DC5m United States cinema in english Created at 2016-12-12 ...

AnnouncementDC5m United States cinema in english 246 articles, created at 2016-12-12 18:50 articles setmostly positive rate 1.4

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1 4.5 HBO leads the way with the most Golden GlobenominationsUpdate on 'Golden Globes 2017 live updates: 'This is Us' beats 'Game of Thrones' innominations' 2016-12-12 11:45 1KB www.latimes.com

(14.99/26)

2 3.2 'La La Land,' 'Moonlight,' 'Manchester,' 'Florence' and'Loving' land Golden Globe nods"Florence Foster Jenkins," "La La Land," "Manchester by the Sea" and "Moonlight"each received multiple Golden Globe Award nominations in Los Angeles Monday.2016-12-12 11:02 3KB www.upi.com

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3 1.8 Trump picks Gen. John Kelly for Homeland SecuritysecretaryTrump formally nominated Kelly on Monday to be secretary of Homeland Security,saying his focus will be stopping terrorism and illegal immigration. 2016-12-12 10:35 4KB

rssfeeds.usatoday.com

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4 0.6 Syrian army in 'final stages' of recapturing AleppoThe Syrian army and its allies are in the "final stages" of recapturing Aleppo after asudden advance that has pushed rebels to the brink of collapse in a shrinking enclave,a 2016-12-12 09:54 6KB www.independent.ie

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5 4.6 Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Egypt president, says churchattack was a suicide bombingEgyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Monday that a suicide bomber causedthe blast that killed 24 Christians during Sunday Mass at a Cairo chapel adjacent to St.Mark’s Cathedral, the seat of Egypt’s ancient Coptic Orthodox Church. 2016-12-12 08:37

4KB www.washingtontimes.com

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6 0.0 IMF's Lagarde on trial over French payout to tycoonPARIS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde wenton trial in Paris on Monday over her role in a 400 million euro ($424 mill...2016-12-12 09:32 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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7 0.2 Hundreds arrive to honor Georgia police officerNicholas Smarr who was shot deadHundreds gathered to pay their last respects on Sunday to Nicholas Smarr, a youngGeorgia police officer who was gunned down in the line of duty along with his fellowofficer and best friend. 2016-12-12 10:39 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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8 1.2 Bob Dylan to play concerts in Sweden after missingNobel eventBob Dylan could not make it to Stockholm to pick up his literature award or attend theNobel ceremonies, but he will finally visit Sweden with his band in April for a few gigs.2016-12-12 08:16 1KB www.independent.ie

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9 0.7 Cologne Ramps up New Year’s Police Presence afterSex AssaultsThe German city of Cologne Monday announced a ramped-up police presence, moreCCTV and a fireworks-free zone at upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations to avoid arepeat of last year's mass sexual assaults. 2016-12-12 09:53 2KB feedproxy.google.com

(5.22/26)

10 0.0 Shari Redstone Pulls CBS, Viacom Merger PlansNational Amusements, the controlling shareholder of both CBS and Viacom, hasinstructed the two companies to scrap deliberations that could have led to a merger ofthe two large media conglomerates… 2016-12-12 10:22 2KB variety.com

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11 5.9 Oil prices jump after non-OPEC accordSeveral non-OPEC countries signed on to a deal to cut oil production, bolstering prices.2016-12-12 09:06 2KB rssfeeds.usatoday.com

(4.25/26)

12 2.2 Trump Presidency 'Will Not Affect in Any Way'Relations Between EU and CubaThe European Union and Cuba signed an agreement normalizing ties, ending years offriction between the two over Cuba’s human rights record and opening the way forbroader economic and trade relations. ... 2016-12-12 10:21 751Bytes article.wn.com

(4.20/26)

13 1.4 Will Trump scrap NASA’s climate research mission?The wonders of NASA — Mars rovers, astronaut Instagram feeds, audacious missionsprobing distant galactic mysteries — have long enthralled the American public. And, itturns out, the accomplishments have won the agency the public’s trust: Polls haveconsistently shown NASA to be the second-most trus... 2016-12-12 10:23 970Bytes

article.wn.com

(4.18/26)

14 2.4 Santa Claus grants final wish to dying child ContactWND(THE TENNESSEAN) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eric Schmitt-Matzen looks every bit theSanta Claus. His 6-foot frame carries 310 pounds, leaving “just enough of a lap for thekids to sit on,” he says with a gentle Kringley chuckle right out of... 2016-12-12 11:42 1KB

www.wnd.com

(4.16/26)

15 10.1 Death of NFL star Will Smith: Cardell Hayesconvicted of manslaughterThe man who fatally shot retired New Orleans Saints player Will Smith faces asentence of up to 40 years in prison 2016-12-12 08:40 4KB www.theguardian.com

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16 2.4 Ryan Reynolds dedicates Critics' Choice Award toMake-A-Wish"Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds gave a shoutout to the Make-A-Wish Foundation andSickKids Foundation during his acceptance speech for Entertainer of the Year.2016-12-12 11:22 2KB www.upi.com

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17 1.6 Syria troops seize wide southern stretch of city ofAleppoSyrian government troops and allied militias on Monday seized a wide strip along thesouthern edge of the city of Aleppo from rebels, tightening the noose on remainingopposition fighters and tens of thousands of civilians still in the shrinking enclave, statemedia and opposition activists said. 2016-12-12 07:32 2KB www.washingtontimes.com

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18 3.5 Turkey rounds up more than 200 in raids after deadlyweekend bombingsTurkey's police rounded up more than 200 members of a Kurdish political party onMonday as the country mourned the dozens killed in a bombing attack near an Istanbulsoccer stadium, state media reported. The state-run Anadolu Agency there were 235arrests in 11 cities on... 2016-12-12 10:09 941Bytes article.wn.com

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19 2.8 Cairo Coptic cathedral blast kills at least 25 ContactWND(AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING) A bombing at Egypt’s main Coptic Christiancathedral has killed 25 people and injured another 49, according to Egyptian statetelevision, making it one of the deadliest attacks carried out against the religiousminority in recent memory. There was no immediate claim of... 2016-12-12 11:47 1KB

www.wnd.com

(3.12/26) 20 2.8 Publisher: Former Obama White House aide writingmemoirA former White House aide who is now the chief operating officer of a Brooklyn-basedmedia company is working on an upbeat, but "warts and all" book about her years inthe Obama administration. 2016-12-12 08:15 2KB www.cbs46.com

(2.12/26)

21 1.9 U. S. judge rejects Green Party's Pa. recount requestDecision poses another setback to Jill Stein's recount effort in Michigan, Pennsylvaniaand Wisconsin. 2016-12-12 06:19 2KB rssfeeds.usatoday.com

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22 3.6 The Market in 5 Minutes: Oil gushes higherOil prices surged after more oil-producing nations agreed to slash production.2016-12-12 10:30 3KB rssfeeds.freep.com

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23 1.2 Militants retake ancient city of Palmyra from SyrianforcesBEIRUT (AP) — Islamic State militants recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra fromSyrian troops Sunday, according to both sides in the battle, scoring a major advanceafter a year of setbacks in Syria and neighboring Iraq. ... 2016-12-12 07:50 837Bytes

article.wn.com

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24 3.3 Italy's premier-to-be poised to make role officialPremier-designate Paolo Gentiloni has talked to political leaders on his proposedDemocrat-led Cabinet and will tell Italy's president later if he has succeeded in forminga government. 2016-12-12 10:21 1KB www.independent.ie

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25 0.8 US indexes hold near record highs as energy stocksjumpU. S. indexes held near record highs early Monday after big gains for energy stocksoffset losses in other areas of the market. Oil prices soared after more nations agreedto production cuts in an attempt to mitigate a global oversupply of crude.2016-12-12 11:24 3KB www.charlotteobserver.com

(2.06/26)

26 5.8 Boy, 8, is killed when tombstone falls on top of himwhile playing in a church cemetery during a birthday partyAn eight-year-old boy in Arkansas died on Saturday when a tombstone fell on top ofhim at the Dry Creek Cemetery (pictured) at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist church inLynn. 2016-12-12 10:46 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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27 0.9 Turkey’s Economy Contracts for First Time Since2009The Turkish economy shrank 1.8% in the third quarter of 2016 compared with thesame period in 2015, the first contraction in gross domestic product since the thirdquarter of 2009. 2016-12-12 10:38 2KB www.wsj.com

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28 1.3 Media: Saudi Police Detain Young Woman forRemoving AbayaSaudi police detained a young woman for violating modesty rules after she removedher abaya, local media reported on Monday. 2016-12-12 09:57 875Bytes

feedproxy.google.com

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29 1.2 What you need to know about AleppoAs Syrian government troops take control of large parts of eastern Aleppo, we look atthe city's role in the 5-year conflict. 2016-12-12 09:54 4KB rss.cnn.com

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30 2.4 Srebrenica massacre trial opening postponed inSerbiaThe opening of the landmark trial of eight former Bosnian Serb police officers chargedwith taking part in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre was postponed Monday, reflectinghurdles in attempts to bring war crimes suspects to justice by Serbian courts.2016-12-12 08:46 4KB www.heraldonline.com

(2.05/26)

31 0.9 China issues strongest condemnation yet of Trump;state media call him 'ignorant'China on Monday issued its strongest condemnation yet of President-elect DonaldTrump , after he hinted his administration might toss aside four decades of U. S. policyrecognizing Taiwan as part of one China. 2016-12-12 11:20 5KB www.latimes.com

(2.05/26) 32 2.4 US defense secretary in Israel as country gets F-35jetsTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U. S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter was visiting IsraelMonday as it prepared to receive the first two next-generation F-35 fighter jets that willhelp preserve the country’s military edge in… 2016-12-12 10:30 4KB wtop.com

(2.04/26)

33 3.1 Italy PM designate Gentiloni to see President at 1630GMTROME, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister-designate Paolo Gentiloni said hewould see President Sergio Mattarella on Monday at 5.30 p.m. (1630 GMT) aft...2016-12-12 09:52 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(2.04/26)

34 3.3 National Gingerbread House Day: the best of 2016In honor of National Gingerbread House Day, December 12, we celebrate the culinarycreations of the 24th annual National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville,North Carolina. 2016-12-12 06:25 1KB rss.cnn.com

(1.19/26)

35 2.4 Manchester United draw St Etienne in EuropaLeague as Paul Pogba faces brother FlorentinManchester United's Europa League adventure will continue with a round of 32 tie withSt Etienne, a match up that Paul Pogba will relish as it sees him taking on his brotherFlorentin. 2016-12-12 10:10 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.06/26)

36 1.3 Alexion Pharmaceuticals says CEO, CFO resignsDec 12 (Reuters) - Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Monday that Chief ExecutiveDavid Hallal had resigned, effective immediately, and named board member D...2016-12-12 09:04 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.05/26)

37 0.8 Kenya President: International Criminal Court NotImpartialKenya's president on Monday criticized the International Criminal Court as "notimpartial," saying his government "will give serious thought" to its membership of thecourt. In a speech during celebrations marking 53 years since Kenya becameindependent, President Uhuru Kenyatta said he... 2016-12-12 08:08 3KB abcnews.go.com

(1.04/26)

38 3.3 Markets Right Now: Dow at record; most otherstocks lowerNEW YORK (AP) — The latest on developments in financial markets (All times local):9:35 a.m. Stocks are opening mostly lower on Wall Street, except for energ...2016-12-12 10:43 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.04/26)

39 2.5 Rosneft deal shielded from sanctions, Russianmedia reportsRussian media sources said last week's deal for the acquisition of shares of oilcompany Rosneft is outside the reach of Western-backed economic sanctions2016-12-12 07:42 2KB www.upi.com

(1.03/26)

40 0.0 Bosnia preparing for return of Islamic State fightersSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Bosnian officials say they expect citizenswho joined the Islamic State group will soon return home and pose a threat to...2016-12-12 09:42 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.03/26)

41 0.0 Ask Bianco about anything TV, get your answersMondayJoin USA TODAY television critic Robert Bianco to talk about the tube Mondays at 2p.m. ET. 2016-12-12 09:04 13KB rssfeeds.usatoday.com

(1.02/26)

42 1.8 Battersea Ferrari crash injures six people after carsmashes into pedestriansThe red sports car is said to have sent at least one of the pedestrians 'flying over therailings' of a bridge just yards from Battersea Dogs' Home in Battersea Park Road(pictured), south-west London, this morning. 2016-12-12 10:47 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.02/26)

43 0.0 Twitter Reinstates Richard Spencer, Alt-Right LeaderMr. Spencer’s social media account had been suspended in November because itviolated Twitter’s rules on multiple accounts with overlapping uses. 2016-12-12 10:18 4KB

www.nytimes.com

(1.02/26)

44 3.3 Elton John launching competition to make videosfor 70s hitsNEW YORK (AP) — Elton John is giving filmmakers a chance to create music videosfor his 1970s hits that were released before music videos were 2016-12-12 10:12 1KB

chicago.suntimes.com

(1.02/26)

45 1.4 Stephen Hawking, NASA, working on fastestspaceship ever builtStephen Hawking and NASA are teaming up to send a tiny spaceship to AlphaCentauri. If the problems can be worked out, it will take about 20 years for the ship toreach the star system closest to the Earth. 2016-12-12 09:53 4KB www.digitaljournal.com

(1.02/26)

46 0.9 Dallas Cowboys defeated by own failures to giveNew York Giants a season sweepThe New York Giants overcame a 7-0 halftime deficit by scoring 10 unansweredsecond-half points to top the Dallas Cowboys, 10-7, at MetLife Stadium. 2016-12-12 09:51

8KB www.upi.com

(1.02/26)

47 2.0 With eye on Israel, Hezbollah smuggles in missileparts by airHezbollah maintains close watch on Israeli behavior and continues to prepare for thenext conflict with the Jewish state, even as it fights in Syria. 2016-12-12 09:50 5KB

www.upi.com

(1.02/26)

48 2.7 Burmese town hopes to attract tourists with GeorgeOrwell museumKatha was Eric Blair's last posting in the Imperial Police before he returned to Englandin 1927, adopted the name Orwell and launched a powerful writing career. Pictured ishis former house. 2016-12-12 09:16 6KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.02/26)

49 2.9 Bournemouth stadium move will be 'emotional' butcrucial to the club's progress, says manager Eddie HoweEddie Howe believes Bournemouth must press ahead with plans for an 'emotional'move from Dean Court to realise their Premier League potential. 2016-12-12 09:00 2KB

www.dailymail.co.uk

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50 3.0 How to make your house smell like christmasThese unique holiday recipe will set the vibes in your home to create the ultimateChristmas celebration! 2016-12-12 09:00 2KB www.aol.com

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51 1.4 Chelsea expected to avoid Premier League pointsdeduction after bust-up with Man CityChelsea are almost certain to avoid a points deduction for their role in the angry meleewith Manchester City. The Blues' win over Pep Guardiola's side was overshadowed bya mass confrontation. 2016-12-12 08:55 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(1.02/26)

52 0.7 Migrants arrested in Italy for smuggling may bevictimsPACHINO, Sicily (AP) -- All migrant Marc Samie has of his fiancee is a picture in hismind. Louise, seven and a half months pregnant, is standing silently 2016-12-12 08:28

6KB mynorthwest.com

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53 3.0 Man held for allegedly stabbing worshipper nearCalifornian mosqueJohn Matteson, 29, of Simi County, California is accused of committing a hate crimeafter allegedly attacking the Muslim man who was after leaving a mosque late onSaturday night. 2016-12-12 08:18 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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54 3.0 'Racist, homophobic' National Action group to bebanned under Terrorism ActA neo-Nazi movement is to become the first extreme right-wing group banned as aterrorist organisation, the Government has announced. An order laid in Parlia...2016-12-12 08:12 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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55 1.5 2 Louisville Football Players Shot at HeismanCelebration VideoJunior linebacker James Hearns and sophomore linebacker Henry Famurewa wereshot along with an unidentified Louisville student. 2016-12-12 18:46 2KB abcnews.go.com

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56 2.2 Italy's largest bank sells unit to bolster capitalbuffersItalian bank UniCredit has agreed to sell one of its units for 3.8 billion euros ($4 billion),helping it raise cash and stabilize investor jitters as it prepares to announce ...2016-12-12 07:50 705Bytes article.wn.com

(1.02/26)

57 3.8 More raw and grisly testimony expected in DylannRoof caseThe opening of Dylann Roof's federal death penalty trial saw raw, emotional testimonyfrom a survivor of the shooting, grisly crime scene images and a catalog of racialhatred from Roof's videotaped confession and journal. 2016-12-12 07:16 4KB

www.thenewstribune.com

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58 1.2 GOP strategist Alex Castellanos: Trump has 'a lot ofDemocrat' in himDespite Donald Trump's strongly conservative cast of Cabinet nominees, a veteranstrategist who worked for a pro-Trump super PAC predicts the new presidency will beunpredictable, at times confounding members of both parties. 2016-12-12 07:11 3KB

rss.cnn.com

(1.01/26)

59 6.2 Istanbul bombings: 38 dead as mourners seekanswersISTANBUL (AP) -- Turkey declared a national day of mourning, launched a fullinvestigation and paid tribute to its dead Sunday after two bombings in Istanbul killed 38people and wounded 155 others near a soccer stadium. The twin car-and-suicidebombings Saturday... 2016-12-12 10:15 838Bytes article.wn.com

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60 4.2 Snap Selects mitú As Snapchat Discover Partner ToReach Multicultural YouthLOS ANGELES, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- mitú, the leading digital mediacompany bringing a Latino POV to... 2016-12-12 10:05 4KB www.prnewswire.com

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61 1.7 Duterte: I’m not a killer; I believe in God, in karmaPresident Rodrigo Duterte stressed on Monday, that he was not a “killer” to dispel thegrowing public perception, stoked further by a viral New York Times article, which casthis administration in a bad light for the deaths of over 5,000 in just five months in...2016-12-12 00:00 4KB newsinfo.inquirer.net

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62 1.2 All-star cast of climate deniers fills Trump cabinetTrump chooses climate skeptics to lead agencies charged with monitoring globalwarming; China worried by Taiwan remarks; Facebook’s very bad year 2016-12-12 09:10

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63 3.2 Arsene Wenger committed to keeping Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at ArsenalArsene Wenger insists he will not waste five years developing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain just to let the England star leave Arsenal. It has been reported that t...2016-12-12 07:59 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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64 2.6 Jose Mourinho press conference LIVE: ManchesterUnited manager speaks ahead of Crystal Palace tripJose Mourinho is set to speak to the media ahead of Manchester United's visit toCrystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Follow our live updateshere. 2016-12-12 07:08 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

(0.02/26)

65 0.6 Everton v Arsenal: Team news, kick-off time,probable line-ups, odds and stats for the Premier LeagueclashGet the latest team news and stats ahead of the Premier League clash betweenEverton and Arsenal at Goodison Park. 2016-12-12 10:38 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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66 1.1 Jet-lagged Real ready for Club World challengeTOKYO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Real Madrid are battling the effects of jet-lag but are fullyfocused on their Club World Cup semi-final against Mexican team Club...2016-12-12 08:44 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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67 4.6 "Fast and Furious" fans get glimpse of eighth film innew trailerDec 12 (Reuters) - Fans of the 2016-12-12 10:44 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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68 1.9 Cristiano Ronaldo to win Ballon d'Or 2016 and evenLionel Messi fans might admit it's deservedAt around 7pm tonight Cristiano Ronaldo will be announced as the 2016 Ballon d’Orwinner. France Football magazine leaked that the Portuguese star is to claim thehonour for the fourth time. 2016-12-12 10:37 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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69 2.2 Little Mix shock The X Factor’s (apparentlyVictorian) audience by daring to perform in bodysuits Myweek, from Trump Tower to how I'm spending my BrexitwinningsEvery time this group return to the talent show, viewers are seemingly shocked anewby their fairly tame outfits. 2016-12-12 18:45 10KB www.newstatesman.com

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70 3.1 'Britain's best decorated Christmas house' ownersspent four months decoratingSheila Gill, 76, and John Reynolds, 72, from Newport in south Wales have spentthousands of pounds perfecting their festive display to raise money for charity.2016-12-12 08:09 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

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71 8.3 CONFIRMED! Minnie Dlamini is engagedPopular TV personality Minnie Dlamini is officially a taken woman. 2016-12-12 07:18 1KB

www.timeslive.co.za

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72 3.8 X Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry has received'hundreds' of marriage proposalsOn Sunday night, he had much to celebrate as he was crowned The X Factor's latestwinner - promising a recording career and potential chart success. 2016-12-12 07:09 8KB

www.dailymail.co.uk

73 4.3 Report: Bill Polian Expected To Receive InterestFrom Bears For Front Office Advisory RoleA Hall of Famer, the 74-year-old Polian is open to returning to the game. 2016-12-12 11:36

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74 93.1 A decade of murder and grief: Mexico's drug warturns 10Mexico's drug war rages on, virtually unchanged. It is time to ask: What has thedecade-long cartel strategy achieved? 2016-12-12 11:34 12KB www.upi.com

75 3.6 6 months later, 49 killed at Pulse are remembered inOrlandoRelatives, friends and survivors of the Orlando nightclub massacre stood outsidePulse where candles were lit behind stars with the names of each of the 49 patronswho were killed. 2016-12-12 11:21 1KB www.charlotteobserver.com

76 2.8 Data: We No Longer Care If Our Leaders ArePersonally MoralGreetings from Miami, Florida, where I'm attending the Ethics and Public PolicyCenter's Faith Angle Forum. One of this morning's presenters was Bill Galston of theBrookings Institution, who spoke 2016-12-12 11:18 1KB dailycaller.com

77 2.6 Venezuelans prepare for largest currency note to beyankedVenezuelans are rushing to spend their 100-bolivar notes after President NicolasMaduro's announcement they will be taken out of circulation to stop the "mafias" whosmuggle contraband on the Colombian border. 2016-12-12 11:10 1KB

www.charlotteobserver.com

78 3.0 Baby in lion costume bonds with real lion throughzoo's glass wallA visitor to a Georgia zoo captured the moment a baby dressed in a lion costumebonded with a real lion through the glass of its enclosure. 2016-12-12 10:55 1KB

www.upi.com

79 0.0 Justices ask lower court to reconsider class actioncaseThe Supreme Court is asking a lower court to take another look at a class actionlawsuit brought by nearly 300 cable technicians that alleges their company encouragedworkers to underreport overtime hours. 2016-12-12 10:55 1KB www.charlotteobserver.com

80 2.1 Stacey Solomon praises Joe Swash for supportingher during row with Aaron SidwellStacey Solomon, 27, praised Joe Swash for fiercely defending her after his EastEndersco-star Aaron Sidwell criticised her decision to take a clipboard onstage during panto.2016-12-12 10:47 6KB www.dailymail.co.uk

81 0.0 Trump flips the script on 3 concerns about theObama economy, Mohamed El-Erian saysMarket rallies are the result of a "romance" with President-elect Donald Trump'sproposed policies, Allianz's Mohamed El-Erian tells CNBC. 2016-12-12 10:46 2KB

www.cnbc.com

82 2.2 Flint just misses snowfall record -- how much didyou get?How much snow did you get? 2016-12-12 10:45 1KB www.mlive.com

83 1.0 Sugar heiress Angela Lyle's former mansionGlaspant Manor goes on market for £1mThe studio at Glaspant Manor is where Genesis made their final album with PeterGabriel The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway in 1974. 2016-12-12 10:45 2KB

www.dailymail.co.uk

84 2.0 Texas school backlash for 'Charlie Brown Christmas'poster 'imposing Christian beliefs'School officials in Texas are in trouble after putting up a poster of Charlie Brownreciting a verse from the Bible. Offiicials say the poster violates a law that forbidsteachers from 'imposing beliefs.' 2016-12-12 10:44 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

85 2.4 Henrikh Mkhitaryan became the first Armeniangoalscorer in the Premier League... but which other starsnetted their country’s first goal in top flight?27-year-old midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan created a little bit of history for Armenia onSunday after netting the only goal in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Tottenham atOld Trafford. 2016-12-12 10:44 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

86 8.4 Season's first storm blasts New England; Midwestdigs out"It may not set records, but it will be really, really cold," meteorologist says.2016-12-12 10:43 3KB rssfeeds.freep.com

87 1.4 Iggy Azalea looks beautiful in make-up freeInstagram snap after 'laser' treatmentIggy Azalea went au naturel as she snapped a selfie on Monday. In an up-close shot,the pop star wore no make up as she showed off her flawless complexion.2016-12-12 10:41 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

88 0.6 John Legend to continue IVF treatment with ChrissyTeigen he reveals on Loose WomenHe has spoken openly about fertility issues in the hopes of making it a less taboosubject. 2016-12-12 10:41 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

89 1.9 If space didn't kill them, astronauts still had to trainfor survival in deserts and junglesBeginning in 1960, astronauts were heavily trained in survival techniques in the eventthat their reentry craft landed off-target. 2016-12-12 10:41 1KB www.aol.com

90 1.6 David Beckham Is 'Very Proud' to Be UNICEFGoodwill AmbassadorDavid Beckham said he is “very proud” to be a UNICEF goodwill ambassador as hevisits New York City to celebrate the 70th year of the fundraiser for the organizationthat works to support and protect the world's most vulnerable children. “It was founded70 years ago to... 2016-12-12 10:40 3KB abcnews.go.com

91 3.4 Pregnant Texas orangutan Mei has baby registry atTarget listing 'stimulating' giftsMei (pictured), an 18-year-old orangutan at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, is due lateJanuary. Zookeepers are throwing her a baby shower on Sunday - and have asked foreducational gifts. 2016-12-12 10:39 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

92 3.1 Appeal launched to aid hunger-stricken civilians inYemenA charity appeal has been launched to help civilians facing hunger in war-torn Yemen.The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which represents 13 UK aid cha...2016-12-12 10:38 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

93 2.3 Cardiff Sports Nutrition and Fitness First createChristmas workout plansCardiff Sports Nutrition and Fitness First have released Christmas workout guidesrevealing every exercise you need to do to burn off your favourite festive treats.2016-12-12 10:36 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

94 2.2 American Express will give all parents 20 weeks ofpaid leaveAmerican Express joins a growing list of companies expanding their parental leavebenefits and offering more generous paid time off policies for mothers and fathers, aswell as financial help to employees trying to start a family through adoption, surrogacyand infertility treatments. 2016-12-12 10:33 3KB rss.cnn.com

95 1.3 Graffiti artist's latest mural pays tribute to man whopunched kangarooA controversial Australian graffiti artist painted a mural tribute to an unlikely hero: theman who punched a kangaroo to save his dog. 2016-12-12 10:31 1KB www.upi.com

96 2.0 Cruz Beckham shows off skateboarding skills formusic videoSince it was announced that Cruz Beckham was set to launch a pop career, hisfamous parents faced a barrage of criticism for their offspring's early industry start.2016-12-12 10:30 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

97 14.1 1 dead in crash on 101 Freeway, triggering closureof westbound lanes in North HollywoodA person was killed Monday morning in a crash on the westbound 101 Freeway,triggering lane closures in North Hollywood. 2016-12-12 10:30 2KB www.latimes.com

98 6.6 In pictures: Funerals take place for victims of soccerstadium blastFunerals are taking place for a second day in Turkey for victims of the bomb blasts.2016-12-12 10:29 3KB www.independent.ie

99 0.0 Why Trump poses 'single biggest risk' to the globaleconomyHere are some of the biggest global economic challenges Donald Trump will face as apresident. 2016-12-12 10:27 5KB rss.cnn.com

100 1.8 The Bachelor's Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris poses nakedfor Instagram during vacation in BaliBachelor's Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris poses naked with inflatable pink doughnut during herromantic holiday away with boyfriend Jeremy Banks as the pair enjoy themselves inBali. 2016-12-12 10:23 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

101 0.7 Lloyd Everitt's dyslexic means he has to replace hisCasualty scripts with picturesThe actor, who plays Jez Andrews in BBC's Casualty, wasn't diagnosed until he wasan adult studying at drama school in Cardiff. Now, he has basically developed his ownwritten language. 2016-12-12 10:23 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

102 1.7 New images of Martian moon Phobos obtained byExoMars orbiterLola Gayle, STEAM Register The Martian moon Phobos was recently imaged by ESA’sExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) as part of a routine series of tests. TGO arrived atthe Red Planet on October 19 and made its first scientific calibration measurementsduring two orbits between November 20 and 28.... 2016-12-12 10:23 972Bytes

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103 2.9 Kim Kardashian returns to spotlight, prancesaround in lace-up bra for day 12 of the 'Love' advent calendar'Tis the season to dance around in your lingerie! In Love magazine's online adventcalendar, Kim Kardashian did just that. 2016-12-12 10:22 6KB www.aol.com

104 0.0 The Year Of The Gun: Carry Permit, Sales FiguresExplode In 2016The number of persons in the United States with concealed carry permits has reachedan all-time high of close to 15 million. John R. Lott, Jr. of the Crime PreventionResearch Center explains: "As of 2016-12-12 10:18 4KB dailycaller.com

105 0.0 Iraqi police say ready to join assault on east MosulBAGHDAD (Reuters) - Several thousand Iraqi federal police are ready to join theassault against Islamic State in east Mosul, a spokesman said on Monday, reinforcingtroops who have faced weeks of fierce counter-attacks from the militants.2016-12-12 10:18 797Bytes article.wn.com

106 0.0 Top senator rules out Russian forces taking part inground operation in Syria — RT Russian politicsThe chair of Russia’s upper house told reporters that Russian forces will not beparticipating in any ground operation on Syrian territory, but Russia will continue tosupport the Syrian army in its fight against terrorists, who pose a threat worldwide.2016-12-12 10:16 2KB www.rt.com

107 0.0 Mexico: Olga Guzman: Breaking the human rightsbubble for everyone to understand (OMCT - WorldOrganisation Against Torture)(Source: OMCT - World Organisation Against Torture ) 12 November 2016 (OMCT) -What set off Olga Guzman Vergara was the inequality she herself faced in her countryas a woman. Then her determination to fight injustice quickly moved onto todenouncing... 2016-12-12 10:15 1011Bytes article.wn.com

108 0.0 Buyout groups prepare final bids for paymentsgroup Concardis - sourcesFRANKFURT, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Buyout groups are preparing final bids for Germanpayments group Concardis, potentially valuing the group at more than 600 mill...2016-12-12 10:14 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

109 0.8 Neighbors help man after Christmas lights hit bytornadoNeighbors of a Paincourtville man whose house was struck by a tornado earlier thisyear, destroying his Christmas decorations, are helping him celebrate the holiday spirit.2016-12-12 10:14 1KB www.washingtontimes.com

110 4.6 Pennsylvania man faces hearing for not stoppingvideo deathA preliminary hearing is set for a Pennsylvania man charged with child endangermentbecause police say he didn’t call 911 while the mother of his 17-month-old son killed theboy while sending him two hours’ worth of angry text messages, pictures and videos.2016-12-12 10:13 1KB www.washingtontimes.com

111 1.4 Nicole Scherzinger beat pressure to lose weight asshe stars in beauty campaignThe 38-year-old singer reveals that ageing has given her a clearer perspective on lifeand helped her beat her demons. 2016-12-12 10:09 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

112 0.4 FAKE NEWS FLASHBACK: Media Promoted TedCruz Mistress StoryWhile "fake news" has dominated media coverage since Donald Trump's shockingelection last month, the liberal media promoted a baseless National Enquirer story lastMarch that claimed Texas Sen. Ted C 2016-12-12 10:07 3KB dailycaller.com

113 1.0 Everton boss Ronald Koeman trying to get the bestout of his struggling playersEverton boss Ronald Koeman is holding regular meetings with his players in a bid toarrest their Premier League slump. 2016-12-12 10:06 3KB www.independent.ie

114 0.0 How drugs like Tylenol are saving the US $102billionFrom pain relievers to indigestion relief to toothpaste, many of the health products youuse every day don't come from a pharmacist. 2016-12-12 10:04 3KB www.aol.com

115 2.0 L. A. City Councilman David Ryu is not running forRep. Xavier Becerra's congressional seatUpdate on 'Essential Politics: John Pérez drops out of the race for Congress, politicspodcast tackles Democrats' anti-Trump agenda' 2016-12-12 10:03 2KB www.latimes.com

116 0.6 ‘Why Him?’ Review: Franco, Cranston in a Meet-the-Boyfriend ComedyBy now, James Franco has been cast as more flakes, stoners, and smiley scoundrelsthan you can count, and there’s a reason: He’s peerless at playing them. In “WhyHim?,” a state-of-the-… 2016-12-12 10:00 5KB variety.com

117 1.4 Prisons brought to brink of collapse by Tory lordchancellors, says ex-bossPhil Wheatley blames Gove, Clarke and Grayling for ‘operational disaster’ that will takeyears to put right 2016-12-12 10:00 5KB www.theguardian.com

118 6.7 Golden Corral's biggest restaurant prototype opensin HollandThe 11,000 square-foot restaurant can seat nearly 500. 2016-12-12 10:00 4KB

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119 0.0 Longtime patron donates estate to SacramentoBalletA longtime patron of the Sacramento Ballet has left his estate to the dance company.2016-12-12 09:59 1KB www.washingtontimes.com

120 0.0 SEE IT: City Unveils First Renderings of Long-Sought 20th Street ParkInitial renderings reveal features including two play structures, a synthetic turf area andseating. 2016-12-12 09:58 1KB www.dnainfo.com

121 2.3 Japanese man revisits Guam cave where he hid inWorld War IIHAGATNA, Guam (AP) — A 92-year-old Japanese man has returned to Guam to visita cave where he hid for nearly a year during World War II. The Pacific Daily Ne...2016-12-12 09:58 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

122 1.2 Tosin Femi Olasemo who posed as US Armycaptain to scam women is ordered to repayTosin Femi Olasemo, 38, from Cardiff, pretended to be an American servicemanfighting in Afghanistan and duped women into believing his name was Captain MorganTravis. 2016-12-12 09:57 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk

123 1.3 Andie MacDowell, 58, displays her youthful glowand timeless style in a chic baby pink and cream ensemble atDubai Film FestivalThe actress, 58, could have passed for a woman half her age as she put on a typicallystylish appearance at the 13th Dubai Film Festival at the Madinat Jumeriah Complex onMonday. 2016-12-12 09:57 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

124 2.8 The 17 most original, wild and creative celebritybaby names of 20162016 was anything but normal, which actually makes the usual roundup of uniquecelebrity baby names somewhat comforting! 2016-12-12 09:57 5KB www.aol.com

125 1.2 Leviathan gas field start date approvedPartners behind one of the larger natural gas fields off the coast of Israel unveiled plansto start formal production operations in roughly three years. 2016-12-12 09:56 2KB

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126 2.9 Natalie Bassingthwaighte shows off figure onshopping trip with kidsThe 41-year-old personality cut a very casual figure and went makeup free as shetook her lookalike daughter Harper, six, and son Hendrix, three, grocery shopping2016-12-12 09:55 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

127 0.8 Male beautician jailed for touching clients' genitalsduring hair removal treatments loses appeal against hisconvictionDon Subasinghe sexually assaulted the six women at the Canning Vale beauty salonhe co-owned between November 2010 and January 2011. He was jailed for four yearsand eight months. 2016-12-12 09:55 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

128 0.0 Pinckney schools first in nation with cyber securityprogramThe district created an institute aimed at addressing the rising need for people certifiedto address cyber crime. 2016-12-12 09:53 5KB rssfeeds.freep.com

129 3.4 Holiday gift guide: Themed presents that will makegift-shopping easierWe compiled a few themed gifts that are sure to apply to one or two people in your life(brunch baskets for everyone... maybe?). 2016-12-12 09:53 1KB www.aol.com

130 1.1 Gold Star father who feuded with Trump tells LongBeach crowd to stand and defend valuesKhizr Khan, the father of a fallen Army officer whose anti-Donald Trump speech at theDemocratic National Convention made him into a national figure, encouraged a LongBeach audience of Muslim Americans to defend Constitutional values and civil rights2016-12-12 09:49 4KB www.presstelegram.com

131 1.0 Areas of Western Washington hit with more snowPortions of Western Washington are getting hit with another round of snow showersthis morning as much of the state braces for a week of cold temps. 2016-12-12 09:49 1KB

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132 2.1 Ami Horowitz 'punched and choked by migrants'after entering 'no-go' zone in StockholmUS producer Ami Horowitz travelled to Stockholm in Sweden to film a documentaryexamining the effects of immigration in the country. 2016-12-12 09:48 3KB

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133 1.1 EXCLUSIVE: Janice Dickinson marries Dr. RobertGerner in Beverly Hills ceremonyJanice Dickinson tied the knot with fiance Dr. Robert 'Rocky' Gerner on Saturdayafternoon in an intimate ceremony in Beverly Hills. 2016-12-12 09:48 3KB www.aol.com

134 0.0 I salute the Marikana policePeople will use any opportunity to attack the ANC government, even when the massescalled for action which the government responded with. 2016-12-12 09:47 3KB

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135 0.9 College Board faces rocky path after CEO pushesnew vision for SATBy Renee Dudley NEW YORK, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Shortly after taking over the CollegeBoard in 2012, new CEO David Coleman circulated an internal memo laying ou...2016-12-12 09:47 22KB www.dailymail.co.uk

136 0.9 Mother slams Argos after Christmas tree shebought fails to live up to picture on boxZoe McAllister, 22, from Oxfordshire, posted photographs on Facebook showing herlimp tree and it has been shared thousands of times. 2016-12-12 09:44 2KB

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137 2.1 Cowboys QB Dak Prescott facing new questionsafter loss to GiantsCowboys rookie QB coming off back-to-back subpar performances 2016-12-12 09:43

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138 0.8 Hamas offers Qassam rockets to any Arab armywilling to fight Israel — RT NewsA Hamas official said the militant group is ready to share its Qassam rockets with anyArab army willing to fight the Jewish state. The rockets can match similar productsoffered by international arms makers, the official claimed. 2016-12-12 09:40 3KB

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139 0.0 CNN's Jake Tapper pushes for answers and thenpushes moreNEW YORK (AP) — Jake Tapper's verbal tug-of-war with Vice President-elect MikePence last week illustrated a persistent style the CNN anchor is making his si...2016-12-12 09:35 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk

140 0.5 Post-Brexit jobs boost as fashion retailer ASOS andBT announce plans to hire 2,000 extra workersThe jobs boost is further evidence of pre-referendum warnings of major job losses ifvoters backed Brexit failing to materialise. 2016-12-12 09:32 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

141 2.2 The Bachelorette's reject Sam Johnston celebratesbirthday with naked Instagram snapBachelorette reject Sam Johnston posted a naked picture of himself in a bath tub tocommemorate his 28th birthday on Instagram after proving he has no problem strippingdown to nothing for snaps. 2016-12-12 09:32 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

142 1.3 Surviving war in Yemen: 'I dream of going home' –in picturesTwenty months of war have devastated Yemen, with 7 million people facing hunger.Families at a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Sana’a share their stories2016-12-12 09:27 1KB www.theguardian.com

143 0.8 NASA cyclone satellite system set for release frombelly of Stargazer (VIDEO) — RT ViralA NASA satellite system to help scientists peer inside the eye of tropical storms ispreparing to launch from the belly of a plane into low-orbit. 2016-12-12 09:27 1KB

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144 0.5 China auto sales rise 17.2 percent in NovemberChina's explosive demand for SUVs helped boost auto sales 17.2 percent in Novemberover a year ago, an industry group said Monday, as automakers prepared for the endof a key tax break and a potential slump in demand. 2016-12-12 09:26 2KB

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145 1.1 Road crews still working to clear streets after snowblankets WashtenawBy 7:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, the National Weather Service showed Ann Arbor hadrecorded snowfall of 8.8 inches and snow depth of 10 inches over the last 24 hoursduring which the Washtenaw County area was pummeled with snow during a winterstorm. 2016-12-12 09:22 2KB www.mlive.com

146 4.4 Detroit Pistons' offense gets snowed in vs. 76ers,97-79Morris scores 28, but Detroit shoots just 39%; SVG takes blame for not having teamready 2016-12-12 09:22 3KB rssfeeds.freep.com

147 2.0 ‘Chronic’s’ Michel Franco,Emma Suarez, TelevisaTeam‘April’s Daughter’One of Mexico’s highest-profile and most resolutely independent young directors,Michel Franco, whose Tim Roth starrer “Chronic” won best screenplay at 2015’sCannes Festival, has gone into product… 2016-12-12 09:20 6KB variety.com

148 0.0 Good, Bad or Just Plain Ugly - Credit HistoryExplainedIn the UK, there is no such thing as a credit blacklist or even a universal credit score.This means that every single lender you encounter will score you differently using itsown set of criteria. Nonetheless, there is such a thing as a poor credit... 2016-12-12 09:19

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149 7.1 An emotional Louis Tomlinson debuts ‘Just HoldOn’ days after his mom’s death‘That was harder than I ever imagined,’ the singer tweeted after his performance.2016-12-12 09:16 1KB rssfeeds.usatoday.com

150 0.2 As he shoots for awards attention, Canadiandirector Xavier Dolan is still taking no prisonersCanadian director Xavier Dolan shared the Jury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festivalfor his boisterous family drama 'Mommy. " Canadian director Xavier Dolan shared theJury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for his boisterous family drama 'Mommy."... 2016-12-12 09:11 898Bytes article.wn.com

151 1.3 Let's celebrate US archaeology's best kept secretLegislation may be unsexy, but I’d like to raise a glass to 50 years of a tiny but mightyact which has saved countless American cultural sites 2016-12-12 09:09 6KB

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152 0.0 State Department frontrunner is Exxon Mobil exechonored with Russian state award by Putin — RT AmericaPresident-elect Donald Trump may propose an oil executive with close ties to Russiaas his future secretary of state. Rex Tillerson’s nomination may face opposition fromRepublican legislators who view Russia as a threat to the US, however. 2016-12-12 09:08

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153 2.9 Oil recovery may be emerging in North DakotaIf state records are accurate when measured against industry data, the rig count inNorth Dakota gained significant ground after a weekend OPEC agreement.2016-12-12 09:07 3KB www.upi.com

154 3.7 Looking at Western Michigan's journey from 1-11 to13-0 under P. J. FleckSee the key moments of the Broncos' four-year climb from 1-11 to 13-0 and CottonBowl berth. 2016-12-12 09:00 1KB www.mlive.com

155 0.8 Qualified Electrician in PerthIf you are seeking a qualified electrician in Perth, look no further. Westline ElectricalServices has been serving Perth, Western Australia for over 12 years. Our technicianshave the experience to approach any problem, and the professionalism to solve it. Allof our electricians... 2016-12-12 08:59 3KB article.wn.com

156 1.9 Israel will be ‘destroyed’ if Trump sparks war inMiddle East – Iran defense minister — RT NewsThe Iranian defense minister says Donald Trump’s election has led to "unease," andthat any war with Iran caused by his administration would "destroy" Israel and smallerGulf states. It comes amid concern Trump will pull out of the nuclear pact agreed withTehran last year. 2016-12-12 08:56 3KB www.rt.com

157 2.3 42-year-old NC man faces multiple rape, indecentliberties with a child chargesWILMINGTON, N. C. -- A 42-year-old North Carolina man is accused of multiple sexcrimes, including rape, against a child. Wilmington police arrested Johnny TravisDeans on Saturday and charged him with six counts of indecent liberties with a childand four counts of statutory rape, according to WECT. 2016-12-12 08:55 1KB myfox8.com

158 2.1 President-elect Donald Trump to talk conflicts ofinterest claims at Thursday press conferenceIn November, Trump announced his intention to dispel any notion that his businessholdings would benefit from his role as president. 2016-12-12 08:55 4KB www.aol.com

159 3.2 MTA Board To Get Update On 2nd Ave. Subway AsOpening Deadline LoomsGov. Andrew Cuomo says it looks like phase one will open on schedule by the end ofthis month. 2016-12-12 08:54 2KB newyork.cbslocal.com

160 3.7 Caught On Camera: Group Assaults 47-Year-OldMan In Brooklyn RobberyThe incident happened on Linden Street and Holly Boulevard in East New York ataround 10:55 p.m. on Dec. 5. 2016-12-12 08:52 1KB newyork.cbslocal.com

161 3.3 Harry Kane admits Spurs may have to adapt theirtacticsHarry Kane believes Tottenham need to find a different way to "unlock the door" if theyare to challenge for the Premier League crown. 2016-12-12 08:51 2KB www.independent.ie

162 0.0 Sport picture of the day: Flying PanthersThe Carolina Panthers were literally flying as they defeated the San Diego Chargers28-16 2016-12-12 08:50 1019Bytes www.theguardian.com

163 1.4 Keidel: Powell’s Prowess Aside, Jets Didn’t ShowMuch In San FranThe Jets played well enough and long enough on Sunday to escape the architecturaldisaster known as Levi Stadium and the athletic disaster known as the 49ers.2016-12-12 08:50 5KB newyork.cbslocal.com

164 3.0 'We are failing the elephants'CNN's David McKenzie investigates the horrors of elephant poaching in Africa. Hefears our only memories of elephants may be those of their mutilated corposes.2016-12-12 08:46 7KB rss.cnn.com

165 2.4 Keith Lewin is suing GlaxoSmithKline for damagesafter 'being poisoned by doctors'Keith Lewin, 59, pictured, from Lancashire, suffered with back pain since his childhood,but his issues spiralled out of control in middle age and led to a devastating diagnosis in2012. 2016-12-12 08:43 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk

166 4.0 Democratic Congressman: Electors ShouldConsider ‘Foreign Interference’ Reports Before Casting Votes"I believe the electors have the right to consider that.” 2016-12-12 08:35 2KB

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167 4.2 Festive eggnog scones for your holiday breakfastAdd a holiday touch to your morning meal with these festive mini scones. Maybe evenhave a cup of eggnog on the side. 2016-12-12 08:35 3KB www.aol.com

168 94.6 Colombia: brutal rape and death of girl shockscountry marred by crimeBogotá erupts in protests after it emerged suspect in killing of seven-year-old from apoor district is from a wealthy family 2016-12-12 08:33 6KB www.theguardian.com

169 1.6 Man Stole Car With Toddler In Back SeatA 26-year-old woman was unloading groceries about 12:45 p.m. Saturday in the 7100block of South Sawyer when Oscar Cervantes got in the driver seat, used a 9-inchsteak knife to start the Nissan Sentra and drove off, Cook County prosecutors said...2016-12-12 08:31 2KB chicago.cbslocal.com

170 1.1 Tesla settles Norway lawsuit over car's performanceOSLO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Electric carmaker Tesla Motors Inc has reached an out-of-court settlement with 126 Norwegian customers who claimed their cars' perfo...2016-12-12 08:27 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

171 2.8 Iraq to abide by OPEC cut, expects output growthin futureBy Rania El Gamal VIENNA, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Iraq is committed to cutting itsproduction to comply with a global pact to support prices, the country's oil mi...2016-12-12 08:25 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

172 0.8 CA reverses decision dismissing QC exec Paulateet al.The Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Office of the Ombudsmandismissing former actor and Quezon City councilor Roderick Paulate and his colleaguein connection with allegations of maintaining “ghost employees” in the payroll of theQuezon City Council. 2016-12-12 00:00 2KB newsinfo.inquirer.net

173 2.3 VIDEO: A ‘Normal’ Night in Chicago (With GunshotsGoing Off Constantly)Locals have recently taken to calling the place Locals have recently taken to calling theplace "Chiraq," as it's pretty much a war zone. 2016-12-12 08:22 984Bytes

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174 1.9 'The best present!!' Jonathan Rhys Meyers is set tobe a father for the first time as his fianceé Mara Lane debutsher baby bump in sweet festive snapsThe Irish actor's fianceé revealed the happy news to followers on Instagram onSunday. 2016-12-12 08:21 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

175 0.0 ‘I blocked and reported a number of social mediausers': Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle pens a VERYhonest essay addressing the racism she has endured fromonline trollsMeghan Markle has penned an essay for Elle UK discussing the racist abuse she hassuffered from trolls on social media. She says she has chosen to find her 'own identity'to defy trolls. 2016-12-12 08:21 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

176 0.8 The mystery of the Sherlock baby name is finallyrevealed in a newspaper announcement as fans try to workout a tantalising clue about the detective and his phoneSherlock fans were sent into a frenzy today when the name of John and MaryWatson's newborn daughter was revealed in the births, marriages and deaths registerof the Daily Telegraph. 2016-12-12 08:21 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

177 3.4 Burglar Steals 50-Inch TV In Bronx Church Break-InPolice say the burglar stole a 50-inch television from the Fulton Avenue Church of Godin Morrisania at around 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 23. 2016-12-12 08:19 1KB newyork.cbslocal.com

178 0.9 Argentina Bets on Farmers to Spur EconomicGrowthArgentina’s vaunted farmers, hamstrung for more than a decade by price controls athome and high taxes on exports, are planting at a record pace this year now thatPresident Mauricio Macri is clearing hurdles. 2016-12-12 08:16 2KB www.wsj.com

179 2.6 Next year's hot destinations are KAZAKHSTAN andINVERNESSThe Scottish city (pictured) was named eighth on a list of the top destinations forEuropean travellers in 2017, based on growth in forward bookings. Turin was No1 andAstana in Kazakhstan No2. 2016-12-12 08:11 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

180 3.2 Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan to swap Dundalk forPrestonPreston have signed two of the stars of Dundalk's impressive European run thisseason in centre-back Andy Boyle and winger Daryl Horgan. 2016-12-12 08:11 2KB

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181 1.8 Pittsburgh Steelers Le'Veon Bell putting pastproblems behind himLe'Veon Bell has used the past 10 games to re-establish himself as one of the game'spremier players and extinguish his past problems. 2016-12-12 08:00 3KB www.espn.com

182 0.0 What’s good for women and girls is good for L. A.CountyOn Tuesday, Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Hilda Solis will introduce a motion to createa five-year Initiative on Women and Girls in Los Angeles County government. It directsall 37 county departments to address the disproportionate disadvantages facingwomen and girls here. If it is enacted... 2016-12-12 08:00 7KB www.latimes.com

183 1.1 Europe's states of disorder How the eurozoneentered a new phase of economic crisisThose optimistically talking about a "soft Brexit" are missing the bigger picture. Europehas entered one of its periodic states of protracted disorder. 2016-12-12 18:46 14KB

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184 0.9 Tom Daley supports screenwriter fiancé DustinLance Black at Roma Fiction Fest in ItalyThe Olympic diver, 22, was by his screenwriter fiancé's side as they turned out for thepremiere of When We Rise in Italy on Sunday night. 2016-12-12 07:57 2KB

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185 1.2 Distressed, not festiveLast year we got her a present and she just kept opening it over and over again, says16-year-old Charlotte. She was happy but she wasn't really aware of 2016-12-12 00:00

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186 1.3 Rowan Atkinson to appear as Mr. Bean in his firstChinese filmRowan Atkinson, who is globally famous as Mr. Bean from the British sitcom by thesame title, will soon be seen in the Chinese film Top Funny Comedian The Movie.2016-12-12 00:00 1KB entertainment.inquirer.net

187 0.3 Country singer Blake Shelton offers concert ticketsto couple after fan’s near-fatal crashSOMERS, New York -- Country singer Blake Shelton is stepping up to help a die-hardfan who missed his concert earlier this year after he was involved in a life-threateningmotorcycle crash. On Nov. 7, 25-year-old Jonathan Daniels took to... 2016-12-12 07:51

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188 0.0 John Travolta showcases his latest hairpiece at the22nd annual Critics Choice AwardsThe actor’s carefully coiffed hairpiece was present and correct, albeit vastly different tothe thick, natural locks he sported during his heyday in carer defining films Grease andSaturday Night Fever. 2016-12-12 07:50 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

189 1.6 'Atlanta's Keith Stanfield crashes 'Silicon Valley'acceptance speech at Critics Choice Awards"Atlanta" star Keith Stanfield rushed the stage to give an impromptu speech Sunday atthe Critics Choice Awards after "Silicon Valley" won Best Comedy Series.2016-12-12 07:47 1KB www.upi.com

190 1.9 Charlie Adam faces wait to see if FA take actionover apparent stamp on Alexis Sanchez during Stoke's lossat ArsenalCharlie Adam is facing an anxious wait to discover whether he will be charged by theFootball Association for appearing to deliberately stamp on Alexis Sanchez.2016-12-12 07:45 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

191 1.4 Ryan Reynolds reveals his daughter James' firstsentence was inspired by Tom HanksHe bagged the Best Actor in a Comedy and Entertainer of The Year awards at lastnight's Critics Choice Awards. 2016-12-12 07:43 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

192 2.0 What Does Civil Disobedience Look Like In A State-Controlled Information Age?Since even some state-sponsored wars can be acts of terrorism, such as when the U.S. preemptively invaded and militarily occupied Iraq based on false premises andincorrectly connecting the dots to 9/11, civil liberty groups were alarmed whenFacebook, Microsoft, Twitter... 2016-12-12 07:43 2KB article.wn.com

193 4.4 Say what? AKA accuses Bruno Mars of copying hismusicOutspoken rapper AKA has taken shots at US hitmaker Bruno Mars, accusing him ofstealing his musical style. 2016-12-12 07:39 1KB www.timeslive.co.za

194 2.1 Everton striker Romelu Lukaku tries to recreate PhilJagielka's last-gasp stunner against Liverpool... but can theBelgian find the top corner?Everton's fine start to the season has been cancelled out by a run of just one win innine Premier League games, but the state of mini-crisis hasn't dampened the mood inthe camp just yet. 2016-12-12 07:38 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

195 0.0 Polish march featuring anti-Ukrainian sloganssparks outrage in Kiev (PHOTOS, VIDEO) — RT NewsA march in Poland to commemorate a battle between Poles and Ukrainians in 1918was marred by anti-Ukrainian slogans, one of which demanded that the city of Lvov inwestern Ukraine be returned to the Poles. Kiev wants an investigation. 2016-12-12 07:38

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196 4.0 Shoppers likely to trim their budgets instead ofopting for all the trimmings this festive seasonFood and basic necessities are likely to top South African shoppers purchases thisDecember. 2016-12-12 07:33 8KB www.timeslive.co.za

197 1.4 Rise of the glass giants: how modern cities areforcing skyscrapers to evolveSlick, glassy skyscrapers cast their shadows over the streets and spaces of cities allover the world. But the high-rises of the future are departing from tradition.2016-12-12 07:30 6KB rss.cnn.com

198 1.2 YouTuber Zoella reveals that she has been accusedof LYING about her anxietyYouTube star Zoella, 26, from Brighton, has revealed that she has been accused offaking her anxiety in order to 'boost subscribers'. She says that she has also beencalled 'too skinny' by some viewers. 2016-12-12 07:29 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

199 3.8 Laura Dundovic talks about rise to fame afterwinning Miss Universe AustraliaShe rose to stardom after winning Miss Universe Australia in 2008. And LauraDundovic says the renowned beauty pageant skyrocketed her now illustriousmodelling career. 2016-12-12 07:28 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

200 0.9 Attack on the drones: the creeping privatisation ofour urban airspaceWho owns the air above our cities? The public and the media are in danger of losingaccess to a valuable common resource, with corporations given priority 2016-12-12 07:28

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201 1.8 Mothers defend Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Dalyon MumsnetA Mumsnet user said she didn't understand some people's 'intense dislike' of theStrictly Come Dancing presenter, 47. Many mums agreed Tess was unfairly criticised,but others called her 'awful' and 'irritating'. 2016-12-12 07:22 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

