FmNTVjOGIwLWIxNmEtMTFlMS1iZmZmLTIwNTAxODgzMDhjYg--;_ylg=X3oDMTFlamZvM2ZlBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnM-;_ylv=3" type="external">Agence France-Presse reported</a>.&#160;</p>
<p>Bashir is wanted by The Hague-based ICC for alleged crimes including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/africa/sudan-pressure-bashir-builds" type="external">Sudan: Pressure on Bashir builds</a></p>
<p>"After considering the interests of Malawians, I want to inform Malawians that the cabinet met today and decided it was not interested to accept the conditions by the African Union, therefore Malawi is not hosting the summit," Vice President Khumbo Kachali said in a brief address on state radio, AFP reported.</p>
<p>"The commission said if Malawi was not willing to host al-Bashir, the venue should be shifted to another country," Kachali said, adding that the summit will now be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where AU headquarters are located.&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18364947" type="external">The BBC noted</a> that Malawi's President Joyce Banda, successor to former leader Bingu wa Mutharika who died in office in April, has put in place reforms to appease foreign aid donors.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/06/08/malawi-withdraws-from-hosting-the-au-summit/" type="external">According to the Nyasa Times</a>, Banda said last week that Bashir would be arrested should he come to Malawi for the summit.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/chatter/malawi-president-joyce-banda-to-repeal-anti-gay-law" type="external">President Joyce Banda shakes up Malawi</a></p> | Malawi quits as African Union summit host over Bashir | false | https://pri.org/stories/2012-06-08/malawi-quits-african-union-summit-host-over-bashir | 2012-06-08 | 3 |
<p><a href="" type="internal">21st Century Wire</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /> A psychological operation, or ‘psyop’, of British origin, has taken place over the past week that once again looked to paint Russia as the enemy. Accusations were launched that the Russians had sent an armored tank division across Ukraine’s border. This follows a trend in Western media of late, where anything and everything is being thrown at Russia, presumable in the hope that eventually some of the mud will start to stick. A UK tabloid newspaper, ‘The Sun’, published an unbelievably unsubstantiated headline regarding Russian involvement in the MH17 disaster, which you can find out about in <a href="" type="internal">my previous post</a>, but accusing the Russians of an invasion takes the propaganda war to whole new level.</p>
<p>Video&#160;presentation of this report can be found here:</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>At the very end of the piece, The Guardian reminds us that Moscow is accused of moving heavy weaponry across the Ukrainian border, ‘including perhaps the BUK missile system which is believed to have been used to shoot down a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet last month’ (Walker, 2014).&#160; Yet, what The Guardian fails to acknowledge is the fact that a Ukrainian SU-25 fighter jet was ‘gaining height and reached a distance of three to five kilometres from the Boeing 777’ (Culzac, 2014). This corroborates with new evidence presented by the Malay Mail Online (2014), which states that ‘shrapnel-like holes resembling machine-gun shots have been detected on the wrecked fuselage’ of MH17. So again, we see a clear attempt to paint Russia as the enemy, regarding the BUK system, while blatantly ignoring facts that suggest otherwise.</p>
<p>What is interesting is that the official press office for the president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, issued a statement via its website explicitly supporting the ‘trustworthy’ Guardian. It says that the alleged Russian incursion was ‘clearly witnessed by international journalists, particularly of the “Guardian” newspaper’, but then goes on to add some rather outlandish embellishments.&#160; We hear that ‘the majority of the Russian military armoured vehicles had been destroyed by the Ukrainian artillery at night’, suggesting a mighty victory for Kiev over the allegedly invading Russians (Press Office of The President, 2014). What this also suggests is that word from a journalist is enough to launch an artillery strike, a suggestion that calls into question the capacity for effective military leadership on the part of Kiev.</p>
<p>Although, what if none of this even happened? That’s exactly the claim of the Russian government, who have declared this entire episode to be ‘some kind of fantasy’ (Parfitt, 2014). Where are the Russian casualties, which would undoubtedly be numerous if Poroshenko’s claims were correct?&#160; Where are the photos of the 23 wrecked Russian APCs? Russia’s Defence Ministry issued a statement saying ‘that no Russian military vehicles were destroyed because none had crossed into Ukraine’. So, why then is NATO’s secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, also joining the circle of those confirming that Russia had sent military vehicles across Ukraine’s border; albeit with ‘no specifics’ (Roslyakov and Heintz, 2014)?</p>
<p>Certain actors within NATO, and specifically Britain, appear to be getting desperate in regards to getting Russia into a wider conflict with Ukraine. They are now turning to fabricating stories, which cannot even be described as elaborate due to their immense lack of evidence, which originate from the confused mind of a Russophobe and are articulated from the mouth of a ‘journalist’. But that’s not to suggest that such fabrications and lies do not end up having physical effects on the wider world. These unfounded and seemingly baseless allegations ‘spooked global markets’, in a world that is currently trying to overcome colossal financial catastrophe (Roslyakov and Heintz, 2014). Meaning, those responsible are revealing themselves as only being capable of seeing the organizing principle of world order as one that revolves around confrontation and conflict, not diplomacy and development.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the office of Poroshenko confirmed ‘continued consultations with Joseph Biden’, the vice-president of the United States (Press Office of The President, 2014). So, we cannot look to Kiev, or the Whitehouse, for a solution here as ‘transparency, corporate governance and responsibility, international expansion and other priorities’ occupy the time of the vice-president’s son, Hunter Biden, after he joined the board of directors at a major Ukrainian gas company in a move that caused massive outcry (RT, 2014). While Kiev rejects such a move was ‘politically motivated’, it undoubtedly creates a conflict of interest that can only hinder any attempt to present solutions for the crisis in Ukraine. How can ‘continued consultations’, with Joe Biden, be interpreted as being for anything more than continued insider dealings after this oligarchical debacle?</p>
<p>With NATO presenting such deficient stories as reason for war, and Kiev too busy arranging insider deals, it falls to other parties to offer solutions and answers to the crisis in Ukraine. Russia currently provides a strong counter-weight to the unchecked power of Western hegemony, which is the first of its kind since the fall of the Soviet Union, explaining the West’s current hatred toward the nation. Attempts to paint Russia as an enemy must be refuted, and calls for wider war must be denounced. These are acts that the population of the entire world can, and must, fulfill. Meanwhile on the global governance front, we must look forward to the establishment of the BRICS Development Bank, offering a true challenge to the IMF and World Bank, and hope that its establishment can calm world affairs by offering an alternative to the ‘Washington Consensus’ and provide real programs for world development. While some attempt to stir the situation, we must not lose hope that others will find a way to calm it.</p>
<p>References</p>
<p>Culzac, N. (2014) ‘Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash: Ukrainian military jet was flying close to passenger plane before it was shot down, says Russian officer’ on Independent.co.uk, London: The Independent. <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/malaysia-airlines-mh17-crash-ukrainian-military-jet-was-flying-close-to-passenger-plane-before-it-was-shot-down-says-russian-officer-9619143.html" type="external">http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/malaysia-airlines-mh17-crash-ukrainian-military-jet-was-flying-close-to-passenger-plane-before-it-was-shot-down-says-russian-officer-9619143.html</a>(Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>Malay Mail Online (2014) ‘MH17 investigators say ‘machine gun-like’ holes on wreckage suggest missile fire’ on TheMalayMailOnline.com, Petaling Jaya: The Malay Mail Online. <a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mh17-investigators-say-machine-gun-like-holes-on-wreckage-suggest-missile-f" type="external">http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mh17-investigators-say-machine-gun-like-holes-on-wreckage-suggest-missile-f</a>(Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>Parfitt, T. (2014) ‘Ukraine destroys parts of convoy of Russian military vehicles’ on Telegraph.co.uk, London: Telegraph Media Group. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11038156/Ukraine-destroys-parts-of-convoy-of-Russian-military-vehicles.html" type="external">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11038156/Ukraine-destroys-parts-of-convoy-of-Russian-military-vehicles.html</a> (Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>Press office of President (2014) ‘Petro Poroshenko continued consultations with Joseph Biden’ on President.gov.ua, Kiev: President of Ukraine Official Website. <a href="http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/30987.html" type="external">http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/30987.html</a> (Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>Press office of President (2014) ‘President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Great Britain discussed international efforts on the settlement of the conflict in the Donbas’ on President.gov.ua, Kiev: President of Ukraine Official Website. <a href="http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/30998.html" type="external">http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/30998.html</a> (Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>Roslyakov, A. and Heintz, J. (2014) ‘Russia Denies Its Vehicles Destroyed in Ukraine’ on BigStory.AP.org, New York: AP. <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/12-russian-armored-vehicles-join-aid-convoy" type="external">http://bigstory.ap.org/article/12-russian-armored-vehicles-join-aid-convoy</a> (Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>RT (2014) ‘Son of US VP Joe Biden appointed to board of major Ukrainian gas company’ on RT.com, Moscow: Russia Today. <a href="http://rt.com/business/158660-biden-son-ukraine-company/" type="external">http://rt.com/business/158660-biden-son-ukraine-company/</a> (Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>Walker, S. (2014) ‘Aid convoy stops short of border as Russian military vehicles enter Ukraine’ on TheGuardian.com, London: The Guardian. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/14/russian-military-vehicles-enter-ukraine-aid-convoy-stops-short-border" type="external">http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/14/russian-military-vehicles-enter-ukraine-aid-convoy-stops-short-border</a> (Accessed19/8/14)</p>
<p>READ MORE UKRAINE&#160;NEWS AT:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">21st Century Wire Ukraine Files</a></p> | Ukraine: NATO’s Russian Tank Invasion Psyop | true | http://21stcenturywire.com/2014/08/21/ukraine-natos-russian-tank-invasion-psyop/ | 2014-08-21 | 4 |
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<p>SALT LAKE CITY — The University of New Mexico volleyball team took another step toward the postseason Thursday night, pulling out a 3-1 road victory over Utah at Crimson Court. The set scores were 26-24, 19-25, 25-23 and 25-18.</p>
<p>Led by senior Lisa Meeter, the Lobos won their eighth consecutive match and clinched second place in the Mountain West Conference. Meeter finished with a match-high 20 kills and 13 digs, her 14th double-double of the season.</p>
<p>New Mexico (19-8, 11-3 MWC) had to complete a remarkable rally to win the opening set. Struggling to handle Utah’s service and outside hitting, the Lobos fell behind 21-11. UNM persevered, ultimately fighting off two set points and capping a 15-3 run with back-to-back Ashley Rhoades blocks.</p>
<p>The Utes (14-14, 8-5) raced to another big lead in set two and this time held on behind the hitting of Danielle Killpack. But with Meeter and Jade Michaelsen leading the way, UNM gradually pulled away to win close third and fourth sets.</p>
<p>Michaelsen had 32 assists, 13 digs and six kills. Utah had a .206 to .163 hitting edge, but UNM had the edge in blocks and digs, and cashed in on 15 Ute service errors.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Win at Utah Clinches 2nd in Mountain West | false | https://abqjournal.com/233141/win-at-utah-clinches-2nd-in-mountain-west.html | 2 |
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<p>In yet another indicator that the mainstream media is rife with corruption and conflicts of interest, CNN has now hired Laura Jarrett, daughter of Valerie Jarrett, to cover President Trump’s Department of Justice. As <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/01/19/cnn-assigns-valerie-jarretts-daughter-to-cover-trumps-justice-dept/" type="external">The Blaze reports</a>, CNN touted Jarrett’s background defending “companies and individuals in government investigations brought by the Justice Department.”</p>
<p>Valerie Jarrett wasn’t just President Obama’s top advisor. She’s also personally close to the Obamas to the extent that she’s reportedly moving in with them in their new Washington, D.C. digs. Jarrett called Trump’s election a “punch in the stomach…soul-crushing.” According to Vanity Fair, Laura Jarrett is dedicated to “promoting civil rights and social equality for women and minorities.”</p>
<p>So she’s probably going to be completely objective about covering the Trump Administration.</p>
<p>This is nothing new from the mainstream media-Democratic Party complex. Ben Rhodes, the National Security Advisor to President Obama who actively lied to the entire media about the Iran deal, is brother to David Rhodes, president of CBS. ABC News correspondent Claire Shipman is the wife of Jay Carney, former Obama press secretary. George Stephanopoulos, ABC News’ leading anchor, is a former Clinton staffer. Ben Sherwood, president of Disney-ABC television group, is brother to former Obama special assistant Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall.</p>
<p>The media claim that such relationships have no bearing on coverage. Perhaps. Or maybe, just maybe, people with close relationships to those in power tend to favor those people in their coverage. After all, that’s the entire basis of the rumors about President Trump’s conflicts of interests with regard to his businesses, which are now supposedly run by his children – their relationship makes him more likely to act in corrupt fashion to benefit those businesses. Why wouldn’t that same logic apply to the media?</p>
<p>There’s nothing wrong with assigning Valerie Jarrett’s child to cover the DOJ. But there is something wrong with pretending objectivity when it is clearer ever day that such objectivity is a figment of the media’s imagination.</p> | MEDIA BIAS: CNN Deploys Valerie Jarrett’s Daughter To Cover Trump Justice Department | true | https://dailywire.com/news/14029/media-bias-cnn-deploys-valerie-jarretts-daughter-ben-shapiro | 2017-03-02 | 0 |
<p>Dec. 5 (UPI) — President Sunil Gulati has resigned from USA Soccer after serving at his post for a dozen years.</p>
<p>Gulati announced Monday that he will not run for re-election for the job.</p>
<p>“I spent a lot of time thinking about it and talking about it with people in many different positions — many of whom told me I should run,” <a href="http://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states/story/3297493/sunil-gulati-wont-run-for-re-election-as-us-soccer-president" type="external">Gulati told ESPN</a>. “But in the end, I think the best thing for me personally, and for the federation, is to see someone new in the job.”</p>
<p>Gulati retains his seat on the FIFA Council and serves as the chairman for the U.S., Canada and Mexico bid to host the 2026 World Cup. His spot with the FIFA Council is secured through 2021.</p>
<p>Candidates looking to serve as head of the federation must submit their nominations by Dec. 12. Gulati became U.S. Soccer president in 2006 and has run unopposed in his previous elections. On Saturday, <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/12/04/sunil-gulati-us-soccer-president-election-will-not-run?utm_campaign=sinow&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;xid=socialflow_twitter_si" type="external">sources told Sports Illustrated</a> that Gulati “may support” Soccer United Marketing president Kathy Carter’s candidacy for the post.</p>
<p>The field includes Kyle Martino, Eric Wynalda, Paul Caligiuri, Carlos Cordeiro, Michael Winowrad, Paul Lapointe and Steve Gans, according to Sports Illustrated. Gulati has yet to publicly endorse Carter, who officially announced her candidacy Tuesday morning.</p>
<p>“I’m excited to announce my candidacy for President of @ussoccer. Soccer can, and should, become the leading sport in America, and I intend to make that vision a reality,” <a href="https://twitter.com/soccerkcarter/status/938038094380589057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" type="external">Carter tweeted</a>. “Thrilled for you to get to know me and my vision for the game.”</p> | Sunil Gulati: USA Soccer president resigns | false | https://newsline.com/sunil-gulati-usa-soccer-president-resigns/ | 2017-12-05 | 1 |
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<p>Neko Case.</p>
<p>SANTA FE, N.M. - Maybe it was more than a century ago, but student art exhibitions in Russia were once the "height of the social season," curator Susan Fisher says elsewhere on this page.</p>
<p>Well, you can either go retro or start a new trend by checking out the BFA Exhibition for students from the Institute of American Indian Arts. The show opens today at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, 108 Cathedral Place, and includes photography, painting, sculpture, installation, printmaking and jewelry.</p>
<p>Be the first to discover the next artist who will make it big and take a look at what emerges from some of the contemporary visions of Native art, a form that some critics want to keep stuck in past traditions.</p>
<p>Kathryn Mueller.</p>
<p>GO CLASSICAL: That said, there's plenty of opportunity to stick with the classics this week - especially if you're thinking of music. Spring and the coming Easter season often bring out the orchestras and chamber ensembles.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra is presenting Mahler's Symphony No. 7 at 4 p.m. Sunday, with a free preview talk at 3 p.m., at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco St. Tickets range from $22 to $76 and are available by calling 988-1234 or 983-1414.</p>
<p>Mahler described the symphony, called a neglected stepsister in the online program notes, as being "about the progress from night to day." Traveling from night to glorious day, perhaps the music may have seasonal significance, whether you're looking at winter moving into the bloom of spring, or the Christian Easter belief of resurrection after death.</p>
<p>Serenata of Santa Fe is presenting "Spring for Mozart," with guest pianist Yi-heng Yang and the Serenata String Quartet, at 7 p.m. today at the Scottish Rite Center, 463 Paseo de Peralta. Tickets cost $25 and can be bought at 988-1234 or <a href="http://ticketssantafe.org" type="external">ticketssantafe.org</a>.</p>
<p>Rickie Lee Jones.</p>
<p>And Santa Fe Pro Musica offers its "Baroque Holy Week" at 7:30 p.m. April 17-18 and 6 p.m. April 20. Soprano Kathryn Mueller is featured and the program culminates with Handel's rousing "Gloria." Tickets can be reserved at 988-4640 and cost $20-$65.</p>
<p>If free admission is more your cup of tea, try the Santa Fe Community Orchestra's Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. You'll hear selections from Mendelssohn's "Elijah," with oratorio based on Biblical texts.</p>
<p>LESS HOLY MUSIC: Neko Case rockets into the Lensic 7:30 p.m. Monday with her clarion voice and her restless musical experimentation ($39-$44, 988-1234), while Rickie Lee Jones brings her own songs, along with a unique vocal style, in solo performance to the Lensic at 7:30 p.m. Thursday ($40-$60, 988-1234).</p>
<p>And if you want a taste of jazz vocals, Lori Carsillo will accompany the Bert Dalton Trio at 7 p.m. tonight at the Museum Hill Cafe, courtesy of the Santa Fe Music Collective. Tickets for the Bay Area performer are $25, and reservations and information are available by calling 983-6820. Her repertoire, according to her sponsors, "reflects her love of beautiful tunes that evoke the sweet ache of melancholy."</p>
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<p>The Trump administration is rolling back offshore drilling rules put in place after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster killed 11 workers and spewed millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.</p>
<p>President Donald Trump in April ordered Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review a raft of Obama-era safety rules that sought to curb accidents and pollution by oil and gas drillers operating in U.S. waters. The agency on Thursday proposed several changes to those regulations, including scrapping a requirement that operators certify through a third party that their safety devices are functioning properly.</p>
<p>The changes will save companies at least $288 million over 10 years, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.</p>
<p>“By reducing the regulatory burden on industry, we are encouraging increased domestic oil and gas production while maintaining a high bar for safety and environmental sustainability,” agency Director Scott A. Angelle said in a statement.</p>
<p>President Obama put the safety rules in place late last year, after six years of analysis following the 2010 BP Plc oil spill, in which a well blew out in the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed changes include revisions to safety system design requirements and equipment failure reporting requirements.</p>
<p>Environmentalists blasted the move, saying it put oceans and wildlife at risk.</p>
<p>“By tossing aside the lessons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Trump is putting our coasts and wildlife at risk of more deadly oil spills,” Miyoko Sakashita, director of the oceans program at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. “Reversing offshore safety rules isn’t just deregulation, it’s willful ignorance.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Trump rolls back offshore safety rules born from BP oil spill | false | https://abqjournal.com/1112141/trump-rolls-back-offshore-safety-rules-born-from-bp-oil-spill.html | 2017-12-28 | 2 |
<p>HUNTINGDON, Pa. (AP) — A resourceful Pennsylvania wildlife conservation officer has helped to engineer a daring prison escape.</p>
<p>A snowy owl that had become trapped in barbed wire in a perimeter fence at the Smithfield prison in Huntingdon was rescued on Christmas Day.</p>
<p>Pennsylvania Game Commission officer Amanda Isett used a crate, a net and an Army blanket to coax the bird out.</p>
<p>The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette <a href="http://bit.ly/2pMdwxu" type="external">reports</a> the owl escaped with only some minor skin tears and a few missing feathers. The owl is being treated at Centre Wildlife Care in Port Matilda, near Penn State University.</p>
<p>The juvenile male owl is expected to make a full recovery and will be released once its feathers grow back.</p>
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<p>Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com" type="external">http://www.post-gazette.com</a></p>
<p>HUNTINGDON, Pa. (AP) — A resourceful Pennsylvania wildlife conservation officer has helped to engineer a daring prison escape.</p>
<p>A snowy owl that had become trapped in barbed wire in a perimeter fence at the Smithfield prison in Huntingdon was rescued on Christmas Day.</p>
<p>Pennsylvania Game Commission officer Amanda Isett used a crate, a net and an Army blanket to coax the bird out.</p>
<p>The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette <a href="http://bit.ly/2pMdwxu" type="external">reports</a> the owl escaped with only some minor skin tears and a few missing feathers. The owl is being treated at Centre Wildlife Care in Port Matilda, near Penn State University.</p>
<p>The juvenile male owl is expected to make a full recovery and will be released once its feathers grow back.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com" type="external">http://www.post-gazette.com</a></p> | Free bird: Officer rescues snowy owl from prison barbed wire | false | https://apnews.com/amp/3dfbf9ed2bc3484f8e2a1d0146b5207e | 2017-12-27 | 2 |
<p>“One of the big points of dialogue is ‘how will the mitre fit over my dreadlocks?’” Justin Duckworth The recently-appointed and unconventional Anglican bishop of Wellington, New Zealand, has dreadlocks and is usually seen around town in shorts and bare feet. He was quoted by Edumenical News International. (RNS)</p>
<p>“Nuns have always had a different set of priorities from that of bishops. The bishops are interested in power. The nuns are interested in the powerless.” Gary Wills The Catholic author was writing in the New York Review of Books in response to the Vatican’s crackdown on U.S. nuns. (RNS)</p>
<p>“What people associate as the Christian Right–specifically evangelicalism–will look dramatically different in 10 to 12 years. The future is nonpartisan, so I think whatever party wants to build those channels will win our vote.” Harris Kenny The 23-year-old member of an emergent church in Denver was describing a change in younger Christians attititude toward politics. He was quoted by the Denver Post.</p> | OUT LOUD | false | https://baptistnews.com/article/outloud-2/ | 3 |
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<p>When it issued proposed guidelines on schools’ use of state Chapter 1 money, the administration found itself at odds with school reform advocates. But it got some support from schools themselves.</p>
<p>Reform advocates cite two concerns. For one, the guidelines, which include a mix of spending restrictions and documentation requirements, were assembled quickly without public discussion about the problems they were designed to address.</p>
<p>“It would have been a lot easier to deal with the issue if they had come to us and said, we think we need to have something on state Chapter 1,” says Sheila Castillo, coordinator of the Chicago Association of Local School Councils.</p>
<p>Second, reformers object to central office putting itself in the position of deciding, even in limited areas, how schools should or should not use their own discretionary dollars.</p>
<p>“The problem in doing something like this is that I’m sure you can go out to some school some place and see funds used in what may be deemed inappropriate ways, and then go to 10 other schools and see money being spent on the same things in a very effective way,” says Tony Bryk, director of the Center for School Improvement at the University of Chicago, and of the Consortium on Chicago School Research.</p>
<p>“For instance, some may see schools using Chapter 1 funds for hiring parents for school services as patronage. But in many cases, we have found this to be a good way to get a large number of services performed, as well as connect the schools to the community.”</p>
<p>With 553 schools, Bryk says, the board won’t have any problem finding examples of misspent funds. What the board must decide, he says, is whether the problems are endemic or occur in only a few schools. If they occur in only a few schools, he says, the board can do the most good for the most schools by leaving the authority for Chapter 1 spending in the hands of LSCs.</p>
<p>“The whole purpose of giving Chapter 1 money to the LSCs is because they are the best parties to know how to spend that money,” maintains Zarina O’Hagin, director of the Lawyers School Reform Advisory Project. “This is the point of school reform—to give power to the schools.”</p>
<p>Leonard Dominguez, the administration’s policy chief, counters, “I don’t think it will affect the power of LSCs at all. I think most people are very pleased because this will help them avoid confusion when deciding what is an appropriate use of the funds.</p>
<p>“For instance, recently a principal called me because she wanted to know if she could use funds to serve teachers a catered meal for a meeting she was holding on the first day of school. I told her not to, because people would look askance at that. These funds are earmarked for poor children, not teachers’ meals.” (The guidelines do not ban spending on meals, though.)</p>
<p>Helping principals</p>
<p>Tomas Revollo, principal of Waters Elementary School, welcomes guidelines: “Any time schools are given funding for which they are responsible, there should be central guidelines.” He adds that the administration “went out of its way” in gathering opinions from principals.</p>
<p>Philip Yaccino, principal of Mozart Elementary School, says he hasn’t seen the guidelines but adds, “There have always been restrictions. . . . The board’s intent is good. They want [principals] to do their job better, not take something away from them.”</p>
<p>Beverly Tunney, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, agrees there should be “parameters.” But she believes the administration has more in mind than avoiding confusion. “They are looking for a legal way that they can find the principals or people on the councils who are not making good judgments and dismiss or penalize them,” she says. “People are getting nervous because there is a strong move afoot to identify schools and principals who are not following rules.”</p>
<p>Retreats ‘good use of money’</p>
<p>The Reform Board is under heavy pressure from the state to get local school councils to start showing that reform is working, Tunney says. And a recent spate of page 1 articles in the Chicago Sun-Times turned up the heat, she adds. The articles targeted a number of schools that spent money in ways that the newspaper deemed scandalous.</p>
<p>Adds Tunney: “The real question to ask here is: Why is it that when these plans are approved by the board, no one there is taking the fall?”</p>
<p>Of the proposed restrictions, the ban on overnight retreats, which was the focus of one Sun-Times spread, seems to have stirred the most opposition.</p>
<p>Fred Hess, executive director of the Chicago Panel on School Policy, calls the proposal “media pandering that is just simply ludicrous.” The new board is using the media to help build a consensus for governing the school system, he says. “And when you start to manipulate the media, you open yourself to manipulation by the media.”</p>
<p>On the issue itself, O’Hagin says, “Retreats are valuable in terms of restoring morale and for brainstorming. There are times when it’s very difficult to look beyond the day-to-day minutia of running a school. Overnight retreats give teachers and administrators an opportunity to get some distance and some focus on where they want their school to be. That is an extremely good use of time and money.”</p>
<p>Jacqueline Simmons, the longtime principal of Robeson High who recently became a deputy in the Office of Professional Development, says that the school’s retreats at Nordic Hills Resort and Conference Center in the western suburbs brought together teachers, parents, community members and even students to plan for school improvement.</p>
<p>“You have to spend time sharpening the ax, so that you can cut down the trees,” she says of such spending.</p>
<p>Castillo questions why the administration has not researched whether overnight retreats are worthwhile. “In the Sun-Times, they interviewed a teacher who said she returned from her school’s retreat refreshed and enthusiastic with the new ideas she planned to use to improve her class. Now, isn’t that the point?”</p>
<p>“Isn’t it amazing that the very next day after the story [about retreats] ran in the paper, the board had the ‘brand-new’ proposal for the state Chapter 1 guidelines all ready to go?” says Castillo, with mock incredulity. “It’s like they wanted the hearing to take place in the media, rather than in a rational way. What is the big rush?”</p>
<p>Castillo’s group has recommended that instead of banning overnight retreats, the board, with the help of LSC members, prepare a guide to assist schools in planning high-quality retreats. It also should negotiate reduced rates from local hotels or other sources, the group says.</p>
<p>Asked for the rationale for various items in the guidelines, Dominguez said only that they weren’t “written in stone” and likely would be changed. One set of hearings was to have been held Oct. 27 at regional offices; another set is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 7, also at regional offices.</p>
<p>Legal or not?</p>
<p>O’Hagin contends that the board lacks legal grounds for imposing any guidelines. “It’s none of their business,” she says. “On what basis at all does the board have the right to impose additional guidelines? According to the law—none. It blows me away that they are trying to do this.”</p>
<p>Hess, who drafted the Chapter 1 section of the Reform Act, agrees. “Schools can spend that money any way they want to improve student achievement. The proof of the pudding is in whether student achievement improves.”</p>
<p>Under state law, schools may spend state Chapter 1 money on supplemental programs in six areas: early childhood, enrichment, attendance, remedial assistance, reduced class size or improved adult-to-student ratios, and “other educationally beneficial expenditures.”</p>
<p>Hess says that even the proposed limits on pay for tutors, parents and the like are out of bonds. “These are useful if they are couched as recommendations to LSCs, but it exceeds their authority to impose them as restrictions.” And, he asks, “What do you do if you can’t get a college student to come to your neighborhood for the rate you have to pay?”</p>
<p>But Tanya Patton, who oversees state Chapter 1 spending statewide for the Illinois State Board of Education, says that the Chicago board does have the authority to restrict schools’ use of state Chapter 1 money.</p>
<p>In a written response to a Catalyst question, she said: “The Chicago Board has the authority to establish policy for the Chicago Public Schools, subject to any statutory provisions. A policy of capping stipends or not allowing overnight travel expenses is within the authority of the Chicago Board.”</p>
<p>The state audits state Chapter 1 spending, but Patton sidestepped a question about whether the state has any concern about it.</p>
<p>Felicia Morton is a Chicago writer.</p> | Spending restrictions rile advocates, but win some school support | false | http://chicagoreporter.com/spending-restrictions-rile-advocates-win-some-school-support/ | 2005-07-06 | 3 |
<p>Are virulent homophobes more prone to repressed same-sex attraction? A new study published in the <a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/psp/102/4/815/" type="external">Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</a> suggests this is indeed the case.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/opinion/sunday/homophobic-maybe-youre-gay.html?src=recg" type="external">In The New York Times</a>, two of the study's researchers write that the connection between vocal opponents of homosexuality and so-called "self-loathing" homosexuals has been often surmised but never formally studied, much less proven.</p>
