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<p>When explaining her decision to reevaluate Title IX guidelines as they pertain to sexual assault on college campuses, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/betsy-devos-overhaul-obama-era-guidance-campus-sex-assault-n799471" type="external">said</a>: “Every survivor of sexual misconduct must be taken seriously. Every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined.”</p>
<p>The Obama administration’s changes to Title IX have been <a href="" type="internal">criticized</a> for, among other things, substantially lowering the burden of proof as it pertains to sexual assault, as well as denying elements of due process to the accused.</p>
<p>However, many progressives are lashing out at DeVos because they hate her, and also rape culture and stuff.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most grotesque attack came when Rob Ranco, a Texas attorney, tweeted Friday that “I'm not wishing for it … but I'd be ok if #BetsyDevos was sexually assaulted. #Sexual Assault #TitleIX.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/9/rob-ranco-texas-lawyer-says-he-would-be-ok-if-bets/" type="external">The Washington Times</a> reports that in several other tweets (condensed for this publication), Ranco wrote: “Perhaps Betsy doesn’t understand how horrible rape is. She’s made the world more dangerous for my daughters. I need her to understand,” and “Make the world more dangerous for my daughters — intentionally — and your well being is not my concern. Full stop.”</p>
<p>Ranco's additional tweets don't make his first one any less vile.</p>
<p>In the wake of the overwhelming negative response, Ranco locked his Twitter profile, then <a href="https://www.redstate.com/brandon_morse/2017/09/09/cowardly-austin-lawyer-wished-sexual-assault-betsy-devos-locked-twitter-account/" type="external">deleted</a> it.</p>
<p>Many on social media are calling for the attorney to be fired from The Carlson Law Firm, where he is a partner, or even disbarred:</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/PrisonPlanet" type="external">@PrisonPlanet</a> I'm wishing for it... but I'd be ok if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobRanco?src=hash" type="external">#RobRanco</a> was disbarred.</p>
<p>As of this publication, the law firm’s Twitter account has also been locked, though Ranco is still listed on the official website’s “ <a href="https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/team-member/robert-ranco/" type="external">Team</a>” section.</p>
<p>A <a href="https://www.change.org/p/texas-bar-association-removal-of-law-license-for-misogynistic-tweet-of-approval-of-sexual-assault-on-woman?recruiter=778517695&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive" type="external">petition</a>, which currently boasts nearly 2,200 signatures, has also been started in an effort to get the attorney disbarred.</p> | After DeVos Announced Plans To Reexamine Title IX, Texas Attorney Tweets He Would 'Be Ok If [She] Was Sexually Assaulted' | true | https://dailywire.com/news/20858/after-devos-announced-plans-reexamine-title-ix-frank-camp | 2017-09-10 | 0right
| After DeVos Announced Plans To Reexamine Title IX, Texas Attorney Tweets He Would 'Be Ok If [She] Was Sexually Assaulted'
<p>When explaining her decision to reevaluate Title IX guidelines as they pertain to sexual assault on college campuses, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/betsy-devos-overhaul-obama-era-guidance-campus-sex-assault-n799471" type="external">said</a>: “Every survivor of sexual misconduct must be taken seriously. Every student accused of sexual misconduct must know that guilt is not predetermined.”</p>
<p>The Obama administration’s changes to Title IX have been <a href="" type="internal">criticized</a> for, among other things, substantially lowering the burden of proof as it pertains to sexual assault, as well as denying elements of due process to the accused.</p>
<p>However, many progressives are lashing out at DeVos because they hate her, and also rape culture and stuff.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most grotesque attack came when Rob Ranco, a Texas attorney, tweeted Friday that “I'm not wishing for it … but I'd be ok if #BetsyDevos was sexually assaulted. #Sexual Assault #TitleIX.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/9/rob-ranco-texas-lawyer-says-he-would-be-ok-if-bets/" type="external">The Washington Times</a> reports that in several other tweets (condensed for this publication), Ranco wrote: “Perhaps Betsy doesn’t understand how horrible rape is. She’s made the world more dangerous for my daughters. I need her to understand,” and “Make the world more dangerous for my daughters — intentionally — and your well being is not my concern. Full stop.”</p>
<p>Ranco's additional tweets don't make his first one any less vile.</p>
<p>In the wake of the overwhelming negative response, Ranco locked his Twitter profile, then <a href="https://www.redstate.com/brandon_morse/2017/09/09/cowardly-austin-lawyer-wished-sexual-assault-betsy-devos-locked-twitter-account/" type="external">deleted</a> it.</p>
<p>Many on social media are calling for the attorney to be fired from The Carlson Law Firm, where he is a partner, or even disbarred:</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/PrisonPlanet" type="external">@PrisonPlanet</a> I'm wishing for it... but I'd be ok if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobRanco?src=hash" type="external">#RobRanco</a> was disbarred.</p>
<p>As of this publication, the law firm’s Twitter account has also been locked, though Ranco is still listed on the official website’s “ <a href="https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/team-member/robert-ranco/" type="external">Team</a>” section.</p>
<p>A <a href="https://www.change.org/p/texas-bar-association-removal-of-law-license-for-misogynistic-tweet-of-approval-of-sexual-assault-on-woman?recruiter=778517695&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive" type="external">petition</a>, which currently boasts nearly 2,200 signatures, has also been started in an effort to get the attorney disbarred.</p> | 0 |
<p>A Florida university will honor Trayvon Martin with a posthumous Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation at a May 13 commencement ceremony. The degree will be accepted by his parents, Tracy Martin and Sabrina Fulton.</p>
<p>Seventeen-year-old Martin was killed in February of 2012 by former neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, who is Hispanic, in self-defense. After a long, racially-charged public debate and court trial, Zimmerman was completely exonerated in July of 2013.</p>
<p>Florida Memorial University officially <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FLMemorialUniv/" type="external">announced</a>the posthumous degree via Facebook on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"The University will confer upon TRAYVON MARTIN a posthumous degree in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Flight Education, in honor of the steps he took during his young life toward becoming a pilot," says the Facebook post. "This particular Bachelor’s degree is designated for those studying to be pilots. Martin’s parents, both social justice activists and co-founders of The Trayvon Martin Foundation ... will accept the degree on behalf of their son."</p>
<p>“Of special significance is awarding posthumously the Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation to Trayvon Martin. Sybrina, our alum, epitomizes strength and dignity as she uplifts other victims of violence while effecting change for a more equal and just society," said Florida Memorial University President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.</p>
<p>Additionally, the school will host a post-commencement fundraiser which will partly support The Trayvon Martin Foundation.</p> | University To Award Trayvon Martin With Posthumous Degree In Aviation | true | https://dailywire.com/news/16103/university-award-trayvon-martin-posthumous-degree-amanda-prestigiacomo | 2017-05-05 | 0right
| University To Award Trayvon Martin With Posthumous Degree In Aviation
<p>A Florida university will honor Trayvon Martin with a posthumous Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation at a May 13 commencement ceremony. The degree will be accepted by his parents, Tracy Martin and Sabrina Fulton.</p>
<p>Seventeen-year-old Martin was killed in February of 2012 by former neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, who is Hispanic, in self-defense. After a long, racially-charged public debate and court trial, Zimmerman was completely exonerated in July of 2013.</p>
<p>Florida Memorial University officially <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FLMemorialUniv/" type="external">announced</a>the posthumous degree via Facebook on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"The University will confer upon TRAYVON MARTIN a posthumous degree in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Flight Education, in honor of the steps he took during his young life toward becoming a pilot," says the Facebook post. "This particular Bachelor’s degree is designated for those studying to be pilots. Martin’s parents, both social justice activists and co-founders of The Trayvon Martin Foundation ... will accept the degree on behalf of their son."</p>
<p>“Of special significance is awarding posthumously the Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation to Trayvon Martin. Sybrina, our alum, epitomizes strength and dignity as she uplifts other victims of violence while effecting change for a more equal and just society," said Florida Memorial University President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.</p>
<p>Additionally, the school will host a post-commencement fundraiser which will partly support The Trayvon Martin Foundation.</p> | 1 |
<p>Nov. 15 (UPI) — Texas State University has suspended all Greek life activity on campus after a pledge died after attending an event hosted by a university fraternity.</p>
<p>Police officers found Matthew Ellis, a 20-year-old Phi Kappa Psi pledge, dead on Monday after they responded to an off-campus call. Ellis attended a Greek life event on Sunday hosted by fraternity members, but it is unclear if the event was hosted by one fraternity or multiple fraternities.</p>
<p>Although an autopsy has been ordered, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hazing-in-america/texas-state-university-suspends-greek-life-activity-after-frat-pledge-n820946" type="external">a preliminary investigation suggested alcohol poisoning</a> as a factor in the student’s death.</p>
<p>Phi Kappa Psi Executive Director Mark Guidi said that the organization is “heartbroken.”</p>
<p>“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire TSU student body during this difficult time,” Giudi said.</p>
<p>Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth <a href="http://www.txstate.edu/news/news_releases/news_archive/2017/November-2017/Greeks111417.html" type="external">released a statement</a> announcing the suspension of Greek life activity on campus.</p>
<p>“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our students who attended an off-campus social event on Sunday evening hosted by members of a university fraternity,” Trauth said.</p>
<p>“As a result of this tragedy, I have suspended activities of all Greek fraternity and sorority chapters at Texas State. These chapters are prohibited from holding new-member events, chapter meetings, social functions, and philanthropic activities until a thorough review of the Greek Affairs system is completed.”</p>
<p>Trauth also said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joanne Smith would “immediately initiate this review” and would “propose recommendations” for the Greek chapters to show their “commitment to the core values of Texas State.”</p>
<p>“It is imperative that our entire university community develop a culture that places the highest priority on the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.”</p> | Texas State University suspends Greek life after student death | false | https://newsline.com/texas-state-university-suspends-greek-life-after-student-death/ | 2017-11-15 | 1right-center
| Texas State University suspends Greek life after student death
<p>Nov. 15 (UPI) — Texas State University has suspended all Greek life activity on campus after a pledge died after attending an event hosted by a university fraternity.</p>
<p>Police officers found Matthew Ellis, a 20-year-old Phi Kappa Psi pledge, dead on Monday after they responded to an off-campus call. Ellis attended a Greek life event on Sunday hosted by fraternity members, but it is unclear if the event was hosted by one fraternity or multiple fraternities.</p>
<p>Although an autopsy has been ordered, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hazing-in-america/texas-state-university-suspends-greek-life-activity-after-frat-pledge-n820946" type="external">a preliminary investigation suggested alcohol poisoning</a> as a factor in the student’s death.</p>
<p>Phi Kappa Psi Executive Director Mark Guidi said that the organization is “heartbroken.”</p>
<p>“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire TSU student body during this difficult time,” Giudi said.</p>
<p>Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth <a href="http://www.txstate.edu/news/news_releases/news_archive/2017/November-2017/Greeks111417.html" type="external">released a statement</a> announcing the suspension of Greek life activity on campus.</p>
<p>“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our students who attended an off-campus social event on Sunday evening hosted by members of a university fraternity,” Trauth said.</p>
<p>“As a result of this tragedy, I have suspended activities of all Greek fraternity and sorority chapters at Texas State. These chapters are prohibited from holding new-member events, chapter meetings, social functions, and philanthropic activities until a thorough review of the Greek Affairs system is completed.”</p>
<p>Trauth also said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joanne Smith would “immediately initiate this review” and would “propose recommendations” for the Greek chapters to show their “commitment to the core values of Texas State.”</p>
<p>“It is imperative that our entire university community develop a culture that places the highest priority on the safety of its students, faculty, and staff.”</p> | 2 |
<p>Against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized political landscape, one organization is issuing a clarion call for collective unity and understanding. On Tuesday, Acheinu, a Jewish missionary group working to draw Jews closer to the traditional core of Judaism, is holding a <a href="http://dayofjewishunity.com/" type="external">Day of Jewish Unity</a> to consolidate the disparate voices of the diaspora in a seven-hour period (7 am- 2pm) of sober reflection.</p>
<p />
<p>“Orchestrated by the Acheinu organization, the Day of Jewish Unity was born: a revolutionary initiative designed to unify all Jewish people from around the world in a day of prayer on behalf of the current -and cautioning – state of affairs, both nationally and internationally,” explains the event’s webpage.</p>
<p>Under the hashtag #DayofJewishUnity, Acheinu is working to mobilize one million Jews of varied ideological orientations from around the world to take a step back and reexamine the often petty and disorienting political divisions that divide us. The event is open to people of all faiths, but Acheinu is specifically marketing its message to Jews, many of whom have felt marginalized or overshadowed by the forceful social currents of grievance-based identity politics.</p>
<p>Watch Acheinu’s promotional video below:</p>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/182868992" type="external">Will the character assassination ever stop...</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/dayofjewishunity" type="external">Day of Jewish Unity</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com" type="external">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>In previous years, the annual Day of Jewish Unity has galvanized hundreds of thousands of people from Jerusalem to New York City, thanks to Acheinu’s powerful videos and promotional material. In fact, the organization drew a record-setting 500,000 participants in the 2015 event. This year, they plan on doubling that.</p>
<p>As Americans, and quite frankly, people across the world, set to watch what will likely be one of the most cynical and rancorous debates in modern history on Monday night, it’s worth remembering that tribalism and partisanship don’t have to define us.</p>
<p>“There is no civility in politics anymore. Our politicians cannot get anything passed because of so much animosity,” notes the event’s webpage. adding:</p>
<p>We need to have bipartisan decency and respect for our counterparts. There once was a time when members of Congress would call their colleagues from the other side of the aisle their "friends." This year, the Presidential candidates didn't even congratulate each other after they won their respective races.</p>
<p>Purposely scheduled less than 24 hours after the Clinton-Trump showdown, the Day of Jewish Unity is designed to counter the scourge of bitter political division infecting public discourse.</p>
<p>If you’re feeling jaded after Monday’s debate, then there may be an outlet or perhaps even a way to reinstate your faith in humanity. To partake in Tuesday’s Day of Jewish Unity, Acheinu is asking event participants to do two simple things:</p>
<p>Recite two chapters of Psalms</p>
<p>Refrain from speaking gossip and harmful speech</p>
<p>For more information about the event, see <a href="http://dayofjewishunity.com/" type="external">here</a>.</p> | Jewish Organization's Huge Day Of Unity On Tuesday | true | https://dailywire.com/node/9485 | 2016-09-26 | 0right
| Jewish Organization's Huge Day Of Unity On Tuesday
<p>Against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized political landscape, one organization is issuing a clarion call for collective unity and understanding. On Tuesday, Acheinu, a Jewish missionary group working to draw Jews closer to the traditional core of Judaism, is holding a <a href="http://dayofjewishunity.com/" type="external">Day of Jewish Unity</a> to consolidate the disparate voices of the diaspora in a seven-hour period (7 am- 2pm) of sober reflection.</p>
<p />
<p>“Orchestrated by the Acheinu organization, the Day of Jewish Unity was born: a revolutionary initiative designed to unify all Jewish people from around the world in a day of prayer on behalf of the current -and cautioning – state of affairs, both nationally and internationally,” explains the event’s webpage.</p>
<p>Under the hashtag #DayofJewishUnity, Acheinu is working to mobilize one million Jews of varied ideological orientations from around the world to take a step back and reexamine the often petty and disorienting political divisions that divide us. The event is open to people of all faiths, but Acheinu is specifically marketing its message to Jews, many of whom have felt marginalized or overshadowed by the forceful social currents of grievance-based identity politics.</p>
<p>Watch Acheinu’s promotional video below:</p>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/182868992" type="external">Will the character assassination ever stop...</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/dayofjewishunity" type="external">Day of Jewish Unity</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com" type="external">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>In previous years, the annual Day of Jewish Unity has galvanized hundreds of thousands of people from Jerusalem to New York City, thanks to Acheinu’s powerful videos and promotional material. In fact, the organization drew a record-setting 500,000 participants in the 2015 event. This year, they plan on doubling that.</p>
<p>As Americans, and quite frankly, people across the world, set to watch what will likely be one of the most cynical and rancorous debates in modern history on Monday night, it’s worth remembering that tribalism and partisanship don’t have to define us.</p>
<p>“There is no civility in politics anymore. Our politicians cannot get anything passed because of so much animosity,” notes the event’s webpage. adding:</p>
<p>We need to have bipartisan decency and respect for our counterparts. There once was a time when members of Congress would call their colleagues from the other side of the aisle their "friends." This year, the Presidential candidates didn't even congratulate each other after they won their respective races.</p>
<p>Purposely scheduled less than 24 hours after the Clinton-Trump showdown, the Day of Jewish Unity is designed to counter the scourge of bitter political division infecting public discourse.</p>
<p>If you’re feeling jaded after Monday’s debate, then there may be an outlet or perhaps even a way to reinstate your faith in humanity. To partake in Tuesday’s Day of Jewish Unity, Acheinu is asking event participants to do two simple things:</p>
<p>Recite two chapters of Psalms</p>
<p>Refrain from speaking gossip and harmful speech</p>
<p>For more information about the event, see <a href="http://dayofjewishunity.com/" type="external">here</a>.</p> | 3 |
<p>President-elect Donald Trump has reached an agreement with United Technologies (UTC) to keep 1,000 Carrier jobs in the state of Indiana, according to CNBC. Both Trump's transition and Carrier have confirmed that a deal has indeed been struck.</p>
<p>BREAKING: Trump team and United Technologies reach agreement on keeping close to 1,000 factory jobs in Carrier plant in Indiana - sources</p>
<p>We are pleased to have reached a deal with President-elect Trump &amp; VP-elect Pence to keep close to 1,000 jobs in Indy. More details soon.</p>
<p>The company had planned on moving thousands of jobs to Mexico, to the chagrin of workers and labor groups. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump said via Twitter that he was “working hard” to “get Carrier A.C. company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana).” After days of negotiation with Carrier, he seems to have succeeded in keeping his campaign promise.</p>
<p>I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving, trying to get Carrier A.C. Company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana). MAKING PROGRESS - Will know soon!</p>
<p>Manufacturing jobs have been increasingly exported to foreign countries, including China and Mexico over the last few decades. Hundreds of thousands of blue collar workers have been laid off as a result. American manufacturers say, however, that in order to stay competitive in the global economy they need to keep costs low. The most efficient way to do that is to hire cheap foreign labor. Carrier Corp was looking to follow this formula to keep profit margins in the green.</p>
<p>“The jobs at Carrier Corp. are on the way to Mexico because the company concluded that it could not stay competitive and reward its shareholders unless it took advantage of lower production costs south of the border,” <a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-trump-carrier-20161128-story.html" type="external">reports</a> CNBC. “Things are as simple as that…”</p>
<p>But Trump (or Mike Pence, who is still the governor of Indiana) managed to work his magic and convince Carrier’s parent company, UTC, to keep 1,000 jobs in Indiana where manufacturing jobs have been hemorrhaging for decades.</p>
<p>Promising a combination of tax relief and regulation easing, Trump made an offer UTC couldn’t refuse. Left-wing economic populists like Bernie Sanders pushed Trump to make Carrier stay in the United States, suggesting that it was something the Trumpian right and labor left could agree on. Rather than incentivizing the conglomerate, Sanders and his allies were looking to use UTC’s multi-billionaire business relationship with the Pentagon as leverage. While Trump had promised to deploy similarly coercive tactics, such as high tariffs and penalties on companies that ship jobs abroad, he ultimately took a free market approach to the problem.</p>
<p>During the presidential campaign, Trump called out Carrier by name and used the air conditioning company as an example of the worker unfriendly economic environment the United States has become.</p>
<p>“From the earliest days of his campaign, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/donald-trump?inline=nyt-per" type="external">Donald J. Trump</a> made keeping manufacturing jobs in the United States his signature economic issue, and the decision by Carrier, the big air-conditioner company, to move 2,000 of them from Indiana to Mexico was a tailor-made talking point for him on the stump,” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/29/business/trump-to-announce-carrier-plant-will-keep-jobs-in-us.html?smid=tw-share" type="external">explains</a> The New York Times.</p>
<p>Championing a populist economic message, Trump vowed to keep more jobs here in the United States. While technology will likely continue replacing manufacturing jobs at a much faster rate than foreign labor ever could, the billionaire businessman’s Carrier deal is a symbolic victory for the “America first” Trump movement.</p>
<p>Without a doubt, it’s a good way to start a presidency. However, there’s only so much the federal government can do to alleviate the economic hardship of the Rust Belt, America’s manufacturing heartland. The steamboat of globalization and technological innovation cannot be tamed, let alone reversed. In short, there won’t be a manufacturing renaissance. That’s a pipe dream.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, it looks like Trump came through this time around.</p>
<p>Trump and future vice-president/current Indiana governor. Mike Pence plan on holding a event at the Carrier plant in Indiana on Thursday.</p> | BREAKING: Trump Reaches Agreement To Keep 1,000 Carrier Jobs In Indiana, Keeping Major Campaign Promise | true | https://dailywire.com/news/11184/breaking-trump-reaches-agreement-united-joshua-yasmeh | 2016-11-29 | 0right
| BREAKING: Trump Reaches Agreement To Keep 1,000 Carrier Jobs In Indiana, Keeping Major Campaign Promise
<p>President-elect Donald Trump has reached an agreement with United Technologies (UTC) to keep 1,000 Carrier jobs in the state of Indiana, according to CNBC. Both Trump's transition and Carrier have confirmed that a deal has indeed been struck.</p>
<p>BREAKING: Trump team and United Technologies reach agreement on keeping close to 1,000 factory jobs in Carrier plant in Indiana - sources</p>
<p>We are pleased to have reached a deal with President-elect Trump &amp; VP-elect Pence to keep close to 1,000 jobs in Indy. More details soon.</p>
<p>The company had planned on moving thousands of jobs to Mexico, to the chagrin of workers and labor groups. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump said via Twitter that he was “working hard” to “get Carrier A.C. company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana).” After days of negotiation with Carrier, he seems to have succeeded in keeping his campaign promise.</p>
<p>I am working hard, even on Thanksgiving, trying to get Carrier A.C. Company to stay in the U.S. (Indiana). MAKING PROGRESS - Will know soon!</p>
<p>Manufacturing jobs have been increasingly exported to foreign countries, including China and Mexico over the last few decades. Hundreds of thousands of blue collar workers have been laid off as a result. American manufacturers say, however, that in order to stay competitive in the global economy they need to keep costs low. The most efficient way to do that is to hire cheap foreign labor. Carrier Corp was looking to follow this formula to keep profit margins in the green.</p>
<p>“The jobs at Carrier Corp. are on the way to Mexico because the company concluded that it could not stay competitive and reward its shareholders unless it took advantage of lower production costs south of the border,” <a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-trump-carrier-20161128-story.html" type="external">reports</a> CNBC. “Things are as simple as that…”</p>
<p>But Trump (or Mike Pence, who is still the governor of Indiana) managed to work his magic and convince Carrier’s parent company, UTC, to keep 1,000 jobs in Indiana where manufacturing jobs have been hemorrhaging for decades.</p>
<p>Promising a combination of tax relief and regulation easing, Trump made an offer UTC couldn’t refuse. Left-wing economic populists like Bernie Sanders pushed Trump to make Carrier stay in the United States, suggesting that it was something the Trumpian right and labor left could agree on. Rather than incentivizing the conglomerate, Sanders and his allies were looking to use UTC’s multi-billionaire business relationship with the Pentagon as leverage. While Trump had promised to deploy similarly coercive tactics, such as high tariffs and penalties on companies that ship jobs abroad, he ultimately took a free market approach to the problem.</p>
<p>During the presidential campaign, Trump called out Carrier by name and used the air conditioning company as an example of the worker unfriendly economic environment the United States has become.</p>
<p>“From the earliest days of his campaign, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/donald-trump?inline=nyt-per" type="external">Donald J. Trump</a> made keeping manufacturing jobs in the United States his signature economic issue, and the decision by Carrier, the big air-conditioner company, to move 2,000 of them from Indiana to Mexico was a tailor-made talking point for him on the stump,” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/29/business/trump-to-announce-carrier-plant-will-keep-jobs-in-us.html?smid=tw-share" type="external">explains</a> The New York Times.</p>
<p>Championing a populist economic message, Trump vowed to keep more jobs here in the United States. While technology will likely continue replacing manufacturing jobs at a much faster rate than foreign labor ever could, the billionaire businessman’s Carrier deal is a symbolic victory for the “America first” Trump movement.</p>
<p>Without a doubt, it’s a good way to start a presidency. However, there’s only so much the federal government can do to alleviate the economic hardship of the Rust Belt, America’s manufacturing heartland. The steamboat of globalization and technological innovation cannot be tamed, let alone reversed. In short, there won’t be a manufacturing renaissance. That’s a pipe dream.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, it looks like Trump came through this time around.</p>
<p>Trump and future vice-president/current Indiana governor. Mike Pence plan on holding a event at the Carrier plant in Indiana on Thursday.</p> | 4 |
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening’s drawing of the “2 By 2” game were:</p>
<p>Red Balls: 9-21, White Balls: 10-19</p>
<p>(Red Balls: nine, twenty-one; White Balls: ten, nineteen)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $22,000</p>
<p>¶ Top Prize $22,000.</p>
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening’s drawing of the “2 By 2” game were:</p>
<p>Red Balls: 9-21, White Balls: 10-19</p>
<p>(Red Balls: nine, twenty-one; White Balls: ten, nineteen)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $22,000</p>
<p>¶ Top Prize $22,000.</p> | Winning numbers drawn in ‘2 By 2’ game | false | https://apnews.com/46135a1ed45145fb82f654644df47863 | 2017-12-27 | 2least
| Winning numbers drawn in ‘2 By 2’ game
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening’s drawing of the “2 By 2” game were:</p>
<p>Red Balls: 9-21, White Balls: 10-19</p>
<p>(Red Balls: nine, twenty-one; White Balls: ten, nineteen)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $22,000</p>
<p>¶ Top Prize $22,000.</p>
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening’s drawing of the “2 By 2” game were:</p>
<p>Red Balls: 9-21, White Balls: 10-19</p>
<p>(Red Balls: nine, twenty-one; White Balls: ten, nineteen)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $22,000</p>
<p>¶ Top Prize $22,000.</p> | 5 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Friday after markets closed that it expects costs per person for Medicare Advantage plans to fall more than 2 percent in 2014, a bigger drop than many analysts who cover the industry anticipated.</p>
<p>The government uses this figure as a benchmark to determine payments for these privately run versions of the government’s Medicare program that covers the elderly and disabled people, and analysts worry that this might lead to big payment cuts.</p>
<p>More than 13 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans last year including 89,270 in New Mexico, or about 27 percent of the Medicare population, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. New Mexico’s Medicare population is 330,000.</p>
<p>Medicare Advantage plans could see payment reductions topping 5 percent, considering they also face cuts from the health-care overhaul and from the steep federal budget cuts known as sequestration that are slated to start next month. Plus, their profits also are expected to be pressured by a premium tax imposed to help fund the overhaul, which aims to cover millions of uninsured people.</p>
<p>“There’s no way around it. The proposed Medicare Advantage rates for 2014 are really, really bad,” Citi analyst Carl McDonald said in a research note, adding that big cuts could wipe out smaller competitors and leave customers with less choice.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Medicare Advantage plans have become a key source of growth for insurers. UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Humana Inc. are the two largest providers of the plans.</p>
<p>While the CMS announcement on Friday may have scared some investors, it doesn’t guarantee that customers are doomed to premium hikes or skimpier benefits in 2014 because insurers have had to slash costs. CMS will announce final rates in April, and analysts say the government likely will find ways soften the blow.</p>
<p>The government needs Medicare Advantage plans to help cut costs and reform health care, said Dan Mendelson, president of Avalere Health.</p>
<p>Among insurers, Humana’s stock fell more than 6 percent, or $5.04, to about $72.95 in Tuesday trading, and UnitedHealth shares dropped 66 cents to $56.66, while broader trading indexes climbed slightly.</p>
<p>Journal staff contributed to this report.</p> | Health insurance stocks slump in face of potential steep cuts in 2014 in Medicare Advantage payments | false | https://abqjournal.com/170683/health-insurance-stocks-slump-in-face-of-potential-steep-cuts-in-2014-in-medicare-advantage-payments.html | 2least
| Health insurance stocks slump in face of potential steep cuts in 2014 in Medicare Advantage payments
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Friday after markets closed that it expects costs per person for Medicare Advantage plans to fall more than 2 percent in 2014, a bigger drop than many analysts who cover the industry anticipated.</p>
<p>The government uses this figure as a benchmark to determine payments for these privately run versions of the government’s Medicare program that covers the elderly and disabled people, and analysts worry that this might lead to big payment cuts.</p>
<p>More than 13 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans last year including 89,270 in New Mexico, or about 27 percent of the Medicare population, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. New Mexico’s Medicare population is 330,000.</p>
<p>Medicare Advantage plans could see payment reductions topping 5 percent, considering they also face cuts from the health-care overhaul and from the steep federal budget cuts known as sequestration that are slated to start next month. Plus, their profits also are expected to be pressured by a premium tax imposed to help fund the overhaul, which aims to cover millions of uninsured people.</p>
<p>“There’s no way around it. The proposed Medicare Advantage rates for 2014 are really, really bad,” Citi analyst Carl McDonald said in a research note, adding that big cuts could wipe out smaller competitors and leave customers with less choice.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Medicare Advantage plans have become a key source of growth for insurers. UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Humana Inc. are the two largest providers of the plans.</p>
<p>While the CMS announcement on Friday may have scared some investors, it doesn’t guarantee that customers are doomed to premium hikes or skimpier benefits in 2014 because insurers have had to slash costs. CMS will announce final rates in April, and analysts say the government likely will find ways soften the blow.</p>
<p>The government needs Medicare Advantage plans to help cut costs and reform health care, said Dan Mendelson, president of Avalere Health.</p>
<p>Among insurers, Humana’s stock fell more than 6 percent, or $5.04, to about $72.95 in Tuesday trading, and UnitedHealth shares dropped 66 cents to $56.66, while broader trading indexes climbed slightly.</p>
<p>Journal staff contributed to this report.</p> | 6 |
|
<p>WASHINGTON&#160;(RNS) — One group of Christians confidently proclaims that a plain reading of the Bible is a slam-dunk in their favor. The other side appeals to Scripture’s grand narrative toward freedom and inclusive love.</p>
<p>The argument boils over and ripples through the wider culture.</p>
<p>The search for middle ground proves futile. Denominations break apart.</p>
<p>Sound familiar? It could be 2010 — or the mid-19th century.</p>
<p />
<p>As churches and denominations in the United States slog through divisive and long-running arguments over homosexuality, many Protestant progressives have sought to claim the historical and moral high ground by aligning their cause with abolitionism.</p>
<p>“I think almost everybody who makes the liberal argument about homosexuality makes the connection with abolition and slavery,” said Jeffrey Krehbiel, a Washington, D.C., pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who supports gay rights.</p>
<p>Abolitionists, he said, “were the first to make the argument that the plain reading of the text maybe isn’t the most fruitful way to read the Bible.”</p>
<p>But while there are striking parallels between the slavery and homosexuality debates, historians caution that important differences emerge upon close examination.</p>
<p>In both eras, cultural trends forced Christians to question practices that long had been taken for granted, said Mark Noll, a professor of American religious history at the University of Notre Dame and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807830127?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=wwwbaptiststa-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0807830127" type="external">The Civil War as a Theological Crisis</a>.</p>
<p>Likewise, the Bible, and how to interpret it, has played a central role both then and now, Noll said.</p>
<p>In the 19th century, even some Northern abolitionists concluded the Bible condoned slavery.</p>
<p>Many, therefore, sought other sources of morality and methods of biblical interpretation; conservatives countered that such appeals undermined the power of the sacred text.</p>
<p>As conflict heated up, Noll writes in his book, slavery’s defenders increasingly saw “doubts about biblical defense of slavery as doubts about the authority of the Bible itself.”</p>
<p>As with slavery, few Christians are neutral on homosexuality.</p>
<p>“Like the situation in the 1830s and ’40s, once a certain kind of heat is generated, it becomes really hard to talk through these various kinds of debating strategies and implications,” Noll said.</p>
<p>Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists — and to some extent, Episcopalians — all split over slavery, mainly along the Mason-Dixon Line. Some reunited decades later. Baptists re-main apart to this day.</p>
<p>Likewise, in the last few years, a number of mainline Protestant congregations have parted with their denominations over homosexuality, although in far fewer numbers than during mid-19th century splits.</p>
<p>But the exodus may not be over. For example, conservative Presbyterians and United Methodists have threatened to leave en masse if their denominations decides to allow gay clergy and same-sex marriages.</p>
<p>“The parallels to the contemporary debate are fairly striking,” said Mark Valeri, a professor of church history at <a href="http://www.upsem.edu/" type="external">Union Presbyterian Seminary</a> in Richmond, Va.</p>
<p>“You have a long-simmering moral dispute that heats up an ecclesiastical and political question, which results in a division.</p>
<p>“And the question is, when the division creates branches, how courts adjudicate those disputes.”</p>
<p>But there are key differences between the disputes over slavery and homosexuality, some historians say.</p>
<p>For instance, many conservatives say that it is not simply the gay issue that is driving them out the door, but a long liberal trend in mainline denominations that stretches back 30 years or more.</p>
<p>Second, Scripture shows only a grudging tolerance of slavery, a far cry from its ringing endorsement of heterosexual unions, argues <a href="http://www.robgagnon.net/" type="external">Robert Gagnon</a>, an associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.</p>
<p>“What kind of legitimate analogy can be made between the two? In my opinion, absolutely none. It’s just night and day,” he said.</p>
<p>Moreover, what seem like similar clashes over biblical interpretation can mask the role of self-interest in the debates.</p>
<p>Southern plantation owners — and the pastors they built churches for — had a huge financial stake in the slavery debate, said Charles Irons, an assistant professor of church history at North Carolina’s Elon University.</p>
<p>Today, it is not easy to see where the financial—or political—advantage lies in supporting or opposing gay rights, he said.</p>
<p>There’s one final — and significant — difference. Noll notes the theological crisis over slavery ultimately was decided politically by generals and armies.</p>
<p>Almost everyone agrees the homosexuality debate more likely will be settled by judges and lawmakers.</p> | ANALYSIS: Does gay debate mirror church dispute on slavery? | false | https://baptistnews.com/article/analysisdoesgaydebatemirrorchurchdisputeonslavery/ | 3left-center
| ANALYSIS: Does gay debate mirror church dispute on slavery?
<p>WASHINGTON&#160;(RNS) — One group of Christians confidently proclaims that a plain reading of the Bible is a slam-dunk in their favor. The other side appeals to Scripture’s grand narrative toward freedom and inclusive love.</p>
<p>The argument boils over and ripples through the wider culture.</p>
<p>The search for middle ground proves futile. Denominations break apart.</p>
<p>Sound familiar? It could be 2010 — or the mid-19th century.</p>
<p />
<p>As churches and denominations in the United States slog through divisive and long-running arguments over homosexuality, many Protestant progressives have sought to claim the historical and moral high ground by aligning their cause with abolitionism.</p>
<p>“I think almost everybody who makes the liberal argument about homosexuality makes the connection with abolition and slavery,” said Jeffrey Krehbiel, a Washington, D.C., pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who supports gay rights.</p>
<p>Abolitionists, he said, “were the first to make the argument that the plain reading of the text maybe isn’t the most fruitful way to read the Bible.”</p>
<p>But while there are striking parallels between the slavery and homosexuality debates, historians caution that important differences emerge upon close examination.</p>
<p>In both eras, cultural trends forced Christians to question practices that long had been taken for granted, said Mark Noll, a professor of American religious history at the University of Notre Dame and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807830127?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=wwwbaptiststa-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0807830127" type="external">The Civil War as a Theological Crisis</a>.</p>
<p>Likewise, the Bible, and how to interpret it, has played a central role both then and now, Noll said.</p>
<p>In the 19th century, even some Northern abolitionists concluded the Bible condoned slavery.</p>
<p>Many, therefore, sought other sources of morality and methods of biblical interpretation; conservatives countered that such appeals undermined the power of the sacred text.</p>
<p>As conflict heated up, Noll writes in his book, slavery’s defenders increasingly saw “doubts about biblical defense of slavery as doubts about the authority of the Bible itself.”</p>
<p>As with slavery, few Christians are neutral on homosexuality.</p>
<p>“Like the situation in the 1830s and ’40s, once a certain kind of heat is generated, it becomes really hard to talk through these various kinds of debating strategies and implications,” Noll said.</p>
<p>Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists — and to some extent, Episcopalians — all split over slavery, mainly along the Mason-Dixon Line. Some reunited decades later. Baptists re-main apart to this day.</p>
<p>Likewise, in the last few years, a number of mainline Protestant congregations have parted with their denominations over homosexuality, although in far fewer numbers than during mid-19th century splits.</p>
<p>But the exodus may not be over. For example, conservative Presbyterians and United Methodists have threatened to leave en masse if their denominations decides to allow gay clergy and same-sex marriages.</p>
<p>“The parallels to the contemporary debate are fairly striking,” said Mark Valeri, a professor of church history at <a href="http://www.upsem.edu/" type="external">Union Presbyterian Seminary</a> in Richmond, Va.</p>
<p>“You have a long-simmering moral dispute that heats up an ecclesiastical and political question, which results in a division.</p>
<p>“And the question is, when the division creates branches, how courts adjudicate those disputes.”</p>
<p>But there are key differences between the disputes over slavery and homosexuality, some historians say.</p>
<p>For instance, many conservatives say that it is not simply the gay issue that is driving them out the door, but a long liberal trend in mainline denominations that stretches back 30 years or more.</p>
<p>Second, Scripture shows only a grudging tolerance of slavery, a far cry from its ringing endorsement of heterosexual unions, argues <a href="http://www.robgagnon.net/" type="external">Robert Gagnon</a>, an associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.</p>
<p>“What kind of legitimate analogy can be made between the two? In my opinion, absolutely none. It’s just night and day,” he said.</p>
<p>Moreover, what seem like similar clashes over biblical interpretation can mask the role of self-interest in the debates.</p>
<p>Southern plantation owners — and the pastors they built churches for — had a huge financial stake in the slavery debate, said Charles Irons, an assistant professor of church history at North Carolina’s Elon University.</p>
<p>Today, it is not easy to see where the financial—or political—advantage lies in supporting or opposing gay rights, he said.</p>
<p>There’s one final — and significant — difference. Noll notes the theological crisis over slavery ultimately was decided politically by generals and armies.</p>
<p>Almost everyone agrees the homosexuality debate more likely will be settled by judges and lawmakers.</p> | 7 |
|
<p>On a hilly slope in São Paulo City, a group of sixth graders is busy at work. They’re armed with seeds, soil and a range of gardening tools. Upside-down soda bottles, filled with water, outline a series of rectangular garden plots. A boy named Felipy Pigato tells me they are preparing the soil for planting.</p>
<p>“Yesterday we mixed regular soil with coconut fiber,” he says. “The coconut fiber holds the seeds in the soil.” &#160;</p>
<p>Today, he says they will add in the compost. As the students dig, they pull back chunks of dirt, creating shallow pits, where earthworms wriggle in the freshly dug soil.&#160;</p>
<p>Mateus Feitosa de Almeida, 12, slowly pulls back the soil around a worm. “We have to pull like that so we don’t hurt the worms,” he explains. “If we take them out, it’s bad for the soil.”</p>
<p>This digging is going on in a quiet middle-class neighborhood, in a garden that belongs to Leão Machado School, a large public school.</p>
<p>The students are working under the guidance of two teachers, Daniel Giglio Colombo and Marta Martins.</p>
<p>This is the second year of the project, says Colombo, who helped start the garden. “We’re going to grow the same things we did last year — arugula, lettuce, radishes.”</p>
<p>The vegetables they grow are used in school meals. But the real aim of the school garden is not to supply ingredients, he says, but to teach students where food comes from, so they can develop a connection to their food.</p>
<p>“When we ask students where lettuce comes from, they say the market,” Colombo says. “They have lost contact with nature, the soil, sowing, and growing of crops.”</p>
<p>And that is reflected in their diets, he says, which are increasingly unhealthy.</p>
<p />
<p>Students say the school garden project is teaching them a lot about how to grow food, though it's still hard for some of them to appreciate vegetables.</p>
<p>Rhitu Chatterjee</p>
<p>Just like in the US, highly processed foods like fast food, soda, and high-fructose corn syrup have become all too popular here in Brazil. And obesity rates are rising, even among children. It is a nation-wide problem that has alarmed the government and public health experts in the country.&#160;Brazil’s government has banned sodas, cakes&#160;and cookies in school meals. It has restricted the amount of salt and sugar in them as well. It also requires at least one daily serving of fruits and vegetables.</p>
<p>Initially, students used to reject fresh food, says Martins. She and her colleagues hoped that the school garden would change that.</p>
<p>“We wanted to create better habits with this project,” Martins says. “We wanted them to improve their eating and become healthier.”</p>
<p>That idea is behind flourishing school gardens across Brazil. The program started 12 years ago as a pilot program in five schools, as part of a project by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Program. Today, there are a few thousand school gardens in 700 cities and towns. Many are run independently by schools. Others are supported by city governments.&#160;</p>
<p>It’s hard to know yet whether school gardens have improved children’s health, says Albaneide Peixinho, who ran Brazil’s school meal program for 13 years. But she says schools are reporting that the gardens have made students more aware of their food.</p>
<p>“With school gardens, they see that food comes from the Earth,” Peixinho says, and they are eating healthier. Some studies even show that the students are influencing how their families eat. “Parents say that the kids are eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and they insist on eating those foods at home.”</p>
<p />
<p>Sarah Campos (left) and Juliana Santos, former students of&#160;the Leão Machado School. Campos says she tried her first radish after working in the school garden. Now she loves them.</p>
<p>Rhitu Chatterjee</p>
<p>Sarah Campos, 14, took the school garden class last year at Leão Machado in São Paulo. “I had never eaten radishes before,” she says. But she tried some when she and her classmates cooked radishes they had grown in the school garden.</p>
<p>“I loved it so much that I even had a second plate,” Campos says. Now, she says she eats radishes often. “I ask my mom to make them for lunch sometimes. She puts them in the salad with carrots, and with potatoes. It’s very good.”</p>
<p>She and her classmates say they are more open to eating vegetables now. They try to avoid fast food and they’re more conscious of their diets.Out in the garden, I ask Mateus, the student who told me about protecting earthworms, what he has learned in his gardening class.</p>
<p>“Many things,” he says. “Like digging, what organic fertilizer is, what animals do to make the soil better.”</p>
<p>“What did you learn about vegetables?” I ask.</p>
<p>“That they are good for our health and well-being.” &#160;</p>
<p>“Do you eat vegetables?”</p>
<p>“I’m not so keen on them, but I guess I do now with this project,” he says, laughing sheepishly. &#160;</p>
<p>The hope is that by the end of the school year, he will really enjoy them.</p>
<p>Related:&#160; <a href="http://pulitzercenter.org/project/south-america-brazil-school-lunch" type="external">What does Brazil feed its school kids?</a></p>
<p>This story was produced with support from the&#160; <a href="http://pulitzercenter.org/people/rhitu-chatterjee" type="external">Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting</a>.</p> | How schools in Brazil are teaching kids to eat their vegetables | false | https://pri.org/stories/2016-02-11/how-schools-brazil-are-teaching-kids-eat-their-vegetables | 2016-02-11 | 3left-center
| How schools in Brazil are teaching kids to eat their vegetables
<p>On a hilly slope in São Paulo City, a group of sixth graders is busy at work. They’re armed with seeds, soil and a range of gardening tools. Upside-down soda bottles, filled with water, outline a series of rectangular garden plots. A boy named Felipy Pigato tells me they are preparing the soil for planting.</p>
<p>“Yesterday we mixed regular soil with coconut fiber,” he says. “The coconut fiber holds the seeds in the soil.” &#160;</p>
<p>Today, he says they will add in the compost. As the students dig, they pull back chunks of dirt, creating shallow pits, where earthworms wriggle in the freshly dug soil.&#160;</p>
<p>Mateus Feitosa de Almeida, 12, slowly pulls back the soil around a worm. “We have to pull like that so we don’t hurt the worms,” he explains. “If we take them out, it’s bad for the soil.”</p>
<p>This digging is going on in a quiet middle-class neighborhood, in a garden that belongs to Leão Machado School, a large public school.</p>
<p>The students are working under the guidance of two teachers, Daniel Giglio Colombo and Marta Martins.</p>
<p>This is the second year of the project, says Colombo, who helped start the garden. “We’re going to grow the same things we did last year — arugula, lettuce, radishes.”</p>
<p>The vegetables they grow are used in school meals. But the real aim of the school garden is not to supply ingredients, he says, but to teach students where food comes from, so they can develop a connection to their food.</p>
<p>“When we ask students where lettuce comes from, they say the market,” Colombo says. “They have lost contact with nature, the soil, sowing, and growing of crops.”</p>
<p>And that is reflected in their diets, he says, which are increasingly unhealthy.</p>
<p />
<p>Students say the school garden project is teaching them a lot about how to grow food, though it's still hard for some of them to appreciate vegetables.</p>
<p>Rhitu Chatterjee</p>
<p>Just like in the US, highly processed foods like fast food, soda, and high-fructose corn syrup have become all too popular here in Brazil. And obesity rates are rising, even among children. It is a nation-wide problem that has alarmed the government and public health experts in the country.&#160;Brazil’s government has banned sodas, cakes&#160;and cookies in school meals. It has restricted the amount of salt and sugar in them as well. It also requires at least one daily serving of fruits and vegetables.</p>
<p>Initially, students used to reject fresh food, says Martins. She and her colleagues hoped that the school garden would change that.</p>
<p>“We wanted to create better habits with this project,” Martins says. “We wanted them to improve their eating and become healthier.”</p>
<p>That idea is behind flourishing school gardens across Brazil. The program started 12 years ago as a pilot program in five schools, as part of a project by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Program. Today, there are a few thousand school gardens in 700 cities and towns. Many are run independently by schools. Others are supported by city governments.&#160;</p>
<p>It’s hard to know yet whether school gardens have improved children’s health, says Albaneide Peixinho, who ran Brazil’s school meal program for 13 years. But she says schools are reporting that the gardens have made students more aware of their food.</p>
<p>“With school gardens, they see that food comes from the Earth,” Peixinho says, and they are eating healthier. Some studies even show that the students are influencing how their families eat. “Parents say that the kids are eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and they insist on eating those foods at home.”</p>
<p />
<p>Sarah Campos (left) and Juliana Santos, former students of&#160;the Leão Machado School. Campos says she tried her first radish after working in the school garden. Now she loves them.</p>
<p>Rhitu Chatterjee</p>
<p>Sarah Campos, 14, took the school garden class last year at Leão Machado in São Paulo. “I had never eaten radishes before,” she says. But she tried some when she and her classmates cooked radishes they had grown in the school garden.</p>
<p>“I loved it so much that I even had a second plate,” Campos says. Now, she says she eats radishes often. “I ask my mom to make them for lunch sometimes. She puts them in the salad with carrots, and with potatoes. It’s very good.”</p>
<p>She and her classmates say they are more open to eating vegetables now. They try to avoid fast food and they’re more conscious of their diets.Out in the garden, I ask Mateus, the student who told me about protecting earthworms, what he has learned in his gardening class.</p>
<p>“Many things,” he says. “Like digging, what organic fertilizer is, what animals do to make the soil better.”</p>
<p>“What did you learn about vegetables?” I ask.</p>
<p>“That they are good for our health and well-being.” &#160;</p>
<p>“Do you eat vegetables?”</p>
<p>“I’m not so keen on them, but I guess I do now with this project,” he says, laughing sheepishly. &#160;</p>
<p>The hope is that by the end of the school year, he will really enjoy them.</p>
<p>Related:&#160; <a href="http://pulitzercenter.org/project/south-america-brazil-school-lunch" type="external">What does Brazil feed its school kids?</a></p>
<p>This story was produced with support from the&#160; <a href="http://pulitzercenter.org/people/rhitu-chatterjee" type="external">Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting</a>.</p> | 8 |
<p>Aug. 18 (UPI) — Wildlife removal experts discovered a large venomous rattlesnake underneath a home in Louisiana.</p>
<p>Gulf Coast Wildlife Removal <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GulfCoastWildlifeRemoval/posts/?ref=page_internal" type="external">shared photos</a> Wednesday of the nearly 6-foot long canebrake rattlesnake that was found living under a homeowner’s deck in New Orleans.</p>
<p>“By far the biggest venomous snake we’ve encountered near the city,” the wildlife removal company said. “Please keep a close eye out in these last few hot months of summer.”</p>
<p>Ryan Cook of Gulf Coast Wildlife removal <a href="http://www.fox8live.com/story/36159317/monster-snake-captured-beneath-new-orleans-east-home" type="external">told WVUE</a> he marveled at the size of the snake, noting that “anything over 5 feet with a rattlesnake is considered a monster.”</p>
<p>“This one was 5 foot 8 inches and has 13 rattles on it, so it’s been around a good long time,” he said.</p>
<p>Cook added that he’s received reports of rattlesnakes in the area near the site of an old Six Flags amusement park.</p>
<p>“I’ve been hearing of a lot more rattlesnake activity in the New Orleans East area. I believe especially around the Six Flags area because it’s so overgrown. No one’s really doing anything to knock the numbers down, so you’re starting to see more and more of these guys showing up in residential neighborhoods,” he said.</p>
<p>The wildlife removal expert encouraged residents to keep their yards and homes clear of debris and other clutter that rattlesnakes can use to form a shelter.</p> | Massive venomous snake found under New Orleans home | false | https://newsline.com/massive-venomous-snake-found-under-new-orleans-home/ | 2017-08-18 | 1right-center
| Massive venomous snake found under New Orleans home
<p>Aug. 18 (UPI) — Wildlife removal experts discovered a large venomous rattlesnake underneath a home in Louisiana.</p>
<p>Gulf Coast Wildlife Removal <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GulfCoastWildlifeRemoval/posts/?ref=page_internal" type="external">shared photos</a> Wednesday of the nearly 6-foot long canebrake rattlesnake that was found living under a homeowner’s deck in New Orleans.</p>
<p>“By far the biggest venomous snake we’ve encountered near the city,” the wildlife removal company said. “Please keep a close eye out in these last few hot months of summer.”</p>
<p>Ryan Cook of Gulf Coast Wildlife removal <a href="http://www.fox8live.com/story/36159317/monster-snake-captured-beneath-new-orleans-east-home" type="external">told WVUE</a> he marveled at the size of the snake, noting that “anything over 5 feet with a rattlesnake is considered a monster.”</p>
<p>“This one was 5 foot 8 inches and has 13 rattles on it, so it’s been around a good long time,” he said.</p>
<p>Cook added that he’s received reports of rattlesnakes in the area near the site of an old Six Flags amusement park.</p>
<p>“I’ve been hearing of a lot more rattlesnake activity in the New Orleans East area. I believe especially around the Six Flags area because it’s so overgrown. No one’s really doing anything to knock the numbers down, so you’re starting to see more and more of these guys showing up in residential neighborhoods,” he said.</p>
<p>The wildlife removal expert encouraged residents to keep their yards and homes clear of debris and other clutter that rattlesnakes can use to form a shelter.</p> | 9 |
<p>Almost 10 years in the making, the largest regional trade accord in history was agreed to Monday by the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations. The controversial <a href="" type="internal">Trans-Pacific Partnership</a> (TPP) represents “a potentially precedent-setting model for global commerce and worker standards that would tie together 40 percent of the world’s economy, from Canada and Chile to Japan and Australia,” according to The New York Times.</p>
<p>In this NYT video, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman declares, “We, the trade ministers … are pleased to announce that we have successfully concluded the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiation.”</p>
<p>Froman says that what he calls the “historic” TPP agreement will “support jobs, drive sustainable growth, foster inclusive development and promote innovation across the Asia-Pacific region,” while also raising living standards.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>The New York Times reports:</p>
<p>The Trans-Pacific Partnership still faces months of debate in Congress and will inject a new flash point into both parties’ presidential contests.</p>
<p>But the accord — a product of nearly eight years of negotiations, including five days of round-the-clock sessions here — is a potentially legacy-making achievement for President Obama, and the capstone for his foreign policy “pivot” toward closer relations with fast-growing eastern Asia, after years of American preoccupation with the Middle East and North Africa.</p>
<p>The Pacific accord would phase out thousands of import tariffs as well as other barriers to international trade. It also would establish uniform rules on corporations’ intellectual property, open the Internet even in communist Vietnam and crack down on wildlife trafficking and environmental abuses.</p>
<p>Its full 30-chapter text will not be available for perhaps a month, but labor unions, environmentalists and liberal activists are poised to argue that the agreement favors big business over workers and environmental protection. Donald Trump has repeatedly castigated the Pacific trade accord as “a bad deal,” injecting conservative populism into the debate and emboldening some congressional Republicans who fear for local interests like sugar and rice, and many conservatives who oppose Mr. Obama at every turn.</p>
<p>Long before an accord was reached, it was being condemned by both Mr. Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner, and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is challenging Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democrats’ nomination. Other candidates also have been critical. Mrs. Clinton, who as secretary of state promoted the trade talks, has expressed enough wariness as she has campaigned among unions and other audiences on the left that her support is now in doubt.</p>
<p>Read the full article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/06/business/trans-pacific-partnership-trade-deal-is-reached.html?_r=0" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Click here</a> to read Ralph Nader’s 10 reasons why the TPP is not a “progressive” trade agreement.</p>
<p>–Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Roisin Davis</a></p> | VIDEO: U.S. Reaches Trans-Pacific Partnership Deal With 11 Other Countries | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/video-u-s-reaches-trans-pacific-partnership-deal-with-11-other-countries/ | 2015-10-05 | 4left
| VIDEO: U.S. Reaches Trans-Pacific Partnership Deal With 11 Other Countries
<p>Almost 10 years in the making, the largest regional trade accord in history was agreed to Monday by the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations. The controversial <a href="" type="internal">Trans-Pacific Partnership</a> (TPP) represents “a potentially precedent-setting model for global commerce and worker standards that would tie together 40 percent of the world’s economy, from Canada and Chile to Japan and Australia,” according to The New York Times.</p>
<p>In this NYT video, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman declares, “We, the trade ministers … are pleased to announce that we have successfully concluded the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiation.”</p>
<p>Froman says that what he calls the “historic” TPP agreement will “support jobs, drive sustainable growth, foster inclusive development and promote innovation across the Asia-Pacific region,” while also raising living standards.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>The New York Times reports:</p>
<p>The Trans-Pacific Partnership still faces months of debate in Congress and will inject a new flash point into both parties’ presidential contests.</p>
<p>But the accord — a product of nearly eight years of negotiations, including five days of round-the-clock sessions here — is a potentially legacy-making achievement for President Obama, and the capstone for his foreign policy “pivot” toward closer relations with fast-growing eastern Asia, after years of American preoccupation with the Middle East and North Africa.</p>
<p>The Pacific accord would phase out thousands of import tariffs as well as other barriers to international trade. It also would establish uniform rules on corporations’ intellectual property, open the Internet even in communist Vietnam and crack down on wildlife trafficking and environmental abuses.</p>
<p>Its full 30-chapter text will not be available for perhaps a month, but labor unions, environmentalists and liberal activists are poised to argue that the agreement favors big business over workers and environmental protection. Donald Trump has repeatedly castigated the Pacific trade accord as “a bad deal,” injecting conservative populism into the debate and emboldening some congressional Republicans who fear for local interests like sugar and rice, and many conservatives who oppose Mr. Obama at every turn.</p>
<p>Long before an accord was reached, it was being condemned by both Mr. Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner, and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is challenging Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democrats’ nomination. Other candidates also have been critical. Mrs. Clinton, who as secretary of state promoted the trade talks, has expressed enough wariness as she has campaigned among unions and other audiences on the left that her support is now in doubt.</p>
<p>Read the full article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/06/business/trans-pacific-partnership-trade-deal-is-reached.html?_r=0" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Click here</a> to read Ralph Nader’s 10 reasons why the TPP is not a “progressive” trade agreement.</p>
<p>–Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Roisin Davis</a></p> | 10 |
<p>Donald Trump’s Saturday morning Twitter meltdown was flat-out unhinged, but his incompetence may have ultimately done nothing more than screw himself over.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">To his supporters</a>, Trump did nothing more than pander to the right-wing paranoia and irrational hatred of Barack Obama that helped him become a superstar among millions of conservatives. For most Americans, even many on the left, the true severity of this rant went unnoticed.</p>
<p>You see, when someone in Trump’s position does something like this, as opposed to a private citizen or even presidential candidate, there are a whole mess of legal issues that become involved.</p>
<p>For starters, a&#160;president doesn’t have the power to single-handedly order a wiretap. Meaning that, if Trump or anyone associated with him were&#160;monitored, a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA court)&#160;would have had to grant&#160;a warrant to do so. And the only way the FISA court would have done that is if they found probable cause.</p>
<p>In case you didn’t know, the FISA court was authorized under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to oversee requests for surveillance of spies inside the United States by U.S. intelligence agencies. The Chief Judge&#160;appointed to oversee the court is Rosemary Collyer, a United States District Court judge who was appointed by George W. Bush. She was then given her position on the FISA court by Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts — who was also&#160;picked by Bush and heavily supported by the Republican party.</p>
<p>So, right off the bat Trump’s claim, if true, would indicate that the evidence surrounding <a href="" type="internal">these Russian allegations</a> was sound enough that the FISA court found probable cause to approve the surveillance.</p>
<p>In other words, if we’re to take Trump at his word, it’s not&#160;Obama&#160;who “bugged Trump Tower,” it was U.S. intelligence officials presenting evidence to the FISA court which then approved the monitoring of communication within that building over suspicion that Trump, or members of his campaign, engaged in possible <a href="" type="internal">treasonous contact with Russian officials</a>.</p>
<p>Most people have concluded that Trump’s tantrum was triggered by a Breitbart article — which was based off comments made by right-wing conspiracy theorist Mark Levin — claiming there’s a “police state” being secretly run by Obama to create some sort of “coup.”</p>
<p>Again, any wiretapping of Trump Tower would have been granted by the FISA court amid&#160;overwhelming&#160;evidence of Russian links to Trump or his associates. If Trump wants to continue to claim this is true, then he’s either accusing Barack Obama of a blatant crime that&#160;should be investigated immediately, or he’s admitting that the FISA court found enough evidence of Russian ties to approve these supposed wiretaps.</p>
<p>So it’s either one or the other. Either Trump is:</p>
<p>Well, then there’s always the possibility&#160;that, because <a href="" type="internal">he’s an unhinged moron</a>, he simply read this article in Breitbart, threw&#160;another ridiculous hissy fit on Twitter, and he has absolutely no damn idea what he’s talking about. Hell, he compared this to Watergate, proving that he doesn’t even understand what the Nixon-era scandal was about.</p>
<p>But the kicker to this is, Trump’s incompetence has opened the door for a public reveal of the details surrounding why, if true, the FISA court approved any requests to monitor anything related to him or his associates. After all, even if you&#160;think Trump’s mentally unstable, he was clearly serious when he made these comments. Considering the office he currently occupies, his words should then immediately require an independent investigation — which means subpoenas — that would ultimately bring practically anything and everything related to this into public light.</p>
<p>Because he has no idea what he’s doing, Trump has screwed himself over in several ways. If you take him at his word, and this is like “Watergate,” then he’s going to have to order extensive independent investigations, along with Congress being involved, into what he claims was a blatant and extremely illegal order by a Barack Obama to have Trump Tower put under surveillance.</p>
<p>However, if he doesn’t do that, then he’s essentially admitting this whole rant was nothing more than pure ignorance, based on his trusting of a fringe, right-wing conspiracy site, and <a href="" type="internal">he’s too incompetent</a> to hold the position he currently occupies.</p>
<p>That or he’s aware of the FISA court granting these warrants, he thinks they were illegal and not justified, so he should order all the information contained within them to be made public to “clear his name.” And if any FISA warrants related to investigations into him or his associates do exist, but he doesn’t want to make any of that information public, then he’s more or less admitting that they were credible and he doesn’t want people to know about the information that was used that led to their approval.</p>
<p>The bottom line is, Donald Trump’s stupidity has basically led to one of four main possibilities:</p>
<p>That&#160;means the only positive outcome for Trump and Republicans is the extremely unlikely possibility that his accusations against Barack Obama are right. Otherwise, nothing good is going to&#160;come of this for Trump or the Republican party.</p>
<p />
<p>21 Facebook comments</p> | Trump’s Desperate Attempt to Distract Americans From His Scandals Backfires ‘Bigly’ | true | https://forwardprogressives.com/trumps-desperate-attempt-distract-americans-scandals-backfires-bigly/ | 2017-03-04 | 4left
| Trump’s Desperate Attempt to Distract Americans From His Scandals Backfires ‘Bigly’
<p>Donald Trump’s Saturday morning Twitter meltdown was flat-out unhinged, but his incompetence may have ultimately done nothing more than screw himself over.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">To his supporters</a>, Trump did nothing more than pander to the right-wing paranoia and irrational hatred of Barack Obama that helped him become a superstar among millions of conservatives. For most Americans, even many on the left, the true severity of this rant went unnoticed.</p>
<p>You see, when someone in Trump’s position does something like this, as opposed to a private citizen or even presidential candidate, there are a whole mess of legal issues that become involved.</p>
<p>For starters, a&#160;president doesn’t have the power to single-handedly order a wiretap. Meaning that, if Trump or anyone associated with him were&#160;monitored, a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA court)&#160;would have had to grant&#160;a warrant to do so. And the only way the FISA court would have done that is if they found probable cause.</p>
<p>In case you didn’t know, the FISA court was authorized under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to oversee requests for surveillance of spies inside the United States by U.S. intelligence agencies. The Chief Judge&#160;appointed to oversee the court is Rosemary Collyer, a United States District Court judge who was appointed by George W. Bush. She was then given her position on the FISA court by Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts — who was also&#160;picked by Bush and heavily supported by the Republican party.</p>
<p>So, right off the bat Trump’s claim, if true, would indicate that the evidence surrounding <a href="" type="internal">these Russian allegations</a> was sound enough that the FISA court found probable cause to approve the surveillance.</p>
<p>In other words, if we’re to take Trump at his word, it’s not&#160;Obama&#160;who “bugged Trump Tower,” it was U.S. intelligence officials presenting evidence to the FISA court which then approved the monitoring of communication within that building over suspicion that Trump, or members of his campaign, engaged in possible <a href="" type="internal">treasonous contact with Russian officials</a>.</p>
<p>Most people have concluded that Trump’s tantrum was triggered by a Breitbart article — which was based off comments made by right-wing conspiracy theorist Mark Levin — claiming there’s a “police state” being secretly run by Obama to create some sort of “coup.”</p>
<p>Again, any wiretapping of Trump Tower would have been granted by the FISA court amid&#160;overwhelming&#160;evidence of Russian links to Trump or his associates. If Trump wants to continue to claim this is true, then he’s either accusing Barack Obama of a blatant crime that&#160;should be investigated immediately, or he’s admitting that the FISA court found enough evidence of Russian ties to approve these supposed wiretaps.</p>
<p>So it’s either one or the other. Either Trump is:</p>
<p>Well, then there’s always the possibility&#160;that, because <a href="" type="internal">he’s an unhinged moron</a>, he simply read this article in Breitbart, threw&#160;another ridiculous hissy fit on Twitter, and he has absolutely no damn idea what he’s talking about. Hell, he compared this to Watergate, proving that he doesn’t even understand what the Nixon-era scandal was about.</p>
<p>But the kicker to this is, Trump’s incompetence has opened the door for a public reveal of the details surrounding why, if true, the FISA court approved any requests to monitor anything related to him or his associates. After all, even if you&#160;think Trump’s mentally unstable, he was clearly serious when he made these comments. Considering the office he currently occupies, his words should then immediately require an independent investigation — which means subpoenas — that would ultimately bring practically anything and everything related to this into public light.</p>
<p>Because he has no idea what he’s doing, Trump has screwed himself over in several ways. If you take him at his word, and this is like “Watergate,” then he’s going to have to order extensive independent investigations, along with Congress being involved, into what he claims was a blatant and extremely illegal order by a Barack Obama to have Trump Tower put under surveillance.</p>
<p>However, if he doesn’t do that, then he’s essentially admitting this whole rant was nothing more than pure ignorance, based on his trusting of a fringe, right-wing conspiracy site, and <a href="" type="internal">he’s too incompetent</a> to hold the position he currently occupies.</p>
<p>That or he’s aware of the FISA court granting these warrants, he thinks they were illegal and not justified, so he should order all the information contained within them to be made public to “clear his name.” And if any FISA warrants related to investigations into him or his associates do exist, but he doesn’t want to make any of that information public, then he’s more or less admitting that they were credible and he doesn’t want people to know about the information that was used that led to their approval.</p>
<p>The bottom line is, Donald Trump’s stupidity has basically led to one of four main possibilities:</p>
<p>That&#160;means the only positive outcome for Trump and Republicans is the extremely unlikely possibility that his accusations against Barack Obama are right. Otherwise, nothing good is going to&#160;come of this for Trump or the Republican party.</p>
<p />
<p>21 Facebook comments</p> | 11 |
<p>New clashes erupted Thursday between Venezuelan riot police and President Nicolas Maduro's opponents, inflaming the tension after a day of deadly unrest in the beleaguered oil-rich nation.</p>
<p>Police backed by armored trucks fired tear gas to break up a large march as it reached a vital freeway in Caracas, then edged back slightly as masked protesters pelted them with stones.</p>
<p>Demonstrators vowed not to flinch in their campaign to oust Maduro, despite three weeks of protest violence that has left eight people dead, including three on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"Sure we're tired, but we've got to stand strong. I'm ready to take to the streets every day if I have to," said 22-year-old student protester Aquiles Aldazoro.</p>
<p>Senior opposition leader Henrique Capriles vowed there would be "no surrender."</p>
<p>"It is our duty to defend the constitution," he said.</p>
<p>Protesters blame Maduro — the heir of the leftist "Bolivarian revolution" launched by the late Hugo Chavez in 1999 — for an economic crisis marked by severe shortages of food, medicine and basic goods.</p>
<p>Pressure on Maduro has been mounting since 2014, as falling prices for&#160;Venezuela's crucial oil exports have sent the once-booming economy into a tailspin.</p>
<p>The crisis has escalated since March 30, when&#160;Venezuela's Supreme Court moved to seize the powers of the legislature, the only lever of state authority not controlled by Maduro and his allies.</p>
<p>Hundreds of thousands of protesters took part in Wednesday's marches, which erupted into clashes with security forces and armed groups of government supporters.</p>
<p>A 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old woman died after they were shot in the head, and Maduro's camp said a soldier outside Caracas was also killed.</p>
<p>The opposition accuses Maduro of letting state forces and gangs of armed thugs violently repress demonstrators.</p>
<p>Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said one person had been arrested for the soldier's death, which he called a pre-meditated "act of fascism."</p>
<p>Numerous businesses and universities remained closed — some in tacit support of the protests, others for fear of a repeat of the previous day's violence.</p>
<p>Looting erupted amid the chaos Wednesday. In the Paradise neighborhood in western Caracas, looters carted off food and beer from a series of ransacked businesses, residents said.</p>
<p>In poor neighborhoods traditionally loyal to Maduro, some protesters have cited hunger as their reason for joining calls for his ouster.</p>
<p>The escalation of&#160;Venezuela's political crisis since late March has galvanized the often divided opposition in its efforts to force Maduro from power.</p>
<p>The president, in turn, has urged his supporters, the military and civilian militias to defend the "revolution."</p>
<p>International concern meanwhile continues to mount.</p>
<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged all sides in&#160;Venezuela&#160;to take steps to ease tensions.</p>
<p>"We call for concrete gestures from all parties to reduce polarization and create the necessary conditions to address the country’s challenges," he said in a statement.</p>
<p>The European Union added to the condemnation, calling the deaths of protesters "highly regrettable" and urging all sides to "de-escalate."</p>
<p>The opposition has called for the military — a pillar of Maduro's power — to abandon him.</p>
<p>But the defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, has pledged the army's "unconditional loyalty" to Maduro.</p>
<p>The president accuses the opposition of inciting a "coup" backed by the United States.</p>
<p>According to a survey by pollster Venebarometro, seven in 10 Venezuelans disapprove of Maduro, whose term does not end until 2019.</p>
<p>The president said Wednesday that he is ready to face his opponents at the ballot box.</p>
<p>"I want to have elections soon ... to seek a peaceful path so the revolution can put the conspirators, murderers and interventionist right-wingers in their place," he told a rally of supporters in central Caracas.</p>
<p>Regional elections due in December were indefinitely postponed and there is still no date for local polls due this year. The next presidential election is due in December 2018.</p> | With tensions high, protests erupt across Venezuela | false | https://pri.org/stories/2017-04-20/tensions-high-protests-erupt-across-venezuela | 2017-04-20 | 3left-center
| With tensions high, protests erupt across Venezuela
<p>New clashes erupted Thursday between Venezuelan riot police and President Nicolas Maduro's opponents, inflaming the tension after a day of deadly unrest in the beleaguered oil-rich nation.</p>
<p>Police backed by armored trucks fired tear gas to break up a large march as it reached a vital freeway in Caracas, then edged back slightly as masked protesters pelted them with stones.</p>
<p>Demonstrators vowed not to flinch in their campaign to oust Maduro, despite three weeks of protest violence that has left eight people dead, including three on Wednesday.</p>
<p>"Sure we're tired, but we've got to stand strong. I'm ready to take to the streets every day if I have to," said 22-year-old student protester Aquiles Aldazoro.</p>
<p>Senior opposition leader Henrique Capriles vowed there would be "no surrender."</p>
<p>"It is our duty to defend the constitution," he said.</p>
<p>Protesters blame Maduro — the heir of the leftist "Bolivarian revolution" launched by the late Hugo Chavez in 1999 — for an economic crisis marked by severe shortages of food, medicine and basic goods.</p>
<p>Pressure on Maduro has been mounting since 2014, as falling prices for&#160;Venezuela's crucial oil exports have sent the once-booming economy into a tailspin.</p>
<p>The crisis has escalated since March 30, when&#160;Venezuela's Supreme Court moved to seize the powers of the legislature, the only lever of state authority not controlled by Maduro and his allies.</p>
<p>Hundreds of thousands of protesters took part in Wednesday's marches, which erupted into clashes with security forces and armed groups of government supporters.</p>
<p>A 17-year-old boy and a 23-year-old woman died after they were shot in the head, and Maduro's camp said a soldier outside Caracas was also killed.</p>
<p>The opposition accuses Maduro of letting state forces and gangs of armed thugs violently repress demonstrators.</p>
<p>Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said one person had been arrested for the soldier's death, which he called a pre-meditated "act of fascism."</p>
<p>Numerous businesses and universities remained closed — some in tacit support of the protests, others for fear of a repeat of the previous day's violence.</p>
<p>Looting erupted amid the chaos Wednesday. In the Paradise neighborhood in western Caracas, looters carted off food and beer from a series of ransacked businesses, residents said.</p>
<p>In poor neighborhoods traditionally loyal to Maduro, some protesters have cited hunger as their reason for joining calls for his ouster.</p>
<p>The escalation of&#160;Venezuela's political crisis since late March has galvanized the often divided opposition in its efforts to force Maduro from power.</p>
<p>The president, in turn, has urged his supporters, the military and civilian militias to defend the "revolution."</p>
<p>International concern meanwhile continues to mount.</p>
<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged all sides in&#160;Venezuela&#160;to take steps to ease tensions.</p>
<p>"We call for concrete gestures from all parties to reduce polarization and create the necessary conditions to address the country’s challenges," he said in a statement.</p>
<p>The European Union added to the condemnation, calling the deaths of protesters "highly regrettable" and urging all sides to "de-escalate."</p>
<p>The opposition has called for the military — a pillar of Maduro's power — to abandon him.</p>
<p>But the defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, has pledged the army's "unconditional loyalty" to Maduro.</p>
<p>The president accuses the opposition of inciting a "coup" backed by the United States.</p>
<p>According to a survey by pollster Venebarometro, seven in 10 Venezuelans disapprove of Maduro, whose term does not end until 2019.</p>
<p>The president said Wednesday that he is ready to face his opponents at the ballot box.</p>
<p>"I want to have elections soon ... to seek a peaceful path so the revolution can put the conspirators, murderers and interventionist right-wingers in their place," he told a rally of supporters in central Caracas.</p>
<p>Regional elections due in December were indefinitely postponed and there is still no date for local polls due this year. The next presidential election is due in December 2018.</p> | 12 |
<p>Nearly 80 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a survey released Thursday by <a href="http://press.careerbuilder.com/2017-08-24-Living-Paycheck-to-Paycheck-is-a-Way-of-Life-for-Majority-of-U-S-Workers-According-to-New-CareerBuilder-Survey" type="external">CareerBuilder.</a></p>
<p>The results:</p>
<p>“Living paycheck to paycheck is the new way of life for U.S. workers,” CareerBuilder spokesman Mike Erwin told <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/americans-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/" type="external">CBS News</a>. “It’s not just one salary range. It’s pretty much across the board, and it’s trending in the wrong direction. Jobs have come back, but we haven’t seen salaries rebound.”</p>
<p>Further, 59 percent of Americans making $100,000&#160;or more say they are in debt, and 70 percent of those making between $50,000&#160;and $99,000&#160;are in debt, according to the survey.</p>
<p>“As an employer, your employees’ financial problems become your financial problems,” said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. “If workers are constantly thinking about their financial struggles, their quality of work can decrease, and it can take a hit on their morale and productivity.”</p>
<p>The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 2,369 hiring and human resource managers ages 18 and over and 3,462 employees ages 18 and over between May 24 and June 16, 2017. There’s a 95 percent probability that the results have sampling errors of up to +/- 2 percentage points.</p> | Survey: Nearly 80 Percent of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck | false | https://newsline.com/survey-nearly-80-percent-of-americans-live-paycheck-to-paycheck/ | 2017-08-24 | 1right-center
| Survey: Nearly 80 Percent of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck
<p>Nearly 80 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a survey released Thursday by <a href="http://press.careerbuilder.com/2017-08-24-Living-Paycheck-to-Paycheck-is-a-Way-of-Life-for-Majority-of-U-S-Workers-According-to-New-CareerBuilder-Survey" type="external">CareerBuilder.</a></p>
<p>The results:</p>
<p>“Living paycheck to paycheck is the new way of life for U.S. workers,” CareerBuilder spokesman Mike Erwin told <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/americans-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/" type="external">CBS News</a>. “It’s not just one salary range. It’s pretty much across the board, and it’s trending in the wrong direction. Jobs have come back, but we haven’t seen salaries rebound.”</p>
<p>Further, 59 percent of Americans making $100,000&#160;or more say they are in debt, and 70 percent of those making between $50,000&#160;and $99,000&#160;are in debt, according to the survey.</p>
<p>“As an employer, your employees’ financial problems become your financial problems,” said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. “If workers are constantly thinking about their financial struggles, their quality of work can decrease, and it can take a hit on their morale and productivity.”</p>
<p>The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 2,369 hiring and human resource managers ages 18 and over and 3,462 employees ages 18 and over between May 24 and June 16, 2017. There’s a 95 percent probability that the results have sampling errors of up to +/- 2 percentage points.</p> | 13 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Moussaoui is serving a life sentence for his involvement in the planning of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He has recently inserted himself into litigation in which 9/11 victims allege that the Saudi government funded Islamist charities that provided financial and logistical support to al-Qaida.</p>
<p>Moussaoui’s account of being a liaison between Osama bin Laden and members of the Saudi royal family was told to Philadelphia lawyer Sean Carter over the course of two days of questioning in October at the federal supermax prison in Florence, Colo., and has only now been cleared for public release by the U.S. government.</p>
<p>Carter has been defending against a Saudi motion to dismiss his case, facing the unenviable burden of producing evidence of a Saudi link to al-Qaida without the benefit of taking discovery. Moussaoui’s testimony was unforeseen. The man who once took flight lessons in Oklahoma and Minnesota in preparation for a terror strike contacted the federal judge presiding over the case and offered to provide information.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>According to Carter, much of what Moussaoui told him was new information about his role with al-Qaida, not even revealed during his own trial.</p>
<p>“He testified that he had this role in creating a digital database of al-Qaida’s donors and he says that he personally entered the names of a number of senior Saudi officials and members of the royal family,” Carter said.</p>
<p>“He explained to us that it was his understanding that they were making donations to bin Laden in order to maintain their legitimacy in the eyes of the Saudi Ulema, who are the Wahhabi religious clerics,” Carter said. “The Saudi state itself is the product of a pact between the House of Saud and the Wahhabi Ulema and the continuing legitimacy of that government resides very much on maintaining that bargain.”</p>
<p>Inside the walls of supermax, Moussaoui first took an oath to Allah – “May Allah curse the liar” – before providing Carter with sworn testimony. He claimed that Sheikh Sa’id, the chief financial officer of al-Qaida, asked him to track Saudi contributions to the jihad effort, a request that came from bin Laden.</p>
<p>“Sheikh Osama wanted to keep a record who give money … who is to be listened to or who continue to – to the jihad,” Moussaoui told Carter.</p>
<p>Moussaoui named many members of the Saudi royal family as having been supportive, a funding source he described as “crucial.” He also claimed to have served as a courier for written communications between bin Laden and the House of Saud.</p>
<p>The Saudis vehemently deny Moussaoui’s assertions, claiming that he is mentally imbalanced and that the 9/11 Commission was dismissive of such claims. That report “found no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded al-Qaida.”</p>
<p>Not so fast, say two 9/11 Commission members – former Navy Secretary John Lehman and former Sen. Bob Kerrey. Both say the 9/11 Commission did not exonerate Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>And, former Sen. Bob Graham, past chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, told me he is convinced there was a connection between some of the 9/11 terrorists and Saudi Arabia. Graham co-chaired the congressional inquiry into intelligence activities before and after the attacks, whose report included the classified 28 pages. He believes that a Saudi government agent named Omar al-Bayoumi provided assistance to 9/11 hijackers Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar.</p>
<p>“I can’t give details because they are classified, Michael, but you correctly state they primarily deal with who financed 9/11 and they point a strong finger at Saudi Arabia,” Graham said. He maintains that the 9/11 Commission did not “pursue some of the leads that we had left them with.”</p>
<p>What might resolve the discrepancy is the release of 28 pages.</p>
<p>According to Carter, that matter rests with the director of national intelligence for an interagency declassification review, “whatever that is.”</p>
<p>“We think the 28 pages are really the tip of the iceberg,” he added.</p>
<p>So why would Moussaoui want to help 9/11 plaintiffs?</p>
<p>“I think the reality is he’s sitting in prison for the rest of his life and the Saudi royals are not, and I think he has a desire to demonstrate and clear the record about everyone who was involved,” Carter said.</p>
<p>Two weeks ago, I asked White House chief of staff Denis McDonough whether the passing of Saudi King Abdullah would support the release of the 28 pages?</p>
<p>“I’m not going to get involved in the 28 pages now, Michael, any more than I did before,” McDonough said.</p>
<p>Moussaoui’s testimony makes that position even less sustainable. Mr. President, release the 28 pages. We can handle the truth.</p>
<p>Michael Smerconish writes for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and is host of “Smerconish” on CNN. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.</p>
<p /> | Time to learn whether top-secret pages tie Saudis to 9/11 | false | https://abqjournal.com/539722/time-to-learn-whether-topsecret-pages-tie-saudis-to-911.html | 2least
| Time to learn whether top-secret pages tie Saudis to 9/11
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Moussaoui is serving a life sentence for his involvement in the planning of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He has recently inserted himself into litigation in which 9/11 victims allege that the Saudi government funded Islamist charities that provided financial and logistical support to al-Qaida.</p>
<p>Moussaoui’s account of being a liaison between Osama bin Laden and members of the Saudi royal family was told to Philadelphia lawyer Sean Carter over the course of two days of questioning in October at the federal supermax prison in Florence, Colo., and has only now been cleared for public release by the U.S. government.</p>
<p>Carter has been defending against a Saudi motion to dismiss his case, facing the unenviable burden of producing evidence of a Saudi link to al-Qaida without the benefit of taking discovery. Moussaoui’s testimony was unforeseen. The man who once took flight lessons in Oklahoma and Minnesota in preparation for a terror strike contacted the federal judge presiding over the case and offered to provide information.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>According to Carter, much of what Moussaoui told him was new information about his role with al-Qaida, not even revealed during his own trial.</p>
<p>“He testified that he had this role in creating a digital database of al-Qaida’s donors and he says that he personally entered the names of a number of senior Saudi officials and members of the royal family,” Carter said.</p>
<p>“He explained to us that it was his understanding that they were making donations to bin Laden in order to maintain their legitimacy in the eyes of the Saudi Ulema, who are the Wahhabi religious clerics,” Carter said. “The Saudi state itself is the product of a pact between the House of Saud and the Wahhabi Ulema and the continuing legitimacy of that government resides very much on maintaining that bargain.”</p>
<p>Inside the walls of supermax, Moussaoui first took an oath to Allah – “May Allah curse the liar” – before providing Carter with sworn testimony. He claimed that Sheikh Sa’id, the chief financial officer of al-Qaida, asked him to track Saudi contributions to the jihad effort, a request that came from bin Laden.</p>
<p>“Sheikh Osama wanted to keep a record who give money … who is to be listened to or who continue to – to the jihad,” Moussaoui told Carter.</p>
<p>Moussaoui named many members of the Saudi royal family as having been supportive, a funding source he described as “crucial.” He also claimed to have served as a courier for written communications between bin Laden and the House of Saud.</p>
<p>The Saudis vehemently deny Moussaoui’s assertions, claiming that he is mentally imbalanced and that the 9/11 Commission was dismissive of such claims. That report “found no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded al-Qaida.”</p>
<p>Not so fast, say two 9/11 Commission members – former Navy Secretary John Lehman and former Sen. Bob Kerrey. Both say the 9/11 Commission did not exonerate Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>And, former Sen. Bob Graham, past chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, told me he is convinced there was a connection between some of the 9/11 terrorists and Saudi Arabia. Graham co-chaired the congressional inquiry into intelligence activities before and after the attacks, whose report included the classified 28 pages. He believes that a Saudi government agent named Omar al-Bayoumi provided assistance to 9/11 hijackers Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar.</p>
<p>“I can’t give details because they are classified, Michael, but you correctly state they primarily deal with who financed 9/11 and they point a strong finger at Saudi Arabia,” Graham said. He maintains that the 9/11 Commission did not “pursue some of the leads that we had left them with.”</p>
<p>What might resolve the discrepancy is the release of 28 pages.</p>
<p>According to Carter, that matter rests with the director of national intelligence for an interagency declassification review, “whatever that is.”</p>
<p>“We think the 28 pages are really the tip of the iceberg,” he added.</p>
<p>So why would Moussaoui want to help 9/11 plaintiffs?</p>
<p>“I think the reality is he’s sitting in prison for the rest of his life and the Saudi royals are not, and I think he has a desire to demonstrate and clear the record about everyone who was involved,” Carter said.</p>
<p>Two weeks ago, I asked White House chief of staff Denis McDonough whether the passing of Saudi King Abdullah would support the release of the 28 pages?</p>
<p>“I’m not going to get involved in the 28 pages now, Michael, any more than I did before,” McDonough said.</p>
<p>Moussaoui’s testimony makes that position even less sustainable. Mr. President, release the 28 pages. We can handle the truth.</p>
<p>Michael Smerconish writes for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and is host of “Smerconish” on CNN. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.</p>
<p /> | 14 |
|
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Just touch the stamp with your finger, and the heat transforms the image of the blacked-out sun into the moon. Remove your finger, and the eclipse reappears. The trick is using temperature-sensitive ink.</p>
<p>There’s a map on the back of the stamp sheet showing the eclipse’s diagonal path across the U.S. on Aug. 21, as the moon covers the sun in the sky.</p>
<p>It will be the first total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States since 1979 and the first one coast to coast since 1918.</p>
<p>Announced Thursday, the Forever 49 cent stamp comes out in June — on the summer solstice.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online:</p>
<p>Postal Service: <a href="http://about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm" type="external">http://about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm</a></p> | Touch new stamp and presto, total solar eclipse becomes moon | false | https://abqjournal.com/994909/touch-new-stamp-and-presto-total-solar-eclipse-becomes-moon-2.html | 2017-04-27 | 2least
| Touch new stamp and presto, total solar eclipse becomes moon
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>Just touch the stamp with your finger, and the heat transforms the image of the blacked-out sun into the moon. Remove your finger, and the eclipse reappears. The trick is using temperature-sensitive ink.</p>
<p>There’s a map on the back of the stamp sheet showing the eclipse’s diagonal path across the U.S. on Aug. 21, as the moon covers the sun in the sky.</p>
<p>It will be the first total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States since 1979 and the first one coast to coast since 1918.</p>
<p>Announced Thursday, the Forever 49 cent stamp comes out in June — on the summer solstice.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Online:</p>
<p>Postal Service: <a href="http://about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm" type="external">http://about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm</a></p> | 15 |
<p />
<p>Bad news for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL): The company needs to launch the “next big thing” in order to reverse investors’ soured sentiment according to Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes, and that next big thing could be Apple’s HDTV.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Why is that bad news? Because according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, the company’s TV set won’t be launching any time soon — if it even launches at all.</p>
<p><a href="http://bgr.com/2012/12/12/apple-tv-next-big-thing/" type="external">See more tech stories on the FOX Business Technology homepage. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>In a research note sent to clients on Tuesday evening, Reitzes ponders what might snap investors out of their “recent funk.” Shares of Apple stock plummeted by as much as 25% in November from a high of $705.07, which was hit just before the iPhone 5 launched this past September. While some say “people overbelieved in Apple” and the end is nigh, Reitzes thinks Apple just needs to launch the “next big thing” to remind investors why it is the most successful consumer electronics company in the world.</p>
<p>Reitzes goes on to say that an Apple HDTV might be just what the doctor ordered and that a set-top box and service combination could do the trick as well. He sees Apple unveiling its big plans for the living room some time in 2013, and he says he believes Apple is “exploring a new service that integrates iOS, iCloud, iTunes and more content that would bring customers a new experience around a TV-like device.”</p>
<p>The analyst continued, “We believe that the Apple version of TV may evolve into a product that is ‘always on’ with the ability to display a variety of messages (texts, Facebook postings, Tweets, email, etc.), weather, pictures, news and other key information as well as even act as a video conferencing device [...] any Apple solution seems like it will need to work along side traditional cable and media arrangements. However, we see opportunity in Apple being able to perhaps work out deals with providers to gain access to channel guides and other key information in order to provide a more elegant integration experience.”</p>
<p>MORE FROM BGR:</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | Where is Apple’s ‘Next Big Thing’? | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2012/12/12/where-is-apples-next-big-thing.html | 2016-01-29 | 0right
| Where is Apple’s ‘Next Big Thing’?