202 1.0 Fukushima radiation reaches United States shoresfor first timeFor the first time since the nuclear disaster five years ago, radiation from Japan'sFukushima plant has reached the West Coast of the United States. 2016-12-12 07:21 4KB

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203 4.0 Lonza in talks to buy Capsugel for more than $5billion: ReportSwiss pharmaceutical manufacturer Lonza Group is in advanced talks to acquireCapsugel, a U. S. maker of capsule products. 2016-12-12 07:16 2KB www.cnbc.com

204 3.0 Donald Trump: I'll solve the Dakota Access pipelinequestionIf it's not "solved" by the time he's scheduled to take office in January, the U. S.president-elect vowed quick action on the Dakota Access oil pipeline. 2016-12-12 07:14

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205 2.6 Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle takes herdog Bogart to the vet in TorontoIt may have been sub zero temperatures in Toronto but Meghan Markle was preparedto brave the weather in order to take her pooch to the vet. 2016-12-12 07:13 6KB

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206 1.5 Atletico Nacional bidding to win Club World Cup intribute to Chapecoense as they gear up for Kashima AntlerstieThe Copa Libertadores and Colombian champions arrived in Osaka on Saturday stillreeling from the shock of the tragedy but must shift their focus to Wednesday's semi-final 2016-12-12 07:10 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

207 4.4 Grandmother who went to hospital with broken armdied from pneumonia and sepsisPatricia Fowler, 75, was not assigned to a doctor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital,Lancashire, because she was overlooked by a secretary who mistook her for anotherpatient. 2016-12-12 07:08 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk

208 0.3 Peter Helliar pokes fun at Peter Stefanovic on TheProject after stand-in Today show host's on-air gaffePeter Helliar poked fun at fellow TV presenter Peter Stefanovic on Monday night'sepisode of The Project. Peter spoke about the difficulty of presenting before showing ablunder the Today host made. 2016-12-12 07:07 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

209 1.4 Cesc Fabregas is still vital for Chelsea and JayRodriguez can seize Southampton chance after CharlieAustin injury- 10 THINGS WE LEARNEDRALPH ELLIS: Another stellar weekend of action saw Chelsea edge out West Brom enroute to yet another win whilst Liverpool lost ground in the title race. 2016-12-12 07:07 5KB

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210 5.6 Father honours daughter Lauren Atkinson whodied after taking ecstasy in ManchesterLauren Atkinson, pictured, was found dead in her hotel room after taking the party drugafter attending a sell-out rave with girlfriends in Manchester. 2016-12-12 07:03 6KB

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211 0.0 Michigan's 'Christmas camp' will be critical forprogram's future, presentANN ARBOR -- A year ago, Michigan's bowl prep featured a mixture of three themes.One part fall camp, one part spring practice, one part game preparation. Jim Harbaughcalls it Michigan's "Christmas camp. " The Wolverines will get 15 practices...2016-12-12 07:01 7KB www.mlive.com

212 3.8 Grading the Lions: Running backs earn high marksdespite being gutted by injuryDetroit beat the Bears 20-17 in comeback fashion. 2016-12-12 07:01 1KB www.mlive.com

213 5.1 Next 'Pearl Harbor' will be politicalGlobal politics is going through a radical shift perhaps as great as the end of World WarII and the Cold War. 2016-12-12 07:00 5KB www.upi.com

214 0.0 From Oakland and beyond, they make a pilgrimageto the Ghost ShipAs television cameras and heavy equipment began to vacate the site of the Ghost Shipfire in Oakland, a steady stream of locals and travelers from near and far continued toarrive Sunday. 2016-12-12 07:00 7KB www.latimes.com

215 0.0 Get the look: Neutral stripesNeutral colors may seem like a boring fashion choice. These neutral stripe sweatersare anything by ordinary! 2016-12-12 07:00 1KB www.aol.com

216 1.1 History's losers: intimate stories from survivors ofthe Soviet empire A very cheesy Christmas: could youstomach the pong of these cheeses?Second-Hand Time by Svetlana Alexievich is an empathetic treatment of collectivememory – and grief. 2016-12-12 18:46 12KB www.newstatesman.com

217 3.0 Microsoft's Christmas ad sparks controversy for'celebrating what is good and right'Microsoft has launched its festive advert which 'celebrates what is good and right withthe world and what unites us' after a 'challenging' and 'negative' year. 2016-12-12 06:59

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218 3.6 Kim Cattrall talks murder, motherhood and themadness of Sex And The CityAs an actress, Kim Cattrall is still in demand on both sides of the Atlantic. ThisChristmas she is the star of an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novella, The WitnessFor The Prosecution. 2016-12-12 06:59 13KB www.dailymail.co.uk

219 0.8 Liverpool FC star Adam Lallana is the PremierLeague's running manHis abundant energy is one of the key reasons why Liverpool are challenging for thetitle this season - but even by Adam Lallana's standards, this weekend wasimpressive. 2016-12-12 06:58 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

220 1.1 Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky dating rumoursreach fever pitch as they enjoy dinnerThey were first pictured together earlier in the summer. 2016-12-12 06:56 3KB

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221 2.5 Damian Lewis reveals playing a rich man has hadno effect on his own lifeEnglish actor Damian Lewis, 45, has revealed that playing a rich person in the populartelevision show Billions is a contrast to his regular life in which is says money isn't thatimportant. 2016-12-12 06:55 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

222 1.4 Socialite liquor store heir who hosted wild Sydneyparty with models and Playboy bunnies says he 'deeplyregrets' the out-of-control anticsA host of celebrities and more than 600 guests attended the exclusive gathering inPalm Beach on Saturday night. The party was shut down at 10pm when three peoplewere sent to hospital. 2016-12-12 06:54 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

223 1.7 X Factor's Honey G confirms she HAS bagged arecord deal with Simon Cowell's label... amid claims she will'make millions' from controversial stint on the showHoney G revealed she has bagged a record deal with Simon Cowell's label Syco -sharing the news on Twitter before the winner of X Factor was even announced.2016-12-12 06:54 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

224 0.8 Fans urge The Bachelor's Alex Nation to cut herhair 'Miley Cyrus short'She only got her blonde locks cut a week ago, but Alex Nation is already debatingwhether to get the chop again. The Bachelor winner opted for a change of style whenshe had it trimmed. 2016-12-12 06:49 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

225 2.2 Conor McGregor and pals 'stuffed' in a Rolls Royceas UFC star takes motor for a spinRecently McGregor has been sharing insights into his high-rolling lifestyle. Hechartered a private jet to eat chicken in Texas, been snapped posing in club VIP areasand shown off his stacks of cash. 2016-12-12 06:47 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

226 2.1 Educator of the Week: Steven OllisonHIGH POINT, N. C. -- FOX honors Welborn Academy of Science and Techology'sSteven Ollison. Thank you, Steven! If you know of an educator who is worthy of thisnomination please fill out the nomination form here. Educator of the Week is sponsoredby the North Carolina Education Lottery. 2016-12-12 06:47 951Bytes myfox8.com

227 0.6 Natalie Roser flaunts her washboard abs in a croptop and leggings as she hits the gym...after indulging inpizzaNatalie Roser flaunted her washboard abs on Instagram on Monday as she preparedfor a gym session, after eating pizza 2016-12-12 06:40 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

228 0.6 Twitter users left outraged as Christmas film Elfwon't be shown on TV this DecemberBritish viewers have been left disappointed by the news that the 2003 comedy Elfstarring Will Ferrell will not be aired on UK television this Christmas. 2016-12-12 06:38 2KB

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229 1.0 Holly Willoughby avoids talking about diet for fearof contributing to anorexiaThe This Morning presenter revealed that she avoids talking about anything to do withher diet for fear of people becoming fixated with her comments. 2016-12-12 06:33 2KB

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230 1.0 Can YOU spot Dolly? Fiendish festive brainteaserfeatures a little girl hidden among the children's ChristmastoysThe latest brainteaser wants you to try and spot the children's toy hidden among theteddies, dinosaurs, trains, cars and spaceships. 2016-12-12 06:32 2KB

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231 2.6 Ashley James shows off curves as she soaks upthe sun in DubaiThe former Made In Chelsea star, 29, looked the picture of confidence as sheshowcased her envy-inducing curves while soaking up the sun in Dubai over theweekend. 2016-12-12 06:32 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

232 0.8 Anthony Joshua reveals secret to his successAnthony Joshua has taken to the swimming pool to relax after defending his worldheavyweight title in emphatic fashion on Saturday night — and he has revealed hissecret to his success. 2016-12-12 06:31 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

233 3.4 Is Luther Singh the next great South Africa soccerstar?Luther Singh has flown largely under the radar in South African football circles havingnever played in the Premier Soccer League. 2016-12-12 06:30 3KB www.timeslive.co.za

234 1.1 From detecting Hamas tunnels to detecting cancerElscint founder Dr. Avraham Suhami developed technology for detecting tunnels, butthe IDF turned him down. Now he is applying it to early detection of breast cancer.2016-12-12 06:30 13KB www.jpost.com

235 2.1 South Korea slams North's practice invasionSouth Korea has strongly condemned North Korean military drills designed to simulatean attack on the South, a Unification Ministry spokesman told reporters in a regularbriefing Monday. 2016-12-12 06:30 3KB rss.cnn.com

236 1.5 BREAKING: Court finds Motsoeneng appointmentunlawfulThe Western Cape High Court has ruled that Hlaudi Motsoeneng cannot work at theSABC in any capacity unless a Public Protector's report is set aside, or a newdisciplinary hearing clears him. 2016-12-12 06:28 1KB www.news24.com

237 1.7 Little Mix suffer social media backlash afterstripping off for raunchy X Factor finale performanceBut despite their enduring popularity Little Mix have once again been criticised forsporting skimpy, provocative stage costumes during their performance at WembleyArena on Sunday evening. 2016-12-12 06:27 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

238 1.0 Oil surges; Travel stocks slammed; Exxon CEO inthe spotlightHere's what you need to know about the markets before you start your business day.2016-12-12 06:24 4KB rss.cnn.com

239 0.6 Oops! Laine shoots into own goal, costing Jets vsOilersEDMONTON, Alberta — Patrik Laine has scored a lot of big goals in his first NHLseason, including a few game-winners. His latest was anything but. Laine shot thepuck into his own net midway 2016-12-12 00:00 4KB sports.inquirer.net

240 0.7 Newcomer Kitchen: how Syrian refugees took overa Toronto restaurant – videoWhen Canada pledged to take 25,000 refugees fleeing war in the Middle East, onerestaurateur in Toronto opened his doors, giving a group of Syrian women theopportunity to cook for the community, spread the wealth of their home country’scuisines – and find new purpose... 2016-12-12 06:12 1KB www.theguardian.com

241 5.8 British-Algerian journalist dies after hunger strikein AlgiersALGIERS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - A British-Algerian journalist had died six months afterstaging a hunger strike in Algiers over his detention for publishing arti... 2016-12-12 06:12

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242 0.0 South Korea's interim leader faces thorny issuesSEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who had alargely ceremonial job until President Park Geun-hye's impeachment last wee2016-12-12 06:10 5KB mynorthwest.com

243 3.2 PICS: Walter Mokoena and Nosizwe Vuso areofficially marriedSports personality Walter Mokoena and Nosizwe Vuso officially tied the knot in a whitewedding ceremony this past weekend. 2016-12-12 06:09 1KB www.timeslive.co.za

244 2.6 Swansea have stomach to survive relegation scrap,says BrittonDec 12 (Reuters) - Swansea City captain Leon Briton believes his team have provedthey have the battling qualities to survive the Premier League relegation d...2016-12-12 06:03 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

245 4.5 Commissioner Andrew Scipione to appeal sentencereduction for Mitchell BarbieriMitchell Barbieri was jailed for 35 years with a non-parole period of 26 after he pleadedguilty to the stabbing murder of Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson in 2012 at aSydney rural property. 2016-12-12 06:01 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

246 1.4 Twitter goes into meltdown after realisingMcDonald’s festive coffee cups look very NSFWAuthor Sam Sykes drew fingers onto a mittens design on a McCafe cup, making it looklike a person clasping the cheeks of their posterior. The image swiftly went viral online.2016-12-12 06:01 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

ArticlesDC5m United States cinema in english 246 articles, created at 2016-12-12 18:50

1 /246 4.5 HBO leads the way with the most Golden Globe

nominations (25.99/26)

The nominations for the74th annual Golden GlobeAwards have beenannounced. Issa Rae,Natalie Portman and RuthNegga all got nominationsfor their work this year ontelevision and film."Sausage Party" wassurprisingly shut out ofmost of the (announced)noms but "Zootopia"slipped into the AnimatedFeature nominations. Butbiggest surprise were the multiple nods for comic book underdog "Deadpool. "

As it often does at awards shows, HBO leads the pack of Golden Globes TV nominations with14. The pay cable network won accolades across the board with shows both new and vintage("Westworld," "Game of Thrones"), comedy ("Insecure" and "Divorce") and drama ("The NightOf") as well at its original films ("All the Way," "Confirmation. ")

Thanks to "The People v. O. J. Simpson" and "The Americans," FX is not far behind.

Broadcast networks made a decent showing thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.'s CWfavorites "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and "Jane the Virgin," new NBC hit "This is Us" and ABC 'scompelling "American Crime," but CBS and Fox were unable to make a dent.

Here's the tally:

HBO - 14

FX - 9

ABC - 5

Amazon - 5

AMC - 5

Netflix - 5

NBC - 3

Starz - 3

The CW - 2

USA Network - 2

BBC America - 1

EPIX - 1

Showtime - 1

Jessica Chastain onWashington's boys club andhow D.C.'s 'most notorious'lobbyist helped her prepare

for 'Miss Sloane'latimes.com

Lily Collins' mom snaps theactress seconds after her

Golden Globe nomination isannounced

latimes.com

Motion picturelatimes.com

Golden Globes 2017:‘Westworld,’ ‘This Is Us,’

‘Atlanta,’ ‘The Crown’ Scoreas Voters Spread TV Wealth

variety.com

Golden Globes 2017Nominations: Mel Gibson

Lands Best Picture, Directorfor 'Hacksaw Ridge'

feedproxy.google.com

List of nominees for theGolden Globe Awards

charlotteobserver.com

'Deadpool,' Scorsese andViggo Mortensen: Six snubs

and surprises from theGolden Globes nominations

latimes.com

Golden Globes 2017:Complete list of nominees

latimes.com

2016-12-12 11:45 Sarah Rodman www.latimes.com

2 /246 3.2 'La La Land,' 'Moonlight,' 'Manchester,' 'Florence' and

'Loving' land Golden Globe nods (14.99/26)

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) --Deadpool , Florence Foster Jenkins ,La Land , Loving , Manchester by theSea and Moonlight all receivedmultiple Golden Globe Awardnominations in Los Angeles onMonday morning.

The nominees are:

Best Film -- Drama Hacksaw RidgeHell or High Water Lion Manchesterby the Sea Moonlight

Best Film -- Comedy or Musical 20th

Century Women Deadpool Florence Foster Jenkins La Land Sing Street

Best Actor in a Drama Casey Affleck Manchester by the Sea

Joel Edgerton Loving Andrew Garfield Hacksaw Ridge Viggo Mortensen Captain FantasticDenzel Washington Fences

Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Colin Farrell The Lobster Ryan Gosling La Land Hugh GrantFlorence Foster Jenkins Jonah Hill War Dogs Ryan Reynolds Deadpool

Best Actress in a Drama Amy Adams Arrival Jessica Chastain Miss Sloane

Ruth Negga Loving Natalie Portman Jackie Isabelle Huppert Elle

Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Annette Bening 20th Century Women Lily Collins RulesDon't Apply Hailee Steinfeld The Edge of Seventeen Emma Stone La Land Meryl StreepFlorence Foster Jenkins

Best Supporting Actor

Mahershala Ali Moonlight Jeff Bridges Hell or High Water Dev Patel Lion

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Nocturnal Animals

Best Supporting Actress Viola Davis Fences

Naomie Harris Moonlight Nicole Kidman Lion

Octavia Spencer Hidden Figures Michelle Williams Manchester by the Sea

Best Director

Damien Chazelle La Land Tom Ford Nocturnal Animals Mel Gibson Hacksaw Ridge

Barry Jenkins Moonlight

Kenneth Lonergan Manchester by the Sea

Best Screenplay

Damien Chazelle La Land

Tom Ford Nocturnal Animals

Barry Jenkins Moonlight

Kenneth Lonergan Manchester by the Sea

Taylor Sheridan Hell or High Water

Anna Kendick, Laura Dern and Don Cheadle read the nominations aloud at a press conference.The Golden Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and honorexcellence in film and television.

Winners will be announced at a Jan. 8 gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. JimmyFallon will host the ceremony, which will air live on NBC.

2017 Golden Globesvariety.com

Golden Globes 2017Nominations: Mel Gibson

Lands Best Picture, Directorfor 'Hacksaw Ridge'

feedproxy.google.com

Golden Globe nominations:La La Lands leads the way

with seven nodsdailymail.co.uk

Awards season's big three --'La La Land,' 'Manchester'

and 'Moonlight' -- continue tolead the way at Globes

latimes.com

'La La Land,' 'Moonlight' and'The People v. O.J.

Simpson' dominate theGolden Globes nominations

latimes.com

'La La Land' tops Globeswith 7 noms, 'Moonlight'

with 6deseretnews.com

‘La La Land’, ‘People v.O.J.,’ score multiple Golden

Globe nodsnypost.com

‘La La Land’ Leads GoldenGlobe Nominations

nytimes.com

2016-12-12 11:02 Karen Butler www.upi.com

3 /246 1.8 Trump picks Gen. John Kelly for Homeland Security

secretary (13.99/26)

Donald Trump formallynominated retired MarineGen. John Kelly on Mondayto be secretary ofHomeland Security, sayinghis focus will be stoppingterrorism and illegalimmigration.

"Gen. John Kelly’s decadesof military service and deepcommitment to fighting thethreat of terrorism insideour borders makes him theideal choice to serve as our Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,” Trump said in astatement. “He is the right person to spearhead the urgent mission of stopping illegalimmigration and securing our borders, streamlining TSA and improving coordination betweenour intelligence and law enforcement agencies. "

Accepting the appointment, Kelly said that "the American people voted in this election to stopterrorism, take back sovereignty at our borders, and put a stop to political correctness that for toolong has dictated our approach to national security.

"I will tackle those issues with a seriousness of purpose and a deep respect for our laws andConstitution," Kelly said.

In other transition developments:

• Trump again questioned a CIA claim that Russia intervened in the U. S. election — via hackingand other tactics — to try to tilt the election to the New York businessman over Democrat HillaryClinton. The president-elect again suggested that Democrats are pushing the story in order toexcuse their election loss.

Echoing comments he made on Fox News Sunday , Trump tweeted early Monday: "Unless youcatch 'hackers' in the act, it is very hard to determine who was doing the hacking. Why wasn't thisbrought up before election? "

In another tweet, Trump said: "Can you imagine if the election results were the opposite and WEtried to play the Russia/CIA card. It would be called conspiracy theory! "

• China said it has "serious concern" about Trump's comments that he may change the "oneChina" policy in favor of a different relationship with Taiwan.

"Upholding the 'one China' principle is the political basis for developing China-U. S. ties," ChinaForeign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters. "If this basis is interfered with ordamaged then the healthy development of China-U. S. relations and bilateral cooperation inimportant areas is out of the question. "

News of Kelly's appointment had surfaced last week.

A native of Boston, Kelly first enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970, and rose to becomecommander of the U. S. Southern Command, supervising military operations in Central andSouth America and the Caribbean. He is also a Gold Star father who lost his son during combatin Afghanistan in 2010.

The Department of Homeland Security, created in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, oversees avariety of security agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, Citizenship andImmigration Services, the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, and the Transportation SecurityAdministration.

Kelly is the third retired general to join Trump's national security team, along with NationalSecurity Adviser Michael Flynn and Defense secretary nominee James Mattis.

Kelly and Mattis must both be confirmed by the Senate.

In its announcement, the Trump transition team noted that Kelly's years as head of the SouthernCommand gave him "unique insight into some of the challenges the United States faces at itssouthern border. "

The Trump team also said Kelly "was intimately involved in, and often coordinated, the whole ofU. S. Government interagency efforts in the interdiction of drug and human trafficking, counter-terrorism, human rights, and working with partners to safeguard southern approaches to the U.S. border. "

Donald Trump Taps RetiredGeneral John Kelly For

Homeland Security Chiefarticle.wn.com

Exxon Mobil CEO Expectedto Be Trump's Secretary of

State Pickcbn.com

Trump taps retired generalKelly for Homeland Security

chiefdigitaljournal.com

Trump taps Retired GeneralKelly to lead Homeland

Security: statementaol.com

Trump picks Gen. JohnKelly for homeland securityrssfeeds.usatoday.com

Trump announces retiredGen. John Kelly as his pick

to head Department ofHomeland Security

latimes.com

Trump picks retired generalJohn Kelly for homeland

securitytheguardian.com

Trump picks Gen. Kelly forhomeland security

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2016-12-12 10:35 David Jackson rssfeeds.usatoday.com

4 /246 0.6 Syrian army in 'final stages' of recapturing Aleppo (9.99/26)

The Syrian army and its allies are inthe "final stages" of recapturingAleppo after a sudden advance thathas pushed rebels to the brink ofcollapse in a shrinking enclave, aSyrian general said on Monday.

A Reuters journalist in thegovernment-held zone said thebombardment of rebel areas of thecity had continued non-stopovernight, and a civilian trappedthere described the situation asresembling "Doomsday. "

"The battle in eastern Aleppo should end quickly. They (rebels) don't have much time. Theyeither have to surrender or die," Lieutenant General Zaid al-Saleh, head of the government'sAleppo security committee, told reporters in the recaptured Sheikh Saeed district of the city.

Rebels withdrew from all districts on the east side of the Aleppo river after losing Sheikh Saeedin the south of their pocket in overnight fighting, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

It meant their rapidly diminishing enclave had halved in only a few hours and Observatorydirector Rami Abdulrahman described the battle for Aleppo as having reached its end.

"The situation is extremely difficult today," said Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim rebel groupfighting in Aleppo.

The rebels' sudden retreat represented a "big collapse in terrorist morale," a Syrian militarysource said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russia, is now close to taking back full control ofAleppo, which was Syria's most populous city before the war and would be his greatest prize sofar after nearly six years of conflict.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that since the start of the Aleppo battle, more than 2,200rebels had surrendered and 100,000 civilians had left areas of the city that were controlled bymilitants.

"People run from one shelling to another to escape death and just to save their souls ... It'sdoomsday in Aleppo, yes doomsday in Aleppo," said Abu Amer Iqab, a former governmentemployee in the Sukkari district in the heart of the rebel enclave.

State television footage from Saliheen, one of the districts that had just fallen to the army,showed mounds of rubble and half-collapsed buildings, with bodies still lying on the ground anda few bewildered civilians carrying children or suitcases.

While Aleppo's fall would deal a stunning blow to rebels trying to remove Assad from power, hewould still be far from restoring control across Syria. Swathes of the country remain in rebelhands, and on Sunday Islamic State retook Palmyra.

Tens of thousands of civilians remain in rebel-held areas, hemmed in by ever-changing frontlines, pounded by air strikes and shelling, and without basic supplies, according to theObservatory, a British-based monitoring group.

In the Sheikh Saeed district on Monday, an elderly couple stood lamenting their fate.

"May every son return to his mother. I have suffered that loss. May other women not endure thesame," said the woman, her arms raised to the sky. "I have lost my three children. Two died inbattle and the third is kidnapped," she added, as an army officer attempted to calm her.

Rebel groups in Aleppo received a U. S.-Russian proposal on Sunday for a withdrawal offighters and civilians from the city's opposition areas, but Moscow said no agreement had beenreached yet in talks in Geneva to end the crisis peacefully .

The rebel official blamed Russia for the lack of progress in talks, saying it had no incentive tocompromise while its ally Assad was gaining ground. "The Russians are being evasive. Theyare looking at the military situation. Now they are advancing," he said.

The Syrian army is backed by Russian war planes and Shi'ite militias supported by Iran. Themostly Sunni rebels include groups backed by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchiesas well as hardline jihadists who are not supported by the West.

A correspondent for Syria's official SANA news agency said the army had taken control ofSheikh Saeed, and more than 3,500 people had left at dawn.

A Syrian official told Reuters: "We managed to take full control of the Sheikh Saeed district. Thisarea is very important because it facilitates access to al-Amariya and allows us to secure agreater part of the Aleppo-Ramousah road. " The road is the main entry point to the city from thesouth.

The loss of Palmyra, an ancient desert city whose recapture from Islamic State in March washeralded by Damascus and Moscow as vindicating Russia's entry into the war, is anembarrassing setback to Assad.

The Observatory reported that the jihadist group carried out eight executions of Syrian soldiersand allied militiamen in Palmyra on Monday while warplanes bombarded their positions aroundthe city.

Another four people, including two children, were shot dead while the jihadists cleared the city, itsaid.

The Observatory said at least 34 people had died in air raids on an Islamic State-held villagenorth of Palmyra, and that local officials said poison gas had been used. Islamic State accusedRussia of the attack. Both Russia and Syria's military deny using chemical weapons.

The Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday that 728 rebels had laid down their weaponsover the previous 24 hours and relocated to western Aleppo. It said 13,346 civilians left rebel-controlled districts of Aleppo over the same period.

The Observatory said that four weeks into the army offensive at least 415 civilians, including 47children, had been killed in rebel-held parts of the city.

Hundreds had been injured by Russian and Syrian air strikes and shelling by governmentforces and its allies on the besieged eastern part of the city.

The Observatory said 364 rebel fighters had been killed in the eastern sector. It said rebelshelling of government-held west Aleppo had killed 130 civilians, including 40 children. Dozenshad been injured.

Aleppo: Syrian governmentforces makes big gains

rss.cnn.com

Assad forces nearing win inAleppo as battle reaches

'final stages'jpost.com

Syrian Troops Take EvenMore Ground in Rebel Part

of Aleppo Videoabcnews.go.com

Syrian forces say they nowhave control of '98% of

eastern Aleppo'dailymail.co.uk

The Latest: Syrian rebelsface 'terrifying' Aleppo

collapsecbs46.com

Syrian military says itcontrols 98% of east Aleppo

rssfeeds.usatoday.com

The Latest: Syrian rebelsface ‘terrifying’ Aleppo

collapsewtop.com

Amid Aleppo offensive, ISrecaptures Syria's Palmyra

article.wn.com

2016-12-12 09:54 Reuters www.independent.ie

5 /246

5 /246 4.6 Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Egypt president, says church

attack was a suicide bombing (7.93/26)

CAIRO (AP) — Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Monday thata suicide bomber caused the blast that killed 24 Christians during SundayMass at a Cairo chapel adjacent to St. Mark’s Cathedral, the seat ofEgypt’s ancient Coptic Orthodox Church.

It was among the deadliest attacks to ever target Egypt’s Coptic minority,which makes up around 10 percent of the country’s population and strongly supported themilitary overthrow of an elected Islamist president in 2013, which was led by el-Sissi.

Since then, Islamic militants have carried out scores of attacks mainly targeting the securityforces, while the government has waged a wide-scale crackdown on dissent.

Speaking after a state funeral for the victims, el-Sissi identified the bomber as 22-year-oldMahmoud Shafiq Mohammed Mustafa, and said three men and a woman were arrested inconnection with the attack, which wounded 49 people. Two other suspects were on the run, headded.

El-Sissi did not link the bomber to any militant groups, but a top Interior Ministry official — policeMaj. Gen. Tarek Attia — told The Associated Press that he was arrested in Fayoum province,southwest of Cairo, in 2014 on charges of being a member of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.The president spoke after Health Ministry officials revised down the number of victims to 24,suggesting that the 25th body belonged to the bomber. The victims are thought to include 22women.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“This strike really hurt us and caused us much pain, but it will not break us,” el-Sissi said. “Godwilling, we will win this war.”

He also called on the government and parliament to introduce legislation that would allow more“decisive” methods of dealing with militants. He did not elaborate.

“As long as we are together as one, we will definitely win, because we are people of goodness,not evil, and people of building, not destruction,” he said.

The coffins were wrapped in Egyptian flags. Pope Tawadros II, spiritual leader of Egypt’sOrthodox Christians, and top government and military officials attended the funeral, held amidtight security provided by hundreds of army soldiers. Earlier on Monday, the Coptic communityheld its own funeral service.

“God, protect us and your people from the conspiracies of the evil ones,” Tawadros prayed afterwaving incense over coffins lined up in front of the altar along with crosses made of white roses.“It is the destiny of our church to offer martyrs.”

Only victims’ relatives were allowed to attend the service at the Virgin Mary and St. Athanasiuschurch in the eastern Cairo suburb of Nasr City. Some screamed out in grief or shouted outvictims’ names, while the rest sat in silence or quietly wept.

Outside the church, a crowd scuffled with security forces when they were barred from attending

the service. An unspecified number of arrests were made, several witnesses said, speaking oncondition of anonymity because they feared for their safety.

“People have a volcano of anger inside their chests,” said Nora Sedki, a Christian governmentemployee who joined a demonstration of several hundred protesters outside the church.

“The blood of our brothers is dear,” chanted the protesters, who carried Egyptian flags andcrosses made of tree branches.

Egypt has seen a wave of attacks by Islamic militants since 2013, when the military overthrewPresident Mohammed Morsi of the Brotherhood amid mass protests against his divisive rule.

Many of his supporters lashed out at Christians after his ouster, ransacking and destroyingscores of churches and Christian-owned properties in southern Egypt, where sectarian tensionsare more pronounced.

For decades, Christians have complained of discrimination, saying they are denied top jobs inmany fields, including academia and the security forces. They have also accused the securityforces of failing to do enough to protect them from Muslim extremists, a complaint that haspersisted under el-Sissi’s rule.

___

Associated Press writer Mariam Fam contributed to this report.

Egypt Mourns 25 ChristiansKilled in Church Explosion

Videoabcnews.go.com

Egypt's president sayschurch attack was a suicide

bombingcbs46.com

‘We Are in a Lot of Pain.’Egypt in Mourning after

Deadly Cairo Church Attackcbn.com

Egypt’s Sisi says suicidebomber behind churchattack, four captured

article.wn.com

The Latest: Egypt sayschurch attack was a suicide

bombingcbs46.com

Suicide bomber behindattack on Coptic Christianchurch in Cairo, president

saysupi.com

Egypt's Sisi says suicidebomber behind churchattack, four captured

dailymail.co.uk

Egypt’s leader says churchattack was a suicide

bombingrssfeeds.detroitnews.com

2016-12-12 08:37 By Maggie www.washingtontimes.com

6 /246 0.0 IMF's Lagarde on trial over French payout to tycoon

(7.51/26)

PARIS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde went on trial inParis on Monday over her role in a 400 million euro ($424 million) payout of French taxpayer

money to businessman Bernard Tapie in 2008. Lagarde, 60, was France'sfinance minister in the government of then-president Nicolas Sarkozywhen she approved an out-of-court settlement with Tapie to end a long-running dispute between the magnate and the French state. Accused ofnegligence leading to misuse of public funds, she who denies anywrongdoing. She risks up to a year in jail and a fine of 15,000 euros

($15,895) if convicted. Were it to happen, a maximum sentence could raise questions about thewidely respected policymaker's ability to continue as head of the Washington-based IMF, whereher predecessor France's Dominique Strauss Kahn, quit in 2011 over a sex assault scandal. Onthe eve of Monday's trial opening, Lagarde told France 2 public television she was confidentand she denied favouring Tapie or having acted on Sarkozy's orders. "Negligence is a non-intentional offence. I think we are all a bit negligent sometimes in our life. I have done my job aswell as I could, within the limits of what I knew," she said. Investigators have said that Lagarde'sbehaviour in the case when beyond simple carelessness. Her trial is only the fifth to be heldbefore the Cour de Justice de la Republique, a special tribunal created in 1993 to try cabinetministers. A panel of 15, including 12 lawmakers from both the lower and upper houses ofparliament, will hear the case, which is scheduled to run until Dec. 20. They are expected tofocus on correspondence between Lagarde and her staff as well as the government body thatmanages state corporate holdings, which advised against private arbitration. The case datesback to a time when Tapie sued the state for compensation after selling his stake in sportscompany Adidas to then state-owned Credit Lyonnais in 1993. He accused the bank ofdefrauding him after it resold its stake for a much higher price. With case stuck in the courts, thetwo sides agreed to private settlement and Tapie was awarded in 2008 a 403 million europayout, including interest. ($1 = 0.9438 euros) (Reporting by Chine Labbe; Writing by LeighThomas; Editing by Tom Heneghan)

Christine Lagarde in courtover €400m payout to

French tycoontheguardian.com

IMF Chief Lagarde FacesTrial in France

article.wn.com

Lagarde's lawyer to seekdelay in French negligence

trialindependent.ie

IMF Chief Christine LagardeFaces Negligence Trial in

Francewsj.com

IMF chief Lagarde on trial inFrance over Tapie case

digitaljournal.com

Lagarde's Lawyer to SeekDelay in French Negligence

Trialabcnews.go.com

Lagarde’s lawyer to seekdelay in French negligence

trialwtop.com

IMF chief Lagarde facesnegligence trial in France

article.wn.com

2016-12-12 09:32 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

7 /246 0.2 Hundreds arrive to honor Georgia police officer

Nicholas Smarr who was shot dead (5.85/26)

Hundreds gathered to pay their last respects on Sunday to a young Georgia police officer who

was gunned down in the lineof duty along with his fellowofficer and best friend. Ahorse-drawn carriage led byan honor guard carried thebody of Americus police officerNicholas Smarr, 25, through aprocession lined withmourners, his casket drapedwith the American flag, theAtlanta Journal Constitutionreported. Smarr and JodySmith, a 26-year-old officerwith Georgia SouthwesternState University, were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call Wednesdayin the south Georgian town of Americus. The shooter, Minquell Lembrick, 32, shot and killedhimself on Thursday after a manhunt and stand-off. Scroll down for video The mourners thatlined the casket's route somberly waved flags; some wiped away tears. Speaking at the funeralbefore the procession, Americus Police Chief Mark Scott said that even after Smarr was shot, heperformed CPR on his wounded friend. Smarr died at the scene, and Smith a day later at ahospital. The pair had been best friends since their school days, and graduated from Americus-Sumter High School together in 2009. Scott's secretary, Brinda Middleton, said Smarr, who wasalso a former Marine, was 'the most respectful' and 'one of the nicest people you’d ever want tomeet'. 'He never had anything negative to say about anybody. He's just a real sweetheart andwe’re going to miss him terribly,' she added. Smarr had been working to save up for a trip toDisney World so he could propose to his girlfriend, Rachel Harrod, it emerged earlier this week.The pair had planned to fly to Florida the same day Smarr was buried. 'I had a feeling about it,'Harrod told the Journal on Saturday. 'I'd always dreamed of getting a ring at Disney World. Wedidn't quite make it.' Sheila Newton, whose daughter is best friends with Harrod, said that thebereaved woman had been very happy with Smarr. 'You could tell that Rachel, I mean, that washer person,' Newton said. 'My heart just breaks for her.' Local George Saratsiotis said the twoofficers were regular customers at his menswear shop. He said the close-knit Georgiacommunity has been shocked by the slayings, adding 'the atmosphere in the town is very sad.Everybody is talking to each other and trying to help each other right now.' 'It's not fair for them togo so young,' he said. Smarr was buried after the procession at Oak Grove Cemetery. Friendsand family had gathered Friday at Georgia Southwestern to remember the officers, who hadbeen friends since fourth grade and shared an apartment in Sumter County. 'I have cried andcried and I know I'm going to cry and cry for a long time,' Sharron Johnson said to about 200people who'd gathered for that candle-light vigil for her son, Jody Smith, and Smarr. Funeralservices for Smith have not yet been announced. Smarr died responding to a domesticdisturbance call Wednesday near Georgia Southwestern. Smith had provided backup to his bestfriend since the apartment was so close to his beat. They encountered the suspect - Lembrick -who also had a warrant out for his arrest in a kidnapping case. Lembrick opened fire, hitting bothmen in the head. Smarr died on the scene; Smith was taken to hospital and later died there.Lembrick posted farewell messages on Facebook and later shot himself during a stand-off withpolice. Smarr was the sixth law enforcement officer fatally shot in Georgia this year, double thetotal killed by guns in the previous two years combined, according to The Atlanta-JournalConstitution. When Smith died the following day, he became the seventh officer killed by gunfirein 2016, the newspaper added.

Two Georgia police officersshot while serving a warrant

in Crawford Countydailymail.co.uk

2 central Georgia policeofficers shot while serving

warrantabc7news.com

2 Georgia police officersshot, wounded serving

warrantcbs46.com

2 Georgia police officersshot while serving warrant

cbs46.com

Two Georgia police officersshot while serving warrant

nypost.com

2 Georgia Police OfficersShot While Serving Warrant

abcnews.go.com

Two police officers shot inMiddle Georgia, suspect

killed - Storyfox5atlanta.com

State Official: 2 PoliceOfficers Shot While ServingWarrant in Central Georgia;

Conditions Unknownabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 10:39 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

8 /246 1.2 Bob Dylan to play concerts in Sweden after missing

Nobel event (5.36/26)

Bob Dylan could not makeit to Stockholm to pick uphis literature award orattend the Nobelceremonies, but he willfinally visit Sweden with hisband in April for a few gigs.

Live Nation entertainmentgroup said that the newNobel Prize winner willgive two concerts at theWaterfront in the Swedishcapital on April 1-2, as well

as playing in the south-western city of Lund on April 9.

Dylan's previous gigs in Sweden were two sold-out concerts in 2015 at the Waterfront, whichhas a capacity of 3,000.

Dylan declined the invitation to the December 10 Nobel ceremony and banquet, pleading othercommitments, but expressed awe at receiving the Nobel Prize in literature and thanked theSwedish Academy for including him among the "giants" of writing.

AP

Dylan to give concerts inSweden after missing Nobel

ceremonypagesix.com

Bob Dylan to give concertsin Sweden after missing

Nobel feterssfeeds.usatoday.com

After Nobel no-show, Dylansets gigs in Sweden in April

digitaljournal.com

Dylan to give concerts inSweden after missing Nobel

fetecbs46.com

Bob Dylan to perform inSweden in April after Nobel

no-showdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 08:16 Press Association www.independent.ie

9 /246 0.7 Cologne Ramps up New Year’s Police Presence after

Sex Assaults (5.26/26)

Hundreds of women that night describedbeing mugged and groped in a crowd ofmen of mainly Arab and north Africanappearance, incidents that shockedGermany and fuelled criticism ofChancellor Angela Merkel’s liberal refugeepolicy. Cologne police chief JuergenMathies said 1,500 officers would bedeployed on the streets of the western citythis year, up from some 140 last year,when police came under fire for failing toproperly respond to the chaotic events.Mathies told reporters he regretted thatofficers last year were “not there for peoplewhen they needed the police”. “This must never happen again,” he said at a presentation of thecity’s security plan for New Year’s Eve. The city will also be stepping up its video surveillance,with hundreds more CCTV cameras and more officers wearing bodycams, Mathies said. Muchof the increased security will focus on the square between the city’s iconic Dom cathedral andthe train station where most of the assaults took place. Cologne mayor Henriette Reker saidaccess to the square this year would be tightly controlled, with no firecrackers or otherpyrotechnics allowed in the safety zone. The square will also be flooded with light as part of avideo and light installation by German artist Philipp Geist that will be projected onto the Dom. Ofthe roughly 1,200 criminal complaints filed about last year’s New Year’s Eve incidents, morethan 500 were for sexual assault, Cologne police reports showed. The majority of theperpetrators were never caught. Of the suspects who were identified, many were migrants fromMorocco and Algeria. Similar assaults were reported during end-of-year festivities in otherGerman cities. The ugly scenes in Cologne made global headlines and deepened concerns

about how to integrate the nearly 900,000 newcomers who arrived in Germany last year.

Cologne ramps up NewYear's police presence after

sex assaultsdigitaljournal.com

Cologne plans hugelyincreased New Year police

presencemynorthwest.com

Cologne Deploys 1,500Police To Stop Sex Attacks

dailycaller.com

Cologne to deploy extrapolice for New Year's Eveover repeat migrant sex

attacksdailymail.co.uk

Cologne Plans HugelyIncreased New Year Police

Presenceabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 09:53 by feedproxy.google.com

10 /246 0.0 Shari Redstone Pulls CBS, Viacom Merger Plans (5.22/26)

National Amusements, thecontrolling shareholder ofboth CBS and Viacom , hasinstructed the twocompanies to scrapdeliberations that couldhave led to a merger of thetwo large mediaconglomerates.

“Based on ourassessments of thestrengths, progress andfuture prospects of both

companies, we are requesting that the boards discontinue their discussions at this time andfocus instead on their independent paths forward,” said Sumner and Shari Redstone , whocontrol the movie-exhibition chain that holds majority investments in both companies, in a lettersent Monday.

The maneuver represents an abrupt turnaround by the Redstone family, which has steadilyprodded both companies to consider joining anew. The elder Redstone had merged CBS withViacom in 2000, only to pull them apart six years later.

In November, Shari Redstone made a case for the two companies to return to the altar.Speaking at a conference organized by The New York Times, she suggested scale, or the ability

to reach audiences across a variety of media venues, had become more important to bothconsumers and advertisers. In an era of mergers between Comcast and NBCUniversal, CharterCommunications and Time Warner Cabje, and AT&T and DirecTV, she argued, CBS andViacom might have more leverage as distribution companies gained more sway.

She even hinted that she was not in favor of the decision to break up the companiesapproximately a decade ago – and suggested she might have supported a potential tie-upbetween CBS and Time Warner, a prospect rumored to have been discussed in the recent past.

The Redstones said in their letter that they had grown more confident in Viacom under theleadership of recently-installed chief Bob Bakish, the former head of the company’s internationaloperations. Bakish has in recent weeks articulated a strategy of turning around ratings declinesat MTV and Comedy Central, a stronger focus on overseas businesses, and an improvedpipeline at the company’s Paramount movie studio.

“We know Viacom has tremendous assets that are currently undervalued, and we are confidentthat with this new strong management team, the value of these assets can be unleashed,” theRedstones said. “At the same time, CBS continues to perform exceptionally well under LesMoonves, and we have every reason to believe that momentum will continue on a stand-alonebasis.”

Redstones call halt to CBS-Viacom merger talks

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Redstones cancel proposedCBS-Viacom merger

latimes.com

Report: Shari Redstonewithdraws CBS, Viacom

merger proposalrssfeeds.usatoday.com

National Amusements pullsCBS, Viacom merger

proposal -sourcesdailymail.co.uk

Shari Redstone withdrawsCBS-Viacom merger

proposalcnbc.com

2016-12-12 10:22 Brian Steinberg variety.com

11 /246 5.9 Oil prices jump after non-OPEC accord (4.39/26)

Oil prices jumped Monday after several nations outside the Organization of the PetroleumExporting Countries reached a deal to cut oil production.

The non-OPEC accord on Saturday came on the heels of an OPEC deal in late November toshed production for at least six months. The deals reflect a coordinated attempt to bolster globalpetroleum prices and reduce excess inventory after two years of weakness for the commodity.

The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil, the U. S. benchmark, rose 4.4% to $53.75 per

barrel at 7:51 a.m. Monday.

Brent crude, the global benchmark,increased 4.1% to $56.56.

Non-OPEC member countries committed tocut 558,000 barrels per day after OPECcountries agreed to reduce production by1.2 million per day.

OPEC had previously announced that non-member countries would shed 600,000barrels per day.

Goldman Sachs analyst Damien Courvalinsaid in a research note that the deals are enough to sustain oil prices at about $55 per barrel inthe first half of 2017.

Prices could head higher for a period, Courvalin said, but the onset of new production in the U.S. is likely to keep prices contained.

"Ultimately, this remains a short duration cut in our view," he said.

The outside nations agreeing to caps were Azerbaijan, Kingdom of Bahrain, BruneiDarussalam, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Republic ofSudan and Republic of South Sudan.

To monitor commitment to the output-cutting deal, two non-OPEC countries will join a monitoringcommittee. OPEC countries are notorious historically for cheating on their own production deals."Some justifiable doubts will remain over the implementation of the production quotas whichhave been announced, but the ability of Saudi Arabia and Russia to come to an agreement inthe current climate has to be seen as a significant statement of intent which cannot fail to havean impact on markets," JBC Energy analysts said Monday in a research note.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @ NathanBomey .

Oil prices surge on yetanother OPEC maneuver

upi.com

Oil prices surge as worldunites on production cut —

RT Businessrt.com

US STOCKS-Stocks look fordirection ahead of Fed; oil

prices jumpdailymail.co.uk

Oil prices soar as non-Opeccountries agree cuts to

productiondailymail.co.uk

Oil price surges as Opecand non-Opec membersagree deal to cut output

theguardian.com

2016-12-12 09:06 Nathan Bomey rssfeeds.usatoday.com

12 /246 2.2 Trump Presidency 'Will Not Affect in Any Way'

Relations Between EU and Cuba (4.25/26)

The European Union and Cuba signed anagreement normalizing ties, ending yearsof friction between the two over Cuba’shuman rights record and opening the wayfor broader economic and trade relations....

Looking ahead to Trumppresidency, Netanyahu

refocuses on Irandailymail.co.uk

Trump defies norms of thepresidencyaol.com

Will Republicans undofinancial protections under

President Trump?rssfeeds.usatoday.com

Trump Presidency ‘Will NotAffect in Any Way’ Relations

Between EU and Cubawsj.com

2016-12-12 10:21 system article.wn.com

13 /246 1.4 Will Trump scrap NASA’s climate research mission?

(4.20/26)

The wonders of NASA — Mars rovers, astronaut Instagram feeds, audacious missions probingdistant galactic mysteries — have long enthralled the American public. And, it turns out, theaccomplishments have won the agency the public’s trust: Polls have consistently shown NASAto be the second-most trus...

Trump's transition: scepticsguide every agency dealing

with climate changetheguardian.com

Trump: 'Nobody reallyknows' if climate change isreal but he's 'open-minded'

upi.com

Despite Trump, there’s stillhope for the climate a year

after Parislatimes.com

Trump: ‘Nobody reallyknows’ if climate change

is realmyfox8.com

2016-12-12 10:23 system article.wn.com

14 /246 2.4 Santa Claus grants final wish to dying child Contact

WND (4.18/26)

(THE TENNESSEAN) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eric Schmitt-Matzen looksevery bit the Santa Claus.

His 6-foot frame carries 310 pounds, leaving “just enough of a lap for thekids to sit on,” he says with a gentle Kringley chuckle right out of CentralCasting.

No fake facial fuzz for this guy. Schmitt-Matzen’s snowy beard is the real thing, albeit regularlybleached to maintain its whiteness. His shag is so spectacular, in fact, it won first place in the“natural full beard, styled moustache” division of a 2016 national contest sponsored by the JustFor Men hair products company.

A child’s dying wish madethis veteran want to give up

being Santacharlotteobserver.com

‘I cried all the way home’:Santa Claus grants finalwish to child who died in

his armsmyfox8.com

'I cried all the way home':Santa Claus grants final

wish to a dying childrssfeeds.11alive.com

Santa Claus 'cried all theway home' after terminally-ill

boy (5) dies in his armsarticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 11:42 www.wnd.com

15 /246

15 /246 10.1 Death of NFL star Will Smith: Cardell Hayes convictedof manslaughter (4.16/26)

The man who fatally shotretired New Orleans Saintsplayer Will Smith faces asentence of up to 40 yearsin prison after beingconvicted of manslaughterduring a trial that madespectators of some of thecity’s sports heroes.

Cardell Hayes wasconvicted of manslaughteron Sunday night, ending aweek-long trial in which the defendant insisted he only fired because the football star was drunk,violent and had grabbed a gun following a traffic crash on the night of 9 April.

Smith was part of the Saints team that lifted the city’s spirits in the years after Hurricane Katrinahit in 2005, helping carry the team to a winning season in 2006 and a Super Bowl victory fouryears later. His death at the hands of Hayes, 29, was stunning, even for a city where residentsare accustomed to regular reports of gunfire deaths.

Hayes was also convicted of attempted manslaughter for wounding Smith’s wife, Racquel Smith.He will be sentenced in February.

“Because of the upcoming sentencing hearing, in which Racquel will provide a victim impactstatement, she does not feel it is appropriate to comment on the facts of the case at this time,”her lawyer said in an emailed news release. “The main focus of Will Smith’s family is to see MrHayes justly sentenced for the murder he so callously committed.”

Saints coach Sean Payton arrived at the courthouse and was present for the verdict, whicharrived late on Sunday night. Earlier, former Saints safety Steve Gleason, battling Lou Gehrig’sdisease, watched hours of closing arguments from his wheelchair in a center aisle of thecourtroom. They were among a host of past and present Saints stars, including currentquarterback Drew Brees and former running back Deuce McAllister, who attended proceedingsat different points during the week.

That was one reason defense lawyer John Fuller had cautioned jurors Sunday against being“star-struck” by the NFL luminaries. Hayes’ defense lawyers said Smith’s popularity led to a rushto judgment by police and prosecutors. Assistant district attorney Laura Rodrigue said in turnthat the defense was trying to smear Smith.

A pathologist report showed Smith was legally drunk with a high blood-alcohol level when hedied at the end of a day in which he had spent time at the city’s annual French Quarter Festival,a bar and two restaurants. He, his wife and two passengers were in his Mercedes SUV the nightof the shooting. They were heading from New Orleans’ Lower Garden District toward downtownwhen a series of events led to the shooting, beginning with Smith’s vehicle appearing to lightlybump Hayes’ Hummer — although the prosecution raised doubts that the two vehicles actuallytouched.

Hayes vehemently denied intentionally running into Smith’s Mercedes SUV moments later — hesaid he was trying to dial 911 and didn’t realize how close he was to Smith as he tried to reportthe apparent hit-and-run.

Hayes said he armed himself only after he and his own passenger were accosted by Smith andRichard Hernandez, a passenger in the Smiths’ Mercedes. Smith didn’t initially notice the gun,Hayes said. At some point during the fast-unfolding melee, Hernandez alerted Smith to Hayes’gun, Hayes said under questioning from Fuller.

On cross examination, assistant Orleans Parish district attorney Jason Napoli repeatedly notedthat no other witness said Smith had a gun and that Hayes never told investigators he saw a gunin Smith’s hands that night.

“I never gave a full statement to anyone,” Hayes said.

Will Smith death: CardellHayes guilty ofmanslaughterrss.cnn.com

Cardell Hayes found guiltyof manslaughter in shooting

death of ex-NFL star WillSmith

aol.com

Will Smith's shooting deathends in manslaughter

convictionrssfeeds.11alive.com

NFL Star's Killer FoundGuilty of Manslaughter Video

abcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 08:40 Associated Press www.theguardian.com

16 /246 2.4 Ryan Reynolds dedicates Critics' Choice Award to

Make-A-Wish (3.41/26)

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 12(UPI) -- Ryan Reynolds dedicatedhis first-ever Critics' Choice Award tothe Make-A-Wish Foundation onSunday.

The 40-year-old Deadpool star gavea shoutout to the non-profit and theSickKids Foundation of Torontoduring his acceptance speech forEntertainer of the Year.

" Deadpool was an 11-year odysseyfor me to get up here, and itresonated with a lot of people. The

character had cancer, and some of the people that this character resonated with were sick kids. Iwould like to dedicate this honor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the SickKids Foundationof Toronto, two incredible organizations that do so much for so many kids in need," Reynoldstold the audience.

"I would also like to dedicate this award to the memory of my friends Connor McGrath and GraceBowen," he added, recognizing two young children who died of cancer. "They didn't lose thebattle, but they started a fight and it's up to us to finish it. "

"I also want to thank my wife and, for no reason at all, I suppose my children," he later joked ofactress Blake Lively and their two daughters.

Reynolds also won Best Actor in a Comedy for Deadpool , but lost Best Actor in an Action Movieto Andrew Garfield for Hacksaw Ridge. Deadpool won Best Comedy, but lost Best Action Movieto Hacksaw Ridge.

Deadpool opened in theaters in February and earned over $782 million at the box office. Themovie is now nominated for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor - Musical orComedy for Reynolds at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards.

"Thank you, Golden Globes! As we speak, the entire Deadpool team is engaged in a grotesque,early morning tickle fight," Reynolds tweeted Monday after the announcement.

Justin Timberlake, JessicaBiel dazzle at Critics' Choice

Awardsupi.com

Margot Robbie wins Critics'Choice Award for Best

Actress in an Action Moviedailymail.co.uk

The Latest: Ryan Reynoldsjokes about Globes

nominationdailymail.co.uk

Here are your 2016 Critics'Choice Awards winnners

abc7news.com

Critics’ Choice Awards: LaLa Land wins tip prize

headlinenewstoday.net

2016-12-12 11:22 Annie Martin www.upi.com

17 /246 1.6 Syria troops seize wide southern stretch of city of

Aleppo (3.41/26)

BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian government troops and allied militias on Mondayseized a wide strip along the southern edge of the city of Aleppo fromrebels, tightening the noose on remaining opposition fighters and tens ofthousands of civilians still in the shrinking enclave, state media andopposition activists said.

State TV aired footage from Sheik Saeed, one of eastern Aleppo’s largest neighborhoodsbordering some of the most crowded districts. A residential area, Sheik Saeed also has openagricultural fields that often gave an advantage to rebels fighting off past government advances.

Sheik Saeed’s fall, after days of intense clashes, squeezes the rebels — along with tens ofthousands of civilians — into a handful of neighborhoods in central Aleppo. The Britain-basedObservatory for Human Rights estimates the rebels and the remaining civilians are now enclosein a small area that’s only 10 percent of the city’s territory that rebels used to control.

The Observatory said government forces continued their bombing of the remaining rebel areason Monday, including airstrikes on Bustan al-Qasr, near the government-controlled western partof Aleppo, and al-Fardous, one of the most crowded neighborhoods in the remaining rebel-heldenclave.

State TV has lately been broadcasting every day images of hundreds of civilians fleeing areaswhere troops are advancing, pouring into western Aleppo. Those areas are only accessiblethrough government-monitored crossing points.

The swift Russia-backed Syrian ground offensive to retake rebel-held eastern Aleppo, whichbegan on Nov. 26, followed an intensive aerial bombing campaign that knocked out most of theeastern sector’s medical facilities, targeted civil defense and municipal vehicles and blockedroads with rubble. The eastern Aleppo area has also been cut off from outside aid since July bya government siege.

Syrian troops say theycontrol 98 percent of eastern

Aleppocbs46.com

Syrian troops say theycontrol 98% of eastern

Alepporssfeeds.detroitnews.com

Syrian Troops Take EvenMore Ground in Rebel Part

of Aleppo Videoabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 07:32 By Sarah www.washingtontimes.com

18 /246 3.5 Turkey rounds up more than 200 in raids after deadly

weekend bombings (3.19/26)

Turkey's police rounded up more than 200members of a Kurdish political party onMonday as the country mourned thedozens killed in a bombing attack near anIstanbul soccer stadium, state mediareported. The state-run Anadolu Agencythere were 235 arrests in 11 cities onterrorism-related charges... ...