<p>"Freud famously called this process a "reaction formation" - the angry battle against the outward symbol of feelings that are inwardly being stifled," wrote Richard and William Ryan.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/special-reports/the-rainbow-struggle" type="external">The Rainbow Struggle</a></p>
<p>Examples bolstering the supposition are fairly well-known: former Idaho senator Larry Craig, and other high-profile opponents of equal rights for homosexuals, such as megachurch leader Ted Haggard, have been exposed for same-sex dalliances.&#160;</p>
<p>Haggard, who once represented roughly one tenth of the American population as head of the largest evangelical organizations in the United States, resigned after a male masseuse claimed Haggard had paid him for sex and crystal meth.&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://tedhaggard.com/about/" type="external">His personal website</a> now describes the episode as a resignation "after confessing to a personal moral failure. During a two- year period of quiet healing, Ted and Gayle rebuilt their marriage and emerged a stronger couple and family." Haggard now runs a new church, and <a href="http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201102/pastor-ted-haggard?printable=true" type="external">he told GQ</a> in 2011 "I think that probably, if I were 21 in this society, I would identify myself as a bisexual."</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/120316/gay-rights-russia-battle-free-speech" type="external">Russia's assault on 'gay' free speech</a></p>
<p>The study does not suggest homophobes are necessarily gay, merely that they are more prone to some same-sex attraction. Writes Peter Tatchell in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/peter-g-tatchell/sex-future-beyond-gay-and-straight_b_1195017.html" type="external">Huffington Post</a>, "We already know, thanks to a host of sex surveys, that bisexuality is an fact of life and that even in narrow-minded, homophobic cultures, many people have a sexuality that is, to varying degrees, capable of both heterosexual and homosexual attraction."</p>
<p>"[S]exuality might be more flexible than many people assume," Tatchell wrote wrote.</p>
<p>Study participants self-identified as gay or straight and were then subjected to a computer-based test that flashed images and words that correlated to homo- or heterosexuality. "The twist was that before each word and image appeared, the word "me" or "other" was flashed on the screen for 35 milliseconds - long enough for participants to subliminally process the word but short enough that they could not consciously see it," wrote the researchers.</p>
<p>Researchers then looked at how long it took participants to sort the images and words into their respective categories. If the word "me" came before an image of a gay couple, a homosexual would more quickly sort it as "homosexual." Sorting delays helped researchers identify those with an inaccurate self-identified sexuality. 20 percent of the "highly straight" group had trouble disconnecting the "me" from gay photographs and words.</p>
<p>After conducting a survey, the researchers then found that those ostensibly "straight" people harboring latent same-sex attraction were more likely to support policies curtailing the rights of homosexuals; "to be willing to assign significantly harsher punishments to perpetrators of petty crimes if they were presumed to be homosexual; and to express greater implicit hostility toward gay subjects."</p>
<p>"We laugh at or make fun of such blatant hypocrisy, but in a real way, these people may often themselves be victims of repression and experience exaggerated feelings of threat," Richard Ryan, a researcher said, <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/04/09/study-homophobic-people-likely-repressing-homosexual-attraction/" type="external">according to The Raw Story</a>. "Homophobia is not a laughing matter. It can sometimes have tragic consequences."</p>
<p />
<p /> | Homophobia linked to latent same-sex attraction: study (VIDEO) | false | https://pri.org/stories/2012-04-29/homophobia-linked-latent-same-sex-attraction-study-video | 2012-04-29 | 3 |
<p />
<p>By iSpot.tv</p>
<p>In this week’s edition of the Variety Movie Commercial Tracker, powered by the TV advertising attention analytics company <a href="http://ispot.tv/" type="external">iSpot.tv</a>, STX Entertainment claims the top spot in spending with “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/the-foreigner/" type="external">The Foreigner</a>.”</p>
<p>Ads placed for the thriller had an estimated media value of $4.86 million through Sunday for 1,010 national ad airings across 25 networks. (Spend figures are based on estimates generated from Oct. 2-8. Estimates may be updated after the chart is posted as new information becomes available.) STX prioritized spend across CBS, Fox and ESPN, and targeted a football-loving audience with airings during both NFL and college games.</p>
<p>Just behind “ <a href="http://variety.com/2017/scene/vpage/jackie-chan-foreigner-premiere-1202582472/" type="external">The Foreigner</a>” in second place: Warner Bros.’ “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/blade-runner-2049/" type="external">Blade Runner 2049</a>,” which saw 666 national ad airings across 37 networks, with an estimated media value of $4.35 million.</p>
<p>TV ad placements for Universal Pictures’ “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/happy-death-day/" type="external">Happy Death Day</a>” (EMV: $3.95 million) and “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/the-snowman/" type="external">The Snowman</a>” ($3.51 million), along with Twentieth Century Fox’s “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/the-mountain-between-us/" type="external">The Mountain Between Us</a>” ($3.38 million), round out the chart.</p>
<p>“ <a href="http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/american-made-tops-studios-tv-ad-spending-1202578260/" type="external">The Snowman</a>”&#160;has the best iSpot Attention Index (126) in the ranking, getting 26% fewer interruptions than the average movie ad (interruptions include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV).</p>
<p>Impressions: 256,562,177</p>
<p>Attention Score: 91.76</p>
<p>Attention Index: 103</p>
<p>National Airings: 1,010</p>
<p>Networks: 25</p>
<p>Most Spend On: CBS, FOX</p>
<p>Creative Versions: 8</p>
<p>Est. Lifetime TV Spend: $12.03M</p>
<p>Studio: STX Entertainment</p>
<p>Started Airing: 07/20/17</p>
<p>Impressions: 235,323,732</p>
<p>Attention Score: 89.11</p>
<p>Attention Index: 78</p>
<p>National Airings: 666</p>
<p>Networks: 37</p>
<p>Most Spend On: CBS, FOX</p>
<p>Creative Versions: 62</p>
<p>Est. Lifetime TV Spend: $21.42M</p>
<p>Studio: Warner Bros.</p>
<p>Started Airing: 08/27/17</p>
<p>Impressions: 175,563,124</p>
<p>Attention Score: 92.00</p>
<p>Attention Index: 106</p>
<p>National Airings: 742</p>
<p>Networks: 25</p>
<p>Most Spend On: Comedy Central, E!</p>
<p>Creative Versions: 11</p>
<p>Est. Lifetime TV Spend: $9.35M</p>
<p>Studio: Universal Pictures</p>
<p>Started Airing: 08/14/17</p>
<p>Impressions: 146,181,312</p>
<p>Attention Score: 93.70</p>
<p>Attention Index: 126</p>
<p>National Airings: 453</p>
<p>Networks: 25</p>
<p>Most Spend On: CBS, NBC</p>
<p>Creative Versions: 9</p>
<p>Est. Lifetime TV Spend: $8.18M</p>
<p>Studio: Universal Pictures</p>
<p>Started Airing: 09/24/17</p>
<p>Impressions: 279,227,085</p>
<p>Attention Score: 92.93</p>
<p>Attention Index: 117</p>
<p>National Airings: 958</p>
<p>Networks: 31</p>
<p>Most Spend On: NBC, ABC</p>
<p>Creative Versions: 20</p>
<p>Est. Lifetime TV Spend: $15.05M</p>
<p>Studio: Twentieth Century Fox</p>
<p>Started Airing: 09/09/17</p>
<p>1 Movie titles with a minimum spend of $100,000 for airings detected between 10/02/2017 and 10/08/2017.</p>
<p>* TV Impressions – Total TV ad impressions delivered for the brand or spot.</p>
<p>* Attention Score – Measures the propensity of consumers to interrupt an ad play on TV. The higher the score, the more complete views. Actions that interrupt an ad play include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV.</p>
<p>* Attention Index – Represents the Attention of a specific creative or program placement vs the average. The average is represented by a score of 100, and the total index range is from 0 through 200. For example, an attention index of 125 means that there are 25% fewer interrupted ad plays compared to the average.</p>
<p>Variety has partnered with <a href="https://www.ispot.tv/" type="external">iSpot.tv</a>, the real-time TV ad measurement company with attention analytics from more than seven million smart TVs, to bring you this weekly look at what studios are spending to market their movies on TV. Learn more about the <a href="https://www.ispot.tv/our-platform" type="external">iSpot.tv platform and methodology</a>.</p>
<p /> | ‘The Foreigner’ Tops Studios’ TV Ad Spending | false | https://newsline.com/the-foreigner-tops-studios-tv-ad-spending/ | 2017-10-09 | 1 |
<p>In case you needed more evidence that <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-hillary-clinton-president-bad-candidate-20160531-story.html" type="external">Hillary is bad at this</a>, I give you her anemic book sales:</p>
<p>As <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/295970-clintons-new-book-sold-fewer-than-3000-copies-in-first" type="external">reported</a> by The New York Times, the Democratic nominee sold fewer than 3,000 copies of her book, Stronger Together, in its first week on sale.</p>
<p>That’s bad. Like, really bad. For some perspective, Hill took <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/25/hillary-clinton-deleted-emails-using-program-intended-to-prevent-recovery/" type="external">BleachBit</a> to ten-times more emails than the number of books she sold.</p>
<p>The brilliantly conceived and crafted Stronger Together basically outlines policy proposals in roughly 250 pages—because Hillary can’t help but be cold and boring, even when trying to sell a book.</p>
<p>Hillary attempted to sell more copies by throwing her awkward but immensely more likeable running mate <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPaZCyT8i53camB-7AhfkXwAXQVVoCfbyJR68fjwqullXdAshN" type="external">Senator Tim Kaine</a> on the cover. No such luck, of course.</p>
<p>Here’s more bad news: According to New York Times’ projections, Hillary will likely sell 9,000 copies in total! A book’s first week's sales number typically accounts for a third of the total books sold.</p>
<p>The proceeds will go “to charity.” So, probably the Clinton Foundation, AKA her pantsuit pocket.</p>
<p>Rumors that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/us/politics/clinton-book-stronger-together.html?_r=0" type="external">2,912 copies</a> of Stronger Together were found stashed into a corner of Chelsea’s NYC apartment could not be substantiated—but do make sense.</p> | Hillary Book Sale Numbers Will Make You Laugh. Really Hard. | true | https://dailywire.com/news/9164/hillary-book-sale-numbers-will-make-you-laugh-amanda-prestigiacomo | 2016-09-15 | 0 |
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<p />
<p>They say they are part of a movement for school choice, for empowering all parents, regardless of income, to select the best learning experience for their children.</p>
<p>Others believe that fixing American education will require bolstering the public school systems that are obligated to serve every child.</p>
<p>To them, “school choice” is a code. They call it “privatization.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The education world has been feuding for years across this semantic divide. But it has deepened as the movement toward choice – or privatization – has accelerated during the past decade, giving rise to charter schools and voucher programs nationwide.</p>
<p>And now the battle is headed toward political center stage: School choice has gained perhaps its most powerful proponent ever in Trump, who has called it “the civil rights issue of our time” and pledged to spend $20 billion to push for an expansion of charters and vouchers.</p>
<p>He showed he was serious when he picked billionaire Betsy DeVos – who has spent millions of dollars and more than two decades pushing to expand voucher programs nationwide – as his nominee to lead the Education Department.</p>
<p>“School choice among the most exciting aspects of a @realDonaldTrump presidency, &amp; among the most underappreciated messages of his campaign,” Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway tweeted recently.</p>
<p>The notion of school choice has ties to our nation’s racially segregated past. Many families seeking to avoid court-ordered integration either fled to white-only private schools – sometimes attending with the help of taxpayer-funded vouchers – or rallied for the right to choose which public school their child would attend. That approach almost always meant that white schools stayed white and black schools stayed black.</p>
<p>Yet over time, school choice has come to be associated with freedom, and it now polls well with Americans. No one wants a child to be trapped in a terrible school, and most believe that parents should be able to shape their child’s education.</p>
<p>“My goal is to give parents options,” said Robert Enlow, president of EdChoice, an Indianapolis-based organization that advocates for vouchers and other programs that allow tax dollars to pay private-school tuition.</p>
<p>Those who say such options amount to privatization are outing themselves as defenders of a broken status quo that fails to adequately serve children, he said.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>But those who favor the language of privatization say that “school choice” masks reality – they say vouchers and charters redirect the flow of taxpayer dollars from public schools, which most Americans support, into unaccountable private hands.</p>
<p>“It’s a direct attack on public education,” said Diane Ravitch, a historian and former Bush administration official who has become one of the most voluble critics of vouchers and charter schools and a proponent of the term privatization. “You don’t kill public education without killing something that’s very important to our sense of the public good, our civic responsibility.”</p>
<p>Polls by the American Federation for Children, a pro-voucher group that DeVos helmed until she became Trump’s nominee, show that American voters are significantly less likely to support “vouchers” than “choice.”</p>
<p>“It’s the same kind of linguistic play that comes around the issue of abortion,” Ravitch said, referring to the terms “pro-choice” and “pro-life” to describe activists on either side of that fight. “They’re really using euphemisms to not say what they mean.”</p>
<p>Voucher and charter-school critics say the neediest kids – those who struggle academically or behaviorally or whose parents don’t have the wherewithal to shop around for private schools or provide transportation to a far-flung school – often aren’t able to exercise choice in a meaningful way. Instead of escaping to better opportunities, those children are worse off, consigned to public schools that have been drained of badly needed resources.</p>
<p>“I’ve heard a lot of different ways that opponents of public education have tried to make their deeply unpopular ideology sound more palatable to parents, despite the evidence,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the ranking member of the Senate Education Committee. “But however they talk about it, the fact remains that parents want strong public schools for their kids and for all kids, and I consider it to be my job to help cut through rhetoric that is intended to confuse, and make sure parents understand the true impacts of policies on students across the country.”</p>
<p>The disagreement over choice does not cleave neatly along the nation’s usual dividing lines. Some parents of color are strong advocates for school choice as a civil right, for example, yet the NAACP opposes vouchers and has called for a moratorium on charter schools. The battle is also muddied because there are many Democrats – such as President Obama – and some Republicans who embrace public school choice, including charter schools, but oppose vouchers.</p>
<p>The term “voucher” is problematic enough that Republican pollster Frank Luntz has advised choice advocates to instead use the term “opportunity scholarship.” Now, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and the District are among the jurisdictions that offer opportunity scholarship programs.</p>
<p>Luntz said it’s a smart strategy for voucher opponents to attack choice as privatization: “People want accountability, but they don’t want schools turned into factories or businesses. They believe that education has a heart, not just a head.”</p>
<p>But he adds that he believes teachers unions and others attacking DeVos as an enemy of the public good are making a mistake.</p>
<p>“The idea that parents should have the right to choose where their kids go to school, most Americans do believe that should be a right. The idea that schools should be held accountable for failing year after year – again, almost universal support,” he said.</p>
<p>“When she talks about what she’s for, and they talk about what they’re against, she’ll win.”</p>
<p>school-choice</p> | School choice or privatization? The language fuels the feud. | false | https://abqjournal.com/916470/school-choice-or-privatization-the-language-fuels-the-feud.html | 2 |
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<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>The moral bankruptcy of some of California’s politicians and police is contributing to the fiscal bankruptcy of the state. &#160;The intertwined tales of Maywood and Bell, neighboring cities in Los Angeles County, should serve as a warning to the people of California and the United States.&#160;</p>
<p>Maywood, California made national headlines in recent weeks when, faced with the prospect of bankruptcy, the city fired its entire workforce and outsourced their jobs. &#160;It was ultimately the corruption of the city’s police department that forced it to take such drastic measures. &#160;Euphemistically known as a department of “second chances,” Maywood’s 37-man police force was a haven for “misfit cops,” according to a <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2007/apr/01/local/me-maywood1" type="external">Los Angeles Times</a> report from 2007:&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; “Among those on the job: A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy terminated for abusing jail inmates; a onetime Los Angeles Police Department officer fired for intimidating a witness; and an ex-Huntington Park officer charged with negligently shooting a handgun and driving drunk. . . . Even the newly appointed police chief has a checkered past: He was convicted of beating his girlfriend and resigned from the El Monte Police Department before he could be fired.”&#160;</p>
<p>By the spring of 2010, there were $19 million in claims against Maywood police, a total that exceeded the city’s yearly operating budget, nearly half of which was already devoted to funding its police department, according to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/business/20maywood.html?_r=1&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;partner=rss&amp;emc=rss&amp;pagewanted=2&amp;adxnnlx=1280315371-oqkRkXMQnVIUfMtjFuwJ/g" type="external">New York Times</a>. &#160;Faced with a choice between declaring bankruptcy or laying off its entire workforce, Maywood took the latter option, rehiring some former workers as contractors, and outsourcing numerous city functions to other municipalities. &#160;Among these is the neighboring city of Bell.&#160;</p>
<p>Bell has also made national headlines in the last month. &#160;On July 15th, the Los Angeles Times reported that Bell officials had effectively turned the city into their own personal patronage machine, fleecing taxpayers to fund their exorbitant salaries, including nearly $800,000 a year for the city’s top executive, almost $500,000 a year for its police chief and $100,000 a year for members of the city council. &#160;</p>
<p>Unless you are a member of the political class, average per capita income in Bell is under $25,000 a year. &#160;Understandably, residents erupted in protest. &#160;Since last week, the city’s top official and police chief have resigned and city council members have agreed to slash their own salaries. &#160;</p>
<p>Meanwhile, county prosecutors have opened wide-ranging investigations of the city’s administration. &#160;Allegations of serious voter fraud have also surfaced in recent days, potentially shedding light on the relation between the city’s political class and the corruption of its police force. &#160;According to the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/07/former-bell-cop-alleges-serious-voting-irregularities-in-2009-election.html" type="external">Los Angeles Times</a>:&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; “A retired Bell police sergeant claimed in a lawsuit filed this week that off-duty Bell police officers in the 2009 election distributed absentee ballots to voters and told them which candidates to select.”&#160;</p>
<p>Ironically, the city’s former police chief, Randy Adams, had been lured out of retirement by the astronomical salary he was offered to combat corruption in Bell’s police department. &#160; <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-20/california-official-s-800-000-salary-in-city-of-38-000-triggers-protests.html" type="external">Bloomberg News</a> interviewed Adams shortly before he resigned: “Adams said he had been brought in to end corruption in Bell’s police department. Some of the former members of this force are in the federal penitentiary,” he said.&#160;</p>
<p>If there is any justice, they might soon be joined by current and former city officials.&#160;</p>
<p>Together, the tales of Maywood and Bell, California demonstrate how the moral bankruptcy of some of our politicians and police is literally bankrupting cities in the United States. &#160;There are few, if any, reports in the major media detailing the political affiliations of the elected officials in these two cities.&#160; However, they are most likely Democrats and Republicans.</p>
<p>Though these are extreme examples, there is no reason to pretend that such corruption is not to be found in every state of the union, unless you are one of the few among us who benefits from the system’s malignant dysfunction. &#160;It is time they are held accountable, not only in the courts, but also at the ballot box. &#160;</p>
<p>Consider declaring your independence from the bankrupt ideology that binds us to the two-party state.&#160; Consider supporting Independent and third party candidates for public office. &#160;</p>
<p>The city you save might be your own. &#160;</p> | Maywood and Bell: California’s cautionary tales | false | https://ivn.us/2010/07/28/maywood-and-bell-californias-cautionary-tales/ | 2010-07-28 | 2 |
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<p />
<p>More than 50 people attended Tuesday’s meeting, many to protest the 70-foot-tall structures, which AT&amp;T says will be disguised as functioning clock towers.</p>
<p>Taking up each request for a conditional use permits separately, the board voted 4-1 to approve the applications for towers in Sugar Park near Sugar Road and Lisbon Avenue on the city’s west side, and in Rio Vista Park, off Riverside Drive in River’s Edge II.</p>
<p>But it denied the third, for a tower in Sabana Park off Benjamin Drive, by a 3-2 vote.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Opponents of the Sabana tower, who far outnumbered those opposed to the other projects, submitted a petition signed by 145 people and two businesses. They argued a park was no place for the project, which they said could put public health at risk and cause property values to decrease.</p>
<p>John Schnoor, a Realtor, said home buyers are looking for locations with good cellular service, but they don’t want to see cell towers. He said he uses a different carrier, Verizon Wireless, and gets good service from a company that isn’t looking to build a 70-foot tower in his park.</p>
<p>“I don’t want a clock tower in the park,” he said, “I can tell the time by looking at my phone.”</p>
<p>For the most part the meeting was orderly, but there were several interruptions due to inappropriate applause, derisive laughter and verbal outbursts from some opponents that board Chairman David Heil sought to keep to a minimum.</p>
<p>“This is not a sporting event,” he said.</p>
<p>Board members Paul Barabe, Patrick McFarline, Vince Romero and Heil voted to support the applications for the Sugar and Rio Vista projects, with Ray Johnson voting against each. Board member Henry Pacelli was absent.</p>
<p>Johnson said he had “grave concerns” about the towers from the onset. He recommended that some percentage of the lease fees — $18,000 a year for the Sugar Park tower, $20,000 for the Rio Vista tower and $25,000 a year for the Sabana tower — should go back to the parks. The suggestion was not approved by the rest of the board.</p>
<p>Barabe and Heil joined Johnson in voting against the Sabana Park project.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Celebratory cheers made it nearly impossible to hear Heil attempt to explain his vote. Later, Heil said he was moved by the arguments against the tower presented by people who live near the park.</p>
<p>“They were pretty well-prepared with some of their arguments,” he said in a phone interview Wednesday. “… Anybody can get up and say anything they want. You need to provide detail and a basis of information.”</p>
<p>He said his concern about the location of the cell tower near a playground was his reason for denying the application. The open space away from the playground and a nearby trail would be a more appropriate location, he said.</p>
<p>“The other (towers) were deeper into the park, not at the entrance,” he said. “They weren’t as imposing on the park.”</p>
<p>He also noted that those who opposed the towers at Sugar and Rio Vista parks often said they were concerned about the radiation emitted by the towers. But Federal Communications Commission rules specifically prohibit denying such applications based on radiation concerns. It can only reject an application based on the design or location of the towers, he said.</p>
<p>John Wegryznek, who was a big part of the push to oppose the tower in Sabana Park, said the board’s decision made him feel his voice was being heard.</p>
<p>“We’re excited,” he said. “It gives me faith in our government.”</p>
<p>The issue could come up again, however. The board’s decisions can be appealed to the city council for up to 30 days after the meeting, according to city spokesman Peter Wells.</p>
<p>AT&amp;T spokeswoman Karen Kruse said the company is considering its options.</p> | 2 of 3 cell tower park locations gain city approval | false | https://abqjournal.com/215781/2-of-3-cell-tower-park-locations-gain-city-approval.html | 2013-06-30 | 2 |
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<p>WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday shot down prospects for major parts of President Donald Trump’s budget, rejecting proposed cuts to foreign aid and medical research.</p>
<p>“Every president sends up a budget, and with all due respect to the current president, I can’t recall any time in which we have been sort of dictated to by either a Republican or a Democratic president,” McConnell said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We’ll put our own imprint on it, particularly with regard to overseas.”</p>
<p>Trump’s budget, which would boost military spending while slashing funds for the environment, the National Institutes of Health, public broadcasting and development projects like the Appalachian Regional Commission, was widely panned by fellow Republicans last week.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>McConnell once headed the Senate panel responsible for foreign aid and stressed the importance of U.S. spending overseas. He also was a major force behind last year’s Cures Act, a law that boosts spending on medical research, and he opposes any proposed cuts.</p>
<p>“America being a force is a lot more than building up the Defense Department,” McConnell said. “Diplomacy is important, extremely important, and I don’t think these reductions at the State Department are appropriate because many times diplomacy is a lot more effective — and certainly cheaper — than military engagement.”</p>
<p>On another spending issue, McConnell said the politics of the moment mean Republicans controlling Washington won’t touch benefit programs like Medicare and Social Security, known as entitlements.</p>
<p>On another big issue, in the interview McConnell warned fellow Republicans of political consequences if they oppose the GOP health care legislation coming up for a vote in the House this week.</p>
<p>“I would hate to be a Republican whose vote prevented us from keeping the commitment we’ve made to the American people for almost 10 years now” to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s health care law, the Kentucky Republican told AP reporters and editors.</p>
<p>“I think the American people would be deeply disappointed that we were prevented from keeping our commitment by Republicans who in the end, in effect, voted for the status quo.”</p>
<p>McConnell sounded confident that the bill will pass the House and come over to the Senate, where it is currently short of votes. He made clear the legislation will be changed in the Senate so it can pass, though he declined to predict what the final product will look like or guarantee ultimate success.</p>
<p>He indicated he expects Trump, who was on Capitol Hill Tuesday to lobby reluctant House members, to lean on wavering Senate Republicans and bring them in line.</p>
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<p>“The president has been very effective in helping in the House with the health care bill,” said McConnell, who was with Trump in Kentucky Monday night at a health care rally. “And we intend, once it comes over from the House, to have the president weigh in with our folks as well.”</p>
<p>The GOP legislation would repeal the Obama law’s requirement for nearly everyone to carry insurance or face fines, while phasing out an expansion of Medicaid and reducing tax credits that help consumers buy coverage. House GOP leaders are pushing toward a vote Thursday despite opposition from both left and right, and announced a package of changes overnight Monday aimed at luring wavering lawmakers with promises of more money for older Americans and other changes.</p>
<p>Several Republican senators have been loudly critical of the bill, including Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah. Combined with opposition from a couple of other lawmakers, McConnell does not presently have enough votes for the bill in a Senate split 52-48 between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats are unanimously opposed.</p>
<p>But McConnell attributed some of the turmoil to a “learning process” as Republicans turn to governing after spending years as the opposition party. And he said, “I’m optimistic that none of my members in the end want to be responsible for the status quo on Obamacare.”</p>
<p>McConnell also addressed the Supreme Court, with the Senate Judiciary Committee in Day Two of hearings on Judge Neil Gorsuch, Trump’s nominee to fill the 13-month high court vacancy.</p>
<p>He criticized Democrats who might oppose Gorsuch, saying “This is a futile gesture, it’s playing to the mob, saying resist to everything.”</p>
<p>While saying he hoped Gorsuch would get Democratic votes in the end, McConnell seemed ready to change Senate rules, if necessary, to confirm him with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes now required to move forward. “Gorsuch will be confirmed; I just can’t tell you exactly how that will happen, yet,” McConnell said.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Andrew Taylor contributed.</p> | AP Interview: McConnell rejects Trump’s foreign aid cuts | false | https://abqjournal.com/973118/ap-interview-mcconnell-warns-republicans-on-health-bill.html | 2017-03-21 | 2 |
<p>Chinese stocks led a slump in Asian markets on Wednesday as the sell-off in Shanghai intensified and Greece's future in the euro remained highly uncertain.</p>
<p>KEEPING SCORE: China's Shanghai Composite Index tumbled 5.5 percent to 3,521.20 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dived 5.1 percent to 23,693.95. Japan's Nikkei 225 lost 3.1 percent to 19,737.64 as the yen strengthened on safe haven buying. South Korea's Kospi was down 1.1 percent at 2,016.21. Other regional markets were also down, including Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and the Philippines.</p>
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<p>CHINA SELL-OFF: A slew of official measures to provide support to Chinese stock markets have failed to halt a recent sell-off. The Shanghai benchmark is down more than 30 percent since peaking June 12 after a sizzling yearlong rally. Millions of novice investors piled into the market when it was at its most frothy. Some made big profits but the slump has left many with shares worth less than they paid and hoping for a rebound so they can sell.</p>
<p>ANALYST TAKE: "Greece and China dominate once again, but throw in massive falls in bulk and base metals and you are left with a worrying mix for market participants," Chris Weston, chief market strategist at IG in Melbourne, Australia said in a commentary. "Can the Federal Reserve divert attention away from these issues in today's FOMC minutes? I am skeptical, even though it is actually the most important U.S. economic release," he said. "Still, for traders there are only two games in town and these remain China's equity markets and the Greek negotiations."</p>
<p>GREECE CRISIS: Frustrated European leaders fearing for the future of their common currency gave the Greek prime minister a last-minute chance Tuesday to finally come up with a viable proposal on how to save his country from financial ruin. Overcoming their surprise when Alexis Tsipras failed to present them with a detailed reform blueprint, the leaders reluctantly agreed to a final summit on Sunday. Indebted Greece needs a financial lifeline from its European creditors who have been pressing for more austerity in exchange for bailout funds. Without that it's expected to default, paving the way for its exit from the euro currency.</p>
<p>WALL STREET: U.S. shares rose moderately on domestic factors. The Standard &amp; Poor's 500 rose 12.58 points, or 0.6 percent, to 2,081.34. The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 93.33 points, or 0.5 percent, to 17,776.91. The Nasdaq composite inched up 5.52 points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,997.46.</p>
<p>ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude was down 31 cents to $52.01 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 20 cents to close at $52.33 in New York on Tuesday. Brent crude, the international benchmark, slipped 79 cents to $56.06 a barrel in London.</p>
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<p>CURRENCIES: The euro was little changed at $1.1007 from $1.1008 on Tuesday. The dollar fell to 122.86 yen from 122.52 yen.</p> | China leads dive in Asian stock markets as Greece also rattles investors | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2015/07/08/china-leads-dive-in-asian-stock-markets-as-greece-also-rattles-investors.html | 2016-03-06 | 0 |
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<p>The money, announced Monday by Gov. Susana Martinez, is the third iteration of the initiative, which is focused on ensuring students learn to read by third grade.</p>
<p>The state distributed $2.1 million in each of the first two rounds of funding, making the $15.5 million distribution the largest by far.</p>
<p>“We have only half our third-graders reading at grade level, and the other half don’t; that’s unacceptable,” Martinez said. “We’re losing half of our kids, and that is not the way we should operate in our state.”</p>
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<p>The most recent Standards-Based Assessment scores show that 55.2 percent of New Mexico’s third-graders read at or above grade level.</p>