<p />
<p>Bad news for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL): The company needs to launch the “next big thing” in order to reverse investors’ soured sentiment according to Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes, and that next big thing could be Apple’s HDTV.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Why is that bad news? Because according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, the company’s TV set won’t be launching any time soon — if it even launches at all.</p>
<p><a href="http://bgr.com/2012/12/12/apple-tv-next-big-thing/" type="external">See more tech stories on the FOX Business Technology homepage. Opens a New Window.</a></p>
<p>In a research note sent to clients on Tuesday evening, Reitzes ponders what might snap investors out of their “recent funk.” Shares of Apple stock plummeted by as much as 25% in November from a high of $705.07, which was hit just before the iPhone 5 launched this past September. While some say “people overbelieved in Apple” and the end is nigh, Reitzes thinks Apple just needs to launch the “next big thing” to remind investors why it is the most successful consumer electronics company in the world.</p>
<p>Reitzes goes on to say that an Apple HDTV might be just what the doctor ordered and that a set-top box and service combination could do the trick as well. He sees Apple unveiling its big plans for the living room some time in 2013, and he says he believes Apple is “exploring a new service that integrates iOS, iCloud, iTunes and more content that would bring customers a new experience around a TV-like device.”</p>
<p>The analyst continued, “We believe that the Apple version of TV may evolve into a product that is ‘always on’ with the ability to display a variety of messages (texts, Facebook postings, Tweets, email, etc.), weather, pictures, news and other key information as well as even act as a video conferencing device [...] any Apple solution seems like it will need to work along side traditional cable and media arrangements. However, we see opportunity in Apple being able to perhaps work out deals with providers to gain access to channel guides and other key information in order to provide a more elegant integration experience.”</p>
<p>MORE FROM BGR:</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | 16 |
<p>Currently there is a bit of a “civil war” going on among progressives between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders supporters. During a primary season, that’s to be expected. Undoubtedly, it’s at this point during an election year when voters are most emotionally tied to a particular candidate. Primary elections often resemble sporting events more than political contests.</p>
<p>But what’s alarmed me most about this particular primary season&#160;is the number of people threatening to “sit out” or “write-in” a candidate if their particular candidate doesn’t happen to win the nomination. A belief that I think is one of the <a href="" type="internal">most asinine stances I’ve ever heard</a>. If you think either Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio would be better (or just as bad) as voting for either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, you are out of your damn mind.</p>
<p>I don’t care what your thoughts are of either Clinton or Sanders, on their worst day, either candidate is a million times better than anyone from the Republican party. And with the rights for millions of Americans at risk, as well as the Supreme Court and our progress on climate change, <a href="" type="internal">there’s too much at stake this election</a> to have any group of people not support the eventual Democratic nominee.</p>
<p>And while I have encountered a few Clinton supporters who’ve vowed not to support Sanders if he becomes the nominee (I’ve even been blocked by a few of them for calling them idiots), the “my candidate or no one” crowd <a href="" type="internal">is mostly found among Sanders supporters</a>. Though I will gladly admit that the majority of those supporting Sanders do&#160;understand the bigger picture and have said they plan to support whichever candidate ultimately wins the nomination.</p>
<p>To those people, I can’t thank them enough. In fact, I can’t thank anyone enough for realizing what’s on the line this election and why it’s so crucial that we all get out and “vote blue, no matter who.” I don’t even want to think about how much damage Republicans will be able to do to this nation if we hand them the White House this November. <a href="" type="internal">It will make George W. Bush’s eight years</a> seem like a wonderful dream compared to the nightmare that a President Trump/Rubio/Cruz would inflict upon the country.</p>
<p>But there’s an irony to anyone who says that they’re going to take their ball and go home if their candidate doesn’t win, and it’s this:&#160;Neither candidate can win without help from the supporters of their primary rival.</p>
<p>If Hillary Clinton wins the nomination, then half of all Sanders supporters decide not to support her, she likely&#160;loses and we’re stuck with a President Trump/Rubio/Cruz.</p>
<p>But guess what?</p>
<p>If Bernie Sanders wins the nomination, then half of all Clinton supporters decide not to support him, he’s likely&#160;going to lose and we’re going to be stuck with a President Trump/Rubio/Cruz.</p>
<p>The truth of the matter is, whether each side wants to admit it or not, they both need each other this&#160;November. Because come election day, if one group decides to let selfish ego and pride get in the way by not supporting the Democratic nominee, guess what?</p>
<p>We all lose.&#160;</p>
<p>So, no matter what Clinton or Sanders supporters might think of one another, the reality is, they’re in this together – whether they like it or not.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p><a href="" type="internal">I Asked Liberals to Unite to Protect the Rights of Millions, Here are Some of the Responses</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Ultra Pro-Bernie Backer Robert Reich Feels the Wrath of Sanders Supporters for Preaching Unity</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">For the Last Time: Here's Proof the Democratic Primary Wasn't Rigged Against Bernie Sanders</a></p>
<p>0 Facebook comments</p> | Supporters of Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Need to Acknowledge This Crucial Fact | true | http://forwardprogressives.com/supporters-both-hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-need-acknowledge-crucial-fact/ | 2016-02-27 | 4left
| Supporters of Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders Need to Acknowledge This Crucial Fact
<p>Currently there is a bit of a “civil war” going on among progressives between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders supporters. During a primary season, that’s to be expected. Undoubtedly, it’s at this point during an election year when voters are most emotionally tied to a particular candidate. Primary elections often resemble sporting events more than political contests.</p>
<p>But what’s alarmed me most about this particular primary season&#160;is the number of people threatening to “sit out” or “write-in” a candidate if their particular candidate doesn’t happen to win the nomination. A belief that I think is one of the <a href="" type="internal">most asinine stances I’ve ever heard</a>. If you think either Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio would be better (or just as bad) as voting for either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, you are out of your damn mind.</p>
<p>I don’t care what your thoughts are of either Clinton or Sanders, on their worst day, either candidate is a million times better than anyone from the Republican party. And with the rights for millions of Americans at risk, as well as the Supreme Court and our progress on climate change, <a href="" type="internal">there’s too much at stake this election</a> to have any group of people not support the eventual Democratic nominee.</p>
<p>And while I have encountered a few Clinton supporters who’ve vowed not to support Sanders if he becomes the nominee (I’ve even been blocked by a few of them for calling them idiots), the “my candidate or no one” crowd <a href="" type="internal">is mostly found among Sanders supporters</a>. Though I will gladly admit that the majority of those supporting Sanders do&#160;understand the bigger picture and have said they plan to support whichever candidate ultimately wins the nomination.</p>
<p>To those people, I can’t thank them enough. In fact, I can’t thank anyone enough for realizing what’s on the line this election and why it’s so crucial that we all get out and “vote blue, no matter who.” I don’t even want to think about how much damage Republicans will be able to do to this nation if we hand them the White House this November. <a href="" type="internal">It will make George W. Bush’s eight years</a> seem like a wonderful dream compared to the nightmare that a President Trump/Rubio/Cruz would inflict upon the country.</p>
<p>But there’s an irony to anyone who says that they’re going to take their ball and go home if their candidate doesn’t win, and it’s this:&#160;Neither candidate can win without help from the supporters of their primary rival.</p>
<p>If Hillary Clinton wins the nomination, then half of all Sanders supporters decide not to support her, she likely&#160;loses and we’re stuck with a President Trump/Rubio/Cruz.</p>
<p>But guess what?</p>
<p>If Bernie Sanders wins the nomination, then half of all Clinton supporters decide not to support him, he’s likely&#160;going to lose and we’re going to be stuck with a President Trump/Rubio/Cruz.</p>
<p>The truth of the matter is, whether each side wants to admit it or not, they both need each other this&#160;November. Because come election day, if one group decides to let selfish ego and pride get in the way by not supporting the Democratic nominee, guess what?</p>
<p>We all lose.&#160;</p>
<p>So, no matter what Clinton or Sanders supporters might think of one another, the reality is, they’re in this together – whether they like it or not.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p><a href="" type="internal">I Asked Liberals to Unite to Protect the Rights of Millions, Here are Some of the Responses</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Ultra Pro-Bernie Backer Robert Reich Feels the Wrath of Sanders Supporters for Preaching Unity</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">For the Last Time: Here's Proof the Democratic Primary Wasn't Rigged Against Bernie Sanders</a></p>
<p>0 Facebook comments</p> | 17 |
<p>Don’t get me wrong, rape—on college campuses or anywhere else—is a very serious crime that should be punished severely. But when <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-California/2014/06/04/College-Students-May-Need-Verbal-or-Written-Consent-to-Have-Sex-on-Campus" type="external">lawmakers start demanding that college students obtain “written or verbal consent”</a> before having sex, it’s a sign we’ve become a tad hysterical on this issue.</p>
<p />
<p><a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/06/04/verbal-or-written-permission-could-be-required-for-college-sex" type="external">From LA Weekly:</a></p>
<p>Sounds quite unspontaneous. But a law co-authored by L.A. state Sen. Kevin de Leon would have state-run college campuses establish an “affirmative consent” standard for its students.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>According to the language of the bill, SB 967, students who want to have sex must essentially establish that there has been “an affirmative, unambiguous, and conscious decision by each participant to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity.”…No more making sexy faces and sounds for you. You’ve got to verbalize. Or get it on paper.</p>
<p>Why not just require a notarized letter from an attorney, or better yet, a license? If we’re going to go this far, maybe college kids who want to have sex should go to a DMV-like office to get permission.</p>
<p />
<p>All joking aside, the fact that this is even an issue suggests that a lot of college kids are having sex they’re not comfortable with having. People don’t sign a waiver when they’re engaging in any activity with someone they know and trust. (My advice to college kids: if you feel like you need to have a written contract drawn up with your “partner,” you shouldn’t be having sex with them.)&#160; <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/01/college-sexual-assault_n_5247267.html" type="external">Some of the colleges under investigation right now for mishandling sexual assault cases</a> are the most liberal, anything-goes, sexually open institutions in America. They host extravagant “Sex Week” events and pass out condoms to freshmen. They talk a lot about “consent,” but very little about respect, caring, or good judgment. Plying a “yes” out of someone is all that matters.</p>
<p>In an environment like this, the boundaries of consent begin to break down. Students—who face enormous peer pressure to participate in this free-for-all—have trouble saying “no” when they want to. Other students simply don’t respect a “no.” Add a huge amount of alcohol into the mix, and chaos ensues.</p>
<p />
<p>This is the problem that college administrators and lawmakers are trying to fix. But until they have the guts to criticize the culture on college campuses, they’ll get nowhere.</p>
<p /> | California Bill Demands “Verbal or Written Consent” for Sex on College Campuses | true | http://thepoliticalinsider.com/california-bill-demands-verbal-written-consent-sex-college-campuses/ | 2014-06-11 | 0right
| California Bill Demands “Verbal or Written Consent” for Sex on College Campuses
<p>Don’t get me wrong, rape—on college campuses or anywhere else—is a very serious crime that should be punished severely. But when <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-California/2014/06/04/College-Students-May-Need-Verbal-or-Written-Consent-to-Have-Sex-on-Campus" type="external">lawmakers start demanding that college students obtain “written or verbal consent”</a> before having sex, it’s a sign we’ve become a tad hysterical on this issue.</p>
<p />
<p><a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="" type="internal" /> <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/06/04/verbal-or-written-permission-could-be-required-for-college-sex" type="external">From LA Weekly:</a></p>
<p>Sounds quite unspontaneous. But a law co-authored by L.A. state Sen. Kevin de Leon would have state-run college campuses establish an “affirmative consent” standard for its students.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>According to the language of the bill, SB 967, students who want to have sex must essentially establish that there has been “an affirmative, unambiguous, and conscious decision by each participant to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity.”…No more making sexy faces and sounds for you. You’ve got to verbalize. Or get it on paper.</p>
<p>Why not just require a notarized letter from an attorney, or better yet, a license? If we’re going to go this far, maybe college kids who want to have sex should go to a DMV-like office to get permission.</p>
<p />
<p>All joking aside, the fact that this is even an issue suggests that a lot of college kids are having sex they’re not comfortable with having. People don’t sign a waiver when they’re engaging in any activity with someone they know and trust. (My advice to college kids: if you feel like you need to have a written contract drawn up with your “partner,” you shouldn’t be having sex with them.)&#160; <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/01/college-sexual-assault_n_5247267.html" type="external">Some of the colleges under investigation right now for mishandling sexual assault cases</a> are the most liberal, anything-goes, sexually open institutions in America. They host extravagant “Sex Week” events and pass out condoms to freshmen. They talk a lot about “consent,” but very little about respect, caring, or good judgment. Plying a “yes” out of someone is all that matters.</p>
<p>In an environment like this, the boundaries of consent begin to break down. Students—who face enormous peer pressure to participate in this free-for-all—have trouble saying “no” when they want to. Other students simply don’t respect a “no.” Add a huge amount of alcohol into the mix, and chaos ensues.</p>
<p />
<p>This is the problem that college administrators and lawmakers are trying to fix. But until they have the guts to criticize the culture on college campuses, they’ll get nowhere.</p>
<p /> | 18 |
<p><a href="" type="internal">Peter LaBarbera</a> is claiming that gays, or, as he calls them, “homosexual activists,” are are “doing to Christians” what the “Nazis used to do to the Jews.” LaBarbera, head of the <a href="http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/ideology/anti-gay/active_hate_groups" type="external">certified anti-gay hate group</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Americans For Truth About Homosexuality</a>(AFTAH), was speaking with <a href="" type="internal">Judith Reisman</a>, of Jerry Falwell’s&#160; <a href="" type="internal">Liberty University</a>. <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/labarbera-homosexual-activists-doing-to-christians-what-nazis-used-used-to-do-to-jews" type="external">Right Wing Watch</a>, which has the audio of this conversation, calls Reisman “Liberty University’s&#160; <a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/20744/her_kinsey_obsession" type="external">resident junk scientist</a>.”</p>
<p>“Homosexual activists in many ways drive our culture, they decide what’s going to be in a movie, we see all the portrayals, homosexuals are the most positively portrayed in the movies and on TV, Christians are often negatively portrayed and stereotyped,” LaBarbera claims in his conversation with Reisman. “In many ways, in fact Judith you are Jewish, I think you’re starting to see Hollywood what they’re doing to Christians and to people of faith who actually adhere to traditional values, they’re demonizing them like the Nazis used to do to the Jews. They would compare Jews to rats and we see these vicious, ugly caricatures of Christians coming out of Hollywood. How did we go from that in such a short amount of time to homosexuality being deviant conduct which wasn’t spoken about to now driving our culture?”</p>
<p>Brian Tashman at <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/labarbera-homosexual-activists-doing-to-christians-what-nazis-used-used-to-do-to-jews" type="external">Right Wing Watch</a> notes “while the two anti-gay activists in their last interview&#160; <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/labarbera-gays-muslims-power-oppressing-freedom" type="external">likened gays to Soviet spies and radical Islamists</a>, LaBarbera and Reisman went straight to the Nazi comparisons this time.” Tashman adds:</p>
<p>Reisman eagerly agreed and likened public education in the US to schools in Hitler’s Germany and said that just as Nazis put up Hitler posters instead of the Ten Commandments, “here in the United States we removed the Ten Commandments but we didn’t put up Hitler we put up the AIDS posters, which is just as telling, isn’t it?”</p>
<p>For the record, the Nazis systematically murdered “ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust" type="external">between 11 million and 17 million people</a>,” including Jewish people, gay people,&#160;Polish&#160;and&#160;Soviet&#160;civilians,&#160;Romani,&#160;communists, and&#160;Soviet prisoners of war, among many others.</p>
<p>Related:</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">‘The New Normal’ Makes LaBarbera Lament There Are No ‘Healthy, Contented Ex-Gays’ On TV</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Homosexuality: How Much Difference Lies Between US Anti-Gay Groups And Iran?</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">What Peter LaBarbera Will Never Understand</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Call For ‘Dictator’ Obama To Be Impeached For ‘Celebration Of Homosexuality’</a></p>
<p>Tagged as: <a href="" type="internal">call</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Christianity</a>, <a href="" type="internal">claims</a>, <a href="" type="internal">date of birth missing</a>, <a href="" type="internal">doing</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Gay</a>, <a href="" type="internal">gay hate groups</a>, <a href="" type="internal">gays</a>, <a href="" type="internal">human behavior</a>, <a href="" type="internal">human sexuality</a>, <a href="" type="internal">jerry falwell</a>, <a href="" type="internal">judith reisman</a>, <a href="" type="internal">labarbera</a>, <a href="" type="internal">nazis</a>, <a href="" type="internal">nazism</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Peter LaBarbera</a>, <a href="" type="internal">reisman</a>, <a href="" type="internal">social issues</a>, <a href="" type="internal">the nazis</a></p>
<p>Friends:</p>
<p>We invite you to <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001whLQo73KzGhEjdskYG07rHNy_XoDDkSBBO4INZHx6oD9kfp2yeeQAJeMQUu9oTviZa0VEl5k0rNiLifxlZsOFScMz8rVGmIaN-FFOO3GTKc%3D" type="external">sign up for our new mailing list</a>, and&#160; <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TheNewCivilRightsMovement&amp;amp;loc=en_US" type="external">subscribe to The New Civil Rights Movement via email</a> or <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/thenewcivilrightsmovement" type="external">RSS</a>.</p>
<p>Also, please&#160; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-Civil-Rights-Movement/358168880614" type="external">like us on Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/gaycivilrights" type="external">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p> | Gays Are ‘Doing To Christians’ What ‘Nazis Used To Do To Jews’ Says LaBarbera | true | http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gays-are-doing-to-christians-what-nazis-used-to-do-to-jews-says-labarbera/politics/2012/10/15/51263 | 2012-10-15 | 4left
| Gays Are ‘Doing To Christians’ What ‘Nazis Used To Do To Jews’ Says LaBarbera
<p><a href="" type="internal">Peter LaBarbera</a> is claiming that gays, or, as he calls them, “homosexual activists,” are are “doing to Christians” what the “Nazis used to do to the Jews.” LaBarbera, head of the <a href="http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/ideology/anti-gay/active_hate_groups" type="external">certified anti-gay hate group</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Americans For Truth About Homosexuality</a>(AFTAH), was speaking with <a href="" type="internal">Judith Reisman</a>, of Jerry Falwell’s&#160; <a href="" type="internal">Liberty University</a>. <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/labarbera-homosexual-activists-doing-to-christians-what-nazis-used-used-to-do-to-jews" type="external">Right Wing Watch</a>, which has the audio of this conversation, calls Reisman “Liberty University’s&#160; <a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/20744/her_kinsey_obsession" type="external">resident junk scientist</a>.”</p>
<p>“Homosexual activists in many ways drive our culture, they decide what’s going to be in a movie, we see all the portrayals, homosexuals are the most positively portrayed in the movies and on TV, Christians are often negatively portrayed and stereotyped,” LaBarbera claims in his conversation with Reisman. “In many ways, in fact Judith you are Jewish, I think you’re starting to see Hollywood what they’re doing to Christians and to people of faith who actually adhere to traditional values, they’re demonizing them like the Nazis used to do to the Jews. They would compare Jews to rats and we see these vicious, ugly caricatures of Christians coming out of Hollywood. How did we go from that in such a short amount of time to homosexuality being deviant conduct which wasn’t spoken about to now driving our culture?”</p>
<p>Brian Tashman at <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/labarbera-homosexual-activists-doing-to-christians-what-nazis-used-used-to-do-to-jews" type="external">Right Wing Watch</a> notes “while the two anti-gay activists in their last interview&#160; <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/labarbera-gays-muslims-power-oppressing-freedom" type="external">likened gays to Soviet spies and radical Islamists</a>, LaBarbera and Reisman went straight to the Nazi comparisons this time.” Tashman adds:</p>
<p>Reisman eagerly agreed and likened public education in the US to schools in Hitler’s Germany and said that just as Nazis put up Hitler posters instead of the Ten Commandments, “here in the United States we removed the Ten Commandments but we didn’t put up Hitler we put up the AIDS posters, which is just as telling, isn’t it?”</p>
<p>For the record, the Nazis systematically murdered “ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust" type="external">between 11 million and 17 million people</a>,” including Jewish people, gay people,&#160;Polish&#160;and&#160;Soviet&#160;civilians,&#160;Romani,&#160;communists, and&#160;Soviet prisoners of war, among many others.</p>
<p>Related:</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">‘The New Normal’ Makes LaBarbera Lament There Are No ‘Healthy, Contented Ex-Gays’ On TV</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Homosexuality: How Much Difference Lies Between US Anti-Gay Groups And Iran?</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">What Peter LaBarbera Will Never Understand</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Call For ‘Dictator’ Obama To Be Impeached For ‘Celebration Of Homosexuality’</a></p>
<p>Tagged as: <a href="" type="internal">call</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Christianity</a>, <a href="" type="internal">claims</a>, <a href="" type="internal">date of birth missing</a>, <a href="" type="internal">doing</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Gay</a>, <a href="" type="internal">gay hate groups</a>, <a href="" type="internal">gays</a>, <a href="" type="internal">human behavior</a>, <a href="" type="internal">human sexuality</a>, <a href="" type="internal">jerry falwell</a>, <a href="" type="internal">judith reisman</a>, <a href="" type="internal">labarbera</a>, <a href="" type="internal">nazis</a>, <a href="" type="internal">nazism</a>, <a href="" type="internal">Peter LaBarbera</a>, <a href="" type="internal">reisman</a>, <a href="" type="internal">social issues</a>, <a href="" type="internal">the nazis</a></p>
<p>Friends:</p>
<p>We invite you to <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001whLQo73KzGhEjdskYG07rHNy_XoDDkSBBO4INZHx6oD9kfp2yeeQAJeMQUu9oTviZa0VEl5k0rNiLifxlZsOFScMz8rVGmIaN-FFOO3GTKc%3D" type="external">sign up for our new mailing list</a>, and&#160; <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TheNewCivilRightsMovement&amp;amp;loc=en_US" type="external">subscribe to The New Civil Rights Movement via email</a> or <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/thenewcivilrightsmovement" type="external">RSS</a>.</p>
<p>Also, please&#160; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-Civil-Rights-Movement/358168880614" type="external">like us on Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/gaycivilrights" type="external">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p> | 19 |
<p>WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island public school district has been paying for a crossing guard at a private school for 18 years, now the superintendent says it needs to stop.</p>
<p>Westerly Superintendent Mark Garceau told the school committee Wednesday that the deal with St. Pius X Regional Academy came to light earlier this month when the department's payroll office was preparing for the upcoming budget.</p>
<p>The Sun <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com/News/Westerly/Regular-Westerly-School-Committee-meeting.html" type="external">reports</a> that Garceau said the crossing guard was costing the school district about $5,000 a year. He called the principal of St. Pius X to tell her the situation would end.</p>
<p>The Catholic school's principal said the crossing guard is important because the school is on a dangerous street.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The Westerly Sun, <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com" type="external">http://www.thewesterlysun.com</a></p>
<p>WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island public school district has been paying for a crossing guard at a private school for 18 years, now the superintendent says it needs to stop.</p>
<p>Westerly Superintendent Mark Garceau told the school committee Wednesday that the deal with St. Pius X Regional Academy came to light earlier this month when the department's payroll office was preparing for the upcoming budget.</p>
<p>The Sun <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com/News/Westerly/Regular-Westerly-School-Committee-meeting.html" type="external">reports</a> that Garceau said the crossing guard was costing the school district about $5,000 a year. He called the principal of St. Pius X to tell her the situation would end.</p>
<p>The Catholic school's principal said the crossing guard is important because the school is on a dangerous street.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The Westerly Sun, <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com" type="external">http://www.thewesterlysun.com</a></p> | Public schools paid for private school crossing guard | false | https://apnews.com/amp/7c227a05ec494cdd9eb9ce1218263b47 | 2018-01-25 | 2least
| Public schools paid for private school crossing guard
<p>WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island public school district has been paying for a crossing guard at a private school for 18 years, now the superintendent says it needs to stop.</p>
<p>Westerly Superintendent Mark Garceau told the school committee Wednesday that the deal with St. Pius X Regional Academy came to light earlier this month when the department's payroll office was preparing for the upcoming budget.</p>
<p>The Sun <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com/News/Westerly/Regular-Westerly-School-Committee-meeting.html" type="external">reports</a> that Garceau said the crossing guard was costing the school district about $5,000 a year. He called the principal of St. Pius X to tell her the situation would end.</p>
<p>The Catholic school's principal said the crossing guard is important because the school is on a dangerous street.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The Westerly Sun, <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com" type="external">http://www.thewesterlysun.com</a></p>
<p>WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island public school district has been paying for a crossing guard at a private school for 18 years, now the superintendent says it needs to stop.</p>
<p>Westerly Superintendent Mark Garceau told the school committee Wednesday that the deal with St. Pius X Regional Academy came to light earlier this month when the department's payroll office was preparing for the upcoming budget.</p>
<p>The Sun <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com/News/Westerly/Regular-Westerly-School-Committee-meeting.html" type="external">reports</a> that Garceau said the crossing guard was costing the school district about $5,000 a year. He called the principal of St. Pius X to tell her the situation would end.</p>
<p>The Catholic school's principal said the crossing guard is important because the school is on a dangerous street.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Information from: The Westerly Sun, <a href="http://www.thewesterlysun.com" type="external">http://www.thewesterlysun.com</a></p> | 20 |
<p>Staples announced Tuesday that it would close 60 of its stores mostly in Europe to cut $250 million by 2015.</p>
<p>Europe will see 45 stores closed while the US stores will see total square footage reduced by 15 percent.</p>
<p>The move is part of a restructuring in which the office supply giant likely hopes to sell off its European printing business while strengthening its online presence.</p>
<p>Office supply retailers like Staples have been badly bruised in the recession during which business customers declined.</p>
<p>They have also had to face growing competition from online retailers like Amazon, while dealing with an increasingly paper-less world, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2012/09/25/staples-plans-restructuring-and-store-closings-but-no-word-of-sale/" type="external">said the Wall Street Journal</a>.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/china/120925/top-11-wealthiest-economy-slowdown-finance" type="external">Meet the top 11 wealthiest people in China</a></p>
<p>The company reported a large fall of its net income in the first and second quarters of the fiscal year, <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Staples-to-Close-60-Stores-in-Plan-to-Save-250-3893495.php" type="external">said Bloomberg</a>, and has been hurt by a lack of job creation in the US and Europe.</p>
<p>Foot traffic is also down at Staples stores across the country and in Europe in particular, <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0925/Staples-speeds-up-store-closures-focuses-online" type="external">said the Christian Science Monitor</a>.</p>
<p>Apart from closing stores and increasing its online presence, the company also named a new executive, Demos Parneros to run its US retail and online division, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2012/09/25/staples-plans-restructuring-and-store-closings-but-no-word-of-sale/" type="external">said the Wall Street Journal</a>.</p>
<p>The Framingham, Mass., company currently operates in 26 countries and on every continent except Africa.</p>
<p>Staples's stock slipped 5 cents to $12.30 with the news of the shake-up.</p> | Staples says its closing 60 stores, mostly in Europe, to cut costs | false | https://pri.org/stories/2012-09-26/staples-says-its-closing-60-stores-mostly-europe-cut-costs | 2012-09-26 | 3left-center
| Staples says its closing 60 stores, mostly in Europe, to cut costs
<p>Staples announced Tuesday that it would close 60 of its stores mostly in Europe to cut $250 million by 2015.</p>
<p>Europe will see 45 stores closed while the US stores will see total square footage reduced by 15 percent.</p>
<p>The move is part of a restructuring in which the office supply giant likely hopes to sell off its European printing business while strengthening its online presence.</p>
<p>Office supply retailers like Staples have been badly bruised in the recession during which business customers declined.</p>
<p>They have also had to face growing competition from online retailers like Amazon, while dealing with an increasingly paper-less world, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2012/09/25/staples-plans-restructuring-and-store-closings-but-no-word-of-sale/" type="external">said the Wall Street Journal</a>.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/china/120925/top-11-wealthiest-economy-slowdown-finance" type="external">Meet the top 11 wealthiest people in China</a></p>
<p>The company reported a large fall of its net income in the first and second quarters of the fiscal year, <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloomberg/article/Staples-to-Close-60-Stores-in-Plan-to-Save-250-3893495.php" type="external">said Bloomberg</a>, and has been hurt by a lack of job creation in the US and Europe.</p>
<p>Foot traffic is also down at Staples stores across the country and in Europe in particular, <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0925/Staples-speeds-up-store-closures-focuses-online" type="external">said the Christian Science Monitor</a>.</p>
<p>Apart from closing stores and increasing its online presence, the company also named a new executive, Demos Parneros to run its US retail and online division, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2012/09/25/staples-plans-restructuring-and-store-closings-but-no-word-of-sale/" type="external">said the Wall Street Journal</a>.</p>
<p>The Framingham, Mass., company currently operates in 26 countries and on every continent except Africa.</p>
<p>Staples's stock slipped 5 cents to $12.30 with the news of the shake-up.</p> | 21 |
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<p />
<p>— David L. Otero, Albuquerque</p>
<p>WOW! LEAVE IT UP to the Journal to wax poetic, AGAIN, about anything Rio Rancho! Now, praising a former eighth-grader who left for all places, Texas, without a mention of two native New Mexicans who represented at NCAA Wrestling tourney. Awesome job Eric Montoya from Volcano Vista … and Rico Montoya from Robertson. Stick to news about Albuquerque, Journal!</p>
<p>— Tony Duran</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Thanks for the heads up. Eric Montoya won four matches at the NCAAs for Nebraska and finished in sixth place at 133 pounds. Rico Montoya of (Las Vegas) Robertson, competing at Northern Colorado, lost twice at the NCAAs. He&#160; finished fourth in the Big 12 tournament.&#160; — Randy, Journal</p>
<p>MOST OF US wanted to see former Lobo Cullen Neal, now playing for Ole Miss, do well in the NIT. I’m not sure, however, what coach Neal was thinking while promoting Rebel basketball on national TV in an Ole Miss T-shirt. Given that UNM compensates him almost $1 million per year, how about a Lobo shirt? …</p>
<p>— Lobo (Not Rebel) BB Fan</p>
<p>C’MON ANTHONY Mathis … please don’t transfer.</p>
<p>— Fran</p>
<p>HAIL THE RETURN of the jerseys! (and the cleats and helmet … )!</p>
<p>— Patricia Murphy</p>
<p>A ROD AND J LO are now an item. Luckily, there are no innocent bystanders.</p>
<p>— Larry the VOL</p>
<p>CONGRATULATIONS TO the NMSU men’s and women’s basketball teams. Thank you to Coach Weir and to Coach Trakh for your dedication to prepare these student-athletes for competition at the highest level. Go Aggies!</p>
<p>— Aggie Nation</p> | Speak Up! Journal, Cibola High alumni doing big things applauded | false | https://abqjournal.com/974236/speak-up-journal-cibola-high-alumni-doing-big-things-applauded.html | 2least
| Speak Up! Journal, Cibola High alumni doing big things applauded
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>— David L. Otero, Albuquerque</p>
<p>WOW! LEAVE IT UP to the Journal to wax poetic, AGAIN, about anything Rio Rancho! Now, praising a former eighth-grader who left for all places, Texas, without a mention of two native New Mexicans who represented at NCAA Wrestling tourney. Awesome job Eric Montoya from Volcano Vista … and Rico Montoya from Robertson. Stick to news about Albuquerque, Journal!</p>
<p>— Tony Duran</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Thanks for the heads up. Eric Montoya won four matches at the NCAAs for Nebraska and finished in sixth place at 133 pounds. Rico Montoya of (Las Vegas) Robertson, competing at Northern Colorado, lost twice at the NCAAs. He&#160; finished fourth in the Big 12 tournament.&#160; — Randy, Journal</p>
<p>MOST OF US wanted to see former Lobo Cullen Neal, now playing for Ole Miss, do well in the NIT. I’m not sure, however, what coach Neal was thinking while promoting Rebel basketball on national TV in an Ole Miss T-shirt. Given that UNM compensates him almost $1 million per year, how about a Lobo shirt? …</p>
<p>— Lobo (Not Rebel) BB Fan</p>
<p>C’MON ANTHONY Mathis … please don’t transfer.</p>
<p>— Fran</p>
<p>HAIL THE RETURN of the jerseys! (and the cleats and helmet … )!</p>
<p>— Patricia Murphy</p>
<p>A ROD AND J LO are now an item. Luckily, there are no innocent bystanders.</p>
<p>— Larry the VOL</p>
<p>CONGRATULATIONS TO the NMSU men’s and women’s basketball teams. Thank you to Coach Weir and to Coach Trakh for your dedication to prepare these student-athletes for competition at the highest level. Go Aggies!</p>
<p>— Aggie Nation</p> | 22 |
|
<p>Chris Matthews was on a roll last night.&#160; First it was the fawning interview with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on her new role as the DNC Chairman, then it was this segment about Donald Trump, where he compared Fox News to being a roach motel for Republican candidates.</p>
<p />
<p>Visit msnbc.com for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com" type="external">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" type="external">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" type="external">news about the economy</a></p>
<p>Matthews: By the way, working at Fox has kind of turned out to be kind of the roach motel. I mean anybody who's going over there to work seems like they're getting the sticky stuff on the floor over there. They haven't been able to come back.</p>
<p>Any real or perceived implosion by prospective Republican candidates as a result of their appearances on Fox would be of their own doing and has nothing to do with being associated with Fox. But for liberals like Matthews any chance to link conservative or Republican failure to Fox, no matter how much it strains credulity, is just too good to pass up.</p>
<p>But who needs real facts when you have Chris Matthews?</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | MSNBC's Matthews Calls Fox News a 'Roach Motel' for GOP Candidates | true | http://aim.org/don-irvine-blog/msnbcs-matthews-calls-fox-news-a-roach-motel-for-gop-candidates/ | 2011-04-15 | 0right
| MSNBC's Matthews Calls Fox News a 'Roach Motel' for GOP Candidates
<p>Chris Matthews was on a roll last night.&#160; First it was the fawning interview with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz on her new role as the DNC Chairman, then it was this segment about Donald Trump, where he compared Fox News to being a roach motel for Republican candidates.</p>
<p />
<p>Visit msnbc.com for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com" type="external">breaking news</a>, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032507" type="external">world news</a>, and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032072" type="external">news about the economy</a></p>
<p>Matthews: By the way, working at Fox has kind of turned out to be kind of the roach motel. I mean anybody who's going over there to work seems like they're getting the sticky stuff on the floor over there. They haven't been able to come back.</p>
<p>Any real or perceived implosion by prospective Republican candidates as a result of their appearances on Fox would be of their own doing and has nothing to do with being associated with Fox. But for liberals like Matthews any chance to link conservative or Republican failure to Fox, no matter how much it strains credulity, is just too good to pass up.</p>
<p>But who needs real facts when you have Chris Matthews?</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | 23 |
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<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Richardson is suspending all hiring during the transition.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>“We took decisive action two years ago to severely restrict hiring, which has shrunk state government by more than 2,000 employees and saved tens of millions of dollars,” Richardson said in a statement. “However, in an effort to work with Governor-Elect, I am suspending all hiring during the transition.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Richardson created a more restrictive hiring process in fall 2009, the statement said. He took away the ability of state agencies to hire new employees without justification. Agency heads during the past two years have been required to justify a critical need and get approval from the State Personnel Office and the Department of Finance &amp; Administration for each new hire.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>From now on, executive branch agencies will not be allowed to hire new employees.</p> | Richardson Says No More Executive Branch Hires For The Rest Of The Year | false | https://abqjournal.com/10136/richardson-says-no-more-executive-branch-hires-for-the-rest-of-the-year.html | 2least
| Richardson Says No More Executive Branch Hires For The Rest Of The Year
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Richardson is suspending all hiring during the transition.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>“We took decisive action two years ago to severely restrict hiring, which has shrunk state government by more than 2,000 employees and saved tens of millions of dollars,” Richardson said in a statement. “However, in an effort to work with Governor-Elect, I am suspending all hiring during the transition.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Richardson created a more restrictive hiring process in fall 2009, the statement said. He took away the ability of state agencies to hire new employees without justification. Agency heads during the past two years have been required to justify a critical need and get approval from the State Personnel Office and the Department of Finance &amp; Administration for each new hire.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>From now on, executive branch agencies will not be allowed to hire new employees.</p> | 24 |
|
<p />
<p>International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Thursday she believes the IMF can work successfully with the Trump administration to improve the global trading system, but added that open trade must be preserved as a growth engine.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Lagarde told a news conference at the opening of the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington that the IMF saw the need to reduce subsidies and other trade distortions that limit competition, but also said "protectionist measures" needed to be avoided.</p>
<p>"From the various contacts that I've had with the administration so far, I have every reason to believe that we will make progress, that we will cooperate all together in order to support and indeed improve the system as we have it," Lagarde said. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Paul Simao)</p> | Lagarde: IMF can Cooperate with Trump to Improve Global Trade | true | http://foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/04/20/lagarde-imf-can-cooperate-with-trump-to-improve-global-trade.html | 2017-04-20 | 0right
| Lagarde: IMF can Cooperate with Trump to Improve Global Trade
<p />
<p>International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Thursday she believes the IMF can work successfully with the Trump administration to improve the global trading system, but added that open trade must be preserved as a growth engine.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Lagarde told a news conference at the opening of the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington that the IMF saw the need to reduce subsidies and other trade distortions that limit competition, but also said "protectionist measures" needed to be avoided.</p>
<p>"From the various contacts that I've had with the administration so far, I have every reason to believe that we will make progress, that we will cooperate all together in order to support and indeed improve the system as we have it," Lagarde said. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Paul Simao)</p> | 25 |
<p>Empires die.&#160; Some abruptly, by cataclysmic defeat and destruction; most in stages, over years, decades.&#160; Our own meltdown–early in the fantasized “New American Century”–will not be exceptional… unlike our arrogance.</p>
<p>When human injury results in coma, a victim is assessed on the Glasgow Coma Scale.&#160; Eye function, and sound and motion capability, indicate if death is imminent or not.</p>
<p>Empires’ ends are unpredictable, but three criteria seem determinant: military overreach, state insolvency, and economic inequity.</p>
<p>Our overreach is obvious, ridiculous, and inalterable: our criminal economy demands it.&#160; America attacks, invades, and destroys so our murderous war machine can engorge itself on wealth extracted from our own blood and marrow.</p>
<p>Our State–absolutely insolvent, existing on loans–runs a giant shell game using keystroke fiat money on nations so gigantically bankrupt, so utterly captive, that they have to accept the wildly bogus dollar’s value or crash and burn.</p>
<p>Economic inequity is at a level unmatched in any empire since Ninevah and all financial levers work to increase it.</p>
<p>So then, for America, is it all over but the shouting?</p>
<p>Or can this absurdly precarious condition continue?&#160; It probably can, until a Black Swan event roars out of the dark and sweeps the whole moribund structure away.</p>
<p>So, a clumsily provoked war, perhaps, against a real adversary, not one of the tiny, poor, primitive “enemies” that routinely stalemate our glitzy war machine.&#160; Or a category 5 typhoon of 200 trillion in derivatives that blows Wall Street’s house down?&#160; A “people’s revolution”..?&#160; Nah.</p>
<p>The unique feature of our Empire may be the stunning contrast between its ponderous material might and the imbecility of its human owners.&#160; Wherever one looks in the stratosphere of American authority, instead of wisdom and probity there is rabid vacuity or what-me-worry bufoonery.</p>
<p>Our President is the incarnation of infantile autism.&#160; His Braindead Trust of dotty warlords are brass boobs with the intellectual acuity of ventriloquists’ dummies.&#160; His cabinet is a looney gaggle of retro clowns and Snerd goofuses, embarrassing even to that stumblebum Congress of sociopathic criminals and defectives that confirmed them.</p>
<p>And the Goldberg Machine of US Empire churns on.&#160; And so it goes, as Vonnegut said.&#160; In his view humans were put on earth to fart around, and this seems certain in our case.</p>
<p>But listen!&#160; The sound you hear behind the idiocy of official fake news is the tectonic rumble of imperial earthquake.</p> | How Long, America? | true | https://counterpunch.org/2017/10/02/how-long-america-2/ | 2017-10-02 | 4left
| How Long, America?