Police raids across Turkeyafter deadly bombing attackrssfeeds.detroitnews.com

Turkey bombs Kurdishtargets in Iraq after weekend

attacksupi.com

Police Raids Across TurkeyAfter Deadly Bombing

Attack Videoabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 10:09 system article.wn.com

19 /246 2.8 Cairo Coptic cathedral blast kills at least 25 Contact

WND (3.16/26)

(AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING) A bombing at Egypt’s main CopticChristian cathedral has killed 25 people and injured another 49,according to Egyptian state television, making it one of the deadliestattacks carried out against the religious minority in recent memory.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday’s attack, whichkilled at least six children, security sources said.

Egypt’s official MENA news agency said an assailant lobbed a bomb into a chapel close to theouter wall of St Mark’s Cathedral, seat of Egypt’s Orthodox Christian church and home to theoffice of its spiritual leader, Pope Tawadros II.

Cairo cathedral blast:Mourners take to the streets

rss.cnn.com

Coptic Christians criticisesecurity failures after Cairo

bombingtheguardian.com

Democrats fear anotherTrump trouncing Contact

WNDwnd.com

Bomb kills 25 at Egypt'smain Coptic Christian

cathedralarticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 11:47 www.wnd.com

20 /246 2.8 Publisher: Former Obama White House aide writing

memoir (3.12/26)

NEW YORK (AP) - A formerWhite House aide who isnow the chief operatingofficer of a Brooklyn-based

media company is working on an upbeat, but "warts and all" book about her years in the Obamaadministration. Twelve, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, told The Associated Press onMonday that Alyssa Mastromonaco had a deal for "Who Thought That Was Good Idea: AndOther Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House? " Thepublisher says the memoir will bring the reader into Obama's inner circle, offering an "admiring"

account of the president, while showing the determination and resilience needed to get the jobdone. Mastromonaco, 40, has worked with Obama in a variety jobs, dating to his time as a statesenator from Illinois. She served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations from 2011-2014, and joined Vice Media the following year. Her book is scheduled for March 21. "This is awarts-and-all account of Alyssa's time at the White House, putting out fires, meeting with worldleaders and occasionally winning elections," according to Twelve's announcement. "Lesspolitical diatribe than a gossip session with an older sister - if that sibling worked for the leaderof the free world - Mastromonaco delves into funny stories that never saw the light of day,including meeting the Queen of England in jeans, tussling with President Karzai's guards, andhaving a bad case of IBS while visiting the Holy See at the Vatican. " Copyright 2016 TheAssociated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewrittenor redistributed.

Trevor Noah will interviewBarack Obama at the White

Housechannel24.co.za

Former Obama aide AlyssaMastromonaco is penning

book on her time in theWhite House

dailymail.co.uk

Former Obama White Houseaide writing memoir

wral.com

2016-12-12 08:15 www.cbs46.com

21 /246 1.9 U. S. judge rejects Green Party's Pa. recount request

(2.12/26)

A federal judge on Monday issued astinging rejection of a Green Party-backedrequest to recount paper ballots inPennsylvania’s presidential election, wonby Republican Donald Trump, and scansome counties’ election systems for signsof hacking.

In his 31-page decision, U. S. DistrictJudge Paul Diamond said there were atleast six grounds that required him to rejectthe Green Party’s lawsuit, which had beenopposed by Trump, the PennsylvaniaRepublican Party and the Pennsylvaniaattorney general’s office.

Suspicion of a hacked Pennsylvania election “borders on the irrational” while granting theGreen Party’s recount bid could “ensure that no Pennsylvania vote counts” given Tuesday’sfederal deadline to certify the vote for the Electoral College, Diamond wrote.

“Most importantly, there is no credible evidence that any ‘hack’ occurred, and compellingevidence that Pennsylvania’s voting system was not in any way compromised,” Diamond wrote.He also said the lawsuit suffered from a lack of standing, potentially the lack of federal

jurisdiction and an “unexplained, highly prejudicial” wait before filing last week’s lawsuit.

The decision was the Green Party’s latest roadblock in Pennsylvania after hitting numerouswalls in county and state courts. Green Party-backed lawyers argue that it was possible thatcomputer hackers changed the election outcome and that Pennsylvania’s heavy use ofpaperless machines makes it a prime target. Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein alsocontended that Pennsylvania has erected unconstitutional barriers to voters seeking a recount.

It is part of a broader effort by Stein to recount votes in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.Trump won all three states narrowly over Democrat Hillary Clinton, while Stein captured about 1percent of the vote, or less, in all three states.

In Pennsylvania, Trump beat Clinton in Pennsylvania by about 44,000 votes out of 6 million cast.A federal judge halted Michigan’s recount last week after three days. The Wisconsin recountwas expected to conclude Monday. With about 95 percent of the votes recounted as of Sunday,Clinton had gained 25 votes on Trump, but still trailed by about 22,000.

US judge rejects GreenParty's Pennsylvania

recount casecnbc.com

Federal judge blocksPennsylvania recount

request — RT Americart.com

2016-12-12 06:19 Associated Press rssfeeds.usatoday.com

22 /246 3.6 The Market in 5 Minutes: Oil gushes higher (2.11/26)

Futures for the Dow JonesIndustrial Average climbed13 points to 19,724.00,while the Standard &Poor’s 500 index futuresdropped 0.50 points to2,254.25. Futures for theNasdaq 100 index fell18.50 points to 4,874.75.

Oil prices traded higher asBrent crude futures gained4.20% to trade at $56.61

per barrel, while US WTI crude futures also rose 4.35% to trade at $53.74 a barrel.

The U. S. Treasury budget data for November will be released at 2 p.m.

As the quarter and the calendar year wind down, things have turned quiet on the earnings front.Yet, the latest quarterly numbers from leading software companies Adobe Systems ADBE andOracle ORCL will be among the highlights this week.

The consensus Wall Street forecast sees strong top and bottom line growth for Adobe, though atleast one analyst indicated there was limited upside during the period. On the other hand,Oracle is expected to report that earnings slipped year-over-year in the period that included theacquisition of a cloud infrastructure company.

Chardan downgraded Ophthotech OPHT to Neutral and upgraded Regeneron REGN to Neutral.Twenty-First Century Fox FOXA confirmed it has reached an agreement in principle regarding apossible offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares in Sky SKYAY it does not already own for£10.75 per share in cash less the value of any dividends subsequently paid by Sky. On Sunday,an unnamed major shareholder told Reuters the bid was too low and they would vote againstthe deal.

Shares of Invensense INVN spiked as high as $11.02 Friday following a report from Reuters thatTDK TTDKY is in talks to acquire the U. S. chipmaker who motion sensors for Apple AAPL andSamsung Electronic, according to sources. The offer is said to be $12 per share.

Oil prices surged after more oil-producing nations agreed to slash production, a move aimed atpushing the oversupplied oil market into a rebalance, or even a deficit, to prop up a crudemarket that had been stuck in a two-year slump.

The sharp rise in oil prices has fueled expectations of higher inflation, sending the yield on the10-year U. S. Treasury note above 2.5% for the first time in more than two years.

"China's thirst for foreign acquisitions has been a godsend for western investment bankers, asit's made organizing a competitive sale process a piece of cake," writes Gadfly's Chris Bryant."The slightest hint that a Chinese buyer might be interested in an asset might be enough to elicita higher offer from a reticent bidder. But that strategy's now in doubt. "

OPHT CHK RIG XOM DGAZ UGAZ REGN CVS PIEX FOXA ALGT SPWR DEPO

The conclusion that Russia intervened in the election to help Donald Trump was based on whatmany believe is overwhelming circumstantial evidence. #CIAJudgement

Oil prices surge on yetanother OPEC maneuver

upi.com

Oil prices surge as worldunites on production cut —

RT Businessrt.com

2016-12-12 10:30 Jason Shubnell rssfeeds.freep.com

23 /246 1.2 Militants retake ancient city of Palmyra from Syrian

forces (2.10/26)

BEIRUT (AP) — Islamic State militants recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from Syrian troopsSunday, according to both sides in the battle, scoring a major advance after a year of setbacksin Syria and neighboring Iraq. ...

Syria's ancient city Palmyraunder control of Islamic

State again – videotheguardian.com

ISIS Recaptures AncientSyrian City of Palmyra in

Major Victorycbn.com

2016-12-12 07:50 system article.wn.com

24 /246 3.3 Italy's premier-to-be poised to make role official (2.09/26)

Premier-designate PaoloGentiloni has talked topolitical leaders on hisproposed Democrat-ledCabinet and will tell Italy'spresident later if he hassucceeded in forming agovernment.

President Sergio Mattarellaon Sunday asked ForeignMinister Mr Gentiloni to tryto assemble a newgovernment, with the

Democrat's majority in Parliament

Matteo Renzi has been serving as caretaker premier after he resigned last week when votersrejected his proposed constitutional reforms.

Opposition parties demand elections soon. But Mr Mattarella wants Parliament to first enactelectoral reform, aimed at making Italy more governable.

The current law has one set of electoral rules for the Senate and another for the lower Chamberof Deputies.

That is because voters in a referendum on December 4 rejected changes to make the Senatenot directly elected.

Gentiloni works on Italiangovernment, many ministers

to stay putdailymail.co.uk

Italy's premier-to-be ispoised to make it official

dailymail.co.uk

Italy's Premier-to-Be IsPoised to Make It Official

abcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 10:21 Press Association www.independent.ie

25 /246 0.8 US indexes hold near record highs as energy stocks

jump (2.07/26)

U. S. indexes held near recordhighs early Monday after biggains for energy stocks offsetlosses in other areas of themarket. Oil prices soared aftermore nations agreed toproduction cuts in an attempt tomitigate a global oversupply ofcrude.

KEEPING SCORE: The Standard& Poor's 500 index was littlechanged at 2,259. The DowJones industrial average added42 points, or 0.2 percent, to 19,801. The Nasdaq composite fell 18 points, or 0.4 percent, to5,425. All three closed at record highs on Friday. More stocks fell than rose on the New YorkStock Exchange.

OIL'S WELL: Crude jumped to its highest price since the summer of 2015 after OPEC persuaded11 other oil-producing nations to cut production. The agreement is intended to further raise theprice of oil after a two-year slump that has hurt the government finances of Russia, Saudi Arabiaand other major oil producers.

The price of U. S. benchmark crude jumped $2.17, or 4.2 percent, to $53.67 a barrel in NewYork. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, rose $2.33, or 4.3 percent, to $56.66

That helped to drive stocks higher across the oil-producing industry. National Oilwell Varcojumped 7.7 percent to $42.83, Transocean rose 5.2 percent to $16.23 and Marathon Oil added4.7 percent to $19.11

Energy stocks in the S&P 500 rose 2.1 percent, by far the largest gain of the 11 sectors thatmake up the index. It was more than double the gain of telecom stocks, which had the second-biggest move for the day.

YIELDS CLIMB: Expectations of higher inflation in the economy, as well as stronger economicgrowth, have driven bond yields higher since Donald Trump's surprise victory last month in the

U. S. presidential election. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.50 percent from 2.47percent late Friday. That's its highest level since September 2014.

FED WATCH: Economists and investors are widely expecting the Federal Reserve to raiseinterest rates at its two-day policy meeting this week, which ends Wednesday. It would be thefirst increase since a year ago and just the second since 2006. The central bank has heldinterest rates at close to zero since the Great Recession in hopes of driving economic growth,though the low rates have also squeezed savers looking for income from bank accounts andbonds.

AROUND THE WORLD: In Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 was down 0.6 percent to 6,911, andGermany's DAX shed 0.2 percent to 11,180. France's CAC 40 was virtually flat.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose 0.8 percent to 19,155, South Korea's Kospi index inchedup by 0.1 percent to 2,027 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 1.4 percent to 22,433.

CURRENCIES: The dollar dipped modestly against several other currencies, including the euro,British pound and Canadian dollar. It edged up to 115.47 Japanese yen from 115.23 yen.

Dow at another record high,but most other stock

indexes are lowerlatimes.com

US STOCKS SNAPSHOT-Dow touches another record

highdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 11:24 By STAN www.charlotteobserver.com

26 /246 5.8 Boy, 8, is killed when tombstone falls on top of him

while playing in a church cemetery during a birthdayparty (2.06/26)

An eight-year-old boy inArkansas was killed after atombstone broke and fell ontop of him while he was playedin a church cemetery. The boyhad been attending a birthdayparty at Pleasant HillMissionary Baptist Church onSaturday afternoon. He wentinto the Dry Creek Cemetery toplay when the accidenthappened in the town of Lynn,about 100 miles northeast ofLittle Rock, the Lawrence

County Sheriff's Office said. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The boy was rushed to LawrenceMemorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to KAIT. Detective Andrew

Turner said investigators do not believe foul play was involved. The boy's name hasn't beenreleased. Church members were shocked by the accident. Pastor Jeff Neely said that the boywas 'just an eight-year-old rambunctious young man, just like many eight-year-old young men—and full of life.' 'There is definitely a lot of prayer being sent up on behalf of their family,' thepastor added to the station. Neely said church members plan to support the boy's family, bothfinancially and in prayer. 'Just trying to love them and let them know that we support them andtrying to comfort them and give peace as best we can,' he said.

Child playing in cemeterykilled when tombstone falls

on himheraldonline.com

Child Playing in CemeteryKilled When Tombstone

Falls on Himabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 10:46 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

27 /246 0.9 Turkey’s Economy Contracts for First Time Since 2009

(2.06/26)

ISTANBUL—Turkey’s economycontracted for the first time in sevenyears during the third quarter, officialdata showed Monday, as mountinguncertainties since a failed summercoup crimped domestic demand anddevastated key industries liketourism.

Gross domestic product in Julythrough September shrunk by 1.8%annually, sinking deeper intonegative territory than a 0.4% dropforecast by 10 economist in a WallStreet Journal survey and...

Turkey's EconomyContracts for First Time

Since 2009article.wn.com

Turkey rejigs GDPcalculations as output falls

for first time since 2009dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 10:38 Yeliz Candemir www.wsj.com

28 /246

28 /246 1.3 Media: Saudi Police Detain Young Woman for

Removing Abaya (2.06/26)

The conservative Muslim country enforcesa strict dress code for women in public,bans them from driving and prohibits themixing of sexes. The Arabic-language al-Sharq newspaper reported that the womanwas detained after a complaint was filed bythe religious police. Read more.

Saudi police detain youngwoman for removing abaya -

mediadailymail.co.uk

Police: Woman's lipremoved after her bulldog

attacked herwashingtontimes.com

2016-12-12 09:57 by feedproxy.google.com

29 /246 1.2 What you need to know about Aleppo (2.06/26)

But how much do you reallyknow about what was onceSyria's largest city?

As government troopscapture large parts ofeastern Aleppo from rebelforces -- and appear set toseize the entire city --here's a look at the role ofthe metropolis in thecountry's 5-year conflict.

Syrian regime forces seizemost of Aleppo's old city

Why is Aleppo such a big deal?

Once the commercial heart of Syria, Aleppo has gone from a bustling city of more than 2 millionpeople -- about the size of Houston -- to a devastated war zone where entire blocks are reducedto rubble.

Eastern Aleppo in particular has become the wretched epicenter of the civil war, with hundredsof thousands of residents either dying or fleeing the " apocalyptic " violence.

The Syrian regime, backed by Russian air power, has increasingly bombarded this part of thecity in an effort to oust rebels who took control in 2012.

The government already controls western Aleppo, and retaking the whole city would mark amajor turning point in the war.

It would spell the end of the rebels' last urban stronghold, put the Syrian regime back in controlof the country's four major cities and make an opposition government less likely.

How did this happen?

In 2011, the regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, launched a violent crackdown onactivists who were demanding more economic prosperity, political freedom and civil liberties.

His actions sparked a nationwide uprising and eventually a civil war with armed rebels -- manyof whom defected from the military.

The rebels took over eastern Aleppo in the summer of 2012, holding back the better-equippedSyrian military and showing they could get popular support in urban areas.

Who's in control of the city now?

Aleppo has largely been divided between the government-held west and rebel-held east formore than four years.

But in mid-November the regime stepped up its offensive into eastern Aleppo, gaining control ofmore than half of the district.

The Syrian government now controls about 93% of eastern Aleppo, Russia's Defense Ministrysaid Friday.

What's Russia got to do with it?

Russia is the most powerful ally of Assad's regime and has carried out airstrikes sinceSeptember 2015 to prop up the embattled leader.

But Moscow has recently tried to distance itself from the current assault in eastern Aleppo,saying last week it hasn't bombed the city since October 18.

As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia has also used its vetopowers to block a political solution to end the war.

What's the human toll?

In August, a video of Omran Daqneesh, the bloodied little boy waiting in an ambulance,captured the world's attention as a stark reminder of the brutal human toll in eastern Aleppo.

But four months later, as many as 100,000 people remain trapped inside the shrinking rebel-held neighborhoods with dwindling food, fuel and medical supplies.

The few medical facilities still operating are packed with injured people and resemble"slaughterhouses" with no proper equipment, one activist inside eastern Aleppo told CNN.

Who still lives in this decimated city -- and why?

In regime-held western Aleppo, rebel rockets have also claimed civilian lives. Last month atleast 10 children were killed when rebel rocket fire hit a school, according to the Syriangovernment.

And the cultural impact?

Many of Aleppo's ancient buildings have been destroyed in the fighting -- including much of itsUNESCO World Heritage-listed old city.

The old city's grand Citadel of Aleppo -- a "testament to Arab military might from the 12th to the14th centuries," according to UNESCO -- has been reduced to a war-scarred shadow of itsformer glory.

What does the rest of the world say?

A joint statement Wednesday by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Britain and theUnited States called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Aleppo and condemned the Syrian regimeand Russia for their actions.

The Western countries urged the United Nations to hold accountable those who have committedwar crimes and said "only a political settlement can bring peace for people in Syria. "

Meanwhile, Russia and China on Monday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for aceasefire in Aleppo to allow desperately needed aid into the war-ravaged zone.

Syria says it now controls98 percent of east Aleppo

upi.com

Syrian Military's Media ArmSays Army Is Now in

Control of 98 Percent of theCity of Aleppo as the

Assault Continuesabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 09:54 Sheena McKenzie rss.cnn.com

30 /246 2.4 Srebrenica massacre trial opening postponed in Serbia

(2.06/26)

The opening of the landmark trial of eight former Bosnian Serb police officers charged withtaking part in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre was postponed Monday, reflecting hurdles in

attempts to bring war crimessuspects to justice by Serbiancourts.

The long-awaited trial at the WarCrimes court in Belgrade is seenas a test of Serbia's pledge todeal with its wartime past and animportant step in Balkanreconciliation efforts more thantwo decades after the Bosnianwar ended.

Monday was supposed to be thefirst day of the trial. But it was

interrupted over defense lawyers' demand for the replacement of the presiding three-judgepanel, which rejected their request to reveal the names of protected witnesses.

A ruling on the defense motion is expected by Tuesday.

The proceedings will mark the first time that a Serbian court will deal with the killing of around8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb troops — Europe's worst singleatrocity since World War II.

Serbia has pledged to punish war criminals to advance toward EU membership. Its currentnationalist government has faced criticism for stalling on the pledge.

The eight suspects are charged with participating in the killing of hundreds of Muslims in awarehouse in Kravica, a village outside Srebrenica, as they tried to escape the Serb onslaught.

Around 1,300 were crammed into the warehouse in the village and then killed with grenadesand machine guns in a rampage that lasted all night.

The group was apprehended more than a year ago. They were later released despite the gravityof the charges, pending the start of the trial, which has been repeatedly delayed over legalprocedures.

"The criminals were allowed to come to the trial as if they were witnesses. They walk free andlive normally in Serbia," said Munira Subasic, head of the Mothers of Srebrenica group, whocame to Belgrade to monitor the trial.

"I don't have any expectations from this trial," said Subasic, whose son was killed in the Kravicawarehouse.

Among the suspects is a special police unit commander, Nedeljko Milidragovic, also known as"Nedjo the Butcher," accused of ordering the killings.

Experts have warned that other war crimes trials in Serbia also have been marred by legalhurdles, slow proceedings and overturned verdicts in a number of cases, enabling suspects toremain free for years.

"I believe the justice system is convenient for them (war criminals)," Milica Kostic, of the

Humanitarian Law Center group, recently told The Associated Press. "There is not a singleaspect (of war crimes trials) without serious problems. "

For nearly a year, Serbia's nationalist government has failed to appoint a chief war crimesprosecutor after the previous one, Vladimir Vukcevic, retired in January.

Vukcevic was instrumental in the capture of the accused masterminds of the Srebrenicamassacres — Bosnian Serb political and military leaders, Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic.They were charged with genocide at the Netherlands-based U. N. war crimes court, but manySerbs still view them as heroes.

The tribunal's chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, criticized Serbia at the U. N. Security Councillast week for the refusal to hand over three ultranationalist politicians sought in contempt of thecourt.

Brammertz said that "there is little evidence Serbia is implementing its commitments to supportwar crimes prosecutions. "

Srebrenica massacre trialadjourned in Serbia

article.wn.com

Srebrenica Massacre TrialAdjourned in Serbiaabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 08:46 By JOVANA www.heraldonline.com

31 /246 0.9 China issues strongest condemnation yet of Trump;

state media call him 'ignorant' (2.05/26)

China on Monday issued itsstrongest condemnation yet ofPresident-elect Donald Trump , afterhe hinted his administration mighttoss aside four decades of U. S.policy recognizing Taiwan as part ofone China.

The country’s foreign ministrywarned that any damage to thatprinciple could rupture diplomaticties. State media called him “asignorant as a child,” and Chinesetook to social media to upbraid thefuture leader’s comments.

Geng Shuang, a foreign ministry spokesman, expressed “serious concern” and said that anychange to this established policy could make cooperation between Washington and Beijing “outof the question.”

“We urge the U. S. leader and government to fully understand the seriousness of the Taiwanissue,” he said.

In just over a month, Trump’s comments have cast uncertainty over the future of U. S.-Sinorelations. His recent tweets accuse China of manipulating its currency, unfairly taxing Americanimports, and stoking tensions in the South China Sea. Trump’s latest remarks, made Sunday onFox News, came just a week after he broke with longstanding precedent and accepted a callfrom Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen.

“I fully understand the one China policy, but I don’t know why we have to be bound by a oneChina policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade,"Trump said.

Trump’s call with Tsai marked the first direct contact between an incoming or current Americanpresident since the U. S. broke off formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979. Beijingconsiders the self-governing island a breakaway province and opposes any country’s attempt torecognize it. Both Beijing and Taipei view themselves as the rightful governments of a unitedChinese state.

Some viewed Trump’s move as a political gaffe; others saw it as a definitive statement.

Trump told Fox News he know about the Tsai call “an hour or two” in advance, and it would haveappeared disrespectful not to take it. “Why should some other nation be able to say I can’t take acall?”

Beijing lodged a formal protest about the conversation, but played down its significance.

That tone has started to change.

“It’s generally interpreted here that Trump wants to negotiate the basic agreements that touchupon China’s most sensitive core interests,” said Tong Zhao, a fellow at the Carnegie-TsinghuaCenter for Global Policy in Beijing. “The natural reaction is China will stand tough and signalstrongly to Trump there is no room for renegotiation.”

The state-run New China News Agency, in a Monday commentary, noted U. S. presidents haverealized, “sooner or later, the one-China policy allows no bargaining, and a deviation from theestablished policy pattern towards China leads to unwanted consequences.”

In a less subtle editorial, the nationalistic Global Times urged China to launch a “resolutestruggle” with Trump and denounced him for treating diplomatic issues like trade deals. “Onlyafter he’s hit some obstacles and truly understands that China and the rest of the world are notto be bullied will he gain some perception,” it said.

Chinese social media commenters were even fiercer. “He’s obviously a business man with nofinal line, only exchange of interests,” one person wrote on Weibo, China’s version of Twitter.

“He’s nothing compared with Obama.”

Russian interference in the U. S. presidential election , the Ghost Ship fire has brought scrutinyto warehouses and unconventional living spaces , a massive office, residential and hoteldevelopment is being proposed for L. A.'s Arts District , and the Golden Globes nominations arein .

Who’s to blame for one of the worst fires in California history , Dakota Access pipelineopponents have claimed a big victory for now , Beyonce leads today’s Grammy nominationswith nine , Ben Carson is Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment , how will Hollywood speak to Trump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the manTrump has tapped him to lead the U. S. Department of Commerce , and John Glenn, the firstAmerican to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95.

John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95 , Al Gore might have gottenplayed, South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye, and the AmericanDream is more elusive than ever, a study finds .

Many Oakland warehouse fire questions are still unanswered , how will Hollywood speak toTrump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the man Trump has tapped him to lead the U. S.Department of Commerce , and the L. A. City Council hopes to end 'mansionization.’

Flowers placed near the site of the Oakland warehouse fire. Video by Francine Orr/Los AngelesTimes

Flowers placed near the site of the Oakland warehouse fire. Video by Francine Orr/Los AngelesTimes

Beijing 'seriously concerned'by Trump's One China

remarksdigitaljournal.com

Chinese paper calls Trump‘ignorant as a child’ after

Taiwan remarksnypost.com

2016-12-12 11:20 Jessica Meyers www.latimes.com

32 /246 2.4 US defense secretary in Israel as country gets F-35 jets

(2.05/26)

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U. S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter was visitingIsrael Monday as it prepared to receive the first two next-generation F-35

fighter jets that will help preserve the country’s military edge in the volatile Mideast.

The F-35 is the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, with an estimated cost of nearly$400 billion. Israel is among a small number of allies to get the plane.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the fighter jets “present another component inmaintaining air superiority in our region” and expressed gratitude to Carter, who was welcomedwith a military honor guard at a Tel Aviv army base.

The jets were supposed to touch down in Israel in the early afternoon, but the Israeli military saidtheir arrival was delayed due to weather conditions in Italy. Neither U. S. nor Israeli officialsprovided further details.

The deputy commander of the Nevatim Air Force base in southern Israel said the new fighters

will give Israel an upper hand over its neighbors for years to come.

“We are going to be very strong for a long time, having these airplanes. And Israel has to bestrong in this region for its existence,” said Col. Asaf, who could be identified only by his firstname in line with military regulations. “It’s a message for everybody that Israel will keep onholding the high-end technology in this area.”

The purchase of the F-35 elevates the entire Israeli air force to a higher level, the colonel said,adding that four Israeli pilots have been trained to fly the planes and that more will be shownhow to use them.

“This specific airplane is going to be a very good one for the next decades,” he said.

In November, a senior Israeli air force official described the arrival of the F-35 as a game-changer, citing its various cutting-edge systems, which would preserve Israel’s ability to actfreely in hostile airspace. He cited its long-range capability, its provision of critical data in realtime and a stealth system that can evade or delay detection by the world’s most sophisticatedradar systems.

Speaking on condition of anonymity under military briefing guidelines, he said it would take“more than a few months” for the first planes to be operational.

In recent years, Israel has reportedly carried out long-range airstrikes as far away as Sudan, andis believed to have struck Hezbollah-bound weapons shipments in neighboring Syria.

Israel has also hinted in the past at making plans to strike Iran, some 1,000 kilometers (625miles) away, if the Islamic Republic presses forward with its nuclear program. The threat ofIsraeli action in Iran has dropped since last year’s nuclear accord.

The Pentagon’s F-35 program has been criticized by members of the U. S. Congress overtesting problems, delays and cost overruns. International buyers include Britain, South Korea,Israel, Italy, Australia, Canada, Turkey and Japan.

While the planes were stuck in Italy, U. S. President-elect Donald Trump lashed out against theprogram. “The F-35 program and cost is out of control,” he tweeted. “Billions of dollars can andwill be saved on military (and other) purchases after January 20th,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced last month that his Security Cabinetapproved the purchase of 17 additional F-35s. In all, it said, the acquisition will bring the numberof planes the air force will receive to 50.

___

Associated Press writers Nebi Qena at Nevatim Base, Israel, and Ian Deitch in Jerusalemcontributed to this report.

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U.S. defense secretary inIsrael as country gets jets

rssfeeds.detroitnews.com

Israel's first F-35 stealthfighters set for landingdigitaljournal.com

2016-12-12 10:30 The Associated wtop.com

33 /246 3.1 Italy PM designate Gentiloni to see President at 1630

GMT (2.04/26)

ROME, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister-designate PaoloGentiloni said he would see President Sergio Mattarella on Monday at5.30 p.m. (1630 GMT) after having consulted parliament's political factionson forming a new government. With the support of the lawmakers whoalso backed his predecessor, Matteo Renzi, Gentiloni is expected to tellthe president that he can form Italy's 64th government in 70 years.Mattarella has asked Gentiloni, who was foreign minister in the outgoing cabinet, to quickly puttogether an administration. Renzi resigned on Wednesday after losing a referendum over hisflagship constitutional reform. (Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Crispian Balmer)

Gentiloni works on Italiangovernment, many ministers

to stay putdailymail.co.uk

Italy's Gentiloni races toform new cabinetarticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 09:52 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

34 /246 3.3 National Gingerbread House Day: the best of 2016 (2.04/26)

Gingerbread houses have taken over the Omni Grove Park Inn, which hosts the annualcompetition and displays entries throughout the hotel's public spaces during the holiday season.The grand prize winner was Beatriz Müller of Innisfil in Ontario, Canada, with her "DreamHouse" creation.

First place in the teen category (ages 13 to 17) was won by the Courtland High School GermanProgram team from Spotsylvania, Virginia. Perry Pate from Hickory, North Carolina, took firstplace in the youth category (ages 9 to 12).

More than 150 gingerbread house designers and builders submitted their edible homes forconsideration, competing for the grand prize of $8,500 in cash and prizes.

The gingerbread houses,which took many designersmonths to create, werejudged on appearance,originality and creativity,difficulty, precision andtheme.

The houses, which oftenare part of intricate scenes,must be made entirely outof edible materials, and ofthose ingredients, 75%must be gingerbread.

The gingerbread creations are on display at the Omni through January 5, 2017.

Massive Disney decorationslook good enough to eatrssfeeds.usatoday.com

Gingerbread houses fit forkings

edition.cnn.com

2016-12-12 06:25 Katia Hetter rss.cnn.com

35 /246 2.4 Manchester United draw St Etienne in Europa League

as Paul Pogba faces brother Florentin (1.19/26)

were the leading scorers in thegroup stage with 21 goals asthey won all six of their games,face Celta Vigo in anothermatch that will see one of themore stronger sideseliminated. The first legs arescheduled for February 16,with the returns taking placeon February 23. The EuropaLeague final will be held atStockholm's Friends Arena onMay 24.

Manchester United to faceSt Etienne in last 32 of

Europa Leaguedailymail.co.uk

Manchester United wereforced to play at Home Parkthe last time they played St

Etiennedailymail.co.uk

Paul Pogba vs FlorentinPogba: Manchester United

star set to take on oldersibling in Europa League

with brotherly love set to beput to the test

dailymail.co.uk

Pogba-Pogba in EuropaLeague when United meets

Saint-Etiennecharlotteobserver.com

Pogba to face brother asMan United meet St Etienne

dailymail.co.uk

Europa League draw2016/17: Manchester United

and Tottenham fixturesdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 10:10 Ben Grounds www.dailymail.co.uk

36 /246 1.3 Alexion Pharmaceuticals says CEO, CFO resigns (1.06/26)

Dec 12 (Reuters) - Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Monday thatChief Executive David Hallal had resigned, effective immediately, andnamed board member David Brennan as interim CEO. The company alsosaid Chief Financial Officer Vikas Sinha left to pursue other opportunities,effective immediately, and would be succeeded by David Anderson, whowas earlier CFO at Honeywell International Inc. Alexion had disclosed last

month that it was investigating allegations made by a former employee regarding salespractices involving its flagship and costly blood disorder drug Soliris. The company said onMonday the investigation had not identified any facts that require Alexion to update itspreviously reported historical results at this point in time. (Reporting by Ankur Banerjee inBengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)

Drug company Alexion'sshares drop 12% in

premarket after CEO, CFOexit: Sourcecnbc.com

Alexion Pharmaceuticalssays CEO, CFO resign,

shares slumpdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 09:04 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

37 /246

37 /246 0.8 Kenya President: International Criminal Court Not

Impartial (1.05/26)

Kenya's president on Monday criticized the International Criminal Courtas "not impartial," saying his government "will give serious thought" to itsmembership of the court.

In a speech during celebrations marking 53 years since Kenya becameindependent, President Uhuru Kenyatta said he believed he would win asecond term next year despite what he called "divisive politicians, external powers, the ICC orpaid protesters. "

Kenyatta was elected in 2013 as he and his running mate, William Ruto, faced criminal chargesat the ICC over their alleged roles in post-election violence in 2007-2008.

The charges against Kenyatta were withdrawn in 2014 while the case against Ruto wasterminated earlier this year.

"In our pursuit of a more stable and just order, we are champions of global institutions groundedin fairness and respect for national sovereignty," Kenyatta said Monday. "The Kenyan cases atthe International Criminal Court have ended but the experience has given us cause to observethat this institution has become a tool of global power politics and not the justice it was built todispense. "

He added: "We have started to see many more nations openly recognizing that the ICC is notimpartial. Some have withdrawn. Others have considered that step. Twice, our parliament haspassed motions to withdraw. We have sought the changes that will align the ICC to respectnational sovereignty. Those changes have not been forthcoming. We will therefore need to giveserious thought to our membership. "

South Africa , Burundi and Gambia have announced plans to withdraw from The Hague-basedcourt.

Meanwhile, Kenyan police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse a protest march againstgovernment corruption.

The march was part of a protest movement by activists who want the government to do more tostem what they charge is rampant graft within the administration.

Police arrested at least three protesters in the capital, Nairobi, when they broke up thedemonstration. The group later reunited at another location and resumed the march.

Kenya is considered to be among the world's most corrupt countries, ranking 139 out of 168countries in a 2015 index by Transparency International .

Kenya president:International Criminal Court

not impartialdailymail.co.uk

Kenya president indicatesNairobi may reconsider its

ICC membershipdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 08:08 By abcnews.go.com

38 /246 3.3 Markets Right Now: Dow at record; most other stocks

lower (1.04/26)

NEW YORK (AP) — The latest on developments in financial markets (Alltimes local): 9:35 a.m. Stocks are opening mostly lower on Wall Street,except for energy companies, which rose along with the price of oil. Bigjumps in Exxon Mobil and Chevron early Monday nudged the Dow Jonesindustrial average higher, but other major market indexes were lower. Theprice of crude oil jumped 4 percent as oil-producing countries outside of

OPEC agreed to reduce production. OPEC nations had already agreed on their own productioncuts. The Standard & Poor's 500 index slipped 1 point, or 0.1 percent, to 2,257. The S&P 500 iscoming off its sixth straight gain, its longest winning streak since June 2014. The Dow climbed16 points, or 0.1 percent, to 19,773. The Dow is trading at another record high. The Nasdaqcomposite slipped 27 points, or 0.5 percent, to 5,416.

Dow at another record high,but most other stock

indexes are lowerlatimes.com

2016-12-12 10:43 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

39 /246 2.5 Rosneft deal shielded from sanctions, Russian media

reports (1.04/26)

MOSCOW, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Russian media sources said last week's deal for the acquisition ofshares of oil company Rosneft is outside the reach of Western-backed economic sanctions.

Anglo-Swiss trader and mining company Glencore said during the weekend it closed on a dealalongside the Qatar Investment Authority to spend $11 billion for a 19.5 percent stake inRussian oil producer Rosneft, a target of U. S. sanctions imposed after Moscow annexed theCrimean Peninsula in Ukraine following upheaval in the former Soviet republic in 2014.

A source familiar with the transaction was quoted by Russian news agency Tass as saying

investors did due diligenceon the deal before movingforward.

"This deal is outside thesanctions," the source wasquoted as saying. "For allregulating bodies this is amaximum comfortable deal."

Moscow has beenreviewing privatization options as the Russian economy risks lingering in recession because ofthe strains brought on by Western sanctions and low crude oil prices. Finance officials in theKremlin said in early 2016 that privatizing state oil companies could bring in billions of dollars tothe federal budget.

Rosneft is Russia's largest oil producer. The company reported its third quarter profit of around$400 million was off 77 percent from the previous year. CEO Igor Sechin blamed the sustainedlow price for oil for the poor performance.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters last week the Rosneft deal may be underreview from authorities at the U. S. Department of Treasury.

"They'll look at the terms of the deal and evaluate what impact sanctions would have on it," hesaid.

Glencore made no reference to sanctions in a weekend statement announcing the close of thedeal. CEO Ivan Glasenberg said the arrangement gives his company access to the Russian andglobal oil market, which is recovering in the wake of a production deal between members of theOrganization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and fellow producers like Russia.

Japan says no deals withRussia that undermine

sanctionsdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 07:42 Daniel J www.upi.com

40 /246 0.0 Bosnia preparing for return of Islamic State fighters

(1.03/26)

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Bosnian officials say they expect citizens who joinedthe Islamic State group will soon return home and pose a threat to the country or elsewhere inEurope. At a meeting in Banja Luka on Monday, Bosnian and Serbian security agenciesdiscussed actions they will take to prevent terrorist attacks, organized crime and corruption.Bosnia will mobilize non-government organizations for de-radicalization projects and try to

identify the motives that drive young people to embrace radical Islam.Dragan Mektic, Bosnia's minister for security, said 226 Bosnians arebelieved to have joined IS in Syria or Iraq, and that 65 have been killedand 46 have returned.

The Latest: Russia showsspecial forces in action in

Syriaarticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 09:42 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

41 /246 0.0 Ask Bianco about anything TV, get your answers

Monday (1.03/26)

Robert Bianco's Critic's Corner chat takesplace Monday afternoons, when he talksTV with fans. He's currently on vacation,but the chat resumes on Tuesdays over theholidays, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3.

Chatters should visit the USA TODAY Lifepage on Facebook at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT,when Robert will be answering questionslive. However, you may email earlyquestions to [email protected] orsubmit questions below ahead of time,starting at 8 a.m. ET/ 5 a.m. PT Mondays.

We will continue to accept early questionssubmitted via Twitter. Tweet your early questions to @BiancoRobert and use the hashtag#askbianco. Robert will then include selected Twitter questions in the live video chat onMondays at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT at facebook.com/usatodaylife. Remember, Twitter questionsare subject to the 140-character limit. If your question is longer than that, tell us how manyTweets to look for. (1/3, 2/3, 3/3, etc.)

About Critic's Corner: Robert Bianco is the TV critic for USA TODAY. In his Critic's Cornercolumn each weekday, he picks the day's best shows on prime-time TV. On Mondays, talk livewith Robert Bianco about the best and worst of this season's TV lineup. In addition to Critic'sCorner, Bianco writes TV reviews and features for USA TODAY. They can be found elsewhereon USATODAY.com.?

Watch Robert answer reader questions at the USA TODAY Life page on Facebook when thechat returns at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT Dec. 27. .

How long can AMC’s The Walking Dead realistically stay on TV?

Realistically? For as long as its ratings stay among TV’s best, particularly among youngerviewers — and for as long as those ratings bring in more money than the show costs to make.Artistically? It overstayed its welcome at least a year ago.

Are there any midseason shows we should be excited about?

Sure. Or at least maybe. PBS has the return of Sherlock and the debut of Victoria, both of whichare likely to please its viewers. HBO has the big-ticket premiere of Big Little Lies , with starsNicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. ABC has the high-concept comedy Downward Dog ,starring Fargo’s fabulous Allison Tolman. And speaking of which, we’re expecting new seasonsof Fargo, American Crime and American Crime Story. So yes, get excited.

Is Anthony Hopkins coming back for Season 2 of HBO's Westworld?

Well, if he does, he won’t be playing the exact same character, as that version of Dr. Ford isdefinitely dead. But remember, this is Westworld: There are a lot of different versions ofcharacters available. Whether he will and what exactly Hopkins will play we may not know in fulluntil the show returns — which won’t be until 2018.

Could the Westworld story be told without the shocking violence? I'm not saying it should, butam wondering about when violence adds to a story, versus when it merely adds to a certain kindof viewership.

The simple answer is no, I don’t think it could be told without the shocking violence. HBO'sWestworld is telling a story about, among other things, the danger of urging people to succumbto their worst and most violent impulses, and for that story to truly land in today’s explicit mediaclimate, the violence itself has to register as shocking. Some of it does strike me as excessive,especially the violence against and objectification of women. But it’s a matter of degree.

One problem, of course, is that we all have different “shock” thresholds when it comes toviolence, so what may be more than enough violence to make the show’s point for one viewer isnot nearly enough for the next. Another, perhaps more troubling problem, is the one you raise:That certain viewers may be watching precisely for the violence, and in particular, all thatviolence against women, without much regard for the anti-violent point being made. That,however, is an issue for any series about sex or violence — and is one that we can’t askWestworld’ s writers to solve all on their own.

I agree 100% with the response you gave to the Hallmark movie question. As an African-American, I was recently discussing with co-workers my concern that all of the Hallmark movies,past and current, show only white people. (You read my mind!). I have purchased Hallmarkcards for many years and am happy to see the Mahogany and Tree of Life and Spanishlanguage line of cards. I am also pleased to see and purchase cards related to same-sexcouples. It makes me wonder why, if the cards reflect the diversity we have in our society,Hallmark has not carried this over into their movies. Hopefully Hallmark will re-think their moviesand produce movies that more reflect our society.

The movies don't “only” show white people: Mariah Carey starred in a Hallmark Christmas filmlast year, and has a new three-film deal with the company. But I can say that the actors picturedand promoted on the website for this year's Christmas films are almost exclusively white — andwhile some African-American or Latino characters may appear in supporting roles, they’re nothaving many stories built around them. And yes, that does seem like a curious stance to take fora company that’s in business to sell cards to everyone.

Do you think Grimm will be back on? I looked forward to seeing it on NBC.

And see it you shall. Grimm will be back on NBC for a sixth and final season starting Jan. 6.

Of the new shows, I’m sticking with ABC’s Speechless and NBC’s Timeless. When a time-traveling show strikes me as more believable than Designated Survivor , that ABC "jaw-dropping drama" formula is broken.

I'm definitely with you on Speechless , and very close to joining you on Designated. On the plusside, I’m enjoying Kiefer Sutherland’s performance, and am pretty much invested in hischaracter’s attempts to pull a wounded nation back together and get the government up andrunning, even when those attempts strain credibility. (Is there anyone who doubts our nation'sgovernors would leap at the chance to appoint two new senators, no matter the circumstances?)I’m less invested in the conspiracy around the terrorist attack — and totally disinterested in thesoap-opera plot the show has going around paternity, the first lady and the oldest son. So oneout of three, which isn't so good.

I'm sad that Crazy Ex-Girlfriend isn't gaining any viewers in its Friday night slot. I guess I shouldbe thankful that the CW gave it another season and enjoy it while it lasts.

In general, that’s good advice for all TV shows, none of which last forever (however much it mayseem like some of them do). But I think it’s particularly applicable to Crazy , a wonderful seriesmany of us thought would never see a second month, let alone a second year. And it’s not deadyet. True, the ratings are nothing to brag about, but they were nothing to brag about last yeareither. CW kept it around for other reasons, and there’s always a chance those reasons will stillapply. If not, well, as you said, be thankful it was on for as long as it was — and that it broughtRachel Bloom to our attention. Crazy may vanish, but my bet is Bloom isn’t going anywhere.

Why was The Carmichael Show cancelled? It was by far the best new sitcom last year — brainy,topical, and very appealing.

I'm not as fond of the show as you are, but I’m glad you enjoyed it — and happy to be able to tellyou it hasn’t been cancelled. Carmichael has been renewed for a third season and will returnsometime next year, odds are in the spring.

Is there some kind of law that requires American television shows to have at least one British orAustralian character on it?

It isn’t a law, but it does seem to be an increasingly strong custom. There are two main reasonsfor that, if you’ll forgive me for speaking in gross generalities. The first, which holds true whenthose actors use their native accents, is that Americans tend to “read” traits into those accents,which writers are able to use as shortcuts when creating characters. The second is that Britishactors, or at least the ones we hire here, tend to be well-trained and serious about their craft. No,that doesn’t mean all British actors are serious, or that all American actors are not; it just means,in general, that British actors have a very good work reputation over here. Of course, it could justbe that we’re suckers for the accent.

The wife and I grew up in the days of TV shows that (ran) from September to May, with a fewrepeats during holidays and during the summer. Now there seems to be no rhyme or reason towhen shows start, stop, or have reruns. There are some new shows that I think I may like to tryout but if you don’t catch the first shows, you lose the plot. And when a new season starts, or

stops, is anyone’s guess. Is this the future of TV?

If current events have proven anything, it’s that none of us — especially none of us in the media— are very good at predicting the future. But if the chaos-of-choice is not the future, it certainly isthe present, a product of the increasing number of TV outlets trying to find their own gaps in theschedule, and of a growing trend toward viewing on other platforms, particularly among theyoung.

I read your thoughts on Hallmark movies, and hope you'll read mine. Hallmark Christmasmovies boast calm, stress-relief, non-violent, happy-ending viewing. No evil people (some alittle cranky), no blood and gore - it's a great brand. These movies are a positive, loving escapefor viewers from the burdens and sorrows of life. An incredible, guaranteed pick-me-up. Delivers24/7, 12 months a year!

I have nothing in general against Hallmark’s movies — though I do yearn for the days when theold Hallmark Hall of Fame had a bit more ambition than happy-ending stress relief. My problemis with the cable channel beginning its Christmas movie barrage before we’ve barely gotten pastHalloween, and with the movies’ seeming belief that only white people celebrate the holiday.Christians come in all colors; it would be nice to see a few more shades reflected in Hallmark’sfilms.

I s ABC pulling the plug on General Hospital? I’m asking because “General Hospital” hasclosed, some story lines are retreating, some major actors are gone, and some new actors havebeen plugged in to change the course of existing story lines. My husband and I have a bet(dishes for 1 month). I say General Hospital is going to end, and he says "No, it's not.”

There is no question that General Hospital is retrenching: Ratings are down, and the showneeds to change course and (one assumes) cut costs. So far, however, ABC has said it'ssticking by the show — though to be fair, networks generally insist they’re sticking by a showright up until the minute they no longer are. Sort of like employers in general.

Ah, but when it comes to the bet, here’s the problem. On one hand, your husband is right: Theshow is probably not going to end this week or next. On the other hand, you’re right: The show isgoing to end, sooner or later, because all shows do. So if he makes you do the dishes for amonth now, let him know he’ll be doing them for a month someday down the road. It’s up to himwhether he’s willing to take that chance.

I know that you're only a mild fan of NBC's Superstore. But I've watched every episode and findalmost (all of them) hysterically funny. Do you think Superstore has the potential to becomeNBC's first big comedy hit in many years?

No, probably not — at least not as long as it’s up against The Big Bang Theory and Grey’sAnatomy. Right now it’s drawing about 5 million viewers, and while (somewhat shockingly), thatmay count as a relative success by current and NBC standards, it’s not a hit in my book or,really, anyone else’s.

I must say I am terribly disappointed by your response to the question regarding the increasingprevalence of "f-bombs" not only in TV shows, but other places these days. Use of that wordshows mental poverty, adds nothing to any dialog except branding the user as having no class. Iworked for many years in law firms where occasionally young, recent law-school graduateswere hired and early on would slip and use the "f-word" until they were soon told, in nouncertain terms by senior attorneys, to immediately stop using that word. I do not appreciate

your seeming "defense" of its use.

It isn’t my place to defend or attack the use of the "f-word" in real life, at least not in this column.But like it or not, it is used in real life — frequently by some people, in some places at sometimes. And when a TV series touches upon those people in those places at those times, I’m OKwith the show using the word to reflect reality, as long as it does so with proper artistic intent andnot just for shock value. If it’s any comfort, remember that we’re only talking about certain cableseries: broadcast series are still prohibited from using that word by the FCC, and ad-supportedseries of all types are more or less constrained by advertisers’ general reluctance to offend.

5 things for Monday,December 12rss.cnn.com

2016-12-12 09:04 USATODAY rssfeeds.usatoday.com

42 /246 1.8 Battersea Ferrari crash injures six people after car

smashes into pedestrians (1.02/26)

Six people have been hurtincluding one who was thrownoff a bridge after a Ferrarimounted the pavement andploughed into pedestrians,eyewitnesses claim. The£250,000 red sports car is saidto have sent at least onepedestrian 'flying over therailings' and onto a vehicle onthe street below. Witnessessay the 2015 Ferrari 458 mayhave been racing a RangeRover shortly before the

collision, which happened just yards from Battersea Dogs' Home in south-west London ataround 10.30am this morning. Barmaid Zoe Saxby, who works at a pub just yards from thescene, said: 'Apparently the car involved was racing with a Range Rover and knocked someoneflying off the bridge, and they landed on a car below. 'They actually went flying in the air andcould have landed on the railway tracks. 'It also hit a few other people walking on the bridge. 'Ididn't see what happened as I'd got to work about ten minutes after it happened but I saw the carwith a smashed windscreen. 'The car supposedly was racing and lost control when they hit thepavement. 'We saw the ambulances turn up because people were injured, we got told that it wassix people.' Jim Copeman wrote on Facebook: 'So I’ve just seen a Ferrari plough in to a cyclistand 4 other people on the pavement outside Battersea’s dogs and cats home, sending twopeople flying over the bridge railings and on to the road beneath and you get a**eholesstopping in the middle of the road taking videos and s***. Makes me so angry. 'Anyway, as youcan probably guess, Battersea Park Road is all shut, all emergency services are there and the

air ambulance has not long landed.' Police, an air ambulance and the London AmbulanceService were called to the scene on Battersea Park Road this morning. One witness told theEvening Standard : 'We could tell it was obviously pretty serious by the amount of ambulances -about six - that were on the road, a police truck and a number of police cars. 'I just hope thateveryone involved is okay, such a horrible thing to happen right before Christmas.' AMetropolitan Police spokesman said: 'We were called to reports of a car in collision withpedestrians in Battersea Park Road. 'Six people have been injured and are being treated at thescene by paramedics. We await an update on their condition but injuries are not thought to belife-threatening. 'The driver stopped at the scene. Enquiries continue.' A spokesman for theLondon Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 10.28am to reports of a road traffic collisionnear Kirtling Street at the junction with Battersea Park Road. 'We sent a paramedic on amotorcycle, four ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer tothe scene alongside our hazardous area response team. 'London’s Air Ambulance was alsodispatched. We treated six patients at the scene and took them to hospital.'

Four people hospitalisedafter Ferrari ploughs into

pedestrians in Londonindependent.ie

2016-12-12 10:47 Sam Tonkin www.dailymail.co.uk

43 /246 0.0 Twitter Reinstates Richard Spencer, Alt-Right Leader

(1.02/26)

After less than a month inexile, the white nationalistleader Richard B. Spenceris back on Twitter.

The social networkreinstated Mr. Spencer’spersonal account onSaturday, less than fourweeks after suspending itand others he created forviolating rules againstmaking multiple accountswith overlapping uses.

“Please select one account for restoration; the others will remain suspended,” the company toldMr. Spencer last week, according to an email that was obtained by BuzzFeed. The account wassuspended on Nov. 15, and a spokesman for Twitter said in an email that it first contacted Mr.Spencer three days later, on Nov. 18, and again last week.

Mr. Spencer, a leader of the so-called alt-right, a far-right fringe movement that embraces white

nationalism, racist, anti-immigrant and anti-feminist positions, celebrated his return on Saturdaynight by writing “I’m back,” accompanied by a clip of Arnold Schwarzenegger from the“Terminator” movie franchise.

Twitter and other social networks have found themselves at the center of a debate over whereand how to draw the line between free speech and harassment.

While Mr. Spencer’s suspension was due to a violation of the multiple accounts policy, itoccurred as Twitter began a broader crackdown on accounts tied to hate speech or threats ofviolence, according to The Associated Press. Over the summer, in a move that seemed to signala new approach to abuse, it suspended the account of Milo Yiannopoulos , a writer who hadconsistently violated its terms of service and led a harassment campaign against the actressLeslie Jones. Mr. Yiannopoulos has not returned to the social network.

When Mr. Spencer was suspended, he told The A. P. he had no plans to rejoin Twitter unless hegot an apology.

The company told BuzzFeed on Sunday night that Twitter’s rules “also prohibit hateful conduct,harassment and violent threats. We will take action on accounts that violate these policies.”

Mr. Spencer’s account, which is verified by Twitter, was suspended last month along withseveral others that had been associated with promoting hate speech.

At the time, Mr. Spencer released a YouTube video in which he accused Twitter of “corporateStalinism,” and said there had been “execution squads across the alt-right.”

Mr. Spencer posted on Saturday night that his other accounts would soon be reinstated as well.The spokesman for Twitter said that its email to Mr. Spencer contradicted that claim.

“ The Twitter rules explicitly prohibit creating multiple accounts with overlapping uses. When wetemporarily suspend multiple accounts for this violation, the account owner can designate oneaccount for reinstatement,” the spokesman said.

At a conference in Washington, D. C., last month, Mr. Spencer quoted Nazi propaganda andrailed against Jews. America belonged to white people, he told an audience of 200, most ofthem young men. And, at one point, several in attendance raised their arms in a Nazi salute.

“Hail Trump! Hail our people!” he said, adding “Hail victory!” — the English translation of theNazi “Sieg Heil!”

Last week, a high-profile speech he delivered at Texas A&M University was interrupted byviolent skirmishes, and police officers in riot gear were called in to help control the crowd ofprotesters outside, according to The Texas Tribune .

In his first 24 hours back on Twitter, Mr. Spencer engaged in banter with other users, praisedhow President-elect Donald J. Trump has handled the transition process, and shared a storyabout “Gab,” a social network with an almost-anything-goes mission that has become a safehaven for the far right.

Twitter reinstates 'alt-right'leader

bbc.co.uk

2016-12-12 10:18 NIRAJ CHOKSHI www.nytimes.com

44 /246 3.3 Elton John launching competition to make videos for

70s hits (1.02/26)

NEW YORK (AP) — Elton John isgiving filmmakers a chance to createmusic videos for his 1970s hits thatwere released before music videoswere popular.

The English singer announcedMonday, in celebration of his 50thanniversary with songwriting partnerBernie Taupin, that he’s launching acompetition with YouTube foraspiring video creators to makemusic videos for “Rocket Man,” ”TinyDancer” and “Bennie and the Jets.”

Entries for “Elton John: The Cut” open Jan. 9, 2017. The competition closes on Jan. 23 andcreators must be at least 16.

John, Taupin, a panel of YouTube creators and industry players will pick three winners, andmusic videos will premiere next summer. Winners will also receive $10,000 from YouTube.Pulse Films will help the filmmakers with production.