<p>Every school district in the state will receive at least $50,000 for the coming school year, and some districts will receive more money, based on applications they submitted to the state about how they would spend the money.</p>
<p>Albuquerque Public Schools is set to receive the most, at just over $1 million, and 36 districts will receive some additional money on top of the base $50,000.</p>
<p>The state funding is meant to be spent primarily on reading coaches, teacher training and other programs to improve early literacy.</p>
<p>The first round of funding was distributed last summer, and Martinez touted the results from those districts as evidence that the extra money made a difference. Last year, third-graders statewide improved their reading scores by 2.9 percentage points. Among the 12 districts and one charter school that received first-round “Reads to Lead” funding, third-grade reading proficiency was up 7.8 percentage points, Martinez said.</p>
<p>Some of the funding will be used at the state level to pay for 14 regional reading coaches to help teachers improve their practices. State money also will go toward teacher training and common early reading assessments. The idea of the assessments is to identify struggling readers early and to ensure that students are tested with a common yardstick if they move from one district to another.</p>
<p>Martinez said the program is a vital tool in helping to bring up New Mexico’s reading proficiency.</p>
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<p /> | Reading efforts to get $15.5M in funding | false | https://abqjournal.com/242898/reading-efforts-to-get-155m-in-funding.html | 2013-08-06 | 2 |
<p><a href="http://pienews.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/21638cf99fdb1b75d6ca25976f805b98.jpeg" type="external" />By Jessica Donati and Hamid Shalizi KABUL (Reuters) - The release of five Taliban prisoners in exchange for a U.S. soldier has drawn criticism from some Afghans, who say the detainees are dangerous and will rekindle ties with terrorist networks to resume fighting, just as most foreign troops leave. [?]</p>
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<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/afghans-taliban-prisoners-freed-u-rejoin-battle-145123619.html" type="external">Click here to view original web page at news.yahoo.com</a></p>
<p /> | You Don't Say! Afghans claim Taliban prisoners freed by U.S. will rejoin battle | true | http://politicalillusionsexposed.com/afghans-say-taliban-prisoners-freed-by-u-s-will-rejoin-battle/ | 0 |
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<p>Land that first job after graduation? Paychecks finally coming in? After four or more years of living the Spartan student life, it's time to spend! Or is it?</p>
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<p>If professional financial planners could go back in time, many would have important words of advice for their younger selves back when they didn't know everything about credit cards, budgeting and building a career.</p>
<p>"When you're young, that's the best time to build good habits that help you later on in life," says Ben Barzideh, a wealth adviser at Piershale Financial Group in Crystal Lake, Ill.</p>
<p>Here are key pieces of money wisdom financial professionals want to impart to young adults just starting out on their own:</p>
<p>1. Live within your budget "If I could talk to my younger self, I'd say, 'Don't overspend and live above your means.' The most critical part of that is <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/foreman-budgeting-made-easy-1580.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">having a budget</a> and sticking to it," Barzideh says.</p>
<p>"I look back to my college days and the first few years afterward, and it was almost understood that you'd go out every weekend. But before you'd know it, you could spend hundreds of bucks a week," he says. That was money that seemingly disappeared into thin air.</p>
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<p>Now Barzideh knows better. He is a firm believer in creating budgets, and he makes a point to advise his clients to do the same, whether they choose to use software for the task or something as simple as a spreadsheet that lists income and expenses.</p>
<p>"You've got to have a budget so you can see the flow of your money, how much is coming in and how much is going out," Barzideh says.</p>
<p>"A budget allows you to cut frivolous expenses for items you wouldn't miss, and move those funds into savings instead," he says. "You always want to have money for emergencies built in."</p>
<p>For simplicity, consider setting up an automatic transfer from your checking to savings account on a regular basis, based on how much your budget allows. It's an easy way to help you save money, he says.</p>
<p>2. Too many credit cards = too much temptation Eleanor Blayney, a certified financial planner and consumer advocate for the CFP Board in Washington, D.C., says that if given the chance, she'd tell her younger self not to open several <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/just-say-no-to-retail-credit-cards-1294.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">store credit card accounts</a> in a short period.</p>
<p>Blayney recalls going to retail stores and having sales clerks ask if she'd like to save 5 percent or 10 percent off the total bill by signing up for a new card. "Yes!" was often Blayney's answer. "It seemed like a no-brainer," she says.</p>
<p>If she could go back in time, Blayney says she should have questioned her need for yet another retail card. She eventually realized that the short-term savings could cause long-term pain. "When you have too many of those cards, it can be considered a negative for purposes of determining your credit score," she says. Successfully managing one or two credit cards is ideal. And by successful management, that means regularly charging small purchases and paying them off in full or within a month or two -- and always paying on time.</p>
<p>Blayney says a dip in credit score may not be a huge concern for older people who have paid off their mortgages and cars and aren't financing big purchases, but it is a concern for young people who are relying on good credit to qualify for student loans, take out mortgages and even land their first full-time jobs.</p>
<p>Blayney advises young adults to make raising their credit scores their top priority. "You should absolutely be on time with payments. And you want to pay more than the minimum amount due if you can," she says. Get your score "cleaned up as quickly as possible."</p>
<p>Once 18, young adults should pull copies of their credit report from all three big credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) via <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com" type="external">AnnualCreditReport.com Opens a New Window.</a>. Each is free, once a year. Check them, and <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/10-surefire-steps-to-get-errors-off-credit_reports.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">dispute any credit report errors</a>. It is the information on those credit reports that builds your credit scores.</p>
<p>To learn about how to build your FICO credit score, read " <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/help/5-parts-components-fico-credit-score-6000.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">FICO's 5 factors: The components of a FICO credit score</a>." Consumers should check their credit scores once a year as well to monitor their progress -- or descent. (You can order your FICO score for about $20 from <a href="http://www.myfico.com" type="external">myFICO.com Opens a New Window.</a>.) The FICO score range is from 300 to 850, with anything above 740 being considered very good.</p>
<p>3. Delayed gratifications pays Ted Bovard, a principal at Fort Capital Group in Pittsburgh, says that when he was younger, he had several friends who bought fancy cars. He admits it was tempting to do the same in order to keep up appearances. "I'd have liked to have a nicer car sooner," he says. "But I was the goofy kid that waited until he could afford it."</p>
<p>That was actually a good move. Bovard says that if he could go back in time, he would tell his younger self that being patient was worth it.</p>
<p>Bovard says many friends struggled to pay off the loans associated with their cars and other expenses for years. Because he didn't have those same obligations, he was able to pursue his goal of becoming a founder member of a company. "I didn't have a bunch of debt, so I was in a much better position," he says.</p>
<p>"For many students and recent graduates, it's easier to spend money first, and then figure out how to pay for it later," Bovard says. "Instead, think about how you can pay for something first, before you spend your money." It's usually worth it to wait, he says.</p>
<p>See related: <a href="http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/just-say-no-to-retail-credit-cards-1294.php?aid=52aae854" type="external">6 tips to use store credit cards the best way</a></p> | Money Experts Give Advice to Their Younger Selves | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2013/07/19/money-experts-give-advice-to-their-younger-selves.html | 2016-03-05 | 0 |
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<p>Manning, 18,&#160; appeared before state District Judge J.C. Robinson at the hearing Tuesday, wearing a long-sleeved button-down purple shirt, blue jeans, with black-framed glasses and a short, close-cropped hair cut, the Sun-News reported. He sat quietly at the defense table with his attorney, Stacey Ward.</p>
<p>The case has been delayed for two years, in part due to Ward’s request to review 77 pages of reports from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, a computer glitch that prevented her from opening the sheriff’s video files in the case, the issue of Manning’s competency, and an unsuccessful request to have Manning’s statement to detectives thrown out, the Sun-News said.</p>
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<p>He was declared competent to stand trial in March, the paper reported.</p>
<p>Deputy District Attorney George Zsoka said he intends to seek a first-degree murder conviction for Manning, who is being prosecuted as a serious youthful offender, the Sun-News said.</p>
<p>If convicted of first-degree murder, he will be sentenced as an adult, which means he could receive a 30-year maximum sentence, the paper reported. A jury also could find him guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter or not guilty.</p>
<p>A trial date hasn’t been set, but Zsoka said it could take place some time this spring.</p>
<p>11:26am 8/1/12 — Apparent Taped Confession Thrown Out in Teen’s Murder Case</p>
<p>By ABQnews Staff</p>
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<p>A judge tossed out what investigators call a taped confession in the case of a teen accused of killing his dad on a hunting trip, <a href="http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/evidence-tossed-in-teens-murder-case" type="external">KRQE reported</a>.</p>
<p>In November 2010,&#160;Thomas Manning, then 16, was on a hunting trip with his father, Jeffrey Scott Manning, in Grant County when he allegedly shot him in the back of the head, court documents showed.</p>
<p>Court records showed that Manning told detectives he killed his father and didn’t feel bad about it. On the night of the murder, detectives recorded an apparent taped confession.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, though, a judge ruled that the audio of the recording is not understandable and can’t be used in Manning’s case, KRQE said. Manning’s lawyers also requested that the detectives who questioned Manning be &#160;kept out of the case as well, so they can’t recite what they claim was in the confession.</p>
<p>Manning is charged with murder and will be tried as an adult. <a href="" type="internal">He was found mentally fit to stand trial in March</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/xa1Cg9" type="external">Read previous coverage on the Manning case here.</a></p> | UPDATED: ABQ Teen Bound Over for Trial in Dad’s Death | false | https://abqjournal.com/149790/updated-abq-teen-to-be-tried-in-dads-death.html | 2012-11-29 | 2 |
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<p>ASPEN, Colo. — Police says two armed robbery suspects in Colorado escaped after being spotted on a public bus.</p>
<p>The Aspen Times reports ( <a href="http://bit.ly/2m7Mcam" type="external">http://bit.ly/2m7Mcam</a> ) that Aspen-area law enforcement officials say the two 19-year-old men climbed out of the bus emergency window on Tuesday morning and ran off. Police lost them later in the morning.</p>
<p>A manhunt was called off Tuesday evening.</p>
<p>The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office said it would increase local patrols Tuesday night.</p>
<p>The pair is suspected of using a handgun to rob two employees at a Carbondale convenience store on Feb. 16.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The Aspen Times, <a href="http://www.aspentimes.com/" type="external">http://www.aspentimes.com/</a></p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Colorado robbery suspects flee after being spotted on bus | false | https://abqjournal.com/954973/colorado-robbery-suspects-flee-after-being-spotted-on-bus.html | 2 |
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<p>&#160; &#160; Lt. Col. Issac Yacouba Zida pauses as he makes an announcement Saturday to the media in the Burkina Faso city of Ouagadougou. AP/Theo Renaut</p>
<p>Thousands of people gathered in the center of Burkina Faso’s capital Sunday to denounce what they described as a military coup, two days after massive protests compelled President Blaise Compaore to resign.</p>
<p>The Guardian reports:</p>
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<p>Compaoré’s 27 years in charge of the landlocked west African country ended on Friday when his bid to change the constitution to extend his rule was thwarted.</p>
<p>A power struggle ensued, and on Saturday Presidential Guard commander Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida was appointed as transitional leader, superseding an earlier claim by the army chief of staff.</p>
<p>In Ouagadougou’s Place de La Nation on Sunday, opposition leaders denounced the power grab to the assembled crowds, while a UN official warned of possible sanctions if Zida obstructed a return to civilian rule.</p>
<p>Read more <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/02/burkina-faso-thousands-denounce-military-coup" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>— Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Alexander Reed Kelly</a>.</p> | Power Struggle Follows Resignation of Burkina Faso President | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/power-struggle-follows-resignation-of-burkina-faso-president/ | 2014-11-02 | 4 |
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<p>Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop promised to unveil a new smartphone using Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) latest Windows 8 software soon, boosting expectations it will be launched before rival Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) promotes its new iPhone.</p>
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<p>The Finnish company, which is fighting for survival after losing out to rivals in the lucrative smartphone business, is due to hold a trade show in Helsinki on Sept. 5-6, just before an Apple event on Sept. 12 where the U.S. competitor could announce a redesigned iPhone.</p>
<p>Nokia has not commented on what it will announce at the Nokia World event, but many investors anticipate a new handset designed to challenge the popularity of the iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy smartphone.</p>
<p>Elop did not deny a September launch but would only say Windows 8 smartphones would be released "relatively near term." Nokia shares, which have been trading near all-time lows, rose sharply after Elop's comments. Even after Standard &amp; Poor's downgraded the shares to deeper junk status later in the day, rating them BB- with a negative outlook, they were still up 5.6% at 2.12 euros around 1207 GMT. &#160;&#160;&#160;Elop, who was brought in from Microsoft in September, 2010, to lead Nokia's fightback against Apple and Samsung, said he was sticking to his strategy of using Microsoft software despite the limited success of Windows Phones so far.</p>
<p>Nokia decided in early 2011 to ditch its home-grown Symbian software for a deal with Microsoft.</p>
<p>"I don't think about rewinding the clock and thinking about competing elsewhere," he told reporters. "In today's war ... (between) Android, Apple and Windows, we are very clear, we are fighting that with the Windows phone," said Elop, who was in Oslo for a meeting with Telenor chief executive Jon Fredrik Baksaas.</p>
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<p>Nokia lost 1.53 billion euros in the second quarter and sold just 4 million Windows phones in the period, well short of Apple's sales of 26 million iPhones and Samsung's 50 million smartphones.</p>
<p>Nokia shrugged off S&amp;P's announcement, saying it had sufficient liquidity and was saving money. S&amp;P cut Nokia's rating in April to BB+ - junk status - meaning conservative investors like pension funds will consider it too risky to hold.</p> | Nokia CEO: New Smartphone Coming Soon | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2012/08/15/nokia-ceo-new-smartphone-coming-soon.html | 2016-03-03 | 0 |
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<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is expected to vote today on cuts to government farm subsidies and food stamps as lawmakers move toward passage of a five-year, half trillion-dollar farm bill.</p>
<p>Republican leaders have said they want to finish voting on the bill today. Supporters have been working this week to shore up support for the measure as members of both parties have signaled opposition to the legislation’s $2 billion cut in food stamps.</p>
<p>Many Republicans say the cut is not enough; the food stamp program has doubled in cost over the last five years to almost $80 billion a year and now helps to feed 1 in 7 Americans. Liberals oppose any reductions in food stamps, contending that the House plan could remove as many as 2 million needy recipients from the rolls.</p>
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<p>The chamber rejected an attempt by Democrats Wednesday to eliminate the $2 billion in cuts and instead slash subsidy payments to farmers. Republican attempts to make the cuts even deeper are expected today, along with other amendments that would overhaul sugar and dairy subsidies and cut federally-subsidized crop insurance.</p>
<p>The outcome of those votes could affect the vote on final passage of the bill, which is expected to come Thursday.</p>
<p>House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., sped the chamber through consideration of almost all of lawmakers’ 103 amendments to the legislation Wednesday night. The House at one point adopted 35 amendments at once in a single vote.</p>
<p>The House debated an amendment Wednesday by Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., to limit government help for crop insurance paid to wealthy farmers and limit the subsidies the government gives to crop insurance companies. The vote on that amendment was postponed until Thursday.</p>
<p>The House bill, which would cut around $4 billion a year in overall spending on farm and nutrition programs, expands crop insurance programs and creates a new kind of crop insurance that kicks in before farmers’ paid policies do.</p>
<p>But Kind and other Democrats say the bill should cut more from farm subsidies like crop insurance and less from food stamps.</p>
<p>Opposition to farm subsidies has been growing among Republicans, some of whom are expected to vote for the Kind amendment. Conservative groups have been lobbying aggressively against the bill.</p>
<p>Conservatives have also proposed the amendments that would reduce sugar supports and overhaul the dairy subsidies, both of which could turn lawmakers from certain regions of the country against the bill, threatening its passage.</p>
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<p>The House is also scheduled to vote on an amendment to reduce food stamp benefits if Congress fails to pass a farm bill. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, said he offered the amendment to create more of a sense of urgency among Democrats.</p>
<p>“Right now, they’re on the take side, and they’re not part of the process,” Conaway said. Conaway and other members of the House Agriculture Committee have been scrambling to find enough votes for the bill, which could falter without Democratic support in the Republican-controlled House.</p>
<p>For several decades, farm bills have combined farm subsidies and food stamps in an effort by sponsors to attract urban votes for a mostly rural bill. But that coalition is now shaky, as conservatives have insisted on cuts to food stamps.</p>
<p>Other amendments adopted by voice vote late Wednesday chipped away at food stamps. The House adopted an amendment to require drug tests for food stamp recipients, angering Democrats who said the tests would be demeaning to applicants. Lawmakers also adopted an amendment that would end a 2004 U.S.-Mexico agreement to educate Mexican-Americans about food stamps. More amendments to scale back the program are expected.</p>
<p>Also Wednesday, the House voted to delay sweeping food safety rules proposed by the Food and Drug Administration earlier this year.</p>
<p>House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has said he has concerns about the overall legislation but wants to get the farm bill to House and Senate negotiators for a potential deal. He said he will vote for it, saying the change in policy is better than doing nothing.</p>
<p>House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., says the bill is necessary to avoid farm crises and that it has some of the biggest reforms in decades. It would eliminate $5 billion a year in direct payments, subsidies that are paid to farmers whether they grow crops or not. The measure would also expand crop insurance and make it easier for rice and peanut farmers to collect subsidies.</p>
<p>The Senate passed its version of the farm bill last week, with about $2.4 billion a year in overall cuts and a $400 million annual decrease in food stamps — one-fifth of the House bill’s food stamp cuts.</p> | House set to vote today on farm bill cuts | false | https://abqjournal.com/212584/house-to-vote-today-on-farm-bill-cuts.html | 2013-06-20 | 2 |
<p>The Air Force Academy announced on Tuesday that a black cadet who was supposedly the victim of racial slurs was, in fact, responsible for writing the racial slurs.</p>
<p>Officials said the cadet admitted to being behind the racist messages that appeared outside the doors of five black cadets' rooms, <a href="http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/air-force-academy-prep-school-black-cadet-admitted-to-writing-racist-remarks-on-dorm-doors" type="external">KMGH-ABC</a> reported.</p>
<p>Although the student’s name was not released, officials indicated that the individual is no longer at the school — but declined to say if the student was expelled or left voluntarily.</p>
<p>The Air Force Academy started an investigation into the incident when reports first surfaced in September.</p>
<p>"There is absolutely no place in our Air Force for racism. It's not who we are, nor will we tolerate it in any shape or fashion," Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, <a href="http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/racial-slurs-on-5-black-cadets-dorm-boards-leads-to-air-force-academy-prep-investigation" type="external">said</a>. "I've said it before, the area of dignity and respect is my red line. Let me be clear; it won't be crossed without significant repercussions."</p>
<p>A <a href="" type="internal">similar incident</a> happened last week when an African American man alleged that someone wrote racial slurs all over his car — when he was the one who wrote the slurs. The man, 21-year-old Dauntarius Williams, came forward and admitted that he staged the entire event.</p> | Hate Crime Hoax: Black Air Force Cadet Admits To Writing Racial Slurs Targeting Blacks | true | https://dailywire.com/news/23305/hate-crime-hoax-black-air-force-cadet-admits-ryan-saavedra | 2017-11-08 | 0 |
<p>Nov. 29 (UPI) — The oil-rich Canadian province of Alberta is leading the country in economic growth with all sectors on a clear acceleration trend, the finance minister said.</p>
<p>“With the recession behind us, Alberta’s economy has returned to growth,” Finance Minister Joe Ceci said in <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=500551F37F2C5-F804-AB1A-06538BB3CC329036" type="external">a statement</a>.</p>
<p>Based on reserves for oil sands, a thicker type of oil, Alberta by itself ranks third in the world behind Venezuela and Saudi Arabia with a 2016 reserve estimate of 165.4 billion barrels. Production last year averaged 2.5 million barrels per day, which was about double the output from North Dakota, the second-largest oil producer in the United States.</p>
<p>Total oil production for Alberta in September, the last full month for which <a href="http://www.aer.ca/data-and-publications/statistical-reports/st3" type="external">provincial data</a> are available, was 3.2 million bpd.</p>
<p>Alberta’s economy was hammered last year by the dual strains from lower crude oil prices and wildfires that swept through the heart of the provincial oil sector. About 1 million barrels of oil per day were sidelined by fires centered in the Fort McMurray region.</p>
<p>With budget planning for the next fiscal year on the horizon, Ceci said the provincial economy is on pace to show a growth rate of gross domestic product of 4 percent for the year. First quarter growth was 3.1 percent and the latest estimate is the second time this year the provincial growth projection was revised higher.</p>
<p>The provincial government is anticipating a deficit of $8 billion (USD), $143 million less than forecast for the last budget. So far, the government is $78 million away from its goal of saving $312 million in administrative costs. A salary freeze is already in place.</p>
<p>Ceci said the government is basing its forecast on a price for West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark for the price of oil, at $49 per barrel, the same as it estimated for the first quarter. So far this year, the government said WTI has averaged $49.42 per barrel.</p>
<p>Over the next two months, provincial leaders will consult constituents on next year’s budget.</p>
<p>“I look forward to hearing Albertans’ thoughts on how we can continue to make life better for Albertans while compassionately tightening our belt and returning responsibly and carefully to balance without extreme and risky cuts,” Ceci said.</p>
<p>Ceci’s forecast comes as U.S. and Canadian officials review the terms of the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada counts on the United States as its <a href="https://www.upi.com/Oil-rich-Alberta-shows-early-signs-of-economic-recovery/3881503570240/" type="external">top trading partner</a> and is the top oil exporter to its southern neighbor. Three oil and gas trade groups in North America said in a joint policy paper that “any changes” to the trilateral trade agreement put energy markets at risk.</p> | Oil-rich Alberta sees growth at 4 percent | false | https://newsline.com/oil-rich-alberta-sees-growth-at-4-percent/ | 2017-11-29 | 1 |
<p>In <a href="" type="internal">Captain America: Civil War</a>, the 13th film in Marvel’s <a href="" type="internal">connected superhero franchise</a>, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes trigger a fatal international tragedy and then face off in their most existential battle to date: an internal war over how, why, and when the Avengers should use their superhero powers to protect humanity.</p>
<p>As they did in Captain America: Winter Soldier, screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely load Civil War with pointed real world themes, further advancing the character’s ongoing struggle to reckon with his place in a government institution fueled by post-9/11 paranoia.</p>
<p>This time it’s not drones, the Patriot Act, and the president’s kill list that hammer Cap’s story home, but broader questions of American military might and accountability on foreign soil—a parallel that explodes in an inciting incident in Lagos, Nigeria, when an Avengers field operation turns deadly, incurs civilian casualties, and turns the world on Tony Stark and his superheroes.</p>
<p>As the leaders of the world pressure Stark and the Avengers to submit to government oversight, the rift between #TeamStark and #TeamCap rips a tear right down the middle of the team as they pick sides between two noble leaders—one who places the priority on accountability, and another who worries about giving weaponized peacekeeping decision power to the fickle politicians of the world.</p>
<p>The repercussions of Civil War’s central divide will carry through to the back nine of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Markus and McFeely call it “the most mature Marvel movie” yet.</p>
<p>“The slight parallel is our ability, or a powerful nation’s ability, to sort of pick and choose when they can send in a drone or send in a strike team and get out before the actual authorities know that they’ve been there,” McFeely told The Daily Beast. “And I’m not making a judgment one way or the other, but certainly we play by rules that other people don’t have to play by.”</p>
<p>“It’s certainly not a one-to-one parallel, but the last few years we’ve been dealing with this question of the police, and who polices the police, and are they out of control?” offered Markus. “What is too much force to exert in order to quote-unquote keep the peace? It was interesting to deal with that on this, you know, slightly safer platform—to deal with those kinds of issues without getting too deep into an incredibly political argument. Not that we’re backing away from it. But this is the field we’re playing on, and it’s nice to be able to touch on reality a bit.”</p>
<p>McFeely and Markus have now scripted all three Captain America films as well as Thor: The Dark World. They’re also writing the two-part Marvel Cinematic Universe capper Avengers: Infinity War, and have by extension become two of Marvel’s key architects, steering the franchise’s most significant world-building installments.</p>
<p>Civil War, they explain, flips the script on the typical superhero movie formula we’ve seen in countless blockbusters across the genre. For starters, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Co. get a new kind of villain to tangle with, when they’re not trading blows with one another—not an evil superbaddie pulling strings from the outer cosmos, but Zemo, a shadowy earthbound antagonist (Daniel Bruhl) with a secret agenda.</p>
<p>In other words, there are no mystical Infinity Stones granting otherworldly power, and no Thanos lurking in the background waiting for his shot at the Avengers. “Thanos who?” Markus quipped. “Never heard of him!”</p>
<p>“We didn’t want anything harder [for the Avengers] to beat than each other,” he explained. “We wanted Tony to be Steve’s antagonist, Steve to be Tony’s antagonist, and their disagreement to be the central problem of the movie.”</p>
<p>“Zemo is exacerbating it, he’s poking that sore spot,” Markus continued. “But we never wanted them to shake hands and go, ‘Why are we arguing about this when there’s something worse right over there?!’ That Civil War question always had to be the worst thing happening in the movie.”</p>
<p>Start and finish your day with the top stories from The Daily Beast.</p>
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<p>The studio tinkered with the film until test audiences fell right down the middle, their allegiances torn between Captain America and Iron Man.</p>
<p>“It would be easy to make somebody a straw man,” said McFeely. “And when we finally hit upon the reason why Tony gets very angry, it solved all the problems. Certainly in the Civil War comic, as much as we liked it, it was too easy to pick Cap’s side. I think most people walk out of this movie pretty split. That’s my hope. That was the goal. Our last test screening was split right down the middle, and that’s when we stopped.”</p>
<p>“My sympathies probably don’t match who I would vote for in an election or something like that, to draw these parallels between various candidates and various heroes,” added Markus. “But we have different requirements for real life than we do with films.”</p>
<p>It’s a bold deviation from the bombastic stakes of your average superhero flick to kick off <a href="" type="internal">Marvel’s Phase 3</a>, the third and final arc of connected films to unfold since the comic-based studios launched their cinematic universe in 2008 with Iron Man. And while it takes its name from the Marvel Comics’ series in which the Superhero Registration Act divided the entire superhero community, the writers didn’t borrow entirely from the comics.</p>
<p>According to McFeely, Marvel’s brain trust made a deliberate decision to go in newer directions in Civil War, a trend that will continue in the next Phase 3 films.</p>
<p>“We’re paying for the sins of the movies, right? When the first act is about, ‘You people all need to be controlled,’ it’s because we as a collective filmmaking group had looked at the third acts of the Marvel universe and said ‘Wow, they’re similar,’ he said. “And when we say ‘they,’ a lot of things fell down and undoubtedly innocent people got hurt.</p>
<p>“The formula’s a little bit different in this one, and very much by design. That was what we’re trying to be true to. We’re not looking at the world necessarily and saying, ‘How can we parallel a candidate or a philosophy or an event?’ but looking at the events of our own movies and saying, isn’t it time to address some of the things we’ve already done?”</p>
<p>“We don’t know the entirety of Phase 3,” said Markus. “But I think there is… maybe a shift toward more personal stakes, as opposed to ‘This giant bad guy is going to threaten everybody!’”</p>
<p>“Maybe because in the climax of Phase 3, and we all already know it, this giant bad guy is going to threaten everyone!” he laughed. “We all know Thanos is coming. It would not be a good idea to run up many mini-Thanoses prior to that. So I do think the dynamic is shifting a little bit.”</p>
<p>“And it’s the audience,” added McFeely. “Everyone is now familiar with some of our tricks. That’s why Deadpool destroyed the universe a couple of months ago. It was a superhero movie that didn’t look like other superhero movies. It just sort of gave the finger to them. It was great.”</p>
<p>Did the success of an outside-the-box studio superhero movie like Fox’s cheeky, R-rated Marvel risk <a href="" type="internal">Deadpool</a>have any sort of ripple effect into the greater landscape of superhero cinema?</p>
<p>“Well,” Markus teased, “Cap swears a lot now.”</p>
<p>Markus and McFeely applaud the success of Deadpool over at rival studio 20th Century Fox—because it proved to suits everywhere that creative gambles can pay off.</p>
<p>“It might expand the freedom a little bit to try new things,” mused Markus. “I don’t think we or anybody else has any intention of copying the specifics of Deadpool, but they took a risk and it paid off. And any time anybody does that, other people are able to point at it and go, ‘Well, that worked!’”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the <a href="http://www.dailydot.com/geek/captain-america-civil-war-politics-bernie-sanders/" type="external">#TeamCap endorsement</a> of presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders had Marcus and McFeely tickled, even though they developed Civil War long before the current election circus began: “Bernie Sanders was down 40 points when we made this movie!”</p>
<p>Our current climate of abrasive, invasive personal politics and increased xenophobia—particularly the violent outbursts that mar Republican hopeful Donald Trump’s rallies—only makes a hero like Captain America resonate more, says Markus.</p>