<p>Empires die.&#160; Some abruptly, by cataclysmic defeat and destruction; most in stages, over years, decades.&#160; Our own meltdown–early in the fantasized “New American Century”–will not be exceptional… unlike our arrogance.</p>
<p>When human injury results in coma, a victim is assessed on the Glasgow Coma Scale.&#160; Eye function, and sound and motion capability, indicate if death is imminent or not.</p>
<p>Empires’ ends are unpredictable, but three criteria seem determinant: military overreach, state insolvency, and economic inequity.</p>
<p>Our overreach is obvious, ridiculous, and inalterable: our criminal economy demands it.&#160; America attacks, invades, and destroys so our murderous war machine can engorge itself on wealth extracted from our own blood and marrow.</p>
<p>Our State–absolutely insolvent, existing on loans–runs a giant shell game using keystroke fiat money on nations so gigantically bankrupt, so utterly captive, that they have to accept the wildly bogus dollar’s value or crash and burn.</p>
<p>Economic inequity is at a level unmatched in any empire since Ninevah and all financial levers work to increase it.</p>
<p>So then, for America, is it all over but the shouting?</p>
<p>Or can this absurdly precarious condition continue?&#160; It probably can, until a Black Swan event roars out of the dark and sweeps the whole moribund structure away.</p>
<p>So, a clumsily provoked war, perhaps, against a real adversary, not one of the tiny, poor, primitive “enemies” that routinely stalemate our glitzy war machine.&#160; Or a category 5 typhoon of 200 trillion in derivatives that blows Wall Street’s house down?&#160; A “people’s revolution”..?&#160; Nah.</p>
<p>The unique feature of our Empire may be the stunning contrast between its ponderous material might and the imbecility of its human owners.&#160; Wherever one looks in the stratosphere of American authority, instead of wisdom and probity there is rabid vacuity or what-me-worry bufoonery.</p>
<p>Our President is the incarnation of infantile autism.&#160; His Braindead Trust of dotty warlords are brass boobs with the intellectual acuity of ventriloquists’ dummies.&#160; His cabinet is a looney gaggle of retro clowns and Snerd goofuses, embarrassing even to that stumblebum Congress of sociopathic criminals and defectives that confirmed them.</p>
<p>And the Goldberg Machine of US Empire churns on.&#160; And so it goes, as Vonnegut said.&#160; In his view humans were put on earth to fart around, and this seems certain in our case.</p>
<p>But listen!&#160; The sound you hear behind the idiocy of official fake news is the tectonic rumble of imperial earthquake.</p> | 26 |
<p>I jumped in the car with two of the young people, and I drove to Selma, late at night, got there at three or four in the morning, got our sleeping bags out, got up the next morning, got dressed, went to the church, and we lined up and we marched. The rest is history.</p>
<p>As the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom approaches, the spirit of protest seems to be rekindling in many parts of the country. The Dream Defenders remain camped out in the Florida capitol, demanding justice for Trayvon Martin and an end to racial profiling; North Carolina's <a href="" type="internal">Moral Monday protesters</a> have rallied and committed civil disobedience each week, defying the far-right agenda of their state legislators. In New York, the <a href="" type="internal">coalition against stop and frisk</a> won its victory in court, but it took organizing, rallying, and yes, marching, to make it happen.</p>
<p>It's a good time, then, for a new memoir by congressman and 1960s civil rights leader John Lewis. In March: Book One, out today from <a href="http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/march/760" type="external">Top Shelf Productions</a>, Lewis' history and the highs and lows of the civil rights movement are brought to life—vividly, as the memoir is in comic format.</p>
<p>The first of three books follows a young Lewis from his family's farm in Alabama to college and to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), to lunch counter sit-ins, jail cells and a showdown with the mayor of Nashville. Co-written by Andrew Aydin, a staffer who's been with Lewis for years, and drawn by award-winning comics artist Nate Powell, the book makes history feel real and present in a way that few accounts of civil rights legends have managed to.</p>
<p>Lewis and Aydin sat down with me during a visit to New York to discuss the new comic, their goal of inspiring and instructing a new generation, and where they're finding hope these days.</p>
<p>Sarah Jaffe: This book is the first of three volumes, all with the title March. Why did you pick that title?</p>
<p>John Lewis: March is the spring, it's life, it's the beginning. So much happened in March. But it's also moving feet.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: There was a quote that stuck with us very early on, it was something Dr. King said: “There's no sound more powerful than the marching feet of the determined people.”</p>
<p>But March is so many different things. It is the need to march. It is March 7, 1965. There's so much meaning behind it, it seemed almost self-evident.</p>
<p>Book 2 contains a very famous march. During the movement, the Congressman was so committed to action. There were so many moments where people wanted to talk, and he wanted to do. There's this scene in Book 2, when they're saying the violence is getting to be too much, we have to work out a solution, and they'd turn to John Lewis and say, “What do you think we should do?” And he would say, “We should just march.”</p>
<p>They would ask him again and he would say, “We should just march.” Finally they say, “John, everything you're saying is that we should march, but people are going to get hurt, people are going to get killed, it's your own foolish pride that's getting involved with that, you're just nothing but a sinner.”</p>
<p>And he's like, “I may be a sinner, but we're gonna march.”</p>
<p>It so typifies his view on how to get things done. We can sit around and talk about it, we can make speeches, but really when it comes down to it, the hard part is doing the work. Taking action.</p>
<p>John Lewis: This may sound a little self-serving here, but my own organization, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, objected to the march in Selma. We had an all-night discussion, a debate whether we should march. It's clear to me that I should march. And I said, “I've been to Selma many many times, I've stood in line at the courthouse, I've been arrested, I've been to jail there. The local people want to march, and I'm going to march.”</p>
<p>So I jumped in the car with two of the young people, and I drove to Selma, late at night, got there at three or four in the morning, got our sleeping bags out, got up the next morning, got dressed, went to the church, and we lined up and we marched. The rest is history.</p>
<p>Sometimes you just have to do what your spirit says do. Go for it.</p>
<p>Why did you decide to do this as a comic?&#160;</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: I was working for the Congressman on the 2008 campaign as his press secretary, and we started talking about what we were going to do after we had our nights and weekends back. I admitted I was going to a comic book convention—in politics that gets you laughs, snickers, a little jeering. But the Congressman said, “You know, there was a comic book during the movement and it was incredibly influential.” That comic book was “ <a href="http://www.ep.tc/mlk/" type="external">Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story</a>.”</p>
<p>I went home that night, Googled it, and read the story about how it <a href="http://theubs.com/features/themontstory.php" type="external">inspired the Greensboro 4</a>. I came back the next day and asked him “Why don't you write a comic book?”&#160;</p>
<p>The Congressman looked at me like I was crazy there for a second, but we talked about the comic from the '50s, and a couple weeks later I asked again, and the Congressman said, “OK, but only if you write it with me.”</p>
<p>It just seemed to make sense, the idea of a comic book inspiring young people to get involved and also teaching them the tactics.</p>
<p>The book uses President Obama's inauguration as a framing device. Can you talk about the decision to do that?</p>
<p>John Lewis: People ask me from time to time whether the election of Barack Obama was the fulfillment of Martin Luther King's dream, and I say, “No, it's just a down payment.”</p>
<p>Because we're not there. More and more, people are saying that we still have a distance to travel, and that we cannot be at peace or be at home with ourselves in America until we create a truly multiracial democratic society, where no one is left behind, and it doesn't matter whether you're black or white, Latino or Asian-American or Native America, whether you're straight or gay. . And there's a way to do it. If you want to change things, you got to find a way to make some noise. You cannot be quiet.</p>
<p>The lessons of March say, This is the way another generation did it, and you, too, can follow that path, studying the way of peace, love and nonviolence, and finding a way to get in the way. Finding a way to get in trouble—good trouble, necessary trouble.</p>
<p>The book relates some of the experiences you had as a young person that led you to civil rights activism. Most people probably wouldn't think of raising chickens as a thing that would shape a civil rights leader.</p>
<p>John Lewis: It may sound sort of silly, sort of strange, but I wouldn't be the person I am today if it was not for those chickens.</p>
<p />
<p>It was my calling to take care of these innocent little creatures. I'm convinced those chickens that I preached to in the '40s and the '50s tended to listen to me much better than some of my colleagues listen to me today in the Congress. Really! Most of those chickens were a little more productive. At least they produce eggs.</p>
<p>They taught me discipline, they taught me patience, they taught me hard work and stick-to-it-ness.</p>
<p>You talk about Emmett Till's death as a pivotal moment for you, and it seems like Trayvon Martin's death has been a touchstone for a new generation of activists. Yet both of their deaths came at a time when violence against young black men was not rare. Why do you think each case hit a nerve?</p>
<p>John Lewis: I think there are certain periods in our history—just a spark. &#160;</p>
<p>I was 15 years old, working out in the field when I heard what happened. I kept thinking that it could happen to me, but especially to some of my cousins who lived in Buffalo, New York, who would come South in the summer to spend time with us.</p>
<p>A few months later, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, one thing she said in later years was, “It's not just my feet that were tired, but also, I thought about Emmett Till.” I remember that very, very well.</p>
<p>One of the things that the comic format does so well for this story is capture the violence and brutality that practitioners of nonviolence went through, both in preparation for and during actions. I particularly loved the sequence where one person quit training, saying it was too hard. Talk about the process of getting those moments on paper.</p>
<p>John Lewis: We provided the words, but [the artist] Nate Powell—I love his capacity to capture the drama, to bring it to life, to make it real. You can see it; you can feel it. Even though I lived through it, to see it there makes the words sing.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: This is very much centered around stories that I've heard the Congressman tell to all these people over the years. Nate lifted that off the paper and made it something at a whole other level. He's very good at finding a natural flow for your eye.</p>
<p>We tried make sure that it wasn't just accurate for the sake of telling the story, but accurate for the sake of instructing, so that people who have never been to a nonviolent workshop could read and understand what one was. Nate really captured that.</p>
<p>Another thing I think the book did well was capture the real work that went on behind the scenes. We're so rarely shown how many years of preparation and organizing went into making movements happen. I'd love to hear about the challenges of showing that part of the story.</p>
<p>John Lewis: The planning, the training, the nitty-gritty organizing—you may wait for days or weeks or even months before you see something. But you do it. You're consistent and you're persistent, day in and day out.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: You see how this work ethic has just been such an omnipresent force in the Congressman’s life since he was 17, 18 years old—or even before that, on the farm. I remember at several points asking “What time did that take place?” and he'd be like “Oh, 5:00, 6:00 a.m.” And you realize these are college kids. How many college kids today get up at 5:00 in the morning, much less to go to an organizing meeting before class?</p>
<p>John Lewis: On April the 19, 1960, the attorney for the Nashville movement who had defended the students, his home was bombed around 6:00 a.m. And by 6:30 or 6:45 we were in a meeting. Students came from all over the city and we made a decision—it was a consensus—that we would have a march from the heart of the student community down to city hall. We sent the mayor of the city a telegram to meet us at high noon. There were more than 4,000 students saying, “Mr. Mayor, do you favor desegregation of the lunch counters?” And the next day, the banner headline in the local paper read that the Mayor said Yes to the integration of the lunch counters.</p>
<p>It was that sense that we had to act, we had to do something, we couldn't wait.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: You always say, “You gotta get up! You can't sleep through the revolution!”</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>The anniversary of the March on Washington is approaching quickly, and it's never seemed more relevant in my lifetime. We're seeing renewed attacks on civil rights and voting rights, along with a renewed movement for racial and economic justice. How are you feeling about the present day?</p>
<p>John Lewis: In spite of all the problems and difficulties, all the apparent setbacks, delays, I feel very hopeful, very optimistic. I think we are in the process of building a very powerful movement.</p>
<p>North Carolina's governor just yesterday signed into law one of the most unbelievable pieces of legislation that would lead to a systematic, deliberate effort to suppress the votes of minorities, young people and the elderly. But in spite of that, I'm hopeful that we're going to continue to push, and it's going to start the fire for a real movement. Look at what's happening in North Carolina now, the Moral Mondays. It's a good sign. It'll spread around, not just the South, but around America.</p>
<p>What do you hope that some of those young people involved in North Carolina, camping out in the capitol in Florida, what do you hope that they take away from this comic?</p>
<p>John Lewis: It's my hope that many of the young people will have an opportunity to read March and be inspired, and see another generation got out there and did what they could, and that we too must pick up and push the ball further down the road.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: Some people have started getting advance copies, and one of them gave the book to his 9-year-old son.</p>
<p>John Lewis: It's a white man, right?</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: Yes. His kid read the book, enjoyed it, had a little trouble with Emmett Till's death, but it resonated with him, and so now he's put on a suit and is marching around his house demanding equality.</p>
<p>What does that say about what we have to look forward to?</p>
<p>John Lewis: They shall lead the way. Like the children in Birmingham and Selma, Albany, Georgia and other parts. They led the way.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: That's part of the bigger message that I think we'll really be able to get into after this book. Because the tactics that worked in Birmingham didn't necessarily work in Albany, and they had to change. Tactics in one city didn't work for every foe or every objective. From that original idea of the Montgomery bus boycott being useful as an example of successful nonviolent direct action, the whole premise is showing more and more examples of different tactics used to express different forms of opposition. As activists today look for new tactics to address their own opposition, they have inspiration and they see concrete examples of how things were reimagined but still stuck to the basic tenets, the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence.</p>
<p>Panels from March: Book One courtesy of <a href="http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/march/760" type="external">Top Shelf Productions</a>. All rights reserved.</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><a href="http://sarahljaffe.com" type="external">Sarah Jaffe</a> is a former staff writer at In These Times and author of Necessary Trouble: Americans in Revolt , which Robin D.G. Kelley called “The most compelling social and political portrait of our age.” You can follow her on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/sarahljaffe" type="external">@sarahljaffe</a>.</p> | John Lewis’ Advice for Young Activists: March | true | http://inthesetimes.com/article/15460/john_lewis_advice_for_young_activists_march/ | 2013-08-13 | 4left
| John Lewis’ Advice for Young Activists: March
<p>I jumped in the car with two of the young people, and I drove to Selma, late at night, got there at three or four in the morning, got our sleeping bags out, got up the next morning, got dressed, went to the church, and we lined up and we marched. The rest is history.</p>
<p>As the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom approaches, the spirit of protest seems to be rekindling in many parts of the country. The Dream Defenders remain camped out in the Florida capitol, demanding justice for Trayvon Martin and an end to racial profiling; North Carolina's <a href="" type="internal">Moral Monday protesters</a> have rallied and committed civil disobedience each week, defying the far-right agenda of their state legislators. In New York, the <a href="" type="internal">coalition against stop and frisk</a> won its victory in court, but it took organizing, rallying, and yes, marching, to make it happen.</p>
<p>It's a good time, then, for a new memoir by congressman and 1960s civil rights leader John Lewis. In March: Book One, out today from <a href="http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/march/760" type="external">Top Shelf Productions</a>, Lewis' history and the highs and lows of the civil rights movement are brought to life—vividly, as the memoir is in comic format.</p>
<p>The first of three books follows a young Lewis from his family's farm in Alabama to college and to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), to lunch counter sit-ins, jail cells and a showdown with the mayor of Nashville. Co-written by Andrew Aydin, a staffer who's been with Lewis for years, and drawn by award-winning comics artist Nate Powell, the book makes history feel real and present in a way that few accounts of civil rights legends have managed to.</p>
<p>Lewis and Aydin sat down with me during a visit to New York to discuss the new comic, their goal of inspiring and instructing a new generation, and where they're finding hope these days.</p>
<p>Sarah Jaffe: This book is the first of three volumes, all with the title March. Why did you pick that title?</p>
<p>John Lewis: March is the spring, it's life, it's the beginning. So much happened in March. But it's also moving feet.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: There was a quote that stuck with us very early on, it was something Dr. King said: “There's no sound more powerful than the marching feet of the determined people.”</p>
<p>But March is so many different things. It is the need to march. It is March 7, 1965. There's so much meaning behind it, it seemed almost self-evident.</p>
<p>Book 2 contains a very famous march. During the movement, the Congressman was so committed to action. There were so many moments where people wanted to talk, and he wanted to do. There's this scene in Book 2, when they're saying the violence is getting to be too much, we have to work out a solution, and they'd turn to John Lewis and say, “What do you think we should do?” And he would say, “We should just march.”</p>
<p>They would ask him again and he would say, “We should just march.” Finally they say, “John, everything you're saying is that we should march, but people are going to get hurt, people are going to get killed, it's your own foolish pride that's getting involved with that, you're just nothing but a sinner.”</p>
<p>And he's like, “I may be a sinner, but we're gonna march.”</p>
<p>It so typifies his view on how to get things done. We can sit around and talk about it, we can make speeches, but really when it comes down to it, the hard part is doing the work. Taking action.</p>
<p>John Lewis: This may sound a little self-serving here, but my own organization, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, objected to the march in Selma. We had an all-night discussion, a debate whether we should march. It's clear to me that I should march. And I said, “I've been to Selma many many times, I've stood in line at the courthouse, I've been arrested, I've been to jail there. The local people want to march, and I'm going to march.”</p>
<p>So I jumped in the car with two of the young people, and I drove to Selma, late at night, got there at three or four in the morning, got our sleeping bags out, got up the next morning, got dressed, went to the church, and we lined up and we marched. The rest is history.</p>
<p>Sometimes you just have to do what your spirit says do. Go for it.</p>
<p>Why did you decide to do this as a comic?&#160;</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: I was working for the Congressman on the 2008 campaign as his press secretary, and we started talking about what we were going to do after we had our nights and weekends back. I admitted I was going to a comic book convention—in politics that gets you laughs, snickers, a little jeering. But the Congressman said, “You know, there was a comic book during the movement and it was incredibly influential.” That comic book was “ <a href="http://www.ep.tc/mlk/" type="external">Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story</a>.”</p>
<p>I went home that night, Googled it, and read the story about how it <a href="http://theubs.com/features/themontstory.php" type="external">inspired the Greensboro 4</a>. I came back the next day and asked him “Why don't you write a comic book?”&#160;</p>
<p>The Congressman looked at me like I was crazy there for a second, but we talked about the comic from the '50s, and a couple weeks later I asked again, and the Congressman said, “OK, but only if you write it with me.”</p>
<p>It just seemed to make sense, the idea of a comic book inspiring young people to get involved and also teaching them the tactics.</p>
<p>The book uses President Obama's inauguration as a framing device. Can you talk about the decision to do that?</p>
<p>John Lewis: People ask me from time to time whether the election of Barack Obama was the fulfillment of Martin Luther King's dream, and I say, “No, it's just a down payment.”</p>
<p>Because we're not there. More and more, people are saying that we still have a distance to travel, and that we cannot be at peace or be at home with ourselves in America until we create a truly multiracial democratic society, where no one is left behind, and it doesn't matter whether you're black or white, Latino or Asian-American or Native America, whether you're straight or gay. . And there's a way to do it. If you want to change things, you got to find a way to make some noise. You cannot be quiet.</p>
<p>The lessons of March say, This is the way another generation did it, and you, too, can follow that path, studying the way of peace, love and nonviolence, and finding a way to get in the way. Finding a way to get in trouble—good trouble, necessary trouble.</p>
<p>The book relates some of the experiences you had as a young person that led you to civil rights activism. Most people probably wouldn't think of raising chickens as a thing that would shape a civil rights leader.</p>
<p>John Lewis: It may sound sort of silly, sort of strange, but I wouldn't be the person I am today if it was not for those chickens.</p>
<p />
<p>It was my calling to take care of these innocent little creatures. I'm convinced those chickens that I preached to in the '40s and the '50s tended to listen to me much better than some of my colleagues listen to me today in the Congress. Really! Most of those chickens were a little more productive. At least they produce eggs.</p>
<p>They taught me discipline, they taught me patience, they taught me hard work and stick-to-it-ness.</p>
<p>You talk about Emmett Till's death as a pivotal moment for you, and it seems like Trayvon Martin's death has been a touchstone for a new generation of activists. Yet both of their deaths came at a time when violence against young black men was not rare. Why do you think each case hit a nerve?</p>
<p>John Lewis: I think there are certain periods in our history—just a spark. &#160;</p>
<p>I was 15 years old, working out in the field when I heard what happened. I kept thinking that it could happen to me, but especially to some of my cousins who lived in Buffalo, New York, who would come South in the summer to spend time with us.</p>
<p>A few months later, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, one thing she said in later years was, “It's not just my feet that were tired, but also, I thought about Emmett Till.” I remember that very, very well.</p>
<p>One of the things that the comic format does so well for this story is capture the violence and brutality that practitioners of nonviolence went through, both in preparation for and during actions. I particularly loved the sequence where one person quit training, saying it was too hard. Talk about the process of getting those moments on paper.</p>
<p>John Lewis: We provided the words, but [the artist] Nate Powell—I love his capacity to capture the drama, to bring it to life, to make it real. You can see it; you can feel it. Even though I lived through it, to see it there makes the words sing.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: This is very much centered around stories that I've heard the Congressman tell to all these people over the years. Nate lifted that off the paper and made it something at a whole other level. He's very good at finding a natural flow for your eye.</p>
<p>We tried make sure that it wasn't just accurate for the sake of telling the story, but accurate for the sake of instructing, so that people who have never been to a nonviolent workshop could read and understand what one was. Nate really captured that.</p>
<p>Another thing I think the book did well was capture the real work that went on behind the scenes. We're so rarely shown how many years of preparation and organizing went into making movements happen. I'd love to hear about the challenges of showing that part of the story.</p>
<p>John Lewis: The planning, the training, the nitty-gritty organizing—you may wait for days or weeks or even months before you see something. But you do it. You're consistent and you're persistent, day in and day out.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: You see how this work ethic has just been such an omnipresent force in the Congressman’s life since he was 17, 18 years old—or even before that, on the farm. I remember at several points asking “What time did that take place?” and he'd be like “Oh, 5:00, 6:00 a.m.” And you realize these are college kids. How many college kids today get up at 5:00 in the morning, much less to go to an organizing meeting before class?</p>
<p>John Lewis: On April the 19, 1960, the attorney for the Nashville movement who had defended the students, his home was bombed around 6:00 a.m. And by 6:30 or 6:45 we were in a meeting. Students came from all over the city and we made a decision—it was a consensus—that we would have a march from the heart of the student community down to city hall. We sent the mayor of the city a telegram to meet us at high noon. There were more than 4,000 students saying, “Mr. Mayor, do you favor desegregation of the lunch counters?” And the next day, the banner headline in the local paper read that the Mayor said Yes to the integration of the lunch counters.</p>
<p>It was that sense that we had to act, we had to do something, we couldn't wait.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: You always say, “You gotta get up! You can't sleep through the revolution!”</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>The anniversary of the March on Washington is approaching quickly, and it's never seemed more relevant in my lifetime. We're seeing renewed attacks on civil rights and voting rights, along with a renewed movement for racial and economic justice. How are you feeling about the present day?</p>
<p>John Lewis: In spite of all the problems and difficulties, all the apparent setbacks, delays, I feel very hopeful, very optimistic. I think we are in the process of building a very powerful movement.</p>
<p>North Carolina's governor just yesterday signed into law one of the most unbelievable pieces of legislation that would lead to a systematic, deliberate effort to suppress the votes of minorities, young people and the elderly. But in spite of that, I'm hopeful that we're going to continue to push, and it's going to start the fire for a real movement. Look at what's happening in North Carolina now, the Moral Mondays. It's a good sign. It'll spread around, not just the South, but around America.</p>
<p>What do you hope that some of those young people involved in North Carolina, camping out in the capitol in Florida, what do you hope that they take away from this comic?</p>
<p>John Lewis: It's my hope that many of the young people will have an opportunity to read March and be inspired, and see another generation got out there and did what they could, and that we too must pick up and push the ball further down the road.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: Some people have started getting advance copies, and one of them gave the book to his 9-year-old son.</p>
<p>John Lewis: It's a white man, right?</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: Yes. His kid read the book, enjoyed it, had a little trouble with Emmett Till's death, but it resonated with him, and so now he's put on a suit and is marching around his house demanding equality.</p>
<p>What does that say about what we have to look forward to?</p>
<p>John Lewis: They shall lead the way. Like the children in Birmingham and Selma, Albany, Georgia and other parts. They led the way.</p>
<p>Andrew Aydin: That's part of the bigger message that I think we'll really be able to get into after this book. Because the tactics that worked in Birmingham didn't necessarily work in Albany, and they had to change. Tactics in one city didn't work for every foe or every objective. From that original idea of the Montgomery bus boycott being useful as an example of successful nonviolent direct action, the whole premise is showing more and more examples of different tactics used to express different forms of opposition. As activists today look for new tactics to address their own opposition, they have inspiration and they see concrete examples of how things were reimagined but still stuck to the basic tenets, the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence.</p>
<p>Panels from March: Book One courtesy of <a href="http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/march/760" type="external">Top Shelf Productions</a>. All rights reserved.</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><a href="http://sarahljaffe.com" type="external">Sarah Jaffe</a> is a former staff writer at In These Times and author of Necessary Trouble: Americans in Revolt , which Robin D.G. Kelley called “The most compelling social and political portrait of our age.” You can follow her on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/sarahljaffe" type="external">@sarahljaffe</a>.</p> | 27 |
<p>The President of the United States left Washington, D.C. this Saturday, but didn’t head south to his luxury Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach as usual. Instead Donald Trump went up to Pennsylvania to deliver a campaign speech on behalf of Rick Saccone, who is at risk of losing to Democrat Conner Lamb next Tuesday in a district that Trump won by twenty points. The rally was reminiscent of Trump’s aimless campaign speeches in 2016 where he pontificated like a mad evangelist for an hour or more.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewsCorpse/posts/2069608633053921" type="external" /></p>
<p>In keeping with his practice of shrieking sermonizing, Trump made a point of attacking what he considers the the scourge of his existence: the media (video below). He rattled off the sort of derogatory slander that would ordinarily be reserved for bitter enemies of all that is righteous. It was a storm of damnation, both personal and broadly general.</p>
<p>For instance, Trump lashed out at NBC’s Meet the Press calling it “A show now headed by sleepy eyes Chuck Todd. He’s a sleeping son of a bitch, I’ll tell ya.” Remember, this speech was at a daytime rally with children present. He also went after an unnamed “certain anchor on CNN” who he said was “fake as hell, CNN. The worst. So fake. Fake news.” And he wasn’t letting NBC off either. He ranted that they were “perhaps worse than CNN, I have to tell you. And MSNBC is horrible.” Continuing down that path of raw animosity he called MSNBC “third rate. And NBC, which is horrible. Their newscast, by the way is not doing well. On NBC network. They’re heading down the tubes.”</p>
<p>This might be a good time to inject some facts into the discussion. NBC’s newscast anchored by Lester Holt has <a href="http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/evening-news-ratings-week-of-dec-25-q4-2017/353818" type="external">won ten consecutive quarters</a> in the key advertising demographic of 25-54 year olds. They were also <a href="http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/in-february-world-news-tonight-wins-the-evenings-while-today-takes-mornings/358741" type="external">number one</a> in the most recent sweeps period of February 2018. And their morning news program, the Today Show, topped their competition (ABC’s Good Morning America and CBS This Morning) in both the demo and total viewers. As for MSNBC, Rachel Maddow has been <a href="" type="internal">beating Trump’s BFF</a> Sean Hannity on a regular basis.</p>
<p>But Trump wasn’t about to let mere reality interfere with his delusions. He went on to make a ludicrous and utterly nonsensical prediction about the media that he despises so, and which he is convinced hates him. Pointing to the press at the rally he said…</p>
<p>“Six months prior to the election, every one of those guys – ‘We really endorse Donald Trump. We think he has to win.’ You know why? Because if I don’t win the election their ratings are gonna go so far down they’re gonna be out of business, every one of them.”</p>
<p>WTF is he trying to say here? That the media that he accuses of trying to destroy him will suddenly reason that it’s in their interest to support him? If that’s true, then why wouldn’t they support him now for the same reasons? What’s more, he’s implying that the media’s surging ratings are the result of having him around to attack. Which means that more viewers are watching because they enjoy seeing him get hammered. That’s actually true. Every poll shows that Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president ever recorded. So people probably are happy to see him get cut down by responsible journalists whose reporting of Trump’s failures is just part their job.</p>
<p>The tone that Trump sets in these rallies is decidedly hostile and un-American. He praises China’s Xi Jinping, who just maneuvered himself into being president for life (of which <a href="" type="internal">Trump is envious</a>). He declares that he blindly trusts Kim Jong Un’s promise to refrain from missile and nuclear testing. He protects Vladimir Putin’s Russia from sanctions mandated by Congress as punishment for their election tampering. Trump speaks of these and other anti-democratic tyrants in radiantly glowing terms. But he viciously insults fellow Americans who practice their Constitutionally protected right to freedom of the press. And he thinks that’s how to MAGA – or KAG, as he now says (Keep America Gross).</p>
<p>How Fox News Deceives and Controls Their Flock: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QSSMOES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00QSSMOES&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=newscorpsecom-20&amp;linkId=TLI6JC2OYE22MUTS" type="external">Fox Nation vs. Reality: The Fox News Cult of Ignorance.</a> Available now at Amazon.</p>
<p /> | In Unhinged Speech Trump Slobbers Over Foreign Despots While Attacking America’s Free Press | true | http://newscorpse.com/ncWP/?p%3D31230 | 4left
| In Unhinged Speech Trump Slobbers Over Foreign Despots While Attacking America’s Free Press
<p>The President of the United States left Washington, D.C. this Saturday, but didn’t head south to his luxury Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach as usual. Instead Donald Trump went up to Pennsylvania to deliver a campaign speech on behalf of Rick Saccone, who is at risk of losing to Democrat Conner Lamb next Tuesday in a district that Trump won by twenty points. The rally was reminiscent of Trump’s aimless campaign speeches in 2016 where he pontificated like a mad evangelist for an hour or more.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewsCorpse/posts/2069608633053921" type="external" /></p>
<p>In keeping with his practice of shrieking sermonizing, Trump made a point of attacking what he considers the the scourge of his existence: the media (video below). He rattled off the sort of derogatory slander that would ordinarily be reserved for bitter enemies of all that is righteous. It was a storm of damnation, both personal and broadly general.</p>
<p>For instance, Trump lashed out at NBC’s Meet the Press calling it “A show now headed by sleepy eyes Chuck Todd. He’s a sleeping son of a bitch, I’ll tell ya.” Remember, this speech was at a daytime rally with children present. He also went after an unnamed “certain anchor on CNN” who he said was “fake as hell, CNN. The worst. So fake. Fake news.” And he wasn’t letting NBC off either. He ranted that they were “perhaps worse than CNN, I have to tell you. And MSNBC is horrible.” Continuing down that path of raw animosity he called MSNBC “third rate. And NBC, which is horrible. Their newscast, by the way is not doing well. On NBC network. They’re heading down the tubes.”</p>
<p>This might be a good time to inject some facts into the discussion. NBC’s newscast anchored by Lester Holt has <a href="http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/evening-news-ratings-week-of-dec-25-q4-2017/353818" type="external">won ten consecutive quarters</a> in the key advertising demographic of 25-54 year olds. They were also <a href="http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/in-february-world-news-tonight-wins-the-evenings-while-today-takes-mornings/358741" type="external">number one</a> in the most recent sweeps period of February 2018. And their morning news program, the Today Show, topped their competition (ABC’s Good Morning America and CBS This Morning) in both the demo and total viewers. As for MSNBC, Rachel Maddow has been <a href="" type="internal">beating Trump’s BFF</a> Sean Hannity on a regular basis.</p>
<p>But Trump wasn’t about to let mere reality interfere with his delusions. He went on to make a ludicrous and utterly nonsensical prediction about the media that he despises so, and which he is convinced hates him. Pointing to the press at the rally he said…</p>
<p>“Six months prior to the election, every one of those guys – ‘We really endorse Donald Trump. We think he has to win.’ You know why? Because if I don’t win the election their ratings are gonna go so far down they’re gonna be out of business, every one of them.”</p>
<p>WTF is he trying to say here? That the media that he accuses of trying to destroy him will suddenly reason that it’s in their interest to support him? If that’s true, then why wouldn’t they support him now for the same reasons? What’s more, he’s implying that the media’s surging ratings are the result of having him around to attack. Which means that more viewers are watching because they enjoy seeing him get hammered. That’s actually true. Every poll shows that Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president ever recorded. So people probably are happy to see him get cut down by responsible journalists whose reporting of Trump’s failures is just part their job.</p>
<p>The tone that Trump sets in these rallies is decidedly hostile and un-American. He praises China’s Xi Jinping, who just maneuvered himself into being president for life (of which <a href="" type="internal">Trump is envious</a>). He declares that he blindly trusts Kim Jong Un’s promise to refrain from missile and nuclear testing. He protects Vladimir Putin’s Russia from sanctions mandated by Congress as punishment for their election tampering. Trump speaks of these and other anti-democratic tyrants in radiantly glowing terms. But he viciously insults fellow Americans who practice their Constitutionally protected right to freedom of the press. And he thinks that’s how to MAGA – or KAG, as he now says (Keep America Gross).</p>
<p>How Fox News Deceives and Controls Their Flock: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QSSMOES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00QSSMOES&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=newscorpsecom-20&amp;linkId=TLI6JC2OYE22MUTS" type="external">Fox Nation vs. Reality: The Fox News Cult of Ignorance.</a> Available now at Amazon.</p>
<p /> | 28 |
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<p />
<p>Santa Fe Police spokeswoman Celina Westervelt said that at about 6 p.m. a man and a woman entered the Herrera Drive Walmart. A loss prevention officer at the store tried to stop them as they walked out the door and set off a security alarm. The employee grabbed the woman by the arm, but the man with her pulled a knife with a 7-inch blade and threatened to stab the man if he did not let her go.</p>
<p>The suspects left $500 of merchandise behind and left in a green car that police believe is a Dodge Intrepid with a partial license plate number of JA32. The vehicle had one donut tire on it. Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Fe Police at 505-428-3710.</p>
<p>GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – Before she gained everlasting artistic fame for her paintings of New Mexico, Georgia O’Keeffe spent many summers along the shores of Lake George in the Adirondacks.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>A special exhibition devoted to O’Keeffe and her work at Lake George has opened at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, just south of Lake George. The exhibit, titled “Modern Nature: Georgia O’Keeffe and Lake George,” is the first to explore the body of work she produced while living in the Adirondacks.</p>
<p>O’Keeffe spent the summer of 1908 at an artists’ retreat at Wiawaka on the lake’s southeast shore. She returned a decade later after meeting photographer Alfred Stieglitz, whose family had a summer home in the village of Lake George. The two were married in 1924.</p>
<p>The exhibit runs through Sept. 15.</p>
<p>Boil water notice lifted in Eldorado</p>
<p>A “boil water advisory” has been lifted by the state Environment Department for the Eldorado Area Water &amp; Sanitation District customers east of U.S. 285 between Vaquero Road and Camino Acote, including the Ridges.</p>
<p>The advisory was issued June 13 due to an outage caused by a broken water main near the veterinary clinic.</p>
<p>Water service was restored to the affected areas around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The water system has since been disinfected, flushed and restored to normal operating conditions. Chlorine and microbiological tests on water samples indicate that it is safe to lift the precautionary advisory, according to department officials.</p>
<p />
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Police: Man pulls knife in shoplifting</p>
<p>Sick police chief says he’s retiring</p>
<p>LOS ALAMOS – The ailing police chief of Los Alamos has announced his retirement.</p>
<p>Wayne Torpy told the Los Alamos Monitor on Monday that he will retire by fall and will help find his replacement.</p>
<p>Torpy suffered a stroke several months ago and then later underwent open heart surgery. He cited the effects of his medical ordeal as the reason behind his decision retire.</p>
<p>He says the decision to retire was the hardest decision he’s made in his life.</p>
<p>It is not known when the county will begin a search for a new chief.</p>
<p />
<p>O’Keeffe work displayed in N.Y.</p>
<p />
<p>Corridor study subject of meeting</p>
<p>Santa Fe County and the state Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss the NE/SE Connectors Alignment and Corridor Study on Wednesday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Community College, Jemez Room 1 and 2.</p>
<p>The meeting will start with an open house, followed by a presentation of initial alignment alternatives, followed by questions and comments from the public. People are encouraged to provide feedback and ask questions. Comments will also be received on bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian items, as well as natural and cultural resources.</p>
<p>This study looks at future roadway connections in the area of Rancho Viejo and the Santa Fe Community College.</p>
<p>The NE Connector alignment may connect Dinosaur Trail to Rabbit Road, south of I-25. The SE Connector may connect East Chili Line Road to Rabbit Road. Connections to Avenida del Sur and College Drive also are being considered. Alternatives are being developed for both connectors to reduce traffic congestion.</p>
<p>Written comments will be accepted at this meeting, or they may be mailed or faxed to Carlos Ruiz, Occam Consulting Engineers, 994 Old Pecos Trail, Suite 110, Santa Fe, NM 87505; phone 505-690-3019, email <a href="mailto:cruiz@occam.pro" type="external">cruiz@occam.pro</a>, or fax 505-275-0222.</p>
<p />
<p>Valles Caldera part of Park Service?</p>
<p>Legislation sponsored by U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich to transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday with bipartisan support, according to a news release from the senators.</p>
<p>The bill would transfer management of the preserve from the current board of trustees to the Park Service under a preserve model. Hunting and fishing would be mandated under the legislation.</p>
<p>In the news release, Udall said, “The legislation that was approved by committee today respects and preserves the longstanding educational, grazing, and exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities that are cherished and valued by so many New Mexicans. National Park Service management will ensure steadier funding … so the Valles Caldera will continue to prosper as a natural wonder that all can enjoy.”</p>
<p>“By shifting to Park Service management, we can open the caldera to the public while conserving the one-of-a-kind resources found there,” said Heinrich. He also contended that Park Service management would help bring more visitors and raise the national profile of the preserve.</p>
<p />
<p>Film certificate program at SFUAD</p>
<p>The Santa Fe University of Art and Design has launched a new online film certificate that teaches skills for a career in film, broadcast media, online media and related fields.</p>
<p>“We’ve established a collaboration between academia and Hollywood filmmakers to create a curriculum that prepares students for today’s and tomorrow’s industry environments,” said Damon Lee, film producer and senior industry advisor to SFUAD, in a news release.</p>
<p>He added that, because it’s fully online, it can fit into students’ current lifestyle and career choices.</p>
<p>Students can select from one of three specializations: Writing/Directing, Producing/Editing, or a Self-Designed track that includes student-selected courses from the other two specializations. Focus areas within these specializations include the elements of storytelling, media production, budgeting and scheduling skills, script analysis, basic camera functions and set-ups, non-linear digital editing techniques and software, methods for formatting and distributing media, creating simple motion effects and more.</p>
<p>The courses can be completed in 18 months.</p>
<p>Enrollment is now open for students interested in the online film certificate program. The first class begins Aug. 28. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.santafeuniversity.edu" type="external">www.santafeuniversity.edu</a>.</p> | Around Northern New Mexico | false | https://abqjournal.com/212120/around-northern-new-mexico-413.html | 2013-06-19 | 2least
| Around Northern New Mexico
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<p />
<p>Santa Fe Police spokeswoman Celina Westervelt said that at about 6 p.m. a man and a woman entered the Herrera Drive Walmart. A loss prevention officer at the store tried to stop them as they walked out the door and set off a security alarm. The employee grabbed the woman by the arm, but the man with her pulled a knife with a 7-inch blade and threatened to stab the man if he did not let her go.</p>
<p>The suspects left $500 of merchandise behind and left in a green car that police believe is a Dodge Intrepid with a partial license plate number of JA32. The vehicle had one donut tire on it. Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Fe Police at 505-428-3710.</p>
<p>GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – Before she gained everlasting artistic fame for her paintings of New Mexico, Georgia O’Keeffe spent many summers along the shores of Lake George in the Adirondacks.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>A special exhibition devoted to O’Keeffe and her work at Lake George has opened at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, just south of Lake George. The exhibit, titled “Modern Nature: Georgia O’Keeffe and Lake George,” is the first to explore the body of work she produced while living in the Adirondacks.</p>
<p>O’Keeffe spent the summer of 1908 at an artists’ retreat at Wiawaka on the lake’s southeast shore. She returned a decade later after meeting photographer Alfred Stieglitz, whose family had a summer home in the village of Lake George. The two were married in 1924.</p>
<p>The exhibit runs through Sept. 15.</p>
<p>Boil water notice lifted in Eldorado</p>
<p>A “boil water advisory” has been lifted by the state Environment Department for the Eldorado Area Water &amp; Sanitation District customers east of U.S. 285 between Vaquero Road and Camino Acote, including the Ridges.</p>
<p>The advisory was issued June 13 due to an outage caused by a broken water main near the veterinary clinic.</p>
<p>Water service was restored to the affected areas around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The water system has since been disinfected, flushed and restored to normal operating conditions. Chlorine and microbiological tests on water samples indicate that it is safe to lift the precautionary advisory, according to department officials.</p>
<p />
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Police: Man pulls knife in shoplifting</p>
<p>Sick police chief says he’s retiring</p>
<p>LOS ALAMOS – The ailing police chief of Los Alamos has announced his retirement.</p>
<p>Wayne Torpy told the Los Alamos Monitor on Monday that he will retire by fall and will help find his replacement.</p>
<p>Torpy suffered a stroke several months ago and then later underwent open heart surgery. He cited the effects of his medical ordeal as the reason behind his decision retire.</p>
<p>He says the decision to retire was the hardest decision he’s made in his life.</p>
<p>It is not known when the county will begin a search for a new chief.</p>
<p />
<p>O’Keeffe work displayed in N.Y.</p>
<p />
<p>Corridor study subject of meeting</p>
<p>Santa Fe County and the state Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss the NE/SE Connectors Alignment and Corridor Study on Wednesday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Community College, Jemez Room 1 and 2.</p>
<p>The meeting will start with an open house, followed by a presentation of initial alignment alternatives, followed by questions and comments from the public. People are encouraged to provide feedback and ask questions. Comments will also be received on bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian items, as well as natural and cultural resources.</p>
<p>This study looks at future roadway connections in the area of Rancho Viejo and the Santa Fe Community College.</p>
<p>The NE Connector alignment may connect Dinosaur Trail to Rabbit Road, south of I-25. The SE Connector may connect East Chili Line Road to Rabbit Road. Connections to Avenida del Sur and College Drive also are being considered. Alternatives are being developed for both connectors to reduce traffic congestion.</p>
<p>Written comments will be accepted at this meeting, or they may be mailed or faxed to Carlos Ruiz, Occam Consulting Engineers, 994 Old Pecos Trail, Suite 110, Santa Fe, NM 87505; phone 505-690-3019, email <a href="mailto:cruiz@occam.pro" type="external">cruiz@occam.pro</a>, or fax 505-275-0222.</p>
<p />
<p>Valles Caldera part of Park Service?</p>
<p>Legislation sponsored by U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich to transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday with bipartisan support, according to a news release from the senators.</p>
<p>The bill would transfer management of the preserve from the current board of trustees to the Park Service under a preserve model. Hunting and fishing would be mandated under the legislation.</p>
<p>In the news release, Udall said, “The legislation that was approved by committee today respects and preserves the longstanding educational, grazing, and exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities that are cherished and valued by so many New Mexicans. National Park Service management will ensure steadier funding … so the Valles Caldera will continue to prosper as a natural wonder that all can enjoy.”</p>
<p>“By shifting to Park Service management, we can open the caldera to the public while conserving the one-of-a-kind resources found there,” said Heinrich. He also contended that Park Service management would help bring more visitors and raise the national profile of the preserve.</p>
<p />
<p>Film certificate program at SFUAD</p>
<p>The Santa Fe University of Art and Design has launched a new online film certificate that teaches skills for a career in film, broadcast media, online media and related fields.</p>
<p>“We’ve established a collaboration between academia and Hollywood filmmakers to create a curriculum that prepares students for today’s and tomorrow’s industry environments,” said Damon Lee, film producer and senior industry advisor to SFUAD, in a news release.</p>
<p>He added that, because it’s fully online, it can fit into students’ current lifestyle and career choices.</p>
<p>Students can select from one of three specializations: Writing/Directing, Producing/Editing, or a Self-Designed track that includes student-selected courses from the other two specializations. Focus areas within these specializations include the elements of storytelling, media production, budgeting and scheduling skills, script analysis, basic camera functions and set-ups, non-linear digital editing techniques and software, methods for formatting and distributing media, creating simple motion effects and more.</p>
<p>The courses can be completed in 18 months.</p>
<p>Enrollment is now open for students interested in the online film certificate program. The first class begins Aug. 28. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.santafeuniversity.edu" type="external">www.santafeuniversity.edu</a>.</p> | 29 |
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<p>LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Authorities have identified an elderly couple who were found shot to death inside their southern New Mexico home in what appears to be a murder-suicide.</p>
<p>Dona Ana County Sheriff’s officials say the bodies of 77-year-old Everts Moulton and 78-year-old Suzanne New were discovered at their home near Mesilla on Monday.</p>
<p>The couple reportedly lived together for about 30 years, but never married.</p>
<p>Sheriff’s officials say New’s daughter was talking to her mother by phone Sunday and said Moulton talked of harming himself.</p>
<p>New’s daughter drove from California to Las Cruces to check on her mother and called 911 after finding the bodies.</p>
<p>Sheriff’s officials say it appears Moulton fatally shot New and their dog before shooting himself.</p>
<p>The couple’s bodies have been sent to the medical examiner’s office for autopsies.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | New Mexico couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide ID’d | false | https://abqjournal.com/884079/new-mexico-couple-found-dead-in-an-apparent-murder-suicide.html | 2016-11-07 | 2least
| New Mexico couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide ID’d
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<p>LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Authorities have identified an elderly couple who were found shot to death inside their southern New Mexico home in what appears to be a murder-suicide.</p>
<p>Dona Ana County Sheriff’s officials say the bodies of 77-year-old Everts Moulton and 78-year-old Suzanne New were discovered at their home near Mesilla on Monday.</p>
<p>The couple reportedly lived together for about 30 years, but never married.</p>
<p>Sheriff’s officials say New’s daughter was talking to her mother by phone Sunday and said Moulton talked of harming himself.</p>
<p>New’s daughter drove from California to Las Cruces to check on her mother and called 911 after finding the bodies.</p>
<p>Sheriff’s officials say it appears Moulton fatally shot New and their dog before shooting himself.</p>
<p>The couple’s bodies have been sent to the medical examiner’s office for autopsies.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | 30 |
<p>Photo from flickr user floridapfe</p>
<p />
<p>In today’s New York Post there’s a Sean Delonas <a href="http://www.nypost.com/delonas/2009/02/02182009.jpg" type="external">cartoon</a> that shows two policemen standing over a dead chimpanzee. One is holding a handgun while the other says, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.”</p>
<p>Al Sharpton is very offended. But he shouldn’t be because the cartoon isn’t offensive, unless you’re an ape.</p>
<p>Sharpton issued a statement <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2009/02/18/al-sharpton-monkey-cartoon-obama/" type="external">saying</a>:</p>
<p>The cartoon in today’s New York Post is troubling at best given the historic racist attacks of African-Americans as being synonymous with monkeys. One has to question whether the cartoonist is making a less than casual reference to this when in the cartoon they have police saying after shooting a chimpanzee that “Now they will have to find someone else to write the stimulus bill.”</p>
<p>Being that the stimulus bill has been the first legislative victory of President Barack Obama (the first African American president) and has become synonymous with him it is not a reach to wonder are they inferring that a monkey wrote the last bill?</p>
<p>Well actually, yes, it is a reach. That’s why the New York Post refuses to apologize and issued this <a href="http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/race/2009/02/outraged-readers-complain-about-chimp-cartoon-.html" type="external">statement</a>:</p>
<p>The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington’s efforts to revive the economy. Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist.</p>
<p>I’ll leave Sharpton’s motivation alone, but this whole thing seems a little puzzling. Consider three recent events.</p>
<p>Guess which one of these is irrelevant to the cartoon? If you picked&#160; #1, you’re right. This cartoon has nothing to do with the ethnicity of Obama’s father and everything to do with the fact that the stimulus bill is messy. So messy, in fact, that it could have been written by a chimpanzee.</p>
<p>The truth is, it’s not a good cartoon. Because it is an awkward attempt to combine two unrelated news stories, it doesn’t resonate, not in the way that <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q0ioDxOSoAA/Rwuul_0jFnI/AAAAAAAAABA/f1eVEc3HV2A/s200/nycover3.jpg" type="external">this</a> really wonderful cartoon does. You many not even get the cartoon at all (stimulus=monkey?), but that’s understandable because it’s not that funny; it’s just not racist either. Sometimes a joke about monkeys is, well, just a joke about monkeys.</p>
<p /> | Al Sharpton Is Wrong About the Monkey Cartoon | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2009/02/al-sharpton-is-wrong-about-monkey-cartoon/ | 2009-02-18 | 4left
| Al Sharpton Is Wrong About the Monkey Cartoon
<p>Photo from flickr user floridapfe</p>
<p />
<p>In today’s New York Post there’s a Sean Delonas <a href="http://www.nypost.com/delonas/2009/02/02182009.jpg" type="external">cartoon</a> that shows two policemen standing over a dead chimpanzee. One is holding a handgun while the other says, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.”</p>
<p>Al Sharpton is very offended. But he shouldn’t be because the cartoon isn’t offensive, unless you’re an ape.</p>
<p>Sharpton issued a statement <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2009/02/18/al-sharpton-monkey-cartoon-obama/" type="external">saying</a>:</p>
<p>The cartoon in today’s New York Post is troubling at best given the historic racist attacks of African-Americans as being synonymous with monkeys. One has to question whether the cartoonist is making a less than casual reference to this when in the cartoon they have police saying after shooting a chimpanzee that “Now they will have to find someone else to write the stimulus bill.”</p>
<p>Being that the stimulus bill has been the first legislative victory of President Barack Obama (the first African American president) and has become synonymous with him it is not a reach to wonder are they inferring that a monkey wrote the last bill?</p>
<p>Well actually, yes, it is a reach. That’s why the New York Post refuses to apologize and issued this <a href="http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/race/2009/02/outraged-readers-complain-about-chimp-cartoon-.html" type="external">statement</a>:</p>
<p>The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington’s efforts to revive the economy. Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist.</p>
<p>I’ll leave Sharpton’s motivation alone, but this whole thing seems a little puzzling. Consider three recent events.</p>
<p>Guess which one of these is irrelevant to the cartoon? If you picked&#160; #1, you’re right. This cartoon has nothing to do with the ethnicity of Obama’s father and everything to do with the fact that the stimulus bill is messy. So messy, in fact, that it could have been written by a chimpanzee.</p>
<p>The truth is, it’s not a good cartoon. Because it is an awkward attempt to combine two unrelated news stories, it doesn’t resonate, not in the way that <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q0ioDxOSoAA/Rwuul_0jFnI/AAAAAAAAABA/f1eVEc3HV2A/s200/nycover3.jpg" type="external">this</a> really wonderful cartoon does. You many not even get the cartoon at all (stimulus=monkey?), but that’s understandable because it’s not that funny; it’s just not racist either. Sometimes a joke about monkeys is, well, just a joke about monkeys.</p>
<p /> | 31 |
<p>Google Inc's posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit for the first time in the last six quarters, helped by strong growth in advertising revenue.</p>
<p>The company's shares rose 7.5 percent in after-market trading on Thursday.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Advertising revenue rose 11 percent to $16.02 billion in the second quarter ended June 30 from a year earlier, while the number of ads, or paid clicks, rose 18 percent, the company said.</p>
<p>Advertisers pay Google only if a user clicks on one of their ads. "Cost per click", or the average price of online ads, fell 11 percent in the quarter, but was more than offset by the increase in ad volumes.</p>
<p>Google's ad revenue has been under pressure from consumers accessing its online services on mobiles devices such as smartphones and tablets, where ad rates are typically lower.</p>
<p><a href="http://listings.findthecompany.com/l/8520977/Google-Inc-in-Mountain-View-CA" type="external">Google Inc. - Earnings Surprise | FindTheCompany Opens a New Window.</a>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^https:/.test(d.location)?'https':'http';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://cdn1.findthebest.com/rx/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","ftb-widgetjs");</p>
<p>The company's consolidated revenue rose 11 percent to $17.73 billion in the quarter. (http://bit.ly/1CGbMq5)</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Net income rose to $3.93 billion, or $4.93 per Class A and B share, from $3.35 billion, or $4.88 per share.</p>
<p>Excluding items, Google earned $6.99 per share.</p>
<p>Analysts on average had expected a profit of $6.70 per share, and revenue of $17.75 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.</p>
<p>(Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Simon Jennings)</p> | Ad Revenue Growth Helps Google's Second-Quarter Profit Trump Estimates | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2015/07/16/google-earnings.html | 2016-03-06 | 0right
| Ad Revenue Growth Helps Google's Second-Quarter Profit Trump Estimates
<p>Google Inc's posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit for the first time in the last six quarters, helped by strong growth in advertising revenue.</p>
<p>The company's shares rose 7.5 percent in after-market trading on Thursday.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Advertising revenue rose 11 percent to $16.02 billion in the second quarter ended June 30 from a year earlier, while the number of ads, or paid clicks, rose 18 percent, the company said.</p>
<p>Advertisers pay Google only if a user clicks on one of their ads. "Cost per click", or the average price of online ads, fell 11 percent in the quarter, but was more than offset by the increase in ad volumes.</p>
<p>Google's ad revenue has been under pressure from consumers accessing its online services on mobiles devices such as smartphones and tablets, where ad rates are typically lower.</p>
<p><a href="http://listings.findthecompany.com/l/8520977/Google-Inc-in-Mountain-View-CA" type="external">Google Inc. - Earnings Surprise | FindTheCompany Opens a New Window.</a>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^https:/.test(d.location)?'https':'http';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://cdn1.findthebest.com/rx/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","ftb-widgetjs");</p>
<p>The company's consolidated revenue rose 11 percent to $17.73 billion in the quarter. (http://bit.ly/1CGbMq5)</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Net income rose to $3.93 billion, or $4.93 per Class A and B share, from $3.35 billion, or $4.88 per share.</p>
<p>Excluding items, Google earned $6.99 per share.</p>
<p>Analysts on average had expected a profit of $6.70 per share, and revenue of $17.75 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.</p>
<p>(Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Simon Jennings)</p> | 32 |
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Party central committees, partisan special interests, and courts overseen by party-appointed judges have <a href="" type="internal">steadily reframed election law</a> in such a way that the failure to affiliate with one of the two institutionalized political parties voids an individual’s ability to have meaningful participation in the political process. As a result, legislators are held accountable only by their partisan base.</p>
<p>The partisan consolidation of power has accelerated rapidly over the past 75 years. Attempts to change our election laws and inform voters will not alone stop the polarization of our political system. Even traditional media has reorganized the dialogue around a superficial two-sided debate and accepted the notion that a virtual pre-requisite for full voter participation is party affiliation.</p>
<p>To change the political process, we have to start with the political dialogue. <a href="" type="internal">IVN.us</a>&#160;was established to promote such a change. The goal is to create a news source where the news is unfiltered by partisan interests. In short, IVN.us is an online news platform for communication between independent-minded voters, public officials, civic leaders, and journalists.</p>
<p>The news network was BETA tested at the end of 2011, and Phase 1 was officially launched in January 2012. Today, IVN reaches over a million people online each week. Now, we are bringing IVN to the local level.</p>
<p>On October 17th, 2012, IVN launched the first local prototype in its hometown:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">IVN San Diego Edition</a>. In the old days, starting a news outlet was out of the question; unless you were a billionaire. IVN has taken today’s technology and created a platform that is more powerful, more dynamic, and more open to credible journalists than anything ever built. We will bring this technology to other cities that share a common desire for good and diverse journalism. And it won’t take a billionaire to get us there. Just you.</p>
<p>The biggest risk of an open platform is abuse of its capabilities. The biggest challenge is maintaining credibility amid forces that will see IVN as competition and who don’t hold themselves to the&#160; <a href="" type="internal">IVN etiquette</a>. We are qualified to overcome these challenges because we have gotten this far with a couple computers and some big hearts. We will overcome these risks and challenges with the support of people like you will.</p>
<p>IVN’s reputation, credibility, and status as a news source are preserved through its adherence to a published etiquette and editorial guideline. These guidelines ensure that both contributors and readers benefit from robust and diverse content in a civil environment.</p>
<p>1. No personal attacks.&#160; 2. No self-promotion.&#160; 3. Sources must be substantiated. 4. No partisan-based attacks.</p>
<p>Please join us by making a pledge to IVN so that we can elevate the level of civil discourse and break down the barriers to participation in both news and politics.</p>
<p>And if you haven’t already, please follow us on&#160; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/independentvoternetwork?fref=ts" type="external">Facebook</a>,&#160; <a href="https://twitter.com/IVNetwork" type="external">Twitter</a>, and&#160; <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/101219378970530930435/posts" type="external">Google+</a>&#160;if we haven’t asked enough of you already.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/IVNSD" type="external">Tweets by @IVNSD</a></p> | IVN Launches Local Edition of Non-Partisan News Platform The Treatment: Civil Discourse The Technology: Localization The Risk: Abuse The Protection: Etiquette | false | https://ivn.us/2012/10/18/ivn-launches-local-edition-of-non-partisan-news-platform/ | 2012-10-18 | 2least
| IVN Launches Local Edition of Non-Partisan News Platform The Treatment: Civil Discourse The Technology: Localization The Risk: Abuse The Protection: Etiquette
<p><a href="" type="internal" />Party central committees, partisan special interests, and courts overseen by party-appointed judges have <a href="" type="internal">steadily reframed election law</a> in such a way that the failure to affiliate with one of the two institutionalized political parties voids an individual’s ability to have meaningful participation in the political process. As a result, legislators are held accountable only by their partisan base.</p>
<p>The partisan consolidation of power has accelerated rapidly over the past 75 years. Attempts to change our election laws and inform voters will not alone stop the polarization of our political system. Even traditional media has reorganized the dialogue around a superficial two-sided debate and accepted the notion that a virtual pre-requisite for full voter participation is party affiliation.</p>
<p>To change the political process, we have to start with the political dialogue. <a href="" type="internal">IVN.us</a>&#160;was established to promote such a change. The goal is to create a news source where the news is unfiltered by partisan interests. In short, IVN.us is an online news platform for communication between independent-minded voters, public officials, civic leaders, and journalists.</p>
<p>The news network was BETA tested at the end of 2011, and Phase 1 was officially launched in January 2012. Today, IVN reaches over a million people online each week. Now, we are bringing IVN to the local level.</p>
<p>On October 17th, 2012, IVN launched the first local prototype in its hometown:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">IVN San Diego Edition</a>. In the old days, starting a news outlet was out of the question; unless you were a billionaire. IVN has taken today’s technology and created a platform that is more powerful, more dynamic, and more open to credible journalists than anything ever built. We will bring this technology to other cities that share a common desire for good and diverse journalism. And it won’t take a billionaire to get us there. Just you.</p>
<p>The biggest risk of an open platform is abuse of its capabilities. The biggest challenge is maintaining credibility amid forces that will see IVN as competition and who don’t hold themselves to the&#160; <a href="" type="internal">IVN etiquette</a>. We are qualified to overcome these challenges because we have gotten this far with a couple computers and some big hearts. We will overcome these risks and challenges with the support of people like you will.</p>
<p>IVN’s reputation, credibility, and status as a news source are preserved through its adherence to a published etiquette and editorial guideline. These guidelines ensure that both contributors and readers benefit from robust and diverse content in a civil environment.</p>
<p>1. No personal attacks.&#160; 2. No self-promotion.&#160; 3. Sources must be substantiated. 4. No partisan-based attacks.</p>
<p>Please join us by making a pledge to IVN so that we can elevate the level of civil discourse and break down the barriers to participation in both news and politics.</p>
<p>And if you haven’t already, please follow us on&#160; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/independentvoternetwork?fref=ts" type="external">Facebook</a>,&#160; <a href="https://twitter.com/IVNetwork" type="external">Twitter</a>, and&#160; <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/101219378970530930435/posts" type="external">Google+</a>&#160;if we haven’t asked enough of you already.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/IVNSD" type="external">Tweets by @IVNSD</a></p> | 33 |
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<p>WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - The Navajo Nation is giving the public more time to comment on legislation that would extend the lease for a coal-fired power plant.</p>
<p>Tribal Council Speaker Johnny Naize has sponsored the measure that significantly would boost annual payments to the tribe from the owners of the Navajo Generating Station.</p>
<p>The public comment period typically lasts five days. Naize says comments will be accepted on this measure until tribal lawmakers take a final vote.</p>
<p>The lease is set to expire in 2019. The proposed agreement is for a 25-year extension. The agreement would increase annual payments to the tribe from $3 million to more than $40 million.</p>
<p>The Salt River Project operates the power plant in Page.</p>
<p>Federal officials also must sign off on the agreement following an environmental review.</p>
<p>Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Comment time extended for Navajo power plant lease | false | https://abqjournal.com/171996/comment-time-extended-for-navajo-power-plant-lease.html | 2least
| Comment time extended for Navajo power plant lease
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - The Navajo Nation is giving the public more time to comment on legislation that would extend the lease for a coal-fired power plant.</p>
<p>Tribal Council Speaker Johnny Naize has sponsored the measure that significantly would boost annual payments to the tribe from the owners of the Navajo Generating Station.</p>
<p>The public comment period typically lasts five days. Naize says comments will be accepted on this measure until tribal lawmakers take a final vote.</p>
<p>The lease is set to expire in 2019. The proposed agreement is for a 25-year extension. The agreement would increase annual payments to the tribe from $3 million to more than $40 million.</p>
<p>The Salt River Project operates the power plant in Page.</p>
<p>Federal officials also must sign off on the agreement following an environmental review.</p>
<p>Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | 34 |
|
<p>Reports on the Trump/Saudi arm deals focused on who would get paid–and ignored who it would cost.</p>
<p>The Trump administration wrapped up a weapons deal with the Saudi Arabian government this week that will be worth up to <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/20/us-saudi-arabia-seal-weapons-deal-worth-nearly-110-billion-as-trump-begins-visit.html" type="external">$350 billion over the next ten years</a>. News of the deal came as Trump visited Riyadh and paid fealty to one of the United States’ most enduring allies in the Middle East.</p>
<p>The vast majority of the reports on the topic, however, omitted a rather key piece of context—namely, whom the weapons will be used to kill.</p>
<p>The famine and brutal two-year-long war in Yemen being waged by the Saudis that has killed over 10,000 civilians wasn’t mentioned once in reports of the $300 billion deal to Saudi Arabia by CNN ( <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/19/politics/jared-kushner-saudi-arms-deal-lockheed-martin/" type="external">5/19/17</a>, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2017/05/20/trump-arms-deal-saudi-arabia.cnnmoney/" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Washington Post &#160;( <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/us-saudi-arabia-reach-tentative-pacts-potentially-worth-110-billion/2017/05/20/2a919826-3d91-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.3b890942b931" type="external">5/19/17</a>), The Independent ( <a href="https://www.independent.co.ug/us-saudi-agree-arms-deals-worth-almost-110-billion/" type="external">5/19/17</a>), New York Daily News ( <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-closes-110-billion-military-arms-deal-saudi-arabia-article-1.3181686" type="external">5/20/17</a>), CNBC ( <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/20/us-saudi-arabia-seal-weapons-deal-worth-nearly-110-billion-as-trump-begins-visit.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>, <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/22/defense-stocks-rally-on-110-billion-us-saudi-arabia-weapons-deal.html" type="external">5/22/17</a>), CBS News ( <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-110-billion-arms-deal-with-saudi-arabia/" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Business Insider ( <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-us-to-announce-110-billion-saudi-arms-sale-as-trump-visits-2017-5" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Time ( <a href="http://time.com/4787238/us-saudi-arabia-arms-deal/?xid=time_socialflow_twitter" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Fox News ( <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-arrives-to-saudi-arabia-for-his-first-international-trip-since-taking-office.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Reuters ( <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-saudi-deals-idUKKCN18G0L3?utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&amp;utm_content=5920680204d3013d68debcf3&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter" type="external">5/20/17</a>), ABC News ( <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-signs-110-billion-arms-deal-saudi-arabia/story?id=47531180" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Fortune Magazine ( <a href="http://fortune.com/2017/05/20/donald-trump-saudi-arabia-trip/" type="external">5/20/17</a>) or Chicago Tribune ( <a href="" type="external">5/20/17</a>).</p>
<p>The arms deal was typically framed in vague “security” terms, with an emphasis on Saudi Arabia’s role in fighting “terrorism” (e.g., “The White House says the package includes defense equipment… to help the Arab nation and the rest of the Gulf region fight against terrorism”—Fox News, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-arrives-to-saudi-arabia-for-his-first-international-trip-since-taking-office.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>), despite the fact that the bulk of its military activity is focused on bombing Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen that have nothing to do with terrorism as such.</p>
<p>That hundreds of billions of arms would be going to Al Qaeda’s allies wasn’t touched on in reports on the arms deal.</p>
<p>Indeed, the head of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20170501110714/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/al-qaida-leader-group-fought-alongside-us-backed-47125267" type="external">claimed earlier this month</a> his forces were “fighting alongside” the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. This detail was also omitted from reports on the arms deal, presumably because it would messy up the “Saudi Arabia–as–partner–in–War on Terror” narrative the press was uncritically echoing.</p>
<p>In his report on the arms deal, the Washington Post’s Steven Mufson ( <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/us-saudi-arabia-reach-tentative-pacts-potentially-worth-110-billion/2017/05/20/2a919826-3d91-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.d253455a7d7c" type="external">5/21/17</a>) got quotes from the CEO of Lockheed Martin and reps from General Electric and private-equity firm Blackstone, but found no time to interview a human rights expert or aid worker or victim of Saudi bombing of Yemen; indeed, that bombing wasn’t even mentioned. Likewise, CNBC ( <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/22/defense-stocks-rally-on-110-billion-us-saudi-arabia-weapons-deal.html" type="external">5/22/17</a>) issued a sexed-up press release Monday morning about how “defense stocks soar to all-time highs on $110 billion US/Saudi Arabia weapons deal”—with no mention of whom, exactly, said weapons were killing.</p>
<p>Many outlets went with the “jobs” frame, echoing the White House narrative that the selling of arms to a dictatorship waging a brutal war on a neighboring country was, in fact, good because it “created jobs.”</p>
<p>A Trump campaign ad wouldn’t have framed the issue differently than this CBS Miami report.</p>
<p>“Trump Says Arms Deal He Signed With Saudi Arabia Will Create Jobs,” was the NPR headline ( <a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/05/20/529309106/trump-says-arms-deal-he-signed-with-saudi-arabia-will-create-jobs" type="external">5/20/17</a>). “Trump Says Saudi Arabia Deal Will Create ‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,’” CBS Miami ( <a href="http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/05/20/trump-saudi-arabia-deal-jobs-jobs-jobs/" type="external">5/20/17</a>) reported. Neither of these reports used the words “Yemen” or “bombing” or “famine.”</p>
<p>To the extent the Saudi bombing of Yemen was gestured at, it was in vague, Risk game–like terms about how Saudi Arabia was a “check” against “Iranian aggression”—an opaque framing that reduces all Shia populations in the Middle East into mindless Iranian drones in urgent need of an application of Saudi munitions.</p>
<p>“The United States likes to see Saudi Arabia with a strong military because it is seen as a counter to the forces of Iran,” CNN Newsroom ( <a href="http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1705/20/cnr.01.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>) euphemistically explained. It’s not spelled out that “counter” here means bombing one of the poorest countries on earth for over two years, unleashing what the UN <a href="http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/03/15/yemen-famine-humanitarian-relief-conflict-food-insecurity-casualties-of-conflict-saudi-led-intervention/" type="external">calls</a> “famine-like” conditions affecting nearly 7 million people.</p>
<p>In stark contrast, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-russia-arms-idUSBREA0G0MN20140117" type="external">reports</a> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-russia-arms-insight-idUSBRE97S0WW20130829" type="external">in</a> <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/29/world/meast/syria-iran-china-russia-supporters/" type="external">US</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/17/world/middleeast/russia-provides-syria-with-advanced-missiles.html" type="external">media</a> <a href="http://a.abcnews.com/International/obama-calls-syrias-assad-step-freezes-assets/story?id=14330428" type="external">of</a> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/russian-iranian-technology-is-boosting-assads-assault-on-syrian-rebels/2013/06/01/aefad718-ca26-11e2-9f1a-1a7cdee20287_story.html?utm_term=.839344623a57" type="external">Russian</a> <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/syria-and-iraq-full-of-russian-iranian-and-chinese-weapons-2015-4" type="external">arms</a> <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-to-sell-mig-jet-fighters-to-syria-jet-maker-says/" type="external">sales</a> to the Assad government in Syria—even before Russia directly entered the war in September 2015—would always mention the stakes of the deals in terms of human life. Weapons sales by other countries are put in clear moral terms—as they should be. Those by the United States are sterilized, rendered abstract by omitting the deaths that will inevitably result.</p>
<p>The New York Times ( <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/15/world/middleeast/trump-yemen-saudi-arabia.html" type="external">5/15/17</a>) did mention the famine and war in Yemen in the context of the arms deal last week, but one article on the subject from Thursday ( <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/18/world/middleeast/trump-saudi-arabia-summit.html?_r=0" type="external">5/18/17</a>), for unknown reasons, <a href="https://twitter.com/aaronjmate/status/865636012755566592" type="external">removed</a> this passage expressly noting the Saudis’ history of buying US weapons:</p>
<p>The Saudis have spent a fortune on US weapons over the years, and a series of new deals that could be worth more than $300 billion over the next decade are close to completion, Reuters reported this month.</p>
<p>You can see the original, as reprinted in the Boston Globe, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2017/05/18/saudi-arabia-will-give-trump-royal-welcome-ignore-his-slights/LeqkorxmQ67HwvgXLf1GfI/story.html" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>As of Monday afternoon, no major newspaper—New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, LA Times, Chicago Tribune or Daily News—has run an editorial condemning Trump for cozying up with and selling massive amounts of arms to the Saudi dictatorship. As FAIR noted last week <a href="" type="internal">(5/17/17</a>), this outrage remains solely directed at dictatorships not in good standing with the US State Department.</p>
<p>Such is most reporting on the US’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. The human rights framework so much of the pundit class lives by—the moral positioning that gives the US the unique right to interfere in conflicts throughout the globe—is suddenly, and without explanation, suspended. The US backs Saudi war crimes despite their brutality, never because of it. It sells arms in hopes they will reform, never because they have.</p>
<p>And unlike our enemies, no one in particular is responsible. No “Salman regime did X,” no “forces loyal to Salman regime bombed Y.” Saudi Arabia remains a game of moral hot potato, no one is to blame and, somehow, everyone is a reformer.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | Arms Deal Stories Omit War Crimes Arms Will Be Used For | true | http://fair.org/home/arms-deal-stories-omit-war-crimes-arms-will-be-used-for/ | 2017-05-22 | 4left
| Arms Deal Stories Omit War Crimes Arms Will Be Used For
<p>Reports on the Trump/Saudi arm deals focused on who would get paid–and ignored who it would cost.</p>
<p>The Trump administration wrapped up a weapons deal with the Saudi Arabian government this week that will be worth up to <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/20/us-saudi-arabia-seal-weapons-deal-worth-nearly-110-billion-as-trump-begins-visit.html" type="external">$350 billion over the next ten years</a>. News of the deal came as Trump visited Riyadh and paid fealty to one of the United States’ most enduring allies in the Middle East.</p>
<p>The vast majority of the reports on the topic, however, omitted a rather key piece of context—namely, whom the weapons will be used to kill.</p>
<p>The famine and brutal two-year-long war in Yemen being waged by the Saudis that has killed over 10,000 civilians wasn’t mentioned once in reports of the $300 billion deal to Saudi Arabia by CNN ( <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/19/politics/jared-kushner-saudi-arms-deal-lockheed-martin/" type="external">5/19/17</a>, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2017/05/20/trump-arms-deal-saudi-arabia.cnnmoney/" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Washington Post &#160;( <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/us-saudi-arabia-reach-tentative-pacts-potentially-worth-110-billion/2017/05/20/2a919826-3d91-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.3b890942b931" type="external">5/19/17</a>), The Independent ( <a href="https://www.independent.co.ug/us-saudi-agree-arms-deals-worth-almost-110-billion/" type="external">5/19/17</a>), New York Daily News ( <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/trump-closes-110-billion-military-arms-deal-saudi-arabia-article-1.3181686" type="external">5/20/17</a>), CNBC ( <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/20/us-saudi-arabia-seal-weapons-deal-worth-nearly-110-billion-as-trump-begins-visit.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>, <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/22/defense-stocks-rally-on-110-billion-us-saudi-arabia-weapons-deal.html" type="external">5/22/17</a>), CBS News ( <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-110-billion-arms-deal-with-saudi-arabia/" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Business Insider ( <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-us-to-announce-110-billion-saudi-arms-sale-as-trump-visits-2017-5" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Time ( <a href="http://time.com/4787238/us-saudi-arabia-arms-deal/?xid=time_socialflow_twitter" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Fox News ( <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-arrives-to-saudi-arabia-for-his-first-international-trip-since-taking-office.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Reuters ( <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-saudi-deals-idUKKCN18G0L3?utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&amp;utm_content=5920680204d3013d68debcf3&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter" type="external">5/20/17</a>), ABC News ( <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-signs-110-billion-arms-deal-saudi-arabia/story?id=47531180" type="external">5/20/17</a>), Fortune Magazine ( <a href="http://fortune.com/2017/05/20/donald-trump-saudi-arabia-trip/" type="external">5/20/17</a>) or Chicago Tribune ( <a href="" type="external">5/20/17</a>).</p>
<p>The arms deal was typically framed in vague “security” terms, with an emphasis on Saudi Arabia’s role in fighting “terrorism” (e.g., “The White House says the package includes defense equipment… to help the Arab nation and the rest of the Gulf region fight against terrorism”—Fox News, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/20/trump-arrives-to-saudi-arabia-for-his-first-international-trip-since-taking-office.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>), despite the fact that the bulk of its military activity is focused on bombing Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen that have nothing to do with terrorism as such.</p>
<p>That hundreds of billions of arms would be going to Al Qaeda’s allies wasn’t touched on in reports on the arms deal.</p>
<p>Indeed, the head of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20170501110714/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/al-qaida-leader-group-fought-alongside-us-backed-47125267" type="external">claimed earlier this month</a> his forces were “fighting alongside” the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. This detail was also omitted from reports on the arms deal, presumably because it would messy up the “Saudi Arabia–as–partner–in–War on Terror” narrative the press was uncritically echoing.</p>
<p>In his report on the arms deal, the Washington Post’s Steven Mufson ( <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/us-saudi-arabia-reach-tentative-pacts-potentially-worth-110-billion/2017/05/20/2a919826-3d91-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.d253455a7d7c" type="external">5/21/17</a>) got quotes from the CEO of Lockheed Martin and reps from General Electric and private-equity firm Blackstone, but found no time to interview a human rights expert or aid worker or victim of Saudi bombing of Yemen; indeed, that bombing wasn’t even mentioned. Likewise, CNBC ( <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/22/defense-stocks-rally-on-110-billion-us-saudi-arabia-weapons-deal.html" type="external">5/22/17</a>) issued a sexed-up press release Monday morning about how “defense stocks soar to all-time highs on $110 billion US/Saudi Arabia weapons deal”—with no mention of whom, exactly, said weapons were killing.</p>