YouTube, Elton John LaunchGlobal Singing Competition

variety.com

2016-12-12 10:12 Associated Press chicago.suntimes.com

45 /246 1.4 Stephen Hawking, NASA, working on fastest spaceship

ever built (1.02/26)

Stephen Hawking and NASA are teaming up to send a tiny spaceship to Alpha Centauri. If theproblems can be worked out, itwill take about 20 years for theship to reach the star systemclosest to the Earth. NASA’s rolein the project is to solve theproblem of protecting the shipfrom damage caused by high-energy radiation. NASA hasOne option is to choose a routefor the tiny ship that minimizesradiation levels. But this wouldadd years to the time it wouldtake to reach Alpha Centauriand there will be no guarantee the ship will avoid radiation damage. A second option is addmore shielding to the ship to provide better protection from cosmic radiation. But this would addsignificant weight to the tiny vessel that again would drastically slow down the time it would taketo reach the star system. The third option, the one that sounds the most promising, is to use aself-healing silicon chip that would automatically repair the damage caused by radiation.According to NASA scientist, Jin-Woo Han, On-chip healing has been around for years. The chipwould occasionally power down, allowing the nanocraft to heal. StarChip is still in the researchstage. The cost of sending the nanocraft on its journey to Alpha Centauri is estimated to be $100million. Dubbed “Project Starshot,” NASA will be working with Hawking and venture capitalistYuri Milner to send the ship, known as StarChip, to Alpha Centauri. The tiny ship or nanocraftwould be able to travel at one-fifth the speed of light or 134 million m.p.h. This speed is about1,000 times faster than the speed an ordinary spaceship can travel. In order for the ship obtainthis speed and reach Alpha Centauri, it would be hit with lasers from Earth. If all goes accordingto plan, the trip to Earth’s nearest star system would take about 20 years. The nanocraft will havethe ability to take pictures and record other data. Wired reports the size of this nanocraft wouldbe about the same as a smartphone. NASA’s role in the project is to solve the problem ofprotecting the ship from damage caused by high-energy radiation. NASA has several options todeal with cosmic radiation and these choices were presented in San Francisco last week at theInternational Electron Devices Meeting. One option is to choose a route for the tiny ship thatminimizes radiation levels. But this would add years to the time it would take to reach AlphaCentauri and there will be no guarantee the ship will avoid radiation damage. A second optionis add more shielding to the ship to provide better protection from cosmic radiation. But thiswould add significant weight to the tiny vessel that again would drastically slow down the time itwould take to reach the star system. The third option, the one that sounds the most promising, isto use a self-healing silicon chip that would automatically repair the damage caused byradiation. According to NASA scientist, Jin-Woo Han, On-chip healing has been around foryears. The chip would occasionally power down, allowing the nanocraft to heal. Hawking hassaid even though Earth is a wonderful place it will not last forever and we will have to look to thestars. A planet, named Proxima B, has been discovered in the Alpha Centauri system.Described as an Earth-like planet it orbits its sun at a habitable distance and has a surfacetemperature that allows for water, making the exoplanet capable of supporting life. StarChip isstill in the research stage. The cost of sending the nanocraft on its journey to Alpha Centauri isestimated to be $100 million.

Nasa and Stephen Hawkingwill work together to find ahabitable planet within 20

YEARSdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 09:53 www.digitaljournal.com

46 /246 0.9 Dallas Cowboys defeated by own failures to give New

York Giants a season sweep (1.02/26)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. -- TheNew York Giants overcame a 7-0halftime deficit by scoring 10unanswered second-half points totop the Dallas Cowboys , 10-7, atMetLife Stadium.

The win gives the Giants their firstseason sweep of the Cowboys since2011 but, more importantly, allowsthem to hang on to their position fora possible wild-card berth, which, ifthey get it, will be their first trip to thepostseason since 2011.

The Cowboys were uncharacteristically sloppy with their ball security, turning over the ball threetimes -- two interceptions by quarterback Dak Prescott and one lost fumble by receiver DezBryant on his first catch of the game, which came late in the fourth quarter.

"He ran a slant. I knew it was coming," said cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who forced Bryant'sfumble. "I waited till he took a few steps and swiped at the ball physically. It popped out and wegot a turnover. "

"When you put pressure on the quarterback, that is what happens," added Giants safety LandonCollins, who recorded six tackles and who recovered Bryant's fumble. "(Prescott) is a greatplayer and knows what he is doing, and when you have a tough defense that is in front of you,then you have to pick and choose where you go with the ball. "

The sluggish Giants offense managed to capitalize on one of the Cowboys miscues. The firstcame shortly after New York got its first points of the game on Robbie Gould 's 39-yard field goalto narrow the Cowboys lead to 7-3.

New York's second score came on one of the Cowboys' miscues, when cornerback Leon Hallrecorded his first interception as a Giant, picking off Prescott's pass intended for Bryant. The pickwas the second of the game for Prescott, the first time in his young career that he's thrownmultiple interceptions in a game.

The Giants converted that turnover into Eli Manning 's first and only touchdown pass of thegame, a 61-yarder to receiver Odell Beckham Jr. It was Manning's 50th touchdown pass againstthe Cowboys and Beckham's ninth career touchdown catch of 60 or more yards.

What was particularly impressive about Beckham's catch is how he streaked down the field,finding a new gear that seemed to delight his cheering teammates.

"I was jumping up and down screaming when he took it to the house," said Giants linebackerand defensive captain Jonathan Casillas. "I'm a fan of the game and he's one of the mostexplosive tremendous players I've ever seen in this game. He caught a 7-yard pass and took it60 yards. I don't know how many people have actually done that -- Randy Moss maybe? "

The Giants sought to increase their lead, but then the offense reverted to its sloppy ways fromearlier in the game. With 2nd-and-9 on the Cowboys' 22-yard line, Manning's pass intended forreceiver Victor Cruz was picked off by cornerback Anthony Brown to squish the Giants scoringdrive.

The Cowboys tried late in the game to take back the lead, but came up short. Prescott finallyconnected with Bryant, whom the Giants had shut out on seven prior targets in the game.However, Bryant's first reception, a 10-yard gain, was forced loose by Jenkins and the loose ballwas scooped up by Collins.

Dallas got on the board first thanks to a 31-yard touchdown pass from Prescott to receiverTerrance Williams, who earlier in the drive got a generous spot on a 3rd-and-8 after it lookedlike Williams had been stopped a full yard short of the first down.

The Cowboys converted the fourth down by sending running back Ezekiel Elliott to the right sideagainst defensive end Romeo Okwara, starting for Jason Pierre-Paul. After Elliott picked up thefirst down, Prescott found Williams, who was wide open on a blown coverage for the touchdown.But in the end, the Giants defense made Prescott look very much like the uncertain rookie whoplayed against them in Week 1. Prescott finished 17 of 37 for 165 yards, one touchdown and thetwo interceptions, while also taking three sacks, two of those sacks a result of the Giants'outstanding coverage down field.

"They seemed like they were flustered," said Casillas of the Cowboys' demeanor late in thegame. "The quarterback was frustrated. ... I feel like we had them where we wanted them at theend of the game. "

They did indeed. The Giants held Elliott, who finished with 107 yards on 24 carries, to just fourcarries for minus-1 yard in the fourth quarter and clamped down even tighter on Prescott, whocompleted four out of 12 pass attempts for 34 yards in the game's final 15 minutes.

"There's no question that they did a good job with coverage on the back end whether they wereplaying zone or man," said Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. "There were some tight throwsto be made. At times, we made some of those throws and at others we didn't. At times. we madesome of the uncontested catches and at others we didn't. Obviously as we go forward, we haveto continue to improve in that area. "

Another area the Cowboys will want to improve is third down. A week after being held to oneconversion out of nine attempts by the Vikings, the Giants held the Cowboys to just one third-down conversion out of 15 attempts (7 percent), was a season best for the Giants defense and

far cry from the 46.1 percent conversion rate the Cowboys brought into this week's game.

"Yeah, that's gotta get cleaned up," said Prescott. "The last two weeks, we haven't been as goodon third down as we have the rest of the year so whatever it is -- protection, receivers gettingopen, me getting the receiver the ball -- that's something we'll go back and look at on film andget it fixed. "

The Giants, as they have done all season long, shot themselves in the foot with mistakes. NewYork managed to drive all the way to the Cowboys' 24-yard line, but Manning was sacked, theball falling out of his hand. Defensive tackle Cedric Thornton quickly scooped it up, recordingthe Cowboys' 12th defensive takeaway of the season and their first since October.

Despite their big break, the Cowboys were unable to capitalize as Prescott's third-down pass forBryant at the Giants' 47-yard line was picked off by Jenkins. That interception was Prescott's firstin five games.

Kicker Dan Bailey's 55-yard field-goal attempt from the left hash with two seconds left in the firsthalf hit the crossbar.

The Cowboys (11-2) will now turn their attention to wrapping up home-field advantagethroughout the playoffs, starting with next week's home game against Tampa Bay followed by ahome game against Detroit and then a road game at Philadelphia.

The Giants (9-4), whose wild-card playoff hopes remain alive, will close out their 2016 homeschedule next week against Detroit, followed by two road games at Philadelphia andWashington.

NOTES: Dak Prescott's first touchdown of the game marked his 20th for the season, making himthe 14th NFL rookie quarterback to register 20 passing scores and the eighth Cowboysquarterback to pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a single season. ... Rookie Romeo Okwara,who made the Giants' 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame , got the startat left defensive end for the Giants, in place of the injured Jason Pierre-Paul. He recorded theGiants' first sack of the game in the second quarter, a sack that was also the first of his career. ...Giants RB Shane Vereen, who made his first appearance since Week 3 after spending the lastseveral weeks on injured reserve with a torn triceps muscle, suffered a concussion in thesecond quarter and was ruled out of the game. ... Odell Beckham's third-quarter touchdownreception was his 33rd from Eli Manning. That catch pushed Beckham ahead of WR PlaxicoBurress as the Giants receiver with the most touchdown catches from Manning.

Giants Beat Cowboys Again,End Dallas’ 11-Game Win

Streakfeedproxy.google.com

2016-12-12 09:51 www.upi.com

47 /246

47 /246 2.0 With eye on Israel, Hezbollah smuggles in missile

parts by air (1.02/26)

BEIRUT -- Recent Israeli airstrikesagainst a suspected arms convoyand depot in Syria and accusationsthat Iran is flying military materialdestined for Hezbollah throughBeirut airport illustrate that, despiteits intervention in the Syrian war, theParty of God remains heavilyfocused on its southern front withIsrael.

The Syria war is Hezbollah's mostextensive military engagement,dwarfing its past conflicts with Israel,but the movement's leaders are concerned that Israel may take advantage of the party'spreoccupation with Syria to launch an offensive in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah's militaryassets.

An unprovoked, unilateral attack by Israel, however, is highly unlikely as it would risk triggeringa devastating war that could see Hezbollah's guided missiles with 500-kilogram warheadscrashing into Tel Aviv and other cities.

Nevertheless, Hezbollah maintains close watch on Israeli behavior and continues to prepare forthe next conflict with the Jewish state, even as it fights in Syria.

On Nov. 30, Israeli jets operating in Lebanese airspace fired long-range missiles into Syria,striking an arms depot in Saboura, about six miles west of Damascus, reportedly a base for theSyrian Army's elite Fourth Armored Division.

A second strike was reportedly against an arms convoy on the Damascus-Beirut highway. Asecurity source in Beirut said the convoy consisted of 30 vehicles carrying weapons, includingunspecified rocket systems, and was destroyed in the attack.

Since January 2013, the Israeli Air Force has carried out at least 13 air raids in Syria and one inLebanon against stockpiles of what it considers game-changing weapons, such as guidedmissiles and advanced air-defense systems, destined for Hezbollah.

Although Israel stays silent after each attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuadmitted in April that the Israeli Air Force had staged "dozens of strikes" in Syria. However, therate of attacks has slowed significantly since Russia intervened in Syria in September 2015 andinstalled long-range S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.

The Russian and Israeli militaries established a hotline to ensure there are no mishaps betweentheir respective air forces and Moscow appears to turn a blind eye to Israel's anti-Hezbollahoperations in Syria.

Nevertheless, in the three or four suspected Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah-related targetsin Syria since September 2015, Israeli aircraft did not breach Syrian airspace but launched

missiles from Leba nese skies.

Israeli aircraft, out of respect for the dense Syrian air defense network around Damascus, havepreviously used this cautious procedure against targets in Syria that lie close to the Lebaneseborder. The presence in Syria of advanced Russian anti-aircraft systems may have persuadedthe Israelis to be even more prudent.

If the arms convoy was a Hezbollah attempt to smuggle more weapons into Lebanon, itdemonstrates that the party is eager to amass more weaponry even after 10 years of almostuninterrupted arms inflows.

While the land route from Syria is the most common means of moving weapons into Lebanon,using graded tracks that cross the border in the Zabadani area, Hezbollah may well use air andmaritime routes as well.

In November, Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, accused Iran of ferryingweapons to Hezbollah using com mercial flights to Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport.

He claimed that arms and "related material" were packed into suitcases and flown by Iran'sMahan airlines to Beirut or Damascus. The claim was vigorously denied by Lebanese andIranian authorities.

It is not the first time that Iran has been accused of flying arms to Hezbollah via Beirut airport. Inthe 1990s, when Hafez Assad was president of Syria and Hezbollah was battling Israelioccupation forces in south Lebanon, the delivery of arms via Damascus allowed the Syrians tomonitor and control the flow of weaponry in terms of quan tity and quality.

Assad supported Hezbollah's resistance campaign but was reluctant to allow the Lebanesemilitants to acquire advanced weapons, such as air-defense systems, that could cause anescalation with Israel and potentially drag in Syria.

However, in October 1999 when Syria and Israel were preparing to resume peace talks after ahiatus of more than three years, an Israeli newspaper claimed that the Iranians were flyingweapons directly to Beirut airport because Assad had banned arms shipments via Damas cus.

The Iranian move must have had the nod of approval from Damascus even as Assad wasindicating to Is rael that he could rein in Hezbollah if his peace demands were fulfilled.

However, the peace talks collapsed in March 2000. Assad died three months later and his sonBashar became president.

Since then, not only has Hezbollah continued to receive arms from Iran, it also acquired Syrian-manufactured rockets and missiles. The curbs on Hezbollah's weaponry during the rule ofAssad senior end ed with his death.

Today, if Iran and Syria possess, or can acquire, any weapon system that is suitable toHezbollah's mode of warfare against Israel, there is a more than reasonable chance it can befound in the party's hidden arms depots.

This article originally appeared at The Arab Weekly.

Analysis: Israel’s northernfront – Hezbollah’s supply

linesjpost.com

2016-12-12 09:50 www.upi.com

48 /246 2.7 Burmese town hopes to attract tourists with George

Orwell museum (1.02/26)

A small Myanmar town wantsthe secret out - George Orwelllived here. Katha was EricBlair's last posting in theImperial Police before hesailed back to England in1927, adopted the pen nameOrwell and launched a writingcareer that would producepowerful novels andcommentary. Seven years afterleaving the sleepy town on theIrrawaddy River, heimmortalized it as the setting of

his first novel, the vehemently anti-colonial Burmese Days - and now its residents are hoping tocash in, with the 19th-century house of the former British writer set to open as a museum nextyear. In the 1990s, Katha resident Nyo Ko Naing noticed that the handful of foreign tourists whomade it to his remote hometown were carrying their own maps and looked like they weresearching for something or someone. Someone, it turns out, by the name of George Orwell. TheBritish Club, where much of Burmese Days' scheming, fighting, drinking and sweating takesplace, still stands, as do other sites mentioned including a tennis court, a pagoda and a prison.A house believed to have been Orwell's home in Katha remains in use. Nyo Ko Naing, a graphicdesigner and cartoonist, didn't know much about Burmese Days at first, but soon grasped howimportant it was to the future of the town. He has since become the town's preservationist, in-house historian, amateur Orwell scholar and literary tour guide, keen to market Katha as atourist destination. 'It is not easy to get attention from the world,' the 45-year-old said in a recentinterview. 'So it's like Katha won the lottery.' Orwell-related tourism has grown in Myanmar, alsoknown as Burma, since a half-century of military rule ended in 2011, though numbers remainsmall. Nyo Ko Naing estimates that Katha sees 300 to 400 such visitors per month. In 2012, hefounded the Katha Heritage Trust and mounted a campaign through the media to save thecommissioner's house from a local businessman who wanted to turn the property into a skatingrink. The first floor is now full of archival photos, including one of Orwell as a young policeman,and several portraits of the writer painted recently by local artists. 'We're collecting materials forthe museum right now, such as photos, data and other heritage of Katha. And we're alsorenovating that house by maintaining its own original style. That's why it takes time. 'Now wehave spent 4 million kyats ($3,000/£2,400) and some tourists have donated. 'We will renovate

more whenever we get money.' The museum will also focus on Katha's history, with informationabout nearby battles during World War II and other aspects of the area deemed significant. NyoKo Naing hopes Orwell will be a magnet for foreign tourists who will linger for other attractions,such as Katha's traditional elephant camps, which the government is exploring turning into eco-tourism destinations amid a wide-ranging ban on logging. A 12-hour train ride from Mandalay,Katha is a small, idyllic town in the Sagaing region. The atmosphere is as tranquil as the flowingIrrawaddy. As the sun sets, visitors and families stroll along the promenade as mountainsdarken in the distance. In the past five years, Myanmar has been rapidly modernizing, andKatha is no exception. There are shiny new bank branches and new hotels. Mobile phoneshops proliferate. Many colonial buildings have been left alone, giving the place a timeless feel,though many structures are dilapidated. Both the tennis court and the prison are still in use. TheBritish Club is now a local business cooperative. The Hotel Katha, which opened last year, hasseized on the Orwell connection. Built to resemble a red-brick colonial home, it offers brochuresat the front desk with maps guiding visitors to key sites from the novel. Guests can read copies ofBurmese Days and Orwell's essays in the lobby or dine at the Kyauktada Cafe & Restaurant.Meeting rooms are named 'Flory,' 'Elizabeth,' and 'Macgregor,' after three of the book'scharacters. 'I want visitors to feel like they are in the book,' said the owner, Bran Aung. 'I want toadd more about Orwell. I am still collecting.' Best known for 1984 and Animal Farm, Orwell isalso admired for his condemnation of colonialism in Burmese Days, depicting the Britishdenizens of Kyauktada largely as racist exploiters. Yet the novel was more read and celebratedabroad than in Burma. Censorship was lifted in 2012. A year later, Maung Myint Kywe, who diedin 2014, won the government's most prestigious literary award for his Burmese translation ofBurmese Days. 'He told me that his translation had been sleeping in the hands of the publisherfor more than 30 years,' Thurein Win, who has translated Orwell's essays, wrote in an emailinterview. Orwell wrote darkly about the British and Burmese alike. 'Some Burmese don't likehim for his provocative words, but others love his writing,' Thurein Win said. Nyo Ko Naing'smost impressive Orwellian work may be tracking down the author's house, which he hadpreviously confused with the commissioner's. He used a colonial-era map to pinpoint theresidence as a two-story teak home on the main road, not far from the Katha Hotel. In a twist thatmight amuse Orwell, it is still occupied by a police officer. 'My colleagues said that the house youare going to stay in belongs to the English writer George Orwell,' said Police Chief Myint Aung,who was recently transferred to Katha. He didn't know anything about the writer, but he isembracing the former resident. Although the home isn't officially open to tourists, he lets curiousvisitors poke around, and he has allowed the trust to hang a banner on the porch explainingsome basic history. 'The town of George Orwell is lovely as well as interesting,' the sign says.

Myanmar town wants thesecret out: George Orwell

slept herearticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 09:16 Abigail Miller www.dailymail.co.uk

49 /246

49 /246 2.9 Bournemouth stadium move will be 'emotional' but

crucial to the club's progress, says manager Eddie Howe (1.02/26)

Eddie Howe believesBournemouth must pressahead with plans for an'emotional' move from DeanCourt to realise their PremierLeague potential.Bournemouth bosses lastweek revealed their bid todevelop a new stadium for theCherries, and manager Howehas thrown his support behindthe plan. Howe has graced theclub's home ground —currently named after itssponsors as the Vitality Stadium — as both player and manager, sharing as many heartfeltmoments as many supporters - but believes the club must trade up on the stadium front to boostfinances. 'The stadium is a key factor moving forward,' said Howe. 'If and when we move it willbe an emotional time, but we have to see the bigger picture.' Bournemouth have played at DeanCourt since 1910 but now hope to have a new home in time for the 2020-21 season. TheCherries sold the 11,450-capacity Dean Court ground to property company Structadene in 2005in a sale and lease-back deal. Bournemouth host Leicester on Tuesday night, fresh fromSaturday's 3-2 Premier League reverse at Burnley and Howe admitted his side must tidy up theuncharacteristic defensive lapses that proved so costly at Turf Moor. Claudio Ranieri's Leicesterhave struggled in the early stages of their Premier League title defence, but bounced backspectacularly by beating Manchester City 4-2 at the weekend. Jamie Vardy's hat-trickbamboozled Pep Guardiola's men, leaving Howe extremely wary of the East Midlands team. 'Iwasn't disappointed with the effort at Burnley but we do need to ensure we're a little more solidat the back,' said Howe. 'Conceding goals hasn't been a big issue but we've obviously let a fewin during recent games. We're always looking at ourselves. 'Leicester looked to have regainedtheir swagger on Saturday.'

Stadium move will beemotional but crucial to

Bournemouth, says EddieHowe

independent.ie

2016-12-12 09:00 Nick Purewal www.dailymail.co.uk

50 /246 3.0 How to make your house smell like christmas (1.02/26)

Every year Matthew and I will make a Christmas simmer pot and it makes our whole house smell

so festive. Our friends and family will come inside and the first thingthey say is how amazing it smells. They always think we're bakingand while sometimes we are, usually it's always this Christmassimmer! I've been wanting to share the "recipe" with you for the pasttwo years but somehow it always gets put on the back burner. If youwant to make your house smell like Christmas, this post is for you!

STEP 1: Find a stock pot and add the following:

- 1 cup of cranberries

- 1 orange sliced

- 2 sticks of cinnamon

- 2-3 few sprigs of rosemary

STEP 2: Fill halfway with water and bring to a gentle boil. Allow to simmer, adding more water asneeded.

You can simmer this pot for hours as long as you add more water. I'll keep it going throughoutthe day, remove from heat at night, and then continue again the next day. I usually can get 2days out of 1 pot before I feel like I should make it again. Sometimes 2 1/2 days!

The fun thing about this "recipe" concoction is that you can add a bunch of other things if youwant too! This is my go-to combo but I also love adding pomegranates, pine branches, star ofanise, fresh cloves, or ginger. You can get creative and use ingredients you have on hand.Heck, you could even add some apple cider if you wanted!

If you make this you'll have to let me know what you think! It's perfect to do for a holiday party oropen house.

The post How to make your house smell Like christmas appeared first on M Loves M .

More from M Loves M : a holiday wish list my go-to fall outfit The best holiday stocking stuffersunder $50

WATCH: Will Smith SharesWhat Makes Christmas

Special for Himarticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 09:00 AOL Staff www.aol.com

51 /246 1.4 Chelsea expected to avoid Premier League points

deduction after bust-up with Man City (1.02/26)

Chelsea are almost certain to avoid a points deduction for their role in the angry melee withManchester City. The win overPep Guardiola's side wasovershadowed by a massconfrontation involving playersfrom both teams, sparked bySergio Aguero's challenge onDavid Luiz. Both clubs havesince been charged by theFootball Association while ithas emerged Chelsea couldeven be hit with a pointsdeduction. Chelsea werewarned last season that theywould risk a points deduction for more bad behaviour after being fined £375,000, which wasreduced to £290,000 on appeal, for the infamous brawl with Tottenham in a clash now dubbedthe Battle of the Bridge. But Sportsmail understands such a penalty would be highly unlikely. Afine, for both clubs, will be the likely course of action by FA disciplinary chiefs. Having receivedofficial observations from both clubs, the FA hope to release their findings later this week.Chelsea and City were charged last week with failing to control their players after ugly scenes atthe end of the game at the Etihad, when Aguero and Fernandinho were sent off for the hosts.The FA can deduct points from repeat offenders, and Chelsea had a long list of misdemeanoursduring Jose Mourinho's tenure. Conte said: 'We had a bad record in the past but now we aredifferent. Why must you pay if you are involved in a situation and the fault is not yours? 'Why?Are you joking? I don't know what happened in the past but I know what happened in thepresent. At the end of the game, my players tried to keep calm. You could see this clearly. Weare trying to improve in all aspects.'

Premier League talkingpoints

independent.ie

2016-12-12 08:55 Sami Mokbel www.dailymail.co.uk

52 /246 0.7 Migrants arrested in Italy for smuggling may be

victims (1.02/26)

PACHINO, Sicily (AP) — All migrant Marc Samie has of his fiancee is apicture in his mind. Louise, seven and a half months pregnant, is standingsilently on a beach in Libya, tears rolling down her face as traffickers forcehim at gunpoint into a rubber dinghy with a compass.

The armed men had ordered Samie to hold the compass and a satellitephone for navigation on the journey to Italy. He refused. So they fired a Kalashnikov at theground between his legs, and told him to take the compass or they would kill the couple. Theysaid she would be on the next boat.

That was last July, and he hasn’t laid eyes on her since. But instead of being treated as a victimin Italy, Samie was arrested by police and charged with facilitating illegal immigration.

Samie, a 21-year-old from Togo, is one of hundreds of migrants who are caught up in the Italianlegal system as police, prosecutors and judges struggle to combat human trafficking. They arethe victims of a new tactic where professional smugglers avoid being caught by forcing migrants,many of them minors, to take the helm of the boats.

Almost every day, Italian officials detain men accused of driving the boats, but don’t know if theyare traffickers or migrants. While overall numbers are not available, 179 smugglers — 26 ofthem minors — were detained this year at the port of Pozzallo alone, where Samie came in. Thatcompares to 147 last year.

In another port, Augusta, more than 190 smugglers have been arrested so far this year,according to police. And in Catania district, trafficking arrests have risen dramatically from 13 in2013 to 79 as of August.

Police are well aware that they aren’t reaching the criminals who are behind the trafficking andreaping the profits. To date, Italian police haven’t obtained the arrest of a migrant trafficker inLibya, said Andrea Bonomo, deputy prosecutor for Catania.

“(We are) making the arrests at what I would define as the lowest level, the so-called smugglers,the ones who drive the boats and who are often migrants,” he said. “They risk their lives togetherwith the others.”

There are no numbers on convictions. But smugglers can get five to 15 years in prison, Bonomoadded.

In early November, police stood in the port of Augusta watching hundreds of migrants disembarkfrom a navy rescue ship. Interpreters interviewed them to try to figure out who was driving theboats and holding the compasses.

Trafficking organizations in Libya now make cheap dinghies that can only last for eight to ninehours in the water before they sink, Marshal Tonio Panzanaro said. The traffickers then takewhat he calls “last-minute” smugglers, migrants who are sometimes given a free ride, and makethem drive the boat. Behind it all is a “huge movement of money,” he noted, with professionaltraffickers earning 100,000 euros ($105,000) from a dinghy that costs just 2,000 ($2,100).

“Our problem is that we know how they are operating in Libya, but since there is no governmentwe can’t take the final step, that of arresting the organizers,” he said.

Not all boat drivers and navigators are treated as smugglers. On Sept. 7, Gigi Modica, a judge inPalermo threw out the case against two accused smugglers, a Somali and a Gambian. The menwere driving and holding the compass on a rubber dinghy with 118 migrants on board. A dozenpassengers died, and the men were accused of multiple manslaughter.

Modica concluded that the two presumed smugglers were actually migrants forced by armedLibyans to drive the boat. Neither seemed to have any experience, they spoke differentlanguages and they couldn’t communicate with one another. In his statement, he wrote that theyhad been threatened with death, and he ordered them to be freed immediately.

Modica said Libyan traffickers are choosing sub-Saharan Africans to drive the boats and takethe compasses. He said defendants had told of friends being killed by traffickers because theyrefused to lead the boats.

He added that it is clear when those directing the boat aren’t the real smugglers.

“They are weak. They are fragile. They are scared. They can only talk with lots of difficulty,” hesaid. “It’s evident that they aren’t part of the problem. They are a victim of the problem.”

In the small Sicilian town of Pachino, eight young African men live in a home run by anorganization called Open Europe. Like Samie, many of them were accused of either driving theboat or holding the compass. Several received expulsion orders.

The organization allowed The Associated Press to talk to a Gambian who says he is 15 yearsold, on condition that his name not be used because he is a minor.

He was on the beach in Libya waiting to climb into a dinghy when armed men told him he had tohold the compass. He replied that he didn’t even know how to use a compass. They threatenedto kill him, and beat him with a pipe. He slides up the sleeve of his green sweat suit to reveal a6-centimeter (2-inch) scar.

“I got inside the boat before they killed me and my mother wouldn’t see me again,” he said.

When he arrived in Italy, he was arrested and held for 15 days before receiving an expulsionorder, which he is appealing.

Samie also spent 15 days in jail before he was asked to sign an expulsion order. He thenheaded back to the port in search of news of Louise, but there was nothing.

He is now appealing his expulsion order. In the meantime, he has sent off various emails toorganizations, looking for Louise. He has no idea if she is alive or gave birth to their baby.

“The last time I saw her, she cried,” he said. “I just said to her, we’ll meet here … I will wait forher.”

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Migrants Arrested in Italy forSmuggling May Be Victims

abcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 08:28 By Associated mynorthwest.com

53 /246 3.0 Man held for allegedly stabbing worshipper near

Californian mosque (1.02/26)

A man has been arrested on suspicion of committing a hate crime after police say he stabbed aman leaving a Californiamosque along with his family.John Matteson, 29, wasdetained by officers fromVentura County Sheriff'sDepartment shortly after theincident on Saturday night.Police said reports of peoplefighting sent them to ashopping center parking lotnear the mosque around11.15pm on Saturday. Officersseparated the combatants andfound that one person had been stabbed. The fight began after a man confronted a worshipperand got into a verbal dispute, police said. It is understood a second suspect may still be on therun. Matteson remained jailed yesterday on suspicion of making criminal threats, violating civilrights and disturbing the peace by fighting. According to ABC7.com the victim was leaving themosque with his family when he was attacked. Sergeant Adam Darough told the Los AngelesTimes : 'We're investigating whether or not this was instigated by (the victim's) appearance andthe association with the mosque. We're quite concerned that this occurred. We want to keeppeople of all faiths safe in the city.' The stabbing occurred near a prayer area where locals hadgathered, Hussam Ayloush, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told thenewspaper. Ayloush said he did not know the exact address or type of building where thegathering took place. Since election day, CAIR has received almost 200 reports of hateincidents directed at Muslims in America, Ayloush said. He added: 'It's hard to believe that in thisday and age we still have to deal with such hate and violence in our country, and especially in aplace as diverse as Southern California.' Matteson is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.His bail has been set at $25,000.

Man Held for AllegedlyStabbing Worshipper Near

Mosque Videoabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 08:18 Darren Boyle www.dailymail.co.uk

54 /246 3.0 'Racist, homophobic' National Action group to be

banned under Terrorism Act (1.02/26)

A neo-Nazi movement is to become the first extreme right-wing group banned as a terroristorganisation, the Government has announced. An order laid in Parliament on Monday toproscribe National Action under the Terrorism Act 2000 is due to come into effect on Fridaymorning. It will mean that being a member of, or inviting support for, the group becomes acriminal offence. Announcing the move, Home Secretary Amber Rudd described National Actionas a "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation". Ms Rudd said: "As Home Secretary, I

am clear that the safety andsecurity of our families,communities and countrycomes first. "So today I amtaking action to proscribe theneo-Nazi group NationalAction. "This will mean thatbeing a member of, or invitingsupport for, this organisationwill be a criminal offence."National Action is a racist,anti-Semitic and homophobicorganisation which stirs uphatred, glorifies violence and

promotes a vile ideology, and I will not stand for it. "It has absolutely no place in a Britain thatworks for everyone. " National Action is being proscribed as it has been assessed to be"concerned in terrorism". The Home Secretary decided to ban National Action before the trial ofThomas Mair, who was convicted of and jailed for the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox. The phrase"Death to traitors, freedom for Britain! " - which was said by Mair in court - appears alongside thelisting for National Action's website on Google. In the wake of Mair's conviction, warningsemerged that there are signs that the terror threat from the extreme right could be growing. MsRudd said last month that groups have become "increasingly sophisticated" in the use of socialmedia for promotion and for recruitment. Around a quarter of the cases being handled by theGovernment's counter-extremism programme Channel are for right-wing radicalisation. On itswesbite, National Action presents itself as a "scene for young nationalists to network, engagesocially, and be creative". It says: "We carry out demonstrations, publicity stunts, and otheractivities in order to grow and spread our message, that of National Socialism. " The group alsoboasts of cultivating a "tough image" to dissuade opponents from physical confrontation, whilecontesting their label as violent extremists. Gideon Falter, chairman of the Campaign AgainstAntisemitism, said: "This decision by the Home Secretary is something we have long called forand sends a strong message that the far-right is in the Government's sights and will not bepermitted to continue its incitement and violence. "

Neo-Nazi group NationalAction banned by UK home

secretarytheguardian.com

2016-12-12 08:12 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

55 /246 1.5 2 Louisville Football Players Shot at Heisman

Celebration Video (1.02/26)

Everybody was celebrating and everything was hype you know actual people in my house to.We you know he was lose problem artist what has me knows. A weekend. Full of firsts for theUniversity of Mobile ended with something all too familiar the violence our city has sadly come

to know time and timeagain. There was lot ofscreaming and running ohhe was beggar my door ledme and let me in lake. Itwas a home what's headsacross. Police found twostudents shot at the retreatat rule book cottageapartments around 2Sunday morning. A thirdstudent also hurt in theshooting showed up shortlyafter at Jewish hospital.You're semester Wright getting food. Now we hear is somebody yes sadly he came back there'scops everywhere and had a yellow tape down and they said he wanted to football player'sattention the gas tax. Alan PD described all three victims' injuries as non life threatening stillstudents say it's hard to see anything like this happened so close to home. This pretty scary adscan't believe it happened. You'll Belle sent out to raid alerts about the shooting that's theuniversity's messaging system used during emergencies on or near campus. A few students saythey really don't think this type of crime is coming from anybody connected to the university.Instead they feel like it's people taking advantage of the campus location. A sought students oncampus that's. It's just the adults. It's it's sort of a unique situation or situated. In this part of townoff about the greatest part especially on this side campus and hear an old rules. Get a lot ofpeople off street. Government intruding on what should be good side. This kind of crime is onesenior day arm Bruener knows all too well he says somebody with a gun and walked into hishouse party. After the you'll Belfour a state game this. All we got the word are we tried Harrypeople out the door before anyone. Got hurt and next thing you know we actually hear. Threeshots fired from across the street and his just into the air we did nothing was heard or so it hit itsit's gonna scare semester mr. Something students are trying to move past. I just hopeeverybody's okay and that will be able to recover from this.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

Two Louisville footballplayers shot at party while

celebrating Heisman Trophyvictory

dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 18:46 ABC News abcnews.go.com

56 /246 2.2 Italy's largest bank sells unit to bolster capital buffers

(1.02/26)

Italian bank UniCredit has agreed to sell one of its units for 3.8 billion euros ($4 billion), helping

it raise cash and stabilize investor jitters asit prepares to announce ...

Italy's Largest Bank SellsUnit to Bolster Capital

Buffersabcnews.go.com

2016-12-12 07:50 system article.wn.com

57 /246 3.8 More raw and grisly testimony expected in Dylann

Roof case (1.02/26)

The opening of Dylann Roof'sfederal death penalty trial sawraw, emotional testimony from asurvivor of the shooting, grislycrime scene images and acatalog of racial hatred fromRoof's videotaped confessionand journal.

The trial continues this week inthe deaths of nine black peopleat a Charleston, South Carolina,church. Here's what hashappened and what to expect.

---

THIS WEEK'S TESTIMONY

In his opening statement, assistant U. S. Attorney Jay Richardson said he would build the casefrom the church out. So far, he's reached Roof's arrest.

Expected to testify this week are agents who searched Roof's home and his family's residences.Also expected are experts to analyze what was found.

Richardson said Friday he expects to end his case by Wednesday, although he couldn'tpromise.

Roof's attorney David Bruck has conceded Roof's guilt and said in his opening statement heplans to call very few, or perhaps no witnesses.

U. S. District Judge Richard Gergel said he will break for Christmas after the guilt phase finishesand reconvene court for the penalty phase on Jan. 3.

---

ROOF'S HATRED

Prosecutors have sprinkled it in from a number of sources. But key has been the two-hourconfession to the FBI about 17 hours after the shootings and his journal found in his car whenhe was arrested.

Roof believed segregation needed to return because it kept white people from falling to the levelof blacks. It had other bogus claims that whites were naturally the superior race and that blacksliked slavery.

Roof ended this sentence with a racial slur. "Who is fighting for these white people forced byeconomic circumstances to live among (blacks). "

---

EMOTIONAL WEEK

The trial opened with testimony from Felicia Sanders. She was one of three survivors of theattack, telling the jury she swished her legs in the blood of her dead aunt and dying son so Roofwould think she was dead.

Sanders' 11-year-old granddaughter also survived. Sanders said she held the girl so tight soshe wouldn't scream that she thought she might suffocate her.

Sanders opened her testimony with happy remembrances of the nine fellow Emanuel AfricanMethodist Episcopal parishioners who died. She ended it with controlled anger toward Roof,who never looked at her.

"He said he was going to kill himself," Sanders said. "I was counting on that. There's no place onEarth for him other than the pit of hell. "

Meanwhile, Roof's mother was in the audience for opening statements that included Richardsoncalling her son a cold and calculated killer. She collapsed as court adjourned for a break, anddefense lawyers said she suffered a heart attack.

---

FOCUS ON SENTENCING

The focus of the trial is expected to be on the sentencing phase. Before they stepped aside,defense attorneys said numerous times during earlier hearings that Roof was willing to pleadguilty if the death penalty was taken off the table. Government prosecutors pursuing the deathpenalty say Roof talked of starting a race war and posed with the Confederate battle flag beforethe killings.

---

ANOTHER TRIAL NEXT YEAR

Roof faces a second death-penalty trial early next year in state court, where he faces ninecounts of murder. A state judge is ordering 600 prospective jurors to report to the Charleston

County Courthouse on Jan. 17 for initial screening. His order says the trial will begin on or afterJan. 30. It's not clear when the federal case will wrap up. For now, Roof has attorneysrepresenting him in the state case.

More raw, grisly testimonyexpected in Dylann Roof

caserssfeeds.detroitnews.com

2016-12-12 07:16 The Associated www.thenewstribune.com

58 /246 1.2 GOP strategist Alex Castellanos: Trump has 'a lot of

Democrat' in him (1.02/26)

"There's a lot of Democratin Donald Trump. There's alot of Republican in DonaldTrump," Alex Castellanostold David Axelrod on "TheAxe Files" podcast,produced by the Universityof Chicago Institute ofPolitics and CNN.

Castellanos, who initiallyopposed Trump'scandidacy but supportedhim during the general

election, believes the President-elect's lack of ideological rigidity "may help him become aneffective president. "

That's because while a chasm separates the Democratic Party from many of the policies Trumpespoused on the campaign trail, Castellanos cautioned that instead of taking Trump too literally,one should view much of what he says like an opening bid in a negotiation.

"He's a dealmaker. He always starts somewhere beyond where he hopes to end up. So, yes, bydefinition, he's going too far," Castellanos argued, while referencing Trump's positions on freetrade, his incendiary language toward immigrants, and his less than stout defense of America'scommitment to NATO.

"I think in many ways Donald Trump is a corporatist. He's a CEO — not, in many ways, unlikeMitt Romney," said Castellanos, who went on to express hope that Trump's business acumenwould transfer over as he began the work of strengthening the American economy.

As Castellanos studies the challenges that await Trump when he takes office, he fears that thesclerosis of government institutions might prove too resistant to change.

"I think a lot of people are concerned that the disruption that he may bring would be too largeand would be, perhaps, frightening and uncertain," Castellanos said, adding his concern is "thatthe institutions of government have so much mass and inertia, there's so much poured cement,that I think his challenge will be to be as transformational as the country needs. I think bringingenough change is going to be the problem, ultimately. "

Looking further into the future, Castellanos advised his fellow Republicans to not take an undueamount of comfort in Trump's victory, because their party still has its own challenges to confront.

"Our Republican Party was in such (terrible) shape that an outsider who'd never been part of itcame in and mowed down sixteen of our best and brightest," Castellanos declared. "That's howhollow we were and how little value we provided. So, we still haven't fixed that problem. "

To hear the whole conversation with Castellanos, which also covered his experience leavingCuba as a young boy and how he felt after learning of Fidel Castro's death, his views on theimportance of storytelling and authenticity in politics, why he believes the 2016 campaign wasan "alpha dog election," and much more, click on http://podcast.cnn.com. To get "The Axe Files"podcast every week, subscribe at http://itunes.com/theaxefiles .

Democrats fear anotherTrump trouncing Contact

WNDwnd.com

2016-12-12 07:11 Tim Skoczek rss.cnn.com

59 /246 6.2 Istanbul bombings: 38 dead as mourners seek answers

(1.01/26)

ISTANBUL (AP) -- Turkey declared anational day of mourning, launched a fullinvestigation and paid tribute to its deadSunday after two bombings in Istanbulkilled 38 people and wounded 155 othersnear a soccer stadium.

Turkey blasts claimed byKurdish militants; country

mournsarticle.wn.com

The Latest: Kurdish militantgroup claims Istanbul

bombingsarticle.wn.com

2016-12-12 10:15 system article.wn.com

60 /246 4.2 Snap Selects mitú As Snapchat Discover Partner To

Reach Multicultural Youth (1.00/26)

LOS ANGELES , Dec. 12,2016 /PRNewswire/ -- mitú, the leading digital mediacompany bringing a LatinoPOV to mainstream media,announced today thelaunch of its channel onSnapchat Discover.Starting Dec. 13 , mitú willcreate exclusive videos,articles, photos andanimations on theSnapchat platform. With

new content 7 days a week, 365 days a year, themes feature mitú's authentic, unapologeticapproach anchored in humor, food, family, relationships and more.

"It's important to us to provide editorial perspectives that fully reflect all members of ourcommunity -- and equally important to find the right partner with a unique and authentic point ofview. Snapchat and mitú have a lot in common -- we both want to create entertaining andinformative content for a mobile-first audience. It made perfect sense for us to join forces andwe're excited to welcome them to our Discover lineup," said Nick Bell , VP of Content for Snap.

"Our content has really struck a chord with Latino youth because it speaks authentically to theirunique experience and POV," said Roy Burstin , mitú's CEO. "We are honored to partner withSnap to bring our voice to the Discover platform. Snap is an incredibly forward-thinkingcompany that understands the importance of connecting with what is the most strategic demo inAmerican youth today. "

In less than 36 months, multicultural youth will be the majority in the US, meaning over half ofAmericans under 34 will be from culturally-diverse backgrounds. Reaching them demands newstrategies. mitú and Snap plan to feature daily Discover content aimed at entertaining andengaging cross-culturally, informed by mitú's deep insights and relationship with Latino youth.

Research shows US Latinos are two times more likely to share content and that they sharenearly five times as often, leading to heavy, cross-cultural influence. In the US today, there areover 56 million Latinos and they are one of the fastest growing segments in the US.

"Our partnership with Snap provides an immediate, at scale opportunity for brands to reach andengage with the new mainstream," said Danny Johnson , Chief Marketing Officer at mitú."Historically, brands have spent huge budgets on Spanish-language television, yet the majorityof the young Latino audience today is English dominant, and digitally native. "

Founded in 2012, mitú now drives more than 400 million monthly views, with over 96 millionpeople in the US engaging with its content monthly. The company has become the conduit forforward-thinking brands who seek to connect with this major cultural shift in America. InNovember, mitú helped mobilize the US Latino millennial vote through an exclusive videofeaturing President Barack Obama and actress Gina Rodriguez to increase election awarenessand voter turnout, reaching an audience over 160 million. Notable investors include UpfrontVentures, WPP, Awesomeness TV and Verizon.

About mitú is a digital media company creating mainstream entertainment inspired by the 200%:young Americans who are both 100% Latino and 100% American. Our mission is to inspire,elevate and provoke our audiences with authentic, unapologetic storytelling created in Englishwith a Latino point of view that reaches across cultures. Through our proprietary content andtechnology-driven ecosystem, we reach over 150 million people and serve over 400 millioncontent views on a monthly basis. mitú is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and hasoperations in New York , Chicago , Baja , México and Bogota, Colombia. For more information,visit www.wearemitu.com .

SOURCE mitú

iProspect Releases SecondAnnual Future Focus

Whitepaperprnewswire.com

2016-12-12 10:05 mitú www.prnewswire.com

61 /246 1.7 Duterte: I’m not a killer; I believe in God, in karma (1.00/26)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte stressed on Monday , that he was not a “killer” to dispelthe growing public perception, stoked further by a viral New York Times article, which cast hisadministration in a bad light for the deaths of over 5,000 in just five months in office in line withhis brutal war on drugs.

“I am not a killer. I do not relish or enjoy a Filipino sprawled there with all the blood,” said Mr.Duterte in a speech during The Outstanding Filipino Awards for 2016 in Malacañang.

“I do not want you to die, that is not my order,” said the President in response to criticisms that heabetted the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects with his advice to police not to hesitate to killtheir targets if their life was in danger. But he refused to explain himself beyond these sweepingdenials. “I leave it to you to sort it out (for yourselves), I can’t explain everything in this country,

“said the President.

Although the public had dubbed himthe “Punisher” and he said he was nota religious man, the President said hehad a “deep faith in God” and that hebelieved in “karma.” He said that everytime he approved the purchase ofguns and bullets, he felt guilty knowingthese would be used by Filipinosagainst Filipinos.

But he stressed he would not back offfrom his war against drugs despite theodds. “It is a harsh one but somebodyhas to be crucified for it, that is part of the territory,” said the President, referring to himself as thetarget of critics, political opposition and human rights advocates.

The President has sought the help of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who engineered the swiftapproval of the reimposition of the death penalty in the House of Representatives, because thedrug problem has turned out to be more “horrifying, appalling” than he initially thought before hetook over as president. “Even if Congress will give me carte blanche to kill everybody, I will nothave the time nor the bullets to do it,” said the President. “I would like to get advice. What shouldI do? I really want to cry. I feel as if I can’t do it.”

He said he would not object if somebody asked him to release a longer list of protectors of druglords that he has vetted several times in past few months. The President showed the audience acopy of the narco-list which he said had the names of 1,800 policemen, 700 barangay chairmen,city mayors, governors and a few congressmen.

The President also claimed that the Philippines became a narco-state much earlier than he hadthought, and the infiltration of drugs in politics started about 15 to 17 years ago. The President,in effect, revised his previous claim that the election this year of Sen. Leila de Lima, whom hehas accused of pocketing drug money to finance her campaign, opened the portals of thegovernment to drug lords.

He said the Philippines has become similar to Colombia, which has been controlled by the drugcartels for years.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, the eldest child of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was thePresident’s special guest in the audience and on stage even though she was not among theindividuals honored in the event.

The awardees were former Central Bank governor and ambassador to the United States JoseCuisia, former agriculture secretary William Dar, and Veritas Philippines President and CaritasManila Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual. SFM

Palace accuses New YorkTimes of being ‘one-sided’

newsinfo.inquirer.net

2016-12-12 00:00 Gil C newsinfo.inquirer.net

62 /246 1.2 All-star cast of climate deniers fills Trump cabinet (0.03/26)

The Chinese governmenthas warned Donald Trumpit is “seriously concerned”after the president-electbrought into question thehistoric “One-China” policy,agreed by Richard Nixonand Mao Zedong in 1972,during an interview withFox News. Trumpquestioned the necessity ofthe policy, under which theUS does not recognize

Taiwan as a sovereign state, and argued that it might be used as a bargaining chip in a tradedeal with China. “I don’t know why we have to be bound by a ‘One China’ policy unless wemake a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade,” said Trump. GengShuang, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, told reporters that bilateral ties and “thesound and steady growth of China-US relations” would be “out of the question” were Trump toturn away from the “One China” policy. He referred to the issue as the “political bedrock” of theties between the two countries.

China ‘seriously concerned’ after Trump questions Taiwan policy

The CIA’s conclusion that Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election is “ridiculous”,Trump told Fox News on Sunday. The president-elect said the CIA’s assessment was “justanother excuse” for his stunning defeat of Hillary Clinton last month. The Washington Postreported on Friday that the CIA had concluded that the Russian government had attempted toinfluence the election by hacking the Democratic National Committee and passing emails toWikiLeaks. The New York Times reported that the Russians had also hacked into theRepublican National Committee’s computer systems, but that they did not release theinformation they gained from the GOP. Trump claimed that it was impossible to trace the sourceof the DNC hack: “Once they hack, if you don’t catch them in the act you’re not going to catchthem. They have no idea if it’s Russia or China or somebody. It could be somebody sitting in abed some place.” Trump also criticized the US intelligence community (“These are the samepeople that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction”) and said he was going toskip most of the daily intelligence briefings because they were so repetitive, instead leavingthem to vice-president elect Mike Pence. Legislators overseeing the CIA and other intelligence

agencies have told the Guardian they will be vigilant about reprisals from the incomingpresident.

Donald Trump says CIA charge Russia influenced election is ‘ridiculous’

Trump is assembling an all-star cast of climate change deniers for his transition team – oftenplacing them at the heads of key agencies responsible for monitoring or dealing with globalwarming. The heads of transition teams for Nasa, the Environmental Protection Agency, theDepartment of the Interior and the Department of Energy, as well as his nominees to lead theEPA and the Department of the Interior, are all skeptical of the science of human-caused climatechange. For instance, Myron Ebell, head of the EPA transition team, has said that the scientificconsensus on climate change is “phoney”, while another member of the team David Kruetzer, ofthe conservative Heritage Foundation, has erroneously claimed there has been “global cooling”in recent years.

Trump’s transition: skeptics guide every agency dealing with climate change

This has been a rollercoaster year for Facebook and its founder Mark Zuckerberg. The SiliconValley giant raked in record profits thanks to increased advertising revenue but faced criticismsin a range of areas. Hollowing out legacy media’s revenues while using its content, “ digitalcolonialism ” and issues of censorship have plagued the company in 2016. However,Facebook’s impact on the US election may have been most stinging, with Barack Obama amongmany claiming that it undermined the political process. Despite originally denying responsibility,Zuckerberg later wrote an apology and outlined attempts to tackle the problem. García Martínez,who used to work in Facebook’s advertising sales department, told the Guardian that Facebookis well aware of its impact and uses it as key selling point to advertisers. “We used to joke thatwe could sell the whole election to the highest bidder.”

2016: the year Facebook became the bad guy

Trump campaigned on a promise to build a wall across the US-Mexico border, that he saidwould keep out Mexicans, who he referred to as “rapists” and criminals. But he will rely onthousands of federal employees of Mexican heritage to enforce any crackdown. Rory Carrollmeets one of them.

Life as a Mexican American on the Border Patrol: ‘The system is not broken’

Hannah Jane Parkinson notes that Teen Vogue has emerged as one of the strongestprogressive voices against Trump. An op-ed by Lauren Duca that went viral over the weekend isa continuation of a series of pieces by Teen Vogue on the incoming administration. Parkinsoncredits Elaine Welteroth, Conde Nast’s youngest editor, for the success of the magazine.

Who will take on Donald Trump? Teen Vogue

Republican representatives in the state of Washington have proposed a bill that would let sportsfans bring guns into stadiums. The bill would prevent stadium operators from stopping peoplewith a concealed carry license to bringing their firearms into stadiums. The NFL opposes the bill,which will face strong opposition due to the state’s strong Democratic base.

Fans could bring guns into stadiums under proposed bill in Washington

A restaurateur in Toronto opened his doors to a group of Syrian refugee women to cook for the

community. The opportunity has helped them find purpose in the strange city.

Trump's transition: scepticsguide every agency dealing

with climate changetheguardian.com

2016-12-12 09:10 Mazin Sidahmed www.theguardian.com

63 /246 3.2 Arsene Wenger committed to keeping Alex Oxlade-

Chamberlain at Arsenal (0.03/26)

Arsene Wenger insists he willnot waste five yearsdeveloping Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain just to let theEngland star leave Arsenal. Ithas been reported that theclub are yet to open talks overa new contract with the 23-year-old, who has 18 monthsto run on his current deal at theEmirates Stadium. Arsenal arelocked in negotiations toextend the deals for AlexisSanchez and Mesut Ozil whohave similar terms remaining on their existing deals, but Wenger is adamant Oxlade-Chamberlain is integral to his plans as well. "I want Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay at the club,"said Wenger. "I bought him at a very young age, I think he's developing well. This season he'smaking steps, moving forward. "When you've invested so much time and work in a player, andthe player loves it here and is integrated in the qualities we want him to have..... overall, I wanthim to stay. " Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011 and has won 24England caps since his 2012 international debut. "I believe that first Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain'scareer, like Theo Walcott's career, has been stopped many times by injuries," said Wenger. "Hehas had many, many setbacks, and I think it's the first season where he's had a consistency ofpresence. "They play in positions where maybe the physical demands are higher than any otherpositions. On the flanks today you need to come up and down, you need to defend as well asbeing dangerous going forward. "So you need to find the level of a good balance, and itdemands a little bit of experience. "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is much more efficient goingforward now, he can provide, he provided a good final ball for Ozil on Saturday. And he canscore goals himself, and that's what you want from him. "We are a squad of 25 people. It's theposition where the physical demands are the most important. That's subject to more changesthan other positions, changes are more frequent and more normal. " Sanchez and Ozil top anucleus of senior Gunners stars whose contracts are quickly running down while a host ofsuitors queue up for their services. Wenger refused to add any update on the influential pair'ssituation on Monday and also put off discussions on his own long-term future. Wenger's contract

expires again in the summer, but the veteran French boss has insisted he has "no energy, notime" to consider his own situation. Asked about Sanchez and Ozil's futures, Wenger replied:"What my head and my heart is telling me (is) 'don't talk about it any more'. " And when pressedon whether his own future links into any uncertainty over a number of his squad's contractdiscussions, Wenger added: " Again, my head and my heart tells me not to talk about that, because we are all focused on targets for this season and we have no energy (and) no time tothink about the rest. "I've told you many times, I want to do as well as I can for this club for aslong as I'm here. " Arsenal will face Everton in Tuesday's Premier League match at GoodisonPark, with Gabriel likely to slot in at centre-back to replace Shkodran Mustafi, who will bemissing for three weeks with hamstring trouble.

Arsenal boss ArseneWenger insists 'I want AlexOxlade-Chamberlain to stay

at the club'dailymail.co.uk

Arsenal want Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay, says

Wengerdailymail.co.uk

Arsene Wenger asks playersto step up as Arsenal deal

with injury absence ofShkodran Mustafidailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 07:59 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

64 /246 2.6 Jose Mourinho press conference LIVE: Manchester

United manager speaks ahead of Crystal Palace trip (0.03/26)

Jose Mourinho is set to speakto the media ahead ofManchester United's visit toCrystal Palace in the PremierLeague on Wednesday night.United recorded an importantwin over Tottenham at OldTrafford on Sunday to continuetheir recent revival and will behoping to further close the gapon the top four. We will bringyou live updates fromMourinho's press conference,which is expected to get

underway at 1pm.