<p>“I think the more that people like him spout off and attempt to speak for other people when they so clearly speak for an extreme minority, characters like Captain America become more important,” said Marcus. “What might otherwise be viewed as kind of trite in what they say and the way they deal with the world, it’s important to have someone remind people that that is not what this country is about, and you’re being kind of an ugly fool, and reductive.”</p>
<p>McFeely made an important distinction: “Cap has always been a symbol of the country and not the government. There was a great run during Watergate where he really just in essence exposes the president as a liar and a criminal!” he laughed. “It’s great.”</p>
<p>As shepherds of Captain America and the future of the MCU, I asked, do the pair feel greater than usual responsibility knowing they’re writing a character that is also, in his very essence, representing an entire country to the outside world?</p>
<p>“It is not our place to necessarily inject our politics all over this movie, and it is not our place to say exactly what the nature of America is,” laughed McFeely, “but I’m also a knee-jerk lefty Hollywood screenwriter.”</p>
<p>“I’ve felt gratified, because it was always a fear when we rolled the first one out: Is the title Captain America going to hurt box office in foreign territories?” said Markus. “And to a lot of degrees it hasn’t. For one, I think people understand that the character is not a representative of the government. But also I think there is an understanding that America, the concept, is not represented 100 percent by the government, either.”</p>
<p>“People still have this quote-unquote dream of America in other places that doesn’t have much to do with foreign policy, and doesn’t even have all that much to do with whatever’s happening in the contemporary world,” he concluded. “It’s a concept that people everywhere still find very appealing. If we can align Cap with that, we’re good.”</p> | ‘Captain America: Civil War’ Screenwriters: Cap Is the Anti-Donald Trump | true | https://thedailybeast.com/captain-america-civil-war-screenwriters-cap-is-the-anti-donald-trump | 2018-10-06 | 4 |
<p>A new study produced by a University of Wisconsin-Madison geoscientist and Northwestern astrophysicist presents an explanation of the fluctuations of the earth's temperatures in the past that highlights the complexity of the forces at work on the earth's climate and how much we still have to learn about them. The study maintains that the cycle of changes in the climate over the millennia is largely a result of changes in the amount of solar radiation, in part caused by small changes in the orbits of Earth and Mars.</p>
<p>While the notion that the impact on earth's orbital cycle on solar radiation levels is a significant factor determining global temperatures is anything but new, the team of scientists seem to have tied the phenomenon to planetary orbits in a more concrete manner than previous studies.</p>
<p>In an <a href="http://news.wisc.edu/from-rocks-in-colorado-evidence-of-a-chaotic-solar-system/#sthash.wF3JfOez.dpuf" type="external">article</a> summarizing the scientists' findings, the University of Wisconsin-Madison notes that the study "provides the first hard proof for what scientists call the 'chaotic solar system,' a theory proposed in 1989 to account for small variations in the present conditions of the solar system." Those variations over millions of years "produce big changes in our planet’s climate." Not only does the new discovery promise to provide a better understanding of "the mechanics of the solar system," but also "a better understanding of the link between orbital variations and climate change over geologic time scales."</p>
<p>UW-M provides some more details on the groundbreaking study:</p>
<p>Using evidence from alternating layers of limestone and shale laid down over millions of years in a shallow North American seaway at the time dinosaurs held sway on Earth, the team led by UW–Madison Professor of Geoscience Stephen Meyers and Northwestern University Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences Brad Sageman discovered the 87 million-year-old signature of a “resonance transition” between Mars and Earth. A resonance transition is the consequence of the “butterfly effect” in chaos theory. It plays on the idea that small changes in the initial conditions of a nonlinear system can have large effects over time.</p>
<p>In the context of the solar system, the phenomenon occurs when two orbiting bodies periodically tug at one another, as occurs when a planet in its track around the sun passes in relative proximity to another planet in its own orbit. These small but regular ticks in a planet’s orbit can exert big changes on the location and orientation of a planet on its axis relative to the sun and, accordingly, change the amount of solar radiation a planet receives over a given area. Where and how much solar radiation a planet gets is a key driver of climate.</p>
<p>Over the ages, the subtle variations in the orbits of Earth and Mars, the scientists theorize, have impacted the amount of Earth's exposure to solar radiation and thus led to shifts in global temperatures, impacting the pattern of Earth's ice ages.</p>
<p>"The impact of astronomical cycles on climate can be quite large," explains Meyers, noting as an example the pacing of the Earth’s ice ages, which have been reliably matched to periodic changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit, and the tilt of our planet on its axis.</p>
<p>While evidence that the earth's orbital variations impact radiation levels and thus global temperatures does not of course mean that man is not in some way impacting the climate, studies like these inadvertently highlight that there are complex natural phenomena impacting the planet that are utterly out of our control and about which we still have much to learn.</p>
<p><a href="http://news.wisc.edu/from-rocks-in-colorado-evidence-of-a-chaotic-solar-system/" type="external">Read Wisconsin-Madison's full report here</a>.</p>
<p>This article has been revised for clarity.</p> | New Studies Found Something That Really Causes Climate Change (And It Has Nothing To Do With Human Beings) | true | https://dailywire.com/news/13817/scientists-we-know-what-really-causes-climate-james-barrett | 2017-02-24 | 0 |
<p>There are two sorts of polemics. The first aims at refuting an opponent's argument; the second aims to discredit it. The first requires a more or less careful presentation and critique of a moral or political position; the second depends on caricature and attack. Henry Pachter's polemic is of the second sort. This is not to say that he doesn't touch upon interesting and difficult questions; but they are never his primary concern. Nor does he pay any significant attention to the arguments of our article. Instead, he launches himself against a set of preconceived and doubtlessly long-standing enemies, and our sentences are hacked to fit his preconceptions. Since polemics of this sort are occasionally taken seriously, some response is obviously necessary, but we don't write with any hope of enlightenment or clarification. Our response is less dialogue than self-defense.</p>
<p /> | A Reply by Michael Walzer and John Schrecker | true | https://dissentmagazine.org/article/reply-michael-walzer-john-schrecker | 2018-03-01 | 4 |
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<p>Nieto scored on a 5-yard run in the first quarter, when the Storm (4-0) built a 21-0 lead, and then on a 52-yard run and a 23-yard pass from quarterback Kian Homme in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Homme also hit Tyler Wilson on a 14-yard scoring play in the opening quarter, set up when Gabe Ortega Jr. picked off a Clovis pass.</p>
<p>The Wildcats (1-3), losing to the Storm for the fourth straight year, came back in the second period when Cass capped a nine-play, 55-yard TD drive with a 5-yard run.</p>
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<p>Thirty-four seconds later, Cass was in the end zone again, this time after an 85-yard burst to paydirt. That TD came after a Homme pass was picked off by Kaine Bender, who had all three picks for the ‘Cats.</p>
<p>Leading 21-14 at halftime, the Storm put the game out of reach on two more Nieto TDs, the only scoring in the third period.</p>
<p>– Gary Herron</p>
<p>ATRISCO HERITAGE 26, VALENCIA 6: In Tome, junior tailback Ricci Alvidrez continued his stellar play, rushing for 175 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Jaguars won their third in a row after dropping their season opener.</p>
<p>Alvidrez, who came into the game as Class 5A’s leading rusher, had three touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD.</p>
<p>Teammate Aaron Bean had an interception and touchdown run for Atrisco Heritage, which next plays at Rio Rancho in two weeks.</p>
<p>VOLCANO VISTA 28, MORIARTY 14: In Moriarty, it was a happy homecoming for Hawks head coach Chad Wallin, a Moriarty alumnus and former Pinto player.</p>
<p>The Hawks (1-2) rushed for more than 300 yards as a team, and both Dominico Chavez and Ibra Dominguez were over 100 yards individually. Chavez rushed for a pair of scored and Dominguez scored on a 75-yard run.</p>
<p>CIBOLA 68, HIGHLAND 40: At Community Stadium, Cibola quarterback Derek Martinez and receiver Blair Manly connected on two long touchdown passes in the first half, which the 2-2 Cougars dominated. They led 42-14 at intermission.</p>
<p>The Hornets have now given up a staggering 250 points in four losses (an average of 62.5) to start the year, and scored a bunch of points against a second-team defense in the second half.</p>
<p>DEL NORTE 35, GRANTS 13: At Milne Stadium, senior tailback Daryl Wiggins rushed 28 times for 225 yards and three touchdowns, and only played about 2½ quarters, Knights coach Bruce Binkley said, as Del Norte moved to 2-2. “I thought we played great and the defense was phenomenal,” Binkley said.</p>
<p /> | Prep football: Cleveland tops Clovis for 4th straight year | false | https://abqjournal.com/266794/cleveland-tops-clovis-for-4th-straight-year.html | 2013-09-21 | 2 |
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<p>In the past few weeks, we have endured the spectacle of a gang of trucks spinning donuts on I-25 in the middle of the day, terrorizing motorists and snarling traffic; nightly drag races on highways and streets; a high-speed car chase throughout the city which forced citizen vehicles to the sides of the road and locked down parts of University of New Mexico Hospital; and most horrifyingly, the murder of a 4-year old girl on Tuesday when shots were fired at her family's vehicle on I-40 in the middle of the afternoon.</p>
<p>These tragic episodes are the work of selfish and immoral individuals with little to no regard for the well being of others. They deserve to be apprehended, tried, and jailed, at the very least.</p>
<p>There is a culture of lawlessness on our city's public roadways. Far too many of our citizens send text messages while driving, in violation of state law; run red lights; exceed posted speed limits; dangerously weave in and out of traffic; and otherwise engage in distracted, careless, and hazardous driving.</p>
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<p>This climate of irresponsibility and impunity offers tacit encouragement to the kind of criminal behavior that our community sadly has become infamous for.</p>
<p>What is it going to take for residents of our city to come together to solve these problems? Today, the rate of violent crime in Albuquerque is twice the national average. Does another child need to die to prompt us to take action? As Police Chief Gordon Eden declared: "We need to rise up as a community and say enough is enough."</p>
<p>City, county, and state authorities must cooperate to develop and implement policies to improve the safety of our roads. Fortunately, there are examples of national best practices to reduce aggressive driving that contain three elements: engineering, enforcement and education.</p>
<p>First, engineering: we must address problems in the driving environment that contribute to frustration and conflict, such as poorly coordinated traffic lights, bad signs, insufficiently long exit ramps, or difficult merging lanes.</p>
<p>In Albuquerque, an additional problem comes from the abandoned vehicles that dot the shoulders of interstate highways. Drivers are now allowed one week to remove their vehicles. They should be removed immediately. They are a hazard, and they make the city look like the set of "Mad Max."</p>
<p>Second, enforcement. We need a better strategy, and more police officers, to enforce existing laws and to identify and punish repeat offenders.</p>
<p>Other cities have adopted innovative measures to detect and apprehend aggressive drivers. Milwaukee targets specific intersections with high crash incidents. The Washington State Patrol created an Aggressive Driver Apprehension Team. In St. Petersburg, officers sat in unmarked city vehicles and on city property - including road construction vehicles and bus benches - to observe aggressive drivers and radio to squad cars to take enforcement action.</p>
<p>Third, education. We must create a communication plan to raise awareness of the enforcement campaign, and educate new and future drivers. People need to see that lawless drivers are being held accountable.</p>
<p>In addition, law enforcement authorities themselves must set an example. We need to impose parameters on city police officers, sheriffs and state highway patrol officers driving marked vehicles, such as a ban on laptop, phone and text message use while driving (I have seen all of these activities while on the road myself); a requirement to observe speed limits, stop signs and stoplights; and authorization to turn on emergency beacons to navigate red lights only when responding to urgent calls (how many of us have seen police flash lights through an intersection and then pull in to 7-11?).</p>
<p>Finally, law enforcement authorities should observe a policy of abandoning the motorized pursuit of suspects in order to minimize collateral damage.</p>
<p>For the sake of our families and our community, we must work together to renew public trust and make this city safe.</p>
<p /> | A culture of lawlessness on Albuquerque's roadways | false | https://abqjournal.com/665425/a-culture-of-lawlessness-on-albuquerques-roadways.html | 2 |
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<p>President Obama flew to Jamaica.</p>
<p>And first order of business on the island?</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.bobmarleymuseum.com/museum-history/" type="external">Bob Marley Museum</a>.&#160;Obama toured Marley's former home at 56 Hope Road. It the place Marley held court&#160;from 1975 until his death in 1981. His wife, Rita converted it into a museum after his death. It's full of memories and music and other personal artifacts of the reggae legend.&#160;</p>
<p>Tour guide Natasha Clark had no idea she would be the one who got to show Obama around.&#160;"I was so excited," she says. "Not nervous. Excited. It an opportunity of a lifetime. It's not everyday you get to meet the President of the United States, up close and personal."</p>
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<p>Police keep watch outside as US&#160;President Barack Obama gets a tour of the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica April 8, 2015.</p>
<p>Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS</p>
<p>She says Obama wanted to know more about the music and the lyrics of Bob Marley's tunes. "It was like a dream for Obama. He was very excited. When he got out of the car he was like, 'Yes. This is it! Bob Marley,'" she says.</p>
<p>Obama says he was a big Marley fan back in high school. That's when he ran with a group of overachieving potheads known as the&#160;"Choom Gang." His high school buddy Tom Topolinski told <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/oral-history/choice-2012/the-choom-gang/" type="external">PBS about the group back</a> in 2012. "The Choom Gang was a bunch of typical high school teenagers, who were out to explore the world, to make it an adventure, to make it fun, to make it funny, and just generally become a family on our own. I mean, the Choom Gang became more of a family to me more than my own family," he says.</p>
<p>Obama kept it straight during his visit. No questions about how&#160;much&#160;ganja Marley smoked back in the day.&#160;Obama is the first president to visit the island since 1982, and is focused on offering clean energy deals to Caribbean nations that&#160;are currently&#160;tied to Venezuelan crude. That's the serious business he's on the island to complete.</p>
<p>But there's always time for Marley. Clark says&#160;the song "Jamming" played when Obama entered the building and "One Love" came on as he left.&#160;</p>
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<p>Clark says she's&#160;still on cloud nine from the visit. "It's an opportunity that I may never get again and it was something that shows well upon everyone that works at the Bob Marley Museum."</p> | One Love: Obama, in Jamaica, pays respects to reggae superstar Bob Marley | false | https://pri.org/stories/2015-04-09/obama-heads-bob-marley-museum-does-not-smoke-pot | 2015-04-09 | 3 |
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<p>The email, written by Ian Kleats, former deputy director of the Legislative Education Study Committee, said there were two separate 2015 incidents in which Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, allegedly sexually harassed the outside staffer by urging her to meet him alone for drinks after she asked to discuss committee business. The staffer interpreted the invitations as a sexual overture, the email claimed.</p>
<p>Sapien, the vice chairman of the LESC, called the allegations a “fabrication,” and said that he and Kleats had a contentious working relationship.</p>
<p>“He definitely has an ax to grind,” Sapien told the</p>
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<p>Journal .</p>
<p>In response, Kleats said he was “disappointed” by Sapien’s comments and insisted his email was not motivated by a personal grudge or political calculations. He also said he did not leak the email.</p>
<p>The email, which was obtained by the Journal, also claimed the staffer shared her story during a meeting with Kleats and former LESC Director Frances Maestas, who did not respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>Kleats told the Journal that he and other LESC staffers did not raise the issue with Sapien, largely because the alleged victim did not want the incident to become public.</p>
<p>He said he never intended the email to be publicly released, but said he felt compelled – by both his conscience and potential liability concerns for the LESC – to report Sapien’s alleged behavior after leaving his job.</p>
<p>Kleats sent the email to current LESC Director Rachel Gudgel in June, several weeks after he left the agency. It was also sent to two other legislative staffers, one of whom was Raúl Burciaga, director of the Legislative Council Service.</p>
<p>In addition to the sexual harassment allegations, the email also includes an offer from Kleats to do work for the agency on a contract basis – he wrote that he charges a $60 hourly rate.</p>
<p>Sapien, in an interview, questioned why LESC officials, including Kleats, would not have taken action in response to the sexual harassment allegations for more than a year if they were true.</p>
<p>He also raised questions about the email being leaked, saying, “I’m aware in this election of my opponent and the Republican Party being willing to take whatever steps necessary to put me in a position to not win my race.”</p>
<p>Sapien is a two-term senator who is seeking re-election to his Senate District 9 seat this year. His opponent in the general election is Republican Diego Espinoza of Rio Rancho.</p>
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<p /> | Email over harassment claim sparks sharp response | false | https://abqjournal.com/873272/email-over-harassment-claim-sparks-strong-response.html | 2016-10-23 | 2 |
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<p>The NFL’s Miami Dolphins are taking extra precautions to protect their home turf at Hard Rock Stadium from Hurricane Irma just months after the facility underwent major renovations.</p>
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<p>The renovations, which reportedly cost $500 million, included the addition of a partial roof “canopy” designed to protect fans from the sun. While the canopy was made to withstand a Category 4 hurricane, the projected severity of Irma’s winds could threaten its stability.</p>
<p>“This is the first test, obviously,” Todd Boyan, the Dolphins’ senior vice president of operations, told the <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article171831437.html" type="external">Miami Herald Opens a New Window.</a>. “We’ll see how it goes. We had structural engineers who designed the canopy, and they’ll be here as soon as it’s safe to get them here. Once the storm clears, we will get a team of people from each discipline who will come to the stadium before we open it back up.”</p>
<p>As Florida officials declared a state of emergency and ordered evacuations of some areas in Irma’s path, the NFL opted earlier this week to reschedule the Dolphins’ season-opening game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Week 1 clash, which was originally slated to occur Sunday in Miami, was moved to November.</p>
<p>Boyan told the Herald that the Dolphins will bring in officials to make sure Hard Rock Stadium is structurally sound once the storm passes. Team officials worked this week to secure objects that the winds could affect, including field-level seats and the stadium goal posts.</p>
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<p>“We have to make sure the property is safe to occupy again. We’re not going to let anyone into the property until we’re confident the shade canopy, as well as the building structure, is safe,” Boyan said. “We believe the shade canopy will do well, but you don’t know until you go through it. This is a major storm.”</p> | Hurricane Irma to test Dolphins' $500M Hard Rock Stadium renovations | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2017/09/08/hurricane-irma-to-test-dolphins-500m-hard-rock-stadium-renovations.html | 2017-09-08 | 0 |
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<p>But only after the cast has sufficiently flaunted the state’s foibles and pounced on its pecadilloes, warbling out a warning that in New Mexico, “it’s not just the wind that blows.”</p>
<p>Celebrating the state’s centennial, the production tells of a territory where a courthouse can’t get furnished and trains don’t run on time. Its land is claimed by indigenous people, a descendent of the king of Spain, a grizzled mountain man (and woman) – and a rich Anglo in a yachting cap who is denounced as a carpetbagger for moving to Canyon Road only 65 years ago.</p>
<p>Sound familiar?</p>
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<p>After all, the melodrama’s alternative title is “The Absolutely, Undeniably, Certifiably True Story of How New Mexico Became a State.” It opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Playhouse, 142 E. DeVargas St., and runs through Sept. 9.</p>
<p>The story centers on a villain who connives to keep the territory from statehood, figuring that such a move would squelch the Wild West lawlessness that brings him riches.</p>
<p>As usual, the moments of mockery and mayhem are penned by an anonymous committee whose membership changes a bit from year to year – no doubt because once a writer is identified, the offender is tarred and feathered and dumped somewhere along the Jornado del Muerto.</p>
<p>As in the past, characters boast colorful names such as Fannie Fairweather, Brett Studley, Gov. Suze Hannah Texicana.</p>
<p>Hmmm … Is Gov. Susana Martinez expected to attend a performance?</p>
<p>Director Catherine Donavon, eyes widening, brought a hand to her chest and gasped, “I hope not!” (Consider that an invitation, Guv. Paste on a moustache if you want to go incognito.)</p>
<p>Donavon, a long-time actor who has been musical director of past melodramas, took over the director’s slot this time because of “a lot of snivelling, crying and begging on the part of the playhouse folks,” she dead-panned. “I’m a sucker for a sob story.”</p>
<p>And if the melodrama plot lines might have some incongruous twists and turns, they aren’t far off from some of the obstacles that popped up during the six weeks of rehearsals to bring this production to the stage.</p>
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<p>“Three of the cast members had to drop out because of illness or work,” Donavon said. “We had stomach flu rip through the cast. It was ‘Who is missing? Who is puking in the back here tonight?’ And the pianist had a family situation he had to go out of town for… so the tech guy was building the set by day and being rehearsal pianist at night.”</p>
<p>Still, before Wednesday night’s rehearsal, she said everyone is pretty much healthy and ready to face an audience. Even though that audience, whose members will be engaged in an old-time sing-along before the curtain rises (metaphorically – they don’t have a curtain), also will be coached to boo, hiss, cheer and shout out warnings to the heroine.</p>
<p>But they won’t be given marshmallows to toss. “No one wants to clean that up,” Donavon said.</p>
<p>Out-of-towners might have fun at the event, but they are unlikely to get some of the local jokes embedded in the production, she said. “The cool thing is that local people who may not normally be theatergoers come for the melodrama,” Donavon said. “How much fun it is to laugh at all these silly things.”</p>
<p>Locals, after all, probably will understand why Gov. Texicana has been feuding with a hair-cutter dressed in a floppy pink beret, or fully get the reference of a deadly threat to a camera-equipped burro enforcing speed laws.</p>
<p>While Donavon wrote lyrics to three songs, some to the tune of actual, but somewhat obscure, state songs – “New Mexico has a lot of state songs,” she observed – other originals were written by local tunesmiths Johnny Broomdust and Joe West. Well-known pianist-about-town Charles Tichenor tickles the ivories.</p>
<p>The 14-member cast includes Ray Gere, Joe Meyers, Eibhlin Brennen, Shawna Howley, Esmerelda Muñoz-Gonzales, Robert Sandoval, Meg Gold, Hedy Parks, Chris Pommier, Scott Shuker, Ashley Baca, Cliff Russell, Mandy Hanson and Lee Meyers.</p>
<p>Six have previous Fiesta melodrama experience, Donavon said. And, to suit the genre, all are encouraged to play everything larger than life. “This is a chance to get them to really cut loose and be big and silly and realize there is no fourth wall,” she said, referring to the imaginary division between the stage and audience.</p>
<p>Ad-libbing is common, especially in reaction to comments from the audience, she said. And new jokes might be written through the run to incorporate recent news events.</p>
<p>But, this being a melodrama, one thing won’t change: There will be a happy ending.</p>
<p>The courthouse will be furnished, although perhaps not in a manner befitting a sober judiciary. The main characters will find true love, but maybe not in the pairings you might have expected. And statehood – well, you know how that turned out.</p> | Melodrama Puts Spin on Statehood | false | https://abqjournal.com/126294/melodrama-puts-spin-on-statehood.html | 2012-08-24 | 2 |
<p>The now infamous statue, “Fearless Girl,” which is placed in the Financial District facing down the famous “Charging Bull”, has had her lease renewed until February&#160;of 2018. The statue is a reminder that women have a lot to fight for and it’s placement in the corporate arena is an even stronger message.</p>
<p>The iron statue depicting a strong and fearless young girl was originally put outside of the Financial District for just a week but then it’s stay was extended to April. Now it looks like the strong symbol of women will be a mainstay for another year. Mayor de Blasio made the announcement <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/nyc-fearless-girl-statue-stay-february-2018-article-1.3010013" type="external">stating:</a></p>
<p>In her short time here, the Fearless Girl has fueled powerful conversations about women in leadership and inspired so many.&#160;Now, she’ll be asserting herself and affirming her strength even after her temporary permit expires — a fitting path for a girl who refuses to quit.</p>
<p>The extension originated from the Public Advocate, Letitia James who feels that the little girl sends a strong message of extreme importance since the “gender-gap” is so grave in corporate America. The statue was originally commissioned by the firm State Street and created by Kristen Visbal.</p>
<p>Though the statue has had it’s share of criticism from not agreeing with the age of the girl, to saying it was a publicity stunt, the majority of New Yorkers are loving the expressive piece of art. Kate Kearny, a Bay Shore New York resident <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/nyc-fearless-girl-statue-stay-february-2018-article-1.3010013" type="external">stated</a>:</p>
<p>It should be permanent. It’s about women’s leadership and the lack of it in the financial world.&#160;I have two daughters. Having a young girl standing up to the big bull of Wall Street is awesome. It says, ‘Hey, girls, you can be anything.’</p>
<p>We hope that more of these types of expressions start popping up all over the country. You can’t ignore it when you have to walk around it to get to the door.</p>
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<p>Featured image via&#160;By Source (WP:NFCC#4), CC BY-SA <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53427768" type="external">4.0</a>.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | This ‘Fearless Girl’ Just Renewed Her Lease Sending A STRONG New York Message (VIDEO) | true | http://offthemainpage.com/2017/03/27/this-fearless-girl-just-renewed-her-lease-sending-a-strong-new-york-message-video/ | 2017-03-27 | 4 |
<p>&lt;a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shane_ronemus/15373316348/in/photolist-pqugmq-77oniw-angBD6-8peVYE-qh4GQf-4YY9UM-sRWo7-8peZGY-cLeUZ7-6KvD36-e3eur7-bVq53Z-cejmpQ-wr9wU-9kS7zH-fdGQFc-hRSLpd-hPf7dr-hPeDeE-hPeH17-hPej8H-hPfb2P-5wLJkN-hPfeHg-hPf24j-hPf5Ai-mFiak8-hPeZtL-hPfdRM-8peZey-4MMkTV-8pbYh2-hPf9cX-hRSWkV-hPf9QF-2VTLhF-cfjWT9-bAKF8Z-9xZkM6-preb9w-8peYLJ-8pbQ8a-dzAQMW-5v8vBQ-nuAyBM-8peXph-9ayRwJ-nCRihK-8peVsd-8pf6jE"&gt;Shane Roemus&lt;/a&gt;/Flickr</p>
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<p>The Georgia Republican Party, and its chair, John Padgett, <a href="" type="internal">have already been sued once</a> in the past year over allegations of racial discrimination and racial slurs. Now, <a href="http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2015/03/02/georgia-gop-chief-faces-another-racial-discrimination-complaint/" type="external">Padgett, his wife, and the company he owns are being sued</a> again, on the grounds that they frequently engaged in “bigoted, racist and sexist commentary” about the employees who work there, a possible violation of the federal Civil Rights Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.</p>
<p>The latest suit was filed by Vanessa Dewberry, a former manager at Southeast Ambulance Inc., a company owned and operated by Padgett. Dewberry, who is black, was usually the only person of color in higher-level meetings, the suit notes. That meant she was privy to the allegedly questionable comments of the predominately white management. In February 2014, Dewberry decided to record a meeting. <a href="" type="internal">What she heard became the basis of her lawsuit</a>:</p>
<p>“As shocking as this type of unlawful ridicule of SEA employees was,” the suit states, “Ms. Dewberry recognized that it was typical of SEA meetings and was not likely to stop without some intervention.” Dewberry complained to Padgett&#160;and company HR director Michelle Hayes&#160;directly after the meeting, but her lawyers say no action was taken to address the complaint. Less than a week later, Padgett fired her. Dewberry is suing not only for racial discrimination and wrongful termination, but also for wages—her suit also alleges she was not fully paid for her work.</p>
<p>Padgett’s alleged bad behavior extended to his work as chairman of the state GOP, too. The earlier suit, filed in July 2014 by Padgett’s ex-assistant, Qiana Keith, is still pending. Keith alleges that she endured consistent racial discrimination and racial slurs while working at the Georgia Republican Party, including being ordered not to park in front of the party offices. State party lawyers deny Keith’s claims; attempts to reach Padgett for comment were unsuccessful, and SEA declined to comment. Padgett is a <a href="http://gapundit.com/2013/05/16/the-race-for-the-ga-gop-meet-john-padgett/" type="external">longtime conservative activist</a> in Georgia, and was elected as chair in 2013 on a platform of “fighting the liberal media” and “building a new majority” by promoting diversity, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPEujBO4YEc&amp;t=79" type="external">according to a campaign ad.</a></p>
<p /> | Top Georgia Republican Sued For “Bigoted, Racist, and Sexist” Comments | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2015/03/georgia-gop-chair-sued-again-discrimination-2/ | 2015-03-04 | 4 |
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<p>Source: Getty Images.</p>
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<p>Despite the recent weakness in oil prices, domestic production of "black gold" and natural gas has been robust lately. Much of this is due to advancements in the technology behind hydraulic fracturing, popularly known as "fracking."</p>
<p>Keane Group, which is set to IPO on Friday, is a veteran oilfield services company that concentrates on the preparation of fracking assets. That technology is very much in the conversation these days, but that doesn't necessarily make the company's stock compelling.</p>
<p>Keane Group, the latest iteration of a business that was launched in 1973, is a well completion (i.e. preparing a well for production) company that has found a comfortable niche in fracking. The company is active in some of the most high-profile oil and natural plays in the U.S., including the Permian Basin, the Bakken Formation, and the Marcellus and Utica shales.</p>
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<p>As with any popular technology, fracking has attracted more than its share of service providers. The resulting competition, combined with the fallout from the great oil price slide of 2014, put downward pressure on the fees those companies could charge their clients.</p>
<p>This particularly affected Keane Group, as it's basically a pure play in the segment. Revenue came in at $366 million in 2015, marking a 7% year-over-year decline. Net loss deepened across that stretch of time to $64.6 million from $45.6 million. That trend looks as if it's snowballing -- top line for the first nine months of 2016 was down by 14% to just under $270 million, with net loss ballooning to $148.6 million from $38.9 million.</p>
<p>It should be noted that those figures don't include the results of a recent acquisition, the U.S. unit of Canadian peer Trican Well Services. The fiscal year 2015 and Q1-Q3 revenue numbers for Trican U.S. were roughly the same as its now-parent company, however, like Keane, it was also well in the red. In fiscal year 2015 it lost $392.2 million, while for the first nine months of 2016 that shortfall was $36.9 million.</p>
<p>Although Keane Group is a specialist, it's not unique on the market.</p>
<p>In its IPO prospectus, the company lists the usual suspects in the services business as competitors in the fracking space -- Schlumberger, Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI), and Weatherford. However, it's not only the famous companies like Halliburton and Baker Hughes. Keane Group says its rivals "include many large and small oilfield service providers," and "a significant number" of smaller providers.</p>