<p>Many outlets went with the “jobs” frame, echoing the White House narrative that the selling of arms to a dictatorship waging a brutal war on a neighboring country was, in fact, good because it “created jobs.”</p>
<p>A Trump campaign ad wouldn’t have framed the issue differently than this CBS Miami report.</p>
<p>“Trump Says Arms Deal He Signed With Saudi Arabia Will Create Jobs,” was the NPR headline ( <a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/05/20/529309106/trump-says-arms-deal-he-signed-with-saudi-arabia-will-create-jobs" type="external">5/20/17</a>). “Trump Says Saudi Arabia Deal Will Create ‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,’” CBS Miami ( <a href="http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/05/20/trump-saudi-arabia-deal-jobs-jobs-jobs/" type="external">5/20/17</a>) reported. Neither of these reports used the words “Yemen” or “bombing” or “famine.”</p>
<p>To the extent the Saudi bombing of Yemen was gestured at, it was in vague, Risk game–like terms about how Saudi Arabia was a “check” against “Iranian aggression”—an opaque framing that reduces all Shia populations in the Middle East into mindless Iranian drones in urgent need of an application of Saudi munitions.</p>
<p>“The United States likes to see Saudi Arabia with a strong military because it is seen as a counter to the forces of Iran,” CNN Newsroom ( <a href="http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1705/20/cnr.01.html" type="external">5/20/17</a>) euphemistically explained. It’s not spelled out that “counter” here means bombing one of the poorest countries on earth for over two years, unleashing what the UN <a href="http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/03/15/yemen-famine-humanitarian-relief-conflict-food-insecurity-casualties-of-conflict-saudi-led-intervention/" type="external">calls</a> “famine-like” conditions affecting nearly 7 million people.</p>
<p>In stark contrast, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-russia-arms-idUSBREA0G0MN20140117" type="external">reports</a> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-russia-arms-insight-idUSBRE97S0WW20130829" type="external">in</a> <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/29/world/meast/syria-iran-china-russia-supporters/" type="external">US</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/17/world/middleeast/russia-provides-syria-with-advanced-missiles.html" type="external">media</a> <a href="http://a.abcnews.com/International/obama-calls-syrias-assad-step-freezes-assets/story?id=14330428" type="external">of</a> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/russian-iranian-technology-is-boosting-assads-assault-on-syrian-rebels/2013/06/01/aefad718-ca26-11e2-9f1a-1a7cdee20287_story.html?utm_term=.839344623a57" type="external">Russian</a> <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/syria-and-iraq-full-of-russian-iranian-and-chinese-weapons-2015-4" type="external">arms</a> <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-to-sell-mig-jet-fighters-to-syria-jet-maker-says/" type="external">sales</a> to the Assad government in Syria—even before Russia directly entered the war in September 2015—would always mention the stakes of the deals in terms of human life. Weapons sales by other countries are put in clear moral terms—as they should be. Those by the United States are sterilized, rendered abstract by omitting the deaths that will inevitably result.</p>
<p>The New York Times ( <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/15/world/middleeast/trump-yemen-saudi-arabia.html" type="external">5/15/17</a>) did mention the famine and war in Yemen in the context of the arms deal last week, but one article on the subject from Thursday ( <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/18/world/middleeast/trump-saudi-arabia-summit.html?_r=0" type="external">5/18/17</a>), for unknown reasons, <a href="https://twitter.com/aaronjmate/status/865636012755566592" type="external">removed</a> this passage expressly noting the Saudis’ history of buying US weapons:</p>
<p>The Saudis have spent a fortune on US weapons over the years, and a series of new deals that could be worth more than $300 billion over the next decade are close to completion, Reuters reported this month.</p>
<p>You can see the original, as reprinted in the Boston Globe, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2017/05/18/saudi-arabia-will-give-trump-royal-welcome-ignore-his-slights/LeqkorxmQ67HwvgXLf1GfI/story.html" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>As of Monday afternoon, no major newspaper—New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, LA Times, Chicago Tribune or Daily News—has run an editorial condemning Trump for cozying up with and selling massive amounts of arms to the Saudi dictatorship. As FAIR noted last week <a href="" type="internal">(5/17/17</a>), this outrage remains solely directed at dictatorships not in good standing with the US State Department.</p>
<p>Such is most reporting on the US’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. The human rights framework so much of the pundit class lives by—the moral positioning that gives the US the unique right to interfere in conflicts throughout the globe—is suddenly, and without explanation, suspended. The US backs Saudi war crimes despite their brutality, never because of it. It sells arms in hopes they will reform, never because they have.</p>
<p>And unlike our enemies, no one in particular is responsible. No “Salman regime did X,” no “forces loyal to Salman regime bombed Y.” Saudi Arabia remains a game of moral hot potato, no one is to blame and, somehow, everyone is a reformer.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | 35 |
<p>CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the "Megabucks Plus" game were:</p>
<p>04-11-39-40-41, Megaball: 3</p>
<p>(four, eleven, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one; Megaball: three)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $4.7 million</p>
<p>CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the "Megabucks Plus" game were:</p>
<p>04-11-39-40-41, Megaball: 3</p>
<p>(four, eleven, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one; Megaball: three)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $4.7 million</p> | Winning numbers drawn in 'Megabucks Plus' game | false | https://apnews.com/amp/a797f02f60fd4e1c8c8fce869acb93a3 | 2018-01-14 | 2least
| Winning numbers drawn in 'Megabucks Plus' game
<p>CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the "Megabucks Plus" game were:</p>
<p>04-11-39-40-41, Megaball: 3</p>
<p>(four, eleven, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one; Megaball: three)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $4.7 million</p>
<p>CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the "Megabucks Plus" game were:</p>
<p>04-11-39-40-41, Megaball: 3</p>
<p>(four, eleven, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one; Megaball: three)</p>
<p>Estimated jackpot: $4.7 million</p> | 36 |
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump often brags that he's done more in his first year in office than any other president. That's a spectacular stretch.</p>
<p>But while he's fallen short on many measures and has a strikingly thin legislative record, Trump has followed through on dozens of his campaign promises, overhauling the country's tax system, changing the U.S. posture abroad and upending the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants.</p>
<p>A year in, Trump is no closer to making Mexico pay for a border wall than when he made supporters swoon with that promise at those rollicking campaign rallies of 2016.</p>
<p>He's run into legislative roadblocks — from fellow Republicans, no less — at big moments, which is why the Obama-era health law survives, wounded but still insuring millions. His own administration's sloppy start explains why none of the laws he pledged to sign in his first 100 days came to reality then and why most are still aspirational.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Trump has nailed the tax overhaul, his only historic legislative accomplishment to date, won confirmation of a conservative Supreme Court justice and other federal judges, and used his executive powers with vigor to slice regulations and pull the U.S. away from international accords he assailed as a candidate.</p>
<p>Courts tied his most provocative actions on immigration and Muslim entry in knots, but illegal border crossings appear to be at historic lows.</p>
<p>The upshot? For all his rogue tendencies, Trump has shaped up as a largely conventional Republican president when measured by his promises kept and in motion.</p>
<p>The Twitter version of Trump may be jazzed with braggadocio about the size of his (nonexistent) nuclear button and his "very stable genius." But the ledger of actions taken is recognizable to Washington: mainstream Republican tax cuts, pro-business policy (with exceptions on trade), curbs on environmental regulation and an approach to health care that's been in the GOP playbook for years.</p>
<p>That's as of today and this moment. With Trump, you never know about tomorrow.</p>
<p>A look at some of his campaign promises and what's happened with them:</p>
<p>TAXES</p>
<p>Trump and congressional Republicans delivered on an overhaul that substantially lowers corporate taxes and cuts personal income taxes, as promised. It's sizable but not everything Trump said it would be, and it is more tilted to the wealthy than he promised or will admit. He promised a 15 percent tax rate for corporations and settled for 21 percent, still a major drop from 35 percent. He promised three tax brackets; there are still seven. He did not eliminate the estate tax or the alternative minimum tax as he said he would. Fewer people will be subject to those taxes, however, at least temporarily.</p>
<p>"Everybody is getting a tax cut, especially the middle class," he said in the campaign. Most will; some will pay more.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRADE</p>
<p>Trump made good on his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement in search of a better deal.</p>
<p>He's let China off the hook, though, on his oft-repeated threat during the campaign to brand Beijing a currency manipulator, a step toward potentially hefty penalties on Chinese imports and a likely spark for a trade war.</p>
<p>"We're like the piggy bank that's being robbed," he said of the trade relationship, which has tipped even more in China's favor since. Trump now threatens trade punishment if China does not sufficiently cooperate in reining in North Korea.</p>
<p>Trump promised to impose a 35 percent tariff on goods from U.S. companies that ship production abroad. He's not delivered on that. Instead, his tax plan aims to encourage companies to stay in the U.S. with the lower tax rate and to entice those operating abroad to come home by letting them repatriate their profits in the U.S. at a temporarily discounted rate. His approach so far is all carrot, no stick.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>IMMIGRATION</p>
<p>Candidate Trump rocked the political landscape when he proposed a temporary ban on all non-U.S. Muslims entering the country. While he's long backed away from such talk, Trump has worked since his first days in office to impose new restrictions on tourists and immigrants, signing executive orders that would have made good on his anti-immigration promises had those orders not been blocked by courts.</p>
<p>He's now succeeded in banning the entry of citizens from several Muslim-majority countries and in severely curbing refugee admissions. He's tried to deny certain federal money for cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.</p>
<p>Trump is now deep in negotiations over an immigration deal that could deliver on other promises, including money for the border wall with Mexico and overhauling the legal immigration system to make it harder for immigrants to sponsor their families. That's in exchange for extending protections for hundreds of thousands of young people brought to the country illegally as children. They are protections he once slammed as an "illegal" amnesty and pledged to end.</p>
<p>Mexico still isn't ponying up money for the wall.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT</p>
<p>Trump promised aggressive action on the energy front and has pursued that.</p>
<p>He announced his intention to take the U.S. out of the Paris climate-change accord. He gave swift approval to the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines stalled by President Barack Obama, moved to shrink protected national monument lands in Utah and Arizona, and acted to lift restrictions on mining coal and coastal drilling for oil and natural gas.</p>
<p>A provision in the new tax law opens the long-protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.</p>
<p>As other countries turn harder toward green energy, Trump is making fossil fuels the centerpiece of his drive toward energy independence — a benchmark that Obama closed in on during an era of surging natural gas development.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>HEALTH CARE</p>
<p>Probably nothing exemplifies frustrated ambition more than the Obama health law Republicans have been trying to dismantle ever since it was enacted in 2010. Trump has declared it dead many times — he just never got around to killing it.</p>
<p>He made this overpromise in the campaign: "My first day in office, I'm going to ask Congress to put a bill on my desk getting rid of this disastrous law and replacing it with reforms that expand choice, freedom, affordability. You're going to have such great health care at a tiny fraction of the cost. It's going to be so easy."</p>
<p>That hasn't happened.</p>
<p>Republicans took several runs at repealing and replacing the law last year, only to fall short. The December tax law, though, is knocking out a pillar. As of 2019, the requirement to carry health insurance or pay a fine will be gone.</p>
<p>Trump has come out with a proposed regulation to promote the sale of health plans across state lines. The goal is to make it easier for associations to sponsor plans that are cheaper than Affordable Care Act policies but don't have to meet all consumer protection and benefit requirements of that law.</p>
<p>Insurance industry groups, patient groups and some state regulators are wary of the idea and see little chance it can make more than a dent in the ranks of the uninsured (nearly 30 million). Easing restrictions on the sale of health insurance across state lines has been a longtime mainstream conservative goal.</p>
<p>He also promised to authorize Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. It hasn't been done.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>'AMERICA FIRST' ABROAD</p>
<p>Trump promised swift victory over the Islamic State group. Over the past year, U.S. and coalition-backed local forces in Iraq and Syria did deal a crushing blow to IS, ousting the militants from most of the territory they once held. The success built on the strategy of the Obama administration to work with and through local forces. Trump did relax restrictions on the number of U.S. troops who could be deployed both to Iraq and Syria, and that aided the final push.</p>
<p>U.S. commanders, however, stop short of saying IS is defeated, pointing to remaining militants and fighting in Syria. They also note the group has spawned affiliates in other countries, such as Afghanistan and Yemen, where they routinely attack U.S. forces and allies. While reeling as a territorial force, the IS group has inspired terrorist attacks in the West.</p>
<p>The Pentagon has yet to see the massive increase in military spending that Trump has promised. That still might come, but the protracted struggle to pass a Pentagon budget of whatever size has hurt U.S. military readiness, defense officials say.</p>
<p>More broadly, Trump's "America First" ethic has been reflected in his pressure on member NATO countries to step up their own military spending, in his wariness of international accords and in the seeming drift from a diplomatic tradition of promoting U.S. democratic values abroad.</p>
<p>Past presidents made common cause with authoritarian figures, and their promotion of values could be cursory. But Trump has lavished praise on select strongmen, from the Philippines to China to Russia and beyond.</p>
<p>Despite railing against the Iran nuclear deal as a candidate, Trump has so far passed up opportunities to get the U.S. out of it. On the other hand, he rolled back part of Obama's opening to Cuba. He also moved forward on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a goal that both parties have embraced in their platforms for decades but never acted on.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>INFRASTRUCTURE</p>
<p>Trump pledged a $1 trillion effort to rebuild the country's airports, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. As with his tax plan, it's shaping up to be less ambitious than promised, though it still might be significant. Placed behind the failed effort to repeal the health law and the successful one to cut taxes, infrastructure may or may not emerge as a proposal in coming weeks. Trump's idea appears to involve using federal tax dollars to leverage state government and private spending, not to mount a New Deal-era explosion of federal projects.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>VETERANS</p>
<p>Having previously criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "most corrupt," Trump delivered on one campaign promise by signing legislation to make it easier for VA employees to be fired for misconduct.</p>
<p>At least for now, its impact in bringing accountability to the department remains unclear. The pace of VA firings during Obama's last budget year was higher than during Trump's first, which covered the first nine months of his administration.</p>
<p>Other Trump initiatives announced with fanfare in 2017 remain far from complete or have been limited because of questions about rising government costs: a multibillion-dollar overhaul of electronic medical records, expanded access to doctors to reduce wait times and a goal of hiring 1,000 additional mental health counselors in the first year. The VA has been clouded by a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA hospital in which employees manipulated records to hide appointment delays.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>... AND MORE</p>
<p>Despite his promises, Trump hasn't pushed for a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Congress members or worked to end birthright citizenship, and he hasn't made good on his pledge to drop "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane over Afghanistan without a parachute.</p>
<p>Trump, who spends nearly every weekend golfing at one of his properties, most certainly hasn't fulfilled his promise never to take a vacation while serving as president.</p>
<p>Indeed, Trump has visited properties he owns nearly one of every three days he's been in office, raising a tangle of ethical questions about whether he's profiting from his presidency.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE BIG BOAST</p>
<p>Trump didn't wait for his first 100 days to expire before boasting that his presidential achievements thus far surpassed anything in history, and he hasn't let up since. He's bragged of having signed more than 80 pieces of legislation into law, but there's little of consequence in that pile.</p>
<p>He's signed laws naming federal buildings after people, appointing a Smithsonian Institution regent and other housekeeping steps that all presidents do but tend not to make a fuss about.</p>
<p>In contrast, Obama signed an enormous stimulus package into law in his first month while also achieving a law expanding health care for children and other policy steps.</p>
<p>Then there's Franklin Roosevelt, credited by historians Alan Brinkley and Davis Dyer with achieving "the most concentrated period of U.S. reform in U.S. history," starting immediately with emergency legislation to stabilize the Depression-devastated banking system and setting in place the New Deal with 14 pieces of historic legislation in 100 days.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump often brags that he's done more in his first year in office than any other president. That's a spectacular stretch.</p>
<p>But while he's fallen short on many measures and has a strikingly thin legislative record, Trump has followed through on dozens of his campaign promises, overhauling the country's tax system, changing the U.S. posture abroad and upending the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants.</p>
<p>A year in, Trump is no closer to making Mexico pay for a border wall than when he made supporters swoon with that promise at those rollicking campaign rallies of 2016.</p>
<p>He's run into legislative roadblocks — from fellow Republicans, no less — at big moments, which is why the Obama-era health law survives, wounded but still insuring millions. His own administration's sloppy start explains why none of the laws he pledged to sign in his first 100 days came to reality then and why most are still aspirational.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Trump has nailed the tax overhaul, his only historic legislative accomplishment to date, won confirmation of a conservative Supreme Court justice and other federal judges, and used his executive powers with vigor to slice regulations and pull the U.S. away from international accords he assailed as a candidate.</p>
<p>Courts tied his most provocative actions on immigration and Muslim entry in knots, but illegal border crossings appear to be at historic lows.</p>
<p>The upshot? For all his rogue tendencies, Trump has shaped up as a largely conventional Republican president when measured by his promises kept and in motion.</p>
<p>The Twitter version of Trump may be jazzed with braggadocio about the size of his (nonexistent) nuclear button and his "very stable genius." But the ledger of actions taken is recognizable to Washington: mainstream Republican tax cuts, pro-business policy (with exceptions on trade), curbs on environmental regulation and an approach to health care that's been in the GOP playbook for years.</p>
<p>That's as of today and this moment. With Trump, you never know about tomorrow.</p>
<p>A look at some of his campaign promises and what's happened with them:</p>
<p>TAXES</p>
<p>Trump and congressional Republicans delivered on an overhaul that substantially lowers corporate taxes and cuts personal income taxes, as promised. It's sizable but not everything Trump said it would be, and it is more tilted to the wealthy than he promised or will admit. He promised a 15 percent tax rate for corporations and settled for 21 percent, still a major drop from 35 percent. He promised three tax brackets; there are still seven. He did not eliminate the estate tax or the alternative minimum tax as he said he would. Fewer people will be subject to those taxes, however, at least temporarily.</p>
<p>"Everybody is getting a tax cut, especially the middle class," he said in the campaign. Most will; some will pay more.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRADE</p>
<p>Trump made good on his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement in search of a better deal.</p>
<p>He's let China off the hook, though, on his oft-repeated threat during the campaign to brand Beijing a currency manipulator, a step toward potentially hefty penalties on Chinese imports and a likely spark for a trade war.</p>
<p>"We're like the piggy bank that's being robbed," he said of the trade relationship, which has tipped even more in China's favor since. Trump now threatens trade punishment if China does not sufficiently cooperate in reining in North Korea.</p>
<p>Trump promised to impose a 35 percent tariff on goods from U.S. companies that ship production abroad. He's not delivered on that. Instead, his tax plan aims to encourage companies to stay in the U.S. with the lower tax rate and to entice those operating abroad to come home by letting them repatriate their profits in the U.S. at a temporarily discounted rate. His approach so far is all carrot, no stick.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>IMMIGRATION</p>
<p>Candidate Trump rocked the political landscape when he proposed a temporary ban on all non-U.S. Muslims entering the country. While he's long backed away from such talk, Trump has worked since his first days in office to impose new restrictions on tourists and immigrants, signing executive orders that would have made good on his anti-immigration promises had those orders not been blocked by courts.</p>
<p>He's now succeeded in banning the entry of citizens from several Muslim-majority countries and in severely curbing refugee admissions. He's tried to deny certain federal money for cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.</p>
<p>Trump is now deep in negotiations over an immigration deal that could deliver on other promises, including money for the border wall with Mexico and overhauling the legal immigration system to make it harder for immigrants to sponsor their families. That's in exchange for extending protections for hundreds of thousands of young people brought to the country illegally as children. They are protections he once slammed as an "illegal" amnesty and pledged to end.</p>
<p>Mexico still isn't ponying up money for the wall.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT</p>
<p>Trump promised aggressive action on the energy front and has pursued that.</p>
<p>He announced his intention to take the U.S. out of the Paris climate-change accord. He gave swift approval to the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines stalled by President Barack Obama, moved to shrink protected national monument lands in Utah and Arizona, and acted to lift restrictions on mining coal and coastal drilling for oil and natural gas.</p>
<p>A provision in the new tax law opens the long-protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.</p>
<p>As other countries turn harder toward green energy, Trump is making fossil fuels the centerpiece of his drive toward energy independence — a benchmark that Obama closed in on during an era of surging natural gas development.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>HEALTH CARE</p>
<p>Probably nothing exemplifies frustrated ambition more than the Obama health law Republicans have been trying to dismantle ever since it was enacted in 2010. Trump has declared it dead many times — he just never got around to killing it.</p>
<p>He made this overpromise in the campaign: "My first day in office, I'm going to ask Congress to put a bill on my desk getting rid of this disastrous law and replacing it with reforms that expand choice, freedom, affordability. You're going to have such great health care at a tiny fraction of the cost. It's going to be so easy."</p>
<p>That hasn't happened.</p>
<p>Republicans took several runs at repealing and replacing the law last year, only to fall short. The December tax law, though, is knocking out a pillar. As of 2019, the requirement to carry health insurance or pay a fine will be gone.</p>
<p>Trump has come out with a proposed regulation to promote the sale of health plans across state lines. The goal is to make it easier for associations to sponsor plans that are cheaper than Affordable Care Act policies but don't have to meet all consumer protection and benefit requirements of that law.</p>
<p>Insurance industry groups, patient groups and some state regulators are wary of the idea and see little chance it can make more than a dent in the ranks of the uninsured (nearly 30 million). Easing restrictions on the sale of health insurance across state lines has been a longtime mainstream conservative goal.</p>
<p>He also promised to authorize Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. It hasn't been done.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>'AMERICA FIRST' ABROAD</p>
<p>Trump promised swift victory over the Islamic State group. Over the past year, U.S. and coalition-backed local forces in Iraq and Syria did deal a crushing blow to IS, ousting the militants from most of the territory they once held. The success built on the strategy of the Obama administration to work with and through local forces. Trump did relax restrictions on the number of U.S. troops who could be deployed both to Iraq and Syria, and that aided the final push.</p>
<p>U.S. commanders, however, stop short of saying IS is defeated, pointing to remaining militants and fighting in Syria. They also note the group has spawned affiliates in other countries, such as Afghanistan and Yemen, where they routinely attack U.S. forces and allies. While reeling as a territorial force, the IS group has inspired terrorist attacks in the West.</p>
<p>The Pentagon has yet to see the massive increase in military spending that Trump has promised. That still might come, but the protracted struggle to pass a Pentagon budget of whatever size has hurt U.S. military readiness, defense officials say.</p>
<p>More broadly, Trump's "America First" ethic has been reflected in his pressure on member NATO countries to step up their own military spending, in his wariness of international accords and in the seeming drift from a diplomatic tradition of promoting U.S. democratic values abroad.</p>
<p>Past presidents made common cause with authoritarian figures, and their promotion of values could be cursory. But Trump has lavished praise on select strongmen, from the Philippines to China to Russia and beyond.</p>
<p>Despite railing against the Iran nuclear deal as a candidate, Trump has so far passed up opportunities to get the U.S. out of it. On the other hand, he rolled back part of Obama's opening to Cuba. He also moved forward on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a goal that both parties have embraced in their platforms for decades but never acted on.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>INFRASTRUCTURE</p>
<p>Trump pledged a $1 trillion effort to rebuild the country's airports, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. As with his tax plan, it's shaping up to be less ambitious than promised, though it still might be significant. Placed behind the failed effort to repeal the health law and the successful one to cut taxes, infrastructure may or may not emerge as a proposal in coming weeks. Trump's idea appears to involve using federal tax dollars to leverage state government and private spending, not to mount a New Deal-era explosion of federal projects.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>VETERANS</p>
<p>Having previously criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "most corrupt," Trump delivered on one campaign promise by signing legislation to make it easier for VA employees to be fired for misconduct.</p>
<p>At least for now, its impact in bringing accountability to the department remains unclear. The pace of VA firings during Obama's last budget year was higher than during Trump's first, which covered the first nine months of his administration.</p>
<p>Other Trump initiatives announced with fanfare in 2017 remain far from complete or have been limited because of questions about rising government costs: a multibillion-dollar overhaul of electronic medical records, expanded access to doctors to reduce wait times and a goal of hiring 1,000 additional mental health counselors in the first year. The VA has been clouded by a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA hospital in which employees manipulated records to hide appointment delays.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>... AND MORE</p>
<p>Despite his promises, Trump hasn't pushed for a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Congress members or worked to end birthright citizenship, and he hasn't made good on his pledge to drop "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane over Afghanistan without a parachute.</p>
<p>Trump, who spends nearly every weekend golfing at one of his properties, most certainly hasn't fulfilled his promise never to take a vacation while serving as president.</p>
<p>Indeed, Trump has visited properties he owns nearly one of every three days he's been in office, raising a tangle of ethical questions about whether he's profiting from his presidency.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE BIG BOAST</p>
<p>Trump didn't wait for his first 100 days to expire before boasting that his presidential achievements thus far surpassed anything in history, and he hasn't let up since. He's bragged of having signed more than 80 pieces of legislation into law, but there's little of consequence in that pile.</p>
<p>He's signed laws naming federal buildings after people, appointing a Smithsonian Institution regent and other housekeeping steps that all presidents do but tend not to make a fuss about.</p>
<p>In contrast, Obama signed an enormous stimulus package into law in his first month while also achieving a law expanding health care for children and other policy steps.</p>
<p>Then there's Franklin Roosevelt, credited by historians Alan Brinkley and Davis Dyer with achieving "the most concentrated period of U.S. reform in U.S. history," starting immediately with emergency legislation to stabilize the Depression-devastated banking system and setting in place the New Deal with 14 pieces of historic legislation in 100 days.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report.</p> | Trump has kept many promises during his first year in office | false | https://apnews.com/amp/4c2dce305b4a4d679785fc48bd278704 | 2018-01-15 | 2least
| Trump has kept many promises during his first year in office
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump often brags that he's done more in his first year in office than any other president. That's a spectacular stretch.</p>
<p>But while he's fallen short on many measures and has a strikingly thin legislative record, Trump has followed through on dozens of his campaign promises, overhauling the country's tax system, changing the U.S. posture abroad and upending the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants.</p>
<p>A year in, Trump is no closer to making Mexico pay for a border wall than when he made supporters swoon with that promise at those rollicking campaign rallies of 2016.</p>
<p>He's run into legislative roadblocks — from fellow Republicans, no less — at big moments, which is why the Obama-era health law survives, wounded but still insuring millions. His own administration's sloppy start explains why none of the laws he pledged to sign in his first 100 days came to reality then and why most are still aspirational.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Trump has nailed the tax overhaul, his only historic legislative accomplishment to date, won confirmation of a conservative Supreme Court justice and other federal judges, and used his executive powers with vigor to slice regulations and pull the U.S. away from international accords he assailed as a candidate.</p>
<p>Courts tied his most provocative actions on immigration and Muslim entry in knots, but illegal border crossings appear to be at historic lows.</p>
<p>The upshot? For all his rogue tendencies, Trump has shaped up as a largely conventional Republican president when measured by his promises kept and in motion.</p>
<p>The Twitter version of Trump may be jazzed with braggadocio about the size of his (nonexistent) nuclear button and his "very stable genius." But the ledger of actions taken is recognizable to Washington: mainstream Republican tax cuts, pro-business policy (with exceptions on trade), curbs on environmental regulation and an approach to health care that's been in the GOP playbook for years.</p>
<p>That's as of today and this moment. With Trump, you never know about tomorrow.</p>
<p>A look at some of his campaign promises and what's happened with them:</p>
<p>TAXES</p>
<p>Trump and congressional Republicans delivered on an overhaul that substantially lowers corporate taxes and cuts personal income taxes, as promised. It's sizable but not everything Trump said it would be, and it is more tilted to the wealthy than he promised or will admit. He promised a 15 percent tax rate for corporations and settled for 21 percent, still a major drop from 35 percent. He promised three tax brackets; there are still seven. He did not eliminate the estate tax or the alternative minimum tax as he said he would. Fewer people will be subject to those taxes, however, at least temporarily.</p>
<p>"Everybody is getting a tax cut, especially the middle class," he said in the campaign. Most will; some will pay more.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRADE</p>
<p>Trump made good on his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement in search of a better deal.</p>
<p>He's let China off the hook, though, on his oft-repeated threat during the campaign to brand Beijing a currency manipulator, a step toward potentially hefty penalties on Chinese imports and a likely spark for a trade war.</p>
<p>"We're like the piggy bank that's being robbed," he said of the trade relationship, which has tipped even more in China's favor since. Trump now threatens trade punishment if China does not sufficiently cooperate in reining in North Korea.</p>
<p>Trump promised to impose a 35 percent tariff on goods from U.S. companies that ship production abroad. He's not delivered on that. Instead, his tax plan aims to encourage companies to stay in the U.S. with the lower tax rate and to entice those operating abroad to come home by letting them repatriate their profits in the U.S. at a temporarily discounted rate. His approach so far is all carrot, no stick.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>IMMIGRATION</p>
<p>Candidate Trump rocked the political landscape when he proposed a temporary ban on all non-U.S. Muslims entering the country. While he's long backed away from such talk, Trump has worked since his first days in office to impose new restrictions on tourists and immigrants, signing executive orders that would have made good on his anti-immigration promises had those orders not been blocked by courts.</p>
<p>He's now succeeded in banning the entry of citizens from several Muslim-majority countries and in severely curbing refugee admissions. He's tried to deny certain federal money for cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.</p>
<p>Trump is now deep in negotiations over an immigration deal that could deliver on other promises, including money for the border wall with Mexico and overhauling the legal immigration system to make it harder for immigrants to sponsor their families. That's in exchange for extending protections for hundreds of thousands of young people brought to the country illegally as children. They are protections he once slammed as an "illegal" amnesty and pledged to end.</p>
<p>Mexico still isn't ponying up money for the wall.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT</p>
<p>Trump promised aggressive action on the energy front and has pursued that.</p>
<p>He announced his intention to take the U.S. out of the Paris climate-change accord. He gave swift approval to the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines stalled by President Barack Obama, moved to shrink protected national monument lands in Utah and Arizona, and acted to lift restrictions on mining coal and coastal drilling for oil and natural gas.</p>
<p>A provision in the new tax law opens the long-protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.</p>
<p>As other countries turn harder toward green energy, Trump is making fossil fuels the centerpiece of his drive toward energy independence — a benchmark that Obama closed in on during an era of surging natural gas development.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>HEALTH CARE</p>
<p>Probably nothing exemplifies frustrated ambition more than the Obama health law Republicans have been trying to dismantle ever since it was enacted in 2010. Trump has declared it dead many times — he just never got around to killing it.</p>
<p>He made this overpromise in the campaign: "My first day in office, I'm going to ask Congress to put a bill on my desk getting rid of this disastrous law and replacing it with reforms that expand choice, freedom, affordability. You're going to have such great health care at a tiny fraction of the cost. It's going to be so easy."</p>
<p>That hasn't happened.</p>
<p>Republicans took several runs at repealing and replacing the law last year, only to fall short. The December tax law, though, is knocking out a pillar. As of 2019, the requirement to carry health insurance or pay a fine will be gone.</p>
<p>Trump has come out with a proposed regulation to promote the sale of health plans across state lines. The goal is to make it easier for associations to sponsor plans that are cheaper than Affordable Care Act policies but don't have to meet all consumer protection and benefit requirements of that law.</p>
<p>Insurance industry groups, patient groups and some state regulators are wary of the idea and see little chance it can make more than a dent in the ranks of the uninsured (nearly 30 million). Easing restrictions on the sale of health insurance across state lines has been a longtime mainstream conservative goal.</p>
<p>He also promised to authorize Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. It hasn't been done.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>'AMERICA FIRST' ABROAD</p>
<p>Trump promised swift victory over the Islamic State group. Over the past year, U.S. and coalition-backed local forces in Iraq and Syria did deal a crushing blow to IS, ousting the militants from most of the territory they once held. The success built on the strategy of the Obama administration to work with and through local forces. Trump did relax restrictions on the number of U.S. troops who could be deployed both to Iraq and Syria, and that aided the final push.</p>
<p>U.S. commanders, however, stop short of saying IS is defeated, pointing to remaining militants and fighting in Syria. They also note the group has spawned affiliates in other countries, such as Afghanistan and Yemen, where they routinely attack U.S. forces and allies. While reeling as a territorial force, the IS group has inspired terrorist attacks in the West.</p>
<p>The Pentagon has yet to see the massive increase in military spending that Trump has promised. That still might come, but the protracted struggle to pass a Pentagon budget of whatever size has hurt U.S. military readiness, defense officials say.</p>
<p>More broadly, Trump's "America First" ethic has been reflected in his pressure on member NATO countries to step up their own military spending, in his wariness of international accords and in the seeming drift from a diplomatic tradition of promoting U.S. democratic values abroad.</p>
<p>Past presidents made common cause with authoritarian figures, and their promotion of values could be cursory. But Trump has lavished praise on select strongmen, from the Philippines to China to Russia and beyond.</p>
<p>Despite railing against the Iran nuclear deal as a candidate, Trump has so far passed up opportunities to get the U.S. out of it. On the other hand, he rolled back part of Obama's opening to Cuba. He also moved forward on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a goal that both parties have embraced in their platforms for decades but never acted on.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>INFRASTRUCTURE</p>
<p>Trump pledged a $1 trillion effort to rebuild the country's airports, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. As with his tax plan, it's shaping up to be less ambitious than promised, though it still might be significant. Placed behind the failed effort to repeal the health law and the successful one to cut taxes, infrastructure may or may not emerge as a proposal in coming weeks. Trump's idea appears to involve using federal tax dollars to leverage state government and private spending, not to mount a New Deal-era explosion of federal projects.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>VETERANS</p>
<p>Having previously criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "most corrupt," Trump delivered on one campaign promise by signing legislation to make it easier for VA employees to be fired for misconduct.</p>
<p>At least for now, its impact in bringing accountability to the department remains unclear. The pace of VA firings during Obama's last budget year was higher than during Trump's first, which covered the first nine months of his administration.</p>
<p>Other Trump initiatives announced with fanfare in 2017 remain far from complete or have been limited because of questions about rising government costs: a multibillion-dollar overhaul of electronic medical records, expanded access to doctors to reduce wait times and a goal of hiring 1,000 additional mental health counselors in the first year. The VA has been clouded by a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA hospital in which employees manipulated records to hide appointment delays.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>... AND MORE</p>
<p>Despite his promises, Trump hasn't pushed for a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Congress members or worked to end birthright citizenship, and he hasn't made good on his pledge to drop "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane over Afghanistan without a parachute.</p>
<p>Trump, who spends nearly every weekend golfing at one of his properties, most certainly hasn't fulfilled his promise never to take a vacation while serving as president.</p>
<p>Indeed, Trump has visited properties he owns nearly one of every three days he's been in office, raising a tangle of ethical questions about whether he's profiting from his presidency.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE BIG BOAST</p>
<p>Trump didn't wait for his first 100 days to expire before boasting that his presidential achievements thus far surpassed anything in history, and he hasn't let up since. He's bragged of having signed more than 80 pieces of legislation into law, but there's little of consequence in that pile.</p>
<p>He's signed laws naming federal buildings after people, appointing a Smithsonian Institution regent and other housekeeping steps that all presidents do but tend not to make a fuss about.</p>
<p>In contrast, Obama signed an enormous stimulus package into law in his first month while also achieving a law expanding health care for children and other policy steps.</p>
<p>Then there's Franklin Roosevelt, credited by historians Alan Brinkley and Davis Dyer with achieving "the most concentrated period of U.S. reform in U.S. history," starting immediately with emergency legislation to stabilize the Depression-devastated banking system and setting in place the New Deal with 14 pieces of historic legislation in 100 days.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report.</p>
<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump often brags that he's done more in his first year in office than any other president. That's a spectacular stretch.</p>
<p>But while he's fallen short on many measures and has a strikingly thin legislative record, Trump has followed through on dozens of his campaign promises, overhauling the country's tax system, changing the U.S. posture abroad and upending the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants.</p>
<p>A year in, Trump is no closer to making Mexico pay for a border wall than when he made supporters swoon with that promise at those rollicking campaign rallies of 2016.</p>
<p>He's run into legislative roadblocks — from fellow Republicans, no less — at big moments, which is why the Obama-era health law survives, wounded but still insuring millions. His own administration's sloppy start explains why none of the laws he pledged to sign in his first 100 days came to reality then and why most are still aspirational.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Trump has nailed the tax overhaul, his only historic legislative accomplishment to date, won confirmation of a conservative Supreme Court justice and other federal judges, and used his executive powers with vigor to slice regulations and pull the U.S. away from international accords he assailed as a candidate.</p>
<p>Courts tied his most provocative actions on immigration and Muslim entry in knots, but illegal border crossings appear to be at historic lows.</p>
<p>The upshot? For all his rogue tendencies, Trump has shaped up as a largely conventional Republican president when measured by his promises kept and in motion.</p>
<p>The Twitter version of Trump may be jazzed with braggadocio about the size of his (nonexistent) nuclear button and his "very stable genius." But the ledger of actions taken is recognizable to Washington: mainstream Republican tax cuts, pro-business policy (with exceptions on trade), curbs on environmental regulation and an approach to health care that's been in the GOP playbook for years.</p>
<p>That's as of today and this moment. With Trump, you never know about tomorrow.</p>
<p>A look at some of his campaign promises and what's happened with them:</p>
<p>TAXES</p>
<p>Trump and congressional Republicans delivered on an overhaul that substantially lowers corporate taxes and cuts personal income taxes, as promised. It's sizable but not everything Trump said it would be, and it is more tilted to the wealthy than he promised or will admit. He promised a 15 percent tax rate for corporations and settled for 21 percent, still a major drop from 35 percent. He promised three tax brackets; there are still seven. He did not eliminate the estate tax or the alternative minimum tax as he said he would. Fewer people will be subject to those taxes, however, at least temporarily.</p>
<p>"Everybody is getting a tax cut, especially the middle class," he said in the campaign. Most will; some will pay more.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>TRADE</p>
<p>Trump made good on his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement in search of a better deal.</p>
<p>He's let China off the hook, though, on his oft-repeated threat during the campaign to brand Beijing a currency manipulator, a step toward potentially hefty penalties on Chinese imports and a likely spark for a trade war.</p>
<p>"We're like the piggy bank that's being robbed," he said of the trade relationship, which has tipped even more in China's favor since. Trump now threatens trade punishment if China does not sufficiently cooperate in reining in North Korea.</p>
<p>Trump promised to impose a 35 percent tariff on goods from U.S. companies that ship production abroad. He's not delivered on that. Instead, his tax plan aims to encourage companies to stay in the U.S. with the lower tax rate and to entice those operating abroad to come home by letting them repatriate their profits in the U.S. at a temporarily discounted rate. His approach so far is all carrot, no stick.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>IMMIGRATION</p>
<p>Candidate Trump rocked the political landscape when he proposed a temporary ban on all non-U.S. Muslims entering the country. While he's long backed away from such talk, Trump has worked since his first days in office to impose new restrictions on tourists and immigrants, signing executive orders that would have made good on his anti-immigration promises had those orders not been blocked by courts.</p>
<p>He's now succeeded in banning the entry of citizens from several Muslim-majority countries and in severely curbing refugee admissions. He's tried to deny certain federal money for cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.</p>
<p>Trump is now deep in negotiations over an immigration deal that could deliver on other promises, including money for the border wall with Mexico and overhauling the legal immigration system to make it harder for immigrants to sponsor their families. That's in exchange for extending protections for hundreds of thousands of young people brought to the country illegally as children. They are protections he once slammed as an "illegal" amnesty and pledged to end.</p>
<p>Mexico still isn't ponying up money for the wall.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT</p>
<p>Trump promised aggressive action on the energy front and has pursued that.</p>
<p>He announced his intention to take the U.S. out of the Paris climate-change accord. He gave swift approval to the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines stalled by President Barack Obama, moved to shrink protected national monument lands in Utah and Arizona, and acted to lift restrictions on mining coal and coastal drilling for oil and natural gas.</p>
<p>A provision in the new tax law opens the long-protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.</p>
<p>As other countries turn harder toward green energy, Trump is making fossil fuels the centerpiece of his drive toward energy independence — a benchmark that Obama closed in on during an era of surging natural gas development.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>HEALTH CARE</p>
<p>Probably nothing exemplifies frustrated ambition more than the Obama health law Republicans have been trying to dismantle ever since it was enacted in 2010. Trump has declared it dead many times — he just never got around to killing it.</p>
<p>He made this overpromise in the campaign: "My first day in office, I'm going to ask Congress to put a bill on my desk getting rid of this disastrous law and replacing it with reforms that expand choice, freedom, affordability. You're going to have such great health care at a tiny fraction of the cost. It's going to be so easy."</p>
<p>That hasn't happened.</p>
<p>Republicans took several runs at repealing and replacing the law last year, only to fall short. The December tax law, though, is knocking out a pillar. As of 2019, the requirement to carry health insurance or pay a fine will be gone.</p>
<p>Trump has come out with a proposed regulation to promote the sale of health plans across state lines. The goal is to make it easier for associations to sponsor plans that are cheaper than Affordable Care Act policies but don't have to meet all consumer protection and benefit requirements of that law.</p>
<p>Insurance industry groups, patient groups and some state regulators are wary of the idea and see little chance it can make more than a dent in the ranks of the uninsured (nearly 30 million). Easing restrictions on the sale of health insurance across state lines has been a longtime mainstream conservative goal.</p>
<p>He also promised to authorize Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices. It hasn't been done.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>'AMERICA FIRST' ABROAD</p>
<p>Trump promised swift victory over the Islamic State group. Over the past year, U.S. and coalition-backed local forces in Iraq and Syria did deal a crushing blow to IS, ousting the militants from most of the territory they once held. The success built on the strategy of the Obama administration to work with and through local forces. Trump did relax restrictions on the number of U.S. troops who could be deployed both to Iraq and Syria, and that aided the final push.</p>
<p>U.S. commanders, however, stop short of saying IS is defeated, pointing to remaining militants and fighting in Syria. They also note the group has spawned affiliates in other countries, such as Afghanistan and Yemen, where they routinely attack U.S. forces and allies. While reeling as a territorial force, the IS group has inspired terrorist attacks in the West.</p>
<p>The Pentagon has yet to see the massive increase in military spending that Trump has promised. That still might come, but the protracted struggle to pass a Pentagon budget of whatever size has hurt U.S. military readiness, defense officials say.</p>
<p>More broadly, Trump's "America First" ethic has been reflected in his pressure on member NATO countries to step up their own military spending, in his wariness of international accords and in the seeming drift from a diplomatic tradition of promoting U.S. democratic values abroad.</p>
<p>Past presidents made common cause with authoritarian figures, and their promotion of values could be cursory. But Trump has lavished praise on select strongmen, from the Philippines to China to Russia and beyond.</p>
<p>Despite railing against the Iran nuclear deal as a candidate, Trump has so far passed up opportunities to get the U.S. out of it. On the other hand, he rolled back part of Obama's opening to Cuba. He also moved forward on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a goal that both parties have embraced in their platforms for decades but never acted on.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>INFRASTRUCTURE</p>
<p>Trump pledged a $1 trillion effort to rebuild the country's airports, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. As with his tax plan, it's shaping up to be less ambitious than promised, though it still might be significant. Placed behind the failed effort to repeal the health law and the successful one to cut taxes, infrastructure may or may not emerge as a proposal in coming weeks. Trump's idea appears to involve using federal tax dollars to leverage state government and private spending, not to mount a New Deal-era explosion of federal projects.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>VETERANS</p>
<p>Having previously criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs as the "most corrupt," Trump delivered on one campaign promise by signing legislation to make it easier for VA employees to be fired for misconduct.</p>
<p>At least for now, its impact in bringing accountability to the department remains unclear. The pace of VA firings during Obama's last budget year was higher than during Trump's first, which covered the first nine months of his administration.</p>
<p>Other Trump initiatives announced with fanfare in 2017 remain far from complete or have been limited because of questions about rising government costs: a multibillion-dollar overhaul of electronic medical records, expanded access to doctors to reduce wait times and a goal of hiring 1,000 additional mental health counselors in the first year. The VA has been clouded by a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA hospital in which employees manipulated records to hide appointment delays.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>... AND MORE</p>
<p>Despite his promises, Trump hasn't pushed for a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Congress members or worked to end birthright citizenship, and he hasn't made good on his pledge to drop "dirty, rotten traitor" Bowe Bergdahl out of an airplane over Afghanistan without a parachute.</p>
<p>Trump, who spends nearly every weekend golfing at one of his properties, most certainly hasn't fulfilled his promise never to take a vacation while serving as president.</p>
<p>Indeed, Trump has visited properties he owns nearly one of every three days he's been in office, raising a tangle of ethical questions about whether he's profiting from his presidency.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>THE BIG BOAST</p>
<p>Trump didn't wait for his first 100 days to expire before boasting that his presidential achievements thus far surpassed anything in history, and he hasn't let up since. He's bragged of having signed more than 80 pieces of legislation into law, but there's little of consequence in that pile.</p>
<p>He's signed laws naming federal buildings after people, appointing a Smithsonian Institution regent and other housekeeping steps that all presidents do but tend not to make a fuss about.</p>
<p>In contrast, Obama signed an enormous stimulus package into law in his first month while also achieving a law expanding health care for children and other policy steps.</p>
<p>Then there's Franklin Roosevelt, credited by historians Alan Brinkley and Davis Dyer with achieving "the most concentrated period of U.S. reform in U.S. history," starting immediately with emergency legislation to stabilize the Depression-devastated banking system and setting in place the New Deal with 14 pieces of historic legislation in 100 days.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report.</p> | 37 |
<p>A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's&#160;Sulawesi Island on Sunday, killing at least 6 people, seriously wounding 8, and slightly injuring 35, according to the <a href="http://www.bnpb.go.id/website/asp/berita_list.asp?id=973" type="external">National Disaster Management Agency</a>&#160;(BNPB). Hundreds of buildings were destroyed.</p>
<p>"The quake was felt strongly for 15 seconds in Palu as people were breaking the fast" said a spokesman for BNPB, <a href="http://www.newser.com/story/152432/deadly-63-quake-hits-indonesia.html" type="external">according to Newser</a>. Sunday was the last day of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.</p>
<p>Sutopo Purwo Nugroho of BNPB told <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/6-dead-in-earthquake-on-northern-Indonesian-island-3799991.php" type="external">&#160;SeattlePI</a> that rescue workers are clearing roads to at least 14 towns cut off by landslides.</p>
<p>Helicopters are delivering food and water to residents who cannot be reached by overland supply routes, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/20/world/asia/indonesia-earthquake/index.html" type="external">CNN reports</a>.&#160;BNPB says food, blankets and tents are urgently needed.</p>
<p>On Dec. 26, 2004, an under water megathrust earthquake created a&#160;tsunami that killed around 230,000 people, many from Indonesia's Aceh province.</p>
<p>Indonesia sits within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Basin that experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.</p> | Indonesia: Earthquake kills at least 6, injures 49 | false | https://pri.org/stories/2012-08-20/indonesia-earthquake-kills-least-6-injures-49 | 2012-08-20 | 3left-center
| Indonesia: Earthquake kills at least 6, injures 49
<p>A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's&#160;Sulawesi Island on Sunday, killing at least 6 people, seriously wounding 8, and slightly injuring 35, according to the <a href="http://www.bnpb.go.id/website/asp/berita_list.asp?id=973" type="external">National Disaster Management Agency</a>&#160;(BNPB). Hundreds of buildings were destroyed.</p>
<p>"The quake was felt strongly for 15 seconds in Palu as people were breaking the fast" said a spokesman for BNPB, <a href="http://www.newser.com/story/152432/deadly-63-quake-hits-indonesia.html" type="external">according to Newser</a>. Sunday was the last day of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.</p>
<p>Sutopo Purwo Nugroho of BNPB told <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/6-dead-in-earthquake-on-northern-Indonesian-island-3799991.php" type="external">&#160;SeattlePI</a> that rescue workers are clearing roads to at least 14 towns cut off by landslides.</p>
<p>Helicopters are delivering food and water to residents who cannot be reached by overland supply routes, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/20/world/asia/indonesia-earthquake/index.html" type="external">CNN reports</a>.&#160;BNPB says food, blankets and tents are urgently needed.</p>
<p>On Dec. 26, 2004, an under water megathrust earthquake created a&#160;tsunami that killed around 230,000 people, many from Indonesia's Aceh province.</p>
<p>Indonesia sits within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Basin that experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.</p> | 38 |
<p>Emergency physicians in the U.S.&#160;have reported&#160;an increase in the volume of patients since January 1, 2014, when the Affordable Care Act requiring health insurance went into effect, and they are not confident that ERs across the country are prepared, <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844196" type="external">according to a new poll.</a></p>
<p>“The reliance on emergency care remains stronger than ever,” said Michael Gerardi, MD, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians,&#160;in a statement. “It’s the only place that’s open 24/7, and we never turn anyone away.”</p>
<p>The college invited 24,427 member physicians to complete the poll, 2099 of whom did, for a response rate of approximately 9%. The poll was conducted to gauge changes in ED patient volume and care since the Affordable Care Act went into effect.</p>
<p>With the implementation of the ACA, 47% of emergency physicians reported a slight increase in the number of patients, and 28% reported significant increases in patient volume.</p>
<p>56% of emergency physicians&#160;reported an increase in the number of Medicare patients, and 70% fear their ED is not sufficiently prepared for an increase in patient volume. Despite these concerns,&#160;83% have concerns about efforts being made by hospitals to reduce emergency visits; specifically, that patients will put off&#160;medical care or&#160;utilize facilities with less/poorer resources.</p>
<p>“There is strong evidence that Medicaid access to primary care and specialty care is not timely, leaving Medicaid patients with few options other than the [ED],” said&#160;Orlee Panitch, MD, chair of the Emergency Medicine Action Fund, which&#160;ordered the poll.</p>
<p>“In addition, states with punitive policies toward Medicaid patients in the [ED] may be discouraging low-income patients with serious medical conditions from seeking necessary care, which is dangerous and wrong.” Panitch continued.</p>
<p>Dr Gerardi cited concerns about&#160;the closure of hospitals and emergency care facilities&#160;in states that have not expanded Medicaid.</p>
<p>“Hospitals received less Medicare funding for charity care when the [Affordable Care Act] took effect, because more people were supposed to have health insurance coverage,” said Gerardi. “But in states that didn’t expand Medicaid, hospitals are hurting. For example, the closure of a hospital in Baton Rouge resulted in a crisis for another hospital that inherited all the patients, many of whom are uninsured, and now this hospital may close as well. The average reimbursement for a Medicaid patient in the [ED] is about $43.00, but it’s much lower in many states.”</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Perhaps most alarmingly, 34% of the physicians polled&#160;have considered leaving the profession.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p /> | ER docs busier than ever since Obamacare, poll shows | false | http://natmonitor.com/2015/05/04/er-docs-busier-than-ever-since-obamacare-poll-shows-2/ | 2015-05-04 | 3left-center
| ER docs busier than ever since Obamacare, poll shows
<p>Emergency physicians in the U.S.&#160;have reported&#160;an increase in the volume of patients since January 1, 2014, when the Affordable Care Act requiring health insurance went into effect, and they are not confident that ERs across the country are prepared, <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/844196" type="external">according to a new poll.</a></p>
<p>“The reliance on emergency care remains stronger than ever,” said Michael Gerardi, MD, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians,&#160;in a statement. “It’s the only place that’s open 24/7, and we never turn anyone away.”</p>
<p>The college invited 24,427 member physicians to complete the poll, 2099 of whom did, for a response rate of approximately 9%. The poll was conducted to gauge changes in ED patient volume and care since the Affordable Care Act went into effect.</p>
<p>With the implementation of the ACA, 47% of emergency physicians reported a slight increase in the number of patients, and 28% reported significant increases in patient volume.</p>
<p>56% of emergency physicians&#160;reported an increase in the number of Medicare patients, and 70% fear their ED is not sufficiently prepared for an increase in patient volume. Despite these concerns,&#160;83% have concerns about efforts being made by hospitals to reduce emergency visits; specifically, that patients will put off&#160;medical care or&#160;utilize facilities with less/poorer resources.</p>
<p>“There is strong evidence that Medicaid access to primary care and specialty care is not timely, leaving Medicaid patients with few options other than the [ED],” said&#160;Orlee Panitch, MD, chair of the Emergency Medicine Action Fund, which&#160;ordered the poll.</p>
<p>“In addition, states with punitive policies toward Medicaid patients in the [ED] may be discouraging low-income patients with serious medical conditions from seeking necessary care, which is dangerous and wrong.” Panitch continued.</p>
<p>Dr Gerardi cited concerns about&#160;the closure of hospitals and emergency care facilities&#160;in states that have not expanded Medicaid.</p>
<p>“Hospitals received less Medicare funding for charity care when the [Affordable Care Act] took effect, because more people were supposed to have health insurance coverage,” said Gerardi. “But in states that didn’t expand Medicaid, hospitals are hurting. For example, the closure of a hospital in Baton Rouge resulted in a crisis for another hospital that inherited all the patients, many of whom are uninsured, and now this hospital may close as well. The average reimbursement for a Medicaid patient in the [ED] is about $43.00, but it’s much lower in many states.”</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Perhaps most alarmingly, 34% of the physicians polled&#160;have considered leaving the profession.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p /> | 39 |
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>“We were all wrong”</p>
<p>David Kay</p>
<p>We can finally put Weapons of Mass Destruction issue to rest.</p>
<p>With the publishing of the Kay report it is clear that the entire pretense for the Iraq war was nothing more than a hoax. Kay appeared before a Senate subcommittee to disclose his findings and admitted that he and his team had found no stockpiles of proscribed weapons in Iraq.</p>
<p>At one point he opined, “We were wrong, we were all wrong.”</p>
<p>Wrong?</p>
<p>An estimated 8,000 innocent Iraqis died in the invasion, more than 500 American servicemen were killed in action, an entire country was destabilized and plunged into insurgency, and David Kay talks about being wrong like it was some minor miscalculation on the phone bill?</p>
<p>This is the reality of the Bush Administration’s new “preemptive” theory; hundreds of billions of dollars are spent, countless lives are lost or ruined, and the world community is thrown into turmoil, and yet, no justification is provided.</p>
<p>Even worse, the head of the weapons inspection team presents his case to Congress as though it was all “just an honest mistake”.</p>
<p>So, why did Kay choose to address the Senate in the first place?</p>
<p>After all, Kay has been a reliable Bush loyalist, and that hasn’t changed.</p>
<p>Kay’s real intention in addressing the Senate was to use the CIA as a scapegoat for the bad information that led to the war. Now, that the election is approaching, the President’s chief advisor, Karl Rove, is trying to put as much distance as he can between the White House and the myriad lies about the non-existent weapons.</p>
<p>This is a delicate situation and has to be handled with great subtlety or intelligence agencies will see that Bush is trying to bury them in the media. Hence, the appearance of David Kay is intended to reinforce the false notion that the war was the result of faulty intelligence. Kay’s testimony challenged the reliability of intelligence gathering methods and suggested that we may need a “major overhaul” of the intelligence services.</p>
<p>Absent from the testimony was any detailed recounting of the many fabrications that were repeated with propaganda-like precision to support the war. Also, absent was the clear implication that the Administration was directly involved in “cherry-picking” intelligence to suit its own purposes.</p>
<p>Apart from Senator Edward Kennedy, there was no mention of the fact that the Vice President was pressuring the CIA with frequent visits to produce information that was compatible with his own warmongering objectives, or that an Office of Special Plans was developed in the Pentagon for the expressed purpose of selectively manufacturing evidence that Saddam was a threat.</p>
<p>Most of this passed by completely unnoticed. Instead, the Administration has adroitly used its main inspector to “move the shells” one more time, and shift the blame onto the undeserving CIA.</p>
<p>But, the CIA doesn’t create policy and it doesn’t make the decision to go to war; the President does.</p>
<p>The CIA was skeptical about the Iraq threat from the very beginning. Its reluctance to endorse the Bush preemptive policy was evident in an earlier report that clearly stated that a war in Iraq would increase the likelihood of terrorism in the region and, perhaps, force Saddam to give whatever weapons he had to terrorist organizations.</p>
<p>This warning was ignored.</p>
<p>It seems only appropriate that Kay would give his report on a day when six more American servicemen and eleven more Iraqis were killed. His loyalty to the Bush policy of unprovoked aggression provides an interesting contrast to the grim facts on the ground. Men and women are dying every day in what we know now was an entirely avoidable war.</p>
<p>The testimony of David Kay only confirms that point.</p>
<p>MIKE WHITNEY can be reached at: <a href="mailto:fergiewhitney@msn.com" type="external">fergiewhitney@msn.com</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p> | The David Kay Report | true | https://counterpunch.org/2004/01/30/the-david-kay-report/ | 2004-01-30 | 4left
| The David Kay Report
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>“We were all wrong”</p>
<p>David Kay</p>
<p>We can finally put Weapons of Mass Destruction issue to rest.</p>
<p>With the publishing of the Kay report it is clear that the entire pretense for the Iraq war was nothing more than a hoax. Kay appeared before a Senate subcommittee to disclose his findings and admitted that he and his team had found no stockpiles of proscribed weapons in Iraq.</p>
<p>At one point he opined, “We were wrong, we were all wrong.”</p>
<p>Wrong?</p>
<p>An estimated 8,000 innocent Iraqis died in the invasion, more than 500 American servicemen were killed in action, an entire country was destabilized and plunged into insurgency, and David Kay talks about being wrong like it was some minor miscalculation on the phone bill?</p>
<p>This is the reality of the Bush Administration’s new “preemptive” theory; hundreds of billions of dollars are spent, countless lives are lost or ruined, and the world community is thrown into turmoil, and yet, no justification is provided.</p>
<p>Even worse, the head of the weapons inspection team presents his case to Congress as though it was all “just an honest mistake”.</p>
<p>So, why did Kay choose to address the Senate in the first place?</p>
<p>After all, Kay has been a reliable Bush loyalist, and that hasn’t changed.</p>
<p>Kay’s real intention in addressing the Senate was to use the CIA as a scapegoat for the bad information that led to the war. Now, that the election is approaching, the President’s chief advisor, Karl Rove, is trying to put as much distance as he can between the White House and the myriad lies about the non-existent weapons.</p>
<p>This is a delicate situation and has to be handled with great subtlety or intelligence agencies will see that Bush is trying to bury them in the media. Hence, the appearance of David Kay is intended to reinforce the false notion that the war was the result of faulty intelligence. Kay’s testimony challenged the reliability of intelligence gathering methods and suggested that we may need a “major overhaul” of the intelligence services.</p>
<p>Absent from the testimony was any detailed recounting of the many fabrications that were repeated with propaganda-like precision to support the war. Also, absent was the clear implication that the Administration was directly involved in “cherry-picking” intelligence to suit its own purposes.</p>
<p>Apart from Senator Edward Kennedy, there was no mention of the fact that the Vice President was pressuring the CIA with frequent visits to produce information that was compatible with his own warmongering objectives, or that an Office of Special Plans was developed in the Pentagon for the expressed purpose of selectively manufacturing evidence that Saddam was a threat.</p>
<p>Most of this passed by completely unnoticed. Instead, the Administration has adroitly used its main inspector to “move the shells” one more time, and shift the blame onto the undeserving CIA.</p>
<p>But, the CIA doesn’t create policy and it doesn’t make the decision to go to war; the President does.</p>
<p>The CIA was skeptical about the Iraq threat from the very beginning. Its reluctance to endorse the Bush preemptive policy was evident in an earlier report that clearly stated that a war in Iraq would increase the likelihood of terrorism in the region and, perhaps, force Saddam to give whatever weapons he had to terrorist organizations.</p>
<p>This warning was ignored.</p>
<p>It seems only appropriate that Kay would give his report on a day when six more American servicemen and eleven more Iraqis were killed. His loyalty to the Bush policy of unprovoked aggression provides an interesting contrast to the grim facts on the ground. Men and women are dying every day in what we know now was an entirely avoidable war.</p>
<p>The testimony of David Kay only confirms that point.</p>
<p>MIKE WHITNEY can be reached at: <a href="mailto:fergiewhitney@msn.com" type="external">fergiewhitney@msn.com</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p> | 40 |
<p>For the Halloween episode of <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/answers/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Motley Fool Answers Opens a New Window.</a>, Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp engage in a spirited discussion of the horrors some folks have visited upon their families' finances from the afterlife by making big mistakes in estate planning.</p>
<p>In this segment, they discuss a nonfamous fellow, DuPont&#160;employee William Kennedy, who -- as sometimes happens -- divorced his wife. At the time, the ex agreed to waive her rights to his retirement plan assets. When he died though, guess where the money went.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than&#160;Wal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and Tom&#160;Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they&#160;have run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
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<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p>
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<p>This video was recorded on Oct. 31, 2017.</p>
<p>Alison Southwick: Just when you thought she was out of your life for good, it's Zombie Wife.</p>
<p>Robert Brokamp: This is the case of William Kennedy. Not part of the famous Kennedy family. This Kennedy worked for DuPont and participated in the company's retirement plan. In 1994 he and his wife, whose name was Liv, got divorced and in the agreement she waived any rights to his retirement plan.</p>
<p>Seven years later, William passes away. The money, however, was sent from the retirement plan to the wife. Why? Because William did not update the beneficiary form on his retirement plan. When you signed up for your 401(k) at work, you filled out the beneficiary form, but you also have that on IRAs. You have it on life insurance policies. There are all types of different assets and accounts in which you've filled out the beneficiary form.</p>
<p>He didn't update it, so the daughter who should have [or at least she thought] should have inherited the money took it to court. Went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2009. They decided for Liv, the ex-wife. She's the one who gets the $400,000.</p>
<p>Southwick: Oh, that's not bad! That's not too shabby.</p>
<p>Brokamp: No, not too bad. The lesson here is to review and update your beneficiary forms and include copies with all your other important papers.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAlison/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Alison Southwick Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBro/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Robert Brokamp, CFP Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the 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;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | Haunting Estate Planning Errors: The Case of the Zombie Documents | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/11/07/haunting-estate-planning-errors-case-zombie-documents.html | 2017-11-07 | 0right
| Haunting Estate Planning Errors: The Case of the Zombie Documents
<p>For the Halloween episode of <a href="https://www.fool.com/podcasts/answers/?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Motley Fool Answers Opens a New Window.</a>, Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp engage in a spirited discussion of the horrors some folks have visited upon their families' finances from the afterlife by making big mistakes in estate planning.</p>
<p>In this segment, they discuss a nonfamous fellow, DuPont&#160;employee William Kennedy, who -- as sometimes happens -- divorced his wife. At the time, the ex agreed to waive her rights to his retirement plan assets. When he died though, guess where the money went.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>A full transcript follows the video.</p>
<p>10 stocks we like better than&#160;Wal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and Tom&#160;Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they&#160;have run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.fool.com/mms/mark/e-sa-bbn-eg?aid=8867&amp;source=isaeditxt0000476&amp;ftm_cam=sa-bbn-evergreen&amp;ftm_pit=6627&amp;ftm_veh=article_pitch&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Click here Opens a New Window.</a>&#160;to learn about these picks!</p>
<p>*Stock Advisor returns as of November 6, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.</p>
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<p>This video was recorded on Oct. 31, 2017.</p>
<p>Alison Southwick: Just when you thought she was out of your life for good, it's Zombie Wife.</p>
<p>Robert Brokamp: This is the case of William Kennedy. Not part of the famous Kennedy family. This Kennedy worked for DuPont and participated in the company's retirement plan. In 1994 he and his wife, whose name was Liv, got divorced and in the agreement she waived any rights to his retirement plan.</p>
<p>Seven years later, William passes away. The money, however, was sent from the retirement plan to the wife. Why? Because William did not update the beneficiary form on his retirement plan. When you signed up for your 401(k) at work, you filled out the beneficiary form, but you also have that on IRAs. You have it on life insurance policies. There are all types of different assets and accounts in which you've filled out the beneficiary form.</p>
<p>He didn't update it, so the daughter who should have [or at least she thought] should have inherited the money took it to court. Went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2009. They decided for Liv, the ex-wife. She's the one who gets the $400,000.</p>
<p>Southwick: Oh, that's not bad! That's not too shabby.</p>
<p>Brokamp: No, not too bad. The lesson here is to review and update your beneficiary forms and include copies with all your other important papers.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFAlison/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Alison Southwick Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/TMFBro/info.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">Robert Brokamp, CFP Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any of the 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;referring_guid=b48e2aec-c2db-11e7-a29c-0050569d32b9&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | 41 |
<p>Rebels, from the Wars of the Roses up to the present civil war in Libya, usually try to postpone splitting into factions and murdering each other until after they have seized power and are in full control. However deep their divisions, they keep them secret from the outside world.</p>
<p>Not so the Libyan rebels. Members of their Transitional National Council (TNC) in Benghazi last month detained their military leader, General Abdel Fatah Younes, on suspicion of treachery, lured him away from his bodyguards and murdered him. This week the head of the TNC, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, sacked his whole government on the grounds that some were complicit in the killing. He was apparently forced to do so in order to quell the rage of the powerful Obeidi tribe to which Younes belonged.</p>
<p>A ludicrous aspect of the whole affair is that at the very moment the rebel leaders are at each other’s throats, they are being recognised by country after country as the legitimate government of Libya. This week TNC diplomats took over the Libyan embassies in London and Washington and are about to do so in Ottawa. In a masterpiece of mistiming, Britain recognized the rebel government on the day when some of its members were shooting their own commander-in-chief and burning his body.</p>
<p>If this is how the rebels behave today, when it is much in their interests to make a show of unity, how will they act once they are installed in power in Tripoli? But NATO’s sole policy is to do just that. A UN Security Council resolution, intended to stop Gaddafi’s tanks taking Benghazi for humanitarian reasons in March, transmuted rapidly into a bid to overthrow him. Britain and France, with essential backing from the US, still maintain that the good of the Libyan people requires the replacement of Gaddafi with those sturdy democrats from Benghazi and eastern Libya represented by the TNC.</p>
<p>Could a strategy of brute force work in a purely military sense? Could the rebel columns of pick-up trucks with machine-guns in the back advance to capture Tripoli behind a creeping barrage supplied by NATO firepower? The Libyan capital is increasingly short of fuel, consumer goods and electricity.</p>
<p>The rebels have been making gains on the ground to the east and south-west of the capital. But even with the support of NATO air strikes the advance has been slow. If the rebels make such a meal of taking a town like Brega, with a population of 4,000, on the Gulf of Sirte, can they really fight their way into Tripoli with a population of 1.7 million?</p>
<p>Gaddafi may fall, but it looks increasingly that, if he does, it will be at the hands of a rag-tag collection of militias ever more dependent for success on being backed by tactical support from NATO aircraft. Given that the rebels lack a coherent leadership or a united military force, the outcome is unlikely to be a clear-cut victory. Even if victorious, the rebels will depend on foreign support at every level to exert authority over this vast country.</p>
<p>As with Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, the US and Britain found it was one thing to overthrow the Taliban or Saddam Hussein and quite another to replace them. Treating dubious local allies as the legitimate government has a propaganda value, but it is unwise to pretend that the local partner carries real authority. With this experience under its belt, it required real fecklessness for Britain to plunge into another conflict on the assumption that this time we were betting on a certain winner. Gaddafi may be overthrown but the struggle for power between internal factions is likely to continue.</p>
<p>Colorful, but woefully misleading</p>
<p>The foreign media had its failings in Iraq, was worse in Afghanistan but has reached its nadir in covering the war in Libya. Reporting has become largely militarized. Much of it is colorful stuff from the frontline about the dashes backwards and forwards of rebel militiamen. It takes courage to report this and reporters naturally empathize with the young men with whom they are sharing a trench. Their coverage tends to be wholly in favor of the rebels and in opposition to Gaddafi.</p>
<p>When Abdel Fatah Younes was murdered almost nobody in the foreign media had an explanation as to how or why it had happened. The rebel leadership, previously portrayed as a heroic band of brothers, turned out to be split by murderous rivalries and vendettas. Some reporters simply regurgitated the rebel authorities’ unlikely claim that the general had been killed by pro-Gaddafi fighters with camps in Benghazi, while others mentioned that there were 30 different Islamic militias in the city.</p>
<p>To this day politicians justify NATO’s intervention in Libya by citing atrocities supposedly carried out by pro-Gaddafi forces such as mass rape or extensive use of mercenaries. Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch long ago revealed that there was no evidence for most of the atrocity stories, as did a UN commission headed by the distinguished legal scholar Cherif Bassiouni. These well-researched reports were almost entirely ignored by the media which first published the Gaddafi atrocity stories.</p>
<p>The militarization of reporting in Iraq and Afghanistan was boosted by the system of “embedding” reporters with military units. This was inevitable to a degree given the danger from Iraqi insurgents or Taliban. But the outcome has been that war reporting has reverted to what it was during imperial skirmishes in the 19th century, with the world getting only a partial and often misleading account of what is happening in Libya.</p>
<p>Patrick Cockburn&#160;is the author of “ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416551476/counterpunchmaga" type="external">Muqtada: Muqtada Al-Sadr, the Shia Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq.</a></p> | Libya’s Ragtag Rebels | true | https://counterpunch.org/2011/08/11/libyas-ragtag-rebels/ | 2011-08-11 | 4left
| Libya’s Ragtag Rebels
<p>Rebels, from the Wars of the Roses up to the present civil war in Libya, usually try to postpone splitting into factions and murdering each other until after they have seized power and are in full control. However deep their divisions, they keep them secret from the outside world.</p>
<p>Not so the Libyan rebels. Members of their Transitional National Council (TNC) in Benghazi last month detained their military leader, General Abdel Fatah Younes, on suspicion of treachery, lured him away from his bodyguards and murdered him. This week the head of the TNC, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, sacked his whole government on the grounds that some were complicit in the killing. He was apparently forced to do so in order to quell the rage of the powerful Obeidi tribe to which Younes belonged.</p>
<p>A ludicrous aspect of the whole affair is that at the very moment the rebel leaders are at each other’s throats, they are being recognised by country after country as the legitimate government of Libya. This week TNC diplomats took over the Libyan embassies in London and Washington and are about to do so in Ottawa. In a masterpiece of mistiming, Britain recognized the rebel government on the day when some of its members were shooting their own commander-in-chief and burning his body.</p>
<p>If this is how the rebels behave today, when it is much in their interests to make a show of unity, how will they act once they are installed in power in Tripoli? But NATO’s sole policy is to do just that. A UN Security Council resolution, intended to stop Gaddafi’s tanks taking Benghazi for humanitarian reasons in March, transmuted rapidly into a bid to overthrow him. Britain and France, with essential backing from the US, still maintain that the good of the Libyan people requires the replacement of Gaddafi with those sturdy democrats from Benghazi and eastern Libya represented by the TNC.</p>
<p>Could a strategy of brute force work in a purely military sense? Could the rebel columns of pick-up trucks with machine-guns in the back advance to capture Tripoli behind a creeping barrage supplied by NATO firepower? The Libyan capital is increasingly short of fuel, consumer goods and electricity.</p>
<p>The rebels have been making gains on the ground to the east and south-west of the capital. But even with the support of NATO air strikes the advance has been slow. If the rebels make such a meal of taking a town like Brega, with a population of 4,000, on the Gulf of Sirte, can they really fight their way into Tripoli with a population of 1.7 million?</p>
<p>Gaddafi may fall, but it looks increasingly that, if he does, it will be at the hands of a rag-tag collection of militias ever more dependent for success on being backed by tactical support from NATO aircraft. Given that the rebels lack a coherent leadership or a united military force, the outcome is unlikely to be a clear-cut victory. Even if victorious, the rebels will depend on foreign support at every level to exert authority over this vast country.</p>
<p>As with Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, the US and Britain found it was one thing to overthrow the Taliban or Saddam Hussein and quite another to replace them. Treating dubious local allies as the legitimate government has a propaganda value, but it is unwise to pretend that the local partner carries real authority. With this experience under its belt, it required real fecklessness for Britain to plunge into another conflict on the assumption that this time we were betting on a certain winner. Gaddafi may be overthrown but the struggle for power between internal factions is likely to continue.</p>
<p>Colorful, but woefully misleading</p>
<p>The foreign media had its failings in Iraq, was worse in Afghanistan but has reached its nadir in covering the war in Libya. Reporting has become largely militarized. Much of it is colorful stuff from the frontline about the dashes backwards and forwards of rebel militiamen. It takes courage to report this and reporters naturally empathize with the young men with whom they are sharing a trench. Their coverage tends to be wholly in favor of the rebels and in opposition to Gaddafi.</p>
<p>When Abdel Fatah Younes was murdered almost nobody in the foreign media had an explanation as to how or why it had happened. The rebel leadership, previously portrayed as a heroic band of brothers, turned out to be split by murderous rivalries and vendettas. Some reporters simply regurgitated the rebel authorities’ unlikely claim that the general had been killed by pro-Gaddafi fighters with camps in Benghazi, while others mentioned that there were 30 different Islamic militias in the city.</p>
<p>To this day politicians justify NATO’s intervention in Libya by citing atrocities supposedly carried out by pro-Gaddafi forces such as mass rape or extensive use of mercenaries. Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch long ago revealed that there was no evidence for most of the atrocity stories, as did a UN commission headed by the distinguished legal scholar Cherif Bassiouni. These well-researched reports were almost entirely ignored by the media which first published the Gaddafi atrocity stories.</p>