Manchester United managerJose Mourinho pleased withhow Phil Jones has returned

to form after injuriesdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 07:08 Adam Shergold www.dailymail.co.uk

65 /246 0.6 Everton v Arsenal: Team news, kick-off time, probable

line-ups, odds and stats for the Premier League clash (0.02/26)

Ahead of the midweek PremierLeague action, Sportsmail willbe providing you with all youneed to know about everyfixture, with team news,provisional squads, bettingodds and Opta stats. Here isall the information you need forEverton's home game withArsenal at Goodison Park.Everton v Arsenal (GoodisonPark, Tuesday - 7.45pm) Teamnews Everton have no newinjuries ahead of Arsenal's visiton Tuesday but could makes changes as they look to change their fortunes. The Toffees havewon just once in their last 10 Premier League matches and manager Ronald Koeman has theoption of recalling Ross Barkley, Aaron Lennon and Enner Valencia to the starting side. YannickBolasie and Mo Besic are the only first-team absentees with long-term knee ligament problems.Provisional squad: Stekelenburg, Coleman, Funes Mori, Williams, Baines, Barry, Gueye,Cleverley, Lennon, Mirallas, Lukaku, Robles, Holgate, Jagielka, Barkley, McCarthy, Oviedo,Deulofeu, Valencia. Gabriel could deputise at centre-back when Arsenal face Everton atGoodison Park on Tuesday, with Shkodran Mustafi missing through hamstring trouble. RobHolding is likely to come into the squad for the Premier League trip as further cover in centraldefence, with Mustafi out of action for three weeks. Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined with ahamstring problem of his own, with Arsenal's longer-term injured stars still not ready to return.Provisional squad: Cech, Ospina, Martinez, Bellerin, Jenkinson, Holding, Gabriel, Koscielny,Gibbs, Monreal, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Coquelin, Ramsey, Xhaka, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil,Walcott, Reine-Adelaide, Iwobi, Sanchez, Akpom, Giroud. Key match stats (supplied by Opta) -Everton’s only win in their last 18 league games against Arsenal was their 3-0 victory in April2014 (D6 L11). -Arsenal have won more Premier League games against Everton (29) than theyhave against any other side. - In fact, Everton have lost 93 times to Arsenal in the league, themost defeats by one club to another in English league history. - A win for the Gunners atGoodison Park would make it their 12th in the Premier League there – only at Villa Park (12)have they obtained as many away wins at a single ground. - Everton have conceded exactly two

goals in each of their last four league games against Arsenal. - Olivier Giroud has scored fivegoals in his last six games against Everton in all competitions. - The Gunners haven’t lost on aTuesday in the Premier League since February 2006 v Liverpool (W10 D7). - Romelu Lukakuhas scored (9) or assisted (3) 12 of Everton’s last 15 Premier League goals. - Since the start of2013-14, Lukaku has scored 52 of Everton’s 187 Premier League goals (28%) and no otherplayer has more than 20 goals for the club in this period. - Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in 26goals in his last 26 Premier League appearances for Arsenal (18 goals, 8 assists).

Bournemouth v Leicester:Team news, kick-off time,probable line-ups, odds and

stats for the Premier Leagueclash

dailymail.co.uk

Premier League team news,odds and stats from everymatch ahead of a packed

midweek scheduledailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 10:38 Pa Reporter www.dailymail.co.uk

66 /246 1.1 Jet-lagged Real ready for Club World challenge (0.02/26)

TOKYO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Real Madrid are battling the effects of jet-lagbut are fully focused on their Club World Cup semi-final against Mexicanteam Club America, coach Zinedine Zidane said on Monday. CONCACAFChampions League holders America stand in the way of Real reachingSunday's final against Atletico Nacional or Kashima Antlers after they beatSouth Korean side Jeonbuk Motors. "The most important game is our next

game, the only thing in my head at the moment is Thursday's game. We will give everything towin," Zidane told reporters. "I watched three games, against the Koreans, a cup game and aderby match. I didn't know anything about them before and now we have to really look at themand how they play. " Real, bidding to win the Club World Cup for the second time in three years,beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 on Saturday thanks to a stoppage-time winner by captain SergioRamos, setting a club record 35 games unbeaten and keeping them six points clear at the top ofLa Liga. "The secret to our success is simply hard work. When you add hard work to talent youget a very interesting mix," Zidane said. Real won the 2014 tournament in Morocco but have todeal with another obstacle this time before Thursday's game against the Mexican side - copingwith jet-lag following a 13-hour flight to Japan from the Spanish capital. "We have experts whohave given us special procedures to follow and we have done that, but I, for example, feeldead," said Zidane. "I couldn't sleep but we are delighted to be at the tournament and we'll bewell prepared," added defender Marcelo. Injured winger Gareth Bale was the only absentee forReal as while talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be announced as world player of theyear on Monday after leading Real to the Champions League and captaining Portugal to theEuro 2016 title. "I don't think he'll be able to sleep. He deserves it and I'm certain he'll win it but itwill prevent him from resting," Marcelo said. (Reporting by Richard Martin, editing by EdOsmond)

Sergio Ramos shows offsymbolic numbers inked on

his hand as Real Madrid starprepares for FIFA Club

World Cup openerdailymail.co.uk

Real Madrid prepares tocontest Club World Cup in

Japandailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 08:44 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

67 /246 4.6 "Fast and Furious" fans get glimpse of eighth film in

new trailer (0.01/26)

Dec 12 (Reuters) - Fans of the"Fast and Furious" racing filmfranchise got a taste of thelatest instalment of the popularseries with an action-packedtrailer for the upcoming "TheFate of the Furious" film. Theeighth "Fast and Furious"movie promises plenty of fastcars, chases and explosionsas lead character DominicToretto, played by Vin Diesel,goes rogue. The film also starsDwayne Johnson, MichelleRodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Jason Statham and Oscar winner Charlize Theron. "The Fate of theFurious" is scheduled for release in April. (Reporting By Reuters Television; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, editing by Deepa Babington)

Uzbek party nominatesdeputy cabinet head Aripov

for PMdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 10:44 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

68 /246 1.9 Cristiano Ronaldo to win Ballon d'Or 2016 and even

Lionel Messi fans might admit it's deserved (0.01/26)

At around 7pm tonight Cristiano Ronaldo will be announced as the 2016 Ballon d’Or winner.

France Football magazineleaked that the Portuguesestar is to move within one ofLionel Messi's five Ballon d'Orawards. Such has been theyear he has had that you mighteven a find a few of Messi’sbiggest fans admitting thatRonaldo deserves it this time.Remember this award is notabout who the best player inthe world is, or who the bestplayer in history is. This awardis simply for whoever was the

best player in 2016 and Ronaldo won the European Cup with his club and the EuropeanChampionship with his country. It’s difficult to argue with that. Although he was not man of thematch in the Milan Champions League final, without his hat-trick in the quarter-final againstWolfsburg, Real Madrid would not even have been in the final. They had been sloppy in the firstleg losing 2-0 and the Germans came to the Bernabeu with what seemed like a real chance.Ronaldo single-handedly gave them no chance, scoring two in two minutes in the first half andthen getting the winner in the second period with a free-kick. And against Atletico Madridalthough he did not have his greatest night, who was it that stepped up to score the winningspot-kick that ensured Real Madrid their 11th European Cup? Ronaldo. And there was never adoubt that he would score it. And if in club competition he plays for a team that ought to win theEuropean Cup on a regular basis, success for his country has been a dream for decades. AtFrance 2016 they were almost nobody’s shout for the crown and yet they got there somehow towin their first major tournament. Ronaldo’s final was cut short by injury but again without his twogoals in their final group game against Hungary they would never have got that far. And he waskey in the knockout phase. It was his shot that Danijel Subasic pushed out to Ricardo Quaresmato score the winning goal against Croatia in the round of 16. Ronaldo then buried his penalty inthe shoot-out that separated Portugal and Poland, and he struck the opener in the 2-0 win overWales in the semi-final. Messi’s claim to the prize this season rests on the 26 goals he scored atBarcelona won their second straight league title. He also won the Copa del Rey and tookArgentina to the final of the Copa America. And it was as jaw-droppingly exhilarating watchinghim as ever. If you could only ever watch one more game of football in your life then you wouldstill almost definitely make it one of Messi’s, but the sheer weight of what Ronaldo achieved tipsthe balance in his favour. There should be a huge honourable mention for Antoine Griezmannwho was so important in Atletico Madrid’s march to another Champions League final and to allthat France achieved on home soil in the summer. Had Karim Benzema not got himself bannedfrom the tournament he and Griezmann might just have been enough to win the tournament forthe hosts. We will never know. The 2016 that Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale and Riyad Mahrez had,should also not be forgotten. Suarez hit 40 goals in Barcelona's successful league campaigndragging them across the finishing line with some extraordinary performances. Bale was man ofthe match in the European Cup final and sensational in France for Wales. And with 17 goals and11 assists no-one did more to give the Leicester fairytale a happy ending that Mahrez. But stillnothing tops Ronaldo. This will be his fourth Golden Ball and it takes him to within one ofMessi’s record of five. Their domination of the award now stretches back eight years – Kaka wasthe last ‘other player’ to win the Ballon d’Or in 2007. Messi is three years younger than Ronaldoand will hope to have the last word on their extraordinary golden ding-dong. But for 2016 it’sRonaldo. In keeping with his efforts to be seen as more of a team player he has not stayed inEurope to pick up the prize; instead he is in Japan at the World Club Cup with Real Madrid. He

knows that leading them to another trophy will give him the perfect springboard into 2017 whenthe Messi v Ronaldo can begin all over again.

Cristiano Ronaldo appearsto be featured on FranceFootball magazine with

Ballon d'Or!dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 10:37 Peter Jenson www.dailymail.co.uk

69 /246 2.2 Little Mix shock The X Factor’s (apparently Victorian)

audience by daring to perform in bodysuits My week,from Trump Tower to how I'm spending my Brexitwinnings (0.01/26)

Another year, another Little Mixperformance on The X Factor. Actually,last night’s final was the second time theband returned to the talent show thatmade their names this year – yes, LittleMix are so successful, and therefore sokey to The X Factor ’s self-mythologising, that they are one of the only acts invitedback twice per series.

While Little Mix get better and better witheach passing performance, and their fanbase grows accordingly, they have, inrecent years, become subject to astrange phenomenon. Every time they appear on The X Factor , tabloids cry of the “backlash” tothe band. Last night was no different.

Their crime? Well, their performance involved each member stripping down from what lookedlike a leather version of Marge Simpson’s pink Chanel suit to reveal differently styled bodysuits.Yes, bodysuits, which, let’s face it, have been the standard gear for women in pop since the mid-Eighties. Yes, you can see their thighs. Maybe Jade’s got her tummy on show, or Jesy’scleavage is visible. Your standard stage get up.

This isn’t the first time Little Mix have faced this accusation – their performances of “ Shout Out toMy Ex” earlier this year , “ Black Magic ” last year both received similar attention, and their earlytours were scrutinised by tabloids for the same reason.

Either viewers of the X Factor are almost exclusively Victorian nuns who faint at the sight offemale legs, or these stories are a tad disingenuous, as journalists scour through social mediafeeds gathering any occasional slut-shaming comment they can find.

why is it always little mix getting slammed for their stage outfits when practically every otherfemale artists wear the same things

— tayla (@hesperries) December 11, 2016

But fans are unbothered, and, so, too are Little Mix. In their own words: “ Oh, we do love areveal…”

The phone rings. It’s a Tory MP. “The book is brilliant. So comprehensive. It reads really well.”You can hear the “but” coming like a Panzer division in a Trappist monastery. “But on page 326,you say . .” Last week, I had three of these calls. They take three forms: first, the person on theother end tells me that I got a minor detail wrong, such as the quality of John Redwood’s coffee;second, they ask if I wish to know the full story behind an event I described (these leadinexorably to the aggrandisement of the caller); or third, they say that I have missed out a crucialmeeting at which the caller did or said something notable. In trying to write the definitive firstdraft of our recent crazy history, I finished a 600-page book in 11 weeks. At this rate, thepaperback will be more than 1,000 pages.

Enemy's enemy

At least the eurosceptic pedants have read All Out War. Writing a book is so all consuming thatyou imagine that others are as fascinated by it as you are. I bump into a well known Labour MPunder the colonnade in the House of Commons. “I hear it’s doing well,” he says. “I haven’t readall of it, just the serialisation.” Some Remainers have a different formula: “It’s all too painful.” I amlearning that this loosely translates as: “I haven’t read a bloody word of your bloody book.”

A first time author has more debts than he can easily repay, not the least of which is to moreaugust colleagues who are prevailed upon to say nice things about them on the cover. I'mgrateful to Nick Robinson, John Rentoul and Peter Oborne. I run into Sir Alan Duncan and ask ifhe would give me a quote for the cover. “I've given you enough f***ing quotes for the inside,”was his pithy response. Sir Alan is now a foreign office minister and a face of British diplomacy.

It’s a brave new world.

Door of perception

Because of the book and my experience reporting from America, I’m more in demand as aspeaker. I tell an audience of City wealth managers that Donald Trump’s gold doors look like theentrance to a Dubai brothel. When the hands go up for questions, the first is from a respectable-looking chap in a pinstriped suit. “How do you know what a Dubai brothel looks like?” I’m quickto say: “I should just clarify that I’ve never actually been to Dubai.” Perhaps I should first haveclarified that I’ve never been to a brothel.

Beyond the history front line

I go out for dinner in west London with Guy Walters, the author of popular histories on the Nazis,and Peter Frankopan, the history rock star du jour. While we wait for Peter, Guy and I talk aboutthe media coverage of the lunatic white supremacist who murdered Jo Cox, Thomas Mair,whose shelves were stuffed with books on Hitler’s Germany.

We reflect that our fascination with the Second World War, like for so many other Englishmen in

their thirties and forties, would land us in trouble with the tabloids if we ever did anythinguntoward. Of my three stacks of history books, the first begins in 4000BC and ends in 1933 andthe third begins in 1945 and ends with the EU referendum. Guy and I agree it was clear that Mairwas a fanatic, because he didn’t just study battles and biographies – he had books on Naziuniforms and insignia. This, we decide, is where the line should be drawn between lunatics andthe rest of us. Walters then has the chutzpah to turn this idea into a column for my newspaper.

Very special advisers

Another dinner, this time in his Islington back yard with Dominic Cummings, the eccentric geniusof Vote Leave. Dom was about the only person I know who appeared confident Brexit would winwhen the campaign started. During the coalition, the two sets of special advisers who knew bestwhat they were trying to achieve were Cummings and Henry De Zoete, Michael Gove’s crackteam, and the Nick Timothy-Fiona Hill duo running Theresa May’s home office. Both werecordially loathed by David Cameron’s team. Both emerged triumphant this year. It's not justhistoric forces that win campaigns, but able strategists.

Our American friend

The news that Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, might be Donald Trump’sambassador to London is being greeted with glee by the hard core of National Football Leaguefans in Westminster, of whom I am one. Britain will get four regular-season gridiron games nextautumn and the hope is that a franchise sets up permanently. Johnson ought to help that along.

Sport is the one part of American life that operates on socialist principles. Every year, the worstteams get the pick of the best new players, so the most hopeless side is only ever three yearsfrom winning big. Jeremy Corbyn should be a fan. The SW1 gridiron devotees compete in afantasy league. We’ve got hacks, special advisers and even a minister of the crown. If you’relooking for political omens for 2017, three of the eight qualifiers for the play-offs are Lib Dems. .

Expiry dates

When I worked on the Sunday Express , the picture editor used to phone his counterpart at theSunday Telegraph every Saturday night to say that the Queen Mother had died. One Saturday,at 3.15pm, she did. The next few hours were quite intense, not least because my boss, who hadleft for the day, took some convincing that my call summoning her back to the office wasn’t also awind-up. Since then, it has seemed that big-name celebrities always die (or we find out about it)at the weekend. In November it was Fidel Castro. While the right condemns a tyrant and Corbynleads the left in dismissing the execution of rivals and the imprisonment of trade unionists as“flaws”, my main sentiment is: I’ve lost the splash.

Playground politics

To Bristol to interview Arron Banks, the multimillionaire behind Leave. EU. Banks hates allpoliticians apart from Trump and Nigel Farage. We swap stories about writing referendumbooks. I give him a copy of All Out War , inscribed: “For Arron, who shook up the world”. He givesme one of his, with: “For Tim, a member of the Westminster elite”. I tell him he’s a member, too.Banks disagrees. “Everything I’ve got, I got through my own hard work,” he says. Me, too, mate.What was it Michael Howard said to Tony Blair? “This grammar-school boy will not take lessonsfrom that public-school boy.” To give Banks his due, he was expelled for nicking the Communionwine.

Keep your enemies closer

Farage is floated as Time ’s person of the year: not such a stupid idea. I was on the judgingpanel for the Spectator ’s Parliamentarian of the Year awards and we gave Naughty Nige thelifetime achievement gong. When I phone him to discuss Trump, Farage twice says of the Tories:“They loathe me.” So much of his identity is caught up in being hated by the governing gang.The British establishment has usually won by co-opting its critics, rather than confronting them. Itcan’t be long before it’s: “Arise, Lord Leave.”

Betting on Brexit

Like many in Westminster, I did not confidently predict the Brexit or Trump victories, but I didinvest a few quid in bets on both. Lady Shippers worked for the Remain campaign and thenendured her husband writing a book about it all. My winnings will now be invested in the onlysensible way: Christmas presents for my wife.

Tim Shipman is the political editor of the Sunday Times and the author of “All Out War: the FullStory of How Brexit Sank Britain’s Political Class” (William Collins)

White male mediocritytriumphs again at this year’s

X Factor My week, fromTrump Tower to how I'm

spending my Brexit winningsnewstatesman.com

2016-12-12 18:45 Amelia Tait www.newstatesman.com

70 /246 3.1 'Britain's best decorated Christmas house' owners

spent four months decorating (0.01/26)

This house boasts Britain'sbest Christmas lights after theowners spent four monthsturning their home into a winterwonderland. Sheila Gill, 76,and John Reynolds, 72, fromNewport in south Wales, havespent thousands of poundsperfecting their massive festivedisplay to raise money forcharity. And their house hasbeen called one of the 'bestdecorated in Europe' for itslight show - which they started

putting together back in August. In fact their home has even been compared to the Christmasfilm Deck the Halls starring Danny DeVito - where he tries to adorn his house with so many

lights it can be seen from space. Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Reynolds said: 'It's all effort, it's allfor a good cause. We'll have to build a bigger shed. 'It takes a while to take everything down asthey have to be wrapped up well.' When asked why they do it every year he joked: 'Well we'venothing else to do really!' The couple, who are former pub landlords, say they have 'no idea' howmany lights are now on the house but believe there are hundreds and thousands of individualbulbs. John said: 'We used to run the Irish pub and we were known then for having the bestChristmas lights. When we sold up and moved four years ago, we decided to carry on thetradition at our house. 'It is a lot of hard work but it is worth it because every penny goes tocharity. We have had people come from all over to see the lights, even from Ireland. 'Last yearwe had people come from all across the country including Manchester and London. It's greatwhen you see the kids' faces. 'We have nearly twice as many lights as last year for people tocome and see. Last year the couple, who live in Newport, South Wales, raised £17,500 forvarious charities by charging £2 per entry to their home. Christmas fan Jane Cohen said: 'I lovethis house, it must have the best Christmas decorations in Britain. 'It's just like the Christmas filmDeck the Halls, but I think they might need a few more lights to be seen from space.'

German couple decoratetheir house with over 100

Christmas treesdailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 08:09 Keiligh Baker www.dailymail.co.uk

71 /246 8.3 CONFIRMED! Minnie Dlamini is engaged (0.01/26)

The star took to Instagram on Mondayto announce her engagement, byposting a picture of her flashy ring withthe caption: "I said yes".

Speaking to TshisaLIVE on Monday,Minnie's publicist, Jarred Doyleconfirmed the good news and saidthat "she's very happy".

He was shy to share any more detailson the engagement, including who thelucky guy was.

Minnie has previously been linked tocameraman Quinton Jones.

Speaking to Anele Mdoda on RealTalk in August, Minnie opened up about her man and saidthat he took great care of her.

"He sees a lot less domesticated Minnie because I'm very spoilt. He spoils me a lot, he cooks forme, he brings me breakfast in bed and does cute things for me. From my perspective, it's nice to

be taken care of for the first time in a long time," Minnie said.

Cassper left 'devastated' byMinnie's engagement

timeslive.co.za

2016-12-12 07:18 TshisaLIVE www.timeslive.co.za

72 /246 3.8 X Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry has received

'hundreds' of marriage proposals (0.01/26)

The hunky singer made anappearance on ITV's GoodMorning Britain on Monday,where he said of the amorousattention: 'Of course, it's somuch fun. It is a lot of fun. It'scrazy. I've said yes so manytimes (to the proposals)!' Scrolldown for video Prompted byco-host Piers Morgan toestimate how many proposalshe's received, Matt eventuallyagreed that he's 'maybe' had'hundreds' of offers. However,

when Matt made a visit to the Lorraine show later on in the same morning, he appearedreceptive to eponymous host Lorraine Kelly's advice to stay single. As the jovial Scot concludedtheir interview with the advice that he has 'no time for romance', Matt Shook his head andreplied: ''I'll remember you said that.' Notably, no mention was made of the speculation that heshared a kiss with fellow contestant and close pal Freddy Parker, 18, on the X Factor final stageon Sunday. As former contestants swarmed Matt on stage during his moment of victory, eagle-eyed fans of the show soon began to claim that they saw him receive quite the congratulatorygesture from Freddy, who was voted off on Week Two. As the likes of 5 After Midnight, Honey Gand runner-up Saara Aalto surrounded Matt in a massive group hug in the centre of the stage,viewers took to Twitter to declare that they caught a glimpse of the two hunks sharing anaffectionate kiss. Before the final even came to a close, tweets began emerging from viewerswho caught a supposed glimpse of Freddy and Matt's giddy moment. 'Well is there somethinggoing on between Matt Terry and Freddy Parker on the X Factor? Me thinks there is!' one socialmedia user typed speculatively. 'Freddy Parker & Matt Terry are definitely a thing!!' came anothermore certain post. 'Very glad #MattTerry won #XFactor well deserved and did I see him kiss@FreddyParker98 at the end I do hope so!!' came someone else's commentary. Still visiblyelated, said on Good Morning Britain of his win - which saw him scoop 48 per cent of the voteover Saara's 40 per cent: 'I kind of didn't think I'd done it. 'I thought, "Woah, I can't believe this ishappening! " To hear my name (announced as the winner) was a shock to me. It was amazing.'He added: 'I still believe that this is happening to me. Honestly, I thought Saara had done it. She

is amazing. She is one of the nicest people ever and she's so talented.' He also spoke of LouisTomlinson's brave performance on the show's final, just days after losing his beloved mother tocancer. 'Honestly, to see him up there, all of us on stage and the entire arena, could see hisbravery. I don't know id he could have done it. He was so brave to stand up there and sing thatsong. Absolute, complete trooper.' Given his new-found fame, Matt is enjoying a growing list ofcelebrity pals - most notably Sam Smith, whose songs were covered by Matt during thecompetition and in the final. 'I was just on London Bridge and I bumped into Sam Smith and hissister! I have no idea how it happened. I just started speaking to him and he said, "Just beyourself and stay true to who you are.' I've taken it all on board. 'I haven't spoke to him since theX Factor win, but he did say he was really proud of my performance of his song, which means somuch.' Later, when he made his way over to the Lorraine' show, he said that he was lookingforward to spending time with his family, in between a hectic schedule - but thanks to spaceconstraints his sleeping quarters will be quite humble. 'I think I've got next week to be with myfamily,' he said. 'I'm so excited. My older brother's moved back though, so I'll be sleeping with thedog on the sofa!' He also spoke about the close bond he has developed with his fellowcontestants - and how he is looking forward to going on the X Factor tour with them. 'I'll begrateful for that,' he said. 'We're an X Factor family and I can't wait for the tour. It's going to be sogood.' Matt has been supported by Freddy - who was mentored with him by Nicole Scherzingerin the Boys category - throughout, with Freddy championing the solo artist via Twitter, Instagramand Facebook, encouraging the public to vote for him. As soon as Matt was announced as thewinner of the series, Freddy uploaded a cute snap to Instagram of him cuddling up to the champ,along with the caption 'My brother... you did it,' followed by a heart emoji. Matt was leftastounded as he discovered he had beaten fellow hopeful Saara Aalto, 29, after the duo battledit out in the live show in Wembley Arena. Led by Nicole Scherzinger, the Bromley-born croonerreigned victorious in the show's 13th series after which he belted out the winner's singleChristmas Comes Around, written by Ed Sheeran. He is the eighth solo male to win the show,although his predecessors have often failed to find chart success - a curse Matt is no doubtaiming to defeat. Another tweeter typed '#MattTerry giving Freddy a lil kiss there...' followed bysomeone else who posted: 'That hug from behind and that kiss!' Last month, it was alleged that asecret romance relationship had blossomed between two of the show's unnamed malecontestants. The alleged dalliance was being kept hidden by the pair - known to both be singersthat had made it through to the live shows - after they struck up a relationship during the auditionprocess. It was reported that the relationship was so under wraps not even the show's judgesand most of their fellow contestants were aware if it. According to The Daily Star , a same sexcouple had been growing close after meeting during an earlier stage of the contest – but werekeeping things quiet as their feelings developed. 'Their family and friends know they are an itembut they've kept it a secret from viewers and that's the way they want it for now,' the source said.Matt has grown increasingly close to mentor Nicole Scherzinger, who even broke down duringan exchange with the contestant on final night. She told him that he was the reason she returnedto judging the competition as she gushed about her pride for him. Similarly, it was Nicole whowas first to receive a congratulatory hug from the winner, who swept her off her feet before doingthe same for runner-up Saara. After the show, the pair discussed their well-talked aboutrelationship, calling it 'brother and sisterly'. 'Since day one she's been there with open arms,'Matt said. 'And she's made me feel like I can go to her with anything I need. 'If I have anyconcerns, and she's just like "I'm your big sister", and that for me is so refreshing to have that. SoI hit the jackpot with you.' She added: 'It's so funny because they asked me to do a quote, and Iwas like "he's like my little brother", and I feel like I'm part of the family and I'm so proud.'Controversially, Matt told Now magazine that Nicole was 'definitely' his celebrity crush, thisweek. He's certainly been inundated with female attention after being tagged with eligible statusever since his first audition. 'It’s been so cool!' he told the magazine. 'To see what they think ofme… all of the letters have been really cute. 'But I do get a lot of older ladies saying that my

voice does something to them, which is really strange.' After all, it was during his first meetingwith the judges that he revealed he was bouncing back from a break-up from his girlfriend andperformed a song written about his heartache. The X Factor has had a long history of decidedlyclose friendships and romances and this year is no different – it brought together couple EmilyMiddlemas, 18, and Ryan Lawrie, 20. And arguably fellow 1D star Liam Payne, 23, and CherylFernandez-Versini, 33, owe their relationship to the show – having originally met in 2008 whenLiam auditioned in front of Cheryl when he was just 14. Similarly, Zayn Malik - of One Directionfame - dated Rebecca Ferguson during the show and even went on to share a highly-publicisedengagement to Perrie Edwards.

X Factor's Emily and Ryanlook inseparable whilesupporting Matt Terry

dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-12 07:09 Ryan Smith www.dailymail.co.uk

73 /246 4.3 Report: Bill Polian Expected To Receive Interest From

Bears For Front Office Advisory Role(CBS) Hall of Fame executive BillPolian is open to a return to the NFLand is expected to garner “heavyconsideration” for a front officeposition with the Bears,CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canforareported Sunday .

The 74-year-old Polian would likelyreturn to the league in a senioradvisory role for a team, La Canforareported. The Bears are led bysecond-year general manager RyanPace, who has overseen anorganization that has gone 9-20 since he took over in January 2015.

Polian currently works as a broadcaster.

La Canfora joined Mully and Grote on 670 on Monday morning, explaining that Polian wouldn’tbe replacing Pace but working hand in hand with him on the most important football operationmatters.

“This wouldn’t be micro-managing everything, scouring the waiver wire, making every decision,deciding what temperature the coffee should be and all that stuff,” La Canfora said. “I do think hewould be in the building. He would be watching things closely. He’d be makingrecommendations to ownership. The way I’ve heard it is it would be a senior advisory position,

come in and see how decisions are being made, seeing what processes are in place, see howthey’re getting to some conclusions they’re getting at and give recommendations on what hethinks is the best way to do things, kind seeing who’s pulling their weight and maybe who’s notand then trying to get a long-term structure in place to be more of a winning franchise.”

Listen to La Canfora’s entire interview below.

2016-12-12 11:36 chicago.cbslocal.com

74 /246 93.1 A decade of murder and grief: Mexico's drug war turns10

A few weeks before the Mexico's2006 election, La FamiliaMichoacana — among the mostvicious of Mexico's major drugcartels – tossed five severed headsonto the dance floor of the Sol ySombra night club in Uruapan,Michoacán, along with a messageoutlining its strategy for targetedkillings, which it called "divinejustice".

As this gruesome incident rekindledthe debate on national security,

candidate Felipe Calderón, who went on to win the election, made a campaign promise: to fixthe country's drug problem. Calderón would be only the second Mexican leader who did not hailfrom the Partido Revolucionario Institucional, which had ruled for most of the 20th century. Hiscampaign presented him as the only honest alternative to the PRI's corrupt legacy. " My handsare clean ", claimed his ads.

On Dec. 11, 2006, days after taking office, Calderón launched the " Operativo ConjuntoMichoacán " – Operation Michoacán – sending some 6,500 soldiers, marines and federal policeto the state. Its aim, according to minister of the interior Francisco Ramírez Acuña, was to "takeback" a country that had been "seized" by organized crime. He also asked Mexicans forpatience, cautioning that the fight would take time.

All this was exactly 10 years ago. Today, Mexico's drug war rages on, virtually unchanged. It istime to ask: What has the decade-long cartel strategy achieved?

Another failed American war

As one must when assessing war, let's start with the casualties. Some 150,000 people havedied in Mexico's drug war since 2006, and another 30,000 are missing. Many victims of thisdecade of murder and grief have been unheralded, but some have made the headlines: 22civilians summarily executed by the army in Tlatlaya, 43 students who disappeared without atrace in Ayotzinapa in 2014.

The death toll far exceeds the 103,000 civilians killed in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq

between 2007 and 2014. By 2012, Mexico's homicide rate was among the world's highest, at 21per 100,000.

Researchers at the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económica have found that in Mexicothe deadliness ratio – that is, the proportion of civilians injured compared those killed – isalarmingly high. In 2014, the army killed 168 civilians and injured 23 (deadliness ratio: 7.3),while the Marines injured 1 and killed 74 (deadliness ratio: 74). It's little surprise the Marines arethe favored military force in fighting the drug war.

Despite this violent law enforcement, drugs have continued the steady flow north to the UnitedStates, the world's largest consumer of cocaine; 84% of that cocaine enters via the Mexicanborder. Between 2005 and 2011, the height of Calderón's war, the U. S. Border Patrol seized13.2 million pounds of marijuana. In 2015, Border Patrol seized more than 2 million pounds ofall sorts of drugs.

Mexico's drug war actually predates Calderón. The term "War on Drugs" came into commonusage after American president Richard Nixon established the Drug Enforcement Administrationin 1973 to conduct " an all-out global war on the drug menace. "

Since then, both the United States and Mexico have fought that war, at great cost. Mexico hasspent at least $54 billion on security and defense, with U. S. donations of at least $1.5 billion.That amount includes the Mérida Initiative, a security-based aid agreement that included specialaircraft and training for pilots to confront cartels from the air.

The American government has consistently encouraged Latin American governments to useweapons of war to fight drugs (a role the U. S. military cannot legally play at home ).

In Mexico, the armed forces have been turned against the Mexican people, and have graduallyestablished a record of violating human rights. Under Calderón, Mexico's National HumanRights Commission saw a significant increase in citizen complaints of abuse. In the first twoyears of Calderón's successor Enrique Peña Nieto's administration, the army accumulated2,212 complaints – 541 more than those lodged against the military in Calderón's first two years.The war is thus a Mexican-American problem. But the United States has managed to stayrighteous while quenching its thirst for cocaine and other drugs. And American weapons anddrug money laundered by big-name banks continue flowing south into Mexico.

Doing it for the kids

U. S. culpability doesn't make the Mexican government innocent. Indeed, political analystsRubén Aguilar and Jorge Castañeda have traced the roots of the drug war back to Calderón'sfaulty legitimacy in office.

Calderón assumed the presidency amid a turbulent struggle with the supporters of AndrésManuel López Obrador , his left-wing opponent in the 2006 elections. López Obrador claimedfraud and challenged the election results in court. Though Calderón was unanimously declaredthe winner , López Obrador refused to recognize the decision, calling Calderón an " illegitimatepresident ".

Aguilar and Castañeda argue that, in 2006, the Mexican government needed an enemy: Thedrug cartels handily played this role.

Publicly, Calderón's main justification for waging war on drug traffickers was a supposed

increase in consumption among Mexico's youth. He coined a simple slogan – " Para que ladroga no lleguen a tus hijos " ("Keep the drugs out of your children's reach") – and recruitedmasked Lucha Libre wrestlers to reiterate his alleged concern for Mexican kids.

Calderón's claims were groundless. According to data provided by both the Mexican NationalCouncil on Addictions and the United Nations , drug use in Mexico is very low (for internationalcomparison, see this interactive map of consumption ). Today, as in 2006, Mexico remains atransit country.

Calderón's true motives for launching the war were probably a combination of the need tolegitimize his government domestically and strengthen his strategic relationship with George W.Bush. However, in a forewarning of today's post-truth era , the fact that Mexican children didn'tactually do drugs didn't stop him from justifying a war in their name.

The deadly time machine

Calderón wasn't a cartoon tyrant. He is a savvy lawyer, and a careful observer of society andpolitics.

The president knew he couldn't rely on the police, whom 90 percent of Mexicans feel arecorrupt, to undertake his crusade. They're also outrageously inefficient: an estimated 99 percentof crimes go unsolved. Now that's impunity.

Mexicans believe in three institutions: family, the Catholic Church and the army. Calderón thusadopted the United States' favored policy of sending the army into the streets to fight drugs.

His shrewd decision may have initially pleased the Mexican people and their Americanneighbors, but it didn't have the support of the constitution. According to article 129 , nopeacetime military authority may perform functions not directly connected with military affairs. Inother words, the military cannot do the job of the police.

However, in 1999, PRI President Ernesto Zedillo proposed a law to create a FederalPreventative Police , hiring 5,000 new military personnel for allegedly temporary positions untilMexico could select and train enough new civilian agents.

Zedillo's policy was legally challenged, but in 2000 the court decided that, under the Mexicanconstitution, the armed forces can legitimately perform law enforcement functions. And thus: thelegal basis for Calderon's cartel war.

As Professor Desmond Manderson has noted , the law is a time machine: The real problem withbad law isn't its immediate implementation but how it can be used in the future.

Since 2014 President Peña Nieto has persisted with Calderón's approach, with the clever twistof not publicizing it so much. Journalist José Luis Pardo has observed that the current presidentis like a teenager who, in trying to rebel, repeats what he's seen his father do.

Today, organized crime accounts for nearly 60 percenti of the more than 15,000 homicidesrecorded in Mexico. August and September 2016 were the deadliest period in almost 20 years.

What is to be done?

The supply-side response to a problem driven by demand has not made a dent on drug

trafficking.

Nonetheless, two security bills pending in the Mexican parliament seek to sustain it perpetually.Presented by Sen. Roberto Gil and congressman César Camacho , they propose topermanently enable the Mexican military's law enforcement role.

Even Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, Mexico's minister of defense, seemingly thinks this is abad idea. On Thursday he declared that fighting the war against drugs has "denaturalized" theMexican military. "None of us studied to chase criminals", he said.

Ten years after Calderón sent troops to Michoacán, Mexico has a choice: Change or perish. Wecan start by accepting that we will never eliminate drug consumption. Using drugs is a personaldecision and a health issue, not a criminal one.

Drawing from the recent recommendations of the Global Commission on Drug Policy , Mexicocan outline a policy agenda that decriminalizes personal use and possession of drugs whileimplementing alternatives to incarceration for low-level suppliers. (Full disclosure: Irecommended decriminalization as a member of the transition team of Calderon's PANprecedessor, Vicente Fox. I'm haunted by the consequences of the government's failure to doso). It should also consider moving toward regulating the drug market, as Uruguay has donewith marijuana , from production to distribution.

Decriminalizing both the supply and consumption of something as transnational as drugs canonly succeed if it's embraced on both sides of the border. Even under a Trump presidency,lobbying for decriminalization in the United States would be a wiser use of Mexico's resourcesthan bemoaning Americans' taste for Latin American drugs.

Decriminalization must necessarily be accompanied by demilitarization. Two recommendationsfrom UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein can guide this process:first, to strengthen the capacity of Mexico's police to protect public safety while respecting humanrights; and second, to adopt a time frame for withdrawing the military from public securityfunctions.

Follow the leader (again)

In 1996, President Bill Clinton 's drug czar Barry McCaffrey said that a war waged against ashapeless, intangible enemy as drugs can never truly be won.

In recent years the United States has been heeding its own advice and winding down thedomestic war on drugs. President Barack Obama has declared that addiction should beaddressed as a health problem. In the November 2016 election, nine states consideredliberalizing cannabis laws. Four approved recreational marijuana, including California , theworld's sixth-largest economy. Residents in a total of eight states, plus the District of Columbia,can now legally take marijuana.

With Colombia having similarly scaled back its violent anti-narcotics strategy , Mexico is nowalmost alone, in the unpleasant company of authoritarian firebrands such as Philippines'President Rodrigo Duterte , in waging war against an shapeless abstraction.

Here's to ending this 10 years of tragedy with a smarter new beginning. In an authentic republic,citizens – not soldiers – look after each other's security and liberty.

Luis Gómez Romero is a senior lecturer in human rights, constitutional law and legal theory atthe University of Wollongong.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

2016-12-12 11:34 www.upi.com

75 /246 3.6 6 months later, 49 killed at Pulse are remembered in

OrlandoRelatives, friends andsurvivors of the Orlandonightclub massacre stoodoutside Pulse wherecandles were lit behindstars with the names ofeach of the 49 patrons whowere killed.

They hugged each otheroutside the shuttered gayclub in the early morninghours Monday to mark thesix-month anniversary of the massacre.

Many wore black and others wore rainbow-colored "Orlando United" T-shirts and ball caps.

At 2:02 a.m., the exact time gunman Omar Mateen started shooting inside the club, they read thenames of each of the deceased patrons.

Dozens of other patrons were seriously injured in the June 12 massacre, which was the worstmass shooting in recent U. S. history.

Two other services were planned in Orlando for the Pulse victims later in the day.

2016-12-12 11:21 The Associated www.charlotteobserver.com

76 /246 2.8 Data: We No Longer Care If Our Leaders Are

Personally MoralGreetings from Miami, Florida, where I’m attending the Ethics and Public Policy Center’s FaithAngle Forum.

One of this morning’s presenters was Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution, who spoke on“Religious Voters in the 2016 Election.”

Without a doubt, the most stunning data he provided had to do with a dramatic shift in thepercent of Americans “who say an elected official who commits an immoral act in their personallife can still behave ethically and fulfill their duties in their public and professional life.”

Since 2011, all Americans have shiftedon this question—but (by far) thebiggest change came from whiteevangelicals.

Obviously, a lot of this has to do withretrofitting values to justify support forTrump. But while much of it is likely anex post facto justification, I wonder howmuch is also an organic shift towardsecularism and tolerance—and awayfrom traditional values.

I’m not sure which option shouldtrouble conservatives most.

2016-12-12 11:18 Matt K dailycaller.com

77 /246 2.6 Venezuelans prepare for largest currency note to be

yankedVenezuelans are rushing to spend their 100-bolivar notes after PresidentNicolas Maduro's announcement they will be taken out of circulation tostop the "mafias" who smuggle contraband on the Colombian border.

The government has promised to issue new, higher-denomination billsthis week amid the world's highest inflation.

Maduro warned Sunday that people will not be allowed to bring back 100-bolivar bills fromoutside the country to trade them in for new currency. People loyal to Maduro's socialist party onMonday circulated drawings on social media of hapless criminals trying to smuggle 100-bolivarbills into Venezuela like drugs.

An estimated third of Venezuelans have no bank account and keep their savings in the soon-to-be-worthless bills.

2016-12-12 11:10 The Associated www.charlotteobserver.com

78 /246 3.0 Baby in lion costume bonds with real lion through

zoo's glass wallATLANTA, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A visitor to a Georgia zoo captured the moment a baby dressed in alion costume bonded with a real lion through the glass of its enclosure.

Cami Fanning posted a video to YouTube showing her 11-month-old godson, Aryeh, whosename means "lion" in Hebrew, peering through the glass of the Zoo Atlanta lion enclosureFriday while dressed in his infant-sized lion costume.

"The lions were immediately interested in our little lion cub, and it wasn't long before they

couldn't stand their curiosityany longer and came rightup to the glass! Aryeh wascompletely unfazed andinteracted with the lions fora few minutes! " Fanningwrote in the video'sdescription.

The video shows the babycoming face-to-face withone of the adult lions, with

only the few inches of glass between them. Aryeh paws at the glass with his tiny hand, and a fewseconds later the lion does the same.

The lion seems as fascinated by Aryeh as the baby is by his namesake, even following when thebrave youngster crawls away along the ledge outside the glass wall.

2016-12-12 10:55 Ben Hooper www.upi.com

79 /246 0.0 Justices ask lower court to reconsider class action

caseThe Supreme Court is asking a lower court to take another look at a classaction lawsuit brought by nearly 300 cable technicians that alleges theircompany encouraged workers to underreport overtime hours.

The justices said Monday that a federal appeals court should reconsiderits decision allowing the lawsuit to proceed against cable installation firmFTS USA and its parent company, UniTek USA.

The companies argue that the district court should not have calculated damages for hundreds ofworkers by averaging the experiences of only 17 workers who testified.

A federal judge awarded the technicians $3.8 million after a jury found the company at fault. Afederal appeals court said that award was too high, but rejected arguments that a single classaction lawsuit was improper.

2016-12-12 10:55 The Associated www.charlotteobserver.com

80 /246 2.1 Stacey Solomon praises Joe Swash for supporting her

during row with Aaron SidwellShe was widely criticised for taking a clipboard onstage during her debut panto performancelast week. But Stacey Solomon praised her boyfriend Joe Swash for fiercely defending her afterhis EastEnders co-star Aaron Sidwell branded her actions 'shameful'. Speaking on LooseWomen on Monday, the 27-year-old said: 'I adore Joe so much and everything he does is fromhis heart. He saw how hard I worked and how important it was for me.' Scroll down for videoElaborating on the Twitter spat yesterday, she added: 'I don't think he appreciated somebody in

the industry knowing what I'ddone and what I had to dosaying something like that. 'Iwas worried that he might getsome backlash for sayingsomething like that and thenanother part of me thought it'sso amazing to have somebodysupport me like that.' Whilesome suggested Stacey hadn'tlearnt her lines, the mother-of-two insisted she took herclipboard onstage because oftechnical problems. She told

the panel: 'This really upset me because I landed (from Australia), took the boys to school, andwent to rehearsals. They knew the schedule I had and what was going on and they were finewith it. 'When I got there they said you're gonna cue the lights and the band. I had to cue the rightpeople at the right time. I did know my lines, but I hadn't been there for any of the technicalrehearsals. 'They said it would be fine and told me, "Just go on, let the audience know that it'syour first time. " The audience were lovely - everyone was lovely - and I did know my lines.'Meanwhile Stacey is fresh from shooting the spin-off show I'm A Celebrity Extra Camp inAustralia, and admitted her fears about hosting live. 'It's the scariest thing I've ever done,' sheconfessed. 'You get up at 11pm and you go into the studio and you don't get out until 3 or 4. Ionly got to sunbathe twice. When I was going to bed I saw everyone going down to the pool.'Speaking about what it was like presenting with Joe, she added: 'It was really lovely becausethere was somebody there to support me. 'And it was the first ever live show that I'd presented. Itmade me anxious but having him there was amazing. But it was testing a couple of times.' Andtheir bond is clearly stronger than ever after Joe defended Stacey after actor Aaron Sidwellcriticised her on Sunday. The actor, known for playing Steve Beale on the BBC soap,reprimanded the blonde for taking her script onstage during her first panto performance - whichwas met with fiery response from Joe, that told him to 'pipe down' and 'be ashamed'. Stacey waspictured earlier this week reading her script onstage in her debut performance of pantomimeDick Whittington, in Milton Keynes. Addressing her behaviour on his Twitter page, Aaron, 28,first kicked things off by writing: 'This is shameful. Shouldn't cash her pay check!' However Joe,who is currently dating the recent stage star, was quick to come to her defense as he hit backwith a fiery response. He furiously replied: 'Why don't you PIPE DOWN mate and do your ownthing BADLY!' Before adding in further rage: 'What a little hater YOU you should be ashamedand I will tell you when I see u next.' Clearly taken aback by the actor's sudden outburst, Aaronnext posted a calm response which read: 'Twitter is for sharing your opinion. You have yours, Ihave mine. I'm not hating.' Joe was not backing down however, not taking that argument asjustification for his 'hating' on his girlfriend. The actor retorted: 'Yer and yours is SHIT! And nowI'm hating on you!! Worry about yourself! I don't think this acting is your game!! That's my opinion!NightXXX' (sic) Wanting to ease the tension between the former co-stars, Aaron then ended theargument by simply writing: 'But enough now. I wish you both successful runs in panto.#Namaste' However the drama did not stop there - as several of Joe's fans came to his side tosupport him in the matter, by argumentatively Tweeting Aaron themselves. One user called himup on his acting in light of the criticism, writing: 'Let's see you actually do something live you overpaid fool!! No balls! Hide behind a camera and a dying programme.' To which Aaron coollyreplied: 'Worked in theatre for 8 years but whatever you say.' Another fan then deemed him 'ad*** on and off TV' to which he wrote back wittily: 'Well I have always prided myself on being aSlytherin #guilty.' Former X Factor star Stacey caused a stir earlier this week when she

performed to her first live paying audience in Milton Keynes with her script in hand.Representatives of the star confirmed to MailOnline she had needed her lines in front of her asshe had only landed from Australia - where she had been presenting I'm A Celebrity spin offExtra Camp for three weeks - the previous day. She was sent the songs, script and a video whileaway in the Gold Coast, but she had little time to practice in isolation from her co-presenters dueto such a busy filming schedule. Her spokesperson said: 'She arrived at the theatre jet laggedand shattered, and got straight on with it.' 'After 2 hours prep with the director and cast she wenton and performed in front of a packed theatre. I could not be prouder of this woman right now.She's an absolute fighter.' 'She didn't want to let one person down so she went on, clipboard inhand, and smashed it.' Her boyfriend was perhaps quick to fight her corner having presented theITV2 show alongside her while Down Under - experiencing her apparent busy schedule firsthand. The pair confirmed their romance in January of this year, after getting together in 2015.The relationship, although fairly new, appears to be going from strength to strength - with theEastEnders actor admitting he planned to propose at some point in the future on the Xtra Factorin September.

2016-12-12 10:47 Ekin Karasin www.dailymail.co.uk

81 /246 0.0 Trump flips the script on 3 concerns about the Obama

economy, Mohamed El-Erian saysPost-election rallies instocks and bond yields arethe result of a "romance"with President-elect DonaldTrump 's proposed policiesof corporate tax reform,infrastructure spending andreduction of regulations,economist Mohamed El-Erian told CNBC onMonday.

"[Trump] has changedexpectations about three things: liquidity, growth and inflation. And that has had a huge impact,not just on the stock market, but the bond market as well," Allianz's chief economic advisor saidon "Squawk Box. "

Liquidity in the market, the ability to buy and sell assets without causing major disruptions, hasbeen a major concern since the 2008 financial crisis. Low economic growth and low inflationhave also been prevalent during the presidency of Barack Obama.

In early Monday trading, the 10-year U. S. Treasury yield pushed above 2.5 percent for the firsttime in more than two years, as the market sees the prospects of higher inflation from a Trumpadministration.

More inflation, in the 2 percent range, has been something the Federal Reserve has beenlooking for in order to rationalize another interest rate hike. The Fed kicks off its two-dayDecember meeting Tuesday, with central bankers widely announce a rate increase onWednesday. Policymakers last increased the cost of borrowing money in December 2015, the

first such move in more than nine years.

"What you're basically seeing is a romance of reflation. It comes from the president-elect'semphasis on pro-growth policies," said El-Erian, referring to reflation, or measures undertakento stimulate an economy. "That has had a massive impact on what have been artificial pricing ofthe bond market. "

El-Erian said he's encouraged by Trump's Cabinet picks on the economic side, including WallStreet veteran Steven Mnuchin for Treasury secretary and billionaire distressed asset investorWilbur Ross for Commerce.

"[Trump] has picked ... people who are committed to pro-growth, who have a feel for this," hesaid, adding there's a feeling since the election that the gridlock that's "paralyzed" Washingtonfor years may be about to abate.

2016-12-12 10:46 Matthew J www.cnbc.com

82 /246 2.2 Flint just misses snowfall record -- how much did you

get?FLINT, MI -- Flint almost had arecord-setting snowfall.

The 10.4 inches of snow that fellSunday, Dec. 11, was less than ahalf-inch off the record for the samedate, according to the NationalWeather Service.

That wasn't enough to beat therecord of 10.8 inches of snow thatfell in the city on the same date in2000, the National Weather Servicesaid.

Here are some other snowfall totals for the area from the National Weather Service:

If you got out and measured the amount of snow in your neighborhood, then add the amountand where you're located in the comments section below.

2016-12-12 10:45 Dominic Adams www.mlive.com

83 /246 1.0 Sugar heiress Angela Lyle's former mansion Glaspant

Manor goes on market for £1mA manor house used as a hideaway by musicians including Freddie Mercury, Black Sabbathand Genesis is up for sale for £1million. The bands wrote and rehearsed at the historic manor inthe 1970s - using its remote setting in the rolling Welsh hills for artistic inspiration. The studio atGlaspant Manor is where Genesis made their final album with Peter Gabriel The Lamb Lies

Down on Broadway in 1974. Inthe early 70s Angela Lyle,heiress to the Tate & Lylecompany, moved to Glaspant,she had connections with themusic world and convertedone of the outbuildings into arehearsal studio. At the time itwas owned by sugar heiressAngela Lyle who had thesoundproofed studio builtbecause of her love of rockmusic. Black Sabbath, FreddieMercury, Hawkwind and MeatLoaf all stayed at the manor during the 70s. But she later sold the property and in recent yearsthe historic grade-II listed house and accompanying cottages have been renovated and rentedout as a five star holiday let. Glaspant, near the village of Capel Iwan in Carmarthenshire, is nowon the market for £1.1million Owner Philippa Sibert, 62, said: 'It is steeped in history and I think itwas popular with musicians who wanted to get out of London and away from the fans for awhile. 'In the 1970s it was very remote and would have been perfect for bands rehearsing foralbums or tours. 'Angela had musicians come and stay with her and she would cook for themand look after them while they would rehearse. 'Island Records then installed a mobilerecording studio for Genesis to record The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.'

2016-12-12 10:45 Keiligh Baker www.dailymail.co.uk

84 /246 2.0 Texas school backlash for 'Charlie Brown Christmas'

poster 'imposing Christian beliefs'School officials in Texas are introuble after putting up aposter of Charlie Brownreciting a verse from the Bible.The six-foot poster was tapedto a door of a middle schooloffice and depicts Linusreading scripture about thebirth of Christ. 'For unto you isborn this day in the city ofDavid a Savior, which is Christthe Lord. ... That's whatChristmas is all about, CharlieBrown,' the image reads. But

education administrators in Killeen demanded the poster be removed citing a law that forbidsteachers from 'imposing their personal beliefs on students.' The picture from A Charlie BrownChristmas TV special is known for its innocence about the true meaning of the holidays so it isaltogether more surprising that the image has been pulled. Dedra Shannon, a staffer atPatterson Middle School in Killeen, Texas, was so inspired by the scene she decided to useimages to decorate the door to the nurse's office. The poster shows a picture of Linus, along with

a scrawny Christmas tree and a brief passage that sums up the meaning of the holiday. Ms.Shannon told Fox News that just days after putting up the poster, she was told by the school'sprincipal to remove it. 'She said, 'please don't hate me, but unfortunately you're going to have totake your poster down. I'm disappointed. It is a slap in the face of Christianity.' The principal wenton to explain that the poster violated the U. S. Constitution. 'She said my poster is an issue ofseparation of church and state. She said the poster had to come down because it might offendkids from other religions or those who do not have a religion.' The view was echoed byeducation officials at the school district: 'Our employees are free to celebrate the Christmas andholiday season in the manner of their choosing,' the district said Friday in a statement to KWTX-TV . 'However, employees are not permitted to impose their personal beliefs on students.' ButTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the display was protected by the Merry Christmas lawthe Legislature passed in 2013. 'We passed that law precisely because of this type ofdiscrimination against people of faith,' Paxton said in the statement. 'No school official in Texascan silence a Biblical reference to Christmas. This is an attack on religious liberty and a violationof the First Amendment and state law. I am calling on the school board of the Killeen ISD toimmediately reverse their unlawful decision, The Merry Christmas Law that Texas legislatorspassed in 2013 removes 'legal risks' from exchanging holiday greetings in classrooms andprotects symbols such as Christmas trees, menorahs or Nativity scenes, so long as more thanone religion is represented and a secular symbol such as a snowman is displayed. But KilleenIndependent School District officials have said the law doesn't protect the poster because itencourages one particular religion.

2016-12-12 10:44 Dailymail.com www.dailymail.co.uk

85 /246 2.4 Henrikh Mkhitaryan became the first Armenian

goalscorer in the Premier League... but which other starsnetted their country’s first goal in top flight?

Henrikh Mkhitaryan created alittle bit of history for Armeniaon Sunday after netting theonly goal in ManchesterUnited's 1-0 win overTottenham at Old Trafford. Themidfielder's strike ensured thatArmenia became the 96thdifferent country to have aPremier League goalscorer intheir ranks. Mkhitaryangrabbed his first league goalfor United during the first-halfas United sealed a much-needed victory to keep the pressure on the early top flight frontrunners. The former Sovietrepublic, that has a population of three million, had to wait a while to get on the map as theArmenian star was in exile from the United first team at the start of the season. Former SheffieldUnited player Brian Deane made history after becoming England's first Premier Leaguegoalscorer. Deane scored twice for Sheffield United against Manchester Sheffield United backon 15th August 1992. Meanwhile Scotland's first Premier League goalscorer was Graeme Sharpfor Oldham Athletic and Wales' was Barry Horne playing for Everton. Republic of Ireland's

history maker was Bernie Slave for Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland's was Danny Wilson forSheffield Wednesday. There have also been some very obscure footballing nations to havescored a Premier League goal, including the likes of Barbados, Curacao and Monsterrat andBenin and St. Kitts and Nevis. But which nationalities will take us to the century and could itpossibly happen this season? It would be a very hard task but there are four players currently inthe Premier League that could make this possible. These include Middlesbrough's Emilio Nsue,from Equatorial Ginea, Liverpool's Ragnar Klavan, from Estonia, Manchester City's BersantCelina, from Kosovo and finally Watford's Giedruis Arlauskis, from Lithuania. Yes and before yousay it, it does seem practically impossible, especially with Celina being on loan at FC Twenteand Arlauskas being a goalkeeper on loan at Espanyol. Below is the full list of country's to havescored a Premier League goal.

2016-12-12 10:44 Jonathan Spencer www.dailymail.co.uk

86 /246 8.4 Season's first storm blasts New England; Midwest digs

outDETROIT — Parts of theUpper Midwest weredigging out from theseason' first majorsnowstorm Monday whilethe storm continued itsmarch into New England,leaving snarled Mondaycommutes in its wake.