<p>The popularity of fracking should only increase, particularly now that OPEC recently <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/30/heres-why-fracking-stocks-are-going-through-the-ro.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">cut output Opens a New Window.</a> (thereby giving the oil price a jolt). Keane Group is hoping that there will be plenty more work to go around, but there are scores of competitors willing to perform the labor.</p>
<p>Also, it should be kept in mind that one of the major players, Baker Hughes, is about to jump on board the General Electric mother ship (following the famously abandoned Halliburton/Baker Hughes tie-up). GE's oil and gas operations combined with Baker Hughes will turn up the competitive heat.</p>
<p>None of this takes anything away from Keane Group's accomplishments. The company has managed to carve out a good niche for itself. But those bottom-line numbers are quite deep in the red, revenue continues to head south, and the fracking services segment is awfully crowded and likely to stay that way. The state of the oil industry might be improving, but there are more promising service provider stocks to invest in for an upswing.</p>
<p>Keane Group is slated to begin trading this Friday. It will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the very appropriate ticker symbol FRAC. The offering will include 22.3 million shares, 15.7 million of which are being sold by the company. The IPO price has been set at $17 to $19 per share.</p>
<p>Keane Group said it will use around $149 million of the anticipated $250 million in net proceeds to pay down debt. At the end of September 2016 its long-term indebtedness (ex-Trican) stood at almost $269 million. It will utilize the remainder for "general corporate purposes."</p>
<p>The joint book-running managers of the issue are Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of AmericaMerrill Lynch, and JPMorgan Chaseunit J.P. Morgan.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better thanWal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and TomGardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter theyhave run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
<p>David and Tomjust revealed what they believe are the <a href="http://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;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">ten best stocks Opens a New Window.</a>for investors to buy right now... and Wal-Mart wasn't one of them! That's right -- theythink these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><a href="http://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;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a>to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*StockAdvisor returns as of December 12, 2016The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/EVolkman/info.aspx" type="external">Eric Volkman Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric and Halliburton. 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> | Keane Group IPO: What Investors Need to Know | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/01/19/keane-group-ipo-what-investors-need-to-know.html | 2017-01-19 | 0 |
<p>German automaker Daimler AG said Friday that stronger sales of its technology-loaded Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and SUVs helped third-quarter earnings swell by 13 percent.</p>
<p>The company said its net profit during the July to September period rose to 2.73 billion euros ($2.97 billion) from 2.42 billion in the same quarter a year ago. The increase came on a revenue rise of 4 percent to 38.6 billion euros.</p>
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<p>CEO Dieter Zetsche said the results prove "one more time that we are pursuing the right strategy."</p>
<p>Zetsche said the company would use its momentum to press forward with its future EQ brand of electric vehicles. Zetsche introduced the first EQ concept vehicle at the Paris auto show in September, describing it as the company's answer to technological change that includes more electric vehicles as well as autonomous and assisted driving.</p>
<p>The Mercedes-Benz luxury car business, the mainstay of the company's profitability, saw a 12 percent increase in earnings before interest and taxes, to 23.3 billion euros. Favorable exchange rate developments boosted earnings there, in addition to stronger sales. Mercedes sold 20 percent more cars in China and had double-digit increases in the U.K., France, Italy, Spain and Belgium.</p>
<p>A key Mercedes earnings figure was the rich profit margin of 11.8 percent return on sales, up from 10.5 percent in the same period a year ago</p>
<p>Daimler's overall profit breakdown showed that the Mercedes-Benz division is outperforming the trucks division, where sales fell sharply in Turkey and the Middle East. Truck sales collapsed from 4,500 to 1,700 in Turkey during the quarter, where a failed coup has led to political turmoil and uncertainty. Middle East sales fell to 3,300 from 9,700.</p> | E-Class sedan, SUVs boost earnings at Germany's Daimler | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/10/21/e-class-sedan-suvs-boost-earnings-at-germany-daimler.html | 2016-10-21 | 0 |
<p />
<p>Junkyard Planet</p>
<p>By Adam Minter</p>
<p>BLOOMSBURY PRESS</p>
<p>In this satisfying investigation-cum-travelogue, journalist Adam Minter treks around the globe to discover what actually happens to our garbage. From the posh Los Angeles offices of a trash czar who made his fortune selling American scraps overseas to a Chinese village whose sole industry is extracting wire from Christmas lights, Minter, raised amid his own family’s junkyard business, reveals a $500 billion economy built on wringing every last cent—or yuan—from the rich world’s refuse. It’s a story you don’t see in the grim e-waste stats. “If—like me—you have a television that you’d like to see recycled in the most environmentally sound manner possible, with the most material harvested from its guts,” he writes, “Hunan Province might very well be the place for it to go.”</p>
<p>This review originally appeared in our <a href="" type="internal">November/December 2013 issue</a> of Mother Jones.</p>
<p /> | Quick Reads: “Junkyard Planet” by Adam Minter | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2013/11/adam-minter-junkyard-planet-review/ | 2013-11-11 | 4 |
<p>Bob Chase, the president of the National Education Association, recently declared that its members should "move beyond ideology" and "Politics must stop at the school door." As I daily try to weave my way through the politics of schooling in order to focus on children, faculty, and families, I find it hard to be unsympathetic to this sentiment. But the truth is that public education needs more, not less, "ideology."</p>
<p>When "ideology" is missing what we often have is an ideology in disguise, masked as "common sense." Is the growing support for vouchers and privatization a sign that we have taken politics out of education? Is the increasing use of state legislation to decide how to teach nonideological? Is the fact that mayors are now directly involved in running city school systems a sign that politics has stopped at the school door? No: these are symptoms of an ideological attack on our public institutions.</p>
<p /> | The Last Page | true | https://dissentmagazine.org/article/the-last-page-27 | 2018-10-06 | 4 |
<p>Actually, Americans do want to “soak the rich.”</p>
<p>The&#160;New York Times has a&#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/19/upshot/why-americans-dont-want-to-soak-the-rich.html" type="external">post</a>&#160;by&#160; <a href="http://fair.org/blog/2014/06/06/writing-unions-out-of-the-story-on-fighting-poverty/" type="external">Neil Irwin</a>&#160;headlined&#160;“Why Americans Don’t Want to Soak the Rich.” Irwin suggests a couple of different answers to this question, depending on your ideological point of view:</p>
<p>If you’re conservative, a compelling answer might be this: Americans are seeking less redistribution because they have come to their senses. … If you’re a liberal, the answer might be more like this: Americans have been hoodwinked by conservative politicians and media outlets, and have come to view redistribution as a dirty word because they don’t recognize the ways it benefits them.</p>
<p>I would suggest a third answer, though: Americans&#160;do&#160;want to “soak the rich.”</p>
<p>There’s something of a sleight-of-hand here, as Irwin asserts that</p>
<p>Americans’ views on whether the government should work to redistribute income—to tax the rich, for example, and funnel the proceeds to the poor and working class—have, depending on which survey answers you look at, either been little changed, or shifted toward greater skepticism about redistribution.</p>
<p>He doesn’t cite any examples of these surveys showing either little change or greater skepticism, but when I look at polling over time on taxing the wealthy, what’s striking to me is how&#160;consistently popular&#160;it is. Gallup has&#160; <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/1714/taxes.aspx" type="external">asked 17 times</a>&#160;since 1992 whether upper-income people pay too much, too little or their fair share of federal taxes, and every time a majority has said they pay too little. Only twice–in 2010 and 2011–have less than 60 percent said they thought the rich were not paying enough federal taxes.</p>
<p>The same series of Gallup polls found people saying that lower-income and middle-income people were paying either their fair share or too much in taxes. Corporations, like the wealthy, were seen as paying too little, by an even wider margin—only twice in 11 repetitions of the question did less than 66 percent say corporate taxes were not high enough.</p>
<p>And the Gallup results are no outlier. An&#160;AP/GfK <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2015/0222/New-poll-finds-Americans-think-rich-should-be-taxed-more" type="external">poll</a>&#160;from February found 68 percent saying that wealthy households pay too little in federal taxes.&#160;Politifact&#160; <a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/apr/25/paul-krugman/paul-krugman-said-large-majorities-favor-higher-ta/" type="external">cited</a>&#160;a handful of polls, with findings that range from 59 percent to 72 percent, in support of Paul Krugman’s&#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/18/opinion/18krugman.html" type="external">claim</a>&#160;that “large majorities support higher, not lower, taxes on the wealthy.”</p>
<p>And it’s not just taxes on the wealthy; on the relatively rare occasions when they’re asked to pick a side in the class conflict, the American people&#160; <a href="http://www.pollingreport.com/budget.htm" type="external">generally choose</a>&#160;the left side of the field:</p>
<p>So how does Irwin get away with claiming there is “flat or declining support for redistribution”? Part of it, as I said, is by not citing any actual polls; if he did, I suspect that even those that show “declining support” would still be indicating a high level of support, undermining the whole point of the column.</p>
<p>Another trick is to segue from (unnamed) polls to politicians’ platforms—as if both are equally valid methods of gauging public opinion: “It’s not just public opinion polls, either. It shows up in the actual policies espoused by candidates for office and enacted by Congress.”</p>
<p>A more on-point topic for a column would be, “Why Politicians Don’t Soak the Rich—Even Though Voters Want Them To?” Clearly, the billions of dollars that flow to candidates from the wealthy are a major factor. But I wouldn’t underestimate the role of hoodwinking by corporate media outlets—especially those&#160; <a href="http://fair.org/extra-online-articles/when-the-worlds-richest-billionaire-owns-your-paper/" type="external">owned by billionaires</a>&#160;who have no desire to be soaked.</p>
<p>Like what you’ve read? <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/itt-subscription-offer?refcode=WS_ITT_Article_Footer&amp;noskip=true" type="external">Subscribe to In These Times magazine</a>, or <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/support-in-these-times?refcode=WS_ITT_Article_Footer&amp;noskip=true" type="external">make a tax-deductible donation to fund this reporting</a>.</p>
<p>Jim Naureckas is the editor of Extra!, the magazine of FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting).</p> | Why Don’t the American People Want to Tax the Rich? Oh Wait, They Do. | true | http://inthesetimes.com/article/17869/public_opinion_tax_the_rich | 2015-04-21 | 4 |
<p>Zeke Cohen doesn’t want to hurt illegal aliens’ feelings by deporting them.</p>
<p>Tucker Carlson body-slammed a liberal lawmaker&#160;who compared federal immigration officers to Nazis.</p>
<p>Carlson is disgusted that Democratic councilman&#160;Zeke Cohen is&#160;more concerned about protecting illegal aliens than children in his own district.</p>
<p>Last week, Cohen&#160;sponsored a bill demanding that federal authorities stop enforcing immigration laws in Baltimore.</p>
<p>That same week,&#160;a 14-year-old&#160; <a href="" type="internal">girl was allegedly raped</a> at a high school in nearby Rockville, Maryland, by two illegal immigrants (ages 18 and 17) who had been assigned to her 9th grade class because they couldn’t speak English.</p>
<p>“That’s the sign of a sick civilization at war with itself,” Carlson said. He then asked why Cohen — a lawmaker — doesn’t want to defend U.S. immigration laws, especially when they could have prevented the horrific rape against the 14-year-old girl.</p>
<p>“Baltimore is a welcoming city,” Cohen said, before calling Carlson’s statements a “Willie Horton-style race-baiting dog whistle.”</p>
<p>Watch the latest video at &amp;amp;lt;a href=&amp;#8221;http://video.foxnews.com&amp;#8221;&amp;amp;gt;video.foxnews.com&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;</p>
<p>Cohen condemned the alleged child rape, but said he’s more concerned about the potential harassment illegals face from federal immigration officers.</p>
<p>Cohen compared&#160;ICE officers enforcing immigration laws to Nazis who rounded up Jews in 1930s Germany. That’s when Carlson ripped into Cohen.</p>
<p>&#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; <a href="" type="internal">Meghan McCain takes down Juan Williams over Obamacare repeal: ‘How dare you?’</a></p>
<p>“It’s shameful to compare&#160;federal immigration officers to Nazis,” Carlson said. “You’re calling fellow American citizens ‘Nazis’ for enforcing federal laws passed by Congress? Who’s using the dog whistle here?”</p>
<p>Zeke Cohen was slammed on Twitter by people who were astonished that he prioritizes not hurting the feelings of illegal aliens over a child who was allegedly raped in his own district.</p>
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<p>OMFG! <a href="https://twitter.com/Zeke_Cohen" type="external">@Zeke_Cohen</a> just said raising awareness about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RockvilleRape?src=hash" type="external">#RockvilleRape</a> is race-baiting! Wanna talk abut how much liberals race-bait??? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tucker?src=hash" type="external">#Tucker</a></p>
<p>— Banning me is racist (@TwiterIsFascist) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwiterIsFascist/status/844356279141355520" type="external">March 22, 2017</a></p>
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<p><a href="" type="internal">Ellen DeGeneres doesn’t want Trump on her show: Fawned over Obama and Hillary for years</a></p> | Lawmaker who compared ICE to Nazis calls rape story of 14-year-old ‘race-baiting’ – watch Tucker pounce | true | http://bizpacreview.com/2017/03/22/lawmaker-compared-ice-nazis-calls-rape-story-14-year-old-race-baiting-watch-tucker-pounce-461984 | 2017-03-22 | 0 |
<p>COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Swedish fashion retailer H&amp;M says it has appointed a diversity leader following the outcry over its ad that showed a black child dressed in a hoodie with the words "coolest monkey in the jungle."</p>
<p>H&amp;M first announced the appointment Tuesday on its Facebook page. In an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday, the retailer said Global Manager for Employee Relations Annie Wu, a company veteran, would be the new global leader for diversity and inclusiveness.</p>
<p>The retailer said on Facebook that it's "commitment to addressing diversity and inclusiveness is genuine, therefore we have appointed a global leader, in this area, to drive our work forward."</p>
<p>The image of the boy modeling the sweatshirt appeared online earlier this month and prompted accusations that H&amp;M was racist, or at least oblivious.</p>
<p>The Stockholm-based company reiterated in its Facebook announcement that "the recent incident was entirely unintentional" but "demonstrates so clearly how big our responsibility is as a global brand."</p>
<p>NBA star LeBron James and rapper Diddy were among those who had responded with outrage to the ad. American rappers The Weeknd and G-Eazy cancelled partnerships with H&amp;M. In South Africa, there were protests at some H&amp;M stores. The response has been more muted in Europe.</p>
<p>The case highlights how important it has become for multinationals to consider the different cultural views and sensitivities in their sales markets. That's especially true as social media makes it possible for an ad posted in one country to be shared and viewed around the world.</p>
<p>COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Swedish fashion retailer H&amp;M says it has appointed a diversity leader following the outcry over its ad that showed a black child dressed in a hoodie with the words "coolest monkey in the jungle."</p>
<p>H&amp;M first announced the appointment Tuesday on its Facebook page. In an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday, the retailer said Global Manager for Employee Relations Annie Wu, a company veteran, would be the new global leader for diversity and inclusiveness.</p>
<p>The retailer said on Facebook that it's "commitment to addressing diversity and inclusiveness is genuine, therefore we have appointed a global leader, in this area, to drive our work forward."</p>
<p>The image of the boy modeling the sweatshirt appeared online earlier this month and prompted accusations that H&amp;M was racist, or at least oblivious.</p>
<p>The Stockholm-based company reiterated in its Facebook announcement that "the recent incident was entirely unintentional" but "demonstrates so clearly how big our responsibility is as a global brand."</p>
<p>NBA star LeBron James and rapper Diddy were among those who had responded with outrage to the ad. American rappers The Weeknd and G-Eazy cancelled partnerships with H&amp;M. In South Africa, there were protests at some H&amp;M stores. The response has been more muted in Europe.</p>
<p>The case highlights how important it has become for multinationals to consider the different cultural views and sensitivities in their sales markets. That's especially true as social media makes it possible for an ad posted in one country to be shared and viewed around the world.</p> | After 'monkey' hoodie misstep, H&M hires diversity leader | false | https://apnews.com/amp/c8bb7444f52c47d2b9fb6da8db3445ab | 2018-01-17 | 2 |
<p>Published time: 23 Nov, 2017 15:12</p>
<p>The State Duma Committee for Security and Countering Corruption has approved a draft law offering state protection to those who reveal facts of corruption to law enforcement agencies. The bill will now progress to the first reading in the Duma.</p>
<p>Read more</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/politics/330183-russia-to-overcome-corruption-slowly/" type="external" /></p>
<p>The bill, developed by the Labor Ministry and drafted in the Lower House by the government in mid-October this year, offers state protection to those who report corruption to state agencies. It considers crimes in federal, regional or municipal power bodies or in state-run organizations.</p>
<p>The exact measures listed in the draft include making sure that the report remains confidential; free legal advice; protection from unlawful sacking or other sanctions at work; and protection from any other infringement of the citizen’s rights. In particular, the bill states that a person reporting facts about corruption can be remanded only after a special commission session with the participation of a local prosecutor. The term of protection is set at two years from the moment of the original report.</p>
<p>The current Russian anti-corruption law directly obliges civil servants and municipal workers to report corruption to either internal security departments of their own agencies or to prosecutors. However, the law in its current form offers no protection from unlawful sanctions that such reports can potentially engender.</p>
<p>Read more</p>
<p><a href="https://www.rt.com/politics/190264-anti-corruption-fighters-law-russia/" type="external" /></p>
<p>In April 2014 President Vladimir Putin approved a nationwide anti-corruption program, and in December of the same year Putin himself drafted a new anti-corruption bill, proposing that correctional labor be used as punishment and that the fines for minor offences be decreased.</p>
<p>In April this year, Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika said that in 2016 various law enforcement agencies registered just under 33,000 corruption crimes, which was 1.4 percent higher than the results of 2015. The estimated damages inflicted by these crimes amounted to over 78 billion rubles (over $1.3 billion at current rate) the chief prosecutor said.</p> | Lower House committee passes bill on protection for citizens reporting corruption | false | https://newsline.com/lower-house-committee-passes-bill-on-protection-for-citizens-reporting-corruption/ | 2017-11-23 | 1 |
<p>NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former software engineer for IBM in China was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing proprietary source code from the company, prosecutors announced on Friday.</p>
<p>Jiaqiang Xu, 32, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas in White Plains, New York, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman. Xu pleaded guilty in May 2017 to economic espionage and theft of a trade secret.</p>
<p>Leanne Marek, Xu’s attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>Xu worked as a systems software developer for International Business Machines Corp from 2010 to 2014, according to a public LinkedIn profile. The company was not identified by name in court documents, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
<p>Xu was arrested in December 2015 after meeting with an undercover officer at a White Plains hotel, where authorities said he was recorded saying he used proprietary IBM code to make software to sell to customers, according to prosecutors.</p>
<p>He was originally charged with theft of a trade secret. The economic espionage charges were added in a superseding indictment filed last June.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said the proprietary computer code Xu stole was related to a so-called clustered file system, which facilitates faster computer performance.</p>
<p>Xu, who began working at IBM in China in 2010, had full access to the source code before voluntarily resigning in May 2014, prosecutors said.</p>
<p>According to the criminal complaint filed in 2015, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2014 received a report that someone in China was claiming to have access to the code and using it for business ventures, prompting the investigation that led to the arrest.</p>
<p>Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>(Reuters) - Apple Inc has hired a prominent artificial intelligence executive who recently left Google in a bid to boost its Siri voice assistant and other offerings powered by the technology.</p> FILEP PHOTO: The logo of Apple (AAPL) is seen in Los Angeles, California, United States, April 22, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Phot
<p>Apple confirmed that John Giannandrea, who previously served as Google’s top artificial intelligence executive, will join the company later this month as its chief of machine learning and AI strategy, reporting to Chief Executive Tim Cook. The New York Times reported the move earlier.</p>
<p>The hiring of Giannandrea is important because the Cupertino-based company is widely viewed as lagging its rivals in key areas of artificial intelligence. Though Siri made its debut in 2011 well before other voice assistants, Amazon.com Inc’s Alexa and Alphabet Inc’s Google Assistant have rapidly gained ground with consumers.</p>
<p>Apple has taken a number of steps to remedy that. In 2016, it hired prominent artificial intelligence researchers Carlos Guestrin from the University of Washington and Russ Salakhutdinov from Carnegie Mellon University.</p>
<p>And last year, Apple transferred responsibility for Siri from content chief Eddy Cue to operating systems chief Craig Federighi, a sign that the company was looking to embed the voice assistant more deeply into its core systems. Apple also last year added more capabilities to Siri behind the scenes, including the ability to securely share some user information between Apple devices that a user has signed into.</p>
<p>Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia on Thursday said it had begun an investigation to decide whether social media giant Facebook Inc breached its privacy laws, after the company confirmed data from 300,000 Australian users may have been used without authorization.</p> A 3D-printed Facebook logo is seen in front of displayed stock graph in this illustration photo, March 20, 2018. Picture taken March 20. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic
<p>Personal information of up to 87 million users, mostly in the United States, may have been improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, Facebook said on Wednesday, exceeding a media estimate of more than 50 million.</p>
<p>In a statement, Australia’s privacy commissioner, Angelene Falk, said her office would “confer with regulatory authorities internationally”, given the global nature of the matter.</p>
<p>A Facebook spokeswoman in Australia said the company would be “fully responsive” to the investigation and had recently updated some privacy settings.</p>
<p>Facebook’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, told reporters during a conference call that he accepted blame for the data leak.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg is due to testify about the matter next week during two U.S. congressional hearings, and the data breach has drawn criticism from lawmakers and regulators around the world.</p>
<p>London-based Cambridge Analytica, which has counted U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign among its clients, disputed Facebook’s estimate of affected users.</p>
<p>It said in a tweet on Wednesday that it received no more than 30 million records from a researcher it hired to collect data about people on Facebook.</p>
<p>Australia’s investigation follows comments by New Zealand’s privacy commissioner last week that Facebook had broken laws in that country, a charge the company called disappointing.</p>
<p>Australia’s competition regulator is already investigating whether Facebook and Alphabet Inc’s Google had disrupted the news media to the detriment of publishers and consumers.</p>
<p>Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Michael Perry and Clarence Fernandez</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Facebook Inc Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg will testify next week before congressional committees over a political consulting firm’s misuse of customer data to interfere in the U.S. presidential election, U.S. lawmakers said on Wednesday.</p> FILE PHOTO: Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks on stage during the annual Facebook F8 developers conference in San Jose, California, U.S., April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File Photo
<p>Zuckerberg will appear before a joint hearing of the U.S. Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees on April 10 and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 11, the panels said on Wednesday.</p>
<p>“This hearing will be an important opportunity to shed light on critical consumer data privacy issues and help all Americans better understand what happens to their personal information online,” the House panel’s Republican chairman, Greg Walden, and top Democrat, Frank Pallone, said in a statement.</p>
<p>Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks after it was disclosed that political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, which worked for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, gained access to the personal data of 50 million Facebook users.</p>
<p>Facebook said in March it had suspended the accounts of Cambridge Analytica and its parent company and hired forensic auditors to probe whether Cambridge Analytica still had the data.</p>
<p>The technology company also said at the time it would investigate all applications that had gotten access to large amounts of data before the firm changed its platform in 2014, would further restrict developers’ data access and roll out a tool to let users more easily revoke access by applications to their data.</p>
<p>Zuckerberg said in March he would testify before Congress, but turned down an invitation by British lawmakers to explain to a parliamentary committee what had happened.</p>
<p>The company has faced pressure to do more, both in terms of protecting user privacy and stopping “information warfare” on its platform.</p>
<p>In February, 13 Russian nationals were indicted for using Facebook and other social media sites to interfere in the U.S. presidential election.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Facebook said it had removed hundreds of accounts and pages associated with the Russia-based Internet Research Agency that included fake activist and political posts in the 2016 U.S. election campaign.</p>
<p>American spy agencies have warned that Russia would try to interfere in the 2018 congressional elections by using social media to spread propaganda.</p>
<p>Shares in Facebook closed down 0.6 percent on Wednesday to $155.10. They have tumbled more than 16 percent since the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke.</p>
<p>Reporting by Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a>
<p>ATHENS (Reuters) - Ride-hailing service Uber said on Thursday it would suspend its licensed service in Greece after the approval of local legislation which imposes stricter regulation on the sector.</p> FILE PHOTO: The Uber logo is seen on mobile telephone in London, Britain, September 25, 2017. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
<p>Uber, which operates a licensed service in the Greek capital, has faced opposition from local taxi drivers who accuse it of taking their business.</p>
<p>“New local regulations were voted on recently with provisions that impact ride-sharing services,” Uber said in a blog post. “We have to assess if and how we can operate within this new framework and so will be suspending uberX in Athens from next Tuesday until we can find an appropriate solution.”</p>
<p>Uber operates two services in Athens: UberX, which uses professional licensed drivers, and UberTAXI, which uses taxi drivers.</p>
<p>The new regulations require each trip to start and end in the fleet partner’s designated headquarters or parking area, something Uber does not do. A digital registry of all ride-sharing platforms and their passengers will also be created.</p>
<p>The company launched in Europe in 2011, angering some local authorities and taxi drivers who said it did not abide by the same rules on insurance, licensing and safety.</p>
<p>Following widespread protests, court battles and bans, Uber has taken a more emollient stance under its new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, suspending operations in various cities in order to comply with local regulations.</p>
<p>UberX launched in Athens in 2015 and more than 450,000 people have used its smartphone app to book a ride. News of the new regulation last year angered some Athenians and tens of thousands signed a petition launched by Beat - a local ride-sharing service - in favor of ride-hailing services.</p>
<p>UberX drivers have to be employed by fleet partners such as car rental companies or tourist agencies and their cars could not be more than seven years old.</p>
<p>The data registry and return-to-garage requirement will only apply to ride-hailing services like Uber and Beat, while taxi drivers will be able to use cars that are up to 22 years old.</p>
<p>Reporting by Julia Fioretti in Brussels; Editing by David Holmes</p> Our Standards:
<a href="" type="internal">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.</a> | Ex-IBM employee from China gets five years prison for stealing code Apple hires former Google executive as AI chief Australia begins privacy investigation into Facebook Facebook's Zuckerberg to testify before Congress on April 10-11 Uber to suspend service in Greece after new legislation | false | https://reuters.com/article/ibm-crime-china/ex-ibm-employee-from-china-gets-five-years-prison-for-stealing-code-idUSL1N1PE1T7 | 2018-01-19 | 2 |
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<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A bet on Smith &amp; Wesson Holding (NASDAQ: SWHC) isn't so much about the firearms business anymore as it is emotion. When fears of gun control run high, its business -- and its stock -- run higher. Yet as we saw after the November elections, when those concerns cool, so does its stock (even though the gunmaker doesn't agree its business will be any less frenetic in the future).</p>
<p>Shares have fallen 10% since the election, and are down more than 22% from their all-time high in August. Moreover, now that it's getting into the extreme outdoors gear business and <a href="http://mockup.www.fool.com/investing/2016/12/20/why-smith-wesson-changed-to-american-outdoor-brand.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">changing its name Opens a New Window.</a> to American Outdoor Brands, there's a degree of uncertainty surrounding how its performance will play out. That's why I'm highlighting two other companies in the broad aerospace/defense sector that Smith &amp; Wesson also occupies -- businesses that exhibit strong operational capabilities and whose stock holds lots of promise, despite having already posted significant gains in 2016: DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI) and National Presto (NYSE: NPK).</p>
<p>Consider it an eye in the sky. DigitalGlobe operates a fleet of four orbiting satellites that collect high-resolution images and data about the Earth's surface; and it recently launched its fifth satellite, the WorldView-4, which was built by Lockheed Martin and more than doubles the company's capacity to collect the world's highest-resolution 30-centimeter commercial satellite imagery.</p>
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<p>First high-resolution image from DigitalGlobe's new WorldView-4 satellite. Image source: DigitalGlobe.</p>
<p>Shortly thereafter, it announced it completed the acquisition of The Radiant Group, a geospatial technology specialist with close ties to the U.S. intelligence community, holding contracts from the National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, and Special Operations Command. DigitalGlobe expects Radiant to bring in $100 million in revenue this year.</p>
<p>The prospects for DigitalGlobe have been significantly enhanced by its fleet of satellites, which give it access to a $400 million-per-year <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/06/12/once-an-adversary-the-government-just-made-digital.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">global market opportunity Opens a New Window.</a>. Moreover, it expects to launch a fleet of small satellites beginning in 2019 that will be used to tip off the company about anything of interest that it might want to zoom in on with its hi-res WorldView satellites.</p>
<p>Thanks to its new enhanced imaging capabilities, the government has been purchasing more value-added services from DigitalGlobe. Coupled with greater commercial business from companies like Microsoft -- which despite selling its mapping capabilities to Uber, still uses DigitalGlobe's imagery for its Bing search engine -- it looks like it may be a "sky's the limit" scenario for the satellite operator.</p>