<p>The militarization of reporting in Iraq and Afghanistan was boosted by the system of “embedding” reporters with military units. This was inevitable to a degree given the danger from Iraqi insurgents or Taliban. But the outcome has been that war reporting has reverted to what it was during imperial skirmishes in the 19th century, with the world getting only a partial and often misleading account of what is happening in Libya.</p>
<p>Patrick Cockburn&#160;is the author of “ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416551476/counterpunchmaga" type="external">Muqtada: Muqtada Al-Sadr, the Shia Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq.</a></p> | 42 |
<p>Dec. 5 (UPI) — President <a href="https://www.upi.com/topic/Donald_Trump/" type="external">Donald Trump</a> appears to have missed a Monday deadline to decide on moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, as he faces growing warnings from Middle East leaders.</p>
<p>The deadline to announce the embassy’s possible move from Tel Aviv was pushed from Friday to Monday. However, that passed without any official word from the Trump administration.</p>
<p>The president is facing more warnings from U.S. and foreign leaders over the repercussions of the potential move, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Palestinian President <a href="https://www.upi.com/topic/Mahmoud_Abbas/" type="external">Mahmoud Abbas</a> and Saudi Arabian officials.</p>
<p>Erdoğan <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42232158" type="external">described the status of Jerusalem</a> as a “red line” for Muslims and warned the embassy move could lead to Ankara cutting ties with Israel.</p>
<p>“If the status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken … that would be a major catastrophe,” Bekir Bozdağ, Turkey’s deputy prime minister, said. “It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest.”</p>
<p>The European Union cautioned there could be “serious repercussions.”</p>
<p>Some officials warn that the relocation could delay the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Abul Gheit, an Arab League leader, said it could pose a threat “to the stability of the Middle East and the whole world.”</p>
<p>French President <a href="https://www.upi.com/topic/Emmanuel-Macron/" type="external">Emmanuel Macron</a> told Trump that Jerusalem’s status must be decided “within the framework of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.”</p>
<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/05/trump-misses-deadline-moving-us-embassy-jerusalem" type="external">said Palestinians</a> would “walk away from contacts with U.S. officials” if Jerusalem is declared the capital.</p>
<p>If the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital, it would be the first country to do so since the creation of Israel in 1948.</p> | Trump admin silent on possible move of U.S. embassy to Jerusalem | false | https://newsline.com/trump-admin-silent-on-possible-move-of-u-s-embassy-to-jerusalem/ | 2017-12-05 | 1right-center
| Trump admin silent on possible move of U.S. embassy to Jerusalem
<p>Dec. 5 (UPI) — President <a href="https://www.upi.com/topic/Donald_Trump/" type="external">Donald Trump</a> appears to have missed a Monday deadline to decide on moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, as he faces growing warnings from Middle East leaders.</p>
<p>The deadline to announce the embassy’s possible move from Tel Aviv was pushed from Friday to Monday. However, that passed without any official word from the Trump administration.</p>
<p>The president is facing more warnings from U.S. and foreign leaders over the repercussions of the potential move, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Palestinian President <a href="https://www.upi.com/topic/Mahmoud_Abbas/" type="external">Mahmoud Abbas</a> and Saudi Arabian officials.</p>
<p>Erdoğan <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42232158" type="external">described the status of Jerusalem</a> as a “red line” for Muslims and warned the embassy move could lead to Ankara cutting ties with Israel.</p>
<p>“If the status of Jerusalem is changed and another step is taken … that would be a major catastrophe,” Bekir Bozdağ, Turkey’s deputy prime minister, said. “It would completely destroy the fragile peace process in the region, and lead to new conflicts, new disputes and new unrest.”</p>
<p>The European Union cautioned there could be “serious repercussions.”</p>
<p>Some officials warn that the relocation could delay the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Abul Gheit, an Arab League leader, said it could pose a threat “to the stability of the Middle East and the whole world.”</p>
<p>French President <a href="https://www.upi.com/topic/Emmanuel-Macron/" type="external">Emmanuel Macron</a> told Trump that Jerusalem’s status must be decided “within the framework of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.”</p>
<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/05/trump-misses-deadline-moving-us-embassy-jerusalem" type="external">said Palestinians</a> would “walk away from contacts with U.S. officials” if Jerusalem is declared the capital.</p>
<p>If the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital, it would be the first country to do so since the creation of Israel in 1948.</p> | 43 |
<p>Karen, a 13-year-old living in a noisy&#160;suburb of Beirut, already has her future figured out.</p>
<p>“I want to be a famous engineer or a scientist,” she says. That's&#160;why she loves building 3D puzzles. “It makes me feel that I’m an engineer or something.”</p>
<p>The hallway of the apartment where she lives with her parents and 6-year-old sister is decorated with a few of the&#160;puzzles: a Chinese pagoda, an Italian basilica&#160;and an English castle.</p>
<p>But she hasn’t seen the rest of her collection&#160;in two years. Those&#160;puzzles are almost 200 miles away, in the home where Karen used to live in the city of Aleppo, Syria.</p>
<p>When she thinks back to her time in Aleppo, it's&#160;a wash of pleasant memories.&#160;“When my grandma was alive, we used to have parties or eat dinner together," Karen says. "In every place in Aleppo, there was a small garden so that people can go there and have a break. I had many activities, [like] ballet, chess, piano … It was fun. I never got bored.”</p>
<p>Then there are the memories from&#160;early 2012, when Karen was 12.</p>
<p>“I remember the first bomb,” she says. “We were at school and we suddenly heard a sound. All of us shook and fell down. I [will] never forget that.”</p>
<p>The civil war between the Syrian government and rebel forces had reached Aleppo.&#160;</p>
<p>“After a week, [there was] another bomb," Karen says.&#160;"And then&#160;we got used to it. Guns and bombs. But they were far away. We were safe.”</p>
<p>School was in session everyday. The bus came every morning, but kidnappings were routine.&#160;“My biggest fear was to lose my dolls or something because I was still a little girl,” Karen says.</p>
<p />
<p>Children sit next to a wall painted with an opposition flag along a street in Aleppo on November 8, 2014.&#160;</p>
<p>Hosam Katan/Reuters</p>
<p>Getting out</p>
<p>Karen’s parents did what they could to shield their two daughters from a city that was crumbling around them. But in&#160;July of 2012, her father explained they were going on a trip.&#160;“Get ready. We’re going for a week or two weeks to Lebanon," he said.</p>
<p>Karen had been to Lebanon before, going&#160;with her family to visit relatives and see the&#160;eye doctor, but this trip was different from the start. The first leg&#160;was a 30-minute nighttime flight from Aleppo to Damascus. The plane was roaring down the runway — and then&#160;came to a grinding halt.</p>
<p>The flight attendants told the passengers to close their window shades.&#160;“The [guy] sitting next to my dad,&#160;his window was open a little bit, so my dad saw that there was a helicopter," Karen says. "And it was shooting.”</p>
<p>“It was night,&#160;so you could see the bullets flying both ways, up and down," remembers Harout, Karen's father.</p>
<p>Ten minutes later, the plane took off.</p>
<p>Karen and her family spent the night in Damascus. They met a taxi first thing in the morning and&#160;made the six-hour drive to&#160;Beirut —&#160;twice as long as usual. Karen slept for most of the ride, but at some point she remembers looking out the window. She knew she was in Lebanon because the scenery had changed.</p>
<p>“[There were] beautiful flowers, trees,” she remembers. “It was green. I only [saw] the sky…and green mountains.</p>
<p>Three weeks in Beirut came and went. Things back in Aleppo deteriorated even further. Her parents finally admitted they were staying in Beirut, for at least a couple of years.&#160;</p>
<p>“There was no way to go back,” says Nazig, Karen’s mother. “We were not happy with this decision, but we had to take it. The kids were our first concern.”</p>
<p>It's&#160;decision many Syrians have had to make. According to the <a href="http://www.unhcr.org/" type="external">UN High Commissioner for Refugees</a>, there are at least 1.1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon. That's a&#160;quarter of the population of Lebanon itself, and the UN's count is likely low. Just last month, Lebanon said it cannot accept any more people from Syria.</p>
<p />
<p>Karen's model of an Italian basilica. She wants to be a famous engineer or a scientist, which is why she loves building 3D puzzles.</p>
<p>Ari Daniel</p>
<p>A new home</p>
<p>Karen misses her cousins. She was especially close to her cousin Anne, but Karen&#160;doesn't know how she's doing because the telephone and Internet connections in Syria are poor.</p>
<p>But aside from missing family —&#160;some have fled to other countries —&#160;the move to Beirut has been largely positive for Karen. Her family is Armenian Christian, and she adores her new Armenian school here.</p>
<p>“I have the best friends,” she says. “They’re just like sisters and brothers. And I am popular in here, thank God. And the teachers are really good.”</p>
<p>The school has let Karen immerse herself in science, and her English has improved dramatically. But Karen is not planning to stay in Lebanon forever —&#160;nor does she want to return to live in Syria.</p>
<p>“I won’t feel the fun that I used to feel when I was a little girl," she says. "Of course I will be happy to go visit Aleppo, but not stay there.”</p>
<p>When Karen thinks about Syria, she hopes “that peace will come. Each Syrian —&#160;me, my family, every Syrian —&#160;has hope that Syria will get better. Hope is the key of winning your dream.”</p>
<p>After all, Karen says, “a little hope is healthy.”</p>
<p>This story, which is the first part of our series called "Young Lebanon,"&#160;is supported by the <a href="http://pulitzercenter.org/" type="external">Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting</a>.</p> | This Syrian girl's exile has stretched from weeks to years | false | https://pri.org/stories/2014-11-10/syrian-girls-exile-has-stretched-weeks-years | 2014-11-10 | 3left-center
| This Syrian girl's exile has stretched from weeks to years
<p>Karen, a 13-year-old living in a noisy&#160;suburb of Beirut, already has her future figured out.</p>
<p>“I want to be a famous engineer or a scientist,” she says. That's&#160;why she loves building 3D puzzles. “It makes me feel that I’m an engineer or something.”</p>
<p>The hallway of the apartment where she lives with her parents and 6-year-old sister is decorated with a few of the&#160;puzzles: a Chinese pagoda, an Italian basilica&#160;and an English castle.</p>
<p>But she hasn’t seen the rest of her collection&#160;in two years. Those&#160;puzzles are almost 200 miles away, in the home where Karen used to live in the city of Aleppo, Syria.</p>
<p>When she thinks back to her time in Aleppo, it's&#160;a wash of pleasant memories.&#160;“When my grandma was alive, we used to have parties or eat dinner together," Karen says. "In every place in Aleppo, there was a small garden so that people can go there and have a break. I had many activities, [like] ballet, chess, piano … It was fun. I never got bored.”</p>
<p>Then there are the memories from&#160;early 2012, when Karen was 12.</p>
<p>“I remember the first bomb,” she says. “We were at school and we suddenly heard a sound. All of us shook and fell down. I [will] never forget that.”</p>
<p>The civil war between the Syrian government and rebel forces had reached Aleppo.&#160;</p>
<p>“After a week, [there was] another bomb," Karen says.&#160;"And then&#160;we got used to it. Guns and bombs. But they were far away. We were safe.”</p>
<p>School was in session everyday. The bus came every morning, but kidnappings were routine.&#160;“My biggest fear was to lose my dolls or something because I was still a little girl,” Karen says.</p>
<p />
<p>Children sit next to a wall painted with an opposition flag along a street in Aleppo on November 8, 2014.&#160;</p>
<p>Hosam Katan/Reuters</p>
<p>Getting out</p>
<p>Karen’s parents did what they could to shield their two daughters from a city that was crumbling around them. But in&#160;July of 2012, her father explained they were going on a trip.&#160;“Get ready. We’re going for a week or two weeks to Lebanon," he said.</p>
<p>Karen had been to Lebanon before, going&#160;with her family to visit relatives and see the&#160;eye doctor, but this trip was different from the start. The first leg&#160;was a 30-minute nighttime flight from Aleppo to Damascus. The plane was roaring down the runway — and then&#160;came to a grinding halt.</p>
<p>The flight attendants told the passengers to close their window shades.&#160;“The [guy] sitting next to my dad,&#160;his window was open a little bit, so my dad saw that there was a helicopter," Karen says. "And it was shooting.”</p>
<p>“It was night,&#160;so you could see the bullets flying both ways, up and down," remembers Harout, Karen's father.</p>
<p>Ten minutes later, the plane took off.</p>
<p>Karen and her family spent the night in Damascus. They met a taxi first thing in the morning and&#160;made the six-hour drive to&#160;Beirut —&#160;twice as long as usual. Karen slept for most of the ride, but at some point she remembers looking out the window. She knew she was in Lebanon because the scenery had changed.</p>
<p>“[There were] beautiful flowers, trees,” she remembers. “It was green. I only [saw] the sky…and green mountains.</p>
<p>Three weeks in Beirut came and went. Things back in Aleppo deteriorated even further. Her parents finally admitted they were staying in Beirut, for at least a couple of years.&#160;</p>
<p>“There was no way to go back,” says Nazig, Karen’s mother. “We were not happy with this decision, but we had to take it. The kids were our first concern.”</p>
<p>It's&#160;decision many Syrians have had to make. According to the <a href="http://www.unhcr.org/" type="external">UN High Commissioner for Refugees</a>, there are at least 1.1 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon. That's a&#160;quarter of the population of Lebanon itself, and the UN's count is likely low. Just last month, Lebanon said it cannot accept any more people from Syria.</p>
<p />
<p>Karen's model of an Italian basilica. She wants to be a famous engineer or a scientist, which is why she loves building 3D puzzles.</p>
<p>Ari Daniel</p>
<p>A new home</p>
<p>Karen misses her cousins. She was especially close to her cousin Anne, but Karen&#160;doesn't know how she's doing because the telephone and Internet connections in Syria are poor.</p>
<p>But aside from missing family —&#160;some have fled to other countries —&#160;the move to Beirut has been largely positive for Karen. Her family is Armenian Christian, and she adores her new Armenian school here.</p>
<p>“I have the best friends,” she says. “They’re just like sisters and brothers. And I am popular in here, thank God. And the teachers are really good.”</p>
<p>The school has let Karen immerse herself in science, and her English has improved dramatically. But Karen is not planning to stay in Lebanon forever —&#160;nor does she want to return to live in Syria.</p>
<p>“I won’t feel the fun that I used to feel when I was a little girl," she says. "Of course I will be happy to go visit Aleppo, but not stay there.”</p>
<p>When Karen thinks about Syria, she hopes “that peace will come. Each Syrian —&#160;me, my family, every Syrian —&#160;has hope that Syria will get better. Hope is the key of winning your dream.”</p>
<p>After all, Karen says, “a little hope is healthy.”</p>
<p>This story, which is the first part of our series called "Young Lebanon,"&#160;is supported by the <a href="http://pulitzercenter.org/" type="external">Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting</a>.</p> | 44 |
<p>Parliamentary official John Hemming has drawn attention to a new type of court order forbidding members of Britain’s fourth estate to cover cases deemed too sensitive for public consideration. The order, known as a super-injunction, promises legal consequences — including possible jail time — for journalists daring to ask the wrong questions or even report a restriction’s existence.</p>
<p>Details on the injunction that prompted Hemming’s criticism were not forthcoming. — ARK</p>
<p>The Guardian:</p>
<p>An MP who is launching an inquiry into excessive and possibly unlawful court secrecy says a new type of gagging order is hampering the work of investigative journalists.</p>
<p />
<p>John Hemming said the new breed of injunction, which was used in relation to a case in the high court in London last week, meant journalists could face jail simply for asking questions.</p>
<p>This goes a step further than preventing people speaking out against injustice,” said Hemming, the Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley and a longtime campaigner against secrecy. “It has the effect of preventing journalists from speaking to people subject to this injunction without a risk of the journalist going to jail. That is a recipe for hiding miscarriages of justice.”</p>
<p>… There has been growing concern over the use of gagging orders in UK courts. It is not known precisely how many superinjunctions have been issued, but an informed legal estimate is that as many as 20 have been granted in the UK over the last 18 months.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/apr/17/gagging-order-journalists-jail" type="external">Read more</a></p> | U.K. Courts to Journalists: Stow It | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/u-k-courts-to-journalists-stow-it/ | 2011-04-18 | 4left
| U.K. Courts to Journalists: Stow It
<p>Parliamentary official John Hemming has drawn attention to a new type of court order forbidding members of Britain’s fourth estate to cover cases deemed too sensitive for public consideration. The order, known as a super-injunction, promises legal consequences — including possible jail time — for journalists daring to ask the wrong questions or even report a restriction’s existence.</p>
<p>Details on the injunction that prompted Hemming’s criticism were not forthcoming. — ARK</p>
<p>The Guardian:</p>
<p>An MP who is launching an inquiry into excessive and possibly unlawful court secrecy says a new type of gagging order is hampering the work of investigative journalists.</p>
<p />
<p>John Hemming said the new breed of injunction, which was used in relation to a case in the high court in London last week, meant journalists could face jail simply for asking questions.</p>
<p>This goes a step further than preventing people speaking out against injustice,” said Hemming, the Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley and a longtime campaigner against secrecy. “It has the effect of preventing journalists from speaking to people subject to this injunction without a risk of the journalist going to jail. That is a recipe for hiding miscarriages of justice.”</p>
<p>… There has been growing concern over the use of gagging orders in UK courts. It is not known precisely how many superinjunctions have been issued, but an informed legal estimate is that as many as 20 have been granted in the UK over the last 18 months.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/apr/17/gagging-order-journalists-jail" type="external">Read more</a></p> | 45 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Steelcase, Inc.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Shares of Steelcase, Inc. (NYSE: SCS) rose 12.8% Thursday after the office furniture specialist released weaker-than-expected fiscal second-quarter 2017 results, but offered encouraging guidance for a return to growth going forward.</p>
<p>Quarterly revenue fell 7% year over year, to $758 million, and translated to net income of $38.2 million, or $0.31 per diluted share. Excluding restructuring charges, Steelcase's net income fell 8.6% year over year, to $0.32 per diluted share. By contrast, Steelcase's outlook called for revenue in the range of $770 million to $795 million, but roughly the same earnings per share (on both a GAAP and adjusted basis) in the range of $0.29 to $0.33.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Steelcase CEO Jim Keane explained that July orders fell 8% in the Americas, leading to lower overall revenue than anticipated. But Keane also added:</p>
<p>More specifically, Steelcase expects fiscal third-quarter revenue of $795 million to $820 million, including organic revenue growth of 1% to 4%. On the bottom line, Steelcase expects third-quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.32 to $0.36, including a $0.01 per-share negative impact from restructuring costs.</p>
<p>By contrast, analysts' consensus estimates predicted Steelcase would achieve revenue of $807.4 million in the quarter, and adjusted earnings of $0.35 per share.</p>
<p>Of course, that guidance wasn't overwhelmingly positive, and more than anything confirmed what Wall Street was hoping to hear. So in light of its relative underperformance in Q2, it's somewhat surprising to see shares of Steelcase climb so much in today's trading. To be fair, however, it's worth noting shares are still down more than 20% over the past year, indicating perhaps investors were were willing to buy Steelcase stock in light of any perceived turning point for the company.</p>
<p>In the end, while I'm not personally anxious to dive in and buy Steelcase stock today, I think it's worth adding to your watch list to keep tabs on its progress.</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=2667&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 Steelcase, Inc. Stock Popped Today | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/09/22/why-steelcase-inc-stock-popped-today.html | 2016-09-22 | 0right
| Why Steelcase, Inc. Stock Popped Today
<p />
<p>Image source: Steelcase, Inc.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Shares of Steelcase, Inc. (NYSE: SCS) rose 12.8% Thursday after the office furniture specialist released weaker-than-expected fiscal second-quarter 2017 results, but offered encouraging guidance for a return to growth going forward.</p>
<p>Quarterly revenue fell 7% year over year, to $758 million, and translated to net income of $38.2 million, or $0.31 per diluted share. Excluding restructuring charges, Steelcase's net income fell 8.6% year over year, to $0.32 per diluted share. By contrast, Steelcase's outlook called for revenue in the range of $770 million to $795 million, but roughly the same earnings per share (on both a GAAP and adjusted basis) in the range of $0.29 to $0.33.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Steelcase CEO Jim Keane explained that July orders fell 8% in the Americas, leading to lower overall revenue than anticipated. But Keane also added:</p>
<p>More specifically, Steelcase expects fiscal third-quarter revenue of $795 million to $820 million, including organic revenue growth of 1% to 4%. On the bottom line, Steelcase expects third-quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.32 to $0.36, including a $0.01 per-share negative impact from restructuring costs.</p>
<p>By contrast, analysts' consensus estimates predicted Steelcase would achieve revenue of $807.4 million in the quarter, and adjusted earnings of $0.35 per share.</p>
<p>Of course, that guidance wasn't overwhelmingly positive, and more than anything confirmed what Wall Street was hoping to hear. So in light of its relative underperformance in Q2, it's somewhat surprising to see shares of Steelcase climb so much in today's trading. To be fair, however, it's worth noting shares are still down more than 20% over the past year, indicating perhaps investors were were willing to buy Steelcase stock in light of any perceived turning point for the company.</p>
<p>In the end, while I'm not personally anxious to dive in and buy Steelcase stock today, I think it's worth adding to your watch list to keep tabs on its progress.</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=2667&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> | 46 |
<p>The songs played between reports on The World for April 7, 2014 include:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exit-1-Nistha-Raj/dp/B00IDPL8KU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396895336&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Nistha+Raj" type="external" />&#160;&#160;&#160; SONG: Jayanthi&#160;&#160;&#160; ARTIST: Nistha Raj&#160;&#160;&#160; CD TITLE: Exit 1&#160;&#160;&#160; CD LABEL: Nistha Raj&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reggae-Nacional-Various-artists/dp/B00GOM85YQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396900342&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Reggae+Nacional" type="external" />&#160;&#160;&#160; SONG: De Donde Vengo Yo (unreleased instrumental)&#160;&#160;&#160; ARTIST: Choc Quib Town&#160;&#160;&#160; CD TITLE: Reggae Nacional&#160;&#160;&#160; CD LABEL: Nacional Records&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Okay, I cheated a bit on the next piece of music. We spoke with an <a href="" type="internal">author of lullabies</a> from around the globe and we're asking you to sing us <a href="" type="internal">your favorite lullaby</a>. I opted to play this song by The Cure for the musical interlude.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disintegration-Remastered-Cure/dp/B003LXXEFG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396895205&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=The+Cure+Disintegration" type="external" />&#160;&#160;&#160; SONG:Lullaby&#160;&#160;&#160; ARTIST: The Cure&#160; &#160; CD TITLE: Disintegration&#160; &#160; CD LABEL: Rhino/Elektra</p> | Music heard on the air for April 7, 2014 | false | https://pri.org/stories/2014-04-07/music-heard-air-april-7-2014 | 2014-04-07 | 3left-center
| Music heard on the air for April 7, 2014
<p>The songs played between reports on The World for April 7, 2014 include:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exit-1-Nistha-Raj/dp/B00IDPL8KU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396895336&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Nistha+Raj" type="external" />&#160;&#160;&#160; SONG: Jayanthi&#160;&#160;&#160; ARTIST: Nistha Raj&#160;&#160;&#160; CD TITLE: Exit 1&#160;&#160;&#160; CD LABEL: Nistha Raj&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reggae-Nacional-Various-artists/dp/B00GOM85YQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396900342&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Reggae+Nacional" type="external" />&#160;&#160;&#160; SONG: De Donde Vengo Yo (unreleased instrumental)&#160;&#160;&#160; ARTIST: Choc Quib Town&#160;&#160;&#160; CD TITLE: Reggae Nacional&#160;&#160;&#160; CD LABEL: Nacional Records&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Okay, I cheated a bit on the next piece of music. We spoke with an <a href="" type="internal">author of lullabies</a> from around the globe and we're asking you to sing us <a href="" type="internal">your favorite lullaby</a>. I opted to play this song by The Cure for the musical interlude.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disintegration-Remastered-Cure/dp/B003LXXEFG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396895205&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=The+Cure+Disintegration" type="external" />&#160;&#160;&#160; SONG:Lullaby&#160;&#160;&#160; ARTIST: The Cure&#160; &#160; CD TITLE: Disintegration&#160; &#160; CD LABEL: Rhino/Elektra</p> | 47 |
<p>California won national applause in September when Attorney General Kamala Harris announced the implementation of a new online system under which all California police agencies will have to report not just fatal police shootings but encounters in which civilians are seriously injured by officers trying to subdue them. The reporting program is named <a href="https://ursusdemo.doj.ca.gov/welcome" type="external">URSUS</a> in a nod to the grizzly bear, California’s official animal.</p>
<p>Harris received highly positive coverage in such publications as <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-22/california-launches-first-statewide-system-to-track-police-use-of-force" type="external">U.S. News and World Report</a> for her declaration that it was long overdue for there to be “an honest, transparent and data-driven conversation about police use of force.” U.S. News also depicted Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez, D-Pomona, as a visionary for coming up with the idea in 2014.</p>
<p>Harris and Rodriguez may end up amply deserving credit if they do usher in a new era in which statistical tools illustrate the extent of police misconduct. But little of the coverage of URSUS focuses on the question of incentives within law enforcement agencies. As Harvard law professor <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/02/opinion/controlling-the-cops-accomplices-to-perjury.html" type="external">Alan Dershowitz</a> and many others have written over the past 40 years, police of all ranks have many reasons to create tidy narratives about their actions.</p>
<p>Officers have an incentive to not report their violent incidents and to depict injuries suffered by suspects as not their fault; the other officers who witness such violence have an incentive to not report or to inaccurately depict such injuries because of a police culture with a still-strong “code of silence”; and police chiefs and top police brass have an incentive to not accurately report incidents within their ranks because of concerns on how it would reflect on them and their departments.</p>
<p>This long history of police not acting to limit misconduct is a factor in the huge gap between African American and white perceptions of police misconduct, according to <a href="http://www.nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/legitimacy/pages/welcome.aspx" type="external">recent research</a> by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice.</p>
<p>Now the San Francisco Chronicle, <a href="http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Gaps-in-SF-state-counts-of-police-killings-10154853.php" type="external">analyzing research</a> done by Texas State University covering the years from 2006-2015, has given an example of how the incentives for police to resist oversight have resulted in a lax police culture in California.</p>
<p>A state law adopted long before the controversies over police killings in New York City, Baltimore and Cleveland requires local law enforcement to report fatal shootings by officers to the state government.</p>
<p>But the Chronicle’s analysis found it to be broadly ignored over the 10 years of data compiled by Texas State University researchers. Some of the key findings:</p>
<p>The Chronicle’s data suggests California law enforcement agencies may be getting better at reporting such fatal shootings. The 10-year average of unreported police killings was 30 percent. Last year, the percentage appears to be closer to 25 percent, though exact numbers are not yet available.</p>
<p>But in San Francisco, the percentage of unreported police killings in 2015 was 100 percent. The Chronicle said city police officials didn’t notify the state of any of the six police killings last year.</p> | Study: 30% of CA police killings not reported to state | false | https://calwatchdog.com/2016/11/01/study-30-ca-police-killings-not-reported-state/ | 2018-11-20 | 3left-center
| Study: 30% of CA police killings not reported to state
<p>California won national applause in September when Attorney General Kamala Harris announced the implementation of a new online system under which all California police agencies will have to report not just fatal police shootings but encounters in which civilians are seriously injured by officers trying to subdue them. The reporting program is named <a href="https://ursusdemo.doj.ca.gov/welcome" type="external">URSUS</a> in a nod to the grizzly bear, California’s official animal.</p>
<p>Harris received highly positive coverage in such publications as <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-09-22/california-launches-first-statewide-system-to-track-police-use-of-force" type="external">U.S. News and World Report</a> for her declaration that it was long overdue for there to be “an honest, transparent and data-driven conversation about police use of force.” U.S. News also depicted Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez, D-Pomona, as a visionary for coming up with the idea in 2014.</p>
<p>Harris and Rodriguez may end up amply deserving credit if they do usher in a new era in which statistical tools illustrate the extent of police misconduct. But little of the coverage of URSUS focuses on the question of incentives within law enforcement agencies. As Harvard law professor <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/02/opinion/controlling-the-cops-accomplices-to-perjury.html" type="external">Alan Dershowitz</a> and many others have written over the past 40 years, police of all ranks have many reasons to create tidy narratives about their actions.</p>
<p>Officers have an incentive to not report their violent incidents and to depict injuries suffered by suspects as not their fault; the other officers who witness such violence have an incentive to not report or to inaccurately depict such injuries because of a police culture with a still-strong “code of silence”; and police chiefs and top police brass have an incentive to not accurately report incidents within their ranks because of concerns on how it would reflect on them and their departments.</p>
<p>This long history of police not acting to limit misconduct is a factor in the huge gap between African American and white perceptions of police misconduct, according to <a href="http://www.nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/legitimacy/pages/welcome.aspx" type="external">recent research</a> by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice.</p>
<p>Now the San Francisco Chronicle, <a href="http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Gaps-in-SF-state-counts-of-police-killings-10154853.php" type="external">analyzing research</a> done by Texas State University covering the years from 2006-2015, has given an example of how the incentives for police to resist oversight have resulted in a lax police culture in California.</p>
<p>A state law adopted long before the controversies over police killings in New York City, Baltimore and Cleveland requires local law enforcement to report fatal shootings by officers to the state government.</p>
<p>But the Chronicle’s analysis found it to be broadly ignored over the 10 years of data compiled by Texas State University researchers. Some of the key findings:</p>
<p>The Chronicle’s data suggests California law enforcement agencies may be getting better at reporting such fatal shootings. The 10-year average of unreported police killings was 30 percent. Last year, the percentage appears to be closer to 25 percent, though exact numbers are not yet available.</p>
<p>But in San Francisco, the percentage of unreported police killings in 2015 was 100 percent. The Chronicle said city police officials didn’t notify the state of any of the six police killings last year.</p> | 48 |
<p />
<p>This week Shopify (NYSE:SHOP) reported a 93% jump in revenue compared to last year. It went public back in May and has seen its stock jump 86% since. That’s because Shopify (and its many competitors, from Magento to Bigcommerce) are considered to be the future of e-commerce for small retailers. And that’s true. But there’s also something else bigger than just e-commerce.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>That’s because applications like Shopify will be just as important to those many retailers where e-commerce isn’t as big a factor. And for those retailers, moving to this technology will be the difference not just for a successful holiday season but for long term survival as well.</p>
<p>A small, real-life example. There is a pharmacy located in my neighborhood that has been around since the mid-1950’s. It’s a family business and it provides a livelihood for its owners. And every day I watch this little pharmacy slowly die. No, they don’t have an e-commerce presence – they barely have a website. But that’s not the real reason why they’re dying. &#160;It’s because they’re getting crushed by larger competitors, a CVS (NYSE:CVS) and a Rite-Aid (NYSE:RAD) which is being acquired by Walgreen’s (NYSE:WAG), are each located a mile away. And yet, this little pharmacy doesn’t have to fail. It can compete against the big box stores. It can become vibrant and relevant and successful. They need the kind of technology that a Shopify has.</p>
<p>Shopify and its competitors aren’t just e-commerce. They are mobile point-of-sale, payment and inventory management applications that are dovetailed with e-commerce. And that’s the big misunderstanding about applications like these.</p>
<p>They are designed to be used both in-house and online. Shopify’s unlimited plan, which is less than $200 per month, will enable the little pharmacist down the street to take a big jump into the 21st century. Online, he can setup his own store where customers can search, order and pay for unlimited products for either delivery or pickup – a critical customer service in today’s attention-deficit-disorder world. But it’s in the store where products like Shopify will have the most impact.</p>
<p>The application is designed for the iPad so that store employees, and yes even the pharmacist himself, can come out from behind the counter, walk the aisle and engage with customers face to face, helping them search for the right product, taking orders and even receiving payment. The application lets him offer gift cards and discount codes. If implemented the right way its inventory and reporting will allow the pharmacist to stay on top of his stock and analyze which products are moving the best. And I’m really just scratching the surface. This is all in-house stuff, not online. And we’re not getting this at the big box places. It’s a value-add that any smart business owner can do to strengthen his relationship with his customers and community.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>And there’s more technology for that that the brick-and-mortar retailer, like my pharmacist friend, to help him succeed.</p>
<p>For example, he can use a free service called Happy E-Mail to make sure his customers are getting a special e-mail thank you from him after they’ve made their purchase. Or a specially designed purchase receipt from Receiptful that upsells on future items. Another free product called Limespot will prompt sales associates of opportunities to recommend other related products and accessories while still engaging with the customer in the store. A product called Sweet Tooth will offer customers points for their loyalty which they can use for discounts on future sales. These are just a few of the hundreds of apps available to enhance the in-store experience.</p>
<p>And that’s the biggest misunderstanding: e-commerce and brick-and-mortar are becoming the same. &#160;All retailers who want to grow will use technology like Shopify for both online and in-store. The store employee and the online visitor is searching the same inventory database. The loyalty programs and e-mail confirmations are being triggered whether the purchase is made in-store or via the web. Because of the cloud there’s no such thing as two systems – it’s all one system. It’s all mobile. And it’s all pretty inexpensive, even for the small retailer.</p>
<p>So here’s what I would tell him to do: invest. Hire someone short-term to help (Shopify has a marketplace of experts and even more can be found on sites like UpWork). Move all inventory on to a platform like Shopify. Buy a few iPads from Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and link to a few good loyalty and communication services. And get his employees walking around the store helping customers face to face. And don’t worry about ecommerce, because that’s part of the package. It’s all the same. It’s all one system. And it’s there to help him provide a much better service to his customers than the big chains down the street.</p> | The Biggest Misunderstanding About Shopify | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2015/11/05/biggest-misunderstanding-about-shopify.html | 2016-03-06 | 0right
| The Biggest Misunderstanding About Shopify
<p />
<p>This week Shopify (NYSE:SHOP) reported a 93% jump in revenue compared to last year. It went public back in May and has seen its stock jump 86% since. That’s because Shopify (and its many competitors, from Magento to Bigcommerce) are considered to be the future of e-commerce for small retailers. And that’s true. But there’s also something else bigger than just e-commerce.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>That’s because applications like Shopify will be just as important to those many retailers where e-commerce isn’t as big a factor. And for those retailers, moving to this technology will be the difference not just for a successful holiday season but for long term survival as well.</p>
<p>A small, real-life example. There is a pharmacy located in my neighborhood that has been around since the mid-1950’s. It’s a family business and it provides a livelihood for its owners. And every day I watch this little pharmacy slowly die. No, they don’t have an e-commerce presence – they barely have a website. But that’s not the real reason why they’re dying. &#160;It’s because they’re getting crushed by larger competitors, a CVS (NYSE:CVS) and a Rite-Aid (NYSE:RAD) which is being acquired by Walgreen’s (NYSE:WAG), are each located a mile away. And yet, this little pharmacy doesn’t have to fail. It can compete against the big box stores. It can become vibrant and relevant and successful. They need the kind of technology that a Shopify has.</p>
<p>Shopify and its competitors aren’t just e-commerce. They are mobile point-of-sale, payment and inventory management applications that are dovetailed with e-commerce. And that’s the big misunderstanding about applications like these.</p>
<p>They are designed to be used both in-house and online. Shopify’s unlimited plan, which is less than $200 per month, will enable the little pharmacist down the street to take a big jump into the 21st century. Online, he can setup his own store where customers can search, order and pay for unlimited products for either delivery or pickup – a critical customer service in today’s attention-deficit-disorder world. But it’s in the store where products like Shopify will have the most impact.</p>
<p>The application is designed for the iPad so that store employees, and yes even the pharmacist himself, can come out from behind the counter, walk the aisle and engage with customers face to face, helping them search for the right product, taking orders and even receiving payment. The application lets him offer gift cards and discount codes. If implemented the right way its inventory and reporting will allow the pharmacist to stay on top of his stock and analyze which products are moving the best. And I’m really just scratching the surface. This is all in-house stuff, not online. And we’re not getting this at the big box places. It’s a value-add that any smart business owner can do to strengthen his relationship with his customers and community.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>And there’s more technology for that that the brick-and-mortar retailer, like my pharmacist friend, to help him succeed.</p>
<p>For example, he can use a free service called Happy E-Mail to make sure his customers are getting a special e-mail thank you from him after they’ve made their purchase. Or a specially designed purchase receipt from Receiptful that upsells on future items. Another free product called Limespot will prompt sales associates of opportunities to recommend other related products and accessories while still engaging with the customer in the store. A product called Sweet Tooth will offer customers points for their loyalty which they can use for discounts on future sales. These are just a few of the hundreds of apps available to enhance the in-store experience.</p>
<p>And that’s the biggest misunderstanding: e-commerce and brick-and-mortar are becoming the same. &#160;All retailers who want to grow will use technology like Shopify for both online and in-store. The store employee and the online visitor is searching the same inventory database. The loyalty programs and e-mail confirmations are being triggered whether the purchase is made in-store or via the web. Because of the cloud there’s no such thing as two systems – it’s all one system. It’s all mobile. And it’s all pretty inexpensive, even for the small retailer.</p>
<p>So here’s what I would tell him to do: invest. Hire someone short-term to help (Shopify has a marketplace of experts and even more can be found on sites like UpWork). Move all inventory on to a platform like Shopify. Buy a few iPads from Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and link to a few good loyalty and communication services. And get his employees walking around the store helping customers face to face. And don’t worry about ecommerce, because that’s part of the package. It’s all the same. It’s all one system. And it’s there to help him provide a much better service to his customers than the big chains down the street.</p> | 49 |
<p><a href="http://pienews.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/K2.jpg" type="external" />Charles&#160;Krauthammer&#160;called&#160;the new emails showing White House involvement in briefing U.N. ambassador Susan Rice before she spoke about the Benghazi attacks on the Sunday shows "a serious offense" and&#160;"a classic cover-up of a cover-up." The government watchdog group&#160;Judicial Watch released the new Benghazi e-mails, which&#160;reveal that a top White House [?]</p>
<p />
<p><a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/376858/krauthammers-take-new-smoking-document-benghazi-emails-classic-cover-cover-nro-staff" type="external">Click here to view original web page at www.nationalreview.com</a></p>
<p /> | Krauthammer's Take: New Benghazi Emails a 'Classic Cover-Up of a Cover-Up' | true | http://politicalillusionsexposed.com/krauthammers-take-new-smoking-document-benghazi-emails-a-classic-cover-up-of-a-cover-up/ | 0right
| Krauthammer's Take: New Benghazi Emails a 'Classic Cover-Up of a Cover-Up'
<p><a href="http://pienews.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/K2.jpg" type="external" />Charles&#160;Krauthammer&#160;called&#160;the new emails showing White House involvement in briefing U.N. ambassador Susan Rice before she spoke about the Benghazi attacks on the Sunday shows "a serious offense" and&#160;"a classic cover-up of a cover-up." The government watchdog group&#160;Judicial Watch released the new Benghazi e-mails, which&#160;reveal that a top White House [?]</p>
<p />
<p><a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/376858/krauthammers-take-new-smoking-document-benghazi-emails-classic-cover-cover-nro-staff" type="external">Click here to view original web page at www.nationalreview.com</a></p>
<p /> | 50 |
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<p>Lt. Gov. Diane Denish was the only member of the Board of Finance to vote against the budget cuts, which were ordered by Gov. Bill Richardson last month in response to a projected state revenue shortfall of more than $200 million.</p>
<p>Denish, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said during today’s hearing the across-the-board cuts represent a “fundamentally flawed” approach to budget-cutting.</p>
<p>Richardson, who’s also a member of the Board of Finance, was at a cabinet meeting and didn’t attend today’s hearing.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The 3.2 percent cuts will take effect Sept. 1. In addition to most state agencies, higher education, the judiciary and the legislative branches will all see decreased funding.</p>
<p>Medicaid and developmental disability support programs are exempted from the cuts due to a provision in this year’s state budget. Public education was also exempted earlier this week by Richardson after Congress passed a federal aid package that includes $191 million for New Mexico.</p>
<p>More information, check out today’s Journal story on the budget cuts by clicking <a href="../north/122330111008north08-12-10.htm" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | Board of Finance Approves Budget Cuts | false | https://abqjournal.com/27016/board-of-finance-approves-budget-cuts.html | 2least
| Board of Finance Approves Budget Cuts
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<p>&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Lt. Gov. Diane Denish was the only member of the Board of Finance to vote against the budget cuts, which were ordered by Gov. Bill Richardson last month in response to a projected state revenue shortfall of more than $200 million.</p>
<p>Denish, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said during today’s hearing the across-the-board cuts represent a “fundamentally flawed” approach to budget-cutting.</p>
<p>Richardson, who’s also a member of the Board of Finance, was at a cabinet meeting and didn’t attend today’s hearing.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>The 3.2 percent cuts will take effect Sept. 1. In addition to most state agencies, higher education, the judiciary and the legislative branches will all see decreased funding.</p>
<p>Medicaid and developmental disability support programs are exempted from the cuts due to a provision in this year’s state budget. Public education was also exempted earlier this week by Richardson after Congress passed a federal aid package that includes $191 million for New Mexico.</p>
<p>More information, check out today’s Journal story on the budget cuts by clicking <a href="../north/122330111008north08-12-10.htm" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | 51 |
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<p>SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore’s central bank on Tuesday said it had permanently barred Yeo Jiawei, a former wealth manager of Swiss bank BSI involved in breaches related to Malaysia’s 1MDB fund, from managing financial services firms and advisory activities.</p>
<p>In July, a Singapore court jailed Yeo for 4-1/2 years for money laundering and cheating in a case linked to investigations into the siphoning of billions of dollars from Malaysian sovereign fund 1MDB.</p>
<p>The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it has issued a permanent prohibition order against Yeo, effective Monday, and a three-year ban for former chief executive of financial advisory firm NRA Capital, Kevin Scully.</p>
<p>“NRA had been appointed to perform the valuation of PetroSaudi Oil Services Limited (PSOSL),” MAS said in a press release.</p>
<p>“Mr Scully had failed to ensure that NRA’s valuation of PSOSL was carried out with sufficient care, judgment and objectivity,” the central bank added.</p>
<p>MAS has now issued prohibition orders against eight people involved in 1MDB-related breaches, following two bans announced last month.</p>
<p>Once a pet project of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who chaired its advisory board, 1MDB is the subject of money-laundering investigations in at least six countries including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.</p>
<p>Najib has denied any wrongdoing.</p>
<p>Singapore’s central bank had said in May that it had ended its two-year review of banks with 1MDB-linked transactions.</p>
<p />
<p>Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.</p> | Singapore issues more financial bans related to 1MDB scandal | false | https://newsline.com/singapore-issues-more-financial-bans-related-to-1mdb-scandal/ | 2017-12-18 | 1right-center
| Singapore issues more financial bans related to 1MDB scandal
<p>SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore’s central bank on Tuesday said it had permanently barred Yeo Jiawei, a former wealth manager of Swiss bank BSI involved in breaches related to Malaysia’s 1MDB fund, from managing financial services firms and advisory activities.</p>
<p>In July, a Singapore court jailed Yeo for 4-1/2 years for money laundering and cheating in a case linked to investigations into the siphoning of billions of dollars from Malaysian sovereign fund 1MDB.</p>
<p>The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it has issued a permanent prohibition order against Yeo, effective Monday, and a three-year ban for former chief executive of financial advisory firm NRA Capital, Kevin Scully.</p>
<p>“NRA had been appointed to perform the valuation of PetroSaudi Oil Services Limited (PSOSL),” MAS said in a press release.</p>
<p>“Mr Scully had failed to ensure that NRA’s valuation of PSOSL was carried out with sufficient care, judgment and objectivity,” the central bank added.</p>
<p>MAS has now issued prohibition orders against eight people involved in 1MDB-related breaches, following two bans announced last month.</p>
<p>Once a pet project of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who chaired its advisory board, 1MDB is the subject of money-laundering investigations in at least six countries including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.</p>
<p>Najib has denied any wrongdoing.</p>
<p>Singapore’s central bank had said in May that it had ended its two-year review of banks with 1MDB-linked transactions.</p>
<p />
<p>Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.</p> | 52 |
<p>By Henner Weithoener / Climate News Network</p>
<p>&#160;Fossil fuel production, as at this German mine, casts a long shadow. (Loracco via Wikimedia Commons)</p>
<p>This Creative Commons-licensed piece first appeared at <a href="http://climatenewsnetwork.net/carbon-levy-mooted-for-big-fossil-fuel-firms/" type="external">Climate News Network</a>.</p>
<p>PARIS - Big Oil (and its gas and coal counterparts) could before long face paying for the carbon contained in the fuel they sell. Two groups working for a cleaner future want to see a levy imposed on fossil fuel exploitation.</p>
<p />
<p>A 2013 report said almost two-thirds of the main greenhouse gas going into the atmosphere, carbon dioxide, came from the fuels produced by a mere 90 companies. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) summit here is in the final hours of its attempt to broker a just and effective global treaty on reducing those emissions and limiting their impacts: extreme weather, drought, flooding, sea level rise, land and forest degradation, desertification.</p>
<p>Pressure is growing to work out if and how these big fossil fuel producers can be held financially responsible for the damage their products are causing.</p>
<p>The 90 fossil fuel companies responsible for 63% of CO2 emissions from human activities are a roll call of household names, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Saudi Aramco, BP, Gazprom and Shell.</p>
<p>Now the Climate Justice Programme and the Heinrich Boell Foundation are urging that producers should pay a carbon levy on all fossil fuel extraction and mining, with the proceeds going to help pay poorer countries for adapting to climate change and meeting the costs of its impacts.</p>
<p>Phase-out needed</p>
<p>The levy would be applied to both the exploitation and the burning of fossil fuels. If a company was involved in both, it would have to pay the levy only once.</p>
<p>It would charge the carbon majors US$2 for every tonne of carbon dioxide their products release into the atmosphere. In 2014 this would have meant $50 billion coming from the companies.</p>
<p>The levy is based on a calculation of how much CO2 is released on average from burning a barrel of crude oil (or a tonne of coal, or a cubic metre of natural gas). The CO2 footprint of the drilling or mining itself would not be taken into account.</p>
<p>"We propose that a global fossil fuel extraction levy be established and paid into the international Loss and Damage Mechanism. This funding would be used to assist the poorest and most vulnerable communities suffering the worst impacts of climate change", said Julie-Anne Richards of the Climate Justice Programme. "This levy needs to be part of a general phase-out of fossil fuels."</p>
<p>Precedents</p>
<p>The UNFCCC's Loss and Damage Mechanism emerged from the 2013 climate summit in Warsaw. It is a way to address those climate impacts to which it is impossible to adapt, including extreme events.</p>
<p>"Climate finance is already inadequate - with a huge gap between what is needed and what is being offered. A new source of finance from a levy on Big Oil, Coal and Gas could unlock some of the objections by rich countries to including loss and damage in a new Paris agreement", said Lili Fuhr from the Heinrich Boell Foundation.</p>
<p>The Climate Justice Programme is convinced that existing international law, in particular the polluter pays principle, the no harm rule and the right to compensation support such a system.</p>
<p>"Our proposal draws from precedents such as the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, the oil spill compensation regime which collects levies from companies that ship oil internationally which are used as compensation after oil spills", said Julie-Anne Richards.</p>
<p>The fossil fuel industry has so far given no reaction to the levy proposal.</p>
<p>Henner Weithoener is a Berlin-based freelance journalist specialising in renewable energy and climate change.</p> | A Carbon Levy Is Possible for Big Fossil Fuel Firms | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/a-carbon-levy-is-possible-for-big-fossil-fuel-firms/ | 2015-12-11 | 4left
| A Carbon Levy Is Possible for Big Fossil Fuel Firms
<p>By Henner Weithoener / Climate News Network</p>
<p>&#160;Fossil fuel production, as at this German mine, casts a long shadow. (Loracco via Wikimedia Commons)</p>
<p>This Creative Commons-licensed piece first appeared at <a href="http://climatenewsnetwork.net/carbon-levy-mooted-for-big-fossil-fuel-firms/" type="external">Climate News Network</a>.</p>
<p>PARIS - Big Oil (and its gas and coal counterparts) could before long face paying for the carbon contained in the fuel they sell. Two groups working for a cleaner future want to see a levy imposed on fossil fuel exploitation.</p>
<p />
<p>A 2013 report said almost two-thirds of the main greenhouse gas going into the atmosphere, carbon dioxide, came from the fuels produced by a mere 90 companies. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) summit here is in the final hours of its attempt to broker a just and effective global treaty on reducing those emissions and limiting their impacts: extreme weather, drought, flooding, sea level rise, land and forest degradation, desertification.</p>
<p>Pressure is growing to work out if and how these big fossil fuel producers can be held financially responsible for the damage their products are causing.</p>
<p>The 90 fossil fuel companies responsible for 63% of CO2 emissions from human activities are a roll call of household names, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Saudi Aramco, BP, Gazprom and Shell.</p>
<p>Now the Climate Justice Programme and the Heinrich Boell Foundation are urging that producers should pay a carbon levy on all fossil fuel extraction and mining, with the proceeds going to help pay poorer countries for adapting to climate change and meeting the costs of its impacts.</p>
<p>Phase-out needed</p>
<p>The levy would be applied to both the exploitation and the burning of fossil fuels. If a company was involved in both, it would have to pay the levy only once.</p>
<p>It would charge the carbon majors US$2 for every tonne of carbon dioxide their products release into the atmosphere. In 2014 this would have meant $50 billion coming from the companies.</p>
<p>The levy is based on a calculation of how much CO2 is released on average from burning a barrel of crude oil (or a tonne of coal, or a cubic metre of natural gas). The CO2 footprint of the drilling or mining itself would not be taken into account.</p>
<p>"We propose that a global fossil fuel extraction levy be established and paid into the international Loss and Damage Mechanism. This funding would be used to assist the poorest and most vulnerable communities suffering the worst impacts of climate change", said Julie-Anne Richards of the Climate Justice Programme. "This levy needs to be part of a general phase-out of fossil fuels."</p>
<p>Precedents</p>
<p>The UNFCCC's Loss and Damage Mechanism emerged from the 2013 climate summit in Warsaw. It is a way to address those climate impacts to which it is impossible to adapt, including extreme events.</p>
<p>"Climate finance is already inadequate - with a huge gap between what is needed and what is being offered. A new source of finance from a levy on Big Oil, Coal and Gas could unlock some of the objections by rich countries to including loss and damage in a new Paris agreement", said Lili Fuhr from the Heinrich Boell Foundation.</p>
<p>The Climate Justice Programme is convinced that existing international law, in particular the polluter pays principle, the no harm rule and the right to compensation support such a system.</p>
<p>"Our proposal draws from precedents such as the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, the oil spill compensation regime which collects levies from companies that ship oil internationally which are used as compensation after oil spills", said Julie-Anne Richards.</p>
<p>The fossil fuel industry has so far given no reaction to the levy proposal.</p>
<p>Henner Weithoener is a Berlin-based freelance journalist specialising in renewable energy and climate change.</p> | 53 |
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<p>FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2014, file photo a man leaves the headquarters of Uber in San Francisco. Uber says Jason Dalton, the man suspected of going on a western Michigan shooting rampage that left six people dead was one of its drivers. Spokeswoman Nairi Hourdajian wouldn't say Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 whether Dalton was driving for the ride-sharing service Saturday night when the shootings occurred outside an apartment complex, car dealership and restaurant in and around Kalamazoo. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)</p>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO - A Michigan mass shooting could raise new headaches for Uber, the fast-growing ride-hailing service that's been dogged by controversy on the road to becoming one of the most valuable, privately funded companies in the world.</p>
<p>Jason Dalton, the man arrested in connection with the Kalamazoo rampage that left six people dead, was a driver for the San Francisco-based Uber, according to a company spokeswoman. Authorities were investigating reports that he may have picked up at least one customer before he was stopped by police.</p>
<p>Uber has been one of the most successful tech industry startups in recent years, as customers have flocked to use its smartphone app for hailing rides in 380 cities around the globe. The company says its drivers are independent contractors who use its app to help find customers and schedule trips.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Since its launch in 2009, Uber has faced criticism for a pricing formula that can send rates skyrocketing at times of high demand, and for side-stepping regulators and licensing requirements in some cities where it's opened for business. That hasn't stopped it from raising more than $10 billion in financial backing from venture capital firms and other investors, under terms that value the company at more than $50 billion.</p>
<p>It was unclear Sunday if the fatal shootings in Kalamazoo had any relation to Jason Dalton's employment. But critics have long complained the company should do more to screen drivers and guard passengers' safety.</p>
<p>Some of that criticism has been raised by competitors and regulators who argue that Uber's success has come as the company has expanded while seeking to avoid the strict licensing and permit requirements that traditional taxi companies face.</p>
<p>"I do think this is an outrageous incident that's going to draw more attention to this issue," said Dave Sutton, spokesman for "Who's Driving You," an organization backed by Uber's competitors in the taxi and limousine industry, which has fought the company's expansion.</p>
<p>Authorities said Dalton is a 45-year-old resident of Kalamazoo Township who had no criminal record. They said victims of the shootings in and around the city of Kalamazoo had no apparent connection to him or to each other.</p>
<p>Uber spokeswoman Nairi Hourdajian confirmed Dalton had driven for Uber. Hourdajian wouldn't say whether he was picking up fares for the ride-sharing service Saturday night.</p>
<p>Authorities, however, said they're investigating a Facebook post which indicated the suspect was an Uber driver who was driving erratically around the time of the shootings and indicating he may have taken at least one fare during an ensuing manhunt, according to Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting.</p>
<p>Uber said Sunday that it has offered to assist authorities in their investigation. In a statement, Uber chief security officer Joe Sullivan said the company is "horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence."</p>
<p>While Uber says it screens drivers and conducts background checks, critics say the ride-hailing company uses private screening services that don't have access to as much information as local police can obtain when they check fingerprint records.</p>
<p>The company said earlier this month that it will pay $28.5 million to settle two lawsuits that alleged Uber misled customers about safety procedures and fees. It's also facing a separate a lawsuit by district attorneys in San Francisco and Los Angeles, who alleged that Uber's checks failed to prevent the company from hiring several felons.</p>
<p>Uber, meanwhile, instituted a policy last year that prohibits driver and passengers from possessing firearms. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service.</p>
<p>While there have been several cases in which Uber drivers have been charged with assaulting passengers, there have also been incidents in which the company's drivers have been attacked by passengers.</p>
<p>Uber has also faced complaints that one of its executives in New York used information collected by the Uber app to track a passenger's movements. The company has since said that it has taken steps to protect passenger's privacy, including strict limits on access to the identities of riders.</p> | Uber says suspected Michigan gunman was driver for service | false | https://abqjournal.com/728033/uber-says-suspected-michigan-gunman-was-driver-for-service.html | 2least
| Uber says suspected Michigan gunman was driver for service
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<p>FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2014, file photo a man leaves the headquarters of Uber in San Francisco. Uber says Jason Dalton, the man suspected of going on a western Michigan shooting rampage that left six people dead was one of its drivers. Spokeswoman Nairi Hourdajian wouldn't say Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 whether Dalton was driving for the ride-sharing service Saturday night when the shootings occurred outside an apartment complex, car dealership and restaurant in and around Kalamazoo. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)</p>
<p>SAN FRANCISCO - A Michigan mass shooting could raise new headaches for Uber, the fast-growing ride-hailing service that's been dogged by controversy on the road to becoming one of the most valuable, privately funded companies in the world.</p>
<p>Jason Dalton, the man arrested in connection with the Kalamazoo rampage that left six people dead, was a driver for the San Francisco-based Uber, according to a company spokeswoman. Authorities were investigating reports that he may have picked up at least one customer before he was stopped by police.</p>
<p>Uber has been one of the most successful tech industry startups in recent years, as customers have flocked to use its smartphone app for hailing rides in 380 cities around the globe. The company says its drivers are independent contractors who use its app to help find customers and schedule trips.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Since its launch in 2009, Uber has faced criticism for a pricing formula that can send rates skyrocketing at times of high demand, and for side-stepping regulators and licensing requirements in some cities where it's opened for business. That hasn't stopped it from raising more than $10 billion in financial backing from venture capital firms and other investors, under terms that value the company at more than $50 billion.</p>
<p>It was unclear Sunday if the fatal shootings in Kalamazoo had any relation to Jason Dalton's employment. But critics have long complained the company should do more to screen drivers and guard passengers' safety.</p>
<p>Some of that criticism has been raised by competitors and regulators who argue that Uber's success has come as the company has expanded while seeking to avoid the strict licensing and permit requirements that traditional taxi companies face.</p>
<p>"I do think this is an outrageous incident that's going to draw more attention to this issue," said Dave Sutton, spokesman for "Who's Driving You," an organization backed by Uber's competitors in the taxi and limousine industry, which has fought the company's expansion.</p>
<p>Authorities said Dalton is a 45-year-old resident of Kalamazoo Township who had no criminal record. They said victims of the shootings in and around the city of Kalamazoo had no apparent connection to him or to each other.</p>
<p>Uber spokeswoman Nairi Hourdajian confirmed Dalton had driven for Uber. Hourdajian wouldn't say whether he was picking up fares for the ride-sharing service Saturday night.</p>
<p>Authorities, however, said they're investigating a Facebook post which indicated the suspect was an Uber driver who was driving erratically around the time of the shootings and indicating he may have taken at least one fare during an ensuing manhunt, according to Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting.</p>
<p>Uber said Sunday that it has offered to assist authorities in their investigation. In a statement, Uber chief security officer Joe Sullivan said the company is "horrified and heartbroken at the senseless violence."</p>
<p>While Uber says it screens drivers and conducts background checks, critics say the ride-hailing company uses private screening services that don't have access to as much information as local police can obtain when they check fingerprint records.</p>
<p>The company said earlier this month that it will pay $28.5 million to settle two lawsuits that alleged Uber misled customers about safety procedures and fees. It's also facing a separate a lawsuit by district attorneys in San Francisco and Los Angeles, who alleged that Uber's checks failed to prevent the company from hiring several felons.</p>
<p>Uber, meanwhile, instituted a policy last year that prohibits driver and passengers from possessing firearms. Anyone found to be in violation of the policy may be prohibited from using or driving for the service.</p>
<p>While there have been several cases in which Uber drivers have been charged with assaulting passengers, there have also been incidents in which the company's drivers have been attacked by passengers.</p>
<p>Uber has also faced complaints that one of its executives in New York used information collected by the Uber app to track a passenger's movements. The company has since said that it has taken steps to protect passenger's privacy, including strict limits on access to the identities of riders.</p> | 54 |
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<p>Even so, shorts, t-shirts and bare feet were requisite attire as the University of New Mexico beach volleyball team practiced on the sand courts adjacent to Lucky 66 Bowl. The Lobos open their third season of competition next week in Arizona and the 2017 forecast calls for mostly sunshine.</p>
<p>UNM returns its top three pairs from last season, when it finished 17-9 and was nationally ranked for much of the year. That success should serve as a good starting point, Lobo coach Jeff Nelson said at his team’s media day Monday.</p>
<p>“We have more depth, we’re more physical and we’ve experienced some success,” Nelson said. “We’re far ahead of where we were at this time last year, so we should have high expectations. It’s a solid group.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>With a handful of new arrivals on the squad, Nelson said he may end up switching some pair alignments as the season warms up. But when UNM travels to Phoenix for five matches next week, its top three pairs will have a full season of chemistry on which to draw.</p>
<p>Senior Cassie House and junior Ashley Kelsey will play the No. 1 position. House and Kelsey posted an 11-10 record playing at No. 1 last season, despite facing some of the nation’s most talented, experienced pairs.</p>
<p>“We’re two peas in a pod,” House said. “Playing with AK for a whole season really helped with chemistry. We’re ahead of where we were at the end of last season, and I think the whole group feels that way.”</p>
<p>Seniors Lisé Rugland and Devanne Sours, who went 14-6 at the No. 2 pairs position, also are confident they can improve. Sours, who never played in the sand prior to her sophomore year at UNM, said she’s now comfortable with the tactics and strategy necessary in two-person volleyball.</p>
<p>“There is a learning curve,” she said, “but we’ve worked our way through that. Expectations definitely are higher now and I think it can be a really good season.”</p>
<p>UNM’s most successful pair from 2016 will have to elevate its play if the Lobos are to make a run at postseason berth. Senior Marisa Doran and junior Eastyn Baleto went 22-3 at the No. 4 position last year but will move up to No. 3 this season.</p>
<p>The Lobos’ other two scoring pairs will be new. Senior Julia Warren, who paired with since-graduated Hannah Johnson last season, will team up with freshman Lauren Twitty at No. 4. Junior Jackie Baro will team up with sophomore transfer Carly Beddingfield at No. 5.</p>
<p>“All five pairs have at least one tall player and a legitimate block,” Nelson said. “We’re getting full-blown swings at all five spots. We definitely didn’t have that last year.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Much like last season, UNM will face a challenging schedule with the vast majority of its matches on the road. Just three of their 27 matches are scheduled at the Lucky 66 courts, which will serve as home for a second straight season.</p>
<p>Nelson and his players are not complaining, however. They’ll fly to three road tournaments and drive to three after boarding an airplane just once in 2016.</p>
<p>“I love our schedule,” Nelson said. “We play at least one nationally ranked team pretty much every weekend and usually more than one. We’ll be in some battles.”</p>
<p>The NCAA sanctioned an eight-team championship tournament for the first time last season and will keep the same format in 2017. Five spots are filled by conference champions, leaving non-conference-affiliated teams like UNM to battle for three at-large spots.</p>
<p>It’s a tough assignment, but the Lobos are ready to take their shot.</p>
<p>“We’re shooting for postseason,” House said, “no question. In fact, I think we’ll all be disappointed if we don’t get it.”</p> | UNM beach volleyball team has experience | false | https://abqjournal.com/953863/unm-beach-volleyball-team-has-experience.html | 2least
| UNM beach volleyball team has experience
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<p />
<p>Even so, shorts, t-shirts and bare feet were requisite attire as the University of New Mexico beach volleyball team practiced on the sand courts adjacent to Lucky 66 Bowl. The Lobos open their third season of competition next week in Arizona and the 2017 forecast calls for mostly sunshine.</p>
<p>UNM returns its top three pairs from last season, when it finished 17-9 and was nationally ranked for much of the year. That success should serve as a good starting point, Lobo coach Jeff Nelson said at his team’s media day Monday.</p>
<p>“We have more depth, we’re more physical and we’ve experienced some success,” Nelson said. “We’re far ahead of where we were at this time last year, so we should have high expectations. It’s a solid group.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>With a handful of new arrivals on the squad, Nelson said he may end up switching some pair alignments as the season warms up. But when UNM travels to Phoenix for five matches next week, its top three pairs will have a full season of chemistry on which to draw.</p>
<p>Senior Cassie House and junior Ashley Kelsey will play the No. 1 position. House and Kelsey posted an 11-10 record playing at No. 1 last season, despite facing some of the nation’s most talented, experienced pairs.</p>
<p>“We’re two peas in a pod,” House said. “Playing with AK for a whole season really helped with chemistry. We’re ahead of where we were at the end of last season, and I think the whole group feels that way.”</p>
<p>Seniors Lisé Rugland and Devanne Sours, who went 14-6 at the No. 2 pairs position, also are confident they can improve. Sours, who never played in the sand prior to her sophomore year at UNM, said she’s now comfortable with the tactics and strategy necessary in two-person volleyball.</p>
<p>“There is a learning curve,” she said, “but we’ve worked our way through that. Expectations definitely are higher now and I think it can be a really good season.”</p>
<p>UNM’s most successful pair from 2016 will have to elevate its play if the Lobos are to make a run at postseason berth. Senior Marisa Doran and junior Eastyn Baleto went 22-3 at the No. 4 position last year but will move up to No. 3 this season.</p>
<p>The Lobos’ other two scoring pairs will be new. Senior Julia Warren, who paired with since-graduated Hannah Johnson last season, will team up with freshman Lauren Twitty at No. 4. Junior Jackie Baro will team up with sophomore transfer Carly Beddingfield at No. 5.</p>
<p>“All five pairs have at least one tall player and a legitimate block,” Nelson said. “We’re getting full-blown swings at all five spots. We definitely didn’t have that last year.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Much like last season, UNM will face a challenging schedule with the vast majority of its matches on the road. Just three of their 27 matches are scheduled at the Lucky 66 courts, which will serve as home for a second straight season.</p>
<p>Nelson and his players are not complaining, however. They’ll fly to three road tournaments and drive to three after boarding an airplane just once in 2016.</p>
<p>“I love our schedule,” Nelson said. “We play at least one nationally ranked team pretty much every weekend and usually more than one. We’ll be in some battles.”</p>
<p>The NCAA sanctioned an eight-team championship tournament for the first time last season and will keep the same format in 2017. Five spots are filled by conference champions, leaving non-conference-affiliated teams like UNM to battle for three at-large spots.</p>
<p>It’s a tough assignment, but the Lobos are ready to take their shot.</p>
<p>“We’re shooting for postseason,” House said, “no question. In fact, I think we’ll all be disappointed if we don’t get it.”</p> | 55 |
|
<p>WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s lawmakers have voted to approve the nation’s budget for 2018 that assumes 3.8 percent economic growth and a deficit well within European Union requirements.</p>
<p>The state budget approved Thursday pegs the deficit at no more than 41.5 billion zlotys ($11.8 billion) with income of 355.7 billion zlotys ($102 billion).</p>
<p>Inflation is foreseen at 2.3 percent and the deficit at 2.7 percent of gross domestic product.</p>
<p>The Senate and President Andrzej Duda still need to endorse the budget bill.</p>
<p>The conservative government is pursuing a generous social policy of benefits for families with small children, which fuels economic growth through greater demand for goods and services. The government says that funds for the bonuses largely come from strict collection of VAT.</p>
<p>WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s lawmakers have voted to approve the nation’s budget for 2018 that assumes 3.8 percent economic growth and a deficit well within European Union requirements.</p>
<p>The state budget approved Thursday pegs the deficit at no more than 41.5 billion zlotys ($11.8 billion) with income of 355.7 billion zlotys ($102 billion).</p>
<p>Inflation is foreseen at 2.3 percent and the deficit at 2.7 percent of gross domestic product.</p>
<p>The Senate and President Andrzej Duda still need to endorse the budget bill.</p>
<p>The conservative government is pursuing a generous social policy of benefits for families with small children, which fuels economic growth through greater demand for goods and services. The government says that funds for the bonuses largely come from strict collection of VAT.</p> | Poland’s lawmakers adopt 2018 budget | false | https://apnews.com/6d4dbdd5376047519611c2c5e440e145 | 2018-01-11 | 2least
| Poland’s lawmakers adopt 2018 budget
<p>WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s lawmakers have voted to approve the nation’s budget for 2018 that assumes 3.8 percent economic growth and a deficit well within European Union requirements.</p>
<p>The state budget approved Thursday pegs the deficit at no more than 41.5 billion zlotys ($11.8 billion) with income of 355.7 billion zlotys ($102 billion).</p>
<p>Inflation is foreseen at 2.3 percent and the deficit at 2.7 percent of gross domestic product.</p>
<p>The Senate and President Andrzej Duda still need to endorse the budget bill.</p>
<p>The conservative government is pursuing a generous social policy of benefits for families with small children, which fuels economic growth through greater demand for goods and services. The government says that funds for the bonuses largely come from strict collection of VAT.</p>
<p>WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s lawmakers have voted to approve the nation’s budget for 2018 that assumes 3.8 percent economic growth and a deficit well within European Union requirements.</p>
<p>The state budget approved Thursday pegs the deficit at no more than 41.5 billion zlotys ($11.8 billion) with income of 355.7 billion zlotys ($102 billion).</p>
<p>Inflation is foreseen at 2.3 percent and the deficit at 2.7 percent of gross domestic product.</p>
<p>The Senate and President Andrzej Duda still need to endorse the budget bill.</p>
<p>The conservative government is pursuing a generous social policy of benefits for families with small children, which fuels economic growth through greater demand for goods and services. The government says that funds for the bonuses largely come from strict collection of VAT.</p> | 56 |
<p>CarMax (NYSE:KMX) reported on Tuesday stronger-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, as the company’s profit leaped 26% amid stronger sales of used cars.</p>
<p>Shares climbed 4.1% to $52.08 in pre-market trading. The stock is already up 33.2% so far this year.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>CarMax, the nation’s largest used-vehicle seller, said its profit rose to $140.3 million from $111.6 million in the year-ago period. On a per-share basis, earnings checked in at 62 cents versus 48 cents, beating Wall Street expectations for 57 cents.</p>
<p>Revenue was up 18% at $3.25 billion, surpassing a $3.16 billion estimate. Gross margin widened to 13.4% from 13.3%.</p>
<p>The company’s auto-finance unit saw its income climb 12% to $84.4 million.</p>
<p>CarMax has seen growing demand for used cars as a result of the slow economic recovery. In the latest period, CarMax logged a 21% increase in the number of used vehicles sold, or 16% on a same-store basis. Total sales for used vehicles rose 20% to $2.64 billion.</p>
<p>The volume of wholesale sales grew 10%, thanks in part to additional stores and an increase in the appraisal buy rate.</p> | CarMax Shares Jump on 2Q Beat | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2013/09/24/carmax-shares-jump-on-2q-beat.html | 2016-03-05 | 0right
| CarMax Shares Jump on 2Q Beat
<p>CarMax (NYSE:KMX) reported on Tuesday stronger-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, as the company’s profit leaped 26% amid stronger sales of used cars.</p>
<p>Shares climbed 4.1% to $52.08 in pre-market trading. The stock is already up 33.2% so far this year.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>CarMax, the nation’s largest used-vehicle seller, said its profit rose to $140.3 million from $111.6 million in the year-ago period. On a per-share basis, earnings checked in at 62 cents versus 48 cents, beating Wall Street expectations for 57 cents.</p>
<p>Revenue was up 18% at $3.25 billion, surpassing a $3.16 billion estimate. Gross margin widened to 13.4% from 13.3%.</p>
<p>The company’s auto-finance unit saw its income climb 12% to $84.4 million.</p>
<p>CarMax has seen growing demand for used cars as a result of the slow economic recovery. In the latest period, CarMax logged a 21% increase in the number of used vehicles sold, or 16% on a same-store basis. Total sales for used vehicles rose 20% to $2.64 billion.</p>
<p>The volume of wholesale sales grew 10%, thanks in part to additional stores and an increase in the appraisal buy rate.</p> | 57 |
<p />
<p>ATLANTA—People who have lost income because of the Gulf Oi spill have not been able to afford food and veterinary care for their pets, according to a charitable group. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) said in a statement the number of pets entering animal shelters around the Gulf coast has quadrupled since the April 20 oil spill.</p>
<p>Michael Cathey, executive director of AVMF, stated “Pet-related issues in the Gulf continue to escalate, which is why we called upon our partners to come together to provide relief. Our hope is to ease the pet care challenges families and shelters in the Gulf are facing by providing funding and resources for food and medical care.”</p>
<p>AVMF, Science Diet maker Hills’ Pet Nutrition, and Merial, maker of veterinary medicines, are giving money, pet food, and veterinary medical products to clinics in the Gulf area. The purpose is to relieve the hardships of vets who have given free services to their clients during the disaster. The group reimburses vets directly and donates food and supplies for vets to give to their clients.</p>
<p>Mary Bryant, VMD, director, Professional Affairs, Merial, said in a news release, “We’re pleased that veterinarians can benefit firsthand from this program and help many of their pet patients.”</p>
<p>AVMF is nearly 50 years old, and is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the national professional organization for veterinarians.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/40240/" type="external">Read the original story at The Epoch Times</a></p>
<p><a href="/" type="external">We encourage you to Share our Reports, Analyses, Breaking News and Videos. Simply Click your Favorite Social Media Button and Share.</a></p> | Gulf Oil Spill Affecting Pets | true | http://beforeitsnews.com/story/122/414/Gulf_Oil_Spill_Affecting_Pets.html | 2010-08-03 | 0right
| Gulf Oil Spill Affecting Pets
<p />
<p>ATLANTA—People who have lost income because of the Gulf Oi spill have not been able to afford food and veterinary care for their pets, according to a charitable group. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) said in a statement the number of pets entering animal shelters around the Gulf coast has quadrupled since the April 20 oil spill.</p>
<p>Michael Cathey, executive director of AVMF, stated “Pet-related issues in the Gulf continue to escalate, which is why we called upon our partners to come together to provide relief. Our hope is to ease the pet care challenges families and shelters in the Gulf are facing by providing funding and resources for food and medical care.”</p>
<p>AVMF, Science Diet maker Hills’ Pet Nutrition, and Merial, maker of veterinary medicines, are giving money, pet food, and veterinary medical products to clinics in the Gulf area. The purpose is to relieve the hardships of vets who have given free services to their clients during the disaster. The group reimburses vets directly and donates food and supplies for vets to give to their clients.</p>
<p>Mary Bryant, VMD, director, Professional Affairs, Merial, said in a news release, “We’re pleased that veterinarians can benefit firsthand from this program and help many of their pet patients.”</p>
<p>AVMF is nearly 50 years old, and is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the national professional organization for veterinarians.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/40240/" type="external">Read the original story at The Epoch Times</a></p>
<p><a href="/" type="external">We encourage you to Share our Reports, Analyses, Breaking News and Videos. Simply Click your Favorite Social Media Button and Share.</a></p> | 58 |
<p>Last week a newspaper editor expressed surprise about my peacenik views and emailed me accordingly. “I wonder”, he wrote, “if you could do a bit of self-psycho-analysis, and examine how a British-Australian former soldier of fairly mainstream views (as I think you were) has evolved into [your present form].” (See <a href="http://www.briancloughley.com/" type="external">www.briancloughley.com</a>.)</p>
<p>I was outraged, and replied that far from having had “mainstream views”, I possessed in the fairly recent past decidedly right-stream views. Never at a loss for a cliche, I state that not long ago I was several leagues to the right of Genghiz Khan, and replied to Ye Ed that “I was a thorough-going, kill-a-commie-for-Christ, jackboot-wearing, there’s no-Gook-like-a-dead-Gook, card-carrying, liberal-hating fascist”. I am not and never have been anti-American, but I am decidedly against Bush and his Washington weirdoes, who have steered their country to aggressive and needless confrontation with every country that does not accept servile subordination to the Bush doctrine of imperial supremacy.</p>
<p>There was one main reason for moving from fascist to liberal, and that was the fact that Washington and London tell us lies and that these lies are accepted and resold by people who should know better. My reaction to the announcement that the British Parliament’s report concerning Blair’s exaggerations about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction was going to be published was that it would be a whitewash, otherwise they wouldn’t publish it. Now that is unhealthy, knee-jerk cynicism, but I didn’t get this way without a lot of help.</p>
<p>When PG Wodehouse wrote humorously about Hollywood he invented a genus called nodders. First there was the film company’s president, then legions of vice-presidents, then there were the nodders whose job it was to attend conferences and agree, by deferential head inclination, with everything that was said. Far too many reporters and legislators are nodders.</p>
<p>Take, for example, the botched attack on some vehicles and the rocketing of a tiny smugglers’ hamlet near the Iraq-Syrian border by a deeply secret bunch of US killers supported by aircraft armed with more firepower than a trio of tank squadrons. The affair was a ludicrous, ham-fisted stuff-up. They killed a young woman and her one year-old child, and wounded then took prisoner six Syrian border guards and held them for almost two weeks without explanation. The sheer arrogance of the latter action is staggering. (We won’t even discuss human rights and murdering Iraqi civilians; there’s no point.) The affair was almost as bizarre as the detention of a dozen Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq, about which we were told nothing, either. Nothing, that is, that we can believe.</p>
<p>These operations, I remind you, took place in our name. It was for the safety of the world that Bush and Blair went to war on Iraq, so they say, and that is you and me. And if killings and cock-ups are committed in our name, then we want to know about it. The reason we are told nothing, or lied to with blatant contempt, is that the operations were bungled, therefore they don’t want us to know about them. The Bush cabal and the Blair government-within-a-government told us grotesque lies, before, during and after their war. We all know the device of “senior government source” and “senior administration official”, and those of us who have our own sources, here and there, know on many occasions exactly who these people are. It is time – it is more than time – that the media refused to publicise ‘information’ unless the source can be named. (‘Cabal’ was the name given to a clique of devious ministers appointed by Charles II; their surnames begin with the letters of the word. What about Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft and Powell?)</p>
<p>If the Bush and Blair ju-ju men want to give the world some facts, they should go on the record. Here is one example of needlessly unattributable nonsense, from the New York Times on July 7 : “Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior Defense Department official said the soldiers who stormed the Turkish compound in Sulaimaniya on Friday were ‘acting on intelligence about possible illicit activities that were being planned against municipal officials in the region.’ A senior American military official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed this account, saying the plot appeared to be aimed at the governor of Kirkuk, a nearby city.”</p>
<p>I don’t believe a word of it. Associated Press recorded that “Emel Begler, a Turkish cook who was among the detained together with her 15-year-old son, told reporters the US troops broke down the doors, placed sacks over their heads and handcuffed their hands behind their backs.” So she was plotting to kill the governor of Kirkuk, was she? Ratbane in his Freedom Fries, perhaps. But if the Turkish soldiers she cooked for were indeed plotting assassination, why were they then set free? What’s the real story?</p>
<p>Why the anonymity in this and so many other cases? It appears to be a reflex action, like manacling and blindfolding male Iraqi civilians in order to humiliate them in front of their families. This sort of cave-man thug-stuff never used to happen. What is the point of it? All it does is feed the fires of fury against the US in Iraq, just as anonymous — cowardly, gutless, amoral — briefers exasperate and deceive us to the point that we don’t believe a damn word they say. Rumsfeld often insists he be described as a “senior defense official”, which is cowardice. If he’s got anything to say, let him be named as saying it. Creeping behind the shield of bureaucratic anonymity is the action of a lily-livered sleazebag. But the sycophantic nodders of the media hang on his every deceitful word.</p>