Thousands of flights weredelayed and hundredscanceled for a second day.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport was functioning near normally one day after a Delta Air Lines MD-80jet arriving from Buffalo slid into the grass. The FAA listed snow, ice and "braking action" ascauses.

In Michigan, hundreds of schools were closed and plows were laboring to clear roads buried inup to 10 inches of snow.

Craig Bryson, roads commissioner for the Wayne County just outside Detroit, said his fullcomplement of 106 drivers reported at midnight to work through Monday's morning rush. Localtow truck operator De’Angelo Henderson had advice for motorists: Take your time.

"Be safe," he said. "Be patient with towing companies. We’re going to do everything we can togive accurate ETAs, and we’re doing our best to get there.”

Snow was falling in northern New England, closing schools and forcing commuters in someareas to reduce speeds on icy roads. In Vermont, Transportation Agency spokesman ErikFilkorn said plow crews were out in full force by 3 a.m. Monday to clear the roadways forcommuters.

He said snow plow routes take about 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete one cycle through

before the plow operator returns to re-plow and re-salt the route.

"There is a constant sort of yin and yang of driver behavior and conditions," Filkorn said. "Wethrow everything we can, but we kind of run the same pattern no matter how much snow isfalling. "

Later in the week, plunging temperatures could drive frost as far south as Atlanta by week's end.Blame the Polar Vortex, similar to the one that rocked the U. S. in January 2014, which is poisedto drive demand for wool hats, mittens and leggings.

The Polar Vortex, lest we forget, is a massive area of high pressure and cold air that lingersaround the North Pole. Sometimes it expands, allowing it to leak down over North America viathe jet stream, the weather service explains.

"It may not set records, but it will be really, really cold," Bruce Sullivan, senior meteorologist withthe National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center, told USA TODAY. "The thing is, it'snot even winter yet. "

The translation for North Dakota and Minnesota will be temperatures that in some areas fail toreach 0 degrees — for daytime highs.

In Washington D. C., temperatures could fail to bounce above freezing Thursday or Friday.Cleveland will rock a high of 17 degrees Thursday. Even Atlanta could see temperatures dipbelow freezing Thursday night.

Bacon reported from McLean, Va. Contributing: Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY; ElizabethMurray, Burlington Free Press

2016-12-12 10:43 John Bacon rssfeeds.freep.com

87 /246 1.4 Iggy Azalea looks beautiful in make-up free Instagram

snap after 'laser' treatmentIggy's photo comes days aftershe shared a selfie from Dr.Ghavami's clinic, where shewas receiving some kind oflaser skincare treatment. 'Justbeing a little weirdo gettinglaser beams shot into my headand stuff,' the 26-year-oldwrote on Instagram on Friday.In the image, the former chart-topper has pen marks all overher visage so her doctorknows where to fire thewrinkle-reducing lasers. TheMullumbimby-born bombshell gets her work done from Beverly Hills M. D. Ashkan Ghavami,who was behind her rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. Iggy recently gushed about Dr.Ghavani on social media, writing: 'It might seem obvious I'd hold the man I owe my fabulous

nose and breasts to in high regard.' Ghavani has also been open about the ex-rapper's surgery,telling People magazine how he fixed her 'very twisted and very wide and boxy' nose and 'supersmall and super wide apart' breasts.

2016-12-12 10:41 Greg Styles www.dailymail.co.uk

88 /246 0.6 John Legend to continue IVF treatment with Chrissy

Teigen he reveals on Loose WomenHe has spoken openly aboutfertility issues in the hopes ofmaking it a less taboo subject.And John Legend continued tobe open about the fertilityissues he and wife ChrissyTeigen have experienced, ashe bravely spoke out on ITV'sLoose Women on Monday.The All Of Me singer, 37, andthe model, 31, welcomed littleLuna in April, and John hasrevealed they will continue IVFtreatment in the hopes of

expanding their brood to 'three of four'. Scroll down for video Opening up to Stacey Solomonand Coleen Nolan, the American star explained:'A lot of people struggle with fertility and theyshouldn't be ashamed of it. A lot of people want to have kids and maybe can't do it the naturalway... I think people should do it if that's what will work for them. Speaking about expanding hisown brood he added: 'We'll do it again [IVF]. We want to have a few kids... like three or four'. AndJohn, who has been with Chrissy since they met on set of a music video when she was just 20before marrying in 2013, adorably revealed: 'We like to eat together, we like to cook together, welike to watch bad TV together... We like to do everything together. We've been friends and loversfor a long time.' John has just released his new album 'Darkness and Light' and the track 'RightBy You' is all about his baby girl. The Grammy Award-winning musician admits that a lot of thesongs on the LP are inspired by Luna as he was waiting to become a father when he began thewriting and recording process. The Love Me Now hitmaker explained: 'I wrote a song specificallydedicated to her (Luna) it's called 'Right By You'. 'The whole album was influenced by the fact Iwas becoming a new father, I was writing a lot of it before she was born but when I knew wewere having a baby so I was thinking a lot about that when I was writing the songs.' Filled withglee after becoming first time parents, John and Chrissy had a rough road to parenthood, havingstruggled with infertility for several years eventually turning IVF to conceive. Commendably openabout their struggles, John admitted their doctor was never able to give them an answer why it'didn't work out naturally', adding that they 'did what they had to do'. He said: 'We figuredeventually we'd have to go into the doctor and see why it wasn't happening naturally. 'You know,sometimes it's just harder for some people than for others. We're just happy that we were able todo it with our doctor. 'He's never really told us that there was something specific that he couldidentify was the reason why it just didn't work out naturally. We did what we had to do.' TheOrdinary singer revealed the birth of their seven-month-old has been his highlight of 2016,revealing she inspired his career even before she arrived. 'As soon as we found out we werepregnant, I started writing songs about what it felt like to be a new father,' he said. 'I already was

so inspired, before I even saw Luna.' Although inspired by her arrival, he insisted that he nowwants to strip back his work commitments and enjoy the journey of parenthood with Chrissy -who he met on his music video in 2007. He added: 'I want to work less now, you know? I want tobe home more, and be able to just help my wife with whatever she needs.' 'Also, I just be there toexperience [Luna] growing up. I want to take them on tour. I want to be around.'

2016-12-12 10:41 Jessica Rach www.dailymail.co.uk

89 /246 1.9 If space didn't kill them, astronauts still had to train

for survival in deserts and junglesNASA scientists faced innumerablechallenges in their efforts to preparethe first astronauts for the rigors anddangers of spaceflight. Along withendless varieties of technicaltraining, astronauts also had tolearn to survive in the wildernessshould their reentry craft land offtarget.

Beginning with the original "MercurySeven" in 1960, astronauts werebrought to Stead Air Force Base inNevada to practice desert survivaltechniques, crafting improvised shelters and clothing out of parachutes.

Astronauts were also trained to build shelters, find food and water and identify venomoussnakes in the jungles of Panama.

The American, European and Russian space agencies continue to practice wilderness survivaltraining today, routinely stranding candidates for space missions in scorching deserts, frozenforests and empty oceans — just in case.

More from Mashable : Legendary astronaut John Glenn's inspiring life in photos John Glenn, all-American badass astronaut, dies at 95 Elon Musk and other fans pay tribute to legendaryastronaut John Glenn

2016-12-12 10:41 AOL Staff www.aol.com

90 /246 1.6 David Beckham Is 'Very Proud' to Be UNICEF Goodwill

AmbassadorDavid Beckham said he is “very proud” to be a UNICEF goodwill ambassador as he visits NewYork City to celebrate the 70th year of the fundraiser for the organization that works to supportand protect the world's most vulnerable children.

“It was founded 70 years ago to the day, just after World War II as the biggest child’sorganization in the world,” Beckham said on “ Good Morning America ” today. “It’s something

that I’m extremely focusedon; it’s something that isvery important to me andthe family.”

UNICEF aims for no child todie from preventablecauses, a mission thesoccer star feels stronglyabout.

"It’s incredible that we stilllive in an age wherechildren are dying every

five minutes from violence around the world,” Beckham said. “It’s an incredible statistic, and asgreat as the work has been done over the years, there’s still so much more to be done. "

“It doesn’t matter what your politics are, everyone in this room, everyone watching, everyonewho has sat here -- no child should be affected by violence in the way they are,” said Beckham,41, who created a moving PSA where his many tattoos come to life to highlight how violence inthe world hurts children.

“I think it was just a very strong, powerful way to get across how so many children around theworld are affected by violence,” he said of the new PSA from UNICEF UK. “It’s got a lot of hits, alot of attention, and that’s what we wanted to achieve with this. Of course it’s about raising fundsfor children in situations around the world, but it’s about shining a light and things like this are soimportant for us.”

Beckham isn’t the only member of his family working on a charitable cause. His 11-year-old son,Cruz, recently released his debut single, a holiday-themed pop track titled "If Every Day WasChristmas. " Proceeds from the sale of the single will go to a charity for disadvantaged children.

Cruz has been signed by "Scooter" Braun, who is known for managing clients like Justin Bieberand Carly Rae Jepsen .

“The amazing thing about this is we only realized that Cruz has a cute little voice about ninemonths ago,” said the proud father. “And Scoots has been a family friend for a while now, so hesaid ‘Bring him in, we’ll see if he enjoys it.’ And for us, we always hope our children are listeningto us, and paying attention to us as parents. And we do a lot of work for charity. Me for UNICEF,and my wife [ Victoria Beckham } does for the UN, and Cruz came to us very recently and hesaid, ‘How about I do a Christmas song for charity and all the proceeds go to charity?’"

“There’s nothing more to this than that at the moment,” Beckham continued. “He’s 11 years old.He’s still at school. He’s concentrating at school. That’s the most important thing. But he wantedto give back and he’s done this amazing little Christmas song which has gotten a lot of attention,and we’re very proud of him because he came to us with the idea. It’s kind of cool.”

2016-12-12 10:40 By abcnews.go.com

91 /246

91 /246 3.4 Pregnant Texas orangutan Mei has baby registry at

Target listing 'stimulating' giftsAn expecting orangutan hasher own baby registry atTarget, which lists 'stimulating'gifts for her babies and fellowresidents at her Texas zoo.Mei an 18-year-old orangutanat Cameron Park Zoo in Waco,is due to give birth in lateJanuary. Zookeepers have setup the registry on her behalf,asking among other things fora Dolly Parton album andBritney Spears body mist. Thepresents, which also include a'Zootopia' DVD, Johnson's baby oil and SpongeBob bubble bath, will help Mei take care of herbaby and will also benefit other animals at the zoo. Several items have been bought, includingmicrofiber towels, a crib mobile and the childhood classic 'Goodnight Moon'. Mei and father-to-be KJ will open their gifts on Sunday in front of human guests, who will be served cake - as iscustomary for a baby shower. Scroll down for video Mei has had weekly ultrasounds but thegender of her baby remains unclear. It will only be known after the birth. A video posted on thezoo's Facebook page shows Mei's latest ultrasound, with the baby's audible heartbeat. Towelsand sheets are great gifts for orangutans, who build nests every night, zoo curator Terri Cox toldthe Waco Tribune-Herald. Other presents on the registry will be enjoyed by other animals at thezoo, during activities aimed at stimulating them mentally and physically. Some items can alsohelp young animals get used to their home at the zoo. When Mei first arrived at Cameron Park,at the tender age of 10, she loved watching 'The Jungle Book'. 'That was the one thing thatwould bring her up to the front until she got used to her surroundings,' Cox said. Certainanimals, such as otters, giraffes and orangutans, can even pain - hence the presence of Crayolapaint, chalk and crayons on Mei's baby registry. Some will enjoy listening to Dolly Parton's 'Pure& Simple' album, but others will prefer 'The Very Best Of Simon & Garfunkel', which is also listed.If CD's stop working, they can be used to create eye-catching mobiles. The zoo does have abudget for what Cox called 'enrichment items', but it's not enough to do everything zookeepershope to do with the animals. Mei, who has previously lost a baby due to bleeding in the lungsafter birth, has an OBGYN and nurses from a neonatal intensive car unit on standby. Staffers willgo on round-the-clock baby watch starting mid-January.

2016-12-12 10:39 Clemence Michallon www.dailymail.co.uk

92 /246 3.1 Appeal launched to aid hunger-stricken civilians in

YemenA charity appeal has been launched to help civilians facing hunger in war-torn Yemen. TheDisasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which represents 13 UK aid charities, said the countrywas at "breaking point" following 20 months of conflict as it announced the fundraiser. More thanseven million people in the country did not know where their next meal would come from andmany children are dying from malnutrition, the organisation said. It comes after Foreign

Secretary Boris Johnson saidhe had "deep concern" aboutthe suffering of Yemenis butbacked the Saudi Arabia-ledmilitary intervention in thecountry. Riyadh is supportingthe internationally-recognisedgovernment of Yemen againstIran-backed Houthi rebels butthousands of people havebeen killed in the conflict. At apress conference on Sundayfollowing meetings with KingSalman and Saudi ministers,

Mr Johnson said: "I should just stress as far as Yemen is concerned, Britain supports the Saudi-led campaign to restore the legitimate government and we have continued our dialogue on theconduct of this operation, a detailed dialogue. "Of course, we continue, like everybody in thisroom and around the world to have a deep concern for the suffering of the people of Yemen. "The British Red Cross, Oxfam, Save The Children and Christian Aid are among the charitiessupporting the Yemen Crisis Appeal, which will be launched on major broadcasters onTuesday. The DEC said member charities were already reaching "millions of people" with aidbut said: "Much more needs to be done to help those in dire need. " :: Donations to the appealcan be made by calling 0370 60 900 or at www.dec.org.uk

2016-12-12 10:38 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

93 /246 2.3 Cardiff Sports Nutrition and Fitness First create

Christmas workout plansWith plates piled high full ofmeat, sugary mince pies andother calorific goodies,Christmas is probably the mostindulgent time of the year.

Research suggests theaverage Brit will eat awhopping 5,906 calories onChristmas Day alone - nearlythree times the recommendeddaily allowance for a woman.

But rather than avoid certainfoods, there is a way you couldhave your Christmas dinner and eat it: if you get active.

Two health and fitness groups have now shared with FEMAIL Food&Drink every exercise you'llneed to do to burn off some of your festive feasting, treat by treat.

Two health and fitness groups have shared with FEMAIL Food&Drink every exercise you'll need

to do to burn off your festive feasting, treat by treat - including Christmas pudding

Tucking into that 357-calorie Christmas pudding will require you to walk between 4.5 and 5miles in just an hour, according to Cardiff Sports Nutrition

Tucking into that 357-calorie Christmas pudding will require you to walk between 4.5 and 5miles in just an hour, according to Cardiff Sports Nutrition.

And as you're likely to eat at least two roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings (worth about1,624 calories) over the festive period, you'll have to do five 30-minute fitness classes to burn itoff, says Fitness First.

Tucking into just one mince pie means you'll have to do a gruelling HIIT workout to burn off the260 calories - but it's only for 10 minutes.

And you can burn off four pigs in blankets at 65 calories per pig by doing a whole hour of yoga.

But some exercises are more fun than others.

Cardiff Sports Nutrition suggests trampolining for an hour to burn off a 208-calorie mini pork pie,and ice skating for about 25 minutes will burn off four segments of a Terry's Chocolate Orange.

Tucking into just one mince pie means you'll have to do a gruelling HIIT workout to burn off the260 calories - but it's only for 10 minutes

You can burn off four pigs in blankets at 65 calories per pig by doing a whole hour of yoga

4 x five-minute interval star jumps

One glass of mulled wine = 120 calories

Just under an hour of playing Wii Fit Bowling, or five 30 second interval sprints on a curvedtreadmill

A 4.5 or 5 mile walk - or a five mile run if you've overeaten and finished off someone else's

Pigs in blankets = 65 calories per pig

Burn off four by doing yoga for an hour

Four segments of a Terry's Chocolate Orange = 164 calories

Ice skating for about 25 minutes

Handful of Celebrations = 497 calories

Hour of indoor cycling

Two pints of beer = 416 calories

A 30 minute cycling class

Wensleydale with cranberries on a cracker = 151 calories

Dancing for an hour will burn the equivalent of three crackers with cheese

Just under an hour of trampolining

Five 30 minute fitness classes

Ten minutes of squat jumps: 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off

Boxing for an hour

If you eat five, you'll have to do about 12 minutes of water aerobics.

Swimming breaststroke for 30 minutes will burn off 367 calories

Mince pie = 260 calories (or between 480 and 520 for two)

A 10 minute HIIT workout of 30 seconds of jump squats, 30 seconds of 'spider-man' press ups,and 30 seconds of sprints on repeat - or 30 minutes of rowing for two mince pies

Cardiff Sports Nutrition have released a handy infographic to detail the exercises you can do toburn off your Christmas feasting calories

Fitness First has also detailed the exercises you can do to burn off your Christmas calories, suchas 30 minutes of rowing for two mince pies

2016-12-12 10:36 Imogen Blake www.dailymail.co.uk

94 /246 2.2 American Express will give all parents 20 weeks of

paid leaveStarting in January, thefinancial services giant willexpand its paid parentalleave policy for mothersand fathers to 20 weeks atfull pay, plus another six toeight weeks for womenwho give birth and requiremedical leave. Full-timeand part-time employeeswho have worked at Amexfor at least a year areeligible.

That's a big shift from the company's current policy of offering six weeks of paid leave for theprimary parent plus another six to eight weeks for birth mothers who require medical leave.Secondary caregivers, meanwhile, have gotten just two weeks.

Under the new policy, parents will also have access to a 24-hour lactation consultant. Andmothers who go on business trips will be able to ship their breast milk home for free.

Related: How paid family leave could become a reality in the U. S.

In addition, expectant parents will have access to a parent concierge, whom they can go to forinformation on the company's family benefits and resources.

And employees who wish to have a child will receive up to $35,000 for adoption or surrogacy forup to two children. Those undergoing infertility treatments, meanwhile, will receive up to alifetime maximum of $35,000 to help defray costs.

Ikea, AXA also get more generous

Amex joins a growing list of companies that have made their parental and family leave policiesmore generous in the past two years.

Just last week, Ikea announced that U. S.-based employees, including hourly workers, will getsix to eight weeks of parental leave at full pay and another six to eight weeks at half pay.

Related: Dads get more of a (paid) break at work

And financial investment firm AXA said full- and part-time employees with at least one year oftenure can take up to 16 consecutive weeks of leave at full pay if they are the primary parent, upfrom 10 weeks currently. And they can take up to 4 weeks if they're not the primary parent.

AXA also launched an infant transition program that provides new parents with up to 30 days ofsubsidized back-up care during their baby's first year, three of which require no copay.

Earlier this year, Etsy , an online marketplace for unique goods, unveiled one of the mostgenerous, flexible and gender-neutral paid parental leave policies in any industry: 26 weeks ofpaid parental leave during the first two years of a child's life.

2016-12-12 10:33 Jeanne Sahadi rss.cnn.com

95 /246 1.3 Graffiti artist's latest mural pays tribute to man who

punched kangarooMELBOURNE, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Acontroversial Australian graffiti artistpainted a mural tribute to an unlikelyhero: the man who punched akangaroo to save his dog.

Melbourne graffiti artist Lushsux,who previously made headlines withcontroversial murals depictingHillary Clinton , Donald Trump , andother famous figures, posted a phototo Instagram Sunday unveiling hislatest creation.

The mural shows the moment GreigTonkins, a zookeeper at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubba, punched a kangaroo in the face

after the aggressive marsupial placed his dog in a headlock.

The video clip was recorded during a hunting trip in June, but was only posted to YouTube lastweek, when it quickly went viral.

Lushsux posted a short video clip to Instagram featuring the mural and the audio from the viralclip of the kangaroo punch.

2016-12-12 10:31 Ben Hooper www.upi.com

96 /246 2.0 Cruz Beckham shows off skateboarding skills for

music videoThe youngster braved thewintry chill in a black hoodieand beanie hat, which heteamed with matching jeansand a pair of skateboardingshoes. To ward off therelentless rainfall, crewmembers were on hand withlarge umbrellas, to keep therising star dry between scenes.As he skateboarded alongbroad pavements and narrowwalkways, he could have beenmistaken for any other boy

having sporty fun, were it not for the cameras. His mother Victoria was so proud of the results,she took to her Instagram account to share shots of the action on the same day. The behind-the-scenes snap saw Cruz running his fingers through his own hair as a cameraman filmed themoment. The fashion mogul seemed delighted at her son's rising star status as she captionedthe shot: '@cruzbeckham shooting his #IfEveryDayWasChristmas video supporting@globals_make_some_noise x VB'. Cruz himself seems to be loving his emerging position inthe spotlight as he shared an adorable video of himself on Instagram which he titled, 'LoveMusic.' Donning a white hoody, the celebrity offspring looked as though he was having a blastas he demonstrated the moves to Silento's Watch Me Whip/Nae Nae. Now that Cruz's musiccareer is hot on everyone's radar, Victoria has already asked X Factor judge Nicole Scherzingerto duet with him. Speaking at the homecoming event of her X Factor finalist Matt Terry inBromley, on Thursday, the former Pussycat Doll said in an interview with The Sun : 'Victoria wasjust telling me about her son the other day. 'He’s just doing it all himself and she’s supportinghim. I mean I would do a duet, she seems keen.' She added: 'But what, he’s how old? He’s likeone year old. It would be cool. Yeah, I can do a duet with him. Maybe that will be my next thing.'The news will no doubt be frowned upon by television personality Piers Morgan, after he calledCruz's early pop breakthrough 'sickening' on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain, adding thatCruz 'should be at school'. Clear to state that he wasn't criticising Cruz himself, Piers said: 'It'snot his fault. He's 11. But how did he manage to release this? It's sickening.' Piers believes that ifCruz wants to be a pop star, he should go through the 'hard graft' like other singers, not justrelease something because his parents are famous. However this response was met with equalfury from the youngster's manager Scooter Braun - who is also responsible for pop sensationJustin Bieber. Taking to Twitter, the music manager fired back: 'He is an 11 year old who wanted

to make a song to help other kids. Once again Piers shows why he is a jackass and why hisshow was cancelled.' Piers then added: 'Stop pretending this is about charity when it's aboutpromoting Brand Beckham & making YOU a ton of money off another young kid's back.' Towhich Scooter replied: '@piersmorgan how about you match him dollar for dollar to the charity?Instead of criticizing step up and help these kids the way Cruz is.' Cruz released his first single,which is set to raise money for Global's Make Some Noise campaign, earlier this week. Hefilmed the music video for the track on Thursday with his two brothers Brooklyn, 17, and Romeo,14. The trio embarked on the shoot around London, which they documented on Instagram. Helater uploaded a throwback video of himself in the studio - looking every inch the pop star in achunky set of headphones behind a professional microphone, as he belted out the festive track.

2016-12-12 10:30 Ryan Smith www.dailymail.co.uk

97 /246 14.1 1 dead in crash on 101 Freeway, triggering closure ofwestbound lanes in North Hollywood

A person was killedMonday morning in a crashon the westbound 101Freeway, triggering laneclosures in NorthHollywood.

The crash was reportedabout 5:21 a.m. at LaurelCanyon Boulevard nearRadford Avenue. Oneperson was pronounceddead at the scene, OfficerTony Polizzi of theCalifornia Highway Patrol said.

All lanes were closed on the westbound 101 Freeway as authorities investigated the fatal crashand waited for the Los Angeles County coroner to arrive, he said. By 6:09 a.m., one lane hadbeen reopened.

Vehicles were diverted off the freeway at Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

The freeway will be closed until further notice, Polizzi said.

Who’s to blame for one of the worst fires in California history , Dakota Access pipelineopponents have claimed a big victory for now , Beyonce leads today’s Grammy nominationswith nine , Ben Carson is Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment , how will Hollywood speak to Trump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the manTrump has tapped him to lead the U. S. Department of Commerce , and John Glenn, the firstAmerican to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95.

John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95 , Al Gore might have gottenplayed, South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye, and the AmericanDream is more elusive than ever, a study finds .

Many Oakland warehouse fire questions are still unanswered , how will Hollywood speak toTrump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the man Trump has tapped him to lead the U. S.Department of Commerce , and the L. A. City Council hopes to end 'mansionization.’

Flowers placed near the site of the Oakland warehouse fire. Video by Francine Orr/Los AngelesTimes

Protesting the Dakota Access pipeline (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Protesting the Dakota Access pipeline (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

2016-12-12 10:30 Veronica Rocha www.latimes.com

98 /246 6.6 In pictures: Funerals take place for victims of soccer

stadium blastFunerals are taking place for a secondday in Turkey for victims of the bombblasts.

Turkey detained 235 people over allegedlinks to Kurdish militants in nationwideraids on Monday, two days after twinbombings killed 44 people and woundedabout 150 outside an Istanbul soccerstadium.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu vowedthose responsible for Saturday's attacks,claimed by an offshoot of the PKK militantgroup, would be "wiped from this

geography".

"Our people expect us to defeat and eliminate this terrorist organisation, which has attacked ournation for 40 years," Soylu said while paying a condolence visit to a riot police headquarters inIstanbul.

"We want everyone to know that they will not get anywhere by hiding behind political parties,behind politicians, behind those media outlets protecting them," Soylu said.

Most of those killed in the bomb blasts were riot police. Funerals were held for a second day onMonday, the victims' coffins draped in the Turkish flag. A cabinet meeting was postponed toenable government ministers to attend.

Read More: More than 100, including officials, detained in raids after soccer stadium blasts

The PKK, which took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984 and is fighting for Kurdishautonomy, is deemed a terrorist organisation by the United States and European Union, as wellas by Turkey. Saturday's attack was one of the deadliest claimed by Kurdish militants fordecades.

Turkish warplanes carried out air strikes on PKK targets in northern Iraq, destroying a PKKheadquarters and surrounding gun positions and shelters, an army statement said.

The interior ministry said Monday's detentions were made across 11 provinces from northwest tosoutheast Turkey and that the 235 people were held on charges of "spreading terror grouppropaganda" over social media and acting on behalf of the PKK.

Many of those detained were members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP),parliament's second-biggest opposition grouping, which President Tayyip Erdogan and thegovernment accuse of links to the PKK.

Read More: Irish tourists are advised to exercise 'high degree of caution'

In a statement on Sunday the HDP said it "harshly condemned" the Istanbul attacks andexpressed condolences for the victims.

The HDP's leaders and several thousand of its members have been arrested pending trial overthe past year, drawing criticism from Western allies. The HDP, which last year became the firstKurdish party to enter parliament, denies direct links to militants.

Around dawn, about 500 police, backed by armoured vehicles and a helicopter, launched anoperation in the southern city of Adana and detained 25 HDP officials there, the state-runAnadolu news agency said.

Counter-terror police in Istanbul separately took into custody 20 HDP officials, including itsprovincial head, and carried out searches including the party's main offices in the city, Anadolusaid. The top HDP official in Ankara was among 17 people from the party held in raids there.

2016-12-12 10:29 Reuters www.independent.ie

99 /246 0.0 Why Trump poses 'single biggest risk' to the global

economyBut beyond America'sborders, the outlook ismuch more grim.

Trump is moving into theWhite House at a timewhen the global economyis under severe strain:Trade growth is stalling,China is struggling toimplement difficult reformsand Europe is being rockedby political instability.

If the president-elect follows through on his campaign promises, analysts say he could makeeach of these problems worse.

Here's a look at how Trump could impact the global economy:

Weaker trade

It's been eight years since the world was brought to the brink by the financial crisis. Buteconomies are still struggling to heal.

The International Monetary Fund expects global growth of just 3.4% in 2017. The worldeconomy was growing by around 5% in the years leading up to the financial crisis.

It has warned that the restrictions on trade and immigration championed by Trump would furtherhamper global growth.

Trump has threatened to tear up free trade agreements and slap huge tariffs on China andMexico. Doing so would cause global growth to slow to 2.2% in 2017, and 2% in the followingtwo years, according to Oxford Economics.

"Turning back the clock on trade can only deepen and prolong the world economy's currentdoldrums," said Maurice Obstfeld, the IMF's chief economist.

New tariffs and weaker global trade will eventually rebound to hit the U. S. The OECD, forexample, warns that Trump's anti-trade agenda risks canceling out the boost to the U. S. from hisfiscal stimulus program.

And Moody's has calculated that Trump's tariffs on Mexico and China would hike the price ofgoods imported to the U. S. by an average of 15%.

"If he pushes ahead with his protectionist policies, Trump will pose the single biggest risk to theglobal economy," said Gregory Daco, head of U. S. economics at Oxford Economics.

Related: 3 ways Trump can slap tariffs on China and Mexico

Slowing China

Trump has already risked a major diplomatic row by questioning the "one China" policy andaccepting a phone call from the leader of Taiwan, which Beijing considers to be a rogueprovince.

The confrontational stance risks damaging the world's most important trading relationship at atime when both countries are facing economic uncertainty.

In China, economic growth is already slowing as Beijing implements reforms that are designedto boost consumer spending and overhaul the country's financial system.

Chinese exports have been falling, but the country still sent $410 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2015. If Trump implements tariffs at the level he promised during the campaign, profitsearned by factory owners could be wiped out.

Tim Wu, who owns a tin can factory in Dongguan, said his products have a profit margin of only10%.

"There will be very big impact on us," he told CNNMoney in November. "Our price will increase,and if our clients cannot accept it, we won't be able to continue manufacturing in China. We'll

have to move [the factory] overseas. "

Daco, the economist, estimated that China's GDP growth would slow to less than 5% if Trumpfollows through on his proposed tariffs.

"A major factor underpinning restraint has been the belief on both sides that, on balance, thebilateral trade and investment relationship is too important to jeopardize," analysts at ControlRisks wrote of the U. S.-China relationship. "As of January, when Trump takes the oath of office,the feeling is no longer mutual. "

Related: What Trump should do first to grow the economy

Brexit and unstable Europe

Europe was hoping for a strong ally in the White House, but Trump was a major cheerleader forthe vote that pushed Britain out of the European Union. He even described the U. S. election as"Brexit plus plus. "

As president, Trump will have the chance to further influence the continent's unsettled politicalsituation.

Early this month, voters in Italy delivered a stunning rebuke to the country's politicalestablishment by rejecting constitutional reform. Italy's prime minister resigned, raising the riskthat it could exit the eurozone.

Further turmoil could be ahead: Germany and France will both hold major elections in 2017.

Related: What President Trump means for your pocketbook

Trump has already pledged to abandon the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership(TTIP), a free trade agreement between the U. S. and Europe that has been in the works foryears.

European powers are also closely monitoring Trump's relationship with Russia. An easing ofsanctions on Moscow could unsettle NATO allies in eastern Europe who are worried about aresurgent Russia.

What's next? It could be a bumpy ride.

-- Andrew Stevens contributed reporting.

2016-12-12 10:27 Ivana Kottasova rss.cnn.com

100 /246 1.8 The Bachelor's Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris poses naked for

Instagram during vacation in BaliShe's been enjoying her vacation in Bali with boyfriend Jeremy Banks. And it would appearthings have taken a sizzling turn, with Bachelor's Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris, 28, stepping things up anotch posed naked with an inflatable doughnut. Posting a picture to her Instagram story onMonday, Kiki was seen with her back to the camera in a picture she tagged: 'The instigator of allthings @jembanks'. Whether the naked snap, comes as a suggestion from her new beau

Jeremy is yet to be confirmedalthough seemed implied bythe suggestive caption. Kikiflaunted her enviable physiqueas she took a dip in the crystalclear waters of a resort pool.The honeycomb tressedbeauty left little to theimagination as she held theinflatable swimming device infront of herself. The picturedisplayed a hint of side booband showcased the sun kissedbeauty's svelte figure. Pictures

posted prior to the raunchy image, saw Kiki dressed in a semi-transparent swimsuit whichdonned an angel wing pattern on the front. She was also seen lazing in the luxury pool in theinflatable doughnut before removing her swimsuit. Inflatable pool toys appeared to be acommon sight in the couple's holiday snaps with the pair seen lazing on a few while relaxing bythe pool. One photo posted to Instagram saw Kiki lying back on a unicorn inflatable pool toywhich she captioned: 'The only thing better than tanning by the pool, is tanning on the pool on aunicorn!' Another picture saw the pair enjoying breakfast beside the pool with a pink flamingopool toy floating behind them as they enjoyed their meal. Meanwhile, the loved up couple havebeen seen packing on the PDA during their very romantic trip just days earlier. Jeremy posted acheesy snap of the couple enjoying a heavy makeout session on a staircase in their resort.Smitten with Kiki, Jeremy captioned the loved up snap: 'No where else I'd rather be than with mylove.' Jeremy wore a crisp white button up shirt for the snap and dark shorts with a rectangularpattern on them as he embraced his girlfriend. Kiki also took to Instagram posting a picture ofherself wearing a patterned sarong and matching crop while holding a pitcher and pizza. Shecaptioned one snap: 'Pitchers > Pizza? #endlesssummer va cay with Bae @jembanks.' AlthoughKiki didn't find love with Richie Strahan on the Bachelor she seems to have fallen head-over-heels for Jeremy who she confirmed she was seeing on Halloween.

2016-12-12 10:23 Aneeta Bhole www.dailymail.co.uk

101 /246 0.7 Lloyd Everitt's dyslexic means he has to replace his

Casualty scripts with picturesHe might be touted as one of the UK's brightest young TV talents but Lloyd Everitt, 23, can onlydo his job by replacing his worded scripts with pictures. The actor, who plays Jez Andrews inBBC's Casualty, is so severely dyslexic that he has been forced to use an ingenious method tohelp him read his scripts. The Cardiff-born star has just been nominated for Best Newcomer atthe National Television Awards. Unlike most actors, he has to replace all his lines with pictures -effectively meaning he is forced to rewrite all his scripts. Dyslexia sufferers can have problemswith spelling words, reading quickly, writing words, pronouncing words when reading aloud,and understanding what they are reading. Lloyd wasn't diagnosed with the condition until hewas an adult studying at Cardiff's Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. 'In school no onepicked up on it,' he said. 'I had spelling mistakes but I loved writing stories. 'When I got to dramaschool it was the first time I had to learn lines and I found that really hard to do. 'I managed to getby using the covering and remembering technique. 'Then I had an audition that meant I had to

learn 10 pages of lines. 'I juststarted drawing pictures tohelp remember and it worked.It was like a spiritualrevolution!' This techniquecame in handy when he wascast as Othello. As well asmaking history as the youngestactor to ever play Othello onthe Globe Theatre stage, healso had a lot of drawing to do.He said: 'I used the techniqueto remember an entireShakespeare play, it took metwo weeks to draw out the whole thing. 'In the play there were words like tyrant, for instance. Forthat I would draw a picture of Saddam Hussein.' Lloyd, who learns his lines on the exercise bikeat the gym, always uses the same symbol for each word and has basically developed his ownwritten language. 'I don't pretend to be Picasso! I use the same picture for the same words everytime,' he said. 'Sometimes I will draw the first thing that comes into my head and when I lookback I can't remember it. Then I have to be more creative and change the picture. 'Sometimesthey have to be just rude or humorous so I remember them.. For instance for the word man orwomen I draw a man or woman. 'What I really like is that the Egyptians did a similar thing withhieroglyphics. I never noticed it until someone pointed it out.' Lloyd is now nervously waiting tosee if he has made the final four shortlist of the National Television Awards on January 25.Previous winners include EastEnders stars Jessie Wallace and Tamzin Outhwaite. Lloyd said: 'Ifeel proud and want to thank my family who have helped me do it. I want to dedicate thenomination to my gran because she helped me be myself.'

2016-12-12 10:23 Zara Rubin www.dailymail.co.uk

102 /246 1.7 New images of Martian moon Phobos obtained by

ExoMars orbiterLola Gayle, STEAM Register The Martianmoon Phobos was recently imaged byESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO)as part of a routine series of tests. TGOarrived at the Red Planet on October 19and made its first scientific calibrationmeasurements during two orbits betweenNovember 20 and 28....

2016-12-12 10:23 system article.wn.com

103 /246

103 /246 2.9 Kim Kardashian

returns to spotlight,prances around inlace-up bra for day12 of the 'Love'advent calendar

'Tis the season to dance around inyour lingerie! In Love magazine'sonline advent calendar, KimKardashian did just that.

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: KimKardashian and Kanye West Are'100% Together,' Split Rumors NotTrue

The mother of two strutted her stuffin a blush-colored lace-up bra topand matching underwear. Sheteased viewers by partially coveringup with a brown fur coat.

See the sexy new video, and her other raciest Instagrams of 2016, below:

67 PHOTOS

Kim Kardashian's sexiest Instagrams of 2016

See Gallery

Kim Kardashian's sexiest Instagrams of 2016

#loveadvent @kimkardashian #jameslima @simonrobins100 @coach @agentprovocateur ����

Wired � Mert & Marcus

Hair flip & eye roll at the same damn time!

���

� golden �

Balenciaga. No make up today.

Parisian Vibes

�

Tonight

Bathroom selfie right before Pablo hits the stage

Miami

You're so professional @steph_shep So responsible & thanks for never drinking on the job!

In all seriousness I'm going to be totally selfless for this one last post. Thanks for being my mainbitch! Happy Birthday!

Seriously @steph_shep thanks for always having my back and eating all my left overs so theydon't go to waste!

Happy Birthday @steph_shep I love this pic of us!

Thank you @riccardotisci17 LOVE this @givenchyofficial couture gown for the Harper's Party!

Silver Surfer

Closed eyes, see things

Vintage Galliano & Kanye West x Jacob the Jeweler's new collection for the VMA's

Bikini tennis anyone? �

Beach selfies of course! ���

Wait but first...

�

Selfish in Mexico

I'm like fuck critics you can kiss my whole asshole �

� I'm going out tonight, it's going down....�

In honor of @styledbyhrush birthday a month ago LOL she taught me how to twerk on this trip soI'm posting it for her

New KIMOJI Merch available for just the weekend! Go to KimKardashianWest.com or my app toget it!

#VacayVibez @golden_barbie

Best trip ever! follow me on snap

Cuban vibes!!! Throwback to when we were in Cuba! Can't wait to watch tonight's episode withyou guys! A new episode of KUWTK starts soon!

Tune into Keeping Up With The Kardashians tonight on E to see all the BYS at @fergie Milf $video!

More BTS of @fergie's video Milf $ video on my app!

All the BTS pics from the Milf $ video are on my app today!

Pre photo shoot fittings

�������

#MILFMONEY

�

#TBT Hamptons

Wait u didn't think I would forget about National Selfie Day! DUH

New obsession @sugarbearhair � I have two of these a day as part of my hair care routine. Theyare delish! #sugarbearhair #sp

Obsessed with the new Kimoji phone case! There's not many left so get it now on my app orKimKardashianWest.com #KimojiMerch

GQ � Mert & Marcus

So many amazing pics from @GQ I can't wait for you to see them all! Thank you @jimmooregqfor this amazing cover! � @mertalas @macpiggott

The cover of @GQ is here!!! This was seriously a dream come true!!!! � @mertalas @macpiggott

Let the transformation begin #BazaarIcons

TheWifeOfPablo

Happy birthday to my best friend! I usually would be scared for us getting older but as each yearpasses I'm just happy we have more time on this earth together! I love you so much and hopethis year brings you so much happiness

Hey New York

Wore my new Yeezy Season 2 heels with an orange � Pablo shirt yesterday in support of gunviolence awareness day. Something has to change ��

#secretproject �coming soon

@mertalas @macpiggott #mertandmarcus

Thank you @peter_dundas for making me this gorgeous @roberto_cavalli dress. And@lisaeldridgemakeup @dayaruci for glam with @lorraineschwartz jewels.

My @vogueaustralia cover is on stands now! � @lachlanbailey

My visit to Ernest Hemingway's house in Cuba is on my app today! Link in my bio

This diamond cuff earring though ���@lorraineschwartz

014

013

001

Thank you Hakassan for having me! Thank you @olivier_rousteing & @balmain for dressingme! And thank you @makeupbyariel @cesar4styles for glamming me!

Cocktails with Khloe vibes today! ����Hair @justinemarjan Make Up @makeupbyariel

#liberated

Paris flashback BTS on my app! #LinkInBio

When you're like I have nothing to wear LOL

Today on my app see the red carpet cleavage tape trick I've been doing for years!

Yeezy Vibes @makeupbymario @tokyostylez

Sleek ponytail tutorial today on my app with @michaelsilvahair

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It appears that the video was filmed prior to Kim's traumatic Paris robbery in October. In August,the reality star shared a set photo via Instagram, wearing what looks to be the same bra topseen in the video released Monday

Apart from a few small outings and another sexy fashion release for the winter issue of 032cmagazine, which features a NSFW shoot modeling the Yeezy Season 3 collection alongsidesister Khloe Kardashian, it's been months out of the spotlight for Kim.

After she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris, she has mostly been spending time at home with herkids, North and Saint. Kim was reportedly set to make her first public appearance at the AngelBall in late November to honor her late father, Robert Kardashian, but she cancelled after herhusband, Kanye West, was hospitalized.

West spent several days at the UCLA Medical Center with Kim by his side before returninghome.

WATCH: Kanye West Resurfaces After Hospitalization With Blonde Hair: Pic

Despite rumors to the contrary, the couple is still going strong.

"Kim and Kanye are 100% together," a source previously told ET. "Not only is the rumor that theyare splitting not true, but so is the report of them living apart. "

For more on the couple's relationship, watch the clip below!

2016-12-12 10:22 AOL Staff www.aol.com

104 /246 0.0 The Year Of The Gun: Carry Permit, Sales Figures

Explode In 2016The number of persons inthe United States withconcealed carry permitshas reached an all-timehigh of close to 15 million.John R. Lott, Jr. of theCrime PreventionResearch Center explains:

“As of the beginning of thisyear, there were over 14.5

million concealed carry permits in the US. That represents a 215% increase in the number ofpermits since 2007. Since then there has been an increase of about 100,000 permits in justFlorida alone, so the total is probably near to 15 million now. Yet, those numbers are clearly anunderestimate of the number of people who can legally carry because there are 12 states nowwhere you don’t need a permit to be able to carry, and while some people in those states still geta permit to be able to carry outside their state, the number of permits in these ConstitutionalCarry states does tend to fall.

“The biggest increases in permit have been for women and for minorities. The number of womenwith permits has increased twice as quickly as the number of men with permits. Some evidencesuggests that permit-holding is increasing about 75% more quickly among minorities thanamong whites.”

As Dr. Lott mentions, this escalation is particularly compelling given the rising number of statesthat have adopted “permitless” concealed carry laws, with such laws passed recently inMissouri, West Virginia, Mississippi and Idaho. More than six percent of adults in the UnitedStates have a permit to carry a concealed weapon; in ten states, more than ten percent of the

adult population are concealed carry permit-holders.

This year is also on track as record-setting for firearm sales. National Instant CriminalBackground Check System (NICS) figures from the FBI show that to date, the figures for eachmonth this year have eclipsed monthly totals of a year ago, often by significant margins. ThisNovember has been no exception, with an increase of over 14 percent compared to theprevious November, and November 25, “Black Friday,” is now the highest ranking day for NICSchecks since the NICS system was established.

Although NICS checks data doesn’t correlate exactly with the number of firearms acquired in agiven timeframe (there are other reasons why NICS checks may be performed, and the sameperson may buy several guns in a single transaction subject to one background check), NICSchecks are required before a firearm may be acquired legally from a licensed firearm dealer andare a fairly reliable indicator of sales.

Yet, contrary to the apprehension and alarm expressed by gun-control groups, this expansion ingun ownership, permit-holders and permitless carry laws doesn’t correlate with an increase inviolent crime. Permit holders, as a class, tend to be substantially more law-abiding than thegeneral population. The Crime Prevention Research Center notes that the crime rate for thegeneral population is 37 time higher than the rate for police officers, yet concealed carry permitholders “are convicted of felonies and misdemeanors at less than a sixth the rate for policeofficers.” Another source indicates that “more people were murdered by fists and kicks in 2015alone than were murdered by firearm-wielding concealed-carry permit holders in the last tenyears.” Overall, gun crime victimization is lower than it was 20 years ago.

This may explain why gun-control efforts keep failing – most Americans understand thatcriminals are unlikely to bother obtaining a carry permit or indeed, to follow any other law. AnAugust poll found that 58 percent of Americans believe gun ownership does more to protectpeople from becoming victims of crime than it puts people’s safety at risk.

The next milestone? Legislation that would respect the rights of individuals who possessconcealed carry permits in their home state, or who are not prohibited from carrying concealedin their home state, to exercise those rights in any other state. The concept of national reciprocityof carry permits has been formally endorsed by President-Elect Trump, and U. S. Rep. RichardHudson, a Republican from North Carolina, has already announced plans to push forward aConcealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 when the new Congress meets next year.

Know your gun laws. Click here to see them.

2016-12-12 10:18 NRA ILA dailycaller.com

105 /246 0.0 Iraqi police say ready to join assault on east Mosul

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Several thousand Iraqi federal police are ready to join the assault againstIslamic State in east Mosul, a spokesman said on Monday, reinforcing troops who have facedweeks of fierce counter-attacks from the militants.

2016-12-12 10:18 system article.wn.com

106 /246

106 /246 0.0 Top senator rules

out Russian forcestaking part in groundoperation in Syria —RT Russian politics

“ There has been no discussion about thepossibility of the Russian Federation’sparticipation in a ground operation in Syria.We have stated this from the verybeginning ,” Valentina Matviyenko said onMonday in Abu-Dhabi during a pressconference after having talks with the

speaker of the UAE’sFederal National Council,Amal Al Qubaisi.

“ Our task is not to launch aground operation on Syrianterritory, but to renderassistance through ourAerospace Forces in thefight against terrorists,together with the Syrianmilitary. We are interestedin this because, by

supporting the Syrian people and fighting terrorists, we will make our homeland more secure ,”she added.

Russia’s top senator also noted that if terrorism is not resolutely defeated in Syria, it could spill,not only into Russia, but all over the world.

Russia first sent an air force contingent to Syria in 2015, after receiving a request for military aidfrom the Syrian government, which is currently battling Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) andaffiliated groups. Russian warplanes, which began conducting airstrikes on terrorists in Syria onSeptember 30, 2015, have aided the Syrian military in achieving considerable success indriving the jihadists from the country.

On March 14, 2016, Putin ordered a partial withdrawal of Russia’s forces because they hadalready achieved the objectives in Syria that had been initially set for them. A small group ofRussian combat jets has remained in Khmeimim, however, and it continues to strike terroristpositions. Russia has also deployed some special forces and anti-aircraft systems in the area toprotect the base from attack.

Just over the weekend, the Russian Air Force helped the Syrian Army repel an attempt by IS torecapture the historic city of Palmyra.

2016-12-12 10:16 www.rt.com

107 /246

107 /246 0.0 Mexico: Olga Guzman: Breaking the human rights

bubble for everyone to understand (OMCT - WorldOrganisation Against Torture)

( Source : OMCT - World OrganisationAgainst Torture ) 12 November 2016(OMCT) - What set off Olga GuzmanVergara was the inequality she herselffaced in her country as a woman. Then herdetermination to fight injustice quicklymoved onto to

2016-12-12 10:15 system article.wn.com

108 /246 0.0 Buyout groups

prepare final bids forpayments groupConcardis - sources

FRANKFURT, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Buyout groups are preparing final bidsfor German payments group Concardis, potentially valuing the group atmore than 600 million euros ($636 million), people close to the mattersaid on Monday. CVC, Bridgepoint and a consortium of Advent and Bainare expected to hand in an offer for the group, which is jointly-held byseveral German banks, by a deadline early next week, the people said,

adding strategic players such as Wirecard had dropped out of the race. Concardis' largestshareholder is Deutsche Bank, with a 16 percent stake, while smaller stakes are held byCommerzbank, Unicredit, as well as savings banks and cooperative banks. They are expectedto decide on a buyer early next year. Concardis offers card payment terminals as well aspayment technology for e-commerce groups and is viewed as a non-core business by many ofits owners. The company is hoping a new owner will invest in new technologies and anexpansion of its so far very Germany-focused footprint. Concardis posted core earnings of 33.9million euros and a net profit of 24.2 million euros on sales of 480 million euros last year. It saidin its annual report that core earnings were expected to rise 7 percent this year. Private equitygroups have shown with investments in Worldpay, Nets and ICBPI that they are able to developand strengthen payments groups. More deals in the sector are likely to follow. In Germany, smallpeer Heidelberger Payment (Heidelpay) is currently also up for sale, while savings-banksowned B+S Card Service is looking for an investor. Concardis and the bidders declined tocomment. ($1 = 0.9439 euros) (Reporting by Alexander Hübner, Dasha Afanasieva and ArnoSchuetze; Editing by Tina Bellon and Mark Potter)

2016-12-12 10:14 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

109 /246 0.8 Neighbors help man after Christmas lights hit by

tornado

PAINCOURTVILLE, La. (AP) - Neighbors of a Paincourtville man whose house was struck by atornado earlier this year, destroying his Christmas decorations, arehelping him celebrate the holiday spirit.

WAFB-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2gDkQES ) that neighbors came out Sundayto help decorate Ray Daigle’s house for the holidays.

Daigle’s Christmas tradition started more than a decade ago and included more than two millionlights. It was complete with trains and a working ferris wheel, making it the house to see inAssumption Parish.

Dozens of people came together this year to decorate six trees in the front yard with ornamentsand lights.

Daigle says the assistance means a lot because it shows the “community cares.”

___

Information from: WAFB-TV, http://wafb.com

2016-12-12 10:14 By www.washingtontimes.com

110 /246 4.6 Pennsylvania man faces hearing for not stopping

video deathPITTSBURGH (AP) - A preliminary hearing is set for a Pennsylvania mancharged with child endangerment because police say he didn’t call 911while the mother of his 17-month-old son killed the boy while sending himtwo hours’ worth of angry text messages, pictures and videos.

The attorney for 23-year-old Andre Price Jr. says he’s not sure whetherPrice will waive the hearing Monday afternoon to determine whether his client stands trial.

Allegheny County police allege that the McKeesport man didn’t alert authorities even though 21-year-old Christian Clark sent him videos of his son’s limp body Nov. 1 and threats to kill thechild.

Clark is accused of smothering the boy and trying to do the same to their 2-year-old daughter.She waived her preliminary hearing last month and is jailed awaiting trial.

2016-12-12 10:13 By JOE www.washingtontimes.com

111 /246 1.4 Nicole Scherzinger beat pressure to lose weight as

she stars in beauty campaignPussycat Doll and X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger has spoken candidly about battling aneating disorder in the past. But the 38-year-old singer reveals that ageing has given her aclearer perspective on life and helped her beat her demons. Speaking to FEMAIL about beatingthe pressure she once felt to lose weight, Nicole said: 'As you get older you get a better

perspective on things and Ieventually learnt not to put somuch pressure on myself andnot to cave to other people'sexpectations.' The starcontinued: 'You have to learnto love yourself, and acceptyourself, and not give so muchweight to what other peoplethink.' Nicole says that balanceis 'everything' for her, and sheloves to exercise because itgives her a 'natural high'. Thenatural beauty also revealedthat she doesn't feel any pressure to maintain her youthful looks - an attitude she has developedas she's matured. She said: 'There can be so much pressure on women and girls to look acertain way and when I was younger I was quite insecure; I would spend so much timecomparing myself to other people and picking myself apart in the mirror. 'But, as I've got older,I've realised that nobody's perfect and I've learnt to just embrace my flaws and love who am Iand the way I look. I think, for most people, confidence grows with age – and if you're happy andyou're confident then you just naturally look and feel more beautiful, and it doesn't matter howold you are.' That is exactly why vitamin brand Perfectil has snapped the star up to be its first-ever face - and Nicole couldn't be more thrilled to work with a brand that aligns with her healthbeliefs. Speaking about her latest role, she said: 'I'm a big believer in beauty from within andoverall wellbeing. I try to eat well and sleep as much as I can (though with my schedule that's notalways easy!) – and I think beauty supplements play a big part in that. 'What you put inside yourbody has such a huge effect on the way you feel and the way you look. 'I've been taking theirtablets for years and I recently added the collagen drinks to my routine. When I take it I find thatmy nails grow longer, my hair looks healthier and my skin is more radiant.' As well as thevitamins, Nicole swears by starting the day with a 'really good breakfast' like an omelette orboiled eggs, avocado and smoked salmon, and she loves sushi for lunch and dinner. Wherepossible, she tries to avoid sugar and caffeine and plumps for jasmine tea rather than coffee, buttreats herself with 'a few chocolate covered almonds.' The athletic star also swears by workingout for boosting her physical and mental health and loves Psycle, bikram yoga and jogging,which help her 'zone out'. As well as celebrating a magnificent victory for her X Factor contestantMatt Terry at Wembley on Sunday evening, Nicole is preparing to voice a character in the newDisney film Moana. She explained: 'It's set in Polynesia and, because of my Hawaiian heritage,it's a project I'm really proud to be involved in. I've also just finished shooting my first-ever leadrole in a movie – a remake of Dirty Dancing, which comes out next year to mark the 30thanniversary of the original. 'I am also currently working on a top-secret music project, which Ican't say too much about at the moment except that I'm incredibly excited – so watch this space!'

2016-12-12 10:09 Bianca London www.dailymail.co.uk

112 /246 0.4 FAKE NEWS FLASHBACK: Media Promoted Ted Cruz

Mistress StoryWhile “fake news” has dominated media coverage since Donald Trump’s shocking election lastmonth, the liberal media promoted a baseless National Enquirer story last March that claimed

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz hadaffairs with five differentwomen.

The story, which followedsimilarly absurd Enquirer“bombshells” like the lateJustice Scalia beingmurdered by a prostitute ,received legitimizingcoverage from a handful of

liberal media organizations.

New York Magazine wasted no time in publishing an article originally titled “National EnquirerSays Ted Cruz Has Had 5 Affairs.”

“Donald Trump and Ted Cruz have been beefing back and forth about their wives this week,which makes for rather interesting timing for a salacious report in the National Enquirer,”NYMag’s Jen Kirby wrote. (The headline has since been updated to reflect Trump’s ties to theEnquirer.) (RELATED: Liberal Media See ‘Fake News’ Label Thrown Back In Their Faces)

In a longform piece titled “How Much Should We Care About Ted Cruz’s Alleged Affairs?”Politico’s Jack Shafer noted that the Enquirer “has a pretty good track record catching cheatingnotables (Hart, Edwards, Tiger Woods, Jesse Jackson).”

“Maybe it has temporarily vagued-out the specifics of Cruz’s alleged affairs because it plans todrip-drip-drip the details into the public over the course of several issues to sell more copies,”Shafer reasoned.

Calling the Enquirer story “fascinating and flawed,” Mediaite columnist Lindsey Ellefson similarlynoted that “there are a host of stories that the weekly has gotten right,” later adding about theEnquirer, “if there’s one thing they do pretty well, it’s busting extra-marital philanderers.”(RELATED: Hillary Portrays ‘Fake News’ As Danger To The Public, Urges Government Action)

Days after the Enquirer’s story, the International Business Times helped push rumors along byrunning an entire story about “Ted Cruz’s Alleged Mistress.”

Gawker ran an article suggesting that “there may be other aspects” of Cruz’s evangelical faith in“which he has not been faithful,” before rehashing the Enquirer’s story and asking for “anyinformation about Ted Cruz’s faithfulness.”