<p>Although pressure cookers, skillets, griddles, and waffle makers may be the first things you think of when considering National Presto, it actually derives more revenue from its government defense contracts than it does from its kitchen gadgets by a better than two-to-one margin. Over the first nine months of 2016, National Presto's defense segment generated $145.6 million while housewares saw just $64.4 million in sales. (Its adult diaper business realized another $57.6 million.)</p>
<p>Perhaps more important is that its defense products segment accounts for 71% of its gross profits and 86% of its operating profits. Those numbers make it clear just how much more important its 40 mm ammunition is to its success than its Pizzazz Plus rotating pizza oven.</p>
<p>As the chart below reveals, revenues from the segment are not consistent, though they do tend to average around $225 a year.</p>
<p>Data source: National Presto annual SEC filings.</p>
<p>This past June, National Presto's AMTEC division, the world's largest volume producer of 40mm ammunition, received an $84.5 million contract from the Army for 40mm grenade systems to be used in Iraq, running through 2018. The Army said only one bid was received for the contract, but that just might be because AMTEC is currently the sole prime contractor to the Defense Department for such ammo. AMTEC acquired the only other prime contractor for such munitions, DSE, in 2013.</p>
<p>Since the election, National Presto's stock has risen nearly 20%, perhaps in part due to President-elect Donald Trump's stated commitment to upgrade U.S. military capabilities. It may be able to translate its prime contractor status into additional contracts as a result. Yet it's also noteworthy that its absorbent products business -- the one that makes adult diapers and pet pads -- has finally turned profitable after years of loss-making.</p>
<p>You might think only of National Presto for its kitchen gadgets, but there's a lot more going on under the hood, and those segments ought to allow it to rise higher.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than National Presto Industries When 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=61195133-df7e-4f27-8b0d-9b3ce1afc8e5&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 National Presto Industries wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.</p>
<p><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=61195133-df7e-4f27-8b0d-9b3ce1afc8e5&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of Nov. 7, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFCop/info.aspx" type="external">Rich Duprey Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends DigitalGlobe. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. 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> | Forget Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.: These 2 Stocks Are Better Buys | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/12/24/forget-smith-wesson-holding-corp-these-2-stocks-are-better-buys.html | 2016-12-24 | 0 |
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<p>Investors looking for a bright spot in Ford Motor Company's (NYSE: F) sales data finally received good news. After mediocre results in Ford's U.S. sales and a <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/04/17/ford-motor-companys-china-sales-absolutely-slumped.aspx?source=iaasitlnk0000003&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">drastic 21% plunge in China sales Opens a New Window.</a>, the automaker managed to post a really strong month in Europe.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>"March was a stand-out month, with progress across the board," said Roelant de Waard, vice president of marketing, sales, and service at Ford of Europe, in a press release."Significantly, Ford outpaced the market in the UK and Germany. Our SUVs and commercial vehicles continue to be popular choices for consumers and fleets respectively, and Fiesta is again our best-selling vehicle, growing 12 percent to 47,000 sales."</p>
<p>Here are some of the highlights and driving forces behind Ford's strong month of March.</p>
<p>Ford sold 199,900 vehicles in March in its traditional 20 Western and Central European markets (Euro 20), which was an impressive 14.3% gain over the prior year. That outpaced the industry's 10.8% gain in the same 20 markets. Detroit's second-largest automaker managed to grow its passenger-car market share by 40 basis points, to 8.3%, which was enough to offset a slight dip in commercial-vehicle market share and bring Ford's total vehicle market share up to 9.2%. In its Euro 50 market, which includes the markets above plus countries in Eastern Europe, as well as Russia and Turkey, Ford sold 215,900 total units, which was a healthy 13% gain over the prior year.</p>
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<p>Ford's Kuga (Escape) Titanium trim. Image source: Ford Motor Company.</p>
<p>While passenger cars still make up the majority of Ford's total sales in Europe, SUVs are gaining traction with consumers. Ford's SUV sales were up 53% to 32,000 in the Euro 20 last month, thanks to increasing demand for the Kuga (Escape), EcoSport, and Edge. Kuga sales jumped 45% in March, to 21,100 units, which is the vehicle's best March since its launch way back in 2008. The EcoSport is also selling well, with a similar 46% gain in March, to 9,200 units, also its best March since its 2014 launch.</p>
<p>Switching gears to trucks, Ford's Ranger kicked off 2017 with a 28% sales gain during the first quarter, compared to the prior year, which is the best start to the year for the Ranger since it launched in1999. Despite the success, its sales volume is still far behind that of the SUVs, with only 10,400 units sold during the first three months.</p>
<p>Ford's ability to generate more revenue and healthier margins in Europe is based on different factors from the ones at play in the U.S. market. Here in the States, full-size trucks, SUVs, and luxury vehicles haul in the big bucks. Unfortunately for Ford, it doesn't sell its Lincoln luxury brand in Europe, nor does it sell full-size trucks.</p>
<p>That's one reason the automaker has focused on high-end trims including Titanium, Vignale, ST-Line, ST, and RS, which help drive prices higher. Those high-end trims make up 68% of Ford's passenger vehicle sales in the Euro 20, which is a 400-basis-point gain from the prior year. Ford's performance cars -- Fiesta and Focus ST, Focus RS, Mustang, and GT -- also had a solid March, recording a 26% increase in sales in the Euro 20, albeit at a volume of only 7,900 units.</p>
<p>March puts the finishing touches on the first quarter, and with Ford's sales up 9.4%, the stage is set for a solid result for the top and bottom lines. However, Ford's hedges for a weaker British pound due to Brexit are going to expire during the first half of 2017, and management believes Ford's pre-tax profit could take a hit of <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/29/why-ford-motor-companys-profit-in-europe-will-drop.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">about $600 million this year Opens a New Window.</a> when it's all said and done. Investors should enjoy Ford's success in Europe this quarter, because the ride could get bumpy throughout 2017.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than FordWhen 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>
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<p><a href="http://infotron.fool.com/infotrack/click?url=https%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=5cf2e7d0-9546-45fc-863a-b474f67f6b19&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a> to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of April 3, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFTwoCoins/info.aspx" type="external">Daniel Miller Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. 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> | Ford Motor Company Posts Strong March in Europe With Looming Brexit Impact | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/04/19/ford-motor-company-posts-strong-march-in-europe-with-looming-brexit-impact.html | 2017-04-19 | 0 |
<p>The Women’s National Basketball Association said it is rescinding fines imposed on players who violated league uniform rules in expressing support for the “black lives matter” movement.</p>
<p>WNBA President Lisa Borders made the announcement Saturday, following fines imposed on teams and players and criticism from some players.</p>
<p>The Indiana Fever, New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury were fined $5,000 each, and each player was fined $500 for wearing black T-shirts during pre-game warm-ups in the wake of recent shootings by and against police officers.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="" type="internal">WNBA Stars Angered Over League Fines for 'Black Lives Matter' Protest</a></p>
<p>WNBA officials said the shirts violated the league's uniform policy.</p>
<p>"All of us at the WNBA have the utmost respect and appreciation for our players expressing themselves on matters important to them. While we expect players to comply with league rules and uniform guidelines, we also understand their desire to use their platform to address important societal issues," Borders said.</p>
<p>"Given that the league will now be suspending play until August 26th for the Olympics, we plan to use this time to work with our players and their union on ways for the players to make their views known to their fans and the public and we have informed the players that we are rescinding the recently-imposed fines."</p>
<p>Players this week criticized the fines. Phoenix Mercury star forward Mistie Bass on Twitter said: "Don't say we have a voice and then fine us because we use it."</p>
<p>New York Liberty center Tina Charles, the most prominent of the players fined, said on Twitter: "I refuse to be silent @WNBA."</p>
<p>Players from the Liberty and Fever boycotted their obligatory post-game news conference Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City and recorded their own. The players said they were there not to answer any basketball-related questions but to speak only on the issue of Black Lives Matter.</p>
<p>Many NBA players, including Lebron James and Derrick Rose, wore "I Can't Breathe" shirts just weeks after the death of Eric Garner, a Staten Island man who died after police placed him in a choke hold outside a convenience store in July 2014. The players were not fined for their actions.</p> | WNBA Rescinds Fines Issued Over ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protest | false | http://nbcnews.com/news/sports/wnba-rescinds-fines-issued-over-black-lives-matter-protest-n615536 | 2016-07-24 | 3 |
<p>TRUST:&#160;Protests have continued in Egypt as citizens gather in support of and in opposition to former President Mohammed Morsi. Islamic leaders called for supporters to protest the ousting of Morsi, calling it the ' <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/05/egypt-friday-of-rejection_n_3549738.html" type="external">Friday&#160;of Rejection</a>.' Those who oppose Morsi, though, argue that he did not work with those who didn't agree with him; he did not build trust or consensus in the new government.</p>
<p>ATTACKING A FRIENDSHIP:&#160;As Newark Mayor Cory Booker continues his Senate campaign, his opponents are targeting his friendship with Gov. Chris Christie. Candidates running against Booker in the Democratic party have said that by working with Christie, Booker hasn't advanced the party agenda the way he should. The duo have worked together on legislation and Booker says, “All of that happened because the governor and I are not focusing on the things we disagree on." Building relationships across the aisle shouldn't be viewed as a bad thing — it's the only way to get things done:&#160; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/05/nyregion/bookers-opponents-may-use-his-friendship-with-christie-against-him.html?ref=politics" type="external">Raymond Hernandez for&#160;The New York Times: Booker’s Opponents May Use His Friendship With Christie Against Him</a></p>
<p>STUDENT LOAN DEBATE:&#160;Student loan rates doubled earlier this week, but the debate is still going. "While the White House and lawmakers of both political parties agree on the general parameters of a plan, they remain deeply divided over key details," writes Josh Mitchell.&#160; <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324260204578585632684413350.html?mod=WSJ_Election_MIDDLETopStories" type="external">Find out what those key details are by clicking here.</a></p>
<p>BATTLE LOOMING?&#160;Molly Hopper believes Sen. John McCain is headed for a clash with House Republicans on immigration reform. "Some political observers believe it’s just a matter of time before McCain aggressively goes after House GOP members for not voting on the Senate-passed immigration measure," she writes.&#160;Jim Manley, a former senior staffer for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, says that part of the problem is that members of the House do not trust the Senate:&#160; <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/309283-mccain-house-gop-headed-for-clash-on-immigration" type="external">Molly Hopper for&#160;The Hill:&#160;</a> <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/309283-mccain-house-gop-headed-for-clash-on-immigration" type="external">McCain, House GOP headed for clash on immigration reform</a></p>
<p>ICYMI:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">Problem Solver Rep. David Cicilline talked about the progress of the No Labels coalition in Congress.</a></p>
<p>PROBLEM SOLVER BIRTHDAY:&#160;Happy birthday to Problem Solver Rep. Jim Himes!&#160; <a href="" type="internal">Learn more about him and the rest of the Problem Solvers here.</a></p>
<p>THE DAILY BREAK:&#160; <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/07/05/can-you-pass-this-101-year-old-test-for-8th-graders/?wprss=rss_education&amp;tid=pp_widget" type="external">Could you pass this eighth grade test from 1912?</a></p>
<p>ACTION OF THE DAY:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">Click here to get a refresher on No Labels.</a></p>
<p>STAT OF THE DAY:&#160;The unemployment rate in June remained at 7.6 percent as the economy added 195,000 jobs:&#160; <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/economy/309303-economy-adds-195000-jobs-in-june-unemployment-rate-at-76-percent" type="external">Vicki Needham for&#160;The Hill: Economy adds 195,000 jobs, unemployment at 7.6 percent in June</a></p> | Attacking a friendship | false | https://nolabels.org/blog/attacking-a-friendship/ | 2013-07-05 | 2 |
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<p>An Occupy Wall Street participant at Zuccotti Park a.k.a. Liberty Plaza, on September 26. &#160; (Photo by Sasha Kimel on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashakimel/6190308048/" type="external">Flickr</a>.)</p>
<p>The steel and concrete of Lower Manhattan comes alive every day during rush hour, when gray suits pulse through subway tunnels and the city's arteries get choked with street vendors, construction workers and other folks hustling to make a living. Now that <a href="http://nycga.cc/" type="external">a bunch of rabble-rousers have occupied the neighborhood</a>, the workers who form Gotham's backbone are starting to reclaim their turf as well.</p>
<p>It may be too early to draw parallels between the Occupy Wall Street protests at Zuccotti Park (aka Liberty Plaza) and their antecedents in <a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2011/2/9/after_record_level_turnout_in_tahrir" type="external">Tahrir Square</a> and <a href="http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_3c7f9cd2-4274-11e0-8f25-001cc4c002e0.html" type="external">Madison</a>. But the movements suggest a general trajectory of grassroots organizing: a spark of protest led by younger activists, followed by the support of <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/09/29/140937386/new-york-unions-vow-to-support-wall-street-protesters" type="external">labor organizations</a>, bringing up the rear and then moving to the fore.</p>
<p>By Wednesday, the Village Voice <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/09/transport_worke.php" type="external">reported</a>, the historically militant <a href="http://www.twulocal100.org/" type="external">Transport Workers Union</a> had voted to back, and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/09/29/2011-09-29_occupy_wall_street_gets_support_from_transport_workers_union_to_provide_protesto.html" type="external">provide food and services</a> to, the Occupy Wall Street movement. In a video recorded during an evening protest, TWU Local 100 member Christine Williams declared, "The people have finally woke up. And we're here and we're staying and we're not going anywhere."</p>
<p>TWU spokesperson Jim Gannon told the Voice: " A motion was brought up to endorse the protests' goals; I don't know why it took us so long to do it." Better late than never, the union says it now plans to amass on the afternoon of October 5 and march to Zuccotti Park.</p>
<p>Other <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/09/protest_to_prot.php" type="external">labor-oriented solidarity actions</a> have been undertaken by professors at the City University of New York affiliated with the Professional Staff Congress union (of which this author is also a member). Their group, <a href="http://solidaritywithows.wordpress.com/" type="external">Solidarity with OWS</a>, is organizing a demonstration against police abuse this Friday afternoon. (Other notable lefty academic allies include Frances Fox Piven, Christian Parenti, and Stanley Aronowitz.)</p>
<p>According to Crain's New York Business, local unions are <a href="http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110929/FINANCE/110929865" type="external">collaborating with community-based groups</a> such as Make the Road New York, Coalition for the Homeless and Community Voices Heard -- all organizations that are in daily contact with the struggles of the city's poor and working-class.</p>
<p>The city's doormen, security guards and maintenance workers see common ground with the occupation, too. The Huffington Post <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/29/nyc-transit-union-joins-o_n_987156.html" type="external">reports</a> that their union, SEIU 32BJ, said that a planned October 12 rally would embrace the current protests' theme:</p>
<p>The General Assembly, a <a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/163719/occupy-wall-street-faq" type="external">proudly amorphous body</a> that is helping coordinate the demonstrations, has set up a Labor Support and Outreach Working Group, which, according to <a href="http://nycga.cc/2011/09/29/general-assembly-minutes-929-7pm/#more-777" type="external">September 29 meeting minutes</a> posted to the Assembly's website, has encouraged protesters to join a demonstration of the Communication Workers of America nearby. Organizers are reportedly gearing up "to carry out a very creative direct action in support of the phone workers."</p>
<p>The convergence between the Wall Street occupation and labor activism may escalate in the coming days amid a <a href="" type="internal">standoff between New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and public sector workers</a>. The statewide Public Employees Federation <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/28/nyregion/public-employees-federation-rejects-albany-contract.html" type="external">just voted narrowly to reject a five-year contract</a> that would have staved off layoffs at the expense of higher healthcare costs and wage freezes. On Tuesday, PEF union president Kenneth Brynien told reporters that when members saw the concessions demanded of them, "The sacrifices were too great, and they said, 'Enough is enough."</p>
<p>That axiom would fit nicely among the panoply of anticapitalist slogans that protesters have displayed in Downtown Manhattan, proclaiming "People over Profit" and "Heal America, Tax Wall Street."</p>
<p>As sister campaigns emerge in other areas under the banner of " <a href="http://www.occupytogether.org/" type="external">Occupy Together</a>," the Wall Street actions could serve as a kind of petri dish for future protest tactics, building on the occupational <a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/163719/occupy-wall-street-faq" type="external">groundwork laid by smaller demonstrations</a>, such as a recent encampment at City Hall to protest budget cuts, and a Wall Street protest in May that <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/04/25/unions_to_protest_against_wall_stre.php" type="external">drew union support</a> from 1199 SEIU and the United Federation of Teachers.</p>
<p>As ITT's Akito Yoshikane <a href="" type="internal">reported</a>, the lifeblood of the protests has been the young and the frustrated. But the occupation also represents swelling resentment across all sectors of society -- covering expressly the 99 percent of us who are getting screwed and shafted by corporate moguls and, more tragically, our own elected representatives.</p>
<p>Yet the proactive anger has been building in the labor movement far from Wall Street. An editorial by the Socialist Worker <a href="http://socialistworker.org/2011/09/28/sparks-of-labor-resistance" type="external">points to protests in recent months</a> -- by longshoremen in Washington, striking hospital workers in California, and the groundbreaking Verizon strikers -- as signs of new "fighting mood" among the rank and file:</p>
<p>Workers haven't yet prevailed in all of these struggles, nor will all of them win in the future. But what unites these fights is the activism and solidarity on display, despite a hostile corporate media and aggressive employers.</p>
<p>Labor's new sparks of resistance are proof positive that the defiant spirit of the battle in Wisconsin last winter wasn't a flash in the pan, but a sign that growing numbers of working people are rediscovering their capacity to struggle. After decades of a one-sided class war, the fightback has begun.</p>
<p>Whether organized labor is finally catching up to youth activists, or the young occupiers are at last rekindling an older legacy of mass resistance, the cross-fertilization of movements is underway. Don't ask the <a href="http://www.indypendent.org/2011/09/28/revolution-begins-at-home/" type="external">diverse alliance</a> to state their agenda -- the movement is organically structured, with no formal "list of demands" yet, and that's part of the fun. Not everyone came to Wall Street knowing exactly what they wanted, but everyone there today knows they've had enough, and that they're not the only ones.</p> | Labor Movement Rolls Into Wall Street Occupation | true | http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/12029/labor_movement_rolls_into_wall_street_occupation/%23.ToYNKyQ2hqw.facebook | 2011-09-30 | 4 |
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<p>When Wright’s opened in 1907, the New Mexico territory had a population of just 327,000 and was still five years from statehood. Sheep farming was the territory’s most lucrative industry. A young adventurer named Charles Wright, who had been working for the Fred Harvey Company, left the hotel chain to open his own business: Wright’s Trading Post and Curios. It was headquartered Downtown in a landmark adobe pueblo-style building at Fourth Street and Gold Avenue.</p>
<p>As Albuquerque has evolved from dusty frontier town to cosmopolitan city, Wright’s has changed with it, from a rustic trading post to its new, sophisticated gallery. Over the years, Wright’s has represented the most significant Native American artists of the day, from Pablita Velarde and Maria Martinez to today’s multiple award-winning artists such as Jennifer Curtis, Caroline Carpio, Alfred Joe, Joe and Althea Cajero, Cliff Fragua and many more.</p>
<p>The business has remained in the hands of just two families — the Wrights and the Chernoffs. “We’ve lasted 100 years by representing the best of the Native American community — and our upcoming art market is our way of thanking our artists and our customers,” says gallery director Wayne A. Bobrick.</p>
<p>The celebration will kick off on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m., with a ceremonial blessing by a Native medicine man and a ribbon cutting. Over the weekend, there will be flute playing by sculptor/musician Adrian Wall, dancing by World Champion Hoop Dancer Nakotah LaRance — recently returned from Cirque de Soleil — an informal fashion show by Navajo designer Penny Singer and more.</p>
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<p>Outside in the parking area, booths will be set up for an Indian Artist Market, where the public can meet and buy directly from dozens of leading artists in various media.</p>
<p>Indoors, to honor all of the Native artists who have supported Wright’s over the years, a silent auction with a variety of items will raise money for First Nations Community Healthsource, a nonprofit organization that serves the local urban Native population as well as other underserved populations, such as the homeless.</p>
<p>Also indoors: a trunk show of vintage jewelry and fetishes by Southwest Zuni Connections, a very special appearance by Navajo master jewelers Carl and Irene Clark with their legendary micro-mosaic jewelry and artist demonstrations by Maxine and Dominique Toya (pottery) and Alice Yazzie (pastels).</p> | Oldest Indian art gallery marks 106th anniversary | false | https://abqjournal.com/195957/oldest-indian-art-gallery-marks-106th-anniversary.html | 2013-05-05 | 2 |
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<p>Sophomore linebacker Rodney Butler and freshman linebacker Derek Ibekwe were named to the Sun Belt Conference honorable mention team, along with defensive back Winston Rose and running back Larry Rose III.&#160; Rose III was also named to the SBC All-Newcomer team.</p>
<p>Ume-Ezeoke, a native of Dallas, was named for the second-consecutive year to the Rimington Watch List prior to the 2014 season starting, which is awarded to the top center in the nation.&#160; He was also a Preseason Phil Steele Second Team Selection (center) and a Preseason AthlonSports.com All-Sun Belt Third Team Selection (center).</p>
<p>“Ume’s preseason honors and postseason honors were very much deserved,” said head coach Doug Martin.&#160; “It was an honor to coach a guy like him, who gave it his all during each practice, workout or game.&#160; I always said, if we had 15 more guys like Ume [Ezeoke], we’d win a lot more games.”</p>
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<p>Ume-Ezeoke was the team captain the entire season for the Aggies, who finished 2-9, 1-7 in Sun Belt play.&#160; He did not give up any sacks was responsible for giving up only one sack throughout his entire career.&#160; Ume-Ezeoke started 40 consecutive games beginning Nov. 12, 2011, versus Fresno State as a true freshman.&#160; The streak lasted through Nov. 29, 2014, versus Arkansas State, his last game of his senior year.</p>
<p>Ume-Ezeoke played in 44 games in his career, starting in 43 of those games.&#160; He led an Aggie offensive line that allowed only 10 sacks on the season, ranking them No. 2 in the SBC and No. 4 in the nation.&#160; He led the team in 2014 in knockdowns and pancakes with 39 and 23 respectively; He came up 62 (total) knockdowns.&#160; Ume-Ezeoke led on offensive line the helped running back Larry Rose III gain over 1,000 yards this season. Rose III is the first player to surpass the 1,000 mark since 1995. His offensive line play helped the Aggies to No. 5 in the SBC in total offense with 418.2 yards per game.</p>
<p>Morgan, a native of Hanover, Md., walked on with the Aggies in 2013 but was a key player for the Aggie offense in 2014. Morgan led the Aggies in all receiving categories including receptions (75), yards receiving (903), average yards per catch (12), receiving touchdowns (7) and average receiving yards per game (82.1).&#160; He&#160; finished the season No. 2 in the SBC in receptions per game with 6.8 and No. 14 in the nation.&#160; He was also No. 2 in the SBC in receiving yards per game (82.1) and No. 26 in the nation.</p>
<p>“Teldrick [Morgan] was a great addition to the team this season,” Martin said.&#160; “His work ethic and talent combined but him on another level.&#160; I think he could have been a first team selection but at the same time, he can use this as motivation to work to get even better.”</p>
<p>Morgan also finished No. 6 in the Sun Belt and No. 46 in the nation in all-purpose yards (1,361) in all-purpose yards per game (123.7).&#160; He ended the year No. 5 in the league in kick return average (22.7).&#160; He finished with 903 receiving yards on the year, which ranks him No. 38 nationwide.</p>
<p>Despite playing in only 10 games, Rose III led NMSU in all rushing categories: rushing attempts (186), rushing yards (1,102), average per carry (5.9), average rushing yards per game (110.2) and rushing touchdowns (9).&#160; He was No. 3 in the SBC in rushing and was also No. 4 in the SBC in all-purpose yards with 1,274 total yards and No. 39 in the nation in all-purpose yards 127.4, while No. 2 in the SBC in all-purpose yards per game.&#160; Rose III tallied 23 receptions for 172 yards and one touchdown. He posted a career-high 229 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries against UL Monroe Nov. 22.&#160; Rose III is No. 25 in the nation in rushing yards per game with 110.2 per.</p>
<p>Butler led the Aggies in tackles with 119; 61 assisted and 58 solo. He recorded 7.5 tackles for a loss of nine yards and pulled in one interception which he returned 40 yards for a touchdown against Georgia State. Butler recorded two forced fumbles and one pass break up. He is No. 2 in the SBC in total tackles and No. 20 nationally (119 tackles).</p>
<p>Ibekwe finished the season second on the team in total tackles with 102; 46 solo and 56 assisted.&#160; He helped the Aggies to the No. 7 ranked pass defense in the nation, allowing only 174.5 yards through the air per game.&#160; Ibekwe posted 4.0 tackles for a loss of seven yards.&#160; He finished the year No. 5 in the SBC and No. 65 in the nation in total tackles.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | Aggie lineman, receiver earn All-Sun Belt accolades | false | https://abqjournal.com/508330/aggie-lineman-receiver-earn-all-sun-belt-accolades.html | 2 |
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<p>Vice President Joe Biden speaks during The American Legion’s annual convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013. Biden says there is no doubt that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government is responsible for the heinous use of chemical weapons. Biden’s comments make him the highest-ranking U.S. official to say the Syrian regime is the culprit in a large-scale chemical weapons attack on Aug. 21. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Johnny Hanson)</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Wednesday declared unequivocally that the United States has “concluded” that the Syrian government carried out a deadly chemical weapons attack on civilians. But new hurdles emerged that appeared to slow the formation of an international coalition that could use military force to punish Syria.</p>
<p>Obama did not present any direct evidence to back up his assertion that the Syrian government bears responsibility for the attack. While he said he is still evaluating possible military retaliation, the president vowed that any American response would send a “strong signal” to Syrian President Bashar Assad.</p>
<p>“We have concluded that the Syrian government in fact carried these out,” Obama said during an interview with PBS’ NewsHour. “And if that’s so, then there need to be international consequences.”</p>
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<p>Earlier Wednesday, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council failed to reach an agreement on a draft resolution from the British seeking authorization for the use of force. Russia, as expected, objected to international intervention.</p>
<p>Obama administration officials said they would take action against the Syrian government even without the backing of allies or the United Nations because diplomatic paralysis must not prevent a response to the alleged chemical weapons attack outside the Syrian capital last week.</p>
<p>Despite the administration’s assertions that it would press forward without the U.N., momentum for international military action appeared to slow.</p>
<p>British Prime Minister David Cameron promised British lawmakers he would not go to war until a U.N. chemical weapons team on the ground in Syria has a chance to report its findings, pushing the U.K.’s involvement in any potential strike until next week at the earliest. Cameron called an emergency meeting of Parliament on Thursday to vote on whether to endorse international action against Syria.</p>
<p>Even so, British Foreign Secretary William Hague suggested that U.S. military action need not be constrained by Britain. “The United States are able to make their own decisions,” he told reporters late Wednesday, just after speaking with Secretary of State John Kerry.</p>
<p>U.S. officials were in search of additional intelligence to bolster the White House’s case for a strike against Assad’s military infrastructure.</p>
<p>American intelligence intercepted lower-level Syrian military commanders’ communications discussing a chemical attack, but the communications don’t specifically link the attack to an official senior enough to tie the killings to Assad himself, according to one U.S. intelligence official and two other U.S. officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the intelligence publicly.</p>
<p>The White House ideally wants intelligence that links the attack directly to Assad or someone in his inner circle, to rule out the possibility that a rogue element of the military decided to use chemical weapons without Assad’s authorization.</p>
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<p>That quest for added intelligence has delayed the release of the report by the Office of the Director for National Intelligence laying out evidence against Assad. The report was promised earlier this week by administration officials.</p>
<p>The CIA and the Pentagon have been working to gather more human intelligence tying Assad to the attack, relying on the intelligence services of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel, the officials said. The administration was planning a teleconference briefing Thursday on Syria for leaders of the House and Senate and national security committees in both parties, U.S. officials and congressional aides said.</p>
<p>Both the CIA and the Defense Intelligence Agency have their own human sources — the rebel commanders and others who cross the border to brief CIA and defense intelligence officers at training camps in Jordan and Turkey. But their operation is much smaller than some of the other intelligence services, and it takes longer for their contacts to make their way overland.</p>
<p>The CIA, the Pentagon, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence all declined to comment on the intelligence picture, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.</p>
<p>Obama said he was not seeking a lengthy, open-ended conflict in Syria, indicating that any U.S. response would be limited in scope. But he argued that Syria’s use of chemical weapons not only violated international norms, but threatened “America’s core self-interest.”</p>
<p>“We do have to make sure that when countries break international norms on weapons like chemical weapons that could threaten us, that they are held accountable,” he said.</p>
<p>Laying out a legal justification for a U.S. response, Obama said Syria was violating the Geneva Protocols, an agreement signed in 1925 in the wake of World War I to ban the use of chemical gases. The White House has also cited the Chemical Weapons Convention, a 1992 agreement that builds on the Geneva Protocols by prohibiting the development and stockpiling of chemical weapons.</p>