<p>When you trawl the news sites on the Internet you can obtain a lot of accurate first-hand information from Reuters, AP, AFP and other reputable agencies, but when I see a story is sourced to Fox News or CNN I don’t even bring it up on the screen. After months of slewed and slanted rubbish from these unbelievably piffling, bimbo-ridden, nodder-outlets how could anyone trust them to give the right time of day?</p>
<p>Do you remember the “defence department official” who told the Washington Post (which had a pretty iffy news source in one particularly well-embedded reporter) that Private Jessica Lynch had fought gamely to the last bullet and all that nonsense? She was injured, certainly — but in the shambles of a panic-stricken vehicle crash. The story about her “heroism” was fabrication. It was a downright damned lie. So who was the “official” who concocted this rubbish? He may have only briefly crawled out from beneath the large flat slimy stone under which he normally resides, but why was he not punished for telling us lies? Of course nothing of the sort will ever happen, and the reason for this is that the information system is rotten to its nodding core.</p>
<p>The BBC, one of the last bastions of objectivity and truth, has been attacked by Blair’s scummy little ratbag mumbo-jumbo-meister, Alastair Campbell (‘Calamity Ali’), for helping reveal that the Downing Street campaign to mislead the British public about reasons for the war on Iraq was largely successful. The outcome of the British parliamentary inquiry into this squalid affair was predictable, and not just by cynics like me. How on earth can one credit the results of an inquiry that was not allowed to interview the main liar (the prime minister), or have access to all classified reports? How could you believe a man like Blair, anyway, when he is on record, in a moment of political panic, as demanding his nodders think up some “eye-catching initiatives with which I personally can be associated”? Nothing that would benefit his country or its unfortunate citizens, you understand. Nothing of principle; just something that would look good. The man is a grubby charlatan.</p>
<p>In any event the inquirers were a majority of nodder Labour MPs, and the committee’s clearing of Campbell for his shoddy behaviour was achieved by the chairman (a Blair man to his bootstraps) using his casting vote. This is nodder democracy. On no account would Blair permit an independent inquiry by a trio of impartial judges, with access to every detail of the affair. Such an inquiry would be, well, impartial, and that can’t be allowed, because we might learn the truth, presented to us by people we trust. And Blair and his people wonder why we don’t trust them. They couldn’t stretch out straight in bed; that’s why we don’t trust them.</p>
<p>The same holds in the US. The Senate committee’s whitewash will be exactly the same as the Blair parliament’s lapdog performance, and there is no possibility that a Republican-dominated Congress could ever be critical of Bush, no matter how many lies he told. (Remember these repulsive lulus? : “Iraq possesses ballistic missiles with a likely range of hundreds of miles”; Iraq “has trained Al Qaeda in bomb making and poisons and deadly gases”; “a report came out of the IAEA that [Iraq was] six months away from developing a [nuclear] weapon”. All lies.)</p>
<p>This is why I changed from Genghiz Khan mode. The people we should be able to trust have been lying outrageously to political and journalistic nodders, who happily passed the lies on to us without question and even with embellishment. If you fed them nails, they’d crap corkscrews. The hell with the lot of them.</p>
<p>BRIAN CLOUGHLEY writes about defense issues for CounterPunch, Dawn and other international publications. He can be reached at: <a href="mailto:beecluff@aol.com" type="external">beecluff@aol.com</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p> | They Tell Lies to Nodders | true | https://counterpunch.org/2003/07/08/they-tell-lies-to-nodders/ | 2003-07-08 | 4left
| They Tell Lies to Nodders
<p>Last week a newspaper editor expressed surprise about my peacenik views and emailed me accordingly. “I wonder”, he wrote, “if you could do a bit of self-psycho-analysis, and examine how a British-Australian former soldier of fairly mainstream views (as I think you were) has evolved into [your present form].” (See <a href="http://www.briancloughley.com/" type="external">www.briancloughley.com</a>.)</p>
<p>I was outraged, and replied that far from having had “mainstream views”, I possessed in the fairly recent past decidedly right-stream views. Never at a loss for a cliche, I state that not long ago I was several leagues to the right of Genghiz Khan, and replied to Ye Ed that “I was a thorough-going, kill-a-commie-for-Christ, jackboot-wearing, there’s no-Gook-like-a-dead-Gook, card-carrying, liberal-hating fascist”. I am not and never have been anti-American, but I am decidedly against Bush and his Washington weirdoes, who have steered their country to aggressive and needless confrontation with every country that does not accept servile subordination to the Bush doctrine of imperial supremacy.</p>
<p>There was one main reason for moving from fascist to liberal, and that was the fact that Washington and London tell us lies and that these lies are accepted and resold by people who should know better. My reaction to the announcement that the British Parliament’s report concerning Blair’s exaggerations about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction was going to be published was that it would be a whitewash, otherwise they wouldn’t publish it. Now that is unhealthy, knee-jerk cynicism, but I didn’t get this way without a lot of help.</p>
<p>When PG Wodehouse wrote humorously about Hollywood he invented a genus called nodders. First there was the film company’s president, then legions of vice-presidents, then there were the nodders whose job it was to attend conferences and agree, by deferential head inclination, with everything that was said. Far too many reporters and legislators are nodders.</p>
<p>Take, for example, the botched attack on some vehicles and the rocketing of a tiny smugglers’ hamlet near the Iraq-Syrian border by a deeply secret bunch of US killers supported by aircraft armed with more firepower than a trio of tank squadrons. The affair was a ludicrous, ham-fisted stuff-up. They killed a young woman and her one year-old child, and wounded then took prisoner six Syrian border guards and held them for almost two weeks without explanation. The sheer arrogance of the latter action is staggering. (We won’t even discuss human rights and murdering Iraqi civilians; there’s no point.) The affair was almost as bizarre as the detention of a dozen Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq, about which we were told nothing, either. Nothing, that is, that we can believe.</p>
<p>These operations, I remind you, took place in our name. It was for the safety of the world that Bush and Blair went to war on Iraq, so they say, and that is you and me. And if killings and cock-ups are committed in our name, then we want to know about it. The reason we are told nothing, or lied to with blatant contempt, is that the operations were bungled, therefore they don’t want us to know about them. The Bush cabal and the Blair government-within-a-government told us grotesque lies, before, during and after their war. We all know the device of “senior government source” and “senior administration official”, and those of us who have our own sources, here and there, know on many occasions exactly who these people are. It is time – it is more than time – that the media refused to publicise ‘information’ unless the source can be named. (‘Cabal’ was the name given to a clique of devious ministers appointed by Charles II; their surnames begin with the letters of the word. What about Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft and Powell?)</p>
<p>If the Bush and Blair ju-ju men want to give the world some facts, they should go on the record. Here is one example of needlessly unattributable nonsense, from the New York Times on July 7 : “Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior Defense Department official said the soldiers who stormed the Turkish compound in Sulaimaniya on Friday were ‘acting on intelligence about possible illicit activities that were being planned against municipal officials in the region.’ A senior American military official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed this account, saying the plot appeared to be aimed at the governor of Kirkuk, a nearby city.”</p>
<p>I don’t believe a word of it. Associated Press recorded that “Emel Begler, a Turkish cook who was among the detained together with her 15-year-old son, told reporters the US troops broke down the doors, placed sacks over their heads and handcuffed their hands behind their backs.” So she was plotting to kill the governor of Kirkuk, was she? Ratbane in his Freedom Fries, perhaps. But if the Turkish soldiers she cooked for were indeed plotting assassination, why were they then set free? What’s the real story?</p>
<p>Why the anonymity in this and so many other cases? It appears to be a reflex action, like manacling and blindfolding male Iraqi civilians in order to humiliate them in front of their families. This sort of cave-man thug-stuff never used to happen. What is the point of it? All it does is feed the fires of fury against the US in Iraq, just as anonymous — cowardly, gutless, amoral — briefers exasperate and deceive us to the point that we don’t believe a damn word they say. Rumsfeld often insists he be described as a “senior defense official”, which is cowardice. If he’s got anything to say, let him be named as saying it. Creeping behind the shield of bureaucratic anonymity is the action of a lily-livered sleazebag. But the sycophantic nodders of the media hang on his every deceitful word.</p>
<p>When you trawl the news sites on the Internet you can obtain a lot of accurate first-hand information from Reuters, AP, AFP and other reputable agencies, but when I see a story is sourced to Fox News or CNN I don’t even bring it up on the screen. After months of slewed and slanted rubbish from these unbelievably piffling, bimbo-ridden, nodder-outlets how could anyone trust them to give the right time of day?</p>
<p>Do you remember the “defence department official” who told the Washington Post (which had a pretty iffy news source in one particularly well-embedded reporter) that Private Jessica Lynch had fought gamely to the last bullet and all that nonsense? She was injured, certainly — but in the shambles of a panic-stricken vehicle crash. The story about her “heroism” was fabrication. It was a downright damned lie. So who was the “official” who concocted this rubbish? He may have only briefly crawled out from beneath the large flat slimy stone under which he normally resides, but why was he not punished for telling us lies? Of course nothing of the sort will ever happen, and the reason for this is that the information system is rotten to its nodding core.</p>
<p>The BBC, one of the last bastions of objectivity and truth, has been attacked by Blair’s scummy little ratbag mumbo-jumbo-meister, Alastair Campbell (‘Calamity Ali’), for helping reveal that the Downing Street campaign to mislead the British public about reasons for the war on Iraq was largely successful. The outcome of the British parliamentary inquiry into this squalid affair was predictable, and not just by cynics like me. How on earth can one credit the results of an inquiry that was not allowed to interview the main liar (the prime minister), or have access to all classified reports? How could you believe a man like Blair, anyway, when he is on record, in a moment of political panic, as demanding his nodders think up some “eye-catching initiatives with which I personally can be associated”? Nothing that would benefit his country or its unfortunate citizens, you understand. Nothing of principle; just something that would look good. The man is a grubby charlatan.</p>
<p>In any event the inquirers were a majority of nodder Labour MPs, and the committee’s clearing of Campbell for his shoddy behaviour was achieved by the chairman (a Blair man to his bootstraps) using his casting vote. This is nodder democracy. On no account would Blair permit an independent inquiry by a trio of impartial judges, with access to every detail of the affair. Such an inquiry would be, well, impartial, and that can’t be allowed, because we might learn the truth, presented to us by people we trust. And Blair and his people wonder why we don’t trust them. They couldn’t stretch out straight in bed; that’s why we don’t trust them.</p>
<p>The same holds in the US. The Senate committee’s whitewash will be exactly the same as the Blair parliament’s lapdog performance, and there is no possibility that a Republican-dominated Congress could ever be critical of Bush, no matter how many lies he told. (Remember these repulsive lulus? : “Iraq possesses ballistic missiles with a likely range of hundreds of miles”; Iraq “has trained Al Qaeda in bomb making and poisons and deadly gases”; “a report came out of the IAEA that [Iraq was] six months away from developing a [nuclear] weapon”. All lies.)</p>
<p>This is why I changed from Genghiz Khan mode. The people we should be able to trust have been lying outrageously to political and journalistic nodders, who happily passed the lies on to us without question and even with embellishment. If you fed them nails, they’d crap corkscrews. The hell with the lot of them.</p>
<p>BRIAN CLOUGHLEY writes about defense issues for CounterPunch, Dawn and other international publications. He can be reached at: <a href="mailto:beecluff@aol.com" type="external">beecluff@aol.com</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p> | 59 |
<p>CNN, which has been called fake news by President Trump, balked at airing a new campaign ad by the president’s reelection committee because it labeled the media as his “enemies.”</p>
<p>The campaign accused CNN of censorship, by the network said that they requested changes to the ad to make it factual.</p>
<p>“CNN would accept the ad if the images of reporters and anchors are removed. Anchors and reporters don’t have ‘enemies,’ as the ad states, but they do hold those in power accountable across the political spectrum and aggressively challenge false and misleading statements and investigate wrong-doing,” according to a CNN spokesperson.</p>
<p>This decision by CNN isn’t about making the Trump ad factual, but one bent on eliminating any negative imagery of the liberal media as a whole to maintain the pretense that they are actually trying to cover the president in an even-handed manner despite their anti-Trump narrative.</p>
<p /> | CNN Balks at Trump Campaign Ad Calling Media ‘Enemies’ [Video] | true | http://aim.org/don-irvine-blog/cnn-balks-at-trump-campaign-ad-calling-media-enemies-video/ | 2017-08-16 | 0right
| CNN Balks at Trump Campaign Ad Calling Media ‘Enemies’ [Video]
<p>CNN, which has been called fake news by President Trump, balked at airing a new campaign ad by the president’s reelection committee because it labeled the media as his “enemies.”</p>
<p>The campaign accused CNN of censorship, by the network said that they requested changes to the ad to make it factual.</p>
<p>“CNN would accept the ad if the images of reporters and anchors are removed. Anchors and reporters don’t have ‘enemies,’ as the ad states, but they do hold those in power accountable across the political spectrum and aggressively challenge false and misleading statements and investigate wrong-doing,” according to a CNN spokesperson.</p>
<p>This decision by CNN isn’t about making the Trump ad factual, but one bent on eliminating any negative imagery of the liberal media as a whole to maintain the pretense that they are actually trying to cover the president in an even-handed manner despite their anti-Trump narrative.</p>
<p /> | 60 |
<p>Today was one of those rare but awesome days when CNN holds someone's feet to the fire. Anderson Cooper, a member of the LGBT Community, interviewed Florida AG and vehement opponent of LGBT rights, Pam Bondi. Today, she is promoting her valiant efforts to prevent fraud against the vulnerable victims and their families with illegitimate GoFundMe pages. It didn't take long for Cooper to remind Bondi of her record of opposing Marriage Equality. Let's revisit some of Bondi's anti-LGBT <a href="http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/attorney_general_pam_bondi_s_battle_against_same_sex_marriage_will_cost_florida_taxpayers_500_000" type="external">history:</a></p>
<p>Florida's Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi was one of the most active and recognizable fighters against same-sex marriage in the run up to the Supreme Court taking up the issue. And now, Florida taxpayers will have to pay almost a half million dollars in legal fees to the winning attorneys, thanks entirely to Bondi's unyielding defense. NBC Miami reports the final figure is $493,000.</p>
<p>Time after time after time Bondi lost in court, and time after time after time Bondi appealed. Bondi became a reviled figure for the anti-gay rhetoric in her court filings, which were deemed not only false but hypocritical, given she was on her third marriage.</p>
<p>Here's some of the heated exchange:</p>
<p>COOPER: I want to ask you - I saw you the other day saying that anyone who attacks the LGBT community, our LGBT community, you said, will be gone after with the full extent of the law.</p>
<p>BONDI: That's exactly right.</p>
<p>COOPER: I talked to a lot of gay and lesbian people here yesterday who are not fans of yours and who said that they thought you were being a hypocrite, that you for years have fought - you basically have gone after gay people, said that in court that gay people simply by fighting for marriage equality were trying to do harm to the people of Florida, to induce public harm I believe was the term you used in court. Do you really think you're a champion of the gay community?</p>
<p>BONDI: I - let me tell you, I - when I was sworn in as attorney general, I put my hand on a Bible and was sworn to uphold the constitution of the state of Florida. That's not a law. That was voted in to our state constitution by the voters of Florida. That's what I was defending. Had nothing to do - I've never said I don't like gay people. That's ridiculous.</p>
<p>COOPER: But you did say - but do you worry about using language accusing gay people of trying to do harm to the people of Florida -</p>
<p>He continued to fluster Bondi, by simply reviewing her words and actions against equal rights for ALL PEOPLE. The final nail in her coffin came close to the end of the interview:</p>
<p>COOPER: The - the hotline that you've been talking about on television, which allows family members and spouses of the dead to get information -</p>
<p>BONDI: Yes</p>
<p>.</p>
<p>COOPER: Which is incredibly important, and I appreciate you talking about on the air, had there been no gay marriage, had there been no same-sex marriage, you do realize that spouses, there would be no spouses, that boyfriends and girlfriends of the dead would not be able to get information and would not be able probably to even visit in the hospital here.</p>
<p>BONDI: Well, that's -</p>
<p>And he goes in for the kill with a quick question.</p>
<p>COOPER: Isn't there a sick irony in that?</p>
<p>She tried to win the argument by saying that she was defending Florida's Constitution, but Cooper shut her down again.</p>
<p>BONDI: I was defending the constitution of what over 69 percent of the voters put in the constitution.</p>
<p>COOPER: Right. But the - you know, the courts, the federal courts said, that's not the constitution -</p>
<p>He reminded her that she kept fighting the ruling and wouldn't stop until she could no longer appeal. She attempted to switch subjects to the human tragedy that brought them all to Orlando, but Anderson destroyed her attempt to cover up the truth about her homophobia, and that's all the viewers will remember. Just awesome!</p>
<p>In case you weren't disgusted by this woman, she is also the very same Republican who just so happened to drop the investigation into Trump University after the Trump Foundation made a <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-u-scandal-gets-worse-floridas-ag" type="external">$25,000</a>contribution towards her re-election efforts. It's not the least surprising that Bondi and Trump are both on their third marriage, both are typical Republicans.</p> | Sweet Irony! Anderson Cooper Destroys Florida AG Pam Bondi | true | http://crooksandliars.com/2016/06/sweet-irony-anderson-cooper-destroys | 2016-06-14 | 4left
| Sweet Irony! Anderson Cooper Destroys Florida AG Pam Bondi
<p>Today was one of those rare but awesome days when CNN holds someone's feet to the fire. Anderson Cooper, a member of the LGBT Community, interviewed Florida AG and vehement opponent of LGBT rights, Pam Bondi. Today, she is promoting her valiant efforts to prevent fraud against the vulnerable victims and their families with illegitimate GoFundMe pages. It didn't take long for Cooper to remind Bondi of her record of opposing Marriage Equality. Let's revisit some of Bondi's anti-LGBT <a href="http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/attorney_general_pam_bondi_s_battle_against_same_sex_marriage_will_cost_florida_taxpayers_500_000" type="external">history:</a></p>
<p>Florida's Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi was one of the most active and recognizable fighters against same-sex marriage in the run up to the Supreme Court taking up the issue. And now, Florida taxpayers will have to pay almost a half million dollars in legal fees to the winning attorneys, thanks entirely to Bondi's unyielding defense. NBC Miami reports the final figure is $493,000.</p>
<p>Time after time after time Bondi lost in court, and time after time after time Bondi appealed. Bondi became a reviled figure for the anti-gay rhetoric in her court filings, which were deemed not only false but hypocritical, given she was on her third marriage.</p>
<p>Here's some of the heated exchange:</p>
<p>COOPER: I want to ask you - I saw you the other day saying that anyone who attacks the LGBT community, our LGBT community, you said, will be gone after with the full extent of the law.</p>
<p>BONDI: That's exactly right.</p>
<p>COOPER: I talked to a lot of gay and lesbian people here yesterday who are not fans of yours and who said that they thought you were being a hypocrite, that you for years have fought - you basically have gone after gay people, said that in court that gay people simply by fighting for marriage equality were trying to do harm to the people of Florida, to induce public harm I believe was the term you used in court. Do you really think you're a champion of the gay community?</p>
<p>BONDI: I - let me tell you, I - when I was sworn in as attorney general, I put my hand on a Bible and was sworn to uphold the constitution of the state of Florida. That's not a law. That was voted in to our state constitution by the voters of Florida. That's what I was defending. Had nothing to do - I've never said I don't like gay people. That's ridiculous.</p>
<p>COOPER: But you did say - but do you worry about using language accusing gay people of trying to do harm to the people of Florida -</p>
<p>He continued to fluster Bondi, by simply reviewing her words and actions against equal rights for ALL PEOPLE. The final nail in her coffin came close to the end of the interview:</p>
<p>COOPER: The - the hotline that you've been talking about on television, which allows family members and spouses of the dead to get information -</p>
<p>BONDI: Yes</p>
<p>.</p>
<p>COOPER: Which is incredibly important, and I appreciate you talking about on the air, had there been no gay marriage, had there been no same-sex marriage, you do realize that spouses, there would be no spouses, that boyfriends and girlfriends of the dead would not be able to get information and would not be able probably to even visit in the hospital here.</p>
<p>BONDI: Well, that's -</p>
<p>And he goes in for the kill with a quick question.</p>
<p>COOPER: Isn't there a sick irony in that?</p>
<p>She tried to win the argument by saying that she was defending Florida's Constitution, but Cooper shut her down again.</p>
<p>BONDI: I was defending the constitution of what over 69 percent of the voters put in the constitution.</p>
<p>COOPER: Right. But the - you know, the courts, the federal courts said, that's not the constitution -</p>
<p>He reminded her that she kept fighting the ruling and wouldn't stop until she could no longer appeal. She attempted to switch subjects to the human tragedy that brought them all to Orlando, but Anderson destroyed her attempt to cover up the truth about her homophobia, and that's all the viewers will remember. Just awesome!</p>
<p>In case you weren't disgusted by this woman, she is also the very same Republican who just so happened to drop the investigation into Trump University after the Trump Foundation made a <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-u-scandal-gets-worse-floridas-ag" type="external">$25,000</a>contribution towards her re-election efforts. It's not the least surprising that Bondi and Trump are both on their third marriage, both are typical Republicans.</p> | 61 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>(AP) — Some families who live near the Bear Canyon arroyo in Albuquerque got a scare when a gust of wind caused a campfire to start a brush fire.</p>
<p>The Fire Department says an engine company responding to 911 calls found residents of the neighborhood putting out the fire which had spread to roughly a half-acre of grass and brush late Thursday.</p>
<p>According to the Fire Department, children playing with a campfire called their parents as soon as the fire spread.</p>
<p>No injuries or damage to structures were reported.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | Neighbors contain brush fire started by campfire | false | https://abqjournal.com/192820/neighbors-contain-brushfire-started-by-campfire.html | 2013-04-26 | 2least
| Neighbors contain brush fire started by campfire
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>(AP) — Some families who live near the Bear Canyon arroyo in Albuquerque got a scare when a gust of wind caused a campfire to start a brush fire.</p>
<p>The Fire Department says an engine company responding to 911 calls found residents of the neighborhood putting out the fire which had spread to roughly a half-acre of grass and brush late Thursday.</p>
<p>According to the Fire Department, children playing with a campfire called their parents as soon as the fire spread.</p>
<p>No injuries or damage to structures were reported.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p> | 62 |
<p />
<p>Based on the beating its stock price took out-of-the-gate following fiscal third-quarter earnings results, it's safe to say Palo Alto Networks investors and pundits were not amused. The problems with Palo Alto's recent quarter range from increased spending to poor guidance and slowing revenue growth. And to make matters worse, it's a healthy dose of all three.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Despite landing on the wrong side of the earnings fence, Palo Alto responded positively in one of its primary initiatives: boosting its source of recurring revenue. However, as noted in a recent <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/25/3-things-to-watch-for-during-palo-alto-networks-in.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">article Opens a New Window.</a> leading up to the May 26 announcement, Palo Alto investors' patience was only going to be tested for so long. At some point the company needs to perform beyond growing its top line, and it's running out of time.</p>
<p>CEO Mark McLaughlin tried to temper expectations after reporting Palo Alto's second-quarter results by forecasting a 43% to 45% revenue improvement in Q3, ending its nearly two-year-long streak of reporting 50% or more quarterly sales growth. Palo Alto didn't quite reach the remarkable 50% revenue jump this past (fiscal third) quarter, but delivered a pleasantly surprising 48% gain, to $345.8 million. Analysts had expected sales of $339.48 million.</p>
<p>On the earnings-per-share front, Palo Alto hit its high-end forecast of $0.42 on a non-GAAP (excluding one-time items) basis, which also matched pundits' expectations. Fiscal Q3 billings rose a whopping 61% last quarter, to $486.2 million, which would seemingly be a positive sign of what is to come in the current fiscal Q4. But it is not to be.</p>
<p>If not reaching 50% revenue growth is partly to blame for Palo Alto's stock price nosedive, its forecast for the current quarter will be downright depressing. On the high end of McLaughlin's forecast, Palo Alto expects 37% revenue growth to end its fiscal year, or $390 million.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>On a more positive note, Palo Alto's services unit grew a whopping 63%, to $183.7 million, in Q3, and now represents 53% of total sales. Service sales, and the recurring revenue they generate, are a critical initiative for Palo Alto, and they took a step in the right direction last quarter.</p>
<p>As noted before, Palo Alto has been on a spending spree for years to drive its stellar 50%-plus revenue jumps. But with growth beginning to slow -- Q3's results and this quarter's guidance are proof of that -- minimizing costs has become a necessity, not a nicety. The problem is, McLaughlin and team can't seem to keep their checkbooks in their pockets.</p>
<p>A comparison with Palo Alto's peer and primary competitor,Check Point Software , demonstrates why the former's stock is down 26% year to date, and the latter's is up 3%. Palo Alto's total operating expenses of $309.5 million equaled 90% of sales. Check Point, on the other hand, spent 50% of last quarter's $404.3 million in revenue on its operating expenses.</p>
<p>As for cost of revenue, Palo Alto spent $94.9 million to drive its product and services sales, more than twice Check Point Software's $45 million last quarter. Is it any wonder Check Point is profitable, on both a GAAP (including one-time items) and non-GAAP basis? And Check Point's profits continue to climb, too, rising 10% last quarter.</p>
<p>Considering Palo Alto's slowing revenue growth and increased spending, it could be years before shareholders are in the black. Unfortunately, it gets worse because of the nature of Palo Alto's skyrocketing expenses. Check Point's sales and marketing costs equaled 23% of revenue in fiscal Q1, whereas Palo Alto's $202 million ate up a head-shaking 58% of its total sales last quarter.</p>
<p>When investors add it all up, the answer is fairly straightforward: Slowing top-line growth was inevitable, but continuing to spend indiscriminately is not. Until McLaughlin reins in overheads, even improvement in services unit sales and the recurring revenue that comes with it won't be enough to placate shareholders. Nor should it be.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/30/palo-alto-networks-inc-earnings-missed-where-it-ma.aspx" type="external">Palo Alto Networks Inc. Earnings: Missed Where It Matters Most Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/timbrugger/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Tim Brugger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Check Point Software Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Palo Alto Networks. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | Palo Alto Networks Inc. Earnings: Missed Where It Matters Most | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/05/30/palo-alto-networks-inc-earnings-missed-where-it-matters-most.html | 2016-05-30 | 0right
| Palo Alto Networks Inc. Earnings: Missed Where It Matters Most
<p />
<p>Based on the beating its stock price took out-of-the-gate following fiscal third-quarter earnings results, it's safe to say Palo Alto Networks investors and pundits were not amused. The problems with Palo Alto's recent quarter range from increased spending to poor guidance and slowing revenue growth. And to make matters worse, it's a healthy dose of all three.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Despite landing on the wrong side of the earnings fence, Palo Alto responded positively in one of its primary initiatives: boosting its source of recurring revenue. However, as noted in a recent <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/25/3-things-to-watch-for-during-palo-alto-networks-in.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">article Opens a New Window.</a> leading up to the May 26 announcement, Palo Alto investors' patience was only going to be tested for so long. At some point the company needs to perform beyond growing its top line, and it's running out of time.</p>
<p>CEO Mark McLaughlin tried to temper expectations after reporting Palo Alto's second-quarter results by forecasting a 43% to 45% revenue improvement in Q3, ending its nearly two-year-long streak of reporting 50% or more quarterly sales growth. Palo Alto didn't quite reach the remarkable 50% revenue jump this past (fiscal third) quarter, but delivered a pleasantly surprising 48% gain, to $345.8 million. Analysts had expected sales of $339.48 million.</p>
<p>On the earnings-per-share front, Palo Alto hit its high-end forecast of $0.42 on a non-GAAP (excluding one-time items) basis, which also matched pundits' expectations. Fiscal Q3 billings rose a whopping 61% last quarter, to $486.2 million, which would seemingly be a positive sign of what is to come in the current fiscal Q4. But it is not to be.</p>
<p>If not reaching 50% revenue growth is partly to blame for Palo Alto's stock price nosedive, its forecast for the current quarter will be downright depressing. On the high end of McLaughlin's forecast, Palo Alto expects 37% revenue growth to end its fiscal year, or $390 million.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>On a more positive note, Palo Alto's services unit grew a whopping 63%, to $183.7 million, in Q3, and now represents 53% of total sales. Service sales, and the recurring revenue they generate, are a critical initiative for Palo Alto, and they took a step in the right direction last quarter.</p>
<p>As noted before, Palo Alto has been on a spending spree for years to drive its stellar 50%-plus revenue jumps. But with growth beginning to slow -- Q3's results and this quarter's guidance are proof of that -- minimizing costs has become a necessity, not a nicety. The problem is, McLaughlin and team can't seem to keep their checkbooks in their pockets.</p>
<p>A comparison with Palo Alto's peer and primary competitor,Check Point Software , demonstrates why the former's stock is down 26% year to date, and the latter's is up 3%. Palo Alto's total operating expenses of $309.5 million equaled 90% of sales. Check Point, on the other hand, spent 50% of last quarter's $404.3 million in revenue on its operating expenses.</p>
<p>As for cost of revenue, Palo Alto spent $94.9 million to drive its product and services sales, more than twice Check Point Software's $45 million last quarter. Is it any wonder Check Point is profitable, on both a GAAP (including one-time items) and non-GAAP basis? And Check Point's profits continue to climb, too, rising 10% last quarter.</p>
<p>Considering Palo Alto's slowing revenue growth and increased spending, it could be years before shareholders are in the black. Unfortunately, it gets worse because of the nature of Palo Alto's skyrocketing expenses. Check Point's sales and marketing costs equaled 23% of revenue in fiscal Q1, whereas Palo Alto's $202 million ate up a head-shaking 58% of its total sales last quarter.</p>
<p>When investors add it all up, the answer is fairly straightforward: Slowing top-line growth was inevitable, but continuing to spend indiscriminately is not. Until McLaughlin reins in overheads, even improvement in services unit sales and the recurring revenue that comes with it won't be enough to placate shareholders. Nor should it be.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/30/palo-alto-networks-inc-earnings-missed-where-it-ma.aspx" type="external">Palo Alto Networks Inc. Earnings: Missed Where It Matters Most Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/timbrugger/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">Tim Brugger Opens a New Window.</a> has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Check Point Software Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Palo Alto Networks. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | 63 |
<p>DELAND, Fla. (AP) — B.J. Glasford scored all 16 of his points and Angel Rivera all but one of his 15 in the second half to help rally Stetson to a 94-88 victory over Florida National on Monday.</p>
<p>The Hatters (8-8) gradually cut away at an 18-point lead Florida National built with nine minutes left in the first half, with Rivera making two free throws to give the Hatters their first lead, 77-76, with 4:21 remaining in the game.</p>
<p>The Conquistadors went back up on a four-point play by Christopher Hall before the Hatters grabbed the lead for good on a Glasford jumper and a 3-point play by Rivera. Rivera had another 3-point play and two free throws in the final 1:03.</p>
<p>Hall made six 3-pointers and scored 23 points before fouling out with 50 seconds left. Terence Johnson added 20 points for Florida National, a member of the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association.</p>
<p>DELAND, Fla. (AP) — B.J. Glasford scored all 16 of his points and Angel Rivera all but one of his 15 in the second half to help rally Stetson to a 94-88 victory over Florida National on Monday.</p>
<p>The Hatters (8-8) gradually cut away at an 18-point lead Florida National built with nine minutes left in the first half, with Rivera making two free throws to give the Hatters their first lead, 77-76, with 4:21 remaining in the game.</p>
<p>The Conquistadors went back up on a four-point play by Christopher Hall before the Hatters grabbed the lead for good on a Glasford jumper and a 3-point play by Rivera. Rivera had another 3-point play and two free throws in the final 1:03.</p>
<p>Hall made six 3-pointers and scored 23 points before fouling out with 50 seconds left. Terence Johnson added 20 points for Florida National, a member of the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association.</p> | Stetson comes back from 18-point deficit to win 94-88 | false | https://apnews.com/amp/77f98e506d8e4bdfa902ef0d30c0bb44 | 2018-01-01 | 2least
| Stetson comes back from 18-point deficit to win 94-88
<p>DELAND, Fla. (AP) — B.J. Glasford scored all 16 of his points and Angel Rivera all but one of his 15 in the second half to help rally Stetson to a 94-88 victory over Florida National on Monday.</p>
<p>The Hatters (8-8) gradually cut away at an 18-point lead Florida National built with nine minutes left in the first half, with Rivera making two free throws to give the Hatters their first lead, 77-76, with 4:21 remaining in the game.</p>
<p>The Conquistadors went back up on a four-point play by Christopher Hall before the Hatters grabbed the lead for good on a Glasford jumper and a 3-point play by Rivera. Rivera had another 3-point play and two free throws in the final 1:03.</p>
<p>Hall made six 3-pointers and scored 23 points before fouling out with 50 seconds left. Terence Johnson added 20 points for Florida National, a member of the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association.</p>
<p>DELAND, Fla. (AP) — B.J. Glasford scored all 16 of his points and Angel Rivera all but one of his 15 in the second half to help rally Stetson to a 94-88 victory over Florida National on Monday.</p>
<p>The Hatters (8-8) gradually cut away at an 18-point lead Florida National built with nine minutes left in the first half, with Rivera making two free throws to give the Hatters their first lead, 77-76, with 4:21 remaining in the game.</p>
<p>The Conquistadors went back up on a four-point play by Christopher Hall before the Hatters grabbed the lead for good on a Glasford jumper and a 3-point play by Rivera. Rivera had another 3-point play and two free throws in the final 1:03.</p>
<p>Hall made six 3-pointers and scored 23 points before fouling out with 50 seconds left. Terence Johnson added 20 points for Florida National, a member of the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association.</p> | 64 |
<p>Industrial output in Germany declined more than expected in September but analysts said it was likely a short-term breather as surveys point to acceleration in the months ahead.</p>
<p>Industrial output decreased by 1.6% in September from August, adjusted to seasonal swings and calendar effects, the economic ministry said. Economists in a survey by The Wall Street Journal forecast a month-on-month fall of 0.8%. This decline shaved off some of the 2.6% gain posted in August.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The underlying trend "still points clearly up," said Ralph Solveen, economist at Commerzbank. He said the September drop must be considered against the backdrop of the strong gain of August, which benefited from a special effect in the auto sector, namely that plant holidays this year fell in July rather than in August.</p>
<p>The bigger-than-expected drop in September together with weak retail sales data for the third quarter point to a possible slowdown in GDP in the third quarter, said Jennifer McKeown, chief European economist at Capital Economics.</p>
<p>But given the fact that "monthly data are not a fully reliable guide," she still expects a 0.6% GDP expansion in the third quarter, the same pace as in the second quarter. She added that the manufacturing index of the Ifo survey points to renewed acceleration in output growth.</p>
<p>Michal Dybula, economist at BNP Paribas, however, said that softer German industrial output "might persist for a couple of months," reflecting a correction to summer volatility and some weakness in Central European leading indicators, which he said have been a good proxy to German industrial data for years.</p>
<p>That said, the European Central Bank's ongoing loose monetary policy and a robust global economic outlook "are consistent with renewed German industrial strength heading into 2018," he added.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Tuesday's weaker-than-expected figures came a day after manufacturing orders data for the same reporting month showed a surprising rise, pointing to resilient growth pace in Europe's largest economy.</p>
<p>Despite the decline in September, industrial output remains lively, the ministry said, expecting production to continue to expand in the coming months.</p>
<p>Write to Emese Bartha at emese.bartha@wsj.com</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 07, 2017 04:26 ET (09:26 GMT)</p> | German Industrial Output Drop in September Seen Short-Lived -- Update | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/07/german-industrial-output-drop-in-september-seen-short-lived-update.html | 2017-11-07 | 0right
| German Industrial Output Drop in September Seen Short-Lived -- Update
<p>Industrial output in Germany declined more than expected in September but analysts said it was likely a short-term breather as surveys point to acceleration in the months ahead.</p>
<p>Industrial output decreased by 1.6% in September from August, adjusted to seasonal swings and calendar effects, the economic ministry said. Economists in a survey by The Wall Street Journal forecast a month-on-month fall of 0.8%. This decline shaved off some of the 2.6% gain posted in August.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The underlying trend "still points clearly up," said Ralph Solveen, economist at Commerzbank. He said the September drop must be considered against the backdrop of the strong gain of August, which benefited from a special effect in the auto sector, namely that plant holidays this year fell in July rather than in August.</p>
<p>The bigger-than-expected drop in September together with weak retail sales data for the third quarter point to a possible slowdown in GDP in the third quarter, said Jennifer McKeown, chief European economist at Capital Economics.</p>
<p>But given the fact that "monthly data are not a fully reliable guide," she still expects a 0.6% GDP expansion in the third quarter, the same pace as in the second quarter. She added that the manufacturing index of the Ifo survey points to renewed acceleration in output growth.</p>
<p>Michal Dybula, economist at BNP Paribas, however, said that softer German industrial output "might persist for a couple of months," reflecting a correction to summer volatility and some weakness in Central European leading indicators, which he said have been a good proxy to German industrial data for years.</p>
<p>That said, the European Central Bank's ongoing loose monetary policy and a robust global economic outlook "are consistent with renewed German industrial strength heading into 2018," he added.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Tuesday's weaker-than-expected figures came a day after manufacturing orders data for the same reporting month showed a surprising rise, pointing to resilient growth pace in Europe's largest economy.</p>
<p>Despite the decline in September, industrial output remains lively, the ministry said, expecting production to continue to expand in the coming months.</p>
<p>Write to Emese Bartha at emese.bartha@wsj.com</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 07, 2017 04:26 ET (09:26 GMT)</p> | 65 |
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Katelynn Flaherty got 26 points and set a career scoring record to lead No. 23 Michigan past Nebraska for a 69-64 overtime win Saturday night.</p>
<p>Flaherty was 9 of 17 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and hit all four of her free throws to become the highest-scoring Michigan player in program history. The 5-foot-7 senior entered the game needing just 11 points to tie the 2,442 career points scored by Glenn Rice, who led the Michigan men’s basketball team to an NCAA championship in 1989 and went on to win an NBA championship as well.</p>
<p>In the extra period, Nebraska (12-6, 3-2 Big Ten) quickly jumped out to a 64-62 lead on Grace Mitchell’s layup but was held scoreless the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Hallie Thome tied it at 64 with 2:42 to go on a layup, then put Michigan (15-4, 4-2) on top for good with a pair of free throws with a minute left. Thome score five of her 13 points in OT. Hailey Brown added 12 points for Michigan and Deja Church, who forced overtime with three straight free throws at the end of regulation, had 10 points.</p>
<p>Hannah Whitish led Nebraska with 16 points, Kate Cain added 13 points and Nicea Eliely had 10.</p>
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Katelynn Flaherty got 26 points and set a career scoring record to lead No. 23 Michigan past Nebraska for a 69-64 overtime win Saturday night.</p>
<p>Flaherty was 9 of 17 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and hit all four of her free throws to become the highest-scoring Michigan player in program history. The 5-foot-7 senior entered the game needing just 11 points to tie the 2,442 career points scored by Glenn Rice, who led the Michigan men’s basketball team to an NCAA championship in 1989 and went on to win an NBA championship as well.</p>
<p>In the extra period, Nebraska (12-6, 3-2 Big Ten) quickly jumped out to a 64-62 lead on Grace Mitchell’s layup but was held scoreless the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Hallie Thome tied it at 64 with 2:42 to go on a layup, then put Michigan (15-4, 4-2) on top for good with a pair of free throws with a minute left. Thome score five of her 13 points in OT. Hailey Brown added 12 points for Michigan and Deja Church, who forced overtime with three straight free throws at the end of regulation, had 10 points.</p>
<p>Hannah Whitish led Nebraska with 16 points, Kate Cain added 13 points and Nicea Eliely had 10.</p> | No. 23 Michigan women edge Nebraska in overtime 69-64 | false | https://apnews.com/afe52df8257140f3bbd335f773580278 | 2018-01-14 | 2least
| No. 23 Michigan women edge Nebraska in overtime 69-64
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Katelynn Flaherty got 26 points and set a career scoring record to lead No. 23 Michigan past Nebraska for a 69-64 overtime win Saturday night.</p>
<p>Flaherty was 9 of 17 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and hit all four of her free throws to become the highest-scoring Michigan player in program history. The 5-foot-7 senior entered the game needing just 11 points to tie the 2,442 career points scored by Glenn Rice, who led the Michigan men’s basketball team to an NCAA championship in 1989 and went on to win an NBA championship as well.</p>
<p>In the extra period, Nebraska (12-6, 3-2 Big Ten) quickly jumped out to a 64-62 lead on Grace Mitchell’s layup but was held scoreless the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Hallie Thome tied it at 64 with 2:42 to go on a layup, then put Michigan (15-4, 4-2) on top for good with a pair of free throws with a minute left. Thome score five of her 13 points in OT. Hailey Brown added 12 points for Michigan and Deja Church, who forced overtime with three straight free throws at the end of regulation, had 10 points.</p>
<p>Hannah Whitish led Nebraska with 16 points, Kate Cain added 13 points and Nicea Eliely had 10.</p>
<p>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Katelynn Flaherty got 26 points and set a career scoring record to lead No. 23 Michigan past Nebraska for a 69-64 overtime win Saturday night.</p>
<p>Flaherty was 9 of 17 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and hit all four of her free throws to become the highest-scoring Michigan player in program history. The 5-foot-7 senior entered the game needing just 11 points to tie the 2,442 career points scored by Glenn Rice, who led the Michigan men’s basketball team to an NCAA championship in 1989 and went on to win an NBA championship as well.</p>
<p>In the extra period, Nebraska (12-6, 3-2 Big Ten) quickly jumped out to a 64-62 lead on Grace Mitchell’s layup but was held scoreless the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Hallie Thome tied it at 64 with 2:42 to go on a layup, then put Michigan (15-4, 4-2) on top for good with a pair of free throws with a minute left. Thome score five of her 13 points in OT. Hailey Brown added 12 points for Michigan and Deja Church, who forced overtime with three straight free throws at the end of regulation, had 10 points.</p>
<p>Hannah Whitish led Nebraska with 16 points, Kate Cain added 13 points and Nicea Eliely had 10.</p> | 66 |
<p>According to new research, eating spicy foods can help you live longer. The findings <a href="http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2017/01/mysterious-link-found-between-spicy-foods-and-long-life/" type="external">show</a>:</p>
<p>“In this large prospective study, we observed an inverse relationship between hot red chili pepper&#160;consumption and all-cause mortality, after adjusting for potential confounders. Adults&#160;who consumed hot red chili peppers had a 13% lower hazard of death, compared to those who did not.”</p>
<p>There are many other <a href="http://www.today.com/health/spicy-foods-health-effects-adding-heat-your-meal-t73591" type="external">benefits</a> to eating spicy foods as well. Capsaicin (the chemical that makes spicy peppers spicy) has been shown to increase metabolism, which can help you lose weight.</p>
<p>It <a href="http://www.self.com/story/5-healthy-benefits-of-eating-s" type="external">releases</a> endorphins, which can help with pain management. Someone close to me said that it really does help with his arthritis pain. They can also help with cholesterol and hearth health. Capsaicin can even fight cancer cells.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Featured image via YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/QA2w62qdAOs" type="external">screenshot</a>.</p> | Spicy Foods Could Help You Live Longer | true | http://offthemainpage.com/2017/01/17/spicy-foods-could-help-you-live-longer/ | 2017-01-17 | 4left
| Spicy Foods Could Help You Live Longer
<p>According to new research, eating spicy foods can help you live longer. The findings <a href="http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2017/01/mysterious-link-found-between-spicy-foods-and-long-life/" type="external">show</a>:</p>
<p>“In this large prospective study, we observed an inverse relationship between hot red chili pepper&#160;consumption and all-cause mortality, after adjusting for potential confounders. Adults&#160;who consumed hot red chili peppers had a 13% lower hazard of death, compared to those who did not.”</p>
<p>There are many other <a href="http://www.today.com/health/spicy-foods-health-effects-adding-heat-your-meal-t73591" type="external">benefits</a> to eating spicy foods as well. Capsaicin (the chemical that makes spicy peppers spicy) has been shown to increase metabolism, which can help you lose weight.</p>
<p>It <a href="http://www.self.com/story/5-healthy-benefits-of-eating-s" type="external">releases</a> endorphins, which can help with pain management. Someone close to me said that it really does help with his arthritis pain. They can also help with cholesterol and hearth health. Capsaicin can even fight cancer cells.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Featured image via YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/QA2w62qdAOs" type="external">screenshot</a>.</p> | 67 |
<p />
<p>Just an FYI, folks — <a href="/mojoblog/" type="external">MoJoBlog</a> and <a href="/kevin-drum/" type="external">Kevin Drum</a> will have coverage of the election all day and all night. We know we’re not replacing CNN, but visit us for analysis, under-the-radar stories, and our typical panache.</p>
<p>For now, we’ve got four stories that went up late yesterday: Kevin Drum’s <a href="/news/feature/2008/11/the-great-persuader.html" type="external">“The Great Persuader,”</a> about the challenges Obama will face should he win; my <a href="/mojoblog/archives/2008/11/10640_should_obama_supporters_worry.html" type="external">“Election Day Arrives: Should Obama Supporters Worry?”</a> about whether the supposed tightening in the polls should give anyone pause; Laura Rozen’s <a href="/washington_dispatch/2008/11/getting-ready-for-president-mcbama.html" type="external">“Getting Ready for President McBama,”</a> about a Congressional honcho who is ready to work intelligence in a McCain or Obama administration; and Adele M. Stan’s <a href="/news/feature/2008/11/howard-phillips.html" type="external">“Howard Phillips’ World,”</a> about the Constitution Party candidate who could provide inspiration for the GOP.</p>
<p>Hope to see a lot of you over the next, oh, 17 hours.</p>
<p /> | Check MotherJones.com for Full Election Day and Election Night Coverage | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2008/11/check-motherjonescom-full-election-day-and-election-night-coverage/ | 2008-11-04 | 4left
| Check MotherJones.com for Full Election Day and Election Night Coverage
<p />
<p>Just an FYI, folks — <a href="/mojoblog/" type="external">MoJoBlog</a> and <a href="/kevin-drum/" type="external">Kevin Drum</a> will have coverage of the election all day and all night. We know we’re not replacing CNN, but visit us for analysis, under-the-radar stories, and our typical panache.</p>
<p>For now, we’ve got four stories that went up late yesterday: Kevin Drum’s <a href="/news/feature/2008/11/the-great-persuader.html" type="external">“The Great Persuader,”</a> about the challenges Obama will face should he win; my <a href="/mojoblog/archives/2008/11/10640_should_obama_supporters_worry.html" type="external">“Election Day Arrives: Should Obama Supporters Worry?”</a> about whether the supposed tightening in the polls should give anyone pause; Laura Rozen’s <a href="/washington_dispatch/2008/11/getting-ready-for-president-mcbama.html" type="external">“Getting Ready for President McBama,”</a> about a Congressional honcho who is ready to work intelligence in a McCain or Obama administration; and Adele M. Stan’s <a href="/news/feature/2008/11/howard-phillips.html" type="external">“Howard Phillips’ World,”</a> about the Constitution Party candidate who could provide inspiration for the GOP.</p>
<p>Hope to see a lot of you over the next, oh, 17 hours.</p>
<p /> | 68 |
<p>May 1966. &#160;Mitt Romney is just finishing his first—and only—year at Stanford.&#160; I’m a 32-year-old ex-Strategic Air Command navigator and intelligence officer, now an associate professor in Stanford’s English Department and something of an anti-Vietnam War activist.</p>
<p>About a quarter of a million young American men are already being abducted each year to fight the rapidly-escalating Vietnam War. &#160;Many college students, however, are protected by their 2S student deferments, which blatantly discriminate against all those millions of other young men unable to afford college.&#160; As if this privileging of the relatively privileged were not sufficient, an outcry about “inequity” arises from administrations of some elite universities.&#160; Since the 2S deferment is contingent on relatively high class rank (meaning, of course, academic class rank), they argue that this unfairly discriminates against some of the “best” students, i. e., all those attending schools like Stanford.&#160; A man in the bottom quarter at an elite university might end up being drafted, even though he might be more “intelligent” than a man in the top quarter of some state college.</p>
<p>To address such claims of injustice, the Selective Service was rolling out that month the College Qualification Test, a.k.a. the Selective Service Examination, an “objective” assessment of each test taker’s verbal and mathematical skills, to be used by local draft boards, together with college grades and class rank, to determine who was entitled to that precious 2S deferment and who should be shipped off to Vietnam.&#160;&#160; But this deferment test actually spotlighted the true inequities of the draft.&#160; It also offered an opportunity for direct action against the war itself, right on the college campus.</p>
<p>One of the many myths that have buried the true history of the Vietnam War is that the anti-war movement was motivated by selfish desire, especially among college students, to avoid the draft (a view that conveniently ignores the movement’s throngs of female participants, whose gender automatically exempted them from the draft).&#160; Quite to the contrary, students demonstrating against the draft deferment tests were specifically undermining and targeting their own privileges and exemptions, which, as they passionately argued, came at the expense of poor and working class people.&#160; At Stanford, a number of people actually <a href="" type="internal" />disrupted the test.&#160; The young men involved thus proved that their goal was not to avoid the draft but to end it, since they had been explicitly warned that their actions would jeopardize their&#160;own deferments.&#160; When students filed in to take the Selective Service test, other demonstrators handed them the SDS “alternative test” on the history of U.S.-Vietnam relations.&#160; About ninety students organized a sit-in in the President’s office.&#160; In a manifesto issued from the sit-in they denounced their own privileged status: “We oppose the administration of the Selective Service Examination . . . because it discriminates against those who by virtue of economic deprivation are at a severe disadvantage in taking such a test. . . . [The] less privileged, Negroes, Spanish-Americans, and poor whites, must fight a war in the name of principles such as freedom and equality of opportunity which their own nation has denied them.”&#160; “Conscription,” they declared, has throughout American history “invariably been biased in favor of the wealthy and privileged.”</p>
<p>Enter young Mitt Romney, right on cue, waving a sign denouncing the anti-war students.&#160; &#160;He, like his fellow almost all-male participants in this pro-war demonstration, fervently argued in support of the war and the draft.&#160; But not, of course, for himself.</p>
<p>When Mitt enrolled at Stanford back in the spring of 1965, the official and overt U.S. war (as distinct from the previous forms of proxy, clandestine, and “adviser” warfare waged in Vietnam for more than a decade) had just begun.&#160; Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained U.S. bombing of the north, had started on March 2.&#160; The first officially acknowledged U.S. combat units were the Marines who went ashore at Da Nang on March 8 (joining the 24,000 U.S. military personnel already fighting in Vietnam).&#160;&#160; Draftees were not yet being used in combat.&#160;&#160; So Mitt and his dad clearly intended the fall of 1965 to be the beginning of a fine four-year career at Stanford for the young man.&#160; But Mitt’s last month as a Stanford student was May 1966.&#160; Why?</p>
<p>Although the Selective Service Exam radically reduced the chances of college men, especially those with the test-taking skills of most Stanford students, to be conscripted into the Vietnam War, it was no guarantee of long-lasting deferment.&#160; There were other, surer, escapes from the Vietnam nightmare.&#160;&#160; One of the very best was the ministry.&#160; In 1966, young men flooded into divinity schools, embarking on careers to be ministers, priests, and rabbis.&#160; The Mormons had an even better deal than most religions, because The Church of Latter-Day Saints required each and every one of its young men to become, for at least two years, a “minister of religion.”&#160; &#160;Thus all Mormon young men could claim deferments as ministers.&#160;&#160; When the inequity of this arrangement became too blatant, the Selective Service entered into an agreement with the LDS that required the church to specify just one “minister” for each geographical district.&#160; Since there were relatively few Mormons in Michigan, and Governor George Romney had considerable influence in the church, Mitt quickly received an official appointment as a Mormon “minister of religion,” consecrated by a draft deferment from the Selective Service. &#160;So instead of returning to Stanford, Mitt went off to become a Mormon missionary in France, where he would spend the next two and a half years—while Vietnam became a slaughterhouse for the Vietnamese and many Americans drafted to slaughter them.</p>
<p>So who says that Mitt Romney is inconsistent?&#160; After all, what may have been his first recorded public political act was supporting the draft for ordinary Americans, forcing them to participate in a war waged in the interest of his own class.</p>
<p>H. Bruce Franklin is the&#160;John Cotton Dana Professor of English and American Studies at&#160;Rutgers&#160;University. His most recent book is <a href="" type="internal">The Most Important Fish in the Sea:&#160;Menhaden&#160;and America</a>.</p>
<p>This essay originally appeared in the print issue of CounterPunch.</p> | How Mitt Dodged the Draft | true | https://counterpunch.org/2012/09/07/how-mitt-dodged-the-draft/ | 2012-09-07 | 4left
| How Mitt Dodged the Draft
<p>May 1966. &#160;Mitt Romney is just finishing his first—and only—year at Stanford.&#160; I’m a 32-year-old ex-Strategic Air Command navigator and intelligence officer, now an associate professor in Stanford’s English Department and something of an anti-Vietnam War activist.</p>
<p>About a quarter of a million young American men are already being abducted each year to fight the rapidly-escalating Vietnam War. &#160;Many college students, however, are protected by their 2S student deferments, which blatantly discriminate against all those millions of other young men unable to afford college.&#160; As if this privileging of the relatively privileged were not sufficient, an outcry about “inequity” arises from administrations of some elite universities.&#160; Since the 2S deferment is contingent on relatively high class rank (meaning, of course, academic class rank), they argue that this unfairly discriminates against some of the “best” students, i. e., all those attending schools like Stanford.&#160; A man in the bottom quarter at an elite university might end up being drafted, even though he might be more “intelligent” than a man in the top quarter of some state college.</p>
<p>To address such claims of injustice, the Selective Service was rolling out that month the College Qualification Test, a.k.a. the Selective Service Examination, an “objective” assessment of each test taker’s verbal and mathematical skills, to be used by local draft boards, together with college grades and class rank, to determine who was entitled to that precious 2S deferment and who should be shipped off to Vietnam.&#160;&#160; But this deferment test actually spotlighted the true inequities of the draft.&#160; It also offered an opportunity for direct action against the war itself, right on the college campus.</p>
<p>One of the many myths that have buried the true history of the Vietnam War is that the anti-war movement was motivated by selfish desire, especially among college students, to avoid the draft (a view that conveniently ignores the movement’s throngs of female participants, whose gender automatically exempted them from the draft).&#160; Quite to the contrary, students demonstrating against the draft deferment tests were specifically undermining and targeting their own privileges and exemptions, which, as they passionately argued, came at the expense of poor and working class people.&#160; At Stanford, a number of people actually <a href="" type="internal" />disrupted the test.&#160; The young men involved thus proved that their goal was not to avoid the draft but to end it, since they had been explicitly warned that their actions would jeopardize their&#160;own deferments.&#160; When students filed in to take the Selective Service test, other demonstrators handed them the SDS “alternative test” on the history of U.S.-Vietnam relations.&#160; About ninety students organized a sit-in in the President’s office.&#160; In a manifesto issued from the sit-in they denounced their own privileged status: “We oppose the administration of the Selective Service Examination . . . because it discriminates against those who by virtue of economic deprivation are at a severe disadvantage in taking such a test. . . . [The] less privileged, Negroes, Spanish-Americans, and poor whites, must fight a war in the name of principles such as freedom and equality of opportunity which their own nation has denied them.”&#160; “Conscription,” they declared, has throughout American history “invariably been biased in favor of the wealthy and privileged.”</p>
<p>Enter young Mitt Romney, right on cue, waving a sign denouncing the anti-war students.&#160; &#160;He, like his fellow almost all-male participants in this pro-war demonstration, fervently argued in support of the war and the draft.&#160; But not, of course, for himself.</p>
<p>When Mitt enrolled at Stanford back in the spring of 1965, the official and overt U.S. war (as distinct from the previous forms of proxy, clandestine, and “adviser” warfare waged in Vietnam for more than a decade) had just begun.&#160; Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained U.S. bombing of the north, had started on March 2.&#160; The first officially acknowledged U.S. combat units were the Marines who went ashore at Da Nang on March 8 (joining the 24,000 U.S. military personnel already fighting in Vietnam).&#160;&#160; Draftees were not yet being used in combat.&#160;&#160; So Mitt and his dad clearly intended the fall of 1965 to be the beginning of a fine four-year career at Stanford for the young man.&#160; But Mitt’s last month as a Stanford student was May 1966.&#160; Why?</p>
<p>Although the Selective Service Exam radically reduced the chances of college men, especially those with the test-taking skills of most Stanford students, to be conscripted into the Vietnam War, it was no guarantee of long-lasting deferment.&#160; There were other, surer, escapes from the Vietnam nightmare.&#160;&#160; One of the very best was the ministry.&#160; In 1966, young men flooded into divinity schools, embarking on careers to be ministers, priests, and rabbis.&#160; The Mormons had an even better deal than most religions, because The Church of Latter-Day Saints required each and every one of its young men to become, for at least two years, a “minister of religion.”&#160; &#160;Thus all Mormon young men could claim deferments as ministers.&#160;&#160; When the inequity of this arrangement became too blatant, the Selective Service entered into an agreement with the LDS that required the church to specify just one “minister” for each geographical district.&#160; Since there were relatively few Mormons in Michigan, and Governor George Romney had considerable influence in the church, Mitt quickly received an official appointment as a Mormon “minister of religion,” consecrated by a draft deferment from the Selective Service. &#160;So instead of returning to Stanford, Mitt went off to become a Mormon missionary in France, where he would spend the next two and a half years—while Vietnam became a slaughterhouse for the Vietnamese and many Americans drafted to slaughter them.</p>
<p>So who says that Mitt Romney is inconsistent?&#160; After all, what may have been his first recorded public political act was supporting the draft for ordinary Americans, forcing them to participate in a war waged in the interest of his own class.</p>
<p>H. Bruce Franklin is the&#160;John Cotton Dana Professor of English and American Studies at&#160;Rutgers&#160;University. His most recent book is <a href="" type="internal">The Most Important Fish in the Sea:&#160;Menhaden&#160;and America</a>.</p>
<p>This essay originally appeared in the print issue of CounterPunch.</p> | 69 |
<p>Posted today on Matt Barber’s hate site <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/far-right-pundit-gays-provoked-orlando-massacre-should-go-back-closet" type="external">BarbWire</a>:</p>
<p>Contrary to the professions of the Left, diversity is not America’s strength. Diversity is a weakness. For America as a nation, unity is our strength and we have lost it. Certainly, there can exist diversity among a united people. But the unifying identity that Americans once shared has been discarded as unnecessary, condemned as elitist and even rejected as a hindrance to free expression and happiness.</p>
<p>It’s worth considering that homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals might be safer returning to the closet. Flaunting gross immorality and defiant wickedness that is hideous, odious and wretched to an overwhelming majority of people is a foolish and dangerous course of action.</p>
<p>Those who come to the United States from other cultures–some of which are infinitely more moral than our own–are going to be offended and repulsed by the rampant depravity that has become a defining characteristic of our culture. No amount of education, sensitivity training or political indoctrination will change that.</p>
<p>You may recall that after the Planned Parenthood shootings, Barber declared that there’s no such thing as Christian terrorist. Barber used to post regular columns from Ted “Death To Gays” Shoebat and other advocates for executing homosexuals. All those columns were quietly deleted without comment or apology after I brought attention to them.</p> | BarbWire: Gays Brought This On Themselves | true | http://joemygod.com/2016/06/15/barbwire-gays-brought-this-on-themselves/ | 2016-06-15 | 4left
| BarbWire: Gays Brought This On Themselves
<p>Posted today on Matt Barber’s hate site <a href="http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/far-right-pundit-gays-provoked-orlando-massacre-should-go-back-closet" type="external">BarbWire</a>:</p>
<p>Contrary to the professions of the Left, diversity is not America’s strength. Diversity is a weakness. For America as a nation, unity is our strength and we have lost it. Certainly, there can exist diversity among a united people. But the unifying identity that Americans once shared has been discarded as unnecessary, condemned as elitist and even rejected as a hindrance to free expression and happiness.</p>
<p>It’s worth considering that homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals might be safer returning to the closet. Flaunting gross immorality and defiant wickedness that is hideous, odious and wretched to an overwhelming majority of people is a foolish and dangerous course of action.</p>
<p>Those who come to the United States from other cultures–some of which are infinitely more moral than our own–are going to be offended and repulsed by the rampant depravity that has become a defining characteristic of our culture. No amount of education, sensitivity training or political indoctrination will change that.</p>
<p>You may recall that after the Planned Parenthood shootings, Barber declared that there’s no such thing as Christian terrorist. Barber used to post regular columns from Ted “Death To Gays” Shoebat and other advocates for executing homosexuals. All those columns were quietly deleted without comment or apology after I brought attention to them.</p> | 70 |
<p>Last October Western correspondents reported from Moscow that two Soviet writers, Andrei Sinyayski and Yuli Daniel, had been arrested and that they would be charged under article 70 of the Soviet Criminal Code with "dissemination of anti-Soviet propaganda." Most of the reports suggested, more specifically, that the two men had been arrested for publishing their manuscripts abroad under the pseudonyms "Abram Tertz" and "Nikolai Arzhak." On November 11 Jerzy Giedroyc, the editor of the Polish emigre magazine Kultura, retracted an earlier denial and stated that the two arrested writers were indeed none other than Tertz and Arzhak, whose manuscripts have been published at regular intervals in Kultura since 1959. This statement must be accepted as authoritative, though it has not yet been confirmed by any official Soviet source.</p>
<p /> | The Case of Tertz-Sinyavski | true | https://dissentmagazine.org/article/case-tertz-sinyavski | 2018-11-01 | 4left
| The Case of Tertz-Sinyavski
<p>Last October Western correspondents reported from Moscow that two Soviet writers, Andrei Sinyayski and Yuli Daniel, had been arrested and that they would be charged under article 70 of the Soviet Criminal Code with "dissemination of anti-Soviet propaganda." Most of the reports suggested, more specifically, that the two men had been arrested for publishing their manuscripts abroad under the pseudonyms "Abram Tertz" and "Nikolai Arzhak." On November 11 Jerzy Giedroyc, the editor of the Polish emigre magazine Kultura, retracted an earlier denial and stated that the two arrested writers were indeed none other than Tertz and Arzhak, whose manuscripts have been published at regular intervals in Kultura since 1959. This statement must be accepted as authoritative, though it has not yet been confirmed by any official Soviet source.</p>
<p /> | 71 |
<p>The Latest on the abandonment of a nuclear reactor project in South Carolina (all times local):</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>1:15 p.m.</p>
<p>South Carolina legislators want to bar SCE&amp;G from continuing to collect money for a now-scuttled multibillion-dollar nuclear power project customers have been paying for since 2009.</p>
<p>A bipartisan group of legislators announced Wednesday the creation of an Energy Caucus that will work to overhaul how utility requests are reviewed.</p>
<p>South Carolina Electric &amp; Gas and state-owned Santee Cooper decided Monday to abandon construction of two nuclear reactors. A project accounts for 18 percent of SCE&amp;G's residential electric bills. Utility executives said Tuesday none will get refunded. They are seeking permission from state regulators to recoup an additional $5 billion over 60 years.</p>
<p>Legislators created the system allowing that to happen in 2007.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>But Energy Caucus members say the utility's request should be rejected, and customers should be refunded.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:30 a.m.</p>
<p>South Carolina legislators are calling for an overhaul in the review of utility projects following the abandonment of two nuclear reactors residents have been funding since 2009.</p>
<p>A bipartisan group of legislators are announcing Wednesday the creation of an energy caucus.</p>
<p>Rep. James Smith says the "catastrophic" end of the project north of Columbia shows the current regulatory process doesn't adequately protect South Carolinians.</p>
<p>The project's owners, SCE&amp;G and state-owned Santee Cooper, decided Monday to end construction following the bankruptcy filing of its main contractor.</p>
<p>The project accounts for 18 percent of SCE&amp;G's and more than 8 percent of Santee Cooper's residential electric bills.</p>
<p>A 2007 state law allows electric utilities to collect money from customers to finance a project before it generates power and recoup costs even if it's never operational.</p> | The Latest: Legislators call for refunds from nuke project | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/08/02/latest-legislators-call-for-refunds-from-nuke-project.html | 2017-08-02 | 0right
| The Latest: Legislators call for refunds from nuke project
<p>The Latest on the abandonment of a nuclear reactor project in South Carolina (all times local):</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>1:15 p.m.</p>
<p>South Carolina legislators want to bar SCE&amp;G from continuing to collect money for a now-scuttled multibillion-dollar nuclear power project customers have been paying for since 2009.</p>
<p>A bipartisan group of legislators announced Wednesday the creation of an Energy Caucus that will work to overhaul how utility requests are reviewed.</p>
<p>South Carolina Electric &amp; Gas and state-owned Santee Cooper decided Monday to abandon construction of two nuclear reactors. A project accounts for 18 percent of SCE&amp;G's residential electric bills. Utility executives said Tuesday none will get refunded. They are seeking permission from state regulators to recoup an additional $5 billion over 60 years.</p>
<p>Legislators created the system allowing that to happen in 2007.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>But Energy Caucus members say the utility's request should be rejected, and customers should be refunded.</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>3:30 a.m.</p>
<p>South Carolina legislators are calling for an overhaul in the review of utility projects following the abandonment of two nuclear reactors residents have been funding since 2009.</p>
<p>A bipartisan group of legislators are announcing Wednesday the creation of an energy caucus.</p>
<p>Rep. James Smith says the "catastrophic" end of the project north of Columbia shows the current regulatory process doesn't adequately protect South Carolinians.</p>
<p>The project's owners, SCE&amp;G and state-owned Santee Cooper, decided Monday to end construction following the bankruptcy filing of its main contractor.</p>
<p>The project accounts for 18 percent of SCE&amp;G's and more than 8 percent of Santee Cooper's residential electric bills.</p>
<p>A 2007 state law allows electric utilities to collect money from customers to finance a project before it generates power and recoup costs even if it's never operational.</p> | 72 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Intel.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>After microprocessor giant Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2016 and offered a forecast for the fourth quarter, the company's shares dropped more than 5% in after-hours trading.</p>
<p>Although Intel reported strong financial results (revenue for the quarter was better than guided, for example), the drop -- at least in the near term -- appears to be justified. Here's why.</p>
<p>Intel's revised financial guidance for the quarter called for $15.6 billion in revenue -- representing the midpoint of the range that Intel provided -- thanks to an uptick in sales of chips that go into personal computers. Intel actually delivered $15.8 billion in revenue, handily beating the midpoint of its revised guidance and analyst consensus of $15.58 billion.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>So why is the stock taking a drubbing if it actually beat analyst estimates?</p>
<p>Analysts were expecting Intel to guide to revenue of around $15.86 billion for the fourth quarter of the year; Intel guided to $15.7 billion -- missing expectations, albeit slightly. Investors often place greater value on future performance and less on past performance, which is probably a large reason the stock is selling off.</p>
<p>However, the problems run a little bit deeper than a headline guidance miss; there was a pretty significant red flag in the company's earnings report -- particularly in its results for its highly important data center group business. (If you're unfamiliar with why this segment is so important to Intel and its investors, read <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/13/intel-corporations-data-center-business-3-things-i.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">this Opens a New Window.</a>.)</p>
<p>During the first half of the year, Intel's data center business delivered disappointing revenue growth relative to its long-term 15% compounded annual growth rate guidance and even its full-year guidance of low-double-digit percentage growth -- 9% in the first quarter and just 5% in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Despite those lackluster results in the first half of 2016, Intel management insisted that it could still hit its double-digit growth target for the year as a result of a significant reacceleration during the second half of the year. Intel's data center group achieved just 10% year-over-year growth in the third quarter and, unsurprisingly, guided down full-year expectations to just "high-single-digit growth."</p>
<p>Although the better-than-expected results in the company's personal computer chip business helped to bolster the quarterly results -- even the "worse than expected" fourth-quarter guidance still represents a healthy number -- investors are very sensitive to the performance of the company's data center group.</p>
<p>Remember, Intel and many investors have basically written off hopes of ever seeing its PC business as a "growth" business again -- it's a large cash cow that's going to milked for every last dollar of operating profit that it can reasonably produce.</p>
<p>The data center group, on the other hand, represents the company's best hope over the long term at sustainable growth, since the markets it serves are generally growing. If this shows signs of faltering, then Intel's growth prospects may appear dimmer -- leading to a lower share price.</p>
<p>Although the headline results might seem bad, things look better when one takes a look under the covers. The bulk of Intel's data center group revenue comes from the sale of processors, and according to the company's 2015 investor meeting, those processor sales can be broken down into three major categories:</p>
<p>Intel's prior forecast called for each of these segments to represent roughly a third of the processor revenue that its data center group generates in 2016.</p>
<p>Image source: Intel.</p>
<p>According to Intel, although the second two categories performed well -- and they're generally viewed as the healthy and growing sub-segments of Intel's data center business -- the enterprise server portion of its business came in worse than expected. Intel says it was looking for enterprise-related revenue to be roughly flat, but it wound up declining about 3% in the quarter.</p>
<p>The good news here is that the sub-segments that have historically been growing are still growing, so it's not as though these results cast doubt over the long-term trends that this business is expected to benefit from. It just so happens that one generally problematic and disappointing sub-segment was a little more problematic and disappointing than is usually the case.</p>
<p>So although the data center results were disappointing, they're hardly cause to freak out over. If you liked Intel's long-term prospects before the earnings report, then this one "miss" really shouldn't change that fundamental view.</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/aeassa/info.aspx" type="external">Ashraf Eassa Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Intel. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. 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> | Here's Why Intel Corporation Shares Plunged After Earnings | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/10/19/here-why-intel-corporation-shares-plunged-after-earnings.html | 2016-10-19 | 0right
| Here's Why Intel Corporation Shares Plunged After Earnings
<p />
<p>Image source: Intel.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>After microprocessor giant Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2016 and offered a forecast for the fourth quarter, the company's shares dropped more than 5% in after-hours trading.</p>
<p>Although Intel reported strong financial results (revenue for the quarter was better than guided, for example), the drop -- at least in the near term -- appears to be justified. Here's why.</p>
<p>Intel's revised financial guidance for the quarter called for $15.6 billion in revenue -- representing the midpoint of the range that Intel provided -- thanks to an uptick in sales of chips that go into personal computers. Intel actually delivered $15.8 billion in revenue, handily beating the midpoint of its revised guidance and analyst consensus of $15.58 billion.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>So why is the stock taking a drubbing if it actually beat analyst estimates?</p>
<p>Analysts were expecting Intel to guide to revenue of around $15.86 billion for the fourth quarter of the year; Intel guided to $15.7 billion -- missing expectations, albeit slightly. Investors often place greater value on future performance and less on past performance, which is probably a large reason the stock is selling off.</p>
<p>However, the problems run a little bit deeper than a headline guidance miss; there was a pretty significant red flag in the company's earnings report -- particularly in its results for its highly important data center group business. (If you're unfamiliar with why this segment is so important to Intel and its investors, read <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/10/13/intel-corporations-data-center-business-3-things-i.aspx?&amp;utm_campaign=article&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=foxbusiness" type="external">this Opens a New Window.</a>.)</p>
<p>During the first half of the year, Intel's data center business delivered disappointing revenue growth relative to its long-term 15% compounded annual growth rate guidance and even its full-year guidance of low-double-digit percentage growth -- 9% in the first quarter and just 5% in the second quarter.</p>
<p>Despite those lackluster results in the first half of 2016, Intel management insisted that it could still hit its double-digit growth target for the year as a result of a significant reacceleration during the second half of the year. Intel's data center group achieved just 10% year-over-year growth in the third quarter and, unsurprisingly, guided down full-year expectations to just "high-single-digit growth."</p>
<p>Although the better-than-expected results in the company's personal computer chip business helped to bolster the quarterly results -- even the "worse than expected" fourth-quarter guidance still represents a healthy number -- investors are very sensitive to the performance of the company's data center group.</p>
<p>Remember, Intel and many investors have basically written off hopes of ever seeing its PC business as a "growth" business again -- it's a large cash cow that's going to milked for every last dollar of operating profit that it can reasonably produce.</p>
<p>The data center group, on the other hand, represents the company's best hope over the long term at sustainable growth, since the markets it serves are generally growing. If this shows signs of faltering, then Intel's growth prospects may appear dimmer -- leading to a lower share price.</p>
<p>Although the headline results might seem bad, things look better when one takes a look under the covers. The bulk of Intel's data center group revenue comes from the sale of processors, and according to the company's 2015 investor meeting, those processor sales can be broken down into three major categories:</p>
<p>Intel's prior forecast called for each of these segments to represent roughly a third of the processor revenue that its data center group generates in 2016.</p>
<p>Image source: Intel.</p>
<p>According to Intel, although the second two categories performed well -- and they're generally viewed as the healthy and growing sub-segments of Intel's data center business -- the enterprise server portion of its business came in worse than expected. Intel says it was looking for enterprise-related revenue to be roughly flat, but it wound up declining about 3% in the quarter.</p>
<p>The good news here is that the sub-segments that have historically been growing are still growing, so it's not as though these results cast doubt over the long-term trends that this business is expected to benefit from. It just so happens that one generally problematic and disappointing sub-segment was a little more problematic and disappointing than is usually the case.</p>
<p>So although the data center results were disappointing, they're hardly cause to freak out over. If you liked Intel's long-term prospects before the earnings report, then this one "miss" really shouldn't change that fundamental view.</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/aeassa/info.aspx" type="external">Ashraf Eassa Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of Intel. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. 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> | 73 |
<p>Two years ago today, Pope Francis was introduced to the world in a rainy St. Peter’s Square, asking for prayers. George Weigel, who was there that night with NBC News, is the author of more than 20&#160;books, including the two-volume biography of John Paul II,&#160;Witness to Hope&#160;and&#160; <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/247596/popes-legacy-george-weigel" type="external">The End and the Beginning</a>,&#160;and, most recently,&#160; <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/339783/setting-world-ablaze-interview" type="external">Evangelical Catholicism</a>&#160;and&#160; <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/374507/path-rome-kathryn-jean-lopez" type="external">Roman Pilgrimage</a>.&#160;​He is Distinguished Senior Fellow at the <a href="" type="internal">Ethics and Public Policy Center</a> where he holds the William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies. He talks here with NRO about Pope Francis and the Church. — KJL</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Kathryn Jean Lopez: Why is Pope Francis in an evangelical hurry, as you’ve put it?</p>
<p>George Weigel: Because he has felt the mercy of God in his own life and wants to share that experience with others. Because he sees a world in need of the Gospel, and of friendship with Jesus Christ, as an antidote to the self-absorption and loneliness that are eating away at the solidarity of the human community. Because, in the Vatican, &#160;if you don’t get something new done quickly you may not get it done at all. Because he’s 78 years old and knows that his will be a short pontificate.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: You’ve written that he has “reanimated the papacy.” What does that mean for Church teaching?</p>
<p>GW: I hope it means that the new interest in the pope evokes a new interest in the Church’s teaching, of which the pope is the custodian. Francis ought to be taken at his word when he says, as he has often done, that he is a son of the Church who believes and teaches what the Catholic Church believes and teaches. If his media-generated popularity, fragile as that may turn out to be when the world discovers that the pope is really a Catholic, opens windows of possibility for explaining that divine mercy leads us to the truths God revealed to us (and inscribed into the world and into us), then his reanimation of the papacy will advance the “Church in permanent mission” for which he called in&#160;Evangelii Gaudium, which is the grand strategy document of his pontificate.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: In that same article for the Tablet, a British magazine, you said, “All over the world, Francis is news, and when the Pope is news, so is the Church and the Gospel.” Is that still good news when the pope seems to be interpreted in different ways by different people? When the Gospel seems to be interpreted in different ways by different people?</p>
<p>GW: That’s the obvious challenge, perhaps even danger, here. By its very nature as a custodial office, the papacy can’t be a Rorschach test, into which people read whatever they like – whatever they fear or hope for. So when media “narratives” about Francis get set in concrete, and act as filters bending or distorting (or ignoring) aspects of his vision and his teaching that don’t fit the established story line, the Church has a problem. There’s an obvious investment in some media circles in the “narrative” of “the pope who’s finally going to get with it.” And as a friend at a major American newspaper said to me when I complained about this tendency in his own paper, “You know how these media narratives are. They’re like bamboo.” Meaning, once they start growing, you can’t kill them.</p>
<p>Perhaps the dumbest of these story lines is that Francis has re-opened conversation and debate in a Church that had been closed and claustrophobic for 35 years under John Paul II and Benedict XVI. I defy anyone who, over the last 35 years, has spent time on the campuses of Notre Dame or Georgetown, or who has read the National Catholic Reporter, or who has gone to a meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, to make that claim without experiencing a twinge of conscience that says, “I should wash my mouth out with soap.”</p>
<p>The most enduring of the false narratives is that the signature phrase of the early pontificate — “Who am I to judge?” — was a matter of the pope jettisoning millennia of Catholic moral teaching. It was not. It was a specific response to the circumstances of a man who had repented and was trying to live an upright life; it was, in a word, what any sensible pastor, facing that specific set of circumstances, would say. But ripped out of context, it has become an all-purpose filter through which everything else — including the pope’s multiple reaffirmations of Humanae Vitae, Paul VI’s encyclical on the morally appropriate means of family planning — gets airbrushed out of the picture.</p>