U. S. News & World Report deemed the Enquirer story a “ bombshell report.” (RELATED: SheriffClarke: Liberal Media Created Fake News With ‘Hands Up Don’t Shoot’ Lie)

BuzzFeed’s coverage of the fallout from the Enquirer’s story included a tweet from alt-right figureMike Cernovich that promoted the baseless rumors as true. Cernovich would later lead thecharge in promoting the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. (RELATED: CNN President SaysBuzzFeed Not ‘Legitimate’ News Organization)

Writing about the Enquirer story for left-wing website Salon.com, Brendan Gauthier instructedSalon readers to “Remember, the Enquirer broke John Edwards’ campaign-ending affair in2007.” (RELATED: ‘Fake News’ Outrage Is All About Restoring Power To Elites)

Today, liberal journalists claim to be waging a war on “fake news,” even as they struggle todefine the term. (RELATED: Journalists Struggle To Define ‘Fake News’ Even As They DeclareWar On It)

Follow Hasson on Twitter

2016-12-12 10:07 Peter Hasson dailycaller.com

113 /246 1.0 Everton boss Ronald Koeman trying to get the best

out of his struggling playersEverton boss RonaldKoeman is holding regularmeetings with his players ina bid to arrest their PremierLeague slump.

Koeman's side started theseason brightly but havewon only one of their last10 matches in the PremierLeague, leading todissatisfaction from theclub's supporters and aslide towards mid-tablemediocrity.

In that period the Toffees have salvaged draws against Manchester City and Manchester United,but Koeman is not hiding from the reality ahead of Tuesday's home match against another titlechallenger, Arsenal.

"Of course you need to work behind doors about the future of the club but the problem is now.We need to win now," he said.

"Every week there are several meetings about this. This type of meeting is normal much morewhen you are in a difficult situation.

"It's all about commitment of players, bringing your quality to the team and that's why we spoketogether about how we can do it together to get a better run of results.

"But finally the answer is on the pitch, not between the four walls in a meeting room. "

Koeman, who was warmly welcomed by supporters when he replaced Roberto Martinez, is fastfalling from grace in the stands.

A social media faux pas over a Christmas tree decorated in the red of Liverpool notwithstanding,he understands the growing frustration.

"That's not so easy (to take) but I know most of the opinions because if I'm an Evertonian I willalso be disappointed about one win out of 10," he said.

"That is not what we need to do. Of course we will not win every game but one out of 10 isunderperforming for everyone and also for me. "

Yet there was a hint from the Dutchman that merely increasing physical exertion, which alwaysgoes down well in English football, was not a panacea.

"You need to understand sometimes these kind of situations and it's not an easy answer like'fight more, run more'. It's not all about this," he said.

"It's about quality on the ball, movement, creating chances. You need to play football tounderstand these kind of situations. "

An Arsenal side with a fine record against Everton and an unbeaten run stretching to 14 gamesin the league are hardly opponents Koeman would have wished for.

"This Arsenal team is better than it was," he assessed.

"I have the experience with Southampton of beating Arsenal several times but I think thisArsenal is more in balance between attack and defence. In my opinion this season Arsenal arereally one of the favourites to win the title. "

2016-12-12 10:06 Press Association www.independent.ie

114 /246 0.0 How drugs like Tylenol are saving the US $102 billion

From pain relievers to indigestionrelief to toothpaste, many of thehealth products you use every daydon't come from a pharmacist.

These products, known collectivelyas "consumer healthcare," are partof a massive, $502 billion market,according to 2013 data fromAccenture .

Brian McNamara , the new CEO ofthe consumer healthcare branch ofdrug company (GSK), recently toldBusiness Insider that this market —

especially over-the-counter drugs — help the US save a lot of money on healthcare.

GSK is very well-known for its prescription drugs, but the company also makes some householdnames, like Tums and Excedrin. And those over-the-counter drugs account for about a quarter ofits overall revenue.

The difference between the pharmaceutical industry and consumer healthcare, said McNamara,is that in consumer healthcare there is no concern about losing exclusivity on products.Pharmaceutical drugs usually only have a few years to make money before generic competitionswoops in and drives the price of the drug down.

"It tends to be a business you can continue to grow organically over time," McNamara said.

And taking drugs that were once only available by prescription and making them available overthe counter is key to that growth.

McNamara pointed to Flonase, a allergy drug that once was a prescription drug that's now a$200 million business for GSK Consumer Health in its first year. McNamara said the hope is toswitch one prescription drug to OTC status at least once every five years.

But not all prescriptions can make the switch, he said. For it to do that, the prescription needs tosatisfy two criteria.

"One is, consumers have to be able to self-select, self-diagnose. They need to know if they havean allergy or not," he said. "And it needs to be obviously a very safe product to make sure it's noworse to the consumer. "

There are some pretty big financial implications for making a drug available OTC. Imagine howmuch it would cost, for example, if Tylenol was still only available via prescription. There wouldbe a lot more hospital visits every time someone had a headache.

If you look at the impact that otc has on the system. A Consumer Healthcare ProductsAssociation (the trade group that represents consumer healthcare companies) report from 2012estimated that OTC medications saves the healthcare system about $102 billion dollars everyyear. In other words, for every dollar spent on OTC drugs, $6-7 dollars is saved from the UShealthcare system.

"It plays a really critical role, in obviously helping consumers to take control of their ownhealthcare, but also as a very real and quantifiable benefit to the overall healthcare system,"McNamara said.

RELATED: 12 items to always buy at a drugstore

NOW WATCH: This 3-minute animation will change the way you see the universe

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SEE ALSO: Pharma CEOs got into a heated debate over why people hate the industry

DON'T MISS: AthenaHealth CEO: Here's what everyone gets wrong in the debate over drugprices

2016-12-12 10:04 AOL Staff www.aol.com

115 /246 2.0 L. A. City Councilman David Ryu is not running for

Rep. Xavier Becerra's congressional seatThis is Essential Politics, our daily look at California political and government news. Here's whatwe're watching right now:

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Be sure to follow us onTwitter for more, orsubscribe to our free dailynewsletter and theCalifornia Politics Podcast

After mulling over a run forthe 34th CongressionalDistrict over the last week,Los Angeles CityCouncilman David Ryusays he's decided not torun.

Ryu said the election of Donald Trump prompted him to "consider how I might best serve. "

"After careful thought, it's even more clear to me that my heart remains here in Los Angeles, inthe neighborhoods and schools where I grew up," Ryu said in a statement. "We all must defendthe values that makes Los Angeles a beacon of hope for so many and fight for a future that liftsup every single Angeleno. For me personally, that means serving the people of the 4th CouncilDistrict. "

Ryu's announcement comes two days after former Assembly Speaker John A. Perez announcedhe was withdrawing from the race because of health issues, scrambling what was alreadybecoming a crowded field.

The 40-year-old councilman is in his first term on the Los Angeles City Council and said lastweek he was considering a run after Gov. Jerry Brown picked Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-LosAngeles), who currently holds the seat, as state attorney general.

Ryu had been the only Asian American potential candidate so far in a district where more than15% of registered voters are of Asian descent.

Three other candidates have said they are running for Becerra's seat so far: state AssemblymanJimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles); local activist Wendy Carrillo , a Democrat; and Green Partycandidate Kenneth Mejia .

2016-12-12 10:03 Christine Mai www.latimes.com

116 /246 0.6 ‘Why Him?’ Review: Franco, Cranston in a Meet-the-

Boyfriend ComedyBy now, James Franco has been cast as more flakes, stoners, and smiley scoundrels than youcan count, and there’s a reason: He’s peerless at playing them. In “Why Him?,” a state-of-the-artcase of a dumb, obvious concept comedy made in a smart, clever way, Bryan Cranston is thefuddy-duddy dad who learns that his beloved daughter, who is nearing the end of her four yearsat Stanford, is dating a dude who’s a vintage Franco prankster of outrage. Except that in thiscase, he’s not just another ne’er-do-well with a blissed-out idiot grin. He’s a Silicon Valley whizkid — a wealthy and famous video-game inventor. So even though his personality is a goof, thejoke carries a satirical kick. Franco gets more than a few chuckles out of playing a narcissist bro

of the moment.

When Ned Fleming(Cranston) and his wife,Barb (Megan Mullally),show up at the isolatedwood-and-glass Palo Altomansion where they’vebeen asked to spendChristmas with theirdaughter, Stephanie (ZoeyDeutch), and her newboyfriend, Franco’s LairdMayhew, they’re met by

their worst nightmare: Franco greets them as a shirtless tattooed party boy who can’t stopdropping F-bombs. On top of that, he’s so unctuously friendly that he acts like he’s been part oftheir family for 10 years. He has tattooed their Christmas-card photo across his back and, inNed’s honor, has built them a bowling alley; he flirts with Barb so intently (and effectively) thatyou start to think he means it. He’s a moonstruck manipulator who’s going to swaddle them ingood vibes even if it kills them.

Right away, we recognize that we’re in the pest-who-can-do-no-wrong genre, that time-honoredsituational comedy form in which a flagrantly annoying character seems to have been placed onearth to torment an uptight straight-arrow (in this case, Cranston’s Middle American patriarchgeek). The key annoyance, of course, is that everyone else just seems to love the guy. Thegenre goes back to the ’60s sitcom “Green Acres” (where a whole town of fruitcakes addled poorMr. Douglas) and to movies like “What About Bob?,” which gave Bill Murray one of his catchiestroles.

The hook of “Why Him?” is that, as Laird himself might put it, he’s not just clownin’. Yes, he’s adoof with no filter, and his mansion is stocked with preposterous works of art, most of whichdepict animals fornicating (there’s also an aquarium with a dead moose suspended in its ownurine). But he’s also a scamp who talks in a hilariously glib brand of corporate hip-hop bro-speak. Franco makes Laird a huggy New Age explorer, a frat-house jester, and a digital-agedick all at the same time. He may be a walking cartoon, but he’s not too ridiculous to possess amajor ego. Laird tells Ned that he wants to marry Stephanie, and the joke is that Laird, likeFranco’s flipped-out gangsta sociopath in “Spring Breakers,” is a takeoff on the world that’scoming (or is maybe already here).

That’s the reason he drives Cranston’s character nuts. Ned is in the printing business; he’sliterally a paper-pusher. He’s a stodgy analog dinosaur whose company is doing a slow-motioncrash and burn, a fact that he’s trying to keep hidden from his wife, and the days that he spendsat Laird’s house are his introduction to the new world — which Laird, of course, nudges toextremes. It’s a paperless house, which means that Ned must negotiate an electronic Japanesetoilet basin with a built-in spritzer: an excruciatingly extended bit of scatological farce thatwouldn’t be out of place in an Adam Sandler comedy, except that Cranston acts the holy hell outof it. Some may say that he took a movie like this one for the paycheck, but I prefer to think thathe also took it for the acting challenge: Could he humanize a concept-comedy stooge?

That’s the challenge Robert De Niro set for himself, and rose to, in the “Meet the Parents” films(though he, in effect, was playing the pest), and “Why Him?,” directed by the gifted John

Hamburg (“I Love You, Man”), is a comedy on about that level of execution. It’s bluntly cheeky, itgoes on for too long, but the concept keeps on giving. There are good nasty gags (aboutbukkake porn and motor-boating), the movie finds a nice place in its pop-nostalgia cosmos for arunning homage to Kiss, and it’s hard to resist such gambits as Laird’s Austrian servant/therapist— played by Keegan-Michael Key as a cross between Cato and Dr. Ruth Westheimer —treating him as a borderline mental case, or his celebrity chef serving up nauseating dishes likeedible soil and plankton foam, or Cranston’s priceless fumbling of the shorthand for “tattoo.” It’sFranco, though, with his crackpot deviousness, who holds the movie in the palm buzzer of hishand.

2016-12-12 10:00 Owen Gleiberman variety.com

117 /246 1.4 Prisons brought to brink of collapse by Tory lord

chancellors, says ex-bossThe last three Conservativelord chancellors have beenblamed for “bringing thecustodial system to thebrink of collapse” by theformer head of the prisonand probation services inEngland and Wales.

Writing for the GuardianPhil Wheatley, the formerchief executive of theNational OffenderManagement Service and director general of the prison service, said it would “take years to putright” but the role of successive Conservative justice secretaries needed to be openlyacknowledged and understood “if there is to be any chance of recovering from the currentdisaster”.

Wheatley explicitly blamed Ken Clarke, Chris Grayling and Michael Gove for bringing thecustodial system to a state of “operational disaster” as a direct result of deep budget cuts andwild swings in government policy.

“This current crisis is a failure of major proportions for the government. Managing prisons is adifficult and highly skilled task that requires adequate resourcing and a stable policyenvironment. Since 2010 the government has failed on both counts,” he wrote.

He said the current lord chancellor, Elizabeth Truss, deserved credit for quickly recognising thatprison staffing levels were too low to maintain safety or security, managing to secure Treasurybacking to partially reverse jail staffing cuts by recruiting an extra 2,500 prison officers, andlaunching a prison safety reform programme.

The unprecedented intervention by Wheatley, who retired in 2010 and was succeeded byMichael Spurr, highlights deep concern that the prison crisis will not easily be put right – withdire consequences for prisoners, staff and the public.

He said when the coalition came to power in 2010, prisons were already dangerouslyovercrowded “despite advice on the risks, making it necessary for me to refuse outright tocomply with their wishes”. He retired and his successor has had to deal with the biggerchallenge of cuts to an unprotected budget compounded by “successive lord chancellorsintroducing their own radically different policies for prisons”.

Wheatley said Clarke, the first coalition lord chancellor, accepted deep budget cuts for thejustice ministry on the basis he could reduce the prison population and put public sector prisonsout to tender. But two years later David Cameron removed him for not being seen to be tough onprisoners.

Grayling followed with a brief to be a tough justice secretary without cutting jail numbers and noextra funding. Grayling abandoned the prison competition plans and instead announced hisown reform programme across prison and probation. Wheatley said Grayling’s plans“threatened the stability and safety of prisons” but were considered essential to deliver thefunding cuts without attracting tabloid criticism in the run-up to the 2015 general election.

According to Wheatley, Gove, the third Conservative lord chancellor, “charmed penal reformersby rubbishing most” of Grayling’s policies. But when Gove proposed his own reform vision ofmore liberal treatment of prisoners and individual freedom for governors, he ignored thepredicament prisons were actually in. A third reorganisation of the NOMS in five years wasordered.

“Gove was, of course, gone before he had to take responsibility for the disruption caused bothby his abandonment of Grayling’s policies and his abject failure to engage with theirconsequences,” said Wheatley.

He said the “operational disaster” that Truss inherited was a result of the continued budgetreductions and swings in government policy. He said the result has been the loss ofexperienced prison managers and staff, too few prison officers of any sort, wages that make itdifficult to recruit and retain staff, and cuts in prisoner programmes.

“The situation is now so parlous and will only be resolved by a prolonged period of policystability and investment. It will take years to put right,” Wheatley wrote. He said the currentleaders of the prison service had struggled to deliver what was required of them by politicianswho, in turn, had been told what risks they were running.

“The responsibility of ministers in bringing our custodial system to the brink of collapse needs tobe understood and openly acknowledged if there is to be any chance of recovering from thecurrent disaster,” he warned.

2016-12-12 10:00 Alan Travis www.theguardian.com

118 /246 6.7 Golden Corral's biggest restaurant prototype opens in

HollandHOLLAND TOWNSHIP, MI -- When Nadine Hassan decided to open a Golden Corral, she wentbig.

Her new 11,000-square-foot restaurant in Holland Township is the largest prototype available.

It seats 486 people, and takes 200employees to staff the seven-day-a-weekoperation.

After six months of construction, therestaurant, at 12420 Felch St., openedFriday, Dec. 9, although for many thatwasn't soon enough.

"They have been knocking on our doors,"Hassan said of potential customers.

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill distinguisheditself from the competition by having abutcher on staff to cut steaks and grinds

meat into hamburger. The restaurant also smokes its own meats, including turkey for theholidays. There's a bakery where the breads, cake and fudge are made daily. Even the veggiesare sliced and cut in the kitchen, instead of arriving in frozen packages.

The preparation takes longer but the commitment to cooking from scratch gives Golden Corralan edge over its competition, Hassan said.

The North Carolina-based chain claims bragging rights on quality with its motto: "Best buffet inthe U. S. "

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is the current spokesman for Golden Corral, which bills itself as thecountry's largest grill-buffet chain with about 500 locations across 41 states. Most are owned byfranchisees like Hassan.

It's all-you-can-eat buffet offers up to 150 options. Prices range from $9.19 for breakfast andlunch to $12.19 for a weeknight dinner, and $13.99 for a weekend dinner. The price doesn'tinclude beverages. It's lower for seniors and children. There is also to-go options that are pricedper pound.

Golden Corral is Hassan's first restaurant, but she has spent more than a decade working incorporate restaurants.

The Chicago native earned her culinary arts degree at the Arts Institute in downtown Chicagoand did internships at Disney World. She spent the last three years overseeing a Golden Corralin Indianapolis.

The experience gave her the confidence to buy a multi-million-dollar franchise.

"It's a very complex operation to run," said Hassan. "It takes a lot to get it right. "

She has taken on the role of general manager, and has two associate managers to help her.

"The plan was always to open a restaurant," said Hassan, the daughter of Palestinian andPolish immigrants. "It was just a matter of finding the right brand to invest in. "

And the right location.

She set her sights on the Holland area after an online search, even before visiting. She followedup with visits to make sure the Lakeshore community founded by Dutch immigrants lived up toher expectations.

"Holland is beautiful," said Hassan. "I know it was a good market because there's nothing like(Golden Corral) here. "

Previously, Holland area fans of the Golden Corral have had to drive at least 40 minutes north toMuskegon or west to Walker, where the closest restaurants are located.

A big appeal of the area for Hassan are Holland's festivals - particularly the community'strademark Tulip Time Festival, that draws upwards of 500,000 visitors, by some estimates. Manycome by tour bus, which are a good fit for Golden Corral restaurants.

"I can get a party of 100 in and out in an hour," Hassan said.

There's plenty of room for parking for buses as well. The restaurant sits at the north end of Shopsat Westshore, a nearly completed $25 million transformation of the struggling Westshore Mall.Several eateries have or will soon open at the revitalized shopping center along U. S. 31. Theyinclude On the Border , Noodles & Company, MidiCi , Chipotle, Potbelly and Anna's House.

Hassan is already talking with the management team of Westshore about creating events thatwill make the Holland Township shopping center a destination.

She would like to see her restaurant be a destination for Christmas. That won't happen this year,but Hassan is planning on being open for the holiday in 2017 and beyond.

"I think Holland needs something open on Christmas," Hassan said.

The restaurant's hours are 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. on the weekends. Itstays open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Upscale pizzeria chain to open 1st Michigan location in Holland

2016-12-12 10:00 Shandra Martinez www.mlive.com

119 /246 0.0 Longtime patron donates estate to Sacramento Ballet

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A longtime patron of the Sacramento Ballethas left his estate to the dance company.

The Sacramento Bee reports (http://bit.ly/2hfxMkW ) that on Thursday anestate sale auctioned off the belongings of 77-year-old Terence Williamsfor the benefit of the ballet company. Williams left everything he ownedand his savings to the ballet, a gift that could provide 10 percent of the company’s budget thisyear.

Ballet Artistic Director Ron Cunningham says the organization could receive $200,000 fromWilliams’ estate. The donation could help cover payroll, fund performances or pay forimprovements at its theater.

Williams was an avid fan of the ballet. He attended dress rehearsals, private events and evenwent to China with the company in 2007, climbing the Great Wall with members of the group.

___

Information from: The Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com

2016-12-12 09:59 By www.washingtontimes.com

120 /246 0.0 SEE IT: City Unveils First Renderings of Long-Sought

20th Street ParkCHELSEA — A SanitationDepartment lot on West 20th Streetis one step closer to becoming apark.

The city’s Parks Department onThursday unveiled initial renderingsof a long-sought public park at 140W. 20th St., between Sixth andSeventh avenues.

A schematic for the new park mapsthe location of features including twoplay structures — one for 2- to 5-year-olds and one for 5- to 12-year-

olds — a shaded seating area, a “temporary public art pedestal” and art display area and asynthetic turf area.

The design also includes a ground spray water feature for children.

For years, residents led by Friends of 20th Street Park have campaigned to convert the 10,000-square-foot, city-owned lot into a green space.

The estimated $5.8 million project has secured funding from the mayor’s office, CouncilmanCorey Johnson’s office and private donations .

Demolishing the structure currently on the lot will last nine months, and work on the park isexpected to wrap up in the first half of 2019, a Parks Department spokeswoman said on Friday.

2016-12-12 09:58 Maya Rajamani www.dnainfo.com

121 /246 2.3 Japanese man revisits Guam cave where he hid in

World War IIHAGATNA, Guam (AP) — A 92-year-old Japanese man has returned to Guam to visit a cavewhere he hid for nearly a year during World War II. The Pacific Daily News reports(http://bit.ly/2gR8A17 ) that Kiichi Kobayashi said through an interpreter Monday that he's

grateful for island residents and the U. S. troops who captured himbecause both groups helped him survive. Kobayashi says he was a 19-year-old aircraft mechanic for the Japanese air force when he was sent towartime Guam and ended up hiding from U. S. troops in a cave with some50 fellow soldiers. The number dwindled to about 10 and Kobayashi sayshe was eventually the only one left living. He says local residents gavehim food and the U. S. military treated his gangrenous gunshot wound when he was captured.

2016-12-12 09:58 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

122 /246 1.2 Tosin Femi Olasemo who posed as US Army captain

to scam women is ordered to repayA fake soldier who posed as aUS Army captain to scamlonely women out of their lifesavings after meeting them onMatch.com has been orderedto repay £200,000. Tosin FemiOlasemo, 38, pretended to bean American servicemanfighting in Afghanistan andduped women into believinghis name was Captain MorganTravis. The Nigerian national -in Britain on a student visa -used a picture of a soldier

wearing full military uniform as his profile picture on dating website Match.com. He began'intense online relationships' with the women before asking for small amounts of money to helppay for 'leave' to visit them. Prosecutor Ruth Smith said Olasemo 'brainwashed' women intobelieving they were in a real relationship, with the money he requested increasing as his liescontinued. Ms Smith said: 'He conducted and online dating fraud exploiting lonely andvulnerable women by pretending he was an American soldier in Afghanistan to get money.'Cardiff Crown Court heard Olasemo's main victim was Tine Jorgensen, 47, from Denmark, whohad two children and was recently widowed. In May 2011 her husband died and by December2012 she had signed up to Match.com to see if she could find love again. Olasemo told her hewas serving in Camp Joyce and sent her a picture of a soldier with the name 'Travis'embroidered on his military jacket. Ms Smith said: 'She began talking to him over the videoservice Yahoo Messenger but he informed her he couldn't send live video of himself due tosecurity risks in Afghanistan - something she accepted. 'Olasemo said he could get some leavebut would have to pay administration fees and she said she would help him on theunderstanding she would get her money back.' The court heard she paid out more than£200,000 before her bank reported the case to police as possible fraud. And despitediscovering Morgan Travis was a lie dreamt up by Olasemo, Mrs Jorgensen continued theonline relationship with him. Olasemeo told her he committed the fraud because he hadborrowed money from Nigerian militants and now owed them money under pain of death. MsSmith said: 'Unfortunately she still felt an attachment to the defendant and stayed in contact forsome time and sent him more money until a lady claiming to be the Danish wife of Olasemocontacted her. 'As a result of that she contacted police and he was arrested at his home in

Cardiff.' When police searched his computer in January 2015 they found 'conversations withnumerous other women as Travis.' They also found several false Nigerian passports and drivinglicenses. Olasemo pleaded guilty to 12 counts of fraud between December 2012 and October2014. He admitted four counts of fraud, four counts of possession of false identity documents,three counts of possession for use in fraud and one count of acquiring criminal property. In Julylast year Judge Eleri Rees QC jailed him for four and a half years and told him he had created a'tissue of lies'. She told him: 'This was a sophisticated, sustained and planned conduct againstladies who became vulnerable in their dealings with you.' Olasemo claimed he was stationed atCamp Joyce, a remote base in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, where about 700US soldiers lived. Police contacted the United States military to try and work out who the soldierwas - but they were unable to identify him. Olasemo returned to court and was ordered to repaymore than £200,000 of the money he had duped from the women. A spokesman for SouthWales Police said: 'An investigation took place which revealed that Olasemo had links toNigerian bank accounts containing more than £150,000 and land purchased in Nigeria foraround £47,000. 'In addition, he was found in possession of more than £1,100 when he wasarrested. 'Olasemo had a benefit from his crime totalling £253,347. 'The court ordered that£200,707 is repaid to his two victims who reside in Denmark.' Olasemo must also sell his land inNigeria within three months or have a further two-and-a-half years added to his sentence. Whenhe is released from prison he will be booted out of the country. DI Paul Giess, from the SouthWales Police Economic Crime Unit, said: 'This case has demonstrated the dangers of providingpersonal details and sending money to strangers online. 'Fraudsters use a variety of tactics tocon their victims, such as pretending to be in need of urgent medical attention or having beendischarged from the armed services into a life of poverty. 'The actions of Olasemo had adevastating impact on his victims and we hope that the pursuit of his assets under the Proceedsof Crime Act will provide some comfort to them. 'As always, we would encourage those usingdating sites or other internet forums to be vigilant. Never send money or provide personal detailsto strangers or to people you have only met online.'

2016-12-12 09:57 Sam Tonkin www.dailymail.co.uk

123 /246 1.3 Andie MacDowell, 58, displays her youthful glow and

timeless style in a chic baby pink and cream ensemble atDubai Film Festival

She's credited hiking withhelping her to maintain herimpressively youthful figure at58. And Andie MacDowellcould have passed for awoman half her age as she puton a typically stylishappearance at the 13th DubaiFilm Festival at the MadinatJumeriah Complex onMonday. Showcasing hertimeless sense of style as sheworked her magic on the redcarpet, the talented actressdazzled as she displayed her envy-inducing glowing complexion. Scroll down for video The

Four Weddings And A Funeral star showed off her trim waist in a baby pink silk top and elegantcream wide-legged trousers. The mother-of-three teamed her immaculate outfit with toweringleopard print stiletto heels and toted a taupe handbag on one shoulder. Andie wore her brunettelocks tumbling around her shoulders in loose waves, and opted for low-key make-up toaccentuate her radiant, youthful glow. Even as she arrived by boat, the screen star's hairseemed to defy the humidity of Dubai as it lay in a glossy mane on her shoulders. Andie - whoraises son Justin, 30, and daughters Rainey, 26, and Sarah, 22, with first husband Paul Qualley- recently credited hiking with helping her to maintain her envy-inducing figure. Talking aboutwhat she was grateful for at Thanksgiving, Andie told the New York Daily News: 'I’m thankful thatmy a** still looks good at 58! 'I’m thankful that I’m still strong and I can still hike as well as anyyoung person.' And it would appear her rear hasn't gone unnoticed among her co-stars. Andiealso recently joked that her Four Weddings And A Funeral co-star Hugh Grant, 56, told herbottom looked good in a jumpsuit. Speaking at L'Oreal's Women of Worth Awards in New YorkCity last month, Andie recalled: 'I'm into jumpsuits right now. 'You know why? Because I'm 58,and I think my bottom looks good in a jumpsuit. That's what Hugh told me about the jumpsuit Iwore at the [Hollywood Film] awards.' At the awards, which saw Hugh win for his portrayal of StClair Bayfield opposite Meryl Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins, he also joked about how upsethe was that Andie has aged so much better than him. He quipped: 'I am depressed how muchbetter preserved you are than I am. Do you use any special creams or anything like that? 'It'samazing. You're still a southern peach and I am, according to Twitter, a scrotum.' Andie is soondue to re-appear on the big screen, and has been filming the movie Granite Mountain with JeffBridges and Jennifer Connolly. The true story, which is scheduled to be released on September22 2017, is inspired by the story of a firefighter who loses 19 members of his team of 20 in awildfire in Prescott, Arizona, in June 2013. The actress and the rest of the cast will be filming inSanta Fe, Los Alamos and several other cities in New Mexico through early September. Andiealso stars in another drama, Love After Love, which is currently in post-production. Anotherinspiring story, Love After Love - due for release in 2017 - profiles a mother called Suzanne,who will be played by Andie, as she reunites and separates with her two grown sons over thecourse of many years.

2016-12-12 09:57 Timothyna Duncan www.dailymail.co.uk

124 /246 2.8 The 17 most original, wild and creative celebrity baby

names of 20162016 was anything but normal,which actually makes the usualroundup of unique celebrity babynames somewhat comforting!

While Hollywood's affinity for"Reign" and "River" endured, therewas no shortage of adorablyunusual additions to the A-list babyname catalog.

EXCLUSIVE: Ciara Reveals Sheand Husband Russell Wilson HaveAlready Picked a Baby Name!

So as we say goodbye to another year, let's "Journey" back to remember just 17 of the mostunique names that celebrities gave to their newborns in '16.

See them all in the gallery below, or scroll down for more:

1. Dream Renée Kardashian - Blac Chyna & Rob Kardashian

The Kardashian-Jenner family already has a formidable roster of interesting baby names, so it'sa little surprising that Rob & Chyna were able to top them all, even after bucking the "K" nametrend. Still, we love the name Dream Renée, a perfect mix of interesting and classic -- with amiddle name she shares with her mama!

2. York Banks Asla - Tyra Banks & Erik Asla

Simple and sophisticated, the supermodel's son has one of those interesting names that catchesthe eye without raising any eyebrows.

3. Heiress Diana Harris - T. I.& Tameka Harris

Heiress Harris. Heiress Harris. Whether or not you like the alliterative name the rapper andsinger have picked out for their little one, you have to admit it's really fun to say.

4. Boomer Robert Phelps - Michael Phelps & Nicole Johnson

The Olympic gold medal swimmer said during a Facebook Live chat that his son got his namebecause Phelps and his wife wanted something "different and cool. " And Boomer certainlydelivers on that idea -- when you hear that name, it's impossible to have #PhelpsFace!

5. Rocco Robin Cannavale - Rose Byrne & Bobby Cannavale

The only thing cooler than the actors' 9-month old son's name is the little guy himself inCannavale's amazing Instagram pics!

6. Luna Simone Stephens - Chrissy Teigen & John Legend

This adorable name is particularly fitting for the daughter of the soulful singer-songwriter, withthe connections it draws to the beloved late singer, Nina Simone. Legend confirmed theinspiration himself on Twitter in November.

7. Remington Alexander Blackstock - Kelly Clarkson & Brandon Blackstock

Given that Clarkson's oldest is named River Rose, you knew the "Breakaway" singer had tokeep up the creativity for her little boy, and she did! Remington Alexander sounds so noble andyet, so adorable too!

PHOTOS: These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of Last Year (But Are They Weirder ThanCeleb Baby Names?)

8. Greyson Valor Mathews - Jenni "JWoww" Farley & Roger Mathews

With a name like "JWoww," you really have to bring it with your kid's name, and with GreysonValor, it's clear the Jersey Shore star has found her litte knight in shining armor!

9. Dusty Rose Levine - Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo

Adam is a pretty typical name, whereas Behati is super interesting! The celebrity couple seemsto have struck this balance of out there and traditional for their little one, Dusty Rose.

10. Journey River Green - Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green

The Transformers star and Beverly Hills, 90210 actor seem to get a little more creative with eachchild -- 4-year-old Noah Shannon, 2-year-old Bodhi Ransom, and now, Journey River.

11. Odin Reign Carter - Nick Carter & Lauren Carter

Alright, after this year, we really need to rein in celebs' use of the name "Reign," but it works forthe Backstreet Boys' singer's only son, who has a powerful sounding name that sounds straightout of a Marvel movie.

12. Freddie Reign Tomlinson - Louis Tomlinson & Briana Jungwirth

Yes, there's that "Reign" again, but there's something friendly and disarming about "Freddie" thatcompletely wins us over with this One Direction baby.

13. River Rocket - Jamie Oliver & Juliette Norton

Like Reign, River seems to make it into an awful lot of names, but, as with his previous children,the celebrity chef went way outside the box with Rocket. C'mon, River Rocket? That's awesome!

14. Jonathan Rosebanks Shulman - Anne Hathaway & Adam Shulman

She played a princess in The Princess Diaries , and with a name like Jonathan Rosebanks,Hathaway's son sounds ready to be a prince!

15. Jolie Rae Caussin - Jana Kramer & Michael Caussin

The country music singer hacked the name game with this one. You really can't share a namewith Angelina Jolie and go wrong.

16. Frances "Frankie" Laiz Setta Schenkkan - Morena Baccarin & Ben McKenzie

"Frankie" is such an adorable nickname the Gotham stars have given to their daughter, whoalready has a pretty and original name on top of it.

17. Izzy Oona Murphy - Eddie Murphy & Paige Butcher

Izzy Oona! No real reason here, it's just so cute!

That does it for 2016! See you next year, so long as Hollywood keeps going for it with the babynames.

WATCH: Kardashian Family Unique Baby Names Ranked: Where Does Dream KardashianRank?

2016-12-12 09:57 AOL Staff www.aol.com

125 /246 1.2 Leviathan gas field start date approved

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 12 (UPI) --Partners behind one of the largernatural gas fields off the coast ofIsrael unveiled plans to start formalproduction operations in roughlythree years.

Delek Drilling Ltd. and Avner OilExploration Ltd. said their boardshave approved a development planfor the Leviathan natural gas field.Delek CEO Asaf Bartfeld said theagreement "will allow us meet thegroup's target of first gas fromLeviathan to the Israeli market and to countries in the region by the end of 2019. "

A work plan for the first stage of development calls for about 1.2 billion cubic feet of natural gasper day through an investment of between $3.5 billion and $4 billion.

Delek this year was forced to defend its development plans for Leviathan after a report from theIsraeli government said that, after a review from independent analysts, the field could supportproduction of about 20 percent less than Delek and its partners had estimated .

A good portion of the gas reserves in Leviathan are designated for exports.

In September, a Jordanian power company agreed to a take-or-pay scheme tied to theLeviathan field. That agreement was worth an estimated $10 billion and was the first suchagreement for the Leviathan field.

In early December, the Leviathan partners said they reached an agreement with Dalia, thelargest private power plant in Israel, to supply fuel for up to 20 years once production at the fieldbegins.

The Leviathan partners said that, in their opinion, cumulative revenue for the sales agreement"is likely to come to $2 billion," assuming Dalia takes on the full amount of gas outlined in theterms of the deal.

2016-12-12 09:56 Daniel J www.upi.com

126 /246 2.9 Natalie Bassingthwaighte shows off figure on

shopping trip with kidsRogue Traders star Natalie Bassingthwaighte enjoyed some downtime with her children onMonday. The 41-year-old personality cut a very casual figure and went makeup free as she tookher lookalike daughter Harper, six, and son Hendrix, three, grocery shopping. The formerNeighbours actress showed off her trimmed down figure wearing tight black jeans and a singlet,which flaunted her toned arms. Scroll down for video Natalie had her long blonde locks pulled

back off her face and into a lowponytail. She wore hertrousers with a striped blackand white top with a black cropunderneath. The star - whohails from Wollongong -carried a black leather bagover her shoulder which wasaccessorised with a chic greyfluffy pompom. Nataliecompleted her no-fuss lookwith a dark manicure and slipon tennis shoes. Sheappeared in high spirits on the

outing and carried shopping bags in both arms as she guided her children to their car in theparking lot. The children's fashion designer dressed Harper in a navy tutu with white and goldrunners and Hendrix in a Spiderman T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants, with navy sandals. Lastmonth, the Brock star told Daily Mail Australia about her growing children's fashion business,saying she was thrilled when Kourtney Kardashian's daughter Penelope, four, wore clothingfrom her brand Chi Khi. '[Business is] amazing. Recently, the Kardashian's little girl wore [ChiKhi] on the show, which was pretty crazy,' Natalie said. 'It's just growing and growing now. We'vehad a lot of international orders so hopefully we'll be launching over there (US) within a 12month period.' Natalie noticed Penelope wearing a dress from Chi Khi's kids range on thefamily's reality TV show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Despite juggling everything on herplate, the blonde beauty still finds time to exercise 'three times a week,' with her hard workshown in recent social media snaps. And Natalie's transformation hasn't gone unnoticed, withfriends and fans alike commenting on her incredible figure. Dannii Minogue, 45, commented ona recent snap shared on Nat's Instagram page, writing: 'Looking fierce.' 'Just stunning!!!! Insanelystunning!!!!! Xxx (sic)' one fan wrote.

2016-12-12 09:55 Chloe-lee www.dailymail.co.uk

127 /246 0.8 Male beautician jailed for touching clients' genitals

during hair removal treatments loses appeal against hisconviction

A Western Australian beautician who touched his clients inappropriately during hair removaltreatments has lost his appeal. Don Subasinghe sexually assaulted the six women at theCanning Vale beauty salon he co-owned between November 2010 and January 2011,PerthNow reported. In 2013, a jury found him guilty for seven counts of sexual penetrationwithout consent. He was sentenced to four years and eight months behind bars. The beautytherapist was performing intense pulse light treatments on their genital areas when he sexuallyassaulted them. But he refuted the allegations during the trial, claiming that he pressed down ontheir genital areas to relieve pain after a zap. Subasinghe applied for an appeal on March 30this year on the grounds of new evidence that the rubbing sensation the victims felt was causedby a Serenity Pro Pneumatic Skin Flattering Attachment device and not his hands. He alsoargued that the trial judge erred in the directions given to the jury and that there was nointerpreter during the trial. But the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal as they found that thenew evidence was not reliable and that Subasinghe did not use the device on his victims. They

also found that the trial judge'sdirections were accurate andthat the beautician did not askfor, or need, an interpreter.Further reasons for thedismissal includedSubasinghe's failure to appealon time.

2016-12-12 09:55 Tanya Liwww.dailymail.co.uk

128 /246 0.0 Pinckney

schools firstin nationwith cybersecurityprogram

Pinckney CommunitySchools is the first schooldistrict in the nation tocreate an institute aimed ataddressing the rising needfor people certified toaddress cyber crime.

Gov. Rick Snyder issued avideo message during lastweek's grand opening ofPCS Pinckney CyberTraining Institute and

Sentinel Center.

"Cyber attacks happen more than we know, so I'd like to thank Pinckney Community Schools fordeveloping this hands-on cyber institute for students, business professionals and thecommunity," Snyder said

► Related: Cyber security threats getting less easy to ignore

► Related: 4 ways to dodge cybercrime when banking, shopping on mobile phones

The institute will provide educational and certification opportunities for high school and collegestudents, as well as tech professionals.

Students and professionals who enroll in the institute will be able to take cyber security courses,earn state-approved certifications and engage in cyber security training exercises. While eachMichigan cyber security classroom — also known as hubs — offers 22 professional

certifications, the institute is the first hub to be located at a high school, said Jennifer Tisdale,cyber security manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The program willallow students to earn college credits and provide access to early internship opportunities,

“The development of the Pinckney Cyber Training Institute is just one way we’re dedicatingresources to educating people in cyber defense and subsequently protecting our citizens,infrastructure and economy,” said Steve Arwood, MEDC CEO. “From smart phones to connectedand automated vehicles, our world is relying more and more on advanced technologies andthese initiatives are developing the talent and skills needed to prevent cyber attacks.”

Merit Network announced a partnership between Pinckney Community High School and WayneState University last summer to establish two new hubs at the high school. The Pinckney districtdrew the attention of the Department of Defense when a group of students were involved in aCyber Patriot Competition last year. The Cyber Patriot cyber security team formed two years agoto learn about "operating systems, network systems and how to prevent any unwanted attacks,"said Cyndi Millns, a Pinckney High School teacher who teaches a computer networking andsecurity class.

Adam Flickema was one of the students who helped start the team.

"At first my friend Jacob and I joined it for fun, but then we grew to really love it," said Flickema,who now attends Eastern Michigan University. "The second year we ended up taking the teamto nationals and won, and now I am going to school for cyber security, which is great. And to seehow big of a deal cyber security is now at Pinckney is mind blowing... I hope all students takeadvantage of this institute, because I wish I could go back in time and participate. "

Pinckney Superintendent Rick Todd said the institute is a great opportunity not only for thestudents, but for the surrounding communities and businesses. The institute will expand thecurrent technology and cyber security education by providing realistic, hands-on cyber securitytraining for students through classes and exercises.

"It also enables product development and testing for clients and has working relationships withmultiple entities, including the MEDC and the Michigan National Guard," Tisdale said. "There issomething for everyone here. "

Merit Network was a recipient of an Advance Michigan Defense Collaborative grant to establishthe institute and recently conducted a request for proposals to select two locations within a 13-county region of southeast Michigan, Todd said.

Todd said the renovation projects included revamping rooms, updating carpeting, walls, andinstalling glass partitions. Around 5,000 sq foot wing of the high school is dedicated to theinstitute.

This project was funded through a school bond that is used specifically for similar endeavors.The main purpose for this institute is to eventually grow the program through partnerships andhigher educational institutions, Todd said.

“Qualified cyber security professionals are quickly becoming some of the most sought afterpeople in the tech sector,” Arwood said. “From private industry to military and all levels ofgovernment, the demand for candidates who are certified means creating new and expandingeducational opportunities like those offered at Pinckney schools help to ensure that Michigan isproducing top talent.”

Pinckney High School senior Joe Mayo can't believe how "big of a deal" cyber security hasbecome.

"I'm just shocked to see the growth in this program since I started here four years ago," Mayosaid, who is part of the Cyber Patriot team. "It went from nothing to one of the top programsPinckney will be known for... I am proud of my school. "

For more information about the institute visit www.pinckneycti.org.

Contact Livingston Daily education reporter Abby Welsh at [email protected]. Follow her onTwitter at @abby_welshLD.

2016-12-12 09:53 Abby Welsh rssfeeds.freep.com

129 /246 3.4 Holiday gift guide: Themed presents that will make

gift-shopping easierThink about it. If you're shopping forsomeone on your list and can thinkof at least one thing they'reobsessed with, your job may beeasier than you're making it out tobe.

SEE MORE: Gift guides galore!

Even so, we still want to help -- sowe compiled a few themed gifts thatare sure to apply to one or twopeople in your life (brunch basketsfor everyone ... maybe?).

Okay, okay, we had ideas other than brunch, too. We went as broad as travel and as specific asDolly Parton, so check them all out above!

More on AOL.com: 11 gifts for the fashionista in your life White Elephant gifts that people willactually want 11 appropriate gifts for your boss

2016-12-12 09:53 AOL Staff www.aol.com

130 /246 1.1 Gold Star father who feuded with Trump tells Long

Beach crowd to stand and defend valuesKhizr Khan, the father of a fallen Army officer whose anti-Donald Trump speech at theDemocratic National Convention made him into a national figure, encouraged a Long Beachaudience of Muslim Americans to defend Constitutional values and civil rights at a time whenMuslims and other minority communities are worried about the direction of American politics.

Khan, who was the keynote speaker at the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s annual convention

Sunday night, said equal dignity, equalprotection of law, freedom of religionand freedom of speech must beprotected for all.

“We announce very loudly, and alwaysremember, that in history there havebeen many a time, many a time whenthese values in this country have beenchallenged, but the good people oftheir time stood,” Khan said. “Stoodand defended these values (that)today we cherish.”

“This time shall pass,” he continued.

Khan and other speakers representing the perspectives of Muslim Americans and DemocraticParty officeholders addressed the MPAC’s convention Sunday, which took place at Long BeachConvention & Entertainment Center. Collectively, the speakers’ remarks relayed a sense ofgreat unease over how Trump, whose campaign called for temporarily disallowing Muslims fromother countries entering this country, may execute policies affecting minority communities.

The Trump campaign’s first television ad cited radical Islamic terrorism in calling for asuspension of Muslims’ entry into the United States “until we can figure out what’s going on.”

MPAC chairwoman Seema Ahmad referred on stage to feelings of fear, anxiety and despairover the presidential election’s results.

The group’s president, Salam Al-Marayati, said MPAC is in the position of battling both religiousextremism and xenophobia amidst its efforts to lobby policymakers — as well as Hollywoodfilmmakers — to represent the interests and image of Muslim Americans.

“The American Muslim story has not been told yet. We are still fluctuating between the frames ofvictim and villain,” Al-Maryati said.

Rep. Ted Lieu, among the local politicians who addressed the convention, said AsianAmericans and Muslims both face discrimination from people who doubt their loyalties andpledged his support for those in the audience.

“If they come after you, they’re coming after me,” Lieu said.

The night’s other speakers included CNN commentator Van Jones; Los Angeles CountySupervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Los Angeles; “Star Trek” actor GeorgeTakei and FBI Special Agent Stephen Woolery.

Woolery is the Bureau’s Special Agent in Charge of counterterrorism enforcement for LosAngeles and he asked convention attendees to report hate crime incidents. He referred to lateNovember incidents in which several mosques, including the Long Beach Islamic Center inSignal Hill, received threatening letters.

Khan, the father of fallen Army Capt. Humayun Khan found himself at the center of an election-year controversy for his speech , during which he asked if Trump had ever read the U. S.

Constitution and said to the then-GOP candidate “you have sacrificed nothing.”

Trump replied to the charge during a late July interview with ABC This Week.

“I think I have made a lot of sacrifices. I’ve worked very, very hard. I’ve created thousands andthousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures,” he said, according to atranscript of the show.

During his remarks Sunday in Long Beach, Khan said he has frequently encountered smallchildren who are worried about being deported. He also encouraged Muslims Americans to takea greater role in policy by asking to fill vacancies on local government commissions and toencourage youths to run for political office.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

2016-12-12 09:49 By www.presstelegram.com

131 /246 1.0 Areas of Western Washington hit with more snow

Portions of Western Washington are getting hit with another round ofsnow showers this morning.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for western Whatcom County,where snow is already coming down.

Meteorologists say Whatcom could receive a couple inches today.The National Weather Service says up to 2 inches of snow arepossible.

Several school districts have already canceled school.

Check school closings

In the mountains, I-90 is covered in compact snow and ice. I-90 experienced travel delays inboth directions on Sunday because of winter weather conditions. Chains are still required for allvehicles except all-wheel drive as snow showers are expected to continue throughout the day.The National Weather Service says 2 to 6 inches of snow is possibly.

As snow falls in Whatcom County and in the mountains on Monday morning, the rest of WesternWashington is mostly seeing scattered showers. The best chance for snow accumulations isfrom around Everett north, according to the Weather Service.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures throughout Western Washington willbe in the mid 20s to low 30s through the week.

Monday’s snowy weather comes on the heels of last week’s storm, which led to the firstmeasurable snowfall for many lowland areas in years.

Photos: Snow around Puget Sound

KIRO 7 contributed to this story.

2016-12-12 09:49 By Kipp mynorthwest.com

132 /246 2.1 Ami Horowitz 'punched and choked by migrants' after

entering 'no-go' zone in StockholmThis is the moment adocumentary maker says hewas punched, kicked andchoked by five migrants afterentering a 'no-go' zone inStockholm. US producer AmiHorowitz travelled to theSwedish capital to examinethe effects of immigration in thecountry. But after entering theHusby area of the city, heclaims he was immediately setupon by a gang of men whotook objection to him filming. A

sound recording captures the moment he says he was set upon in an 'unprovoked attack' beforebeing dragged off to a nearby building. Horowitz can be heard asking 'How come it's a problemto film here?' before an unidentified man answers: 'I don't want to be filmed.' When Horowitzasks why, the men start talking in Arabic before the film-maker is apparently grabbed - despitedemonstrating he is not filming anything. A man then says 'let me see' before Horowitz shouts'help, help.' The audio soon goes silent when his microphone goes out of range. Mr Horowitz,from Los Angeles, feared he was going to be 'finished off' before someone entered the property,scaring off his attackers. 'Nothing prompted the assault other then our presence,' he said. 'Mycrew ran off when they approached, but since I was miked we have the first few seconds of theattack. 'They repeatedly punched, kicked and choked me, as a number of bystanders watched.Eventually they dragged me into a building, which at the time I assumed was to finish me off.'Once inside the apartment building vestibule, they resumed their vicious attack. But secondslater someone opened an apartment door directly above us, and it luckily spooked them enoughto run away.' Horowitz, who also made a documentary called UN Me criticising the UnitedNations, said he told police about the attack but that he was told that nothing could be done.Husby, home to large communities of migrants, was the starting point for mass riots that spreadacross the capital's poorer suburbs in 2013. The riots started a debate about social inequality,poverty and immigration in Sweden. Horowitz said he travelled to Sweden to determine theaccuracy of reports that so-called no-go zones had formed in major cities. He said Sweden hadtaken in 'more refugees from Islamic countries over the past several years, per capita, than anyother Western country'. 'These actions also happen to be a great source of pride among Swedesfor doing something that one could only characterize as a selfless act of humanity.' He added: 'Iam a product of immigration and not only do I not have an issue with immigration I am one of itsbiggest proponents. 'But the reality of the situation, particularly across Europe, is that wholesaleacceptance of migrants from Islamic countries is connected with deepening social issues acrossthe continent.'

2016-12-12 09:48 Julian Robinson www.dailymail.co.uk

133 /246

133 /246 1.1 EXCLUSIVE: Janice Dickinson marries Dr. Robert

Gerner in Beverly Hills ceremonyJanice Dickinson is a marriedwoman!

ET can confirm that the 61-year-oldsupermodel tied the knot with fianceDr. Robert "Rocky" Gerner onSaturday afternoon in an intimateceremony at the Beverly Hills homeof Dickinson's friend, SuzanHughes, featuring pale pink, softgreen and ivory colors.

EXCLUSIVE: Janice DickinsonOpens Up About Fiance Dr. RobertGerner, Gives Update on CancerBattle

"I am so delighted, ecstatic, over the moon, out of body, a runaway bride," Dickinson told ET justbefore saying "I do. " "When Rocky first introduced himself to me, I felt like I had seen a unicorn,a one of a kind. He's the brightest and the best and the funniest and the most exciting man I'veever met in my life. "

The ceremony kicked off after 2 p.m. as guests watched Dickinson walk down the aisle in a JaneBooke gown. The wedding singer, Crown Jewlz, performed "You Don't Own Me," as the couple'swedding song.

Bouquets and floral arrangements for the garden were designed by Tita Cardoza, while the foodfor the reception, prepared by Joey Santos of Joey's Food, was inspired by "tea" because of theoff hour.

Guests dined on grilled chicken skewers with spinach almond pesto, assorted mini quicheLorraine, assorted tea sandwiches, various salads, heirloom tomato puff pastry tarts and a fullbar. The three-tiered wedding cake featured red velvet, chocolate fudge and vanilla.

Dickinson took ET along as she shopped for her wedding dress, where she shared that it's veryimportant for the gown to make a statement.

WATCH: Janice Dickinson Has Breast Cancer: 'I'm Going to Get Through This'

"I think you need for your wedding, some statement dress, I really do," she explained. "And Ihave the perfect one. "

Dickinson also opened up about how Gerner helped her through her breast cancer battle.

See photos of Janice Dickinson through the years:

"Today I am finally over the hump and the fright for myself and my family from the most horribleword in the world, cancer," Dickinson revealed, crediting Gerner, her children and her fans forher recovery. "I've been reborn and the days are much bluer, the clouds are much brighter,

roses smell rosey-er, and I finally heard from my betrothed that we are going to do this now, wewill be tying the knot this year. "

EXCLUSIVE: Janice Dickinson Reveals Biggest Regret After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: I Wish I'dNever Gotten Implants

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Watch the video below to see Dickinson's gorgeous wedding dress!

2016-12-12 09:48 AOL Staff www.aol.com

134 /246 0.0 I salute the Marikana police

As talk of compensating the families of those killed or injured in theMarikana "tragedy" surfaces, I am again reminded how fickle generalpublic opinion is, how easily swayed it is depending on the flavour of theday.

I want to remind many people that when the miners were striking, manypeople expressed how "gatvol" they were with striking workersintimidating others, at how violent striking workers had become. Both of

these a common trait in so many industrial action strikes in the country over the years. Let meremind the readers of how innocent people were intimidated, beaten, and some murdered fornot participating in a strike, or being perceived as not supporting the industrial action.

Let me remind your readers how so many of us called for the police to show force and put anend to violent industrial action, to send a strong message to strikers that it's OK to strike, but it'snot OK to intimidate others, to damage property, to take to violence in the name of your cause.Let us be honest, we wanted the police to stand up for the innocent and disarm these armed,violent strikers.

We were all disgusted at how the ANC government could continue to allow violent strikes andintimidation, because they were in bed with the unions, and relied on union support and votes.

Then the police took action. People died. People were injured. And we all feigned shock at howheavy-handed the police were. “How dare they use such force?”

Suddenly, everyone was against the police and the government. “How could the ANCgovernment murder innocent people?”

People will use any opportunity to attack the ANC government, even when the masses called foraction which the government responded with. I call on people to grow a backbone and stand upand acknowledge that they supported what the police did. I do.

The police did the right thing and should have followed it up against the university Fees MustFall protesting students who were violent, who intimidated others.

The strong message that violent protests will not be tolerated and will be met with equal force bythe authorities should have been continued, it should have been sent strongly time and againuntil the masses realise they must toe the line.

My colours are nailed to the mast: if your strike is a violent one, if people are being intimidated,property damaged, people killed or injured, then everyone involved in that strike is equallyguilty. If you stand at the picket line next to an armed person intimidating police, you are equallyguilty. It’s the basic concept of mass action, you are all in it together, by your own rules. You areprotecting criminal action.

It’s up to strikers to manage and stop intimidation, to stop violence amongst their own – if theydon’t then they are complicit. If they choose to stand side-by-side with what can only bedescribed as criminals, then they are party to the crime and should be punished accordingly. Ifthey get shot by the police, don’t come and cry for compensation. Don’t come and vilify thepolice.

The police are doing the right thing for the nation, and I salute them for their action at Marikana.We need more heavy-handed policing until the nation starts to learn that anti-social, and inparticular, violent behaviour can never be tolerated.