<p>Syria is a party to the original Geneva accord, but not the latter chemical weapons agreement.</p>
<p>Syria, which sits on one of the world’s largest stockpiles of chemical weapons, has denied the charges. Moreover, Syria’s U.N. ambassador, Bashar Ja’afari, is demanding that United Nations experts investigate three alleged chemical weapons attacks against Syrian soldiers. He said the attacks occurred on Aug. 22, 24 and 25 in three suburbs of the Syrian capital and dozens of soldiers are being treated for inhaling nerve gas.</p>
<p>Certain members of Congress are expected to get a classified U.S. intelligence report laying out the case against Assad. An unclassified version is to be made public. Officials say it won’t have any detail that would jeopardize sources and methods.</p>
<p>Some lawmakers have argued that Congress must authorize any military action unless there has been an attack on the U.S. or the existence of an eminent threat to the U.S. Both Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday pressed the White House to provide a clear explanation of how military action would secure U.S. objectives.</p>
<p>Specifically, in a letter to Obama, House Speaker John Boehner asked him to make his case to Congress and the public about how military action would “secure American national security interests, preserve America’s credibility, deter the future use of chemical weapons, and, critically, be a part of our broader policy and strategy.”</p>
<p>Boehner said it was “essential you address on what basis any use of force would be legally justified.”</p>
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<p>AP White House Correspondent Julie Pace and AP writers Raphael Satter and Greg Katz in London contributed to this report.</p> | Obama: Syrian gov’t carried out chemical attack | false | https://abqjournal.com/254624/us-willing-to-go-it-alone-against-syria-if-needed.html | 2013-08-28 | 2 |
<p>HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana State Prison Warden Michael Fletcher was fired before the end of his 12-month probationary period.</p>
<p>Department of Corrections spokeswoman Judy Beck confirmed the firing Tuesday, but did not give a reason.</p>
<p>Fletcher's hiring was announced in March 2017. The previous warden, Leroy Kirkegard, retired on April 14.</p>
<p>He came to Montana after serving as superintendent of a maximum security juvenile detention facility in Las Vegas. He also previously served as warden of operations at the Ely State Prison, a maximum-security facility in rural Nevada.</p>
<p>HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana State Prison Warden Michael Fletcher was fired before the end of his 12-month probationary period.</p>
<p>Department of Corrections spokeswoman Judy Beck confirmed the firing Tuesday, but did not give a reason.</p>
<p>Fletcher's hiring was announced in March 2017. The previous warden, Leroy Kirkegard, retired on April 14.</p>
<p>He came to Montana after serving as superintendent of a maximum security juvenile detention facility in Las Vegas. He also previously served as warden of operations at the Ely State Prison, a maximum-security facility in rural Nevada.</p> | Montana State Prison warden fired | false | https://apnews.com/amp/956baefb16d647088a2c39d80347170b | 2018-01-23 | 2 |
<p>PARIS (AP) — French authorities are searching five sites run by dairy giant Lactalis in an investigation into the botched mass recall of baby milk products after a salmonella scare.</p>
<p>The Paris prosecutor’s office said sites being searched Wednesday include Lactalis headquarters in Laval in western France and the factory in Craon, where salmonella bacteria was found last year. The factory has been shut.</p>
<p>Government fraud and health authorities are investigating the handling of the scare and a subsequent mass recall. Recalled baby milk products remained available in French hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets weeks after they were ordered pulled from shelves.</p>
<p>The head of Lactalis says the recall affected over 12 million products in 83 countries.</p>
<p>French authorities have said more than 30 babies fell ill after consuming the products, though all recovered.</p>
<p>PARIS (AP) — French authorities are searching five sites run by dairy giant Lactalis in an investigation into the botched mass recall of baby milk products after a salmonella scare.</p>
<p>The Paris prosecutor’s office said sites being searched Wednesday include Lactalis headquarters in Laval in western France and the factory in Craon, where salmonella bacteria was found last year. The factory has been shut.</p>
<p>Government fraud and health authorities are investigating the handling of the scare and a subsequent mass recall. Recalled baby milk products remained available in French hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets weeks after they were ordered pulled from shelves.</p>
<p>The head of Lactalis says the recall affected over 12 million products in 83 countries.</p>
<p>French authorities have said more than 30 babies fell ill after consuming the products, though all recovered.</p> | Searches at French baby milk maker after salmonella scare | false | https://apnews.com/d1ec698719494e029b4c28b655fa358d | 2018-01-17 | 2 |
<p>Protestors at the Texas capitol this past Friday, before the HB 2 vote&lt;a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirsasha/9278456244/"&gt;mirsasha&lt;/a&gt;/Flickr</p>
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<p>This weekend, the Texas Senate voted to pass HB 2, the abortion bill that state Sen. Wendy Davis <a href="" type="internal">filibustered</a> two weeks ago. The law bans most abortions after 20 weeks, requires clinic doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, and requires abortions to take place in ambulatory surgical centers. The law will likely close all but 5 of the state’s 42 clinics. Gov. Rick Perry has confirmed he’ll sign the bill into law, possibly as early as <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/13/rick-perry-abortion-bill_n_3592736.html" type="external">the middle of this week</a>.</p>
<p>While Davis’ 11-hour stand focused national attention on this bill, Texas lawmakers have quietly slipped at least seven other bills onto the legislative agenda that would restrict women’s access to abortion. All of them have been proposed since the July 1 opening of the special legislative session called by Perry to force a vote on HB 2 after Davis and her supporters successfully stalled the first vote. These special sessions are unique in that a bill only <a href="" type="internal">requires a simple majority</a> to pass rather than the two-thirds majority required during a regular session.</p>
<p>With that advantage in hand, the state’s Republican lawmakers have gone on an abortion restriction spree. Here are the bills they’ve proposed in the last two weeks:</p>
<p>SB 9: Sponsored by Sen. Dan Patrick, who also sponsored Texas’ <a href="http://www.texasobserver.org/appeals-court-texas-can-start-empowering-women-by-enforcing-pre-abortion-sonogram-law/" type="external">sonogram bill</a>, SB 9 would require that <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/SB00009I.htm" type="external">abortion-inducing drugs</a> be dispensed only at abortion clinics. HB 2 already contains a provision requiring this, though it gives providers a little more leeway on dosage choices. Combined with HB 2’s other provisions, this rule means women could have to travel for hours to obtain <a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3816412.html" type="external">mifepristone</a> and misoprostol, the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm111323.htm" type="external">FDA-approved</a>drug regimen used for early nonsurgical abortions. The law then requires them to return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment 14 days later.</p>
<p>HB 17: This bill would prohibit sex-selective abortions. Abortion rights advocates consider such bills, which have passed in several other states, <a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/gpr/15/2/gpr150218.html" type="external">tangential and unenforceable</a> ploys to further restrict abortion rights. &#160;</p>
<p>HB 26: If passed, this bill would require women to fill out a “ <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/HB00026I.htm" type="external">coerced abortion form</a>” before the procedure, confirming they are acting voluntarily. The bill’s vague wording leaves room for a physician to deny an abortion if they believe she seems coerced—even if that’s not indicated on the form or said by her outright.</p>
<p>HB 18: Though Texas requires parental notification and consent for a minor to get an abortion, currently minors may bypass that requirement by way of a court petition. <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/HB00018I.htm" type="external">This proposed law</a> would further complicate the red-tape-heavy process in a number of ways, including eliminating an <a href="http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.33.htm" type="external">existing rule</a> that allows minors to move forward with the procedure if a judge does not rule within two days of a hearing.</p>
<p>HB 27: Taking HB 18 even further, <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/HB00027I.htm" type="external">this bill</a> would extend the amount of time a court has to consider a minor’s initial request for an abortion (and subsequent appeals) from two to five days. It would also require minors to testify about their reasons for wanting an abortion, be evaluated by a state mental-health counselor, and prove their maturity with examples like “traveling independently” and “managing her own financial affairs.”</p>
<p>HB 50: This bill aims “to reduce the occurrence of abortions and the use of abortion facilities” by creating a <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/HB00050I.htm" type="external">public education program</a> encouraging men to support women with unexpected pregnancies. That might not be a terrible idea, but the bill says that any state agency can work on the program (pregnancy info brought to you by the Texas Department of Transportation?!) and that they can’t contract with any health care providers, facilities, or advocacy groups to educate the public.</p>
<p>HB 22: If passed, <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/HB00022I.htm" type="external">this bill</a> would prevent any affiliate of an abortion provider from providing information on sexuality or family planning for sex ed curricula. That means any information at all, whether it’s related to abortion or not. So Planned Parenthood, for example, which offers abortions (though they make up just <a href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/who-we-are/planned-parenthood-glance-5552.htm" type="external">3 percent</a> of their services, nationally) would be barred from providing any information—about women’s health, STDs, contraception, etc.—for use in Texas classrooms.</p>
<p>Democrats have proposed a few bills during this special session to counter the stream of anti-abortion legislation. <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/SB00023I.htm" type="external">SB 23</a> would prevent hospitals from denying admitting privileges to abortion-clinic doctors on the basis of where they work. Another measure, <a href="http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/832/billtext/html/HB00045I.htm" type="external">HB 45</a>, mandates that all abortion laws passed in the Texas Legislature from now on can’t go into effect until 60 days after Texas <a href="" type="internal">abolishes the death penalty</a>.</p>
<p>This post has been revised.</p>
<p /> | 7 Texas Abortion Bills That Didn’t Get Filibustered | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2013/07/texas-abortion-bills-filibuster-wendy-davis/ | 2013-07-16 | 4 |
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<p><a href="" type="internal" />DENVER - After months of uncertainty about marijuana and its tax potential, Colorado lawmakers start work Tuesday deciding how to spend pot taxes.</p>
<p>Voters have already decided to spend the first $40 million on school construction, but anything beyond that is up to lawmakers to appropriate.</p>
<p>Estimates vary widely on how much tax money Colorado will receive from recreational marijuana sales, which just started in January. But legislators should have at least $25 million to spend, with the likely winners to be youth drug-prevention programs and efforts to reduce stoned driving.</p>
<p>The legislative Joint Budget Committee meets Tuesday to review a proposal from the governor on spending the money. The governor has said the top priority should be reducing any negative impacts from legalization on children.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Colorado to start spending pot taxes | false | https://abqjournal.com/380689/colorado-to-start-spending-pot-taxes.html | 2 |
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<p>DryShips (NASDAQ: DRYS) spent the bulk of the past year working to shore up its balance sheet. The culmination of those efforts was the mid-December agreement for a comprehensive refinancing, de-leveraging, and strategic repositioning with an entity controlled by its founder. That agreement not only provided the company with funding to operate but "to evaluate the possible acquisition of assets at distressed values."</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>While the initial plan was to go bargain hunting, in reality, it has gone on a buying binge, signing deals to acquire up to six vessels. Because of the rapid speed, it seems like the company is in a rush to purchase ships just because it can. That's a concern given the apparent lack of direction and the company's history.</p>
<p>Image source: Getty Images.</p>
<p>One of the casualties of DryShips' efforts to shore up its balance sheet was its fleet. The company had no choice but to sell off vessels over the past year to pay down debt. As a result, it had just 13 dry bulk vessels remaining along with six offshore supply vessels as of the end of last year, which is down from a fleet of 39 dry bulk vessels, 10 tankers, and 13 offshore drilling units that it had in early 2015.</p>
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<p>However, with newly minted liquidity in hand, DryShips started 2017 on a mission to rebuild its fleet. CFO Anthony Kandylidis said at the time "that given where we are in the cycle in both the tanker and dry bulk markets, we are faced with a unique entry point to acquire vessels in these sectors at historic low prices." Because of that, it was on a mission to "make DryShips great again."</p>
<p>While the company initially said that it would target the tanker and dry bulk markets to rebuild its fleet, DryShips broadened its horizons a bit when it announced the closing of a new credit facility in early January. CEO George Economou stated at that time that because the company had "completed the restoration of our balance sheet" that it was "now ready to begin looking at acquisition opportunities in all of the shipping sectors including dry bulk vessels, tankers, and gas carriers, as the opportunities arise."</p>
<p>The addition of gas carriers to its opportunity set was by design. That's obvious because just two days later DryShips announced that it signed an option agreement with companies controlled by Economou to acquire up to four Very Large Gas Carriers for up to $334 million. These vessels arequite different from those the company had owned in the past because they came with previously signed long-term time charters, meaning that they are not subject to volatile spot market prices. Because of this, DryShips will be able to rely on the relatively steady cash flow that these ships provide. In fact, when including option years, these vessels have a $390 million backlog.</p>
<p>The company followed up that deal with the announcement of its strategic reentry into the tanker market, agreeing to buy two vessels for a total of $102.5 million. However, unlike the gas carriers, these tankers will be employed in the spot market, which means the company's cash flow from these vessels will ebb and flow with volatile market prices.</p>
<p>Those market prices can move dramatically in a short amount of time. Just ask leading tanker company Nordic American Tankers (NYSE: NAT), which has experienced that volatility firsthand. Over the past three quarters, for example, tanker rates have bounced from $16,700 per day in last year's third quarter to $25,000 per day in early 2017. However, this volatility goes both ways. As the below chart shows, Nordic American Tankers' cash flow from operations has been anything but stable, even dipping into the red in recent years:</p>
<p><a href="http://ycharts.com/companies/NAT/cash_operations" type="external">NAT Cash from Operations (Quarterly)</a> data by <a href="http://ycharts.com" type="external">YCharts Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>One way Nordic American Tankers handles this volatility is by focusing on one vessel type, which reduces its cash operating costs. In fact, the company has a cash breakeven rate of $11,000 per day because of this laser focus. DryShips, on the other hand, now owns a menagerie of ships, many of which have nothing in common other than they all float.</p>
<p>Investing legend Peter Lynch coined a term for companies that operate like that: diworsification. In his view, companies that diversify too wildly can ruin their original business because they focus on too many things at once. That appears to be the path DryShips is taking with its diversification strategy because there is no rhyme or reason to it other than the company believes it is getting a good deal on the vessels.</p>
<p>However, the strategy of buying simply to buy has failed DryShips in the past. For example, just two years ago, the company unloaded its entire tanker fleet because it had to increase its liquidity to reduce the selling pressure on its stock after it got in over its head in debt by expanding too aggressively. It's a mistake it appears poised to repeat if it continues to buy ships just because it can instead of buying to fit within its strategy, which at the moment remains undefined.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than DryShipsWhen 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>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of February 6, 2017</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFmd19/info.aspx" type="external">Matt DiLallo Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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> | DryShips Inc.'s Buying Binge: Making It Great Again or Diworsification? | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/03/09/dryships-inc-buying-binge-making-it-great-again-or-diworsification.html | 2017-03-17 | 0 |
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<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattbuck007/" type="external">Matt Buck</a> / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/" type="external">CC BY-SA 2.0</a></p>
<p>A juvenile court judge in Utah ordered a baby to be taken from lesbian foster parents and placed with a heterosexual couple, saying the transfer was for the child’s well-being.</p>
<p>“We are shattered,” one of the gay women told a Salt Lake City TV station. “It hurts me really badly because I haven’t done anything wrong.”</p>
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<p>The Guardian reports:</p>
<p>Judge Scott Johansen’s order on Tuesday raised concerns at the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, said agency spokeswoman Ashley Sumner.</p>
<p>Its attorneys plan to review the decision and determine what options they have to challenge the order.</p>
<p>The ruling came during a routine hearing for April Hoagland and Beckie Peirce. They are part of a group of same-sex married couples who were allowed to become foster parents in Utah after a US supreme court ruling made gay marriage legal across the country, Sumner said.</p>
<p>State officials estimate there are a dozen or more foster parents who are married same-sex couples.</p>
<p>Read more <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/nov/12/utah-judge-orders-baby-taken-away-from-lesbian-foster-parents" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>— Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Alexander Reed Kelly</a>.</p> | Utah Judge Orders Baby to Be Taken From Married Lesbian Foster Parents | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/utah-judge-orders-baby-to-be-taken-from-married-lesbian-foster-parents/ | 2015-11-12 | 4 |
<p>Still from the video “Erica” produced by the Bernie Sanders campaign.</p>
<p>In many respects, 2017 was a miserable year for just about everyone but the one percent and the parasitic elites who serve its interests. Suffering, dislocation, and insecurity plagued large swaths of the planet. In the United States, Trump’s dystopian agenda deepened the economic pain of millions. Meanwhile the billionaire class extended its hegemony, dramatically expanding the landscape of social anguish.</p>
<p>As the corrosion of democracy accelerated, a dark pall enveloped the ranks of the opposition. Leftists and progressives continued to mobilize across the country. Yet as they scrambled to respond to the political onslaught, many people of conscience slipped into survival mode, devoting to rearguard skirmishes the energy needed to actually build a world beyond imperialism, oligarchy, and bigotry.</p>
<p>True to form, 2017 departed with a final act of cruelty. Late in December 27-year-old Erica Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, who New York City police choked to death in 2014 while he repeatedly uttered, “I can’t breathe,” suffered a heart attack that ultimately claimed her life. Though agents of the state had suffocated her father, Erica had helped oxygenate the resistance, becoming a visible participant in Black Lives Matter and supporting a host of other causes. She had embodied resilience and courage at a time when such qualities were desperately needed. Her death delivered a savage blow at the end of a year that had already unleashed a psychological and emotional barrage.</p>
<p>Of course, the waning days of 2017 brought other outrages, as well. Among them was the detention of Ahed Tamimi, the 16-year-old Palestinian girl who slapped Israeli soldiers as they arrived at her family home to resume a campaign of harassment following clashes with youths in the West Bank. Tamimi’s capture highlighted the vulgarity of colonialist occupation. By arresting the slight teenager, Israel once again revealed the depravity of its crusade to crush the spirit of the Palestinian people.</p>
<p>However, the case of Ahed also contained elements of hope. The girl’s brave act furnished a source of inspiration for besieged people throughout the world. Despite the hardship of occupation and the might of her adversaries, the adolescent had found the temerity to combat empire with her bare hands.</p>
<p>The juxtaposition of Erica and Ahed offers a useful framing as the left recuperates from 2017 and prepares to face mounting crises in 2018. Erica’s passing symbolizes the punishing losses we experienced last year. If we are to successfully regroup we must acknowledge the scale of those losses and the trauma they inflicted. We must channel into our political efforts our outrage at the indecencies of racism, an ineluctable factor in Erica’s life and death.</p>
<p>Like Erica, Ahed represents the tenacity of struggle. While Erica’s heroic fight is complete, Ahed’s has just begun. In their own ways, both women provide rousing models for the forces of resistance—from campus antiracists to antifascists in the streets—who emerged from 2017 battered but undefeated.</p>
<p>Leftists may face even fiercer battles in 2018. However, a survey of some of the political assaults we have already endured underscores both the breadth of the conservative war on dissent and the power of our fighting spirit.</p>
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<p>Attempts to manipulate reality and smother radical expression abounded in 2017. One such effort was the FBI decision to target as a counterterrorism measure what it labeled “Black Identity Extremists.” Though the phrase is patently absurd, its intent is deadly serious. Some observers saw the designation as a sign of the federal government’s desire to formalize its attack on Black Lives Matter and other movements. Surfacing amid a groundswell of white nationalist activity, the policy appeared to reflect the FBI’s willingness to function as an arm of racial reaction.</p>
<p>Of course, 2017 witnessed other efforts to criminalize protest. Scores of participants in the demonstrations surrounding Trump’s January 20th inauguration in Washington, DC were snared by police and slapped with conspiracy charges. The draconian punishments sought by prosecutors suggested a larger effort to stifle political opposition. It was late in the year before the acquittal of “J20” activists sidelined the strategy. By then, legislatures in states like Arizona were mulling equally repressive measures, including the expansion of racketeering laws to penalize organizers of political rallies found to “disturb the public peace.”</p>
<p>Suppressing internationalist solidarity was a further aim of the authoritarian surge. Some members of Congress moved to ban support for “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions,” the global campaign against occupation of Palestinian land. Meanwhile, in a phenomenon some dubbed “social media imperialism,” U.S. and Israeli officials pressured Facebook and other Internet companies to eliminate content seen as sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.</p>
<p>Indeed, attempts to rewrite reality seemed to multiply in 2017. Reports that the State Department considered dropping the term “occupation” from its references to Israel’s presence in the West Bank, and that the National Basketball Association agreed to remove from its website a description of Palestine as “occupied territory,” illustrated this alarming trend. As always, disguising the facts of conquest remained an imperative of authoritarian rule.</p>
<p>Contempt for critical knowledge also led to an intensified attack on the academy. Here the mechanism of repression was a hodgepodge of right-wing sites. Their methods grew increasingly predictable. Aided by Fox News, outlets such as Campus Reform and Professor Watchlist targeted leftist faculty, culling fragments of political postings and tweets and using decontextualized quotes to engineer outrage campaigns and enflame their audiences. Inundated with hate mail and threats, embattled instructors were forced to recoil from the public realm or spend months defending themselves and clarifying their views. Either way, harassment crusades helped serve the goal of isolating the academic left and undermining challenges to capitalism and white supremacy.</p>
<p>Colleges and universities abetted that cause by yielding to offensives against individual professors or by engaging in repressive activities of their own. Eager to protect their images as purveyors of corporate values, several institutions took steps to marginalize student protest or to suppress programs and classes likely to offend financial and political elites. (The University of North Dakota, for example, rejected proposals for courses exploring critiques of the Dakota Access Pipeline.) In general, university administrators mouthed the rhetoric of academic freedom yet retreated to discourses of civility and relativism, even as white nationalists across the country embraced college campuses as fertile recruiting grounds.</p>
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<p>Taken collectively, these and other maneuvers helped fuel a tide of reaction in 2017. Assaults on dissent intensified. Campaigns of intimidation and distortion sought to silence leftists and punish anyone who dared question the prerogatives of wealth and power.</p>
<p>The surge of repression constituted a form of psychological warfare. Erica Garner’s death underscored the toll of extreme political strain. Leftists and progressives everywhere combatted a sense of despair. The everyday stress of those on the economic and social margins increased.</p>
<p>In the end, however, the forces of opposition remained steadfast. Yes, 2017 was a wretched year in terms of our collective aspirations for dignity and justice. But the course of events also demonstrated that barbarism could not break our resolve. Indeed, the coerciveness of the governing apparatus reflected the anxieties of a ruling class that knows it has overreached and that desperately fears the reckoning that is underway.</p>
<p>The task of the left in 2018 is thus to reorganize, reenergize, and escalate. We need concrete mechanisms of struggle to help reclaim the social wealth capitalism has stolen. Yet we also need creative forms of self-development and self-defense. We need radical study groups. We need organs of collective healing and rejuvenation. We need fresh methods of exposing lies, fighting fatigue, and sustaining a spirit of defiance.</p>
<p>Any protracted fight will bring moments of triumph and pain. In this new year, we must prepare for both. As Palestinian activist Bessam Tamimi, father of Ahed Tamimi, told his daughter in a letter published on the last day of 2017:</p>
<p>Ahed, no parent in the world yearns to see his daughter spending her days in a detention cell. However, Ahed, no one could be prouder than I am of you. You and your generation are courageous enough, at last, to win. Your actions and courage fill me with awe and bring tears to my eyes. But in accordance with your request, these are not tears of sadness or regret, but rather tears of struggle.</p> | Tears and Struggle: From Erica Garner to Ahed Tamimi | true | https://counterpunch.org/2018/01/05/tears-and-struggle-from-erica-garner-to-ahed-tamimi/ | 2018-01-05 | 4 |
<p>Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore / Flickr</p>
<p>George Bernard Shaw said, “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.” &#160;</p>
<p>Trump’s campaign should teach us never to say never. There are times when fighting with pigs is unavoidable. Besides pigs like it when people say never wrestle with them. Better you bite your tongue than that you nip at them.</p>
<p>Pigs are people who will stop at nothing to get their way. Some pigs don’t know any better. They’re blind to their own bullying. Other pigs are so confident that they know better, that they feel justified in getting their own way. They are sure that they have found truth, and if you disagree you’re shamefully wrong by whatever double standard they can pull out their butts.When you’re stuck wrestling with pigs, you have to pick your battles. And the worst choice you can make is trying to get the pig to admit it’s a pig. Alas, that’s about all we’ve gotten from hardball journalists this election season.Trump’s laughably losing hand continues to win largely because even the toughest journalists continue to try to corner him on his incorrigibility. Their questions can be summarized as “Sir, aren’t you being self-servingly inconsistent?”Watching these “hardball” flops is like watching someone try to eat Jello with chopsticks. Pinch as they might, the Jello will always slip away.</p>
<p>The game of gotcha is over, and Trump has won.</p>
<p>Ask any psychiatrist: It’s worst than a waste of time to ask psychopaths and pathological liars questions. You won’t get straight answers, and asking only reinforces the impression that you still naively believe that they care about the truth. No psychiatrist is going to ask a psychopath whether he realizes that he’s behaving badly. Nor would they try to corner pathological liars into admitting that they’re lying.</p>
<p>It’s time for a new line of questions that assumes what has now been fully established. For example:</p>
<p>"Mr. Trump, do you ever worry that your wall-to-wall evasion, while winning you support, won't win you the election?”</p>
<p>"When did you first discover the awesome persuasive power of hypocrisy? Was it when you were a child? Did it work with your parents?"</p>
<p>“You obviously take pride in your ability to lie with a straight face. Do you sometimes regret boasting about it? Or is it not a problem because you can always lie about boasting to cover it up if you need to?”</p>
<p>“Obviously, you knew pretty early on that you had the power to fool a lot of people but when did it first dawn on you that you might just be able to fool a majority and win the presidency?”“A lot of people wonder whether you know you’re a lying hypocrite or you’re just not bright enough to see it. Which is it?”</p>
<p>It may be too late to ask him these questions in a context where they are likely to land a direct hit. The people most likely to ask such questions no longer have access to him, which puts the burden on the prestigious journalists he can’t escape.</p>
<p>His response, of course would be to take offense and storm off, and then tweet his flailing petulant defensiveness through the night.</p>
<p>But for once, that wouldn’t be the story. Instead it would be about the journalist who for first time in this election, ended an exchange with Trump in something other than a Trump win or an ambiguous draw, the journalist who finally stalled Trump by saying to his face what so many know and say about him elsewhere.</p>
<p>The journalist who finally landed a direct blow with Trump might be fired, but that would be a great career move. The journalists lobbing Trump and his flunkies the limp “hardball” questions are enabling Trump as unconscionably as are the Republicans who have endorsed him. Their fates are as good as sealed. Whether Trump loses or wins, he’s a disaster, and anyone who had a chance to stop him and didn’t will have a lot of explaining to do.</p>
<p>The only way to wrestle pigs down is making their piggishness obvious. There are more direct ways than asking questions. Imagine if Anderson Cooper simply said to his face, “You’re a blowhard.”Joe McCarthy was finally stopped with a statement in the form of a question. It was Joseph Welsh, Chief Counsel to the US Army, breaking form and putting his career on the line to say to McCarthy’s face what so many people felt.</p>
<p>“Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?&#160;Have you left no sense of decency?”</p>
<p>Welsh wasn’t asking “Tell me, Senator McCarthy, do you have a sense of decency?” To the Senator’s face, Welsh expressed his confident conclusion that he hadn’t one. McCarthy flailed and in ensuing months sputtered out. We remember Welsh’s question not McCarthy’s come back.There’s another way to wrestle pigs down. Applying it here would do the country a lot of long-term good. Expose their MO in front them. Take people on a little “Look what they did there?” tour of the pig’s manipulation.</p>
<p>Christie did it to Rubio: “Marco, the thing is this, when you're president of the United States, or you're governor of a state, the memorized 30-second speech where you talk about how great America is at the end of it doesn't solve one problem for one person.”</p>
<p>Reagan did it to Carter: “There you go again.”</p>
<p>Part of the power of this move is talking past the pig. Look at Trump’s body language in interviews. He’s usually half-present. He decides when he’ll give the interviewer his attention, otherwise, he’s either impatient to move on to more important people or he gestures as though he’s laughing with his supporters at the interviewer. This half-presence may just be an expression of Trump’s thimble-sized attention span, but it’s effective. It shows a lack of respect for the person he’s supposedly talking to.Journalists need to take this page from Trump’s playbook. Asides to the audience would be great. “There he goes again,” and then a quick description of the generic cheap trick that Trump just used. There are only a handful of these tricks (See The Formula). &#160;Don’t even give Trump an opening to say “No I didn’t do that.” Make him fight for attention to defend himself and when he does, expose that cheap trick too. And the next.</p>
<p>If we survive Trump he will have been the best thing to happen to our democracy long term. Lily Tomlin said, “No matter how cynical you get, you just can’t keep up,” Cynical or not, no matter how skeptical we get we can’t keep up.</p>