<p>And then there’s the trope about an impending “global-warming encyclical.” The pope is preparing an encyclical on nature and the environment, including the human environment (which includes the moral imperative of a culturally affirmed and legally recognized right to life from conception until natural death). So what happens? A low-ranking Vatican official with gauchiste tendencies and a marked talent for self-promotion gives an interview to the Guardian, one of the most consistently anti-Catholic newspapers in the world, in which he claims that this is a global-warming encyclical — which he couldn’t possibly have known, as the document wasn’t drafted yet. The Guardian loves it, because it fits the story line of the long-awaited Great Catholic Cave-In. So the story wafts across the Atlantic, where it’s picked up with glee by Catholic progressives and horror by some Catholic conservatives — and the battle of the blogs is on, full blast. No one bothers to ask whether there’s any basis in fact for the assertion that this is going to be a “global-warming encyclical.” So when climate change gets some attention in a 100-page document, the most important parts of which will have to do with the theology of stewardship and the theology of “human ecology,” it’s almost certainly going to be rapturously embraced, or bitterly opposed, as a “global-warming encyclical,” despite the evidence that it’s much more broadly gauged than that.</p>
<p>More pro-active Vatican communications might be able to do something about all this, but when the Holy See is constantly in the mode of, “No, what the pope really meant was . . . ,” the game has already been largely forfeited.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is it that is so powerful about Pope Francis’s example? His gestures?</p>
<p>GW: The world needs a pastor, whether it knows it or not. And Francis communicates the pastoral embrace of the Church, the breadth and inclusiveness of Catholicism symbolized by the Bernini colonnade around St. Peter’s Square, in a powerful way. What is amazing here is that he started doing this at age 76; there was none of it in Buenos Aires, as least on a vast scale. So here’s a contrast to John Paul II, who was an immensely attractive public figure in Cracow and then brought that capacity to inspire-by-example to Rome — although some of the narrative-merchants seem to have forgotten that.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is it about the missionary mandate of the Church that modern-day Catholics miss in the West?</p>
<p>GW: We’re used to institutional-maintenance Catholicism, in which the institution ticks along by its own inertia and people are “born” into the Church. Francis knows that is over and done with: “Kept” Catholicism, whether “kept” by legal establishment or by cultural habit, has no future. The only future is intentional Catholicism, evangelical Catholicism. That’s what he and the other bishops of Latin America proclaimed at their Aparecida meeting in Brazil in 2007.&#160; And that’s what the liveliest parts of the world Church today — ranging from the booming Church in Africa to FOCUS missionaries on American campuses — are living: a Catholicism that has discovered that it doesn’t have a mission, it is a mission. The people who are behind the curve of the Catholic future are the institutional-maintenance types. The Germans now seem the primary example of this — which is another reason to scratch the head at their seeming determination to force the whole Church to adopt the Catholic Lite approach that has, in a bizarre inversion, emptied German churches of congregants while vastly expanding the German Church’s bureaucracies.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: All this focus Francis has put on family, and all the debates he has seemed to encourage, what is that about? Where do we wind up? Is there a danger in the risks he seems to have taken?</p>
<p>GW: The pope knows that the marriage culture is in crisis throughout the world, and so is the family. He comes to that conviction as a pastor, not as Brad Wilcox or Charles Murray. So he wants to challenge the Church to find pastoral responses to that crisis that meet real human needs. The turmoil of the Synod last October was in large part the result of the Synod’s being hijacked by a small cabal of northern-European bishops, determined to make the entire exercise a referendum on some things the rest of the Church already considers settled: the permanence of marriage and the conditions for receiving Holy Communion worthily. I think the Synod of October 2015 is going to get back to that broader agenda — at least I hope it does, and I’ve reason to believe that there are many bishops determined that that will be the case.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What do you say to conservative friends who are nervous — or disappointed, or dismissive, or livid, or heartbroken — about the pope?</p>
<p>GW: “You don’t believe what you read in the papers about anything else; why do you believe it about the pope?” That’s where I’d start.</p>
<p>I’d then suggest that these people, if they’re Americans, look back on the last 35 years of our ecclesial experience and take heart from that. The dramatic reform of seminaries continues. The priests and bishops who take their pastoral model from John Paul II will continue to do so, perhaps learning a lesson or two from Francis along the way — and they’ll be the overwhelming majority of the Church’s ordained ministers ten, twenty, thirty years from now. The dynamically orthodox orders of religious women will continue to grow, and the dying orders, which long ago opted for the lightest of Catholic Lite, will continue to die. Younger theologians will continue to pursue and understand truth rather than deconstructing it, as a lot of their elders seemed to want to do. Vital parishes built on the Bible and the sacraments, committed to evangelizing their neighborhoods, will continue to flourish. The poor will be served, the sick healed, and the dying comforted. None of that is going to change, and I’d wager that it’s going to get better. The Church in the United States turned a corner about three decades ago, and the idea that we’re going back to the incoherence of the late Sixties and Seventies is, frankly, silly. Let’s have a little faith in what the Holy Spirit has done among us these past 35 years.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What do you say to liberals who warn Francis (like that Rolling Stone cover a year or so ago) that he’d better not be like Benedict, that he’d better be the pope of their ideological hopes and dreams?</p>
<p>GW: That anyone would imagine finding insight in a Rolling Stone article on a pope, be he Francis, Benedict XVI, Agapitus I, or Leo the Great, is beyond my comprehension; it would be like seeking the inside scoop on the rock scene inForeign Affairs. What I hope my liberal friends (and I have more than a few) take from this pontificate is that mercy and truth are never separable in Catholic pastoral life. The Church offers the medicine of the divine mercy so that healed souls can grasp the truth that will liberate them in the fullest meaning of human freedom. I’d also hope that my liberal friends, who find in this pope a critic of what they’re pleased to call “culture-warrior” Catholics, will read carefully, and ponder even more carefully, what Pope Francis had to say about the “ideological colonization” implicit in Western decadence when he was giving robust pro-life, pro-family talks in the Philippines earlier this year. (In fact, the nervous conservatives should read those texts, too.)</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Is there any shot at cleansing some of the ideology that’s crept into Church circles and getting back to something more sacramental?</p>
<p>GW: That’s happening all the time in the best parishes in the Church, where the transformative power of the Eucharist is experienced through the dignified celebration of Holy Mass, and people are empowered for mission because of that.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Why are people responding to him so favorably? He blows Pew polls off the charts. Is there a real impact he’s making?</p>
<p>GW: The impact remains to be seen; I don’t think we can measure the enduring impact of John Paul II, for example, for another hundred, perhaps two hundred, years. The short-term impact is that people are encouraged to give the Church another look. It’s up to the liveliest parts of the Church — the dynamically orthodox parts of the Church — to seize that opportunity.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is the “encounter” he talks about? What are the “peripheries”?</p>
<p>GW: Again, the pope takes his vocabulary from his pastoral experience, not from the rhetorical tool kit of liberation theology, with its Marxist yammering about “center” and “periphery.” The “peripheries,” for Francis, are all those who have fallen through the cracks of late-modernity and post-modernity — in his native Argentina, because of colossal corruption, political and financial. The pope speaks with great passion about the shame we should all feel when, as he puts it, “a man does not have the dignity of earning bread for his family,” but is turned into a peripheral person, a welfare client, a dependent. The “encounter” with the people on the peripheries is intended to draw them into the circle of common care and concern — that call to encounter is, to use a favorite world of John Paul II’s, a call to solidarity. And that means, it seems to me, aggressive Catholic efforts to empower the poor — and a profound Catholic challenge to all those cultural forces that are eroding stable families, which are the elementary schools where we learn to take responsibility for our lives, which is the highest exercise of freedom.</p>
<p>The emphasis on the “peripheries” is also a distinctively “Franciscan” way of expressing the pope’s respect for untutored popular piety — a respect, I might add, that was shared by St. John Paul II. No one who reads and reveres the New Testament should doubt for a second that the pious poor and marginalized have something to teach all of us — including German theologian-bishops — about the truth of the Gospel and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What have your conversations with him been like?</p>
<p>GW: Robust, quite candid, occasionally whimsical, very friendly; everything’s on the table.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Has the Vatican changed on account of him? What does the future hold?</p>
<p>GW: The most important appointment Pope Francis has made is the appointment of the Australian cardinal, George Pell, as the Vatican’s financial overseer. The colossal mess in Vatican finances that Francis inherited two years ago has been cleaned up, and cleaned out. Real budgeting and accounting procedures are in place; so are real professionals, not somebody’s nephew. The job now is to institutionalize all of that, and I wouldn’t bet against Cardinal Pell, who hasn’t shied away from contact sports since his days as an Australian-rules football star.</p>
<p>It would seem that the rest of the re-design of the Roman Curia is not going nearly as well. And the contrast between these two realities, two years on, underscores a point I learned long ago about the papacy: One of the most important qualities in a pope is his judgment of people — can he get around him the people who can put into practice his vision of what the Church must be doing now to fulfill its mandate from the Lord?</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Who is Jesus Christ to Pope Francis?</p>
<p>GW: The Lord with whom he speaks for hours every day in prayer. The Risen One who reached out, touched his life, and called him into mission.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What’s the most constructive Catholic response to him?</p>
<p>GW: The papacy is an impossible job. So the best thing Catholics can do for the pope is to pray for him.</p>
<p>Then they owe him the loyalty that is expressed in speaking the truth to him — and that puts a premium on knowing whether what you’re happy about, on unhappy about, has a basis in fact, or is merely a reflection of the “narrative.” By the same token, the new and stringent Ultramontanism on the Catholic Left — in which even the mildest questions about how things are working in this pontificate are denounced as treasonous disloyalty — is an affront to the open conversation for which the pope has called.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is his visit to the United States going to mean for the Church here?</p>
<p>GW: For us, it’s going to be a great gathering of the vast and multifaceted Catholic family. For him, it’s an opportunity to experience the vitality of Catholicism in America, which, despite all its problems, is the best embodiment of his “Church in permanent mission” in the developed world.</p>
<p>— Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the&#160;National Review Institute, editor-at-large of&#160;National Review Online, and founding director of&#160;Catholic Voices USA. George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | George Weigel Interviewed on the Second Anniversary of Pope Francis’s Election | false | https://eppc.org/publications/interview-with-george-weigel-pope-francis-the-worlds-pastor/ | 1right-center
| George Weigel Interviewed on the Second Anniversary of Pope Francis’s Election
<p>Two years ago today, Pope Francis was introduced to the world in a rainy St. Peter’s Square, asking for prayers. George Weigel, who was there that night with NBC News, is the author of more than 20&#160;books, including the two-volume biography of John Paul II,&#160;Witness to Hope&#160;and&#160; <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/247596/popes-legacy-george-weigel" type="external">The End and the Beginning</a>,&#160;and, most recently,&#160; <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/339783/setting-world-ablaze-interview" type="external">Evangelical Catholicism</a>&#160;and&#160; <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/article/374507/path-rome-kathryn-jean-lopez" type="external">Roman Pilgrimage</a>.&#160;​He is Distinguished Senior Fellow at the <a href="" type="internal">Ethics and Public Policy Center</a> where he holds the William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies. He talks here with NRO about Pope Francis and the Church. — KJL</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Kathryn Jean Lopez: Why is Pope Francis in an evangelical hurry, as you’ve put it?</p>
<p>George Weigel: Because he has felt the mercy of God in his own life and wants to share that experience with others. Because he sees a world in need of the Gospel, and of friendship with Jesus Christ, as an antidote to the self-absorption and loneliness that are eating away at the solidarity of the human community. Because, in the Vatican, &#160;if you don’t get something new done quickly you may not get it done at all. Because he’s 78 years old and knows that his will be a short pontificate.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: You’ve written that he has “reanimated the papacy.” What does that mean for Church teaching?</p>
<p>GW: I hope it means that the new interest in the pope evokes a new interest in the Church’s teaching, of which the pope is the custodian. Francis ought to be taken at his word when he says, as he has often done, that he is a son of the Church who believes and teaches what the Catholic Church believes and teaches. If his media-generated popularity, fragile as that may turn out to be when the world discovers that the pope is really a Catholic, opens windows of possibility for explaining that divine mercy leads us to the truths God revealed to us (and inscribed into the world and into us), then his reanimation of the papacy will advance the “Church in permanent mission” for which he called in&#160;Evangelii Gaudium, which is the grand strategy document of his pontificate.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: In that same article for the Tablet, a British magazine, you said, “All over the world, Francis is news, and when the Pope is news, so is the Church and the Gospel.” Is that still good news when the pope seems to be interpreted in different ways by different people? When the Gospel seems to be interpreted in different ways by different people?</p>
<p>GW: That’s the obvious challenge, perhaps even danger, here. By its very nature as a custodial office, the papacy can’t be a Rorschach test, into which people read whatever they like – whatever they fear or hope for. So when media “narratives” about Francis get set in concrete, and act as filters bending or distorting (or ignoring) aspects of his vision and his teaching that don’t fit the established story line, the Church has a problem. There’s an obvious investment in some media circles in the “narrative” of “the pope who’s finally going to get with it.” And as a friend at a major American newspaper said to me when I complained about this tendency in his own paper, “You know how these media narratives are. They’re like bamboo.” Meaning, once they start growing, you can’t kill them.</p>
<p>Perhaps the dumbest of these story lines is that Francis has re-opened conversation and debate in a Church that had been closed and claustrophobic for 35 years under John Paul II and Benedict XVI. I defy anyone who, over the last 35 years, has spent time on the campuses of Notre Dame or Georgetown, or who has read the National Catholic Reporter, or who has gone to a meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, to make that claim without experiencing a twinge of conscience that says, “I should wash my mouth out with soap.”</p>
<p>The most enduring of the false narratives is that the signature phrase of the early pontificate — “Who am I to judge?” — was a matter of the pope jettisoning millennia of Catholic moral teaching. It was not. It was a specific response to the circumstances of a man who had repented and was trying to live an upright life; it was, in a word, what any sensible pastor, facing that specific set of circumstances, would say. But ripped out of context, it has become an all-purpose filter through which everything else — including the pope’s multiple reaffirmations of Humanae Vitae, Paul VI’s encyclical on the morally appropriate means of family planning — gets airbrushed out of the picture.</p>
<p>And then there’s the trope about an impending “global-warming encyclical.” The pope is preparing an encyclical on nature and the environment, including the human environment (which includes the moral imperative of a culturally affirmed and legally recognized right to life from conception until natural death). So what happens? A low-ranking Vatican official with gauchiste tendencies and a marked talent for self-promotion gives an interview to the Guardian, one of the most consistently anti-Catholic newspapers in the world, in which he claims that this is a global-warming encyclical — which he couldn’t possibly have known, as the document wasn’t drafted yet. The Guardian loves it, because it fits the story line of the long-awaited Great Catholic Cave-In. So the story wafts across the Atlantic, where it’s picked up with glee by Catholic progressives and horror by some Catholic conservatives — and the battle of the blogs is on, full blast. No one bothers to ask whether there’s any basis in fact for the assertion that this is going to be a “global-warming encyclical.” So when climate change gets some attention in a 100-page document, the most important parts of which will have to do with the theology of stewardship and the theology of “human ecology,” it’s almost certainly going to be rapturously embraced, or bitterly opposed, as a “global-warming encyclical,” despite the evidence that it’s much more broadly gauged than that.</p>
<p>More pro-active Vatican communications might be able to do something about all this, but when the Holy See is constantly in the mode of, “No, what the pope really meant was . . . ,” the game has already been largely forfeited.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is it that is so powerful about Pope Francis’s example? His gestures?</p>
<p>GW: The world needs a pastor, whether it knows it or not. And Francis communicates the pastoral embrace of the Church, the breadth and inclusiveness of Catholicism symbolized by the Bernini colonnade around St. Peter’s Square, in a powerful way. What is amazing here is that he started doing this at age 76; there was none of it in Buenos Aires, as least on a vast scale. So here’s a contrast to John Paul II, who was an immensely attractive public figure in Cracow and then brought that capacity to inspire-by-example to Rome — although some of the narrative-merchants seem to have forgotten that.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is it about the missionary mandate of the Church that modern-day Catholics miss in the West?</p>
<p>GW: We’re used to institutional-maintenance Catholicism, in which the institution ticks along by its own inertia and people are “born” into the Church. Francis knows that is over and done with: “Kept” Catholicism, whether “kept” by legal establishment or by cultural habit, has no future. The only future is intentional Catholicism, evangelical Catholicism. That’s what he and the other bishops of Latin America proclaimed at their Aparecida meeting in Brazil in 2007.&#160; And that’s what the liveliest parts of the world Church today — ranging from the booming Church in Africa to FOCUS missionaries on American campuses — are living: a Catholicism that has discovered that it doesn’t have a mission, it is a mission. The people who are behind the curve of the Catholic future are the institutional-maintenance types. The Germans now seem the primary example of this — which is another reason to scratch the head at their seeming determination to force the whole Church to adopt the Catholic Lite approach that has, in a bizarre inversion, emptied German churches of congregants while vastly expanding the German Church’s bureaucracies.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: All this focus Francis has put on family, and all the debates he has seemed to encourage, what is that about? Where do we wind up? Is there a danger in the risks he seems to have taken?</p>
<p>GW: The pope knows that the marriage culture is in crisis throughout the world, and so is the family. He comes to that conviction as a pastor, not as Brad Wilcox or Charles Murray. So he wants to challenge the Church to find pastoral responses to that crisis that meet real human needs. The turmoil of the Synod last October was in large part the result of the Synod’s being hijacked by a small cabal of northern-European bishops, determined to make the entire exercise a referendum on some things the rest of the Church already considers settled: the permanence of marriage and the conditions for receiving Holy Communion worthily. I think the Synod of October 2015 is going to get back to that broader agenda — at least I hope it does, and I’ve reason to believe that there are many bishops determined that that will be the case.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What do you say to conservative friends who are nervous — or disappointed, or dismissive, or livid, or heartbroken — about the pope?</p>
<p>GW: “You don’t believe what you read in the papers about anything else; why do you believe it about the pope?” That’s where I’d start.</p>
<p>I’d then suggest that these people, if they’re Americans, look back on the last 35 years of our ecclesial experience and take heart from that. The dramatic reform of seminaries continues. The priests and bishops who take their pastoral model from John Paul II will continue to do so, perhaps learning a lesson or two from Francis along the way — and they’ll be the overwhelming majority of the Church’s ordained ministers ten, twenty, thirty years from now. The dynamically orthodox orders of religious women will continue to grow, and the dying orders, which long ago opted for the lightest of Catholic Lite, will continue to die. Younger theologians will continue to pursue and understand truth rather than deconstructing it, as a lot of their elders seemed to want to do. Vital parishes built on the Bible and the sacraments, committed to evangelizing their neighborhoods, will continue to flourish. The poor will be served, the sick healed, and the dying comforted. None of that is going to change, and I’d wager that it’s going to get better. The Church in the United States turned a corner about three decades ago, and the idea that we’re going back to the incoherence of the late Sixties and Seventies is, frankly, silly. Let’s have a little faith in what the Holy Spirit has done among us these past 35 years.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What do you say to liberals who warn Francis (like that Rolling Stone cover a year or so ago) that he’d better not be like Benedict, that he’d better be the pope of their ideological hopes and dreams?</p>
<p>GW: That anyone would imagine finding insight in a Rolling Stone article on a pope, be he Francis, Benedict XVI, Agapitus I, or Leo the Great, is beyond my comprehension; it would be like seeking the inside scoop on the rock scene inForeign Affairs. What I hope my liberal friends (and I have more than a few) take from this pontificate is that mercy and truth are never separable in Catholic pastoral life. The Church offers the medicine of the divine mercy so that healed souls can grasp the truth that will liberate them in the fullest meaning of human freedom. I’d also hope that my liberal friends, who find in this pope a critic of what they’re pleased to call “culture-warrior” Catholics, will read carefully, and ponder even more carefully, what Pope Francis had to say about the “ideological colonization” implicit in Western decadence when he was giving robust pro-life, pro-family talks in the Philippines earlier this year. (In fact, the nervous conservatives should read those texts, too.)</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Is there any shot at cleansing some of the ideology that’s crept into Church circles and getting back to something more sacramental?</p>
<p>GW: That’s happening all the time in the best parishes in the Church, where the transformative power of the Eucharist is experienced through the dignified celebration of Holy Mass, and people are empowered for mission because of that.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Why are people responding to him so favorably? He blows Pew polls off the charts. Is there a real impact he’s making?</p>
<p>GW: The impact remains to be seen; I don’t think we can measure the enduring impact of John Paul II, for example, for another hundred, perhaps two hundred, years. The short-term impact is that people are encouraged to give the Church another look. It’s up to the liveliest parts of the Church — the dynamically orthodox parts of the Church — to seize that opportunity.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is the “encounter” he talks about? What are the “peripheries”?</p>
<p>GW: Again, the pope takes his vocabulary from his pastoral experience, not from the rhetorical tool kit of liberation theology, with its Marxist yammering about “center” and “periphery.” The “peripheries,” for Francis, are all those who have fallen through the cracks of late-modernity and post-modernity — in his native Argentina, because of colossal corruption, political and financial. The pope speaks with great passion about the shame we should all feel when, as he puts it, “a man does not have the dignity of earning bread for his family,” but is turned into a peripheral person, a welfare client, a dependent. The “encounter” with the people on the peripheries is intended to draw them into the circle of common care and concern — that call to encounter is, to use a favorite world of John Paul II’s, a call to solidarity. And that means, it seems to me, aggressive Catholic efforts to empower the poor — and a profound Catholic challenge to all those cultural forces that are eroding stable families, which are the elementary schools where we learn to take responsibility for our lives, which is the highest exercise of freedom.</p>
<p>The emphasis on the “peripheries” is also a distinctively “Franciscan” way of expressing the pope’s respect for untutored popular piety — a respect, I might add, that was shared by St. John Paul II. No one who reads and reveres the New Testament should doubt for a second that the pious poor and marginalized have something to teach all of us — including German theologian-bishops — about the truth of the Gospel and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What have your conversations with him been like?</p>
<p>GW: Robust, quite candid, occasionally whimsical, very friendly; everything’s on the table.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Has the Vatican changed on account of him? What does the future hold?</p>
<p>GW: The most important appointment Pope Francis has made is the appointment of the Australian cardinal, George Pell, as the Vatican’s financial overseer. The colossal mess in Vatican finances that Francis inherited two years ago has been cleaned up, and cleaned out. Real budgeting and accounting procedures are in place; so are real professionals, not somebody’s nephew. The job now is to institutionalize all of that, and I wouldn’t bet against Cardinal Pell, who hasn’t shied away from contact sports since his days as an Australian-rules football star.</p>
<p>It would seem that the rest of the re-design of the Roman Curia is not going nearly as well. And the contrast between these two realities, two years on, underscores a point I learned long ago about the papacy: One of the most important qualities in a pope is his judgment of people — can he get around him the people who can put into practice his vision of what the Church must be doing now to fulfill its mandate from the Lord?</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: Who is Jesus Christ to Pope Francis?</p>
<p>GW: The Lord with whom he speaks for hours every day in prayer. The Risen One who reached out, touched his life, and called him into mission.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What’s the most constructive Catholic response to him?</p>
<p>GW: The papacy is an impossible job. So the best thing Catholics can do for the pope is to pray for him.</p>
<p>Then they owe him the loyalty that is expressed in speaking the truth to him — and that puts a premium on knowing whether what you’re happy about, on unhappy about, has a basis in fact, or is merely a reflection of the “narrative.” By the same token, the new and stringent Ultramontanism on the Catholic Left — in which even the mildest questions about how things are working in this pontificate are denounced as treasonous disloyalty — is an affront to the open conversation for which the pope has called.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>KJL: What is his visit to the United States going to mean for the Church here?</p>
<p>GW: For us, it’s going to be a great gathering of the vast and multifaceted Catholic family. For him, it’s an opportunity to experience the vitality of Catholicism in America, which, despite all its problems, is the best embodiment of his “Church in permanent mission” in the developed world.</p>
<p>— Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the&#160;National Review Institute, editor-at-large of&#160;National Review Online, and founding director of&#160;Catholic Voices USA. George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.</p>
<p>&#160;</p> | 74 |
|
<p>At least 20 people in a remote village in Madagascar <a href="http://world.time.com/2013/12/11/bubonic-plague-kills-20-in-madagascar/" type="external">have died</a> from bubonic plague in one of the worst outbreaks in recent years.</p>
<p>The deaths last week come after a warning in October from the International Committee of the Red Cross that the country was at risk of an epidemic of the disease.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/131010/whats-the-bubonic-plague" type="external">What's up with the bubonic plague?</a></p>
<p>They are especially troubling because the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/bubonic-plague-killed-villagers-madagascar" type="external">outbreak occurred</a> outside the island's normal plague season, which runs from July to October, and at a far lower elevation than usual — suggesting it might be spreading.</p>
<p>Known as the Black Death in the Middle Ages, bubonic plague is spread by unsanitary conditions, transmitted to humans via fleas, usually from rats.</p>
<p>Living conditions in the island nation have deteriorated since a coup in 2009 and the ensuing political crisis, the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25324011" type="external">BBC reported</a>.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/131010/plague-epidemic-risk-madagascar-has-experts-worried" type="external">Risk of bubonic plague epidemic in Madagascar has experts worried</a></p>
<p>The bubonic plague killed an estimated 25 million people in the Middle Ages, and while it's now much more rare, it's still alive and well.</p>
<p>The World Health Organization reports around 2,000 cases of the plague <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/131010/whats-the-bubonic-plague" type="external">each year</a>, more than 90 percent of which are in Africa, especially Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.&#160;</p>
<p>Sixty people died from the disease in Madagascar last year — the highest number globally.</p>
<p>Health officials are now headed to the area <a href="http://world.time.com/2013/12/11/bubonic-plague-kills-20-in-madagascar/" type="external">to investigate</a>.</p> | Bubonic plague kills at least 20 in Madagascar | false | https://pri.org/stories/2013-12-11/bubonic-plague-kills-least-20-madagascar | 2013-12-11 | 3left-center
| Bubonic plague kills at least 20 in Madagascar
<p>At least 20 people in a remote village in Madagascar <a href="http://world.time.com/2013/12/11/bubonic-plague-kills-20-in-madagascar/" type="external">have died</a> from bubonic plague in one of the worst outbreaks in recent years.</p>
<p>The deaths last week come after a warning in October from the International Committee of the Red Cross that the country was at risk of an epidemic of the disease.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/131010/whats-the-bubonic-plague" type="external">What's up with the bubonic plague?</a></p>
<p>They are especially troubling because the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/bubonic-plague-killed-villagers-madagascar" type="external">outbreak occurred</a> outside the island's normal plague season, which runs from July to October, and at a far lower elevation than usual — suggesting it might be spreading.</p>
<p>Known as the Black Death in the Middle Ages, bubonic plague is spread by unsanitary conditions, transmitted to humans via fleas, usually from rats.</p>
<p>Living conditions in the island nation have deteriorated since a coup in 2009 and the ensuing political crisis, the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25324011" type="external">BBC reported</a>.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/131010/plague-epidemic-risk-madagascar-has-experts-worried" type="external">Risk of bubonic plague epidemic in Madagascar has experts worried</a></p>
<p>The bubonic plague killed an estimated 25 million people in the Middle Ages, and while it's now much more rare, it's still alive and well.</p>
<p>The World Health Organization reports around 2,000 cases of the plague <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/131010/whats-the-bubonic-plague" type="external">each year</a>, more than 90 percent of which are in Africa, especially Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.&#160;</p>
<p>Sixty people died from the disease in Madagascar last year — the highest number globally.</p>
<p>Health officials are now headed to the area <a href="http://world.time.com/2013/12/11/bubonic-plague-kills-20-in-madagascar/" type="external">to investigate</a>.</p> | 75 |
<p>Investing.com – The People’s Bank of China set the yuan mid-point at 6.5530 against the dollar on Tuesday, compared to the previous close of 6.5761.</p>
<p>The China Foreign Exchange Trade System sets the weighted average of prices given by market makers. The highest and lowest offers are excluded from the calculation. The central bank allows the dollar/yuan rate to move no more than 2% above or below the central parity rate.</p>
<p>Market watchers see a yuan level of 7 against the dollar, , as a key touchstone for sentiment in the near term.</p>
<p />
<p>Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.</p> | Forex – PBOC Sets Yuan Parity At 6.5530 Vs Dollar | false | https://newsline.com/forex-pboc-sets-yuan-parity-at-6-5530-vs-dollar/ | 2017-09-18 | 1right-center
| Forex – PBOC Sets Yuan Parity At 6.5530 Vs Dollar
<p>Investing.com – The People’s Bank of China set the yuan mid-point at 6.5530 against the dollar on Tuesday, compared to the previous close of 6.5761.</p>
<p>The China Foreign Exchange Trade System sets the weighted average of prices given by market makers. The highest and lowest offers are excluded from the calculation. The central bank allows the dollar/yuan rate to move no more than 2% above or below the central parity rate.</p>
<p>Market watchers see a yuan level of 7 against the dollar, , as a key touchstone for sentiment in the near term.</p>
<p />
<p>Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.</p> | 76 |
<p>In the lead-up to the Cubs historic title run, fans embraced a tongue-in-cheek culture of superstition and consumption in hopes of reversing the 108-year-old title drought attributed to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Billy_Goat" type="external">Curse of the Billy Goat</a>. &#160;Chicago’s Halsted Packing House reported a <a href="" type="internal">25% increase</a> in demand for goat as grocery stores and restaurants eagerly cash in on “eat away the curse”-style promotions. &#160;Last year, a team of competitive eaters went so far as to <a href="" type="internal">consume an entire 40-pound goat</a> in a bid to alter history. The opposite end of the supply chain, however, is far less jovial. &#160;Alongside fellow animal rights activists, I have visited Halsted Packing House to bear witness to animals delivered for slaughter. &#160;The truck shows up around 4:30 Monday mornings – a reflection of the prevailing out-of-sight, out-of-mind societal attitude toward animal slaughter. &#160;Slaughterhouses – once the pride of the city – have almost all closed or moved to rural areas, for much the same reason. The experience is nothing short of heartbreaking. &#160;We’ve witnessed <a href="" type="internal">baby animals cower at the edge of the trailer, terrified of what’s next</a>. &#160;We’ve witnessed <a href="" type="internal">a baby goat – immobilized by fear, injury or both – physically carried to slaughter</a>. &#160;And we’ve witnessed one animal after the next look to us with pleading eyes, desperate for any kind of comfort. When Michael Vick was brought up on dogfighting charges in 2007, his cries of cultural relativism fell on deaf ears. &#160;He served 18 months in federal prison and topped a <a href="" type="internal">Forbes poll</a> as America’s most hated athlete two years running – certainly no favorite amongst the goat-consuming Cubs’ base.</p>
<p>But is his brand of needless violence toward animals objectively worse than that which we thoughtlessly inflict upon billions of other animals? &#160;We’ve seen countless investigations exposing the inevitable brutality of industrialized animal agriculture; it can hardly be argued that these animals have it any better than Vick’s dogs. Activists know the world won’t fundamentally shift overnight, but we do think we can shift it bit by bit. &#160;So last Monday, I joined activists in delivering a <a href="" type="internal">letter to the office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel</a> demanding the immediate closure of all slaughter facilities in Chicago. This would be a small step to say the sort of pain that baby goat went through is unacceptable in the City of Chicago. Too often, discussions of what happens to animals raised for food center around whether people are vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous. Regardless what we do, we can support political moves to protect animals from violence. With a recent <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/183275/say-animals-rights-people.aspx" type="external">Gallup poll</a> showing 32% of Americans believe “animals should be given the same rights as people” and millennials’ diets increasingly reflecting this shift, it’s time for our governments to start responding. Increment by increment, we can get our culture and habits to where we aspire.</p>
<p>Goats and other animals have been cursed for far too long. Maybe in the wake of the Cubs’ curse’s demise, we can end the pox over animals too.</p>
<p>Matt Johnson&#160;is an&#160;organizer with the global grassroots animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere.</p> | The Curse is Finally Broken, But Not For Goats | true | https://counterpunch.org/2016/11/04/the-curse-is-finally-broken-but-not-for-goats/ | 2016-11-04 | 4left
| The Curse is Finally Broken, But Not For Goats
<p>In the lead-up to the Cubs historic title run, fans embraced a tongue-in-cheek culture of superstition and consumption in hopes of reversing the 108-year-old title drought attributed to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Billy_Goat" type="external">Curse of the Billy Goat</a>. &#160;Chicago’s Halsted Packing House reported a <a href="" type="internal">25% increase</a> in demand for goat as grocery stores and restaurants eagerly cash in on “eat away the curse”-style promotions. &#160;Last year, a team of competitive eaters went so far as to <a href="" type="internal">consume an entire 40-pound goat</a> in a bid to alter history. The opposite end of the supply chain, however, is far less jovial. &#160;Alongside fellow animal rights activists, I have visited Halsted Packing House to bear witness to animals delivered for slaughter. &#160;The truck shows up around 4:30 Monday mornings – a reflection of the prevailing out-of-sight, out-of-mind societal attitude toward animal slaughter. &#160;Slaughterhouses – once the pride of the city – have almost all closed or moved to rural areas, for much the same reason. The experience is nothing short of heartbreaking. &#160;We’ve witnessed <a href="" type="internal">baby animals cower at the edge of the trailer, terrified of what’s next</a>. &#160;We’ve witnessed <a href="" type="internal">a baby goat – immobilized by fear, injury or both – physically carried to slaughter</a>. &#160;And we’ve witnessed one animal after the next look to us with pleading eyes, desperate for any kind of comfort. When Michael Vick was brought up on dogfighting charges in 2007, his cries of cultural relativism fell on deaf ears. &#160;He served 18 months in federal prison and topped a <a href="" type="internal">Forbes poll</a> as America’s most hated athlete two years running – certainly no favorite amongst the goat-consuming Cubs’ base.</p>
<p>But is his brand of needless violence toward animals objectively worse than that which we thoughtlessly inflict upon billions of other animals? &#160;We’ve seen countless investigations exposing the inevitable brutality of industrialized animal agriculture; it can hardly be argued that these animals have it any better than Vick’s dogs. Activists know the world won’t fundamentally shift overnight, but we do think we can shift it bit by bit. &#160;So last Monday, I joined activists in delivering a <a href="" type="internal">letter to the office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel</a> demanding the immediate closure of all slaughter facilities in Chicago. This would be a small step to say the sort of pain that baby goat went through is unacceptable in the City of Chicago. Too often, discussions of what happens to animals raised for food center around whether people are vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous. Regardless what we do, we can support political moves to protect animals from violence. With a recent <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/183275/say-animals-rights-people.aspx" type="external">Gallup poll</a> showing 32% of Americans believe “animals should be given the same rights as people” and millennials’ diets increasingly reflecting this shift, it’s time for our governments to start responding. Increment by increment, we can get our culture and habits to where we aspire.</p>
<p>Goats and other animals have been cursed for far too long. Maybe in the wake of the Cubs’ curse’s demise, we can end the pox over animals too.</p>
<p>Matt Johnson&#160;is an&#160;organizer with the global grassroots animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere.</p> | 77 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>— N.M. Old Timer</p>
<p>MO NOT AN ATTORNEY is definitely not an attorney. He is far too busy making sure the State of New Mexico retains its status as a third-world country.</p>
<p>— HDR</p>
<p>SUSANA MARTINEZ has done more to damage New Mexico athletes than anyone in the history of the state. I have no doubt the lousy job she has done in Santa Fe is why there are no mid school APS athletics anymore and the audacity she had trying to stick her nose into Lobo basketball was just unnecessary. Sorry Bob Davie you are now # 2 in not wanting New Mexico athletes competing in sports.</p>
<p>— Paul Martinez</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>BLAMING THE POLITICIANS for killing middle school athletics is blaming the messenger. APS chose to cut something that would instantly cause an uproar to call attention to their claim to need more money. … I worked for APS at one time and I think it would be way more constructive to look for ways to cut budget other than on the backs of the kids and community. How about a couple of Junior Assistant Superintendents of Trashcan Liners? $500 -$700 K in the APS budget is a drop in the bucket. This decision was nothing more than pure politics.</p>
<p>— MD</p>
<p>COACH PAUL WEIR conducted a hoops camp for our kids at Laguna this past summer. Instead of having his players do all of the work Coach Weir was in the middle of every drill demonstrating passing, dribbling, shooting and defensive skills. He was so encouraging. When it comes to academics he walks the talk. I found Coach to be articulate, passionate and genuine. I told my lovely wife (Anna) of 35 years that I don’t think Coach Weir was UNM’s first choice. She told me don’t worry … you weren’t my first choice either.</p>
<p>— TTrujillo</p> | Sports Speak Up! Readers protest cutting mid-school athletics | false | https://abqjournal.com/988403/sports-speak-up-readers-protest-cutting-mid-school-athletics.html | 2least
| Sports Speak Up! Readers protest cutting mid-school athletics
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>— N.M. Old Timer</p>
<p>MO NOT AN ATTORNEY is definitely not an attorney. He is far too busy making sure the State of New Mexico retains its status as a third-world country.</p>
<p>— HDR</p>
<p>SUSANA MARTINEZ has done more to damage New Mexico athletes than anyone in the history of the state. I have no doubt the lousy job she has done in Santa Fe is why there are no mid school APS athletics anymore and the audacity she had trying to stick her nose into Lobo basketball was just unnecessary. Sorry Bob Davie you are now # 2 in not wanting New Mexico athletes competing in sports.</p>
<p>— Paul Martinez</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>BLAMING THE POLITICIANS for killing middle school athletics is blaming the messenger. APS chose to cut something that would instantly cause an uproar to call attention to their claim to need more money. … I worked for APS at one time and I think it would be way more constructive to look for ways to cut budget other than on the backs of the kids and community. How about a couple of Junior Assistant Superintendents of Trashcan Liners? $500 -$700 K in the APS budget is a drop in the bucket. This decision was nothing more than pure politics.</p>
<p>— MD</p>
<p>COACH PAUL WEIR conducted a hoops camp for our kids at Laguna this past summer. Instead of having his players do all of the work Coach Weir was in the middle of every drill demonstrating passing, dribbling, shooting and defensive skills. He was so encouraging. When it comes to academics he walks the talk. I found Coach to be articulate, passionate and genuine. I told my lovely wife (Anna) of 35 years that I don’t think Coach Weir was UNM’s first choice. She told me don’t worry … you weren’t my first choice either.</p>
<p>— TTrujillo</p> | 78 |
|
<p>Published time: 28 Sep, 2017 18:05</p>
<p>An Italian bride has ditched the traditional two-person approach to marriage by hosting a bizarre solo wedding.</p>
<p>Lissone resident Laura Mesi invited 70 guests to a farmhouse in Vimercate, north of Milan, Monday to see her walk down the aisle resplendent in a Swarovski diamond encrusted wedding dress – the only thing missing, however, was a groom.</p>
<p>Mesi told <a href="http://www.ilgiorno.it/monza-brianza/cronaca/sposa-single-1.3410724" type="external">Il Giorno</a>&#160;national newspaper that she made the decision to marry herself after failing to find a suitable husband before the age of 40.</p>
<p>Known as ‘sologamy,’ <a href="http://www.selfmarriageceremonies.com/about-self-marriage/" type="external">advocates</a> of self-marriage claim the non-legally binding union can help foster a better understanding of oneself and “harmonize your external relationships.”</p>
<p>“I feel [like] a healthy person… and happy and I have a good opinion of myself,” Mesi said following a lavish ceremony involving a three tier wedding cake.</p>
<p>“Some people might criticize me, but I’m convinced that I have done nothing wrong. I’m so happy and above all I crowned my dream.”</p>
<p>The single spouse admitted that she could marry someone in the future, but she said that her <a href="http://milano.repubblica.it/cronaca/2017/09/21/news/lissone_monza_mi_sposo_da_sola_prima_sposa_single_d_italia_laura_mesi-176113148/?ref=search" type="external">happiness</a> does not depend on it.</p> | Italian woman marries herself in lavish ‘sologamy’ ceremony | false | https://newsline.com/italian-woman-marries-herself-in-lavish-sologamy-ceremony/ | 2017-09-28 | 1right-center
| Italian woman marries herself in lavish ‘sologamy’ ceremony
<p>Published time: 28 Sep, 2017 18:05</p>
<p>An Italian bride has ditched the traditional two-person approach to marriage by hosting a bizarre solo wedding.</p>
<p>Lissone resident Laura Mesi invited 70 guests to a farmhouse in Vimercate, north of Milan, Monday to see her walk down the aisle resplendent in a Swarovski diamond encrusted wedding dress – the only thing missing, however, was a groom.</p>
<p>Mesi told <a href="http://www.ilgiorno.it/monza-brianza/cronaca/sposa-single-1.3410724" type="external">Il Giorno</a>&#160;national newspaper that she made the decision to marry herself after failing to find a suitable husband before the age of 40.</p>
<p>Known as ‘sologamy,’ <a href="http://www.selfmarriageceremonies.com/about-self-marriage/" type="external">advocates</a> of self-marriage claim the non-legally binding union can help foster a better understanding of oneself and “harmonize your external relationships.”</p>
<p>“I feel [like] a healthy person… and happy and I have a good opinion of myself,” Mesi said following a lavish ceremony involving a three tier wedding cake.</p>
<p>“Some people might criticize me, but I’m convinced that I have done nothing wrong. I’m so happy and above all I crowned my dream.”</p>
<p>The single spouse admitted that she could marry someone in the future, but she said that her <a href="http://milano.repubblica.it/cronaca/2017/09/21/news/lissone_monza_mi_sposo_da_sola_prima_sposa_single_d_italia_laura_mesi-176113148/?ref=search" type="external">happiness</a> does not depend on it.</p> | 79 |
<p>William James Cumbie was a mover and shaker on the Virginia Baptist scene for nearly 60 years. He first appeared on the Virginia scene in 1948 when, at age 25, he was the energetic new pastor of the First Baptist Church of Annandale. It was the beginning of a love affair with that wild, reckless and growing child known as Northern Virginia.</p>
<p>It also was the beginning of a more important love life. Just two weeks before beginning his Annandale pastorate, Cumbie married Catherine “Kay” Inscoe and the couple honeymooned in Colonial Williamsburg, declaring that they loved each other and Virginia.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Bill Cumbie</p>
<p>The '50s and '60s were exciting years of church growth, denominational development and, for the Cumbies, family building. In fairly close succession, the couple had four children: Elizabeth, James, Rebecca and Judith. The Annandale church occupied the young man's energy and he helped it grow from a core group of about 75 to a membership of over 700. He led the church in building programs. He developed a quick step and learned every back road from Alexandria to Vienna, visiting his far-flung congregation and developing long-lasting relationships among those in other churches.</p>
<p>In 1952 Bill Cumbie was present at Columbia Baptist Church for the organizational meeting of the new Mount Vernon Baptist Association, which included 25 churches out of the old Potomac Association. In 1956-57 Cumbie served so effectively as moderator of the Mount Vernon that one pastor remarked that he had never seen a better, more efficient district association moderator. The same man predicted that “this young pastor will be heard from in the future in larger Baptist councils in Virginia and our Southland.” It was a prophetic statement.</p>
<p>In 1957, the association was ready to appoint a full-time superintendent of missions, a title which changed over the years to executive director. At age 34, Cumbie was elected as the association's first executive and he steamed ahead with all the gusto of youth. For the next 30 years, until his retirement in 1988, he led the day-to-day work of the Mount Vernon, rallying leaders in the member churches, building staff and programs and planting the Baptist banner all across the burgeoning metro Washington area. He was not satisfied even when the Mount Vernon became one of the undisputed models for associationalism in the nation. He always pushed for something more, something better.</p>
<p>Cumbie became active in every phase of Baptist life. He was involved in the professional organization for SBC “DOMs” (directors of missions, as they were known). He served on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He was an unpaid assistant to the chief leader of the Baptist World Alliance and never missed a BWA Congress. And he embraced the Baptist General Association of Virginia as if he were one of Virginia's native sons.</p>
<p>He studied Virginia Baptist history. When someone mentioned Editor R.H. Pitt's classic address, “The Virginia Baptist Temper and Tradition,” Cumbie laughed that he had read the address in its full original text, noting the omissions in later printed copies. He chaired the General Association's 150th anniversary committee. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Richmond and claimed it as proudly as he did his earned degree from Baylor University. He learned the politics of the General Association. He understood the intricacies of its framework and organization. In 1975-76 he achieved “the highlight” of his life with election to the office of president. He was the first director of missions to serve as president of a state convention.</p>
<p>Bill Cumbie early discovered that to master public meetings it was necessary to master parliamentary law. He served as parliamentarian of SBC meetings and frequently for the BGAV. In 1985 he openly criticized Charles Stanley's “flagrant misuse” of parliamentary procedure at the pivotal SBC meeting in Dallas.</p>
<p>Whenever as a messenger to a BGAV meeting, Cumbie rose to a microphone during a business session, a hush fell over the room and all ears listened. Seasoned messengers would punch newcomers and whisper for them to listen up. And Cumbie was always right on target with his objections and observations. Wags wondered if the man from Mount Vernon slept with the BGAV constitution and bylaws as well as with Robert's Rules!</p>
<p>Bill Cumbie was feisty, determined and hopeful. His personality was shaped by nine years in an orphanage in Macon, Ga., and by gentle folks at the First Baptist Church of Macon.</p>
<p>At 10, he accepted Christ and was baptized. Two years later, the orphanage's superintendent expressed the hope that one day Billie might become its first preacher. The boy was only 12 but he already knew that the pulpit was his destination. As “DOM” for Mount Vernon, over a 30-year period, he averaged preaching somewhere every other day (not every other Sunday but every other day). And he possessed a power and skill in the pulpit which enabled him to reach any type of congregation.</p>
<p>In order to accomplish so much, he had to be master of himself and slave to a clock. He once admonished this columnist that every person has equality in one thing: everyone has the same 24 hours within a single day. It mattered how you organized and prioritized and “I haven't got time” was not a valid excuse.</p>
<p>Bill Cumbie suffered no fools. He was never bashful about buttonholing someone, jabbing his pointed finger into the air or into someone's chest, and holding forth when truth as he perceived it was misrepresented. People—friends, colleagues and even opponents—listened because ultimately they respected him. They understood that the man from Mount Vernon knew whatever he was talking about and that he cared passionately about the subject and, even more, about them.</p>
<p>He died on Feb. 19 at age 83; and when Virginia Baptists gather again, the man from Mount Vernon will be missed.</p> | The man from Mount Vernon | false | https://baptistnews.com/article/themanfrommountvernon/ | 3left-center
| The man from Mount Vernon
<p>William James Cumbie was a mover and shaker on the Virginia Baptist scene for nearly 60 years. He first appeared on the Virginia scene in 1948 when, at age 25, he was the energetic new pastor of the First Baptist Church of Annandale. It was the beginning of a love affair with that wild, reckless and growing child known as Northern Virginia.</p>
<p>It also was the beginning of a more important love life. Just two weeks before beginning his Annandale pastorate, Cumbie married Catherine “Kay” Inscoe and the couple honeymooned in Colonial Williamsburg, declaring that they loved each other and Virginia.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>Bill Cumbie</p>
<p>The '50s and '60s were exciting years of church growth, denominational development and, for the Cumbies, family building. In fairly close succession, the couple had four children: Elizabeth, James, Rebecca and Judith. The Annandale church occupied the young man's energy and he helped it grow from a core group of about 75 to a membership of over 700. He led the church in building programs. He developed a quick step and learned every back road from Alexandria to Vienna, visiting his far-flung congregation and developing long-lasting relationships among those in other churches.</p>
<p>In 1952 Bill Cumbie was present at Columbia Baptist Church for the organizational meeting of the new Mount Vernon Baptist Association, which included 25 churches out of the old Potomac Association. In 1956-57 Cumbie served so effectively as moderator of the Mount Vernon that one pastor remarked that he had never seen a better, more efficient district association moderator. The same man predicted that “this young pastor will be heard from in the future in larger Baptist councils in Virginia and our Southland.” It was a prophetic statement.</p>
<p>In 1957, the association was ready to appoint a full-time superintendent of missions, a title which changed over the years to executive director. At age 34, Cumbie was elected as the association's first executive and he steamed ahead with all the gusto of youth. For the next 30 years, until his retirement in 1988, he led the day-to-day work of the Mount Vernon, rallying leaders in the member churches, building staff and programs and planting the Baptist banner all across the burgeoning metro Washington area. He was not satisfied even when the Mount Vernon became one of the undisputed models for associationalism in the nation. He always pushed for something more, something better.</p>
<p>Cumbie became active in every phase of Baptist life. He was involved in the professional organization for SBC “DOMs” (directors of missions, as they were known). He served on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He was an unpaid assistant to the chief leader of the Baptist World Alliance and never missed a BWA Congress. And he embraced the Baptist General Association of Virginia as if he were one of Virginia's native sons.</p>
<p>He studied Virginia Baptist history. When someone mentioned Editor R.H. Pitt's classic address, “The Virginia Baptist Temper and Tradition,” Cumbie laughed that he had read the address in its full original text, noting the omissions in later printed copies. He chaired the General Association's 150th anniversary committee. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Richmond and claimed it as proudly as he did his earned degree from Baylor University. He learned the politics of the General Association. He understood the intricacies of its framework and organization. In 1975-76 he achieved “the highlight” of his life with election to the office of president. He was the first director of missions to serve as president of a state convention.</p>
<p>Bill Cumbie early discovered that to master public meetings it was necessary to master parliamentary law. He served as parliamentarian of SBC meetings and frequently for the BGAV. In 1985 he openly criticized Charles Stanley's “flagrant misuse” of parliamentary procedure at the pivotal SBC meeting in Dallas.</p>
<p>Whenever as a messenger to a BGAV meeting, Cumbie rose to a microphone during a business session, a hush fell over the room and all ears listened. Seasoned messengers would punch newcomers and whisper for them to listen up. And Cumbie was always right on target with his objections and observations. Wags wondered if the man from Mount Vernon slept with the BGAV constitution and bylaws as well as with Robert's Rules!</p>
<p>Bill Cumbie was feisty, determined and hopeful. His personality was shaped by nine years in an orphanage in Macon, Ga., and by gentle folks at the First Baptist Church of Macon.</p>
<p>At 10, he accepted Christ and was baptized. Two years later, the orphanage's superintendent expressed the hope that one day Billie might become its first preacher. The boy was only 12 but he already knew that the pulpit was his destination. As “DOM” for Mount Vernon, over a 30-year period, he averaged preaching somewhere every other day (not every other Sunday but every other day). And he possessed a power and skill in the pulpit which enabled him to reach any type of congregation.</p>
<p>In order to accomplish so much, he had to be master of himself and slave to a clock. He once admonished this columnist that every person has equality in one thing: everyone has the same 24 hours within a single day. It mattered how you organized and prioritized and “I haven't got time” was not a valid excuse.</p>
<p>Bill Cumbie suffered no fools. He was never bashful about buttonholing someone, jabbing his pointed finger into the air or into someone's chest, and holding forth when truth as he perceived it was misrepresented. People—friends, colleagues and even opponents—listened because ultimately they respected him. They understood that the man from Mount Vernon knew whatever he was talking about and that he cared passionately about the subject and, even more, about them.</p>
<p>He died on Feb. 19 at age 83; and when Virginia Baptists gather again, the man from Mount Vernon will be missed.</p> | 80 |
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<p>Romea (handout photo)</p>
<p>BELEN – The Rev. Jonas Romea has been terminated from his position as associate pastor at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church apparently in connection with inappropriate conduct with an 18-year-old female high school student, according to diocese officials and local police.</p>
<p>“Effective Tuesday, April 25, 2017, Reverend Jonas Romea no longer has priestly faculties with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and thus cannot administer the sacraments within the archdiocese, including the celebration of Mass,” wrote Celine Baca Radigan, director of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Communications/Media when contacted by the News-Bulletin. “Reverend Jonas Romea is (a) … priest of the Diocese of Tagbilaran (in the Philippines) and serves under the jurisdiction of the bishop thereof.”</p>
<p>The diocese confirmed an investigation to police but declined to disclose why he had been relieved of his duties in Belen except to say, “His residence is no longer the Our Lady of Belen rectory. We pray for Rev. Romea and wish him well.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Belen police, acting on a tip about Romea’s behavior and termination, began an investigation and contacted the diocese. The department released an informational report on the probe Wednesday.</p>
<p>A Belen detective spoke Monday with the Rev. John Daniel of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, who said that “in an investigation conducted by the church … Father Romea had stated that after services he had talked to a juvenile female, and had kissed her forehead and then he told her that he liked her pictures on Facebook. The juvenile, not yet listed, was reported as saying that Father Romea had kissed her on the cheek, and then told her that he had seen her pictures on Facebook and that he wanted to see more pictures of her in shorts,” according to the report.</p>
<p>Belen Police Chief Scott Conner said he instructed his detectives to make contact with the church and archdiocese, and they were cooperative.</p>
<p>“They did a little digging around and it looks like it’s going to be more an inappropriate conduct by a member of the clergy than a criminal act,” Conner said in a phone interview.</p>
<p>Conner said the alleged victim is an 18-year-old girl who is a Belen High School student and detectives found no need for further investigation because they believe no criminal act occurred.</p>
<p>“As with any case, that could change depending on any new information we receive,” the chief said.</p>
<p>The report noted that no other comments were made and that no other juveniles had reported any misconduct from Romea.</p>
<p>This isn’t the first time Romea has been at the center of alleged inappropriate conduct while at Our Lady of Belen. In March, Romea made controversial comments during a children’s Mass about Muslims wanting to behead everyone.</p>
<p>Father Jonas Romea terminated from Our Lady of Belen, archdiocese, amid allegations of inappropriate conduct</p>
<p />
<p /> | Our Lady of Belen associate pastor relieved of duties | false | https://abqjournal.com/998008/our-lady-of-belen-associate-pastor-relieved-of-duties.html | 2least
| Our Lady of Belen associate pastor relieved of duties
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p>Romea (handout photo)</p>
<p>BELEN – The Rev. Jonas Romea has been terminated from his position as associate pastor at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church apparently in connection with inappropriate conduct with an 18-year-old female high school student, according to diocese officials and local police.</p>
<p>“Effective Tuesday, April 25, 2017, Reverend Jonas Romea no longer has priestly faculties with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and thus cannot administer the sacraments within the archdiocese, including the celebration of Mass,” wrote Celine Baca Radigan, director of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Communications/Media when contacted by the News-Bulletin. “Reverend Jonas Romea is (a) … priest of the Diocese of Tagbilaran (in the Philippines) and serves under the jurisdiction of the bishop thereof.”</p>
<p>The diocese confirmed an investigation to police but declined to disclose why he had been relieved of his duties in Belen except to say, “His residence is no longer the Our Lady of Belen rectory. We pray for Rev. Romea and wish him well.”</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Belen police, acting on a tip about Romea’s behavior and termination, began an investigation and contacted the diocese. The department released an informational report on the probe Wednesday.</p>
<p>A Belen detective spoke Monday with the Rev. John Daniel of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, who said that “in an investigation conducted by the church … Father Romea had stated that after services he had talked to a juvenile female, and had kissed her forehead and then he told her that he liked her pictures on Facebook. The juvenile, not yet listed, was reported as saying that Father Romea had kissed her on the cheek, and then told her that he had seen her pictures on Facebook and that he wanted to see more pictures of her in shorts,” according to the report.</p>
<p>Belen Police Chief Scott Conner said he instructed his detectives to make contact with the church and archdiocese, and they were cooperative.</p>
<p>“They did a little digging around and it looks like it’s going to be more an inappropriate conduct by a member of the clergy than a criminal act,” Conner said in a phone interview.</p>
<p>Conner said the alleged victim is an 18-year-old girl who is a Belen High School student and detectives found no need for further investigation because they believe no criminal act occurred.</p>
<p>“As with any case, that could change depending on any new information we receive,” the chief said.</p>
<p>The report noted that no other comments were made and that no other juveniles had reported any misconduct from Romea.</p>
<p>This isn’t the first time Romea has been at the center of alleged inappropriate conduct while at Our Lady of Belen. In March, Romea made controversial comments during a children’s Mass about Muslims wanting to behead everyone.</p>
<p>Father Jonas Romea terminated from Our Lady of Belen, archdiocese, amid allegations of inappropriate conduct</p>
<p />
<p /> | 81 |
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<p />
<p>President Barack Obama spoke to the nation Monday from the White House, addressing glitches with the Affordable Care Act's registration process since its rollout more than two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Obama acknowledged concerns from many Americans about the issues involved in registering for health insurance via the Affordable Care Act's website, healthcare.gov. The president said his team is doing "everything we can possibly do to get the websites functioning faster," and said there's no excuse for the problems users have experienced.</p>
<p>"Everybody who wants insurance through the marketplace will get insurance. Period," the president said.</p>
<p>From the beginning, those wanting to sign-up for insurance via the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace experienced a host of problems including even just accessing the site&#160; and even fewer people were actually able to register for a policy they wanted on the first few days the site was live.</p>
<p>In addition, some of those who were able to successfully logon, create an account, and select a policy also ran into glitches that caused them to sign up for more than one insurance plan, or send incomplete data to insurance companies from the new enrollees, according to several reports.</p>
<p>Because of the unsuccessful rollout of the ACA’s registration site, the Obama administration has been heavily criticized for not testing the operation more adequately before it was made available to the American public. The ACA was also under the intense spotlight of the recent government shutdown and debt ceiling debate in Washington following the site’s launch. Republicans attempted, unsuccessfully, to include various forms of repeal or alteration into legislation aimed at re-opening the government from its 16-day shutdown, and raise the nation’s debt limit.</p>
<p>Despite repeated attempts by the GOP, the president’s signature health-care law remains in-tact, and the president set out Monday to defend it.</p>
<p>Though an ardent defender of the law, President Obama expressed frustration with the enrollment process, empathizing with Americans attempting to enroll, saying "no one is madder than me" that the site isn't functioning as it should, "which means it's going to get fixed."</p>
<p>Glitches aside, the president said the law exceeded expectations thanks to lower prices than expected and more choices for those enrolling – and contended even those who have already enrolled are “thrilled,” and that the essence of the law is working just fine, it’s the technical details that just need work.</p>
<p>“We did not wage long, contentious battle just around website. Waged battle to make sure millions of Americans have same chance to get same security as everybody else. That is what this is about. ACA has done that,” the president said.</p>
<p>Still, even supporters of the president's signature health-care law are pointing out that the president is not answering basic questions, such as: What is actually wrong with the website, what is being done to fix it, and when will it be fixed?</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | President Obama Speaks About ACA 'Glitches' | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2013/10/21/president-obama-speaks-about-aca-glitches.html | 2016-03-02 | 0right
| President Obama Speaks About ACA 'Glitches'
<p />
<p>President Barack Obama spoke to the nation Monday from the White House, addressing glitches with the Affordable Care Act's registration process since its rollout more than two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>Obama acknowledged concerns from many Americans about the issues involved in registering for health insurance via the Affordable Care Act's website, healthcare.gov. The president said his team is doing "everything we can possibly do to get the websites functioning faster," and said there's no excuse for the problems users have experienced.</p>
<p>"Everybody who wants insurance through the marketplace will get insurance. Period," the president said.</p>
<p>From the beginning, those wanting to sign-up for insurance via the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace experienced a host of problems including even just accessing the site&#160; and even fewer people were actually able to register for a policy they wanted on the first few days the site was live.</p>
<p>In addition, some of those who were able to successfully logon, create an account, and select a policy also ran into glitches that caused them to sign up for more than one insurance plan, or send incomplete data to insurance companies from the new enrollees, according to several reports.</p>
<p>Because of the unsuccessful rollout of the ACA’s registration site, the Obama administration has been heavily criticized for not testing the operation more adequately before it was made available to the American public. The ACA was also under the intense spotlight of the recent government shutdown and debt ceiling debate in Washington following the site’s launch. Republicans attempted, unsuccessfully, to include various forms of repeal or alteration into legislation aimed at re-opening the government from its 16-day shutdown, and raise the nation’s debt limit.</p>
<p>Despite repeated attempts by the GOP, the president’s signature health-care law remains in-tact, and the president set out Monday to defend it.</p>
<p>Though an ardent defender of the law, President Obama expressed frustration with the enrollment process, empathizing with Americans attempting to enroll, saying "no one is madder than me" that the site isn't functioning as it should, "which means it's going to get fixed."</p>
<p>Glitches aside, the president said the law exceeded expectations thanks to lower prices than expected and more choices for those enrolling – and contended even those who have already enrolled are “thrilled,” and that the essence of the law is working just fine, it’s the technical details that just need work.</p>
<p>“We did not wage long, contentious battle just around website. Waged battle to make sure millions of Americans have same chance to get same security as everybody else. That is what this is about. ACA has done that,” the president said.</p>
<p>Still, even supporters of the president's signature health-care law are pointing out that the president is not answering basic questions, such as: What is actually wrong with the website, what is being done to fix it, and when will it be fixed?</p>
<p>Advertisement</p> | 82 |
<p />
<p>Image source: Facebookbrand.com.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>It looks like Facebook is about to become a much bigger player in the news arena. After one not-so-successful attempt at cajoling publishers to post their news stories directly to the social network, the company hasreportedly tweaked its offering enough to appease bigger publishers testing out the updated Instant Articles platform. And now it has plans to extend its reach into news much further, bringing aboard other online news publishers and bloggers starting this spring, when it will open Instant Articles to all publishers.</p>
<p>The latest move has the chance to help Facebook in two ways:</p>
<p>Facebook has been trying to get its Instant Articles platform off the ground since last May. Its initial rollout with some publishers last year, however, didn't go over very well. Those who tested out the platform found that it wasn't delivering the kind of ad revenue that would make it advantageous for them to publish articles directly to the social network rather than publish to their own sites and use social to guide readers to the content.</p>
<p>Round 2 has gone better Facebook took a step back later last year and made changes in hopes of easing some of the news publishers' concerns. It now offers the publishers 70% of the revenue generated on the Facebook-procured ads on their Instant Articles and 100% of the revenue of any ads they procure themselves.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Image source: instantarticles.fb.com.</p>
<p>It also loosened up restrictions on how many ads the publishers could place on each article page. Facebook, understandably worried about diminishing its users' experience, had initially set ad limits that publishers testing the pages found too restrictive to make the type of money necessary to consider staying on board.</p>
<p>Those changes were apparently enough to satisfy some very popular publishers. Several <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/facebooks-instant-articles-advertising-fixes-win-over-publishers-1455218551" type="external">spoke recently to The Wall Street Journal Opens a New Window.</a>, including Business Insider, Vox, and Mic, all major players in online news with varied audiences. Each had good things to say about their ability to generate revenue through the platform, and through the use of the ads procured through the Facebook Audience Network.</p>
<p>Bringing Instant Articles to smaller publishersSoon after that WSJ report, Facebook announced plans to extend Instant Articles to all Web publishers. The company is no doubt comfortable with what it heard back after the tweaks and is ready for a major expansion to the platform, which is expected to come sometime after the F8 Facebook Developer Conference in April.</p>
<p>The move to post content through Instant Articles will not be not an easy one for many news publishers. It has the potential to offer a healthy source of digital ad revenue, which can be frustratingly elusive for companies that don't deal in the type of big data that Facebook and Alphabet do. It also offers the potential of a much greater reach, with the ability to share content with friends an important component in delivery.</p>
<p>But publishers have to reckon with a downside, too. Publishing directly to Facebook's platform has the potential to further commoditize the news content they deal in, siphoning off even more of their brands' strength over time.</p>
<p>On top of that, it creates the potential for the publications to become increasingly more reliant on Facebook for their digital traffic -- and digital ad revenue. That's not a problem as long as the rules are working in their favor, but if Facebook were to change these rules, the publishers could be in a much weaker bargaining position than they were when they demanded better terms from Facebook last year.</p>
<p>Maybe not a "win-win," but it could be mutually beneficialBut it's not as if they were in a strong position to start with, either. Generating digital ad revenue has been difficult for many publishers. If Facebook's platform offers them the ability to generate as much or more revenue than they can from the same story on their own site, we should expect them to continue publishing directly to Facebook.</p>
<p>For that reason, it made good sense for Facebook to have sweetened the pot enough to get them to stick around. While it's sharing a bigger portion of its ad revenue now, the long-term gains would seem to go to the social network.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/09/good-news-in-facebooks-drive-to-win-over-publisher.aspx" type="external">Good News in Facebook's Drive to Win Over Publishers Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/jekoslosky/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">John-Erik Koslosky Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of GOOGL. and FB. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet GOOG, GOOGL, and FB. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | Good News in Facebook's Drive to Win Over Publishers | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/03/09/good-news-in-facebook-drive-to-win-over-publishers.html | 2016-03-28 | 0right
| Good News in Facebook's Drive to Win Over Publishers
<p />
<p>Image source: Facebookbrand.com.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>It looks like Facebook is about to become a much bigger player in the news arena. After one not-so-successful attempt at cajoling publishers to post their news stories directly to the social network, the company hasreportedly tweaked its offering enough to appease bigger publishers testing out the updated Instant Articles platform. And now it has plans to extend its reach into news much further, bringing aboard other online news publishers and bloggers starting this spring, when it will open Instant Articles to all publishers.</p>
<p>The latest move has the chance to help Facebook in two ways:</p>
<p>Facebook has been trying to get its Instant Articles platform off the ground since last May. Its initial rollout with some publishers last year, however, didn't go over very well. Those who tested out the platform found that it wasn't delivering the kind of ad revenue that would make it advantageous for them to publish articles directly to the social network rather than publish to their own sites and use social to guide readers to the content.</p>
<p>Round 2 has gone better Facebook took a step back later last year and made changes in hopes of easing some of the news publishers' concerns. It now offers the publishers 70% of the revenue generated on the Facebook-procured ads on their Instant Articles and 100% of the revenue of any ads they procure themselves.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>Image source: instantarticles.fb.com.</p>
<p>It also loosened up restrictions on how many ads the publishers could place on each article page. Facebook, understandably worried about diminishing its users' experience, had initially set ad limits that publishers testing the pages found too restrictive to make the type of money necessary to consider staying on board.</p>
<p>Those changes were apparently enough to satisfy some very popular publishers. Several <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/facebooks-instant-articles-advertising-fixes-win-over-publishers-1455218551" type="external">spoke recently to The Wall Street Journal Opens a New Window.</a>, including Business Insider, Vox, and Mic, all major players in online news with varied audiences. Each had good things to say about their ability to generate revenue through the platform, and through the use of the ads procured through the Facebook Audience Network.</p>
<p>Bringing Instant Articles to smaller publishersSoon after that WSJ report, Facebook announced plans to extend Instant Articles to all Web publishers. The company is no doubt comfortable with what it heard back after the tweaks and is ready for a major expansion to the platform, which is expected to come sometime after the F8 Facebook Developer Conference in April.</p>
<p>The move to post content through Instant Articles will not be not an easy one for many news publishers. It has the potential to offer a healthy source of digital ad revenue, which can be frustratingly elusive for companies that don't deal in the type of big data that Facebook and Alphabet do. It also offers the potential of a much greater reach, with the ability to share content with friends an important component in delivery.</p>
<p>But publishers have to reckon with a downside, too. Publishing directly to Facebook's platform has the potential to further commoditize the news content they deal in, siphoning off even more of their brands' strength over time.</p>
<p>On top of that, it creates the potential for the publications to become increasingly more reliant on Facebook for their digital traffic -- and digital ad revenue. That's not a problem as long as the rules are working in their favor, but if Facebook were to change these rules, the publishers could be in a much weaker bargaining position than they were when they demanded better terms from Facebook last year.</p>
<p>Maybe not a "win-win," but it could be mutually beneficialBut it's not as if they were in a strong position to start with, either. Generating digital ad revenue has been difficult for many publishers. If Facebook's platform offers them the ability to generate as much or more revenue than they can from the same story on their own site, we should expect them to continue publishing directly to Facebook.</p>
<p>For that reason, it made good sense for Facebook to have sweetened the pot enough to get them to stick around. While it's sharing a bigger portion of its ad revenue now, the long-term gains would seem to go to the social network.</p>
<p>The article <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/03/09/good-news-in-facebooks-drive-to-win-over-publisher.aspx" type="external">Good News in Facebook's Drive to Win Over Publishers Opens a New Window.</a> originally appeared on Fool.com.</p>
<p>Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. <a href="http://my.fool.com/profile/jekoslosky/info.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">John-Erik Koslosky Opens a New Window.</a> owns shares of GOOGL. and FB. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet GOOG, GOOGL, and FB. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services <a href="http://www.fool.com/shop/newsletters/index.aspx?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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://wiki.fool.com/Motley?source=eptfxblnk0000004" 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?source=eptfxblnk0000004" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a <a href="http://www.fool.com/help/index.htm?display=about02" type="external">disclosure policy Opens a New Window.</a>.</p> | 83 |
<p>In video captured outside a rally in Henagar, Alabama on Monday night, a campaign staffer for embattled Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore appears to lose his cool on a cameraman, grabbing has camera and creating a brief scuffle before the two men are separated.</p>
<p>Alabama-based reporter Connor Sheets posted the raw footage of the incident on Twitter. "Man wearing Roy Moore sticker physically attacked a cameraman attempting to film Moore's arrival outside campaign rally a few minutes ago here in Henagar, Alabama," Sheets <a href="https://twitter.com/i/web/status/935303103175450625" type="external">explained</a> in the caption. "Another man w/ Moore sticker verbally assaulted a second cameraman."</p>
<p>Connor later <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnorASheets/status/935308755956363264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fthehill.com%2Fhomenews%2Fcampaign%2F362061-moore-supporter-physically-confronts-cameraman-outside-campaign-rally" type="external">confirmed</a> that the staffer who physically confronted the cameraman was Tony Goolsby, the coordinator for Moore's DeKalb County team, who had organized the event Monday. Below is the footage (h/t <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/362061-moore-supporter-physically-confronts-cameraman-outside-campaign-rally" type="external">The Hill</a>):</p>
<p>Moore's campaign has been in a state of crisis since The Washington Post published a bombshell report containing allegations from four women who claim that Moore pursued them sexually or romantically when they were teenagers and he was in his early 30s.</p>
<p>One of the accusers says she was only 14-years-old when he pursued her and initiated sexual contact ( <a href="" type="internal">watch her first interview after the story broke here</a>). Another woman has since come forward alleging that Moore forced himself on her <a href="" type="internal">when she was 16</a>.</p>
<p>Moore has consistently denied all of the allegations.</p>
<p>Many Republicans have called for Moore to step aside while President Trump has sent mixed signals, most recently making clear that <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-moore/alabama-senate-candidate-moore-calls-allegations-dirty-politics-idUSKBN1DR22P" type="external">he will not campaign for Moore</a> but saying the people of Alabama should be allowed to decide whom they elect.</p> | WATCH: Roy Moore Staffer 'Physically Attacks' Cameraman | true | https://dailywire.com/news/24026/watch-roy-moore-staffer-physically-attacks-james-barrett | 2017-11-28 | 0right
| WATCH: Roy Moore Staffer 'Physically Attacks' Cameraman
<p>In video captured outside a rally in Henagar, Alabama on Monday night, a campaign staffer for embattled Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore appears to lose his cool on a cameraman, grabbing has camera and creating a brief scuffle before the two men are separated.</p>
<p>Alabama-based reporter Connor Sheets posted the raw footage of the incident on Twitter. "Man wearing Roy Moore sticker physically attacked a cameraman attempting to film Moore's arrival outside campaign rally a few minutes ago here in Henagar, Alabama," Sheets <a href="https://twitter.com/i/web/status/935303103175450625" type="external">explained</a> in the caption. "Another man w/ Moore sticker verbally assaulted a second cameraman."</p>
<p>Connor later <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnorASheets/status/935308755956363264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fthehill.com%2Fhomenews%2Fcampaign%2F362061-moore-supporter-physically-confronts-cameraman-outside-campaign-rally" type="external">confirmed</a> that the staffer who physically confronted the cameraman was Tony Goolsby, the coordinator for Moore's DeKalb County team, who had organized the event Monday. Below is the footage (h/t <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/362061-moore-supporter-physically-confronts-cameraman-outside-campaign-rally" type="external">The Hill</a>):</p>
<p>Moore's campaign has been in a state of crisis since The Washington Post published a bombshell report containing allegations from four women who claim that Moore pursued them sexually or romantically when they were teenagers and he was in his early 30s.</p>
<p>One of the accusers says she was only 14-years-old when he pursued her and initiated sexual contact ( <a href="" type="internal">watch her first interview after the story broke here</a>). Another woman has since come forward alleging that Moore forced himself on her <a href="" type="internal">when she was 16</a>.</p>
<p>Moore has consistently denied all of the allegations.</p>
<p>Many Republicans have called for Moore to step aside while President Trump has sent mixed signals, most recently making clear that <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-moore/alabama-senate-candidate-moore-calls-allegations-dirty-politics-idUSKBN1DR22P" type="external">he will not campaign for Moore</a> but saying the people of Alabama should be allowed to decide whom they elect.</p> | 84 |
<p>On Wednesday morning, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told Clinton-enthusiast and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108515/" type="external">The War Room</a> star George Stephanopoulos of ABC News that if she won the <a href="http://www.powerball.com/" type="external">Powerball</a> jackpot—currently up to $1.5 billion—she would use the money to “fund her campaign.”</p>
<p>“Before we go, did you buy a Powerball ticket?” asked Stephanopoulos.</p>
<p>“I did, I did!” she responded to the “hardhitting” question.</p>
<p>Stephanopoulos followed up: “And if you win?”</p>
<p>“Well, fund my campaign!” she answered like a true power-hungry, entrenched politician followed by one of her most evil Hillary-styled cackles to date.</p>
<p>What would Hillary Clinton do if she won $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot? “Fund my campaign.” <a href="https://t.co/bCXcqlvhCp" type="external">https://t.co/bCXcqlvhCp</a> <a href="https://t.co/HtZZFrmHih" type="external">https://t.co/HtZZFrmHih</a></p>
<p>Hillary, as usual, didn’t exactly come off as the most “likeable” person with this answer, although she actually did seem sincere.</p>
<p>Here are some of the top reactions via Twitter:</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> Didn't she already win the jackpot? <a href="https://t.co/rZZWNjeQzX" type="external">pic.twitter.com/rZZWNjeQzX</a></p>
<p>But I thought the Clinton Foundation was totally above-board?</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> What a disgusting answer from a multi millionaire who wants to lead our country. "I would buy more power!"</p>
<p>There is nothing Hillary craves more.</p>
<p>"bail money." <a href="https://t.co/AZ2BK6WE98" type="external">https://t.co/AZ2BK6WE98</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a></p>
<p>That's actually a really good suggestion.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> "Hey! She's just like me!" Said nobody with half a brain.</p>
<p>"Danger Zone" highlights how out-of-touch the entrenched politician really is with this one.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> dang i was hoping shed say she would disappear on a long vacation (in hell)</p>
<p>No comment.</p> | What Would Hillary Do If She Won Powerball? Here’s Her Stupid Answer. | true | https://dailywire.com/news/2580/what-would-hillary-do-if-she-won-powerball-heres-amanda-prestigiacomo | 2016-01-13 | 0right
| What Would Hillary Do If She Won Powerball? Here’s Her Stupid Answer.