<p>There’s a co-evolution of cheap con-artist tricks, and the skepticism necessary to not be taken in by them. We can’t keep up, because the tricks accumulate over the years. Once a successful trick is discovered, it’s not forgotten. It spreads to all possible applications.But people are born gullible. There’s a sucker born every minute. And for each of us it’s a long slow process to learn to spot the cons, which keep evolving accumulating and spreading.</p>
<p>Trump is a boon for helping us speed-learn how to identify pigs. He’s the vaccine this virgin country has long needed, the body politics’ innoculant against the rabid tyranny that all other nations have been exposed to.Trump uses every trick in the book and he uses them all crudely. He is to con artistry what an elementary school word finder puzzle is to word finding.Disappointingly, that’s the grade level our acutely naïve citizenry requires if it’s ever going to get good at spotting the tricks. Apparently even his simplistic abuse of the tricks isn’t enough. We need journalists doing the equivalent of an elementary school teacher giving hints.Trump remains viable because no one yet has once even slowed his stride in public. We need someone credible saying in Trump’s presence “there he goes again,” and then walking the audience through how the cheap tricks work. Or we need someone assuming in Trump’s presence that he’s using them, not asking him whether he is, nor accusing him of using them in ways he can deflect. &#160;</p>
<p>Jeremy Sherman is a decision theorist studying how life deals with dilemmas from the origins of life to everyday and political life.&#160;</p> | Enough With the Limp 'Hardball' Questions for Trump—It's Time to Expose His Cheap Tricks | true | http://alternet.org/media/enough-limp-hardball-questions | 2016-10-01 | 4 |
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<p>FARMINGTON (AP) — Downtown Farmington’s coffee shop drought could soon be coming to an end, thanks to an effort to cultivate local storefronts.</p>
<p>The Daily Times reports the city’s beleaguered downtown has been without a coffee shop since the Bookstore Kafe closed in December.</p>
<p>San Juan College and city officials are working on an incubator to allow fledgling retail businesses to grow and a coffee shop could anchor the location, according to the interim head of the San Juan College Enterprise Center.</p>
<p>The City Council holds a meeting on May 15 on funding for the project. Rent is expected to cover a large chunk of operating expenses.</p>
<p>A historic building donated to the city in November could provide the site for the store-fronts. The incubator is on track to open this summer.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Coffee could come back to Farmington | false | https://abqjournal.com/194957/lattes-may-return-to-downtown-farmington.html | 2013-05-02 | 2 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Intersil Corp.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Shares ofIntersil Corp(NASDAQ: ISIL)climbed 9.8% on Tuesday after the U.S.-based semiconductor company agreed to be acquired by Japan's Renasas Electronics Group.</p>
<p>The announcement confirms a <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/22/why-intersil-corp-stock-soared-today.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">report last month Opens a New Window.</a> from Reuters, which at the time cited an industry source as stating Renasas was in the "final stages of negotiations" to acquire Intersil for as much as $3 billion.</p>
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<p>When all was said and done, Renasas agreed to purchase Intersil for $22.50 per share in cash, representing an equity value for the company of roughly $3.2 billion. This also represents a premium of 43.9% over Intersil's "unaffected price" -- that is, before news of the acquisition broke last month -- and an almost 14% premium to Monday's close.</p>
<p>The deal has already been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. And though it still requiresthe approval of both Intersil shareholders and government authorities, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017.</p>
<p>Intersil CEO Necip Sayiner added:</p>
<p>In the end, with Intersil shares now trading at only a slight discount to the acquisition price, I think investors would be wise to take today's profits and put them to work elsewhere.</p>
<p>A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early, in-the-know investors! To be one of them, <a href="http://www.fool.com/mms/mark/ecap-foolcom-apple-wearable?aid=6965&amp;source=irbeditxt0000017&amp;ftm_cam=rb-wearable-d&amp;ftm_pit=2668&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">just click here Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFSymington/info.aspx" type="external">Steve Symington Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. 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> | Why Intersil Corp. Stock Popped Today | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/09/13/why-intersil-corp-stock-popped-today.html | 2016-09-13 | 0 |
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<p>LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico State women’s soccer team fell to Stephen F. Austin, 1-0, in front of its home crowd Friday afternoon. The Aggies are 4-3-1; the Ladyjacks go home with a 3-2-0 record.</p>
<p>The Ladyjacks’ Sophia Fondren found an opportunity at the 71:32 minute mark and was able to get her team on the board, bringing the score to 1-0.</p>
<p>NMSU had come out in the second half attacking the goal. Forward Aileen Galicia took two shots at the goal, along with teammate Devin Hart who had two shots .</p>
<p>“This game was a lot different than the last two games we had,” coach Freddy Delgado said of his Aggies. “This one I thought we played much better. Right now we’re going to go back and build up our confidence. We’ll get ourselves back on track. We just have to keep looking at what we’re doing. We swept our rivals and we have a pretty good record at home. Our team has also scored some great goals, so we just have to remind our players that we’re a good team.”</p>
<p>The Aggies return to action Sunday as they host Incarnate Word. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.</p>
<p><a href="https://d3el53au0d7w62.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/08/NM-State-vs.-SFA.pdf" type="external">Box score: SF Austin 1, NMSU 0</a></p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Aggie soccer falls 1-0 at home | false | https://abqjournal.com/1060813/aggie-soccer-falls-1-0-at-home.html | 2 |
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<p>The surge in oil prices is helping keep the Dow Jones Industrial Average positive, but also doing a number on the Dow Jones Transportation Average . Crude oil futures spiked up 3.3% toward a 1 1/2-year high, after some oil producing countries agreed to production cuts. That helped push the stocks of Dow industrials components Exxon Mobil Corp. up $1.97, or 2.2%, and of Chevron Corp. up $1.33, or 1.2%. Those price gains added a combined 23 points to the Dow, which was up 12 points in afternoon trade. The oil price jump also weighed on the shares of the Dow transports' six airline components, American Airlines Group Inc. , Delta Air Lines Inc. , Southwest Airlines Co. , JetBlue Airways Corp. , United Continental Holdings Inc. and Alaska Air Group Inc. . The price declines shaved a combined 60 points off the Dow transports, which was down 102 points. The Dow industrials were now up 13% year to date while the transports were up 24%.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2016 MarketWatch, Inc.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p> | Oil Price Surge Helps Keep Dow Industrials Positive But Weighs On Dow Transports | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/12/12/oil-price-surge-helps-keep-dow-industrials-positive-but-weighs-on-dow.html | 2016-12-12 | 0 |
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<p>"We're riding a pretty good wave right now," said St. Mary, whose Blackstar Ranch grows hops on 670 acres. "The whole craft beer thing is great."</p>
<p>Hops are in short supply because of the dramatic increase in the popularity of craft breweries. That has growers in the Yakima Valley, which produces 75 percent of the nation's hops, rushing to expand their production.</p>
<p>Hops are cone-shaped plants that are added to beer during the brewing process to add bitterness and flavoring. In Washington, acreage grew more than 6 percent in 2014 from the year before, and is projected to rise 10 percent this year, industry officials said.</p>
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<p>Craft beers typically use four to five times more hops in the brewing process than blander mass-produced beers. The steady rise in the popularity of craft beers in recent years caught the hops industry, which had been in a slump, by surprise.</p>
<p>St. Mary understands that brewers are worried about getting the hops they need. "It's caught them off guard," he said. Last year, Blackstar Ranch added 35 acres of hops and this year they are putting in 45 more acres, St. Mary said.</p>
<p>Mitch Steele, brewmaster for Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido, California, agreed that "hop usage is outpacing supply." Stone Brewing, one of the nation's largest craft breweries, typically contracts several years out for its hops.</p>
<p>"When beer volume projections change, we get into trouble with some varieties," Steele said. So far, Stone Brewing has been able to buy or trade for the hops it needs, he said.</p>
<p>But some brewers have had to curtail production because of the shortage, he said. It's not just the hops plants that are in short supply, Steele said. More processing facilities that dry and bale the plant are also needed, he said.</p>
<p>Tomme Arthur, chief operating officer of The Lost Abbey in San Marcos, California said their solution is to contract for more hops than they need.</p>
<p>"For the past three years, we have sold off our surplus to friends and other brewers in need," Arthur said. But they will likely quit doing that as the brewery is expecting growth of some 20 percent per year, he said.</p>
<p>Paul Gatza, director of the Brewers Association, a Boulder, Colorado-based group that represents 2,500 craft brewers, said prices for hops are climbing as the supply remains tight. The group has a goal of 20 percent of market share belonging to craft brewers by 2020, up from 11 percent now, he said.</p>
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<p>To grow hops, farmers must build 18-foot tall trellis systems that the plants climb as they grow. It costs $8,000 to $10,000 an acre, and the crop is highly labor intensive.</p>
<p>Hops are not widely grown. The Yakima Valley, for instance, grows 25 percent of the world's supply. Oregon and Idaho are the other big hop producers in this country. Overseas, Germany and the Czech Republic grow hops.</p>
<p>Ann George, administrator of Hop Growers of America, based in Moxee, said the hop market is divided among two basic types.</p>
<p>Alpha hops are used to flavor traditional mass market beers, George said. What's new is the rising demand for aroma hops, which add unique bitterness and other strong flavors to beer.</p>
<p>The U.S. grew 10,000 acres of aroma hops in 2010. That number rose to 24,000 by 2014, George said. Acreage devoted to alpha hops is dropping. Meanwhile, prices for aroma hops climbed to $3.83 per pound, up 13 percent from 2013.</p>
<p>Aroma hops can also impart a wider variety of additional flavors, including fruity, citrus, chocolate, mango or other notes to beer, George said.</p>
<p>The demand for hops has spawned interest from farmers in other states, such as Michigan, Montana and New York, George said. Hops grow best along the 45th parallel, she said.</p>
<p>It can take two to three years to get a field into full production, she said.</p>
<p>Traditional beers use a quarter to a fifth of a pound of hops per 31-gallon barrel of beer, George said. Craft beers use about 1.4 pounds of hops per barrel, she said.</p>
<p>Growing hops has not always been a good business in the past 20 years, when oversupply caused demand to plummet and some growers to go out of business, George said. Then came the worldwide economic downturn of 2008.</p>
<p>"We found out beer was not recession-proof," George said.</p> | Hops growers rush to meet rising demand from craft brewers | false | https://abqjournal.com/597958/hops-growers-rush-to-meet-rising-demand-from-craft-brewers.html | 2 |
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<p>Italy's premier has met with Tunisian leaders during a two-day working visit to discuss terrorism, migration and the impact of the chaotic situation in Libya, subjects that deeply touch both countries.</p>
<p>Paolo Gentiloni met on Saturday with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi and Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. He told reporters that the North African country bordering Libya and battling Islamic militants who have launched attacks in recent years needs increased aid from European partners.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>He said that "it is crucial to reduce regional disparities and social inequalities in Tunisia" that feed migration to Italy and impact the terrorism fight.</p>
<p>He said an accord signed six years ago to contain illegal migration is working again and an uptick slowed. Under the accord, Italy can send Tunisians back home.</p> | Italy premier in Tunisia to discuss migration, Libya, terror | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/11/25/italy-premier-in-tunisia-to-discuss-migration-libya-terror.html | 2017-11-25 | 0 |
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>December 9, 2004</p>
<p>President George W. Bush The White House Washington, DC 20500</p>
<p>Dear President Bush:</p>
<p>Reading the news accounts of the recurring destruction of many mosques in Iraq, I recall the words of your own former counterterrorism chief, Richard Clarke, who wrote earlier this year: “Far from addressing the popular appeal of the enemy that attacked us, Bush handed that enemy precisely what it wanted and needed, proof that America was at war with Islam, that we were the new crusaders to come to occupy Muslim land”. Clarke was referring to your “unprovoked invasion of an oil-rich Arab country”, namely Iraq.</p>
<p>Together with your reference to “crusade” during the drum beats of pending war, and your invoking religious inspiration for your mission to overthrow the dictator, it is not surprising that many Muslims in these countries hold the impressions alluded to by Mr. Clarke.</p>
<p>The city of mosques — Fallujah — now lies mostly in ruins. So do many of its mosques. You believe this was unavoidable because mosques are being used as locations of arms caches or resistance to the advancing U.S. troops. It is their fault if these insurgents bring down their mosques on themselves, not that of the policies initiated by you as commander-in-chief, you would say.</p>
<p>This is too facile because you have often said the U.S. has to win the “hearts and minds of the Iraqi people”. This is your declared objective. If Iraqi Muslims believe that the U.S. is attacking Islam, then to them it may well be that, in the words of Annemarie Brown, “Islamist respect for insurgency brings mosques into a supportive role”. Another way of putting it, fighting against what they perceive as an attack on their religion means they will defend their religion even, or especially, from their holy places of worship. How many of these mosques have been destroyed or rendered unusable for prayers?</p>
<p>Your justification for responding to mosques as battlegrounds knows neither any public policy boundaries, nor any program of if, when, and how you plan to rebuild these beautiful structures. All over the Islamic world, great numbers of Muslims see pictures and believe the United States is destroying their most sacred buildings. Memory is long in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Recently retired intelligence and counterterrorist specialists in your government view the Iraq invasion as enhancing recruitment of Al-Qaida or Al-Qaida clones. What must they think of this latest escalation?</p>
<p>Within the framework of an unconstitutional war based on a platform of fabrications and deceptions driving an invasion that is clearly illegal under international law, why do you think that demolishing Iraqi cities and towns which generate mosque-based resistance does anything to reach the “hearts and minds” of Iraqi Muslims? Many of these people say they find their lives more disrupted and insecure after the overthrow than under Saddam Hussein.</p>
<p>There are too many ambiguities in your instructions to military forces with regard to their invasive or destructive moves against mosques. The recent raid on the Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad for suspected insurgents pushes the threshold and expands the arenas of unbridled discretion. Even an official dispatch by the American Forces Information Services quoted a senior defense official in Baghdad regarding the raid that was staged after Friday prayers as saying it “could have been timed better,” adding “We still have after-action critiquing to do”.</p>
<p>There is the additional provocation to many Muslims of U.S. forces or directed forces using the seized Mosques as military occupation public address systems replacing the historic daily call to prayer by muezzins. Do you have any idea how this affects Muslims?</p>
<p>Envision for an empathetic instant, a gigantically more powerful Islamic country invading a weak U.S. after toppling a dictator in Washington (who was once supported by this Islamic superpower), going after the U.S. resistance forces and blowing apart Baptist and Catholic churches, for example, that the resistance used for arms caches or defense maneuvers against the invaders. For just a hypothetical moment, put the shoe on the other foot, if that is the only way to sensitize yourself to what is going on in Iraq – – i.e. assaulting the religious sensibilities of Iraqis to turn even more forcefully against the U.S. occupation.</p>
<p>Destruction of cities by the world’s most powerful military machine is relatively easy. How are you going to reconstruct these cities? Congress appropriated some $18 billion months ago for this purpose and less than $2 billion has been used and not entirely for reconstruction.</p>
<p>Tell the American people what you are going to do about rebuilding these mosques, about possibly pursuing military tactics and technologies that can avoid the occasion for destroying these holy buildings.</p>
<p>Will you meet with and answer questions on this subject by representatives of millions of Muslim-Americans in this country who have to be seeking some assurances, some way out of this inflammatory expansion of the battlefield that can only boomerang against U.S. security and safety interests in the coming months and years?</p>
<p>Americans who have either been against this illegal war from the outset or have turned against the war in the interim months (now around half of those polled) deserve some more sobering thoughts than they have been receiving from messianic militarists in political positions repeating unfounded and long-rebutted pretexts for this war.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>RALPH NADER</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | Stop Destroying the Mosques of Iraq | true | https://counterpunch.org/2004/12/10/stop-destroying-the-mosques-of-iraq/ | 2004-12-10 | 4 |
<p>Opponents of some Obama-era oil and gas regulations say a decision by a federal appeals court in Denver could allow those rules to go into effect temporarily, even though the Trump administration plans to revoke them.</p>
<p>Four states, two industry groups and a Native American tribe filed documents Friday and Monday asking the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a decision it issued in September.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>That decision said it would be a waste of time to rule on whether the regulations are legal because the new administration has already begun to overturn them. But the decision cast doubt on whether the regulations are in force in the meantime.</p>
<p>Colorado, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming asked the court reconsider. Two industry groups — the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Western Energy Alliance — filed another request, as did the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah.</p>
<p>The industry groups said that unless the September decision is changed, the federal government could be forced to enact the rules until they are formally revoked. Energy companies would have to spend time and money complying or risk getting sued, the groups said.</p>
<p>The Ute tribe said it would suffer economic losses if the rules take effect because energy companies might hold off drilling on tribal land until the Trump administration revokes them. The states said they too would be harmed.</p>
<p>The appeals court did not immediately say whether it would reconsider. It told six environmental groups that are parties to the case to respond to the requests by Nov. 20.</p>
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<p>The 2015 rules require drilling companies to disclose what chemicals they used in hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal land. Hydraulic fracturing boosts oil and gas production by injecting a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals underground to break open rock formations.</p>
<p>A federal judge in Wyoming overturned the regulations last year, saying the government had no authority to impose them. The Obama administration — which was still in office — and environmentalists appealed.</p>
<p>Before the appeals court could rule, the Trump administration took office and announced it would revoke the regulations. That process is underway but not yet complete.</p>
<p>The 10th Circuit, citing the uncertain future of the regulations, dismissed the appeals in its September decision but also reversed the Wyoming judge's decision that overturned the regulations in the first place. That left confusion about whether the regulations are in force.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Follow Dan Elliott at http://twitter.com/DanElliottAP. His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/dan%20elliott.</p> | Foes of Obama oil-gas rule ask court to reconsider ruling | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/11/07/foes-obama-oil-gas-rule-ask-court-to-reconsider-ruling.html | 2017-11-07 | 0 |
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<p>Image source: The Motley Fool.</p>
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<p>Shares ofSouthwest Airlines Co(NYSE: LUV) were losing altitude today after the discount carrier delivered a disappointing outlook in its third-quarter earnings report. As of 12:15 p.m. EDT, the stock was down 10.7%.</p>
<p>Southwest stock sputtered despite beating earnings estimates as the company posted a per-share profit of $0.93, down a penny from a year ago, but ahead of expectations of $0.88. Revenue, meanwhile, fell 3.4% to $5.14 billion, short of the consensus at $5.16 billion.</p>
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<p>Airlines across the board have been reporting a decline in revenue per average seat mile (RASM), a key industry metric and a sign that competition has heated up as fuel costs have come down.</p>
<p>CEO Gary Kelly sounded optimistic, though, saying, "We are pleased to report another quarter of strong cash flows and healthy margins. We benefited from low fuel prices and record third quarter traffic levels in a competitive fare environment."</p>
<p>While airlines have reported another quarter of strong profits, investors have become more demanding of efficiency, anticipating that fuel prices will eventually rise and squeeze earnings.</p>
<p>Investors were particularly disappointed that the company projected a further deceleration in RASM for the fourth quarter, the only major airline to give such guidance. Management forecast a decline of 4%-5% in RASM for the current quarter, noting the shift in holiday timing and bookings thus far.</p>
<p>On the expense side, the company sees costs per average seat mile excluding fuel costs and other special items increasing 4%-5% because of amended union contracts and additional depreciation expense from the accelerated retirement of the company's classic fleet. Those parameters should force analysts to lower their estimates for the current quarter.</p>
<p>Looking to 2017, the company said it would slow available seat mile growth to 4% in order to stabilize RASM and return the figure to growth. That strategy could give the stock a lift next year, but much will depend on where fuel prices go.</p>
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<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFHobo/info.aspx" type="external">Jeremy Bowman Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=isiedilnk018048&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">free for 30 days Opens a New Window.</a>. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that <a href="http://www.fool.com/knowledge-center/motley.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">considering a diverse range of insights Opens a New Window.</a> makes us better investors. 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> | Why Southwest Airlines Co Stock Was Falling Today | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/10/26/why-southwest-airlines-co-stock-was-falling-today.html | 2016-10-26 | 0 |
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<p>His girlfriend’s father had warned him to stay away from his house and the dirt track Sweatt had built in the backyard for his all-terrain vehicles.</p>
<p>Then on Tuesday afternoon, Sweatt broke into the parents’ house and waited for them and the girlfriend to come home, police said. When they did, Sweatt fatally shot his girlfriend, her parents and two children living there, before turning the gun on himself, Greenwood County Sheriff Tony Davis said.</p>
<p>“Once you see a horrific scene like this it never leaves you. It’s with you day in and day out,” he said.</p>
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<p>The victims were identified as Richard Fields, 51; his wife, Melissa Fields, 49; their daughter Chandra Fields, 26; and two of the couple’s grandchildren who lived with them: William Robinson, 9; and Tariq Robinson, 11.</p>
<p>Davis didn’t specify a motive for the shootings, but said it appears they stemmed from a “domestic violence situation.”</p>
<p>He said Sweatt felt that Chandra Fields wasn’t allowing him to see their infant child often enough. The girl was not among the dead.</p>
<p>Sweatt had called 911 while he was in the Fields’ house, stating that he was on the edge and contemplating suicide, before hanging up.</p>
<p>It’s unclear how many – if any – victims had been shot before he made the call at 5:54 p.m. Tuesday. A police report said a dispatcher heard a woman in the background say: “Do not point that at me” before the call was disconnected.</p>
<p>Sweatt allowed four children to escape – his 7-month-old daughter, the infant’s cousin and two neighborhood children who came to the door after school to play with the Fields’ grandchildren.</p>
<p>No one knows why Sweatt let them live and shot the others, Davis said. “I cannot tell you at this point that I have all the answers for you,” he said.</p>
<p>While they’re still searching for clues, one thing is clear: Sweatt’s life was spinning out of control.</p>
<p>Sweatt has a lengthy arrest record that dates back nearly a decade, according to police. Most of his charges were related to property crimes, such as burglary or forgery, although he was arrested once on aggravated assault charges.</p>
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<p /> | 6 people shot dead in SC in domestic dispute | false | https://abqjournal.com/291559/6-people-shot-dead-in-sc-in-domestic-dispute.html | 2013-10-31 | 2 |
<p>For the first time this June, summer school will be mandatory for 1st and 2nd graders whose academic performance is below grade level.</p>
<p>“In the summer of 1996—the first year of 3rd-grade summer school—[we] discovered that some of the children were non-readers,” says Blondean Davis, who oversees summer school programs for CPS. “That’s horrendous.”</p>
<p>In previous years, the voluntary, five-week program—dubbed Early Intervention—enrolled 12,000 1st- and 2nd-graders who were behind their peers in math and reading. As a requirement, the program is expected to draw twice as many children.</p>
<p>The board has enough money to keep Early Intervention classrooms to 15 students, says Davis. But she admits that hiring enough primary teachers from within the system may prove difficult. Typically, CPS uses half of its teachers to fill summer school slots; about 75 percent of its primary teachers would have to sign on to staff Early Interventions, she estimates.</p>
<p>If too few CPS teachers sign up, the board will allow schools to hire teachers from Catholic, suburban or other schools outside the system, Davis adds.</p>
<p>“A lot of the teachers enjoy teaching summer school,” says Jackie Gallagher, spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union. “But, there are also a lot who enjoy the ability to travel, get an advanced degree and take classes over the summer. So I wouldn’t say it will be easy, but it’s not impossible.”</p>
<p>Principal Sandra R. Satinover of Jenner Elementary may need to take advantage of the board’s outside hiring option. “I foresee a problem,” she says. “Some teachers have made plans with their families, and some honestly need that time away.”</p>
<p>Beidler Elementary in East Garfield Park is just the opposite. Principal Geraldine Moore expects nearly all of her primary teachers to teach summer school. Teachers see mandatory summer school as a way to keep slow-learners on track academically rather than losing ground over a long summer break. “They like to see growth [in achievement], and they don’t like to see the growth interrupted,” she says.</p>
<p>Teacher discretion</p>
<p>Teachers have discretion over which students must go to summer school. In most schools, 1st- and 2nd-graders do not take standardized tests, such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. “We have a few schools that have used Iowa with the younger children, but we have never mandated that,” Davis says. “We’re not too sure of the validity of the scores. A lot of that [uncertainty] has to do with how the teacher may pose a question to the student, the child’s relationship with the teacher, and their interpretation of what the teacher is saying.”</p>
<p>Instead, the Office of Accountability has provided schools with a series of graded story books and guidelines for scoring youngsters’ performance in reading them. Children who score 12 or higher on the 20-point scale do not have to attend summer school; those who score 9 or below do. For those scoring 10 to 12, teachers may use other factors in making a decision.</p>
<p>At the end of the summer program, students are reassessed to measure any improvements. CPS retention policy does not apply to them.</p>
<p>Not everyone sees mandatory summer school as the best answer for primary students. The system is approaching the problem of low test scores from the wrong perspective, Gallagher says. Instead of helping students catch up, CPS should make sure children don’t fall behind. “One of the reasons [teachers] support pre-kindergarten and programs like Head Start is because the kids come to school prepared. We keep hoping that more students will come prepared and eliminate the need for catch-up programs.”</p> | Primary teachers sought for summer school | false | http://chicagoreporter.com/primary-teachers-sought-summer-school/ | 2005-07-27 | 3 |
<p>&lt;a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-151285679/stock-photo-asheville-north-carolina-usa-august-people-hold-protest-signs-at-the-moral-monday-rally-on.html?src=wkk-bHEeOOIw7DqJpFZrrw-1-3"&gt;J. Bicking&lt;/a&gt;/Shutterstock</p>
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<p>The US abortion rate fell by 13 percent from 2008 to 2011, according to a new study.</p>
<p>The study, released by the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion-rights think tank, concluded that nearly 1.1 million abortions took place in the United States in 2011, some 700,000 fewer than in 2008. That’s the equivalent of 16.9 abortions per 1,000 women between 15 and 44. During the same time, the number of abortion providers fell by 4 percent and the number of abortion clinics fell by 1 percent.</p>
<p>“The national abortion rate appears to have resumed its long-term decline,” conclude researchers Rachel K. Jones and Jenna Jerman. The rate of abortions in the United State has decreased almost every year since 1981, when, according to Guttmacher spokeswoman Rebecca Wind, there were 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women. The decline halted from 2005 to 2008. As of 2011, the abortion rate not only began to drop again, it also hit its lowest point since 1973.</p>
<p>The authors did not investigate the reasons for the decline. However, since rates of abortion fell consistently across almost all states, and the time period covered by the study predates <a href="" type="internal">the surge of state-level anti-abortion laws</a>, the overall decline is likely not the product of new restrictions, the study notes. A few states, however, may have experienced declines related to new restrictions. Missouri’s abortion rate dropped 17 percent between 2008 and 2010, the authors note, perhaps reflecting the impact of a 2009 state law requiring women to seek in-person counseling before getting an abortion. Still, Jones and Jerman write, “It is crucial to note that abortion rates decreased by larger-than-average amounts in several states that did not implement any new restrictions between 2008 and 2010, such as Illinois (18%) and Oregon (15%).”</p>
<p>The increased use of contraceptives is thought to have played a role by reducing the number of unintended pregnancies—in particular among women living in poor economic circumstances who may have used birth control more consistently during the recession and the sluggish recovery period that followed.</p>
<p>Declines in abortions were steepest in Midwest and Western states, and all but six states—Alaska, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Wyoming, some of which had lower-than-average abortion rates to begin with—experienced decreased rates of abortion.</p>
<p>The loss of providers and facilities which performed abortions may have also had something to do with the drop in abortions. Jones and Jerman also surveyed the accessibility of abortion providers, finding that 38 percent of reproductive-aged women lived in a county without an abortion clinic—some 90 percent of all counties. Abortions induced by medication accounted for nearly 25 percent of all nonhospital abortions in 2011, up from 17 percent in 2008.</p>
<p>Jones and Jerman note that while the drop in abortion providers and facilities—4 percent and 1 percent, respectively—may seem negligible, the caseloads of different facilities can vary widely. Abortion clinics, for example, account for only 19 percent of the facilities that offer abortions, but provide 63 percent of abortions.</p>
<p>Nearly 50 abortion clinics closed from 2008 to 2011—and the drop in clinics was more pronounced than that for other types of facilities that offer abortions. Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Vermont each lost one clinic. “While these states lost only one clinic each, they had few to begin with, so the loss of even one may have affected access to services,” the authors write. “The closure of a clinic may have contributed to the larger-than-average declines in abortion incidence in Kansas and Oklahoma.”</p>
<p>As of 2011, North Dakota, Mississippi, and South Dakota had only one abortion clinic each.</p>
<p /> | The Abortion Rate Hits a 30-Year Low | true | http://motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/abortion-rate-record-decline-map | 2014-02-03 | 4 |
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