<p>On Wednesday morning, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton told Clinton-enthusiast and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108515/" type="external">The War Room</a> star George Stephanopoulos of ABC News that if she won the <a href="http://www.powerball.com/" type="external">Powerball</a> jackpot—currently up to $1.5 billion—she would use the money to “fund her campaign.”</p>
<p>“Before we go, did you buy a Powerball ticket?” asked Stephanopoulos.</p>
<p>“I did, I did!” she responded to the “hardhitting” question.</p>
<p>Stephanopoulos followed up: “And if you win?”</p>
<p>“Well, fund my campaign!” she answered like a true power-hungry, entrenched politician followed by one of her most evil Hillary-styled cackles to date.</p>
<p>What would Hillary Clinton do if she won $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot? “Fund my campaign.” <a href="https://t.co/bCXcqlvhCp" type="external">https://t.co/bCXcqlvhCp</a> <a href="https://t.co/HtZZFrmHih" type="external">https://t.co/HtZZFrmHih</a></p>
<p>Hillary, as usual, didn’t exactly come off as the most “likeable” person with this answer, although she actually did seem sincere.</p>
<p>Here are some of the top reactions via Twitter:</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> Didn't she already win the jackpot? <a href="https://t.co/rZZWNjeQzX" type="external">pic.twitter.com/rZZWNjeQzX</a></p>
<p>But I thought the Clinton Foundation was totally above-board?</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> What a disgusting answer from a multi millionaire who wants to lead our country. "I would buy more power!"</p>
<p>There is nothing Hillary craves more.</p>
<p>"bail money." <a href="https://t.co/AZ2BK6WE98" type="external">https://t.co/AZ2BK6WE98</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a></p>
<p>That's actually a really good suggestion.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> "Hey! She's just like me!" Said nobody with half a brain.</p>
<p>"Danger Zone" highlights how out-of-touch the entrenched politician really is with this one.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ABC" type="external">@ABC</a> dang i was hoping shed say she would disappear on a long vacation (in hell)</p>
<p>No comment.</p> | 85 |
<p>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Out of the way, Canada. Brady Tkachuk and the Americans are just fine when it comes to handling snow and ice.</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Kieffer Bellows found plenty enough traction on a snow-covered rink to score shootout goals and cap the United States' 4-3 victory over Canada on Friday in international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p>
<p>Much like they did the similar two times against Canada at the world junior hockey championship, the defending gold-medal-winning Americans overcame a two-goal deficit by scoring twice in a span of 34 seconds in the third period.</p>
<p>"It just made it better with the snow coming down and the fans' excitement. You could definitely feel it," Tkachuk said of a game played with snow persistently falling from the opening faceoff. "We knew we were taking it to them in the second and third period and Coach was saying, if one goes in, two go in."</p>
<p>A snowball effect, perhaps. And it happened in front of a world junior tournament record crowd of 44,592 — some going shirtless in celebrating the bitter elements — at the NFL Buffalo Bills' home, New Era Field.</p>
<p>The Americans (1-1-1) showed resolve in not only beating their cross-border rivals, but overcoming the disappointment of a 3-2 loss to Slovakia on Thursday.</p>
<p>"That talks a lot about our group and the locker room and how close we are as a family," Bellows said. "There was never a doubt in the whole entire locker room or on the bench at any point."</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Ron Perunovich scored in the third period, while Casey Mittlestadt had three assists to take over the tournament lead with six points (two goals, four assists). Bellows scored his tournament leading fourth goal, and goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 19 shots through overtime and all four he faced in the shootout.</p>
<p>Boris Katchouk, Cale Makar and Dillon Dube scored for Canada (2-0-1), which has lost four straight meeting to the Americans. It was a familiar and disappointing result for goalie Carter Hart, who was also lost the championship game to the U.S. in January.</p>
<p>"Last year doesn't matter at all," said Hart, who stopped 32 shots through overtime Friday. "Tomorrow, we get the chance to finish in first place, so that's what on our mind's now."</p>
<p>By earning a point for the shootout loss, Canada still has the edge in the Group A standings in being two points ahead of the Americans. The Canadians can clinch top spot with a win in their preliminary round finale against Denmark (0-3) on Saturday.</p>
<p>In the only other tournament game, St. Louis Blues draft pick Klim Kostin scored twice in leading Russia (2-1) to a 5-2 win over Belarus (0-3). Russia clinched a Group B berth in the quarterfinal round Tuesday. Belarus closes the preliminary round against the Czech Republic on Saturday and is in jeopardy of finishing last in five-team Group B standings.</p>
<p>Bellows scored on the Americans' first shootout chance by snapping a shot through Hart's legs. Then Tkachuk scored by firing a shot in the top right corner.</p>
<p>Down 3-1, Perunovich cut the lead to 3-2 from the slot by capping a give-and-go passing play with Mittelstadt with 13:51 left. Mittlestadt, the Buffalo Sabres' first-round pick, then set up Tkachuk in front for the tying goal by gathering a loose puck behind the net after Canadian defenseman Kale Clague lost his stick.</p>
<p>The Americans drew upon last year's win over Canada, in which they trailed 4-2.</p>
<p>"Just believing you're never out of the game. We had a lot of hockey left to be played," U.S. defenseman Adam Fox said. "Last year, it was a very similar thing. Some guys who are returning had that experience to tell guys this year that, 'You know, we're not down and out.'"</p>
<p>It was a familiar feeling of disappointment for Canada.</p>
<p>"Yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow once again losing to the Americans in the shootout," forward Michael McLeod said. "The only good thing is that this is round robin."</p>
<p>The crowd on Friday appeared evenly split with American and Canadian fans, many of whom spent much of the game standing. As night fell, a red glow emanated from the middle section of the stadium, where rows of heaters hang above the seats.</p>
<p>Flurries began falling during the pre-game national anthems, and the snow fell harder as the game progressed. It began falling so heavily that the surface had to be shoveled at each commercial break starting late in the second period. Work crews filled several wheelbarrows full of snow, which were dumped onto a pile that grew to about seven feet behind the east end of the rink.</p>
<p>Oettinger had an opportunity to take time to enjoy the atmosphere.</p>
<p>"Yeah, I did see the shirtless guy on the Jumbotron. Yeah, I took a look a couple of times," Oettinger said with a smile. "A really fun win, but now we've got to put it behind us."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Eds: This story has been corrected to show this was international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p>
<p>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Out of the way, Canada. Brady Tkachuk and the Americans are just fine when it comes to handling snow and ice.</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Kieffer Bellows found plenty enough traction on a snow-covered rink to score shootout goals and cap the United States' 4-3 victory over Canada on Friday in international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p>
<p>Much like they did the similar two times against Canada at the world junior hockey championship, the defending gold-medal-winning Americans overcame a two-goal deficit by scoring twice in a span of 34 seconds in the third period.</p>
<p>"It just made it better with the snow coming down and the fans' excitement. You could definitely feel it," Tkachuk said of a game played with snow persistently falling from the opening faceoff. "We knew we were taking it to them in the second and third period and Coach was saying, if one goes in, two go in."</p>
<p>A snowball effect, perhaps. And it happened in front of a world junior tournament record crowd of 44,592 — some going shirtless in celebrating the bitter elements — at the NFL Buffalo Bills' home, New Era Field.</p>
<p>The Americans (1-1-1) showed resolve in not only beating their cross-border rivals, but overcoming the disappointment of a 3-2 loss to Slovakia on Thursday.</p>
<p>"That talks a lot about our group and the locker room and how close we are as a family," Bellows said. "There was never a doubt in the whole entire locker room or on the bench at any point."</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Ron Perunovich scored in the third period, while Casey Mittlestadt had three assists to take over the tournament lead with six points (two goals, four assists). Bellows scored his tournament leading fourth goal, and goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 19 shots through overtime and all four he faced in the shootout.</p>
<p>Boris Katchouk, Cale Makar and Dillon Dube scored for Canada (2-0-1), which has lost four straight meeting to the Americans. It was a familiar and disappointing result for goalie Carter Hart, who was also lost the championship game to the U.S. in January.</p>
<p>"Last year doesn't matter at all," said Hart, who stopped 32 shots through overtime Friday. "Tomorrow, we get the chance to finish in first place, so that's what on our mind's now."</p>
<p>By earning a point for the shootout loss, Canada still has the edge in the Group A standings in being two points ahead of the Americans. The Canadians can clinch top spot with a win in their preliminary round finale against Denmark (0-3) on Saturday.</p>
<p>In the only other tournament game, St. Louis Blues draft pick Klim Kostin scored twice in leading Russia (2-1) to a 5-2 win over Belarus (0-3). Russia clinched a Group B berth in the quarterfinal round Tuesday. Belarus closes the preliminary round against the Czech Republic on Saturday and is in jeopardy of finishing last in five-team Group B standings.</p>
<p>Bellows scored on the Americans' first shootout chance by snapping a shot through Hart's legs. Then Tkachuk scored by firing a shot in the top right corner.</p>
<p>Down 3-1, Perunovich cut the lead to 3-2 from the slot by capping a give-and-go passing play with Mittelstadt with 13:51 left. Mittlestadt, the Buffalo Sabres' first-round pick, then set up Tkachuk in front for the tying goal by gathering a loose puck behind the net after Canadian defenseman Kale Clague lost his stick.</p>
<p>The Americans drew upon last year's win over Canada, in which they trailed 4-2.</p>
<p>"Just believing you're never out of the game. We had a lot of hockey left to be played," U.S. defenseman Adam Fox said. "Last year, it was a very similar thing. Some guys who are returning had that experience to tell guys this year that, 'You know, we're not down and out.'"</p>
<p>It was a familiar feeling of disappointment for Canada.</p>
<p>"Yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow once again losing to the Americans in the shootout," forward Michael McLeod said. "The only good thing is that this is round robin."</p>
<p>The crowd on Friday appeared evenly split with American and Canadian fans, many of whom spent much of the game standing. As night fell, a red glow emanated from the middle section of the stadium, where rows of heaters hang above the seats.</p>
<p>Flurries began falling during the pre-game national anthems, and the snow fell harder as the game progressed. It began falling so heavily that the surface had to be shoveled at each commercial break starting late in the second period. Work crews filled several wheelbarrows full of snow, which were dumped onto a pile that grew to about seven feet behind the east end of the rink.</p>
<p>Oettinger had an opportunity to take time to enjoy the atmosphere.</p>
<p>"Yeah, I did see the shirtless guy on the Jumbotron. Yeah, I took a look a couple of times," Oettinger said with a smile. "A really fun win, but now we've got to put it behind us."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Eds: This story has been corrected to show this was international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p> | US rallies to 4-3 shootout win over Canada in outdoor game | false | https://apnews.com/amp/0cc5be91591d4cfaa850e50ff0ec2e31 | 2017-12-30 | 2least
| US rallies to 4-3 shootout win over Canada in outdoor game
<p>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Out of the way, Canada. Brady Tkachuk and the Americans are just fine when it comes to handling snow and ice.</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Kieffer Bellows found plenty enough traction on a snow-covered rink to score shootout goals and cap the United States' 4-3 victory over Canada on Friday in international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p>
<p>Much like they did the similar two times against Canada at the world junior hockey championship, the defending gold-medal-winning Americans overcame a two-goal deficit by scoring twice in a span of 34 seconds in the third period.</p>
<p>"It just made it better with the snow coming down and the fans' excitement. You could definitely feel it," Tkachuk said of a game played with snow persistently falling from the opening faceoff. "We knew we were taking it to them in the second and third period and Coach was saying, if one goes in, two go in."</p>
<p>A snowball effect, perhaps. And it happened in front of a world junior tournament record crowd of 44,592 — some going shirtless in celebrating the bitter elements — at the NFL Buffalo Bills' home, New Era Field.</p>
<p>The Americans (1-1-1) showed resolve in not only beating their cross-border rivals, but overcoming the disappointment of a 3-2 loss to Slovakia on Thursday.</p>
<p>"That talks a lot about our group and the locker room and how close we are as a family," Bellows said. "There was never a doubt in the whole entire locker room or on the bench at any point."</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Ron Perunovich scored in the third period, while Casey Mittlestadt had three assists to take over the tournament lead with six points (two goals, four assists). Bellows scored his tournament leading fourth goal, and goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 19 shots through overtime and all four he faced in the shootout.</p>
<p>Boris Katchouk, Cale Makar and Dillon Dube scored for Canada (2-0-1), which has lost four straight meeting to the Americans. It was a familiar and disappointing result for goalie Carter Hart, who was also lost the championship game to the U.S. in January.</p>
<p>"Last year doesn't matter at all," said Hart, who stopped 32 shots through overtime Friday. "Tomorrow, we get the chance to finish in first place, so that's what on our mind's now."</p>
<p>By earning a point for the shootout loss, Canada still has the edge in the Group A standings in being two points ahead of the Americans. The Canadians can clinch top spot with a win in their preliminary round finale against Denmark (0-3) on Saturday.</p>
<p>In the only other tournament game, St. Louis Blues draft pick Klim Kostin scored twice in leading Russia (2-1) to a 5-2 win over Belarus (0-3). Russia clinched a Group B berth in the quarterfinal round Tuesday. Belarus closes the preliminary round against the Czech Republic on Saturday and is in jeopardy of finishing last in five-team Group B standings.</p>
<p>Bellows scored on the Americans' first shootout chance by snapping a shot through Hart's legs. Then Tkachuk scored by firing a shot in the top right corner.</p>
<p>Down 3-1, Perunovich cut the lead to 3-2 from the slot by capping a give-and-go passing play with Mittelstadt with 13:51 left. Mittlestadt, the Buffalo Sabres' first-round pick, then set up Tkachuk in front for the tying goal by gathering a loose puck behind the net after Canadian defenseman Kale Clague lost his stick.</p>
<p>The Americans drew upon last year's win over Canada, in which they trailed 4-2.</p>
<p>"Just believing you're never out of the game. We had a lot of hockey left to be played," U.S. defenseman Adam Fox said. "Last year, it was a very similar thing. Some guys who are returning had that experience to tell guys this year that, 'You know, we're not down and out.'"</p>
<p>It was a familiar feeling of disappointment for Canada.</p>
<p>"Yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow once again losing to the Americans in the shootout," forward Michael McLeod said. "The only good thing is that this is round robin."</p>
<p>The crowd on Friday appeared evenly split with American and Canadian fans, many of whom spent much of the game standing. As night fell, a red glow emanated from the middle section of the stadium, where rows of heaters hang above the seats.</p>
<p>Flurries began falling during the pre-game national anthems, and the snow fell harder as the game progressed. It began falling so heavily that the surface had to be shoveled at each commercial break starting late in the second period. Work crews filled several wheelbarrows full of snow, which were dumped onto a pile that grew to about seven feet behind the east end of the rink.</p>
<p>Oettinger had an opportunity to take time to enjoy the atmosphere.</p>
<p>"Yeah, I did see the shirtless guy on the Jumbotron. Yeah, I took a look a couple of times," Oettinger said with a smile. "A really fun win, but now we've got to put it behind us."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Eds: This story has been corrected to show this was international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p>
<p>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Out of the way, Canada. Brady Tkachuk and the Americans are just fine when it comes to handling snow and ice.</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Kieffer Bellows found plenty enough traction on a snow-covered rink to score shootout goals and cap the United States' 4-3 victory over Canada on Friday in international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p>
<p>Much like they did the similar two times against Canada at the world junior hockey championship, the defending gold-medal-winning Americans overcame a two-goal deficit by scoring twice in a span of 34 seconds in the third period.</p>
<p>"It just made it better with the snow coming down and the fans' excitement. You could definitely feel it," Tkachuk said of a game played with snow persistently falling from the opening faceoff. "We knew we were taking it to them in the second and third period and Coach was saying, if one goes in, two go in."</p>
<p>A snowball effect, perhaps. And it happened in front of a world junior tournament record crowd of 44,592 — some going shirtless in celebrating the bitter elements — at the NFL Buffalo Bills' home, New Era Field.</p>
<p>The Americans (1-1-1) showed resolve in not only beating their cross-border rivals, but overcoming the disappointment of a 3-2 loss to Slovakia on Thursday.</p>
<p>"That talks a lot about our group and the locker room and how close we are as a family," Bellows said. "There was never a doubt in the whole entire locker room or on the bench at any point."</p>
<p>Tkachuk and Ron Perunovich scored in the third period, while Casey Mittlestadt had three assists to take over the tournament lead with six points (two goals, four assists). Bellows scored his tournament leading fourth goal, and goalie Jake Oettinger stopped 19 shots through overtime and all four he faced in the shootout.</p>
<p>Boris Katchouk, Cale Makar and Dillon Dube scored for Canada (2-0-1), which has lost four straight meeting to the Americans. It was a familiar and disappointing result for goalie Carter Hart, who was also lost the championship game to the U.S. in January.</p>
<p>"Last year doesn't matter at all," said Hart, who stopped 32 shots through overtime Friday. "Tomorrow, we get the chance to finish in first place, so that's what on our mind's now."</p>
<p>By earning a point for the shootout loss, Canada still has the edge in the Group A standings in being two points ahead of the Americans. The Canadians can clinch top spot with a win in their preliminary round finale against Denmark (0-3) on Saturday.</p>
<p>In the only other tournament game, St. Louis Blues draft pick Klim Kostin scored twice in leading Russia (2-1) to a 5-2 win over Belarus (0-3). Russia clinched a Group B berth in the quarterfinal round Tuesday. Belarus closes the preliminary round against the Czech Republic on Saturday and is in jeopardy of finishing last in five-team Group B standings.</p>
<p>Bellows scored on the Americans' first shootout chance by snapping a shot through Hart's legs. Then Tkachuk scored by firing a shot in the top right corner.</p>
<p>Down 3-1, Perunovich cut the lead to 3-2 from the slot by capping a give-and-go passing play with Mittelstadt with 13:51 left. Mittlestadt, the Buffalo Sabres' first-round pick, then set up Tkachuk in front for the tying goal by gathering a loose puck behind the net after Canadian defenseman Kale Clague lost his stick.</p>
<p>The Americans drew upon last year's win over Canada, in which they trailed 4-2.</p>
<p>"Just believing you're never out of the game. We had a lot of hockey left to be played," U.S. defenseman Adam Fox said. "Last year, it was a very similar thing. Some guys who are returning had that experience to tell guys this year that, 'You know, we're not down and out.'"</p>
<p>It was a familiar feeling of disappointment for Canada.</p>
<p>"Yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow once again losing to the Americans in the shootout," forward Michael McLeod said. "The only good thing is that this is round robin."</p>
<p>The crowd on Friday appeared evenly split with American and Canadian fans, many of whom spent much of the game standing. As night fell, a red glow emanated from the middle section of the stadium, where rows of heaters hang above the seats.</p>
<p>Flurries began falling during the pre-game national anthems, and the snow fell harder as the game progressed. It began falling so heavily that the surface had to be shoveled at each commercial break starting late in the second period. Work crews filled several wheelbarrows full of snow, which were dumped onto a pile that grew to about seven feet behind the east end of the rink.</p>
<p>Oettinger had an opportunity to take time to enjoy the atmosphere.</p>
<p>"Yeah, I did see the shirtless guy on the Jumbotron. Yeah, I took a look a couple of times," Oettinger said with a smile. "A really fun win, but now we've got to put it behind us."</p>
<p>___</p>
<p>Eds: This story has been corrected to show this was international hockey's first outdoor game at a junior world championships.</p> | 86 |
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>When Pojoaque High volleyball coach Brian Ainsworth decided to take the head coaching post for the Storm a couple years ago, after winning titles there in 2006, plus 2009-11, he — of course — brought along his daughter Briana, who’d merely been the two-time “Player of the Year” in Class 3A as the setter for the champion Elkettes.</p>
<p>It’s worked out well for both of them so far: The Storm have been to the last two state championship matches with the Ainsworths.</p>
<p>Briana Ainsworth.</p>
<p>When the Storm won it all in 2012, it was the third championship in a row for Briana.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Here’s the latest in the Observer’s Sunday features spotlighting talented senior student-athletes at both of the city’s high schools:</p>
<p>When did you realize you were good enough to play this game? I realized I was good enough to play this game when I was in eighth grade and got moved up to play varsity. This forced me to mature as a player and set goals for myself. This year was a great start off to my high school season. My team and I won a state title as well as myself getting an award of Player of the Year. Outside of high school, I started receiving college letters and as an eighth-grader, this was pretty awesome. This gave me the desire to work harder to improve in any way I could.</p>
<p>What’s been your most memorable moment on the court? My most memorable moment was my eighth-grade year, after they announced that we were state champions and my dad walked up to me with open arms, crying, and told me that I was awesome and he was proud of me. (And my dad never cries.)</p>
<p>What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Play every game like it’s your last,” because in every sport there’s a chance of getting hurt, and once high school and college is over, there’s a chance you’ll never step foot on the court again. So live in the moment and make a difference when you play.</p>
<p>What will you be doing at this time next year? This time next year I hope to be playing volleyball in college; however, I still have not decided where I want to go. As far as academically, I plan on going into the medical field.</p>
<p>Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Ten years from now I see myself working in the medical field. I would love to live somewhere outside of New Mexico to be able to experience different places.</p>
<p>Who’s your favorite professional athlete? My favorite professional athlete is Misty May- Treanor. I look up to her because even though she’s short she’s so determined to be the best. I’ve been told a lot that I’m too short to play front row at a top college, which makes me work harder to prove people wrong.</p>
<p>Name three people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: I would like to have dinner with Taylor Swift, my grandpa that died, and Misty May Treanor.</p>
<p>Your most embarrassing moment on the court? My most embarrassing moment was club freshman year when I was really frustrated with my team not calling out their sets and I caught the ball in the middle of the play. Everyone looked at me and I was really embarrassed, but it turns out it worked, because my team was really loud from there on out.</p>
<p>Hearing what song makes you prepare or play your best? “Centuries,” by Fall Out Boy.</p>
<p>What’s your advice to the player that takes your place next season? Realize that when you’re a setter, nothing’s ever perfect. Hitters will complain, but don’t get discouraged, because setter is the hardest position on the court. In the blink of an eye the season will be over, so I suggest that everyone play every game like it’s their last, because there will be a day when it’s all over and, hopefully, on that day there will be no regrets!</p> | SENIOR SPOTLIGHT | false | https://abqjournal.com/481953/05-09-21-17.html | 2least
| SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
<p>.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........</p>
<p />
<p>When Pojoaque High volleyball coach Brian Ainsworth decided to take the head coaching post for the Storm a couple years ago, after winning titles there in 2006, plus 2009-11, he — of course — brought along his daughter Briana, who’d merely been the two-time “Player of the Year” in Class 3A as the setter for the champion Elkettes.</p>
<p>It’s worked out well for both of them so far: The Storm have been to the last two state championship matches with the Ainsworths.</p>
<p>Briana Ainsworth.</p>
<p>When the Storm won it all in 2012, it was the third championship in a row for Briana.</p>
<p>ADVERTISEMENT</p>
<p>Here’s the latest in the Observer’s Sunday features spotlighting talented senior student-athletes at both of the city’s high schools:</p>
<p>When did you realize you were good enough to play this game? I realized I was good enough to play this game when I was in eighth grade and got moved up to play varsity. This forced me to mature as a player and set goals for myself. This year was a great start off to my high school season. My team and I won a state title as well as myself getting an award of Player of the Year. Outside of high school, I started receiving college letters and as an eighth-grader, this was pretty awesome. This gave me the desire to work harder to improve in any way I could.</p>
<p>What’s been your most memorable moment on the court? My most memorable moment was my eighth-grade year, after they announced that we were state champions and my dad walked up to me with open arms, crying, and told me that I was awesome and he was proud of me. (And my dad never cries.)</p>
<p>What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Play every game like it’s your last,” because in every sport there’s a chance of getting hurt, and once high school and college is over, there’s a chance you’ll never step foot on the court again. So live in the moment and make a difference when you play.</p>
<p>What will you be doing at this time next year? This time next year I hope to be playing volleyball in college; however, I still have not decided where I want to go. As far as academically, I plan on going into the medical field.</p>
<p>Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Ten years from now I see myself working in the medical field. I would love to live somewhere outside of New Mexico to be able to experience different places.</p>
<p>Who’s your favorite professional athlete? My favorite professional athlete is Misty May- Treanor. I look up to her because even though she’s short she’s so determined to be the best. I’ve been told a lot that I’m too short to play front row at a top college, which makes me work harder to prove people wrong.</p>
<p>Name three people, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with: I would like to have dinner with Taylor Swift, my grandpa that died, and Misty May Treanor.</p>
<p>Your most embarrassing moment on the court? My most embarrassing moment was club freshman year when I was really frustrated with my team not calling out their sets and I caught the ball in the middle of the play. Everyone looked at me and I was really embarrassed, but it turns out it worked, because my team was really loud from there on out.</p>
<p>Hearing what song makes you prepare or play your best? “Centuries,” by Fall Out Boy.</p>
<p>What’s your advice to the player that takes your place next season? Realize that when you’re a setter, nothing’s ever perfect. Hitters will complain, but don’t get discouraged, because setter is the hardest position on the court. In the blink of an eye the season will be over, so I suggest that everyone play every game like it’s their last, because there will be a day when it’s all over and, hopefully, on that day there will be no regrets!</p> | 87 |
|
<p>In a sneak preview of the 2014 campaign, a GOP ad in North Carolina says Rep. Mike McIntyre “voted to spend $1.8 trillion on Obamacare” and “keep Obamacare’s taxes.” Spoiler alert: The ad is misleading. In fact, McIntyre voted twice against the health care bill, and he voted twice for the law’s full repeal in two standalone bills. The ad’s specious claim rests on McIntyre’s recent vote on a non-binding House GOP budget resolution.</p>
<p>The National Republican Congressional Committee posted the 30-second TV spot on its <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=PJLGqUK4dvM" type="external">YouTube site</a> on April 3. It opens by saying the <a href="http://mcintyre.house.gov/index.php/about-mike/biography" type="external">nine-term Democratic congressman</a> has been in Washington too long. It then says, “And we’re paying the price. Instead of voting to balance the budget, he voted to spend $1.8 trillion on Obamacare.”</p>
<p>The NRCC is referring to McIntyre’s March 21 vote on a <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CDMQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gpo.gov%2Ffdsys%2Fpkg%2FBILLS-113hconres25eh%2Fpdf%2FBILLS-113hconres25eh.pdf&amp;ei=apRcUbmaBubp0gHdo4CYCA&amp;usg=AFQjCNHoT-QXUYLsI1hEr5xRfIPMcdPrCA&amp;sig2=GBilYQjb1wFdbD0ufXx-JA&amp;bvm=bv.44697112,d.dmQ" type="external">non-binding resolution</a> that sets budget levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023. It passed <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll088.xml" type="external">221-207</a> without a single Democratic vote. The budget resolution, which was drafted by the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee, is a statement of the party’s budget principles. It calls for a balanced budget in 10 years and the repeal of the federal health care law. Specifically, the budget blueprint says the budget chairman “may revise” the spending levels to account for the “budgetary effects of any bill … that reforms or replaces the Patient Protection and Affordable Care or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”</p>
<p>The fact is nothing in the budget resolution itself would repeal the Affordable Care Act. That would have to happen in a separate repeal bill — which McIntyre has repeatedly supported.</p>
<p>Here are the major votes taken in the House to approve and later repeal the health care law:</p>
<p>In addition to a full repeal of the law, McIntyre voted with Republicans to defund all or part of the health care law.</p>
<p>For example, he was <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll285.xml" type="external">one of five House Democrats</a> on May 3, 2011 to vote for legislation that would have barred federal funding for the state health insurance exchanges that will be created in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. He also was <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll097.xml" type="external">one of three House Democrats</a> to vote for an amendment ( <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2011-02-18/pdf/CREC-2011-02-18-pt1-PgH1202-6.pdf#page=1" type="external">No. 575</a>) to an appropriations bill that would have prohibited the use of federal funds for “any employee, officer, contractor, or grantee of any department or agency” previously funded by the health care law.</p>
<p>The ad also says “McIntyre voted to keep Obamacare’s taxes” — another reference to his vote on the non-binding resolution. That, too, is misleading. McIntyre voted not only to repeal the entire law and to defund it, but he also <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.r.1370:" type="external">cosponsored a bill</a> in 2011 to repeal the annual fees imposed on health care providers by the new law. And he <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll359.xml" type="external">voted in 2012 to repeal the medical device tax</a> contained in the law.</p>
<p>We should point out, too, that although the ad criticizes the congressman for not “voting to balance the budget,” McIntyre in 2011 <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.j.res.00002:" type="external">cosponsored</a> and <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll858.xml" type="external">voted for</a> a balanced budget amendment – which was a goal of the budget resolution.</p>
<p>— Eugene Kiely</p> | NRCC’s Sneak Preview of 2014 | false | https://factcheck.org/2013/04/nrccs-sneak-preview-of-2014/ | 2013-04-04 | 2least
| NRCC’s Sneak Preview of 2014
<p>In a sneak preview of the 2014 campaign, a GOP ad in North Carolina says Rep. Mike McIntyre “voted to spend $1.8 trillion on Obamacare” and “keep Obamacare’s taxes.” Spoiler alert: The ad is misleading. In fact, McIntyre voted twice against the health care bill, and he voted twice for the law’s full repeal in two standalone bills. The ad’s specious claim rests on McIntyre’s recent vote on a non-binding House GOP budget resolution.</p>
<p>The National Republican Congressional Committee posted the 30-second TV spot on its <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=PJLGqUK4dvM" type="external">YouTube site</a> on April 3. It opens by saying the <a href="http://mcintyre.house.gov/index.php/about-mike/biography" type="external">nine-term Democratic congressman</a> has been in Washington too long. It then says, “And we’re paying the price. Instead of voting to balance the budget, he voted to spend $1.8 trillion on Obamacare.”</p>
<p>The NRCC is referring to McIntyre’s March 21 vote on a <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CDMQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gpo.gov%2Ffdsys%2Fpkg%2FBILLS-113hconres25eh%2Fpdf%2FBILLS-113hconres25eh.pdf&amp;ei=apRcUbmaBubp0gHdo4CYCA&amp;usg=AFQjCNHoT-QXUYLsI1hEr5xRfIPMcdPrCA&amp;sig2=GBilYQjb1wFdbD0ufXx-JA&amp;bvm=bv.44697112,d.dmQ" type="external">non-binding resolution</a> that sets budget levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023. It passed <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll088.xml" type="external">221-207</a> without a single Democratic vote. The budget resolution, which was drafted by the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee, is a statement of the party’s budget principles. It calls for a balanced budget in 10 years and the repeal of the federal health care law. Specifically, the budget blueprint says the budget chairman “may revise” the spending levels to account for the “budgetary effects of any bill … that reforms or replaces the Patient Protection and Affordable Care or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.”</p>
<p>The fact is nothing in the budget resolution itself would repeal the Affordable Care Act. That would have to happen in a separate repeal bill — which McIntyre has repeatedly supported.</p>
<p>Here are the major votes taken in the House to approve and later repeal the health care law:</p>
<p>In addition to a full repeal of the law, McIntyre voted with Republicans to defund all or part of the health care law.</p>
<p>For example, he was <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll285.xml" type="external">one of five House Democrats</a> on May 3, 2011 to vote for legislation that would have barred federal funding for the state health insurance exchanges that will be created in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. He also was <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll097.xml" type="external">one of three House Democrats</a> to vote for an amendment ( <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2011-02-18/pdf/CREC-2011-02-18-pt1-PgH1202-6.pdf#page=1" type="external">No. 575</a>) to an appropriations bill that would have prohibited the use of federal funds for “any employee, officer, contractor, or grantee of any department or agency” previously funded by the health care law.</p>
<p>The ad also says “McIntyre voted to keep Obamacare’s taxes” — another reference to his vote on the non-binding resolution. That, too, is misleading. McIntyre voted not only to repeal the entire law and to defund it, but he also <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.r.1370:" type="external">cosponsored a bill</a> in 2011 to repeal the annual fees imposed on health care providers by the new law. And he <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll359.xml" type="external">voted in 2012 to repeal the medical device tax</a> contained in the law.</p>
<p>We should point out, too, that although the ad criticizes the congressman for not “voting to balance the budget,” McIntyre in 2011 <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.j.res.00002:" type="external">cosponsored</a> and <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll858.xml" type="external">voted for</a> a balanced budget amendment – which was a goal of the budget resolution.</p>
<p>— Eugene Kiely</p> | 88 |
<p>Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) &lt;a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/talkradionews/2510926965/sizes/l/in/photostream/"&gt;TalkRadioNews&lt;/a&gt;/Flickr</p>
<p />
<p>Centrism and bipartisan consensus often are unduly worshiped by Washington’s punditeers, who are ever bemoaning the decline of across-the-aisle dialogue and compromise. Frequently, these calls for cooperation are escape routes for those who prefer to transcend real and important political and policy divides and who yearn to position themselves above the critical but down-and-dirty squabbles that shape this country’s future. Yet there are times when the pursuit of a common purpose uniting Democrats and Republicans is necessary to advance important policy aims and to demonstrate to the citizenry that the nation’s capital can function and serve the public interest. And in an era of increasing political rancor, Washington’s ability to rise to this task is now diminished with the primary defeat of Sen. Dick Lugar, an Indiana Republican.</p>
<p>Lugar was beaten on Tuesday by Richard Mourdock, the tea-party-favored state treasurer. This was not unexpected. Lugar, a <a href="http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Richard_Lugar.htm" type="external">moderate</a> GOPer who had served in the Senate since 1977, was ripe for the defenestration. Tea partiers in recent years had eviscerated other targeted-from-the-right Republican senators, including Bob Bennett of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. (Murkowski was able to retain her seat via an unconventional <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/11/17/murkowski-wins-election-write-candidate-ap-projects/" type="external">write-in campaign</a>.) And Lugar, unlike John McCain (who successfully beat back this sort of challenge in 2010), did little to protect his right flank in the past two years.</p>
<p>Lugar’s defeat will be cited by the hand-wringing DC pooh-bahs as another sign of hopelessness. But the loss of Lugar—as opposed to, say, the loss of Bennett—will have true policy ramifications, for this Hoosier frequently endeavored to forge bipartisan coalitions to advance national security priorities.</p>
<p>Most notably, as I recounted in my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Showdown-Inside-Fought-Against-Boehner/dp/0062107992" type="external">Showdown: The Inside Story of How Obama Fought Back Against Boehner, Cantor, and the Tea Party</a>, Lugar worked—that is, conspired with—the Obama White House to win ratification of the New START treaty reducing the number of US and Russian nuclear weapons. With leading Senate Republicans opposed to the treaty—mainly, it seemed, because Obama had negotiated it—Lugar, the senior Republican on the Senate foreign relations committee, collaborated with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), the chair of that committee, and Vice President Joe Biden to devise a strategy to circumvent his party’s opposition. This entailed undercutting McCain, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and the GOP’s chief voice on arms control, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).</p>
<p>The yearlong effort to achieve ratification—which was approved on a bipartisan vote as the lame-duck session of 2010 was coming to a close—was a deftly mounted effort. At one point, Kerry, though he controlled the committee, had Lugar introduce the ratification resolution in order to win over a couple of Republican senators so the White House could claim the treaty had bipartisan backing. And Kerry even complained publicly about Lugar’s resolution to make it easier for Lugar to sell it to his GOP comrades. It is hard to envision a Democratic White House cooperating as closely with another Republican senator on such a significant matter.</p>
<p>Lugar—who years earlier had worked in the Senate with Obama to pass <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2008/08/25/28084/rove-obama-lugar/" type="external">legislation</a> to detect and secure loose nukes overseas—was not a pushover for Obama. Prior to Obama’s launching of multilateral strikes on Libya, he told the president he would <a href="http://video.msnbc.msn.com/morning-joe/42207545" type="external">not support this action</a>. He also publicly raised questions about US involvement in Afghanistan, <a href="http://lugar.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=332665" type="external">noting</a> in 2011, “It is exceedingly difficult to conclude that our vast expenditures in Afghanistan represent a rational allocation of our military and financial assets.” But he was the rare Republican lawmaker who preferred to collaborate than clash with the president.</p>
<p>Lugar was an independent—and often reasonable—GOP voice on foreign policy, surviving for decades within a party that often put a premium on extreme and harsh positions. A decade ago, he joined with Joe Biden, then a senator, and fellow Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to try to slow President George W. Bush’s rush to war in Iraq. In response to Bush’s request for legislation authorizing him to attack Iraq at a time of his own choosing, Lugar, Biden, and Hagel pushed an <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=iznyGV9qkjoC&amp;pg=PA127&amp;lpg=PA127&amp;dq=Biden-Lugar-Hagel+bush+war&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=zgWHqPMEIS&amp;sig=lHxGDcXhBg6HC563VpNPUz6WOAg&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=4qSpT72BBaaPigLBupHJCw&amp;ved=0CGcQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&amp;q=Biden-Lugar-Hagel%20bush%20war&amp;f=false" type="external">alternative</a> that would permit Bush to initiate a war only for the purpose of destroying Iraq’s WMD and only after seeking United Nations approval. Absent a UN green light, Bush would have to come back to Congress and demonstrate that the Iraqi weapons threat was so “grave” that only military action could eliminate it. (The Biden-Lugar-Hagel effort ended up being derailed by none other than Rep. Dick Gephardt, the House Democratic leader, who cut a deal with the Bush White House and essentially accepted the resolution Bush was demanding.)</p>
<p>Lugar was a charisma-challenged Republican. His attempt at <a href="http://www.4president.us/websites/1996/lugar1996website.htm" type="external">a presidential campaign</a> in the 1996 cycle was ludicrous. (During his announcement, he stood alone on a rather big stage and looked quite small.) But he was a policy-minded legislator who did the heavy-lifting on issues far from the spotlight and who was not reluctant to put aside partisanship when policy progress was possible. As Washington’s centrism fanciers predictably grieve the electoral demise of another member of that endangered breed, the Republican moderate, this is indeed a genuine loss for those who care about arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, and foreign-policy discussions that are serious and deep, not silly and opportunistic.</p>
<p>UPDATE: On Tuesday night, Obama released this statement: “As a friend and former colleague, I want to express my deep appreciation for Dick Lugar’s distinguished service in the United States Senate. While Dick and I didn’t always agree on everything, I found during my time in the Senate that he was often willing to reach across the aisle and get things done. My administration’s efforts to secure the world’s most dangerous weapons has been based on the work that Senator Lugar began, as well as the bipartisan cooperation we forged during my first overseas trip as Senator to Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan.”</p>
<p /> | Why Washington Needs Dick Lugar | true | https://motherjones.com/politics/2012/05/why-washington-needs-dick-lugar/ | 2012-05-09 | 4left
| Why Washington Needs Dick Lugar
<p>Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) &lt;a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/talkradionews/2510926965/sizes/l/in/photostream/"&gt;TalkRadioNews&lt;/a&gt;/Flickr</p>
<p />
<p>Centrism and bipartisan consensus often are unduly worshiped by Washington’s punditeers, who are ever bemoaning the decline of across-the-aisle dialogue and compromise. Frequently, these calls for cooperation are escape routes for those who prefer to transcend real and important political and policy divides and who yearn to position themselves above the critical but down-and-dirty squabbles that shape this country’s future. Yet there are times when the pursuit of a common purpose uniting Democrats and Republicans is necessary to advance important policy aims and to demonstrate to the citizenry that the nation’s capital can function and serve the public interest. And in an era of increasing political rancor, Washington’s ability to rise to this task is now diminished with the primary defeat of Sen. Dick Lugar, an Indiana Republican.</p>
<p>Lugar was beaten on Tuesday by Richard Mourdock, the tea-party-favored state treasurer. This was not unexpected. Lugar, a <a href="http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Richard_Lugar.htm" type="external">moderate</a> GOPer who had served in the Senate since 1977, was ripe for the defenestration. Tea partiers in recent years had eviscerated other targeted-from-the-right Republican senators, including Bob Bennett of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. (Murkowski was able to retain her seat via an unconventional <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/11/17/murkowski-wins-election-write-candidate-ap-projects/" type="external">write-in campaign</a>.) And Lugar, unlike John McCain (who successfully beat back this sort of challenge in 2010), did little to protect his right flank in the past two years.</p>
<p>Lugar’s defeat will be cited by the hand-wringing DC pooh-bahs as another sign of hopelessness. But the loss of Lugar—as opposed to, say, the loss of Bennett—will have true policy ramifications, for this Hoosier frequently endeavored to forge bipartisan coalitions to advance national security priorities.</p>
<p>Most notably, as I recounted in my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Showdown-Inside-Fought-Against-Boehner/dp/0062107992" type="external">Showdown: The Inside Story of How Obama Fought Back Against Boehner, Cantor, and the Tea Party</a>, Lugar worked—that is, conspired with—the Obama White House to win ratification of the New START treaty reducing the number of US and Russian nuclear weapons. With leading Senate Republicans opposed to the treaty—mainly, it seemed, because Obama had negotiated it—Lugar, the senior Republican on the Senate foreign relations committee, collaborated with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), the chair of that committee, and Vice President Joe Biden to devise a strategy to circumvent his party’s opposition. This entailed undercutting McCain, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and the GOP’s chief voice on arms control, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).</p>
<p>The yearlong effort to achieve ratification—which was approved on a bipartisan vote as the lame-duck session of 2010 was coming to a close—was a deftly mounted effort. At one point, Kerry, though he controlled the committee, had Lugar introduce the ratification resolution in order to win over a couple of Republican senators so the White House could claim the treaty had bipartisan backing. And Kerry even complained publicly about Lugar’s resolution to make it easier for Lugar to sell it to his GOP comrades. It is hard to envision a Democratic White House cooperating as closely with another Republican senator on such a significant matter.</p>
<p>Lugar—who years earlier had worked in the Senate with Obama to pass <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2008/08/25/28084/rove-obama-lugar/" type="external">legislation</a> to detect and secure loose nukes overseas—was not a pushover for Obama. Prior to Obama’s launching of multilateral strikes on Libya, he told the president he would <a href="http://video.msnbc.msn.com/morning-joe/42207545" type="external">not support this action</a>. He also publicly raised questions about US involvement in Afghanistan, <a href="http://lugar.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=332665" type="external">noting</a> in 2011, “It is exceedingly difficult to conclude that our vast expenditures in Afghanistan represent a rational allocation of our military and financial assets.” But he was the rare Republican lawmaker who preferred to collaborate than clash with the president.</p>
<p>Lugar was an independent—and often reasonable—GOP voice on foreign policy, surviving for decades within a party that often put a premium on extreme and harsh positions. A decade ago, he joined with Joe Biden, then a senator, and fellow Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to try to slow President George W. Bush’s rush to war in Iraq. In response to Bush’s request for legislation authorizing him to attack Iraq at a time of his own choosing, Lugar, Biden, and Hagel pushed an <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=iznyGV9qkjoC&amp;pg=PA127&amp;lpg=PA127&amp;dq=Biden-Lugar-Hagel+bush+war&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=zgWHqPMEIS&amp;sig=lHxGDcXhBg6HC563VpNPUz6WOAg&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=4qSpT72BBaaPigLBupHJCw&amp;ved=0CGcQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&amp;q=Biden-Lugar-Hagel%20bush%20war&amp;f=false" type="external">alternative</a> that would permit Bush to initiate a war only for the purpose of destroying Iraq’s WMD and only after seeking United Nations approval. Absent a UN green light, Bush would have to come back to Congress and demonstrate that the Iraqi weapons threat was so “grave” that only military action could eliminate it. (The Biden-Lugar-Hagel effort ended up being derailed by none other than Rep. Dick Gephardt, the House Democratic leader, who cut a deal with the Bush White House and essentially accepted the resolution Bush was demanding.)</p>
<p>Lugar was a charisma-challenged Republican. His attempt at <a href="http://www.4president.us/websites/1996/lugar1996website.htm" type="external">a presidential campaign</a> in the 1996 cycle was ludicrous. (During his announcement, he stood alone on a rather big stage and looked quite small.) But he was a policy-minded legislator who did the heavy-lifting on issues far from the spotlight and who was not reluctant to put aside partisanship when policy progress was possible. As Washington’s centrism fanciers predictably grieve the electoral demise of another member of that endangered breed, the Republican moderate, this is indeed a genuine loss for those who care about arms control, nuclear nonproliferation, and foreign-policy discussions that are serious and deep, not silly and opportunistic.</p>
<p>UPDATE: On Tuesday night, Obama released this statement: “As a friend and former colleague, I want to express my deep appreciation for Dick Lugar’s distinguished service in the United States Senate. While Dick and I didn’t always agree on everything, I found during my time in the Senate that he was often willing to reach across the aisle and get things done. My administration’s efforts to secure the world’s most dangerous weapons has been based on the work that Senator Lugar began, as well as the bipartisan cooperation we forged during my first overseas trip as Senator to Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan.”</p>
<p /> | 89 |
<p>&#160; &#160; Hillary Clinton. ( <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sskennel/" type="external">Roger H. Goun</a> / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" type="external">CC BY 2.0</a>)</p>
<p>One of Hillary Clinton’s major donors is former Goldman Sachs employee Donald Mullen Jr., a man who, when he began to see the market decline that led to the 2008 crash, cheerfully wrote to his colleagues, “Sounds like we will make some serious money.”</p>
<p>Zaid Jilani writes at The Intercept:</p>
<p>Mullen, while a Goldman Sachs employee, pioneered the trades that allowed the mega-bank to profit from the collapse of the housing market. Mullen’s team utilized financial instruments called collateralized debt obligations to essentially bet against subprime mortgages. […]</p>
<p />
<p>In 2012, Mullen left Goldman Sachs to do the opposite of what he did in 2007: He started a hedge fund, the purpose of which was to buy up foreclosed homes and rent them out. New York&#160;magazine’s Kevin Roose described the career change this way: “A guy whose most famous trade was a successful bet on the full-scale implosion of the housing market is now swooping in to pick up the pieces on the other end.”</p>
<p>Mullen gave $100,000 to Priorities USA Action on June 30. According to Federal Election Commission data, this is the largest single contribution he has made to any soft money organization in his giving history. (In total, he has given $220,000 to soft money groups and $529,621&#160;in individual contributions.) […]</p>
<p>Back in the last presidential election, Priorities USA used both the foreclosure crisis and Wall Street as campaign issues against the Republicans. In a 90-second ad hitting Mitt Romney, for instance, the Super PAC used a clip of the former Massachusetts governor saying that we shouldn’t “try and stop the foreclosure process. Let it run its course and hit the bottom.”</p>
<p>Today, Priorities USA is running ads focusing on a variety of issues, but avoiding direct attacks on&#160;Wall Street. Its primary social media account, on Twitter, has mentioned Wall Street only once, pointing to an article about Clinton’s financial plan that, as it turns out, &#160;leaves big banks intact.</p>
<p>Read more <a href="https://theintercept.com/2015/12/04/clinton-super-pac-donor-is-former-goldman-exec-and-foreclosure-crisis-profiteer/" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>— Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Alexander Reed Kelly</a>.</p> | Major Clinton Super PAC Donor Is a Profiteer of the Foreclosure Crisis | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/major-clinton-super-pac-donor-is-a-profiteer-of-the-foreclosure-crisis/ | 2015-12-09 | 4left
| Major Clinton Super PAC Donor Is a Profiteer of the Foreclosure Crisis
<p>&#160; &#160; Hillary Clinton. ( <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sskennel/" type="external">Roger H. Goun</a> / <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" type="external">CC BY 2.0</a>)</p>
<p>One of Hillary Clinton’s major donors is former Goldman Sachs employee Donald Mullen Jr., a man who, when he began to see the market decline that led to the 2008 crash, cheerfully wrote to his colleagues, “Sounds like we will make some serious money.”</p>
<p>Zaid Jilani writes at The Intercept:</p>
<p>Mullen, while a Goldman Sachs employee, pioneered the trades that allowed the mega-bank to profit from the collapse of the housing market. Mullen’s team utilized financial instruments called collateralized debt obligations to essentially bet against subprime mortgages. […]</p>
<p />
<p>In 2012, Mullen left Goldman Sachs to do the opposite of what he did in 2007: He started a hedge fund, the purpose of which was to buy up foreclosed homes and rent them out. New York&#160;magazine’s Kevin Roose described the career change this way: “A guy whose most famous trade was a successful bet on the full-scale implosion of the housing market is now swooping in to pick up the pieces on the other end.”</p>
<p>Mullen gave $100,000 to Priorities USA Action on June 30. According to Federal Election Commission data, this is the largest single contribution he has made to any soft money organization in his giving history. (In total, he has given $220,000 to soft money groups and $529,621&#160;in individual contributions.) […]</p>
<p>Back in the last presidential election, Priorities USA used both the foreclosure crisis and Wall Street as campaign issues against the Republicans. In a 90-second ad hitting Mitt Romney, for instance, the Super PAC used a clip of the former Massachusetts governor saying that we shouldn’t “try and stop the foreclosure process. Let it run its course and hit the bottom.”</p>
<p>Today, Priorities USA is running ads focusing on a variety of issues, but avoiding direct attacks on&#160;Wall Street. Its primary social media account, on Twitter, has mentioned Wall Street only once, pointing to an article about Clinton’s financial plan that, as it turns out, &#160;leaves big banks intact.</p>
<p>Read more <a href="https://theintercept.com/2015/12/04/clinton-super-pac-donor-is-former-goldman-exec-and-foreclosure-crisis-profiteer/" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>— Posted by <a href="" type="internal">Alexander Reed Kelly</a>.</p> | 90 |
<p>HSBC Holdings PLC said Tuesday that its Swiss private-banking unit will pay EUR300 million ($352 million) to resolve an investigation launched by French authorities into tax-related matters involving clients of its Swiss bank.</p>
<p>"HSBC is pleased to resolve this legacy investigation which relates to conduct that took place many years ago," the bank said in a statement. "HSBC has publicly acknowledged historical control weaknesses at the Swiss Private Bank on a number of occasions and has taken firm steps to address them."</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>HSBC said that under the agreement announced Tuesday, there is no finding of guilt on the part of the Swiss Private Bank.</p>
<p>Write to Brian Blackstone at brian.blackstone@wsj.com</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 14, 2017 10:34 ET (15:34 GMT)</p> | HSBC to Pay $352 Million to Resolve Tax Probe Into Swiss Bank | true | http://foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/14/hsbc-to-pay-352-million-to-resolve-tax-probe-into-swiss-bank.html | 2017-11-14 | 0right
| HSBC to Pay $352 Million to Resolve Tax Probe Into Swiss Bank
<p>HSBC Holdings PLC said Tuesday that its Swiss private-banking unit will pay EUR300 million ($352 million) to resolve an investigation launched by French authorities into tax-related matters involving clients of its Swiss bank.</p>
<p>"HSBC is pleased to resolve this legacy investigation which relates to conduct that took place many years ago," the bank said in a statement. "HSBC has publicly acknowledged historical control weaknesses at the Swiss Private Bank on a number of occasions and has taken firm steps to address them."</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>HSBC said that under the agreement announced Tuesday, there is no finding of guilt on the part of the Swiss Private Bank.</p>
<p>Write to Brian Blackstone at brian.blackstone@wsj.com</p>
<p>(END) Dow Jones Newswires</p>
<p>November 14, 2017 10:34 ET (15:34 GMT)</p> | 91 |
<p>Will “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/dolly/" type="external">Hello, Dolly!</a>” keep going up, up and up this holiday season? It looks poised to, with the ultra-hot revival moving into the final weeks of Tony-winning star Bette Midler’s run and the holidays bringing tourists to the city. Last week, most individual shows declined at the <a href="http://variety.com/t/broadway-box-office/" type="external">Broadway box office</a> compared to the boffo numbers from <a href="http://variety.com/t/thanksgiving/" type="external">Thanksgiving</a> week, but “Dolly!,” energized by what is likely the beginning of a frenzy to catch Bette before she goes, managed to uptick.</p>
<p>“Hello, Dolly!” ($2,478,968) once again broke the house record at the Shubert Theater, a feat the show seems likely to repeat more than once as demand heats up prior to Midler’s Jan. 14 exit. The musical was among the small group of shows to rise week-over-week after the Turkey Day boom, including “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/beautiful/" type="external">Beautiful</a>” ($1,006,732), bumping up nicely to rejoin the millionaires’ club, as well as “M. Butterfly” ($409,943), up a bit after star Clive Owen was out for a few performances the prior week.</p>
<p>Other than that, almost every single show on the boards declined. Because <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/melina-matsoukas-anthony-hemingway-directors-bring-diverse-tv-projects-to-life-1202463697/" type="external">Thanksgiving</a> sales were so inflated, some of the Street’s hottest tickets — “Hamilton” ($2,837,331), “The Lion King” ($2,087,845), “Wicked” ($1,825,028) and “Aladdin” ($1,466,570) — were down by more than half a million apiece (but still doing just fine, thank you). “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” ($846,298) also tumbled, but should continue to attract family audiences over the holiday weeks and then bring in heightened last-minute sales before it closes Jan. 14.</p>
<p>Also contributing to the overall drop at the box office last week was the fact that Bruce Springsteen took a break, so “Springsteen on Broadway” didn’t add any coin to the pot. The mega-selling production picks up again this week.</p>
<p>Two plays opened — “Meteor Shower” ($870,728) starring Amy Schumer and “The Parisian Woman” ($689,134) with Uma Thurman — so they probably would have declined anyway, even if it weren’t the week after Thanksgiving. Another play, Manhattan Theater Club’s staging of “The Children” ($193,707 for seven previews), started up slowly.</p>
<p>Among the fall’s newest offerings, “The Band’s Visit” ($1,092,929) dipped by $200,000 but still topped $1 million, while “SpongeBob SquarePants” ($583,037) hosted critics before the show opens tonight. “Once On This Island” ($395,580) proved modest in its opening week, but can expect to gain steam following the <a href="http://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/once-on-this-island-review-broadway-1202629232/" type="external">critical raves</a> lavished on the show after its Dec. 4 opening.</p>
<p>Overall Broadway sales slowed by $9.1 million to $30 million — a 23% drop — for 30 shows now playing. Attendance fell 22,420 to 242,528.</p> | Broadway Box Office: ‘Hello, Dolly!’ Gets Even Hotter | false | https://newsline.com/broadway-box-office-hello-dolly-gets-even-hotter/ | 2017-12-04 | 1right-center
| Broadway Box Office: ‘Hello, Dolly!’ Gets Even Hotter
<p>Will “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/dolly/" type="external">Hello, Dolly!</a>” keep going up, up and up this holiday season? It looks poised to, with the ultra-hot revival moving into the final weeks of Tony-winning star Bette Midler’s run and the holidays bringing tourists to the city. Last week, most individual shows declined at the <a href="http://variety.com/t/broadway-box-office/" type="external">Broadway box office</a> compared to the boffo numbers from <a href="http://variety.com/t/thanksgiving/" type="external">Thanksgiving</a> week, but “Dolly!,” energized by what is likely the beginning of a frenzy to catch Bette before she goes, managed to uptick.</p>
<p>“Hello, Dolly!” ($2,478,968) once again broke the house record at the Shubert Theater, a feat the show seems likely to repeat more than once as demand heats up prior to Midler’s Jan. 14 exit. The musical was among the small group of shows to rise week-over-week after the Turkey Day boom, including “ <a href="http://variety.com/t/beautiful/" type="external">Beautiful</a>” ($1,006,732), bumping up nicely to rejoin the millionaires’ club, as well as “M. Butterfly” ($409,943), up a bit after star Clive Owen was out for a few performances the prior week.</p>
<p>Other than that, almost every single show on the boards declined. Because <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/melina-matsoukas-anthony-hemingway-directors-bring-diverse-tv-projects-to-life-1202463697/" type="external">Thanksgiving</a> sales were so inflated, some of the Street’s hottest tickets — “Hamilton” ($2,837,331), “The Lion King” ($2,087,845), “Wicked” ($1,825,028) and “Aladdin” ($1,466,570) — were down by more than half a million apiece (but still doing just fine, thank you). “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” ($846,298) also tumbled, but should continue to attract family audiences over the holiday weeks and then bring in heightened last-minute sales before it closes Jan. 14.</p>
<p>Also contributing to the overall drop at the box office last week was the fact that Bruce Springsteen took a break, so “Springsteen on Broadway” didn’t add any coin to the pot. The mega-selling production picks up again this week.</p>
<p>Two plays opened — “Meteor Shower” ($870,728) starring Amy Schumer and “The Parisian Woman” ($689,134) with Uma Thurman — so they probably would have declined anyway, even if it weren’t the week after Thanksgiving. Another play, Manhattan Theater Club’s staging of “The Children” ($193,707 for seven previews), started up slowly.</p>
<p>Among the fall’s newest offerings, “The Band’s Visit” ($1,092,929) dipped by $200,000 but still topped $1 million, while “SpongeBob SquarePants” ($583,037) hosted critics before the show opens tonight. “Once On This Island” ($395,580) proved modest in its opening week, but can expect to gain steam following the <a href="http://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/once-on-this-island-review-broadway-1202629232/" type="external">critical raves</a> lavished on the show after its Dec. 4 opening.</p>
<p>Overall Broadway sales slowed by $9.1 million to $30 million — a 23% drop — for 30 shows now playing. Attendance fell 22,420 to 242,528.</p> | 92 |
<p>On Friday, Wal-Mart, long the focus of <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2853429/Thousands-Walmart-workers-protest-against-low-wages-massive-Black-Friday-strike.html" type="external">protests</a> backed by <a href="http://www.weaselzippers.us/162698-liberal-democrats-back-protests-by-walmart-workers/" type="external">Democrats</a>over hiking its worker’s wages, <a href="http://ktla.com/2016/01/15/walmart-to-close-154-us-locations-some-10000-to-be-affected/" type="external">announced</a> it would close 269 of its stores, 154 in the United States. 16,000 employees will be affected, 10,000 in the United States.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart’s announcement followed the company’s <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/14/investing/walmart-outlook-wages/" type="external">revelation</a> in October 2015 that shares in the company dropped 10% to a 3-year low, the worst percentage loss since 1988. The company <a href="v" type="external">warned</a> that its earnings for the fiscal year starting in February 2016 would drop as much as 12 percent.</p>
<p>In February 2015, Wal-Mart agreed to <a href="http://www.thestreet.com/story/13051621/1/why-wal-mart-is-finally-raising-pay-and-treating-its-workers-better.html" type="external">raise wages</a> for over 500,000 employees.</p>
<p>By November 2015, CEO Doug McMillon stated that higher wages were “by far the biggest driver of the decline in consolidated operating income,” as <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/wages-with-minimal-wiggle-room-1451259371" type="external">The Wall Street Journal</a> reported.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart asserted that it would try to find jobs for the affected employees in nearby Wal-Mart stores, and if that effort proved unsuccessful giving the employees 60 days worth of pay along with resume and interview training.</p>
<p>Two-thirds of the American stores to be closed are "Wal-Mart Express" stores; only 12 U.S. Wal-Mart Supercenters and four Sam's Club stores will be shuttered. Wal-Mart also said it plans to open 300 new stores globally in 2016-17; 60 new U.S. Supercenters and 10 new Sam's Club stores are scheduled for construction.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart owns 11,600 stores around the world; of the stores to be closed outside America, nearly half exist in Brazil; the rest are scattered in Latin America.</p>
<p>For a list of Wal-Mart stores to be closed, see <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-walmart-stores-closing-2016-1" type="external">here</a>.</p> | Why Is Walmart Shutting Down Stores? HINT: Democrats Are Responsible | true | https://dailywire.com/news/2693/why-walmart-shutting-down-stores-hint-democrats-hank-berrien | 2016-01-18 | 0right
| Why Is Walmart Shutting Down Stores? HINT: Democrats Are Responsible
<p>On Friday, Wal-Mart, long the focus of <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2853429/Thousands-Walmart-workers-protest-against-low-wages-massive-Black-Friday-strike.html" type="external">protests</a> backed by <a href="http://www.weaselzippers.us/162698-liberal-democrats-back-protests-by-walmart-workers/" type="external">Democrats</a>over hiking its worker’s wages, <a href="http://ktla.com/2016/01/15/walmart-to-close-154-us-locations-some-10000-to-be-affected/" type="external">announced</a> it would close 269 of its stores, 154 in the United States. 16,000 employees will be affected, 10,000 in the United States.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart’s announcement followed the company’s <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/14/investing/walmart-outlook-wages/" type="external">revelation</a> in October 2015 that shares in the company dropped 10% to a 3-year low, the worst percentage loss since 1988. The company <a href="v" type="external">warned</a> that its earnings for the fiscal year starting in February 2016 would drop as much as 12 percent.</p>
<p>In February 2015, Wal-Mart agreed to <a href="http://www.thestreet.com/story/13051621/1/why-wal-mart-is-finally-raising-pay-and-treating-its-workers-better.html" type="external">raise wages</a> for over 500,000 employees.</p>
<p>By November 2015, CEO Doug McMillon stated that higher wages were “by far the biggest driver of the decline in consolidated operating income,” as <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/wages-with-minimal-wiggle-room-1451259371" type="external">The Wall Street Journal</a> reported.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart asserted that it would try to find jobs for the affected employees in nearby Wal-Mart stores, and if that effort proved unsuccessful giving the employees 60 days worth of pay along with resume and interview training.</p>
<p>Two-thirds of the American stores to be closed are "Wal-Mart Express" stores; only 12 U.S. Wal-Mart Supercenters and four Sam's Club stores will be shuttered. Wal-Mart also said it plans to open 300 new stores globally in 2016-17; 60 new U.S. Supercenters and 10 new Sam's Club stores are scheduled for construction.</p>
<p>Wal-Mart owns 11,600 stores around the world; of the stores to be closed outside America, nearly half exist in Brazil; the rest are scattered in Latin America.</p>
<p>For a list of Wal-Mart stores to be closed, see <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/list-of-walmart-stores-closing-2016-1" type="external">here</a>.</p> | 93 |
<p>Preparing for his September check-in with Congress about the status and future directions of the Iraq war, Gen. David Petraeus hinted Wednesday at plans to gradually downsize the U.S. military presence in Iraq by next summer.</p>
<p>AP via Breitbart.com:</p>
<p>But he cautioned against a quick or significant U.S. withdrawal that could surrender “the gains we have fought so hard to achieve.”</p>
<p>Gen. David Petraeus said the “horrific and indiscriminate attacks” that killed at least 250 Yazidis, an ancient religious sect, in northwestern Iraq Tuesday night were the work of al-Qaida in Iraq. That would bolster his argument, he said, against too quickly drawing down the 30,000 additional U.S. troops deployed in the first half of the year.</p>
<p />
<p><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8R1K5S80&amp;show_article=1" type="external">Read more</a></p> | Petraeus to Pitch Troop Reduction Plan | true | https://truthdig.com/articles/petraeus-to-pitch-troop-reduction-plan/ | 2007-08-16 | 4left
| Petraeus to Pitch Troop Reduction Plan
<p>Preparing for his September check-in with Congress about the status and future directions of the Iraq war, Gen. David Petraeus hinted Wednesday at plans to gradually downsize the U.S. military presence in Iraq by next summer.</p>
<p>AP via Breitbart.com:</p>
<p>But he cautioned against a quick or significant U.S. withdrawal that could surrender “the gains we have fought so hard to achieve.”</p>
<p>Gen. David Petraeus said the “horrific and indiscriminate attacks” that killed at least 250 Yazidis, an ancient religious sect, in northwestern Iraq Tuesday night were the work of al-Qaida in Iraq. That would bolster his argument, he said, against too quickly drawing down the 30,000 additional U.S. troops deployed in the first half of the year.</p>
<p />
<p><a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8R1K5S80&amp;show_article=1" type="external">Read more</a></p> | 94 |
<p>As U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder journeys to Ferguson, Mo., to be briefed on the ongoing investigation into the killing of unarmed teen Michael Brown by a law-enforcement official, some are discussing which messages Holder should focus on.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/jason-riley-holder-needs-to-tell-ferguson-to-pull-up-your-pants-stay-out-of-trouble/" type="external">Mediaite</a>, while on a panel on Fox's Special Report, Wall Street Journal editorial board member Jason Riley suggested that instead of focusing on conveying the message that criticism of President Barack Obama is based on race, Holder should talk to the black community about its behavior, particularly concerning Ferguson.</p>
<p>"These looters and rioters do not need to hear from the attorney general that criticism of Obama is race-based," Riley said. "What they need to hear from this black man in this position'the nation's leading law-enforcement official"is that they need to stay out of trouble with the law.</p>
<p>"They need to pull up their pants and finish school and take care of their kids; that is the message they need to hear from black leaders and people in positions of authority like Eric Holder and Barack Obama," he added.</p>
<p>Read more at <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/jason-riley-holder-needs-to-tell-ferguson-to-pull-up-your-pants-stay-out-of-trouble/" type="external">Mediaite</a>.</p>
<p>Jason Riley is criticized for using Ferguson case to promote his book. <a href="" type="internal">Read Journal-isms.</a></p> | WSJ Editor: Holder Should Tell Ferguson to 'Stay Out of Trouble, Pull Up Their Pants and Take Care of Their Kids' | true | https://theroot.com/wsj-editor-holder-should-tell-ferguson-to-stay-out-of-1790876804 | 2014-08-20 | 4left
| WSJ Editor: Holder Should Tell Ferguson to 'Stay Out of Trouble, Pull Up Their Pants and Take Care of Their Kids'
<p>As U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder journeys to Ferguson, Mo., to be briefed on the ongoing investigation into the killing of unarmed teen Michael Brown by a law-enforcement official, some are discussing which messages Holder should focus on.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/jason-riley-holder-needs-to-tell-ferguson-to-pull-up-your-pants-stay-out-of-trouble/" type="external">Mediaite</a>, while on a panel on Fox's Special Report, Wall Street Journal editorial board member Jason Riley suggested that instead of focusing on conveying the message that criticism of President Barack Obama is based on race, Holder should talk to the black community about its behavior, particularly concerning Ferguson.</p>
<p>"These looters and rioters do not need to hear from the attorney general that criticism of Obama is race-based," Riley said. "What they need to hear from this black man in this position'the nation's leading law-enforcement official"is that they need to stay out of trouble with the law.</p>
<p>"They need to pull up their pants and finish school and take care of their kids; that is the message they need to hear from black leaders and people in positions of authority like Eric Holder and Barack Obama," he added.</p>
<p>Read more at <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/jason-riley-holder-needs-to-tell-ferguson-to-pull-up-your-pants-stay-out-of-trouble/" type="external">Mediaite</a>.</p>
<p>Jason Riley is criticized for using Ferguson case to promote his book. <a href="" type="internal">Read Journal-isms.</a></p> | 95 |
<p>National Republicans may be bailing on Senate candidate Roy Moore after nearly a week of sexual harassment accusations, strange interviews, and even a press conference involving Gloria Allred. But members of at least one Alabama GOP organization say they're standing by their man.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.alreporter.com/2017/11/15/shelby-county-republican-executive-committee-votes-unanimously-support-judge-roy-moore/?platform=hootsuite" type="external">The Shelby County GOP issued a resolution Wednesday</a>, expressing support for Moore and listing reasons that members of the county and state Republican parties will continue to back the former judge in the race for Jeff Sessions's vacant Senate seat, even as the RNC — and leadership within the "Republican uprising" — question whether Moore remains a suitable candidate for office.</p>
<p>"We call on Republicans in Alabama to support Roy Moore and defeat the Democrat Party candidate," the resolution says. "So that our voice in Washington, D.C. will continue to be represented by a Republican who supports the Republican Party principles and platform we hold dear and who will push forward a conservative agenda that is best for the United States of America."</p>
<p>The resolution goes on to list the date of Roy Moore's primary win, and suggests that since he is the official choice of Alabama Republicans, he should remain in the race. The body of the resolution claims that Moore has been a "consistent proponent" of Republican positions on fiscal matters, abortion, and "family values."</p>
<p>WHEREAS, Roy Moore has been a consistent proponent of the positions of the Alabama Republican Party, including conservative fiscal policy, pro-life and traditional family values, less government regulations and interference – with an emphasis on personal freedoms,</p>
<p>THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY the Executive Committee of the Shelby County Republican Party that we will assist and support Roy Moore in his efforts to win the U.S. Senate special election on December 12, 2017, and represent the great state of Alabama,</p>
<p>THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY the Executive Committee of the Shelby County Republican Party that we call on Republicans in Alabama to support Roy Moore and defeat the Democrat Party candidate so that our voice in Washington, D.C. will continue to be represented by a Republican who supports the Republican Party principles and platform we hold dear and who will push forward a conservative agenda that is best for the United States of America.</p>
<p>This is the second such local Republican resolution to emerge in as many days, as Alabama Republicans battle the national party to keep their chosen candidate — even as accusations that a 30-year-old Moore preyed on high school-aged women while serving as a district attorney, pile up. The Winston County Republican Party Executive Committee passed their resolution on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The Alabama Republican Steering Committee will officially decide later this week whether to drop Moore. They are expected to flout the national GOP and retain their chosen Senate candidate.</p> | Alabama Republicans Pass Resolution In Support Of Senate Candidate Roy Moore | true | https://dailywire.com/news/23630/alabama-republicans-pass-resolution-support-senate-emily-zanotti | 2017-11-15 | 0right
| Alabama Republicans Pass Resolution In Support Of Senate Candidate Roy Moore
<p>National Republicans may be bailing on Senate candidate Roy Moore after nearly a week of sexual harassment accusations, strange interviews, and even a press conference involving Gloria Allred. But members of at least one Alabama GOP organization say they're standing by their man.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.alreporter.com/2017/11/15/shelby-county-republican-executive-committee-votes-unanimously-support-judge-roy-moore/?platform=hootsuite" type="external">The Shelby County GOP issued a resolution Wednesday</a>, expressing support for Moore and listing reasons that members of the county and state Republican parties will continue to back the former judge in the race for Jeff Sessions's vacant Senate seat, even as the RNC — and leadership within the "Republican uprising" — question whether Moore remains a suitable candidate for office.</p>
<p>"We call on Republicans in Alabama to support Roy Moore and defeat the Democrat Party candidate," the resolution says. "So that our voice in Washington, D.C. will continue to be represented by a Republican who supports the Republican Party principles and platform we hold dear and who will push forward a conservative agenda that is best for the United States of America."</p>
<p>The resolution goes on to list the date of Roy Moore's primary win, and suggests that since he is the official choice of Alabama Republicans, he should remain in the race. The body of the resolution claims that Moore has been a "consistent proponent" of Republican positions on fiscal matters, abortion, and "family values."</p>
<p>WHEREAS, Roy Moore has been a consistent proponent of the positions of the Alabama Republican Party, including conservative fiscal policy, pro-life and traditional family values, less government regulations and interference – with an emphasis on personal freedoms,</p>
<p>THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY the Executive Committee of the Shelby County Republican Party that we will assist and support Roy Moore in his efforts to win the U.S. Senate special election on December 12, 2017, and represent the great state of Alabama,</p>
<p>THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY the Executive Committee of the Shelby County Republican Party that we call on Republicans in Alabama to support Roy Moore and defeat the Democrat Party candidate so that our voice in Washington, D.C. will continue to be represented by a Republican who supports the Republican Party principles and platform we hold dear and who will push forward a conservative agenda that is best for the United States of America.</p>
<p>This is the second such local Republican resolution to emerge in as many days, as Alabama Republicans battle the national party to keep their chosen candidate — even as accusations that a 30-year-old Moore preyed on high school-aged women while serving as a district attorney, pile up. The Winston County Republican Party Executive Committee passed their resolution on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The Alabama Republican Steering Committee will officially decide later this week whether to drop Moore. They are expected to flout the national GOP and retain their chosen Senate candidate.</p> | 96 |
<p>The Cuban government announced Tuesday that it was placing at least a temporary hold on the opening of a private sector that employs more than a half-million people and has become a significant force in the island economy.</p>
<p>Authorities will suspend the issuance of permits for a range of occupations and ventures, including restaurants and renting out rooms in private homes, the government said in the Communist Party newspaper Granma.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The suspension includes the growing field of private teachers as well as street vendors of agricultural products, dressmakers and the relatively recent profession of real estate broker. The announcement did not say when the issuing of permits would resume and said that enterprises already in operation can continue.</p>
<p>"No one assumes that the goal of these measures is to roll back the development of self-employment in Cuba," the article said. "Nothing could be farther from reality."</p>
<p>Despite that assurance, there are fears that the move could have long-term consequences.</p>
<p>"It's only a stop sign along the road, but with a discouraging message even it is temporary," said economist Omar Everleny Perez. "The country needs more hopeful messages."</p>
<p>President Raul Castro expanded an opening of the economy to private-sector employment in 200 categories of business in 2010. The government says nearly 570,000 people are employed in the enterprises, including hundreds of restaurants and guest houses.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>The most visible effect of the reforms was a huge increase in private rooms and guest houses, often nicer and with better services than the state-owned hotels, along with private restaurants catering to tourists around the country.</p>
<p>It helped fuel GDP growth of about 1 percent so far this year, following a dip last year, but officials have expressed concern about tax evasion and the use of raw materials from the black market in the growing segment.</p>
<p>Granma said that "putting the house in order is the highest priority of the Cuban state."</p> | Cuba stops issuing new permits for some private enterprises | true | http://foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/08/01/cuba-stops-issuing-new-permits-for-some-private-enterprises.html | 2017-08-01 | 0right
| Cuba stops issuing new permits for some private enterprises
<p>The Cuban government announced Tuesday that it was placing at least a temporary hold on the opening of a private sector that employs more than a half-million people and has become a significant force in the island economy.</p>
<p>Authorities will suspend the issuance of permits for a range of occupations and ventures, including restaurants and renting out rooms in private homes, the government said in the Communist Party newspaper Granma.</p>
<p>Continue Reading Below</p>
<p>The suspension includes the growing field of private teachers as well as street vendors of agricultural products, dressmakers and the relatively recent profession of real estate broker. The announcement did not say when the issuing of permits would resume and said that enterprises already in operation can continue.</p>
<p>"No one assumes that the goal of these measures is to roll back the development of self-employment in Cuba," the article said. "Nothing could be farther from reality."</p>
<p>Despite that assurance, there are fears that the move could have long-term consequences.</p>
<p>"It's only a stop sign along the road, but with a discouraging message even it is temporary," said economist Omar Everleny Perez. "The country needs more hopeful messages."</p>
<p>President Raul Castro expanded an opening of the economy to private-sector employment in 200 categories of business in 2010. The government says nearly 570,000 people are employed in the enterprises, including hundreds of restaurants and guest houses.</p>
<p>Advertisement</p>
<p>The most visible effect of the reforms was a huge increase in private rooms and guest houses, often nicer and with better services than the state-owned hotels, along with private restaurants catering to tourists around the country.</p>
<p>It helped fuel GDP growth of about 1 percent so far this year, following a dip last year, but officials have expressed concern about tax evasion and the use of raw materials from the black market in the growing segment.</p>
<p>Granma said that "putting the house in order is the highest priority of the Cuban state."</p> | 97 |
<p>Melanie Kreidich (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)</p>
<p>Melanie Kreidich has been involved in activism of all kinds starting in middle school when she helped her aunt, an environmental activist, with beach clean-ups, protests and letter-writing campaigns.</p>
<p>“I’m involved in all kinds,” the Florida native says. “I’m passionate about voting rights and ensuring progressive candidates are elected in future elections.”</p>
<p>Through mutual activists, Kreidich met Vicki Braun two weeks ago and found out about the Concerned Citizens for LGBT Safety and Rights March, which will be held Sunday, March 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lafayette Square in Washington (H and 17th streets, N.W.). The march to Logan Circle will begin at 10:45 a.m. where a short rally will take place.</p>
<p>Braun was inspired by recent trans murders in the South and Kreidich agreed to help organize the event.</p>
<p>“Not long ago, I was walking around Rehoboth Beach holding hands with my wife, Susannah, and we were harassed,” Kreidich says. “So this is a real concern for all. We need to go forward and not let the hate groups and bullies who feel empowered with the new administration bring back that environment. With the bathroom law being overturned, I believe this will help embolden hate groups even more. We all need to stand up for one another and others.”</p>
<p>Look for the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/261704977575049/" type="external">Facebook</a> for full details.</p>
<p>Kreidich came to the area in 2002 to live in a more liberal environment. She and her wife live in Montgomery County. Kreidich enjoys reading in her free time.</p>
<p />
<p>How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?&#160;</p>
<p>Since I graduated from college, and my parents were the hardest to tell.</p>
<p />
<p>Who’s your LGBT hero?&#160;</p>
<p>Ellen DeGeneres because she brought the LGBTQ culture into every living room.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?&#160;</p>
<p>Cobalt&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>Describe your dream wedding?&#160;</p>
<p>I already had it.</p>
<p />
<p>What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?&#160;</p>
<p>All issues are LGBTQ issues.</p>
<p />
<p>What historical outcome would you change?&#160;</p>
<p>I would change that the electoral college vote determines the winner of the U.S. presidency. If popular vote was the determination for presidency, VP Al Gore and Secretary Hillary Clinton would have both been president.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?&#160;</p>
<p>Supreme Court ruling allowing LGBTQ marriage.</p>
<p />
<p>On what do you insist?&#160;</p>
<p>Love and kindness.</p>
<p />
<p>What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?&#160;</p>
<p>My last tweet was a reminder about the March 12th event.</p>
<p />
<p>If your life were a book, what would the title be?&#160;</p>
<p>“Do All the Good You Can”</p>
<p />
<p>If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?&#160;</p>
<p>No, we are who were are.</p>
<p />
<p>What do you believe in beyond the physical world?&#160;</p>
<p>I don’t know, but I hope someone is looking out for us.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?&#160;</p>
<p>Keep going — more work to do.</p>
<p />
<p>What would you walk across hot coals for?&#160;</p>
<p>To stop bullying.</p>
<p />
<p>What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?&#160;</p>
<p>All of them.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s your favorite LGBT movie?&#160;</p>
<p>The first one that I ever watched that wasn’t sad and had a happy ending — “But I’m a Cheerleader.”</p>
<p />
<p>What’s the most overrated social custom?&#160;</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton said, “We need more love and kindness.” These words have never been more true.</p>
<p />
<p>What trophy or prize do you most covet? &#160;</p>
<p>Who wouldn’t want their name engraved on the Stanley Cup?</p>
<p />
<p>What do you wish you’d known at 18?&#160;</p>
<p>It would be difficult to travel after college.</p>
<p />
<p>Why Washington?&#160;</p>
<p>It’s the most accepting city of everybody on the East Coast.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Concerned Citizens for LGBT Safety and Rights March</a> <a href="" type="internal">D.C.</a> <a href="" type="internal">Lafayette Square</a> <a href="" type="internal">Logan Circle</a> <a href="" type="internal">Melanie Kreidich</a> <a href="" type="internal">Rehoboth Beach</a> <a href="" type="internal">Vicki Braun</a></p> | QUEERY: Melanie Kreidich | false | http://washingtonblade.com/2017/03/08/queery-melanie-kreidich/ | 3left-center
| QUEERY: Melanie Kreidich
<p>Melanie Kreidich (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)</p>
<p>Melanie Kreidich has been involved in activism of all kinds starting in middle school when she helped her aunt, an environmental activist, with beach clean-ups, protests and letter-writing campaigns.</p>
<p>“I’m involved in all kinds,” the Florida native says. “I’m passionate about voting rights and ensuring progressive candidates are elected in future elections.”</p>
<p>Through mutual activists, Kreidich met Vicki Braun two weeks ago and found out about the Concerned Citizens for LGBT Safety and Rights March, which will be held Sunday, March 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lafayette Square in Washington (H and 17th streets, N.W.). The march to Logan Circle will begin at 10:45 a.m. where a short rally will take place.</p>
<p>Braun was inspired by recent trans murders in the South and Kreidich agreed to help organize the event.</p>
<p>“Not long ago, I was walking around Rehoboth Beach holding hands with my wife, Susannah, and we were harassed,” Kreidich says. “So this is a real concern for all. We need to go forward and not let the hate groups and bullies who feel empowered with the new administration bring back that environment. With the bathroom law being overturned, I believe this will help embolden hate groups even more. We all need to stand up for one another and others.”</p>
<p>Look for the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/261704977575049/" type="external">Facebook</a> for full details.</p>
<p>Kreidich came to the area in 2002 to live in a more liberal environment. She and her wife live in Montgomery County. Kreidich enjoys reading in her free time.</p>
<p />
<p>How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?&#160;</p>
<p>Since I graduated from college, and my parents were the hardest to tell.</p>
<p />
<p>Who’s your LGBT hero?&#160;</p>
<p>Ellen DeGeneres because she brought the LGBTQ culture into every living room.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?&#160;</p>
<p>Cobalt&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>Describe your dream wedding?&#160;</p>
<p>I already had it.</p>
<p />
<p>What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?&#160;</p>
<p>All issues are LGBTQ issues.</p>
<p />
<p>What historical outcome would you change?&#160;</p>
<p>I would change that the electoral college vote determines the winner of the U.S. presidency. If popular vote was the determination for presidency, VP Al Gore and Secretary Hillary Clinton would have both been president.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?&#160;</p>
<p>Supreme Court ruling allowing LGBTQ marriage.</p>
<p />
<p>On what do you insist?&#160;</p>
<p>Love and kindness.</p>
<p />
<p>What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?&#160;</p>
<p>My last tweet was a reminder about the March 12th event.</p>
<p />
<p>If your life were a book, what would the title be?&#160;</p>
<p>“Do All the Good You Can”</p>
<p />
<p>If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?&#160;</p>
<p>No, we are who were are.</p>
<p />
<p>What do you believe in beyond the physical world?&#160;</p>
<p>I don’t know, but I hope someone is looking out for us.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?&#160;</p>
<p>Keep going — more work to do.</p>
<p />
<p>What would you walk across hot coals for?&#160;</p>
<p>To stop bullying.</p>
<p />
<p>What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?&#160;</p>
<p>All of them.</p>
<p />
<p>What’s your favorite LGBT movie?&#160;</p>
<p>The first one that I ever watched that wasn’t sad and had a happy ending — “But I’m a Cheerleader.”</p>
<p />
<p>What’s the most overrated social custom?&#160;</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton said, “We need more love and kindness.” These words have never been more true.</p>
<p />
<p>What trophy or prize do you most covet? &#160;</p>
<p>Who wouldn’t want their name engraved on the Stanley Cup?</p>
<p />
<p>What do you wish you’d known at 18?&#160;</p>
<p>It would be difficult to travel after college.</p>
<p />
<p>Why Washington?&#160;</p>
<p>It’s the most accepting city of everybody on the East Coast.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Concerned Citizens for LGBT Safety and Rights March</a> <a href="" type="internal">D.C.</a> <a href="" type="internal">Lafayette Square</a> <a href="" type="internal">Logan Circle</a> <a href="" type="internal">Melanie Kreidich</a> <a href="" type="internal">Rehoboth Beach</a> <a href="" type="internal">Vicki Braun</a></p> | 98 |
|
<p>&gt; <a href="http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/columnists/gail_shister/13543189.htm" type="external">Vargas had the good kind of jitters before Tuesday's "World News" (PI)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/03/AR2006010301935_pf.html" type="external">NYU dropout Pareene to co-edit Wonkette website with Lat (WP)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.kane04jan04,1,7037614.column?coll=bal-pe-maryland" type="external">Kane has told his writing students not to rely solely on Wikipedia (Sun)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/04/opinion/04wed2.html" type="external">Spying and torture -- not newspapers -- need to be investigated (NYT)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/03/AR2006010301371.html" type="external">China releases investigative reporter to mollify Bush admin (WP)</a> &gt; <a href="http://missoulian.com/articles/2006/01/03/news/top/news01.txt" type="external">Missoula's only "old-fashioned newsstand" to close (Missoulian)</a> &gt; <a href="http://snd.org/about/news_archive.html?sk=&amp;sn=100" type="external">News Tribune's Boudet to edit Society for News Design's website (SND)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/node/4335" type="external">Gold Falsies Award of 2005 goes to the VNR industry (CMD)</a></p> | Additional items for January 4, 2006 | false | https://poynter.org/news/additional-items-january-4-2006 | 2006-01-04 | 2least
| Additional items for January 4, 2006
<p>&gt; <a href="http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/columnists/gail_shister/13543189.htm" type="external">Vargas had the good kind of jitters before Tuesday's "World News" (PI)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/03/AR2006010301935_pf.html" type="external">NYU dropout Pareene to co-edit Wonkette website with Lat (WP)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.kane04jan04,1,7037614.column?coll=bal-pe-maryland" type="external">Kane has told his writing students not to rely solely on Wikipedia (Sun)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/04/opinion/04wed2.html" type="external">Spying and torture -- not newspapers -- need to be investigated (NYT)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/03/AR2006010301371.html" type="external">China releases investigative reporter to mollify Bush admin (WP)</a> &gt; <a href="http://missoulian.com/articles/2006/01/03/news/top/news01.txt" type="external">Missoula's only "old-fashioned newsstand" to close (Missoulian)</a> &gt; <a href="http://snd.org/about/news_archive.html?sk=&amp;sn=100" type="external">News Tribune's Boudet to edit Society for News Design's website (SND)</a> &gt; <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/node/4335" type="external">Gold Falsies Award of 2005 goes to the VNR industry (CMD)</a></p> | 99 |