2016-12-12 09:47 www.news24.com

135 /246 0.9 College Board faces rocky path after CEO pushes new

vision for SATBy Renee Dudley NEW YORK, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Shortly after takingover the College Board in 2012, new CEO David Coleman circulated aninternal memo laying out what he called a "beautiful vision. " It was his7,800-word plan for transforming the organization's signature product, theSAT college entrance exam. The path Coleman laid out was detailed,bold and idealistic - a reflection of his personality, say those who knowhim. Literary passages for the new SAT should be "memorable and often beautiful," he wrote,and students should be able to take the test by computer. Finishing the redesign quickly wasessential. If the overhaul were ready by March 2015, he wrote in a later email to senioremployees, then the New York-based College Board could win new business and counter themost popular college entrance exam in America, the ACT. Perhaps the biggest change was thenew test's focus on the Common Core, the controversial set of learning standards that Colemanhimself helped create. The new SAT, he wrote, would "show a striking alignment" to thestandards, which set expectations for what American students from kindergarten through highschool should learn to prepare for college or a career. The standards have been fully adoptedby 42 states and the District of Columbia - and are changing how and what millions of childrenare taught. Redesigning the SAT to reflect the Common Core has solidified Coleman's influenceas one of the most powerful figures in education. He has emerged as "the arbiter of whatAmerica's children should know and be able to do," Diane Ravitch, former assistant secretary ofeducation for President George H. W. Bush, wrote in her blog. But Coleman's "beautiful vision"for remaking the exam soon met some harsh realities. Internal documents reviewed by Reutersshow pitched battles over his timeline to create the new test and whether the push to meet thedeadline could backfire. The documents, which include memos, emails and presentations,reveal persistent concerns that aligning the redesigned SAT with the Common Core woulddisadvantage students in states that rejected the standards or were slow to absorb them. Thematerials also indicate that Coleman's own decisions delayed the organization's effort to offer adigital version of the exam. Today, less than a year after the new SAT debuted, the CollegeBoard continues to struggle with the consequences of Coleman's crash course to remake the

SAT and its companion, the PSAT, a junior version of the exam. "It was a bad year, and I'msorry," Coleman said in September, at a conference of university admissions officers and highschool counselors. "It is no good to have vision if you don't deliver. " As Reuters reported inMarch, the College Board has struggled to stop cheating rings in Asia that exploit securityweaknesses in the SAT and enable some students to gain unfair advantages on the exam. Amassive security breach earlier this year exposed about 400 questions for upcoming SATs. AndCollege Board officials went forward with the redesigned test even though they knew it wasoverloaded with wordy math questions, a problem that handicaps non-native English speakersand reinforces race and income disparities that Coleman has vowed to diminish. Coleman hassubsequently pledged to streamline the SAT's wordiest math questions and cut back on thereuse of tests, a practice that fuels cheating. The recent U. S. presidential election, however,could make the coming years even more challenging. President-elect Donald Trump has calledthe Common Core a "total disaster," saying education must be controlled locally. He haspromised to dismantle the Common Core and has selected an opponent of the standards, BetsyDeVos, to serve as secretary of education. Such high-level opposition could determine whetherthe course charted by Coleman helps or hurts the College Board. Several states already havebacked away from the Common Core. And Ravitch, the former education official, worries thatinvesting so much public trust in Coleman's vision for learning and testing is risky. "All of thesethings were wrapped around the Common Core. That's all unraveling," Ravitch said in aninterview. "If the SAT becomes woefully out of line with what's happening in schools, then it'sless valuable. " Coleman, 47, declined requests to discuss his tenure. Asked what the Trump eraand the selection of DeVos portend for the SAT and the College Board, Coleman sent Reuters awritten statement: "Betsy DeVos is a remarkable citizen leader. She believes fiercely in ourfounding principles of liberty and equality of opportunity. We can't wait to see what she doesnext as Secretary of Education. " Coleman appears to have the support of his organization'sBoard of Trustees. Although none agreed to be interviewed for this article, the College Boardreleased a short statement from Doug Christiansen, the chairman, lauding the CEO. "DavidColeman and his team are leading the College Board through a time of remarkable, positivechange in serving students and educators," said Christiansen, who is also the dean ofadmissions at Vanderbilt University. Coleman's agenda is spelled out in his internal plan toredesign the SAT and illuminated in thousands of pages of other internal documents thatReuters examined. Those documents, and interviews with people who know Coleman, providea detailed look at his efforts to remake the College Board, an organization that has a profoundimpact on the lives of millions of students, parents and educators. RUSH TO REDESIGN Sincetaking charge, Coleman has sought to improve access to higher education by using the vastresources of the not-for-profit College Board, which had about $77 million in annual profit and$834 million in net assets in 2015. The College Board offers test-fee waivers to poor students aswell as free test-preparation services through a partnership with Khan Academy, a not-for-profiteducational organization. The redesign of the SAT, however, was Coleman's most ambitiousendeavor. The SAT and rival ACT are among the highest-stakes tests in American education,yardsticks used by colleges to choose among some 2 million applicants each year. To Coleman,the SAT needed to be more than a tool for universities to "do a good job of sorting people out,"said Jeff Dolven, a friend and college classmate who's now a professor of poetry at PrincetonUniversity. "I think that Dave wants, in a sense, to change the world," Dolven said. He sees theSAT as a means "to change the fortunes of students who deserve an education. " Colemanseemed aware of the challenges he faced. In 2012, the year he became College Boardpresident, the ACT had just overtaken the SAT as the most popular college entrance exam inAmerica. His problem wasn't just a matter of students preferring the ACT over the SAT. Someuniversities were turning against standardized testing itself. A growing number have made thetests optional for applicants. One was Bennington College in Vermont, a liberal arts school thatconcluded test scores were an overrated indicator of future academic performance. Bennington

chose to go "test optional" in 2006 - a decision made by Coleman's own mother, Elizabeth, whoserved 25 years as the college's president. "Probably it's a good idea not to talk about this stuff,"Elizabeth Coleman said when contacted by Reuters. "I'm his mother. One of the wise things for amother to do is to stay out of it. " A Rhodes Scholar with degrees from Yale, Oxford andCambridge universities, David Coleman worked as a McKinsey & Co consultant. He went on tofound an education technology company, which McGraw-Hill Education later acquired formillions of dollars, and started a nonprofit that developed the Common Core. Coleman hadestablished himself as one of the most dynamic voices in education. But he had never managedanything as sprawling as the College Board, which pays him nearly $900,000 a year in salaryand benefits and has about a dozen separate offices. "Going from an organization ofapproximately 22 people to one of 1,400 has been a little bit jarring," Coleman said during apanel discussion at the Brookings Institution in November 2012, the month after he becameCollege Board president. "To them or to you? " the moderator asked. An early sign of thedifficulties that lay ahead came in February 2013, about a month after he sent around his planfor redesigning the SAT. That's when Hal Higginbotham, a College Board senior vice president,delivered the new CEO a 14-page, footnoted memo. Coleman had called his manifesto a"beautiful vision" for redesigning the SAT. Higginbotham, who joined the organization whileColeman was still a teenager, titled his rejoinder "Towards a Meaningful and SuccessfulRevision to the SAT. " In his memo, Higginbotham voiced support for Coleman's overarchingmission: creating an SAT that both predicts how well students will do in college (the test'straditional role) and assesses their mastery of the Common Core. But he also schooled his newboss on the realities of building a standardized test. In the past, the College Board has neededabout two years - and the help of outside contractors - just to develop new questions for anexisting generation of the SAT. Coleman wanted the College Board to "create a new test fromscratch" and handle most of the work itself, all in the same two-year time frame, Higginbothamwrote. "There is no reason (aside from eternal hope) to believe that a March 2015 date isachievable," Higginbotham wrote, "and indeed there is every reason to conclude it is beyond theorganization's grasp. " Higginbotham proposed a 2017 launch for the new exam - two yearslater than Coleman wanted. Citing a non-disclosure agreement, Higginbotham declined tocomment. He no longer works at the College Board. Other senior employees involved in a muchsimpler SAT redesign in 2005 also warned Coleman against moving too fast. One was the manin charge of research and development, Wayne Camara. Camara resigned in August 2013 tojoin the rival ACT after 19 years with the College Board. In his resignation letter, he toldColeman that the CEO's "top-down prescription" for the redesign could jeopardize the validity ofthe exam. In the email introducing his vision memo, Coleman wrote that his ideas were "asalways open to challenge, revision - and substantial improvement. " Camara's resignation letterseems to dispute that. "I do not believe we had an opportunity to challenge or test many of theseconstraints or requirements before they were mandated," Camara wrote of Coleman's plans forthe exam. "We also have no data to evaluate the new constructs, items or scores at this time. "Camara declined to comment on the resignation letter. PRESCIENT WARNINGS Coleman stuckto his release date. A PowerPoint presentation from that time refers to the new SAT launch asthe "March 2015 imperative. " On August 18, 2013, less than two weeks after receiving Camara'sresignation, Coleman explained the urgency to College Board executives. Dozens of stateswere implementing the Common Core and were in the market for tests to evaluate studentmastery of the new standards. The SAT, ACT and others were vying for that business. "Thesimple reason we must deliver the revised SAT by 2015 is that key states will make decisionsabout whether to adopt the ACT or another college ready measure in 2015," he wrote. "If we arenot part of that ecosystem, the reach of the SAT will be dramatically reduced. " By October 2013,however, an outside consultant was also questioning whether the College Board could meetColeman's deadline. The consultant, Gartner Inc, categorized the time frame as a "high risk"issue for the College Board. In the following weeks, senior College Board executives began

discussing whether to delay the launch by a year, until March 2016. Amid the mountingdifficulties, the College Board opted to postpone. Still, the timetable remained ambitious for atop-to-bottom redesign, and the warnings of Higginbotham, Camara and the consultant provedprophetic. As Reuters reported in September, the College Board released the exam eventhough the organization failed to meet its own design specifications for the test's math section. Italso failed to properly secure questions for the new test, leading to the breach earlier this yearthat has left 400 questions for upcoming SATs in limbo. In response to the breach, the CollegeBoard said it was taking "the test forms with stolen content off of the SAT administrationschedule. " But by withholding those questions, the organization depleted its already limitedinventory of useable exams. As a result, it has fallen back on a practice that enables cheating:using previously administered versions of the test. Since the redesigned SAT was first given inMarch, the College Board already has recycled past versions of the new exam, both abroad andin the United States. As Reuters reported, that means a student could take the same version ofthe SAT twice, giving the test-taker a valuable advantage. After reading the story, a mother inPennsylvania contacted Reuters to report that this happened to her son. He took the SAT inMarch and again in May. He knew he got a particular math problem wrong on the first test andresearched how to answer it. To his surprise, she said, the May test repeated a number ofreading and math questions used in March - including the one he had botched. He got it rightthe second time, and boosted his overall score on the SAT from 1280 to 1330 out of a possible1600, she said. As part of his plan, Coleman wanted to enable students to take the new testonline, not just on paper. Digitizing the SAT would cut administrative and scoring costs, he wrotein his vision memo. Before Coleman arrived, the College Board had been developing digitaltesting for more than two years, internal memos show. Offering tests online was complex,veterans warned Coleman. It would require extra research and logistical chores, such asarranging computers for exam-takers. Moreover, creating a digital SAT by March 2015 "is almostcertainly not achievable," Higginbotham wrote in his note to Coleman, "and definitely not in aresponsible manner adhering to good measurement practice. " Coleman pressed on. In early2013, he scuttled the College Board's internal digital project and brought in an outsider to leadthe effort: Mark Luetzelschwab, who had helped run an education technology company calledAgilix. That July, Luetzelschwab touted how his former company would help execute the digitalundertaking, documents show. Using Agilix software, the College Board would meet its goals"faster, cheaper, and (with) less risk than building" a digital platform internally, he wrote in anemail to Jeremy Singer, Coleman's new chief operating officer. Coleman's team worked out adeal with Luetzelschwab's old firm: a no-bid contract for as much as $30 million, documentsshow. Other top College Board officials protested. Three College Board technical specialistswarned in detailed memos that Agilix lacked the expertise to deliver the technology it promised.Lawyers didn't like the deal, either. General counsel Neil Lane urged Singer to abandon talkswith Agilix; Lane viewed the large no-bid contract as a conflict of interest, according to emails.Another lawyer, John Newman, circulated a memo arguing that a contract with Agilix could beseen by the Internal Revenue Service as an illegal diversion of funds by creating a "privatebenefit" for Agilix. That, Newman believed, could jeopardize the organization's tax-exemptstatus. Coleman stood firm. The College Board signed the deal in late 2013 and provided Agilixwith a $3 million upfront payment, according to a document. Lane, who currently is a specialcounsel at the College Board, declined to comment. Newman no longer works for the CollegeBoard and declined to discuss his memo. Publicly, Coleman promised to roll out an onlineversion of the test. Four months into the contract, however, Agilix had failed to deliver its firstbatch of work on the project, a document shows. By mid-April 2014, the College Board notifiedAgilix that it was in breach of contract. Agilix was fired months later. But it was allowed to keepthe $3 million upfront payment, documents show. Curt Allen, the CEO of Agilix, declined tocomment. Luetzelschwab, who was fired a few months later, declined to comment on his time atthe College Board. The Agilix deal proved a setback. This July, ACT announced plans to roll out

an online version of its test in 2017. Meanwhile, the College Board is again rebooting. InOctober, Coleman announced new hires to handle its digital efforts. NEW STANDARDSColeman's vision for the SAT prompted a broader worry that remains today. By so closely linkingthe exam to the Common Core, critics contend, the College Board has built an SAT that coulddiscriminate against students whose states either have rejected or haven't fully implemented thelearning standards. Coleman himself was a central player in crafting Common Core, an initiativeset up almost a decade ago by U. S. state governors and others. In 2008, Coleman's StudentAchievement Partners oversaw the development of the learning standards. By the end of 2013,45 states and Washington D. C. adopted the Common Core. Three states later dropped out,though. They and other holdout states feared communities would lose too much control overwhat their kids get taught. The Core's English Language Arts standards call on students tograpple with important readings, including hallowed U. S. documents such as the Declaration ofIndependence and works of American literature. Coleman's redesigned SAT embraced thesame concept. The Core's reading standards "focus on students' ability to read carefully andgrasp information... based on evidence in the text" - a pillar of the new SAT. And the Core's mathstandards call for "greater focus on fewer topics" - another principle echoed in Coleman's newSAT. Former College Board vice president Higginbotham was among the first to raise concernsabout hitching the SAT's future to the Common Core. In his February 2013 response toColeman's "beautiful vision," Higginbotham noted that some states wouldn't begin implementingthe learning standards until the 2014-2015 school year, the same time period in which Colemanwanted to launch the redesigned SAT. It would take years for teachers and students to get fullyup to speed on the new curriculum, he and others argued. "That circumstance leads me towonder whether all students will have arrived at the starting line at the same time and whetherthe playing field for them will be level," Higginbotham wrote in his memo to Coleman. Somestudents might be "more comfortable and competent than others in what will be presented" on atest aligned with the Common Core, he wrote. As a consequence, a Common Core-based SAT"will inadvertently favor students from those geographies that have made the most progress"with the standards, Higginbotham wrote. Such a situation "raises fundamental questions offairness and equity. " "I sincerely wonder whether those test results will present the right basisfor making decisions as to who will attend which college," Higginbotham wrote. The eight statesthat haven't fully embraced the Common Core, including Texas and Indiana, account for about18 percent of the U. S. population. Despite the concerns, Coleman didn't relent. The CommonCore was being attacked from both left and right. Conservatives saw the standards as federalencroachment on state and local decision-making. Liberal critics said Common Core wouldrequire more standardized testing, which they opposed. In an August 2013 PowerPoint to theexecutive committee of the trustees, the College Board acknowledged that connecting theredesign to the Common Core was becoming a "risk. " "Don't over-associate with CommonCore," the presentation said. "Don't tie redesign explicitly to Common Core. " Some outsideacademics hired to review SAT questions for accuracy and fairness also worried about theCommon Core link. They shared Higginbotham's fear that the test would create a new group ofdisadvantaged students: test-takers from states that had rejected the Common Core or whoseteachers weren't ready to teach it. One concerned educator was Dan Lotesto, a lecturer at theUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He wrote of his concerns in an August 2014 letter to theCollege Board. Aligning the SAT with the Common Core standards is not "educationally sound,nor will it be fair to students for at least several years, even if all fifty states enthusiastically adoptthem," he wrote. Lotesto asked that the letter be shared with Coleman. It's unclear whether itwas. Another screener who voiced hesitation about aligning the test with the Common Core wasAnn Davidian, a teacher from New York. Her views are recorded in the minutes of an April 2014meeting of the committee that reviewed math questions for the redesigned SAT. Davidian saidthe College Board must "keep in mind (that) the Spring 2016 students have no Common Corebackground" in states such as hers. "Teachers haven't taught this before and aren't prepared,"

she said, according to the minutes. Davidian declined to comment for this article. In a statementto Reuters, Coleman said College Board officials were mindful "that we needed to go beyondthe Common Core to standards in places like Texas and Virginia to include what they foundessential to college and career readiness. " The College Board also consulted with religiousschools and parents who school their children at home "to make sure that no matter what set ofstandards they followed, their children had a fair shot on the exam. " It's unclear how Trump'selection - and his choice of a Common Core opponent for secretary of education - might affectthe SAT and the College Board. Coleman hasn't spoken publicly about the president-elect'sviews. But in September, at the conference for admissions officers and high school counselors,the CEO who had pushed the College Board to move quickly to redesign the SAT now waspreaching patience. "I do seek a better future," Coleman reassured the group. "But it's going totake us time. " (Edited by Blake Morrison)

2016-12-12 09:47 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

136 /246 0.9 Mother slams Argos after Christmas tree she bought

fails to live up to picture on boxA mother who bought the'perfect' tree for her youngdaughter's first Christmas hasshamed Argos after it failed tomatch the box. Zoe McAllister,22, posted photographs onFacebook showing her limptree and it has been sharedthousands of times online. Themother-of-one was excited forher 11-month-old daughter'sfirst Christmas and decided tobuy a new tree to mark theoccasion. But Miss McAllister,

who is from Glasgow but lives in Oxfordshire, couldn't have been more disappointed with theseemingly 'perfect' tree from Argos in Wantage. The £18, 6ft artificial, pre-lit tree looked nothinglike the image on the box. In a message to Argos she wrote: 'I purchased the tree on the left fromone of your stores. As you can see from my picture on the right it looks NOTHING like theadvertisement on the box. 'I have a feeling half of my tree has been left in the factory? Noamount of sprucing can fix this. Disappointed is an understatement.' The post has now beenliked more than 13,000 times and shared over 3,000 times on Facebook. Zoe, who has sincereturned the tree, said: 'I Honestly laughed for about 15 minutes when I saw it. 'The main reasonI got the tree was because it's my daughters first Christmas so I was kind of disappointed by it inthat aspect but it was very funny to look at. 'I've had to return the tree now as it really wasn't fit foruse.' Zoe said she contacted Argos via their Facebook page but claims she had to messagethem three times to get a response. She said: 'They just told me to return the tree. 'They didn'trespond to the fact it looked nothing like it was on the box. 'There wasn't even an apology in themessage they sent back.' A spokesman for Argos said, in a message to Zoe: 'Hi there, if youreturn the item to store with proof of purchase they will be happy to refund or exchange this foryou.' Zoe has since got another tree which she is much happier with. She added: 'I couldn'treally afford to buy another tree so my brother gave me his old one which looks 100 times

better.'

2016-12-12 09:44 Martin Robinson www.dailymail.co.uk

137 /246 2.1 Cowboys QB Dak Prescott facing new questions after

loss to GiantsEAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Theeducation of Dak Prescott ran into amoving roadblock at MetLifeStadium.

If Olivier Vernon didn’t have theDallas Cowboys rookie quarterbackrunning for safety, another New YorkGiant, like aptly-named Damon“Snacks” Harrison, was trying to takehis lunch.

On the back end, Landon Collinswas all over the place. And JanorisJenkins did a number on starreceiver Dez Bryant. It’s like something bad happened every time Prescott on Sunday night.Bryant slipped and fell to cause one interception. Prescott grossly overthrew him on anotherpick. In crunch time, Bryant fumbled. Game over.

“I hate to lose,” Prescott said after the 10-7 setback snapped an 11-game winning streak datingback to the last time Dallas saw the Giants, in Week 1.

“It’s a bad feeling, but I mean it kind of gets you resettled, gets you back right. I mean after welost to these guys the first time, we went on that run, so maybe we can do something similar.”

It’s striking that Prescott and the Cowboys (11-2) are 0-2 against the Giants – and undefeatedagainst the rest of the NFL.

Yet in the aftermath of the latest developments, when Prescott’s worst game of the season wasreflected by a season-low 45.4 passer rating, the lessons are shrouded in the questions.

Was that a Giant Wall or the infamous Rookie Wall?

In the past two games, which includes a close victory at Minnesota, Prescott has looked less likethe Rookie of the Year and more like an ordinary rookie quarterback.

Sure, the evolving Giants defense had something to do with it. They clearly have Prescott’snumber. But before that, it was the aggressive, well-rounded Vikings defense.

The Cowboys converted just one of 15 third downs against New York, after going one-for-nine inthat category against the Vikings.

That should concern the Cowboys immensely. Third downs are the money downs in the NFL.The only touchdown against the Giants came early, on a drive kept alive when coach Jason

Garrett went for it on fourth down.

To go 2-for-24 on third downs in two games? That’s a trend on the verge of a crisis.

And in the playoffs, that just won’t cut it. It’s called one-and-done.

“Something we’ve got to clean up,” Prescott said.

Up next? One of the NFL’s hottest defenses, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit Dallas for yetanother primetime encounter on Sunday night.

For the bulk of this magical season, Dallas has been among the best on third downs. But notnow, as the competition thickens and it faces the type of defenses it will see in January.

“We haven’t been in third-and-short as many times as we were earlier in the year,” said Prescott,who finished 17-for-37 for 165 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions. “So it’s somethingwe’ve got to figure out, and I know we’ll get it adjusted.”

After the game at Minnesota, when Prescott had a season-low 139 passing yards, the Cowboyslamented self-inflicted wounds on third downs that included a fumble, a penalty that wiped out afirst down and a bungled snap.

This time, Prescott’s indecisiveness was striking. He seemed to hold onto the ball longer thanusual – but that might have also been a function of not having places to throw. The Giants passrush was a headache, too, potent despite losing star Jason Pierre-Paul last week to herniasurgery.

When someone asked Bryant (1 catch, 1 fumble) about Prescott’s tough night, he said, “It’s nothis, it’s ours. It wasn’t our best night. Don’t try to single him out.”

Quarterbacks get too much credit and too much blame. Yet they are also the ones expected tospark their teams more

than anyone – especially in the playoffs.

As the season gets deeper, it’s conceivable that opposing coordinators have developed a betterfeel for how to defend Prescott. By now they should have a book on him. Garrett doesn’tparticularly buy that, maintaining that their ability to attack in multiple ways is the driving force.

Still, with Prescott looking like a rookie of late, the questions are flowing. Already.

Is it time to switch back to Tony Romo?

Garrett dismissed that option on Sunday night, and his boss was even more emphatic that theyare not thinking about a quick hook for the rook.

“No, no, no,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, asked if they considered benching Prescott forRomo. “Not at all.”

But if the offense continues to sputter, that question will represent another layer of Prescott’seducation. He’s not beyond what-have-you-done lately heat – at least from the outside.

Said Garrett, “We just feel good about where Dak is right now with our football team.”

It seems a bit harsh for such questions to surface after a quarterback loses for the first time afterwinning 11 consecutive games.

Still, it’s fair to wonder whether that changes if the Cowboys need a spark in the do-or-dieplayoffs.

Garrett is hardly going there now. The key for Prescott, he insists, is to take in the lessons.

“The most important thing for us as a football team is you have to be careful looking at the resultsof games,” Garrett said. “You have to try to get better. There were a lot of good things that we’vedone over the course of these first 12 weeks of the season. We keep trying to grow and getbetter.”

Just as the tests get tougher.

Follow NFL columnist Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell

2016-12-12 09:43 Jarrett Bell rssfeeds.usatoday.com

138 /246 0.8 Hamas offers Qassam rockets to any Arab army

willing to fight Israel — RT NewsThe statement was madeby Fathi Hammad, a Gaza-based Hamas official, whotold Al-Aqsa TV channel,that the group was “readyto ship missilesmanufactured by themovement's military wing,the Izz al-Din al-QassamBrigades, to Arab armies soas to fight the Zionist entity,”according to PalestinianMa’an news agency.

Despite the all-out blockade of Gaza by the Israelis that effectively prevents military- or dual-useitems from coming to the area, Hamas’ military production can compete with that of internationalmanufacturers, Hammad claimed.

However, the latter claim may be at odds with reality as Qassam rockets, indigenouslydeveloped and produced by the Hamas military wing, can only be used for indiscriminate fireagainst densely-populated areas.

Fairly primitive in design, the Qassam is propelled by a mixture of sugar and potassium nitrate, awidely-available fertilizer. The warhead is filled with smuggled or scavenged TNT and ureanitrate, another commonly-used fertilizer.

Weapons experts say Qassam rockets are too inaccurate, lack any guidance systems and areprone to malfunction, which complicate their use against specific military targets. But over the

past years, Hamas has significantly upgraded the Qassams and developed the longer-range M-75 rockets, said to be able to reach Tel Aviv.

In addition, the militant group has reportedly received technologies of producing Iranian-madeFajr-5 missiles which have a range of up to 46.6 miles (75km). It means that Hamas is now ableto strike right at Israel's civilian heartland, thus giving the group some military advantage.

Qassams, in turn, gained notoriety as the rocket most often deployed by Palestinian militantsagainst Israeli civilians. Since mid-2000s, the rockets have killed dozens of local residents inIsrael, despite efforts to curb their production and develop the Iron Dome, a state-of-the-artmissile defense system designed to intercept the projectiles before they can hit their targets.

The use of the rockets against Israeli civilians, even in wartime, has been condemned byPalestinian authorities in the West Bank. In 2012, Mahmoud Abbas, president of the PalestinianAdministration, said there is no justification for the rocket attacks, as they “do not bring peaceany closer.”

In 2014, Palestinian envoy to UN Human Rights Council Ibrahim Khreisheh told Israelinewspaper Arutz Sheva that “each and every missile constitutes a crime against humanity,whether it hits or misses, because it is directed at civilian targets.”

Critics argue, however, that Israel deliberately exaggerates the threat posed by Hamas rocketarsenals to justify its own military operations and airstrikes in either the Gaza Strip or the WestBank.

2016-12-12 09:40 www.rt.com

139 /246 0.0 CNN's Jake Tapper pushes for answers and then

pushes moreNEW YORK (AP) — JakeTapper's verbal tug-of-war withVice President-elect MikePence last week illustrated apersistent style the CNNanchor is making hissignature, and one that hehopes his colleagues take up,too. Tapper asked Pence eighttimes about the son of Lt. Gen.Michael Flynn, the incomingadministration's pick asnational security adviser,before getting a somewhatdirect answer. Tapper wanted to establish whether Pence was aware that Flynn's son, who hadtrafficked in conspiracy theories online, had received a national security clearance for work onthe transition to a Trump administration. It wasn't the first time Tapper has shown pit bull-liketendencies when an interview subject avoided a question. Interviewing Donald Trump in June,Tapper needed to ask his question about the judge in a case against Trump University, or try tointerrupt a filibuster, nearly two dozen times. "Far too many people in television provide a safe

space for politicians instead of pushing back and saying 'you didn't answer this question,'" saidTapper, host of the weekday afternoon show "The Lead" and Sunday's "State of the Union"interview program. It's not as easy as it sounds. When Tapper first posed his question to Pence,the politician was smooth and genial in avoiding the point entirely, presumably in an attempt toavoid offering an easy headline. He praised the new appointee as a "dedicated family man"whose son had given some minor scheduling help. Tapper tried again, and again. "I want tomove on to other issues but I'm afraid we just didn't get an answer," he said. "Were you awarethat the transition team put in for a security clearance for Mike Flynn, Jr.? " As Pence employedother tactics — saying the young Flynn wasn't helping his father anymore and that the mediawanted to create a distraction for the transition — you could read the calculation on Tapper'sface. At what point does continuing become counter-productive, making Tapper seem like abully and the exchange more of an issue than the actual question? Tapper risked establishinghimself as an enemy to Trump's supporters and saw valuable time ticking away to address othersubjects with Pence. Tapper pressed forward, eventually moving on after Pence said the"appropriate paperwork" had been filed on the young Flynn's behalf. Tim Graham of theconservative watchdog Media Research Center said he generally admires Tapper for thejournalist's willingness to ask tough questions of both Republicans and Democrats. He certainlycan annoy both sides: in emails leaked this fall, Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta callsTapper a profane name for a jerk, and a colleague heartily agrees. With Pence, "some couldargue that by the time he didn't answer it the third time, it was clear he didn't want to answer it,"Graham said. "By the time you're asking it a seventh time, it's clear that you're beating the horseinto paste. " Others see in Tapper an admirable example of someone who takes seriously ajournalist's duty to keep an eye on elected officials. "When you challenge somebody, even if youdo it politely, there are risks," Tapper said. "We as humans are wired to avoid conflict, avoiddiscomfort. When you ask follow-ups you are going toward conflict and toward discomfort. Andyou don't want the viewers feeling uncomfortable, that you're beating somebody up or beingunfair. "Obviously nobody wants to not ever get any interviews again with a new administration,"he said. "These aren't new dilemmas for me or anybody else in the media. " Tapper suspects hiswork has affected his access. He noted that he didn't get interviews with Trump or Clinton afterJune, although, to be fair, both candidates sharply curtailed media access after earningnominations. Tapper's efforts have attracted attention outside of journalism. In recent weeks,late-night comics Samantha Bee and Trevor Noah both gave Tapper unprintable "awards" forhacking through political weeds. Still, there's much more work to come. "I've never seenanything like the brazen falsehoods and conspiracy theories that the press has had to dealwith," Tapper said. "Unfortunately, the easier thing to do is refer to a crazy conspiracy theory as aclaim and report that some people challenged the claim. But truth and decency matter. If we'renot going to call people out when they're saying things that are untrue, who is? " ___ FollowDavid Bauder at twitter.com/dbauder. His work can be found athttp://bigstory.ap.org/content/david-bauder

2016-12-12 09:35 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

140 /246 0.5 Post-Brexit jobs boost as fashion retailer ASOS and

BT announce plans to hire 2,000 extra workersFashion retailer ASOS has announced plans to hire an additional 1,500 people, while BT hascreated 500 extra jobs in a further sign of Brexit Britain defying doom-laden predictions of joblosses. The additional telecoms jobs will be based at BT's centres in Swansea, Warrington,Doncaster and Accrington. The 500 additional jobs are in addition to its previously announced

target of 1,000 posts acrossthe UK and Ireland by the endof next year. The extra jobs atASOS will be at its Londonheadquarters, where it hasbought an additional 40,000square feet to house moreworkers and will spend £40million on renovating thespace in Camden. The fashiongiant currently employs 2,500people at Greater LondonHouse in the north of thecapital. BT and Asos are the

latest firms to announce thousands of new jobs. Last week the fast food giant McDonald'sannounced it is moving its European base to the UK in a major vote of confidence in Brexit. Thejobs boost is further evidence of pre-referendum warnings of major job losses if voters backedBrexit failing to materialise. Chancellor George Osborne and Britain's biggest trade unionswarned that firms would be forced to shed jobs and move abroad after Brexit because Britainwould be less attractive for business. The reverse has turned out to be true. Libby Barr,managing director of customer care at BT consumer, said: 'We are proud to be creating thesenew jobs in the UK and Ireland. BT is completely changing the way we serve our customers inorder to boost our service levels. 'We are going to answer 90 per cent of our customers' calls inthe UK and Ireland by the end of March, and we have been taking on great people to fill full-timejobs working for BT. 'There are opportunities to earn £500 by referring a friend and alsoopenings for agency advisers who want to work for BT directly.' However - despite Britain'seconomy and labour market continuing to show signs it is defying gloomy pre-referendumforecasts of Brexit - yet another report published today predicted economic trouble in the yearsahead. The British Chambers of Commerce warns that economic growth will fall sharply nextyear as rising inflation and uncertainty around Britain's relationship with the EU dent consumerconfidence and business investment. It revised up its UK growth forecasts for 2016 and 2017,but is still warning that the collapse in the value of the pound following the June 23 vote willbegin to take its toll. BCC director-general Dr Adam Marshall said: 'Lower sterling and risinginflation are now starting to affect business communities and consumers across the UK. While alower pound is a boon for some exporting businesses, many others see the latest devaluation ofsterling less positively, as they are unable to benefit from it. 'Given our findings, deeperincentives for both investment and exporting will be needed in the months and years ahead. Asthe Brexit negotiations commence, steps will need to be taken to help ambitious firms overcomethe risks, real and perceived, borne out of political uncertainty.' His comments come as the BCCupgraded its UK GDP growth forecast from 1.8 per cent to 2.1 per cent for 2016, driven bystronger than expected growth in the third quarter. It also revised up forecasts for 2017, from 1.0per cent to 1.1 per cent. However, it has also downgraded expectations for 2018 from 1.8 percent to 1.4 per cent. The group expects weaker economic activity, an erosion of real wagegrowth, a slowdown in export growth and public sector net borrowing to rocket. 'It is imperativethat Government do all it can to help UK businesses overcome risk and take advantage ofopportunities. Ministers should start by clarifying the future status of existing EU workers as soonas possible, to end the insecurity now facing employees and businesses alike,' Mr Marshalladded.

2016-12-12 09:32 Matt Dathan www.dailymail.co.uk

141 /246 2.2 The Bachelorette's reject Sam Johnston celebrates

birthday with naked Instagram snapBachelorette reject SamuelJohnston has no problemgetting naked for the cameras,as seen in several 'modelling'shots posted to Instagram overthe years. And in celebration ofhis birthday, the Bachelorette'villain' posted yet anothernude picture on social media,this time seen smiling as helazed in a bath tub. Nakedpictures appear to be atradition for the brunette hunkon his birthday who wasspotted lying on a bed without clothes in a picture posted last year. Sam will be celebrating his28th birthday and wrote himself some sound advice in the caption of the raunchy image. Hewrote: 'Birthday suit on my birthday! Should probably start acting my age, but that's not going tohappen.' The larrikin reality star added: 'But that's not going to happen.' Relaxing back in abathtub full of milky water, Sam was spotted smiling while flexing his bulging muscles andrippling abs. The 28-year-old was visibly without clothing as he soaked himself head-to-toe inthe opaque water. Fans gushed over Sam's envy-inducing physique some commenting that theywished the water was more transparent. One fan wrote: 'OMFG I wish that water was clear.'While another commented: 'Best present I have ever received.' Meanwhile, Sam madeheadlines earlier this year when he posed when he stripped down to nothing, in a racy photoshoot presumably promoting office furniture. In one sizzling frame captured by photographer,Sam is seen straddling a stool which he had his legs wrapped around while firmly gripping itsadjustable lever. Sam found fame after appearing on The Bachelorette Australia with GeorgiaLove before being sent home after brutally revealing he was on there to further his career. 'Ithink presenting's kinda cool ... it was kind of heading that direction before this,' he explained onthe show when on a date with Georgia. Adding: 'If I left this experience without you, I wouldn't,you know, be absolutely heartbroken.' It was the line, that clinched Georgia's decision to sendSam packing from the Bachelorette mansion.

2016-12-12 09:32 Aneeta Bhole www.dailymail.co.uk

142 /246 1.3 Surviving war in Yemen: 'I dream of going home' – in

picturesTwenty months of war have devastated Yemen, with 7 million people facing hunger, and 3million forced to leave their homes. The ICRC is one of the organisations supporting displacedpeople. As the Disasters Emergency Committee launches an appeal for people in desperateneed in the country, families at a camp in Dharwan, on the outskirts of Sana’a, share their storiesPhotographs by Mohammed Yaseen for ICRC

2016-12-12 09:27 www.theguardian.com

143 /246 0.8 NASA

cyclonesatellitesystem setfor releasefrom bellyofStargazer(VIDEO) —RT Viral

The Cyclone GlobalNavigation Satellite System(CYGNSS) will analyze the“inner core” of potentially-devastating storms and willreach orbit on board aPegasus XL Rocket.

The commercial rocket,designed by aerospacecompany Orbital ATK , isdue to be let loose from aStargazer L-1011 aircraftfollowing take-off at CapeCanaveral in Florida on Monday.

Consisting of eight small satellites, NASA say the hardware will help to improve the accuracy of

storm forecasts and provide data to better understand “the lifecycle of tropical cyclones,typhoons and hurricanes.”

In a pre-launch briefing, Christine Bonniksen , CYGNSS Program Executive, predicted thelaunch to be an “amazing day” for earth science.

“This is going to be looking at hurricanes. It’s going to be focusing on the surface winds, which isthe area of highest dynamic energy in a hurricane, which helps influence how intense thehurricane is going to be.”

NASA Launch Director Tim Dunn described the Pegasus rocket as the “perfect fit” for themission.

NASA TV is providing live coverage of the launch.

2016-12-12 09:27 www.rt.com

144 /246 0.5 China auto sales rise 17.2 percent in November

China's explosive demand forSUVs helped boost auto sales17.2 percent in November over ayear ago, an industry group saidMonday, as automakersprepared for the end of a key taxbreak and a potential slump indemand.

Drivers in the world's biggestauto market by number ofvehicles sold bought 2.6 millioncars, minivans and SUVs,according to the China

Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales, including trucks and buses, rose16.5 percent to 2.9 million.

The government helped shore up this year's demand by cutting the sales tax but that is due toend Dec. 31. Industry analysts expect sales growth to cool to mid-single digits unless that breakis extended.

Sales of SUVs jumped 41.5 percent in November over a year earlier to just over 1 millionvehicles.

For the first 11 months of the year, passenger vehicle sales rose 15.6 percent over the sameperiod last year to 21.7 million.

The popularity of lower-priced models, a segment in which Chinese brands dominate, hashelped domestic automakers claw back market share from bigger global rivals.

Sales by Chinese brands rose 21.7 percent in November over a year ago to 1.1 million vehicles,according to CAAM.

Sales of domestic brand SUVs soared 53.1 percent to 605,000. Chinese competitors expandedtheir share of the SUV market by 4.5 percentage points to 59.4 percent.

— General Motors Co. said sales of GM brand vehicles by the company and its Chinesepartners rose 7 percent to 371,740. The company said its Cadillac, Buick and Baojun brands setmonthly records. Year-to-date sales rose 8.5 percent to 3.4 million.

— Ford Motor Co. said its sales rose 17 percent to 124,113. Sales for the first 11 months of theyear rose 10.7 percent to 1.1 million.

— Nissan Motor Co. sales rose 10.7 percent to 135,800. Year-to-date sales rose 9.3 percent to1.2 million.

— Toyota Motor Co. sales rose 10.6 percent to 111,100. Sales for the first 11 months were up 11percent at 1.1 million.

— BMW AG gave no November figure but said year-to-date sales of its BMW and MINI brands inChina rose 11.2 percent to 472,705.

2016-12-12 09:26 By JOE www.charlotteobserver.com

145 /246 1.1 Road crews still working to clear streets after snow

blankets WashtenawEditor's note: This story was updatedat 9:45 a.m. Dec. 12 with additionalinformation from Robert Kellar.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Snow removalcrews worked through the nighttrying to clear roadways throughoutWashtenaw County.

By 7:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, theNational Weather Service showedAnn Arbor had recorded snowfall of8.8 inches and snow depth of 10inches over the last 24 hours duringwhich the Washtenaw County areawas pummeled with snow during a winter storm.

A number of schools were closed Monday due to the weather conditions, but for everyone else,area road crews continued to try to clear the roads Monday morning.

Washtenaw County school closings for Monday, Dec. 12

The Washtenaw County Road Commission had all 46 plows on the road by 4 a.m. Sunday, Dec.11 and a slimmer night crew worked until 4 a.m. Monday keeping roads clear, said KatieParrish, communications coordinator for the commission. All 46 plows returned to the roadsabout 4 a.m. Monday.

"Highways were in good shape and we are continuing to work on our paved primary roads,"Parrish said shortly before 8 a.m.

She noted the road commission works on a priority system, first clearing highways and pavedroad before moving to unpaved roads and subdivisions.

"With long-lasting storms like yesterday's, it can take time for us to get to subdivision andunpaved roads," she said. "We appreciate motorists' patience and encourage everyone to drivesafe and slow. "

In Ann Arbor, equipment has been out since Friday and crews have been working a 24-hourschedule since Saturday to keep the roads cleared, said Robert Kellar, a communicationsspecialist for the city, in an email.

The city's plow tracking map showed about 10 trucks in service on Sunday, with between 15 and20 in service at various times Monday morning.

Kellar said plowing may take longer than usual because more than 9 inches of snow - morethan forecasted originally - fell, and crews were forced to treat major roads more than once.Streets are being treated according to trash routes and Kellar asked that residents be patient,particularly if they live on a cul-de-sac or dead end road.

Those who spot problem areas on streets or sidewalks can report them on the A2 Fix It form.

2016-12-12 09:22 Darcie Moran www.mlive.com

146 /246 4.4 Detroit Pistons' offense gets snowed in vs. 76ers, 97-

79The weather outside wasdownright nasty.

Inside, the climate at thePalace Sunday night wasnot much better.

The winter storm cast ablanket over thedisappointing DetroitPistons for three quartersas the lowly Philadelphia76ers beat Detroit, 97-79,in front of a small but hardy

crowd on a snowy evening.

Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy was chilly after the game.

“We weren’t ready to play tonight, and that’s on me,” said Van Gundy after the Pistons werejumped in the first quarter. “You put a team out there with that level of readiness – that’s acoaching malfeasance.

“They were playing much faster than us. They were really ready to play. We weren’t the least bitready to play.”

The Pistons found their footing in the fourth quarter but their unsteady play up until then wastheir downfall.

“We weren’t talking, we weren’t communicating,” said Marcus Morris, who led the Pistons with28 points. “It was embarrassing, man. Embarrassing to our fans. We just basically lay down.”

Reggie Jackson began the Pistons scoring with an easy layup, taking with court with fellowguard Darrun Hilliard in the starting lineup as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sat out to rest his kneecontusion suffered in Friday's win in Minneapolis .

But conditions got tough after that, even though Detroit big man Andre Drummond had a strongdefensive game with 14 rebounds and 14 points.

Philly jumped to an 18-4 lead on some cold shooting by the Pistons.

Jackson had 10 points but was far from happy with the team’s tardy beginning to the game.

“I think we probably thought the game started at 7,” said Jackson sarcastically. “I don’t knowwhat the hell we were doing. Hats off to them; they kicked our ass.”

Starting frontcourt Robert Covington (16 points), Ersan Ilyasova (15 points) and Jahlil Okafor (14points) paced the 76ers early as the Pistons struggled around the basket, missing set shots andgetting outrebounded.

Lightly used Detroit small forward Stanley Johnson got decent playing time -- just over 26minutes -- finally as Philadelphia stretched the lead to 32-12 after one quarter.

Johnson, who finished with six points, five steals, four assists and two rebounds, made animpression in the second quarter with a couple fast breaks as the Pistons continued to splutterand turn the ball over, while the 76ers make their triples.

With 5:35 left in the second, Philly had doubled Detroit’s score, 46-23.

Johnson’s performance didn’t mean a lot to a upset Van Gundy, however.

“No silver linings out there whatsoever,” said Van Gundy when asked about Johnson’s game.“No silver linings – we got dominated.”

The 76ers led at the half, 58-35, despite some heroics from Morris, who had 12 points, leading alate Detroit revival.

With just under 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Philadelphia was ahead, 69-48, thoughDetroit trimmed the lead to 14 entering the fourth.

The Pistons got to within seven in the final quarter but their poor start doomed them.

Contact Mike Brudenell: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mikebrudenell.

2016-12-12 09:22 Mike Brudenell rssfeeds.freep.com

147 /246 2.0 ‘Chronic’s’ Michel Franco,Emma Suarez, Televisa

Team‘April’s Daughter’One of Mexico’s highest-profile and most resolutely independent young directors, Michel Franco, whose Tim Roth starrer “Chronic” won best screenplay at 2015’s Cannes Festival, has goneinto production on its follow-up, “Las hijas de Abril” (“April’s Daughter”), a mother-daughtersrelationship drama starring Spain’s Emma Suarez , co-star of Pedro Almodovar’s “ Julieta.”

Videocine, the movie distribution arm of Latin American TV network giant Televisa , hasacquired theatrical distribution rights for Mexico. Set up at Franco’s Mexico City label LuciaFilms and kept under wraps until the present, “April’s Daughter” is currently 10 days into a shootin Puerto Vallarta, the Mexican resort.

Also written by Franco, “April’s Daughter” plumbs the same keystone family ties whose

exploration catapulted Franco tointernational notice when “After Lucia” wonCannes’ Un Certain Regard Award in2012.

Suarez plays a woman who, having rebuilther life abroad, returns to Mexico toreconnect with her youngest daughter,Valeria, when she learns the teen girl ispregnant. But the reunion proves far morecomplicated than she imagined, opening aPandora’s box of emotions, Franco toldVariety from the set of “April’s Daughter.”

“The characters’ good intentions do notalways have positive consequences. There’s no such thing as a simple family, ’ Franco said,observing he’s tried to explore this in the “most intimate context possible, that between parentsand their children.”

Also driving the narrative are “the preoccupations which a 50-year-old, mature woman begins tohave,” Franco added.

“April’s Daughter” bears broad similarities with the narratives lines of “After Lucia” and “Chronic,”of characters attempting to reconnect with their supposed nearest and dearest. That said, it willbe “my most accessible film yet, for mass audiences” Franco promised.

“The film has many themes audiences can identify with: April’s maturity, Valeria as a youngmother,” Franco added.

He went on: “I’m shooting the film in a different way, with multiple camera movements, notsequence shots, and closer up to the actors. There’s some music, much more dialogue betweenmother and daughter, fewer silences in a reference to “Chronic.”

Financed via a Videocine minimum guarantee and Eficine tax coin in Mexico, the drama is setup at Franco’s Mexico City label Lucia Films, which has become, in the space of four years, mostprobably the most big fest laureled of Latin American production houses. Apart from “After Lucia”and “Chronic,” Lucia Films also produced Gabriel Ripstein’s “600 Miles,” a Berlin best firstfeature prize winner. Lucia Films also co-produced Venezuelan Lorenzo Vigas’ “Far Away,”which scooped Venice’s top Golden Lion last year.

Breaking through with Julio Medem early ‘90s trilogy, “Cows,” “The Red Squirrel” and “Earth,”Suarez won a Spanish Academy Goya for “El perro del hortelano” in 1996. But majorrecognition, in the Almodovar and Franco roles, has largely come in maturity.

Two newcomers, Valeria Becerril and Joanna Larequi, play respectively the mother’s under-agedaughter who’s expecting a child, and her elder half-sister.

“I like to make pictures with adolescents, combine them with actors with a lot of experience, as in‘After Lucia,’” Franco said.

That represents part of the filmmaking philosophy of the 37-year-old Franco whose filmscombine auteurist ambitions and a staunch defence of creative independence with a far larger

concern for audience than many Mexican auteurs in past decades.

Filming is as much “a search” as an embodiment of set-in-stone preconceived ideas, Francosaid.

“If you asked me to sum up my film in one phrase and I did, I suspect I’d be making a pretty badmovie,” Franco said on Sunday.

But, distributed by Videocine, “After Lucia” notched up about one million spectators in Mexico,Franco said. Equally,though often treating social issues, Franco has always maintained that hisfilms should be entertainment.

“The first purpose of my films is to entertain, but to entertain clever audiences,” Franco has said.

So the reasons for the mother’s absence are revealed gradually in “April’s Daughter.” But “AfterLucia,” a critique of high-school hazing, had thriller elements, as did “Chronic,” as Roth’scharacter, a male-nurse struggles to reconnect with his daughter.

Yet Lucia Films is the sole producer on “April’s Daughter,” as Franco its sole writer.

“This allows me to lose myself in the terrain, then find myself, shoot chronologically, do manythings producers might not think good ideas but I need creatively,” Franco commented.

Again, Franco will show “April’s Daughter” to sales agents when it is more advanced. “I alwayslook for the greatest freedoms. The more people on board, the more I loose them,” Franco said.

Wrapping in January, “April’s Daughter” shoots in Puerto Vallarta and the nearby inland historiccity of Guadalajara. “In Puerto Vallarta, there’s a middle class which lives and works, leads a‘normal’ life. Also, there are no safety problems and it’s not a battle to get a film made here,”Franco said.

Franco isn’t just a serious drama director, however. Gabriel Ripstein remembers how he metFranco when Ripstein worked for Sony Pictures in Mexico and Franco came to his office to pitchcomedies. Franco recently shot the pilot for a 13-episode comedy TV series, “El Que Se EnjojaPierde,” co-starring “Instructions Not Included’s” Eugenio Derbez, for Blim, Televisa’s SVODservice.

“As a director, it’s important to not always be in one’s comfort zone,” Franco said.

Series, however farcical, is, however, anchored in reality, Pedro Damian, the true-life producerof Televisa’s 2004-06 uber-hit teen soap “Rebelde,” stars in the series as fictionalised version ofhimself who turns in desperation to Derbez, the most popular comedian in the Spanish-speaking world, for a career makeover as TV transforms out of all recognition.

Directed by one of Mexico’s most esteemed auteurs, the meta-industrial irony of “El Que SeEnoja Pierde” is of course that the series itself forms part of that revolution.

2016-12-12 09:20 John Hopewell variety.com

148 /246

148 /246 0.0 Good, Bad or Just Plain Ugly - Credit History

ExplainedEQS-News / 11/12/2016 / 20:23 UTC+8 OnDecember 8, 2016, MasterCard, one of thefirst international banking cardorganizations to enter the China markethosted its "50th...

It’s your credit card; why would you want toadd an authorized user to your account?You may want to add your spouse to youraccount for convenience. Adding yourteenager...

Good morning, Orlando! The $93 billioncredit card market is booming, but a recentsurvey commissioned by Cardratings.com

and conducted online by Harris Poll among ...

DENVER (CBS4) – Famed astronaut and politician John Glenn passed away on Thursday.Glenn was an American hero, and his success started with being a pilot. He enlisted right...

Louis Tomlinson put his heart and soul into his performance on U. K.'s The X Factor Saturdaynight. Just three days after his mother, Johannah Deakin, died at age 43 from a...

The card is meant for those who have the capacity to pay but don't have a credit history. To tapopportunities arising out of limited cash supply, SBI Cards will soon launch a credit card with acap of Rs 25,000 for those at the lower strata of the society, who have the capacity to pay butdon't have cards, a top company official said. "For the lower strata of society who do...

The terms of your next personal loan could be affected by the repayment habits of people withthe same job title as you. That’s good news for military officers or scientists, who are more likelyto pay their bills on time. But it could be a problem for real estate agents or bus drivers — thejobs with the highest rates of delinquent payments, according to an analysis of online...

When looking to pay for college, you generally have four options to help you cover the bills:scholarships, grants, private student loans and federal student loans. Scholarships and grantsprovide money you don’t have to worry about repaying, but the two loans come withexpectations that you’ll repay them. If you’re in the process of getting funding for your collegeeducation,...

(Source: Asseco South Eastern Europe SA ) An award was received in the category of Mobileand Online Banking Services for Retail Users The CIB Bank's (Intesa Sanpaolo Group) mobilebanking for retail customers, developed by Asseco SEE as a part of the DigiCal project of IntesaSanpaolo Group, has won first prize in the banking competition organized in Hungary byMasterCard ...

To tap opportunities arising out of limited cash supply, SBI Cards will soon launch a credit cardwith a cap of Rs 25,000 for those at the lower strata of the society, who have the capacity to paybut don't have cards, a top company official said. "For the lower strata of society who do not have

credit worthiness to get card, what we understand today is that each bank account...

2016-12-12 09:19 amberley_h article.wn.com

149 /246 7.1 An emotional Louis Tomlinson debuts ‘Just Hold On’

days after his mom’s deathShe was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, andpassed on Dec. 7.

Judges Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger, LouisWalsh and Simon Cowell gave the season 7 contestantand One Direction member a standing ovation, andCowell shared some words of praise.

"What you've just done,” he began, “and the bravery – Irespect you as an artist, I respect you as a person. Andyour mum was so proud of you, Louis, and she was solooking forward to tonight. She's watching down on younow, and you've done her proud. "

Later on Twitter , Tomlinson shared with his 23.5million followers how hard it was to make it through the performance.

That was harder than I ever imagined. I want to thank everyone around me and all of theamazing fans out there that made that so special!

In a NSFW tweet , he agreed his mom would’ve been proud and told her he loved her.

The artist also thanked Aoki for his support.

Also @steveaoki , you have been such a rock and inspiration throughout this! Pure talent and areal gent!

2016-12-12 09:16 Erin Jensen rssfeeds.usatoday.com

150 /246 0.2 As he shoots for awards attention, Canadian director

Xavier Dolan is still taking no prisonersCanadian director Xavier Dolan shared the Jury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for hisboisterous family drama 'Mommy. " Canadian director Xavier Dolan shared the Jury Prize at the2014 Cannes Film Festival for his boisterous family drama 'Mommy. "...

2016-12-12 09:11 system article.wn.com

151 /246

151 /246 1.3 Let's celebrate US

archaeology's bestkept secret

I n the wake of the second world war, theUS embarked on a construction frenzy thatbegan decimating the country’s existingurban fabric. The federal governmentencouraged much of this Make-America-Shiny-Again activity through theDepartment of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD). Many people,however, were concerned with theonslaught of destruction, and rightfully so.

In response, in 1966Lyndon B. Johnson signedthe National HistoricPreservation Act (NHPA) into law. The act attempted tokeep federal agencies incheck and ensure that theyconsidered the impact oftheir actions on historicproperties, includingarchaeological sites. Thisyear the NHPA turned 50, and as 2016 comes to a close, I thought this tiny piece of legislation,what I often think of as archaeology’s best kept secret, should be recognized and celebrated.

One result of the NHPA that is probably the most familiar to the general public remains theNational Register of Historic Places, a special designation that identifies the most importanthistoric and cultural properties in the US. Although the National Register includes more thanbuildings, most people associate the register with an old Victorian house or the mid-century modcommercial building on main-street.

Today the National Register includes thousands of archaeological sites, such as the recentlylisted Bent’s New Fort , a mid-nineteenth-century trading post on the Colorado frontier thatwelcomed migrating easterners just before they crossed the Rocky Mountains, andunfortunately was also the point of departure for brutal military actions against American Indians.The story of the site didn’t end with the Army abandoning the fort. Its latest chapter is the story ofhow a ranching family on the eastern plains have been diligent stewards for the last century,and this year had the property listed to the National Register.

Unbeknownst to most of the general public, the bulk of the NHPA encourages federal agenciesto consider the impact of their actions on historic resources like archaeological sites. Theseactivities usually happen behind the scenes of a larger project, and are not the focus of projectsthemselves. While done for the public benefit, the public has little to no idea that these activitieseven occur. However, these types of activities account for 90% of the archaeologicalinvestigations done in the US today.

Initially, archaeology was a tough fit for the nascent law. It was a bit of an after-thought and theinclusion of archaeological sites into the framework of the National Register left manyarchaeologists of the era worrying that it may in fact hamper protection efforts. Despite thisconcern from the professional and scientific communities, the NHPA completely re-shaped thediscipline. By the 1970s, an entire contracting industry was born, complete with privatearchaeological firms who today employ thousands of field technicians for evaluating andidentifying sites. In addition, federal agencies need archaeologists to help them negotiate theprocess set forth in the legislation, and other entities such as State and Tribal HistoricPreservation Offices were created to assist federal agencies in those endeavors.

The NHPA is not regulatory , like some US environmental laws. There is no over-arching agencythat can dictate what will and will not occur with a historic property or archaeological site. Thereare standards and guidelines set forth by the Secretary of the Interior that provides a frameworkfor identifying whether something that is at least 50 years old is significant: is the propertyassociated with an important event or person in our history, is the building or structurearchitecturally notable, or can the site provide data to answer important questions about ourpast? This last criteria, D for Data, can be a catch-all for archaeological sites, but anarchaeological site can also be significant under the other three criteria as well. Once it’sestablished that a site has significance, it is evaluated for seven different aspects of integrity,meaning can the site still convey the reasons why it is significant. This is all decided throughfield work, research, and active discussion between various participants in a project.

Therein lies the beauty of the NHPA.

All the stakeholders- the federal agency, a project proponent, the historic preservation officers,local governments, historical societies, your grandma’s knitting club- everyone has a seat at thetable, and decide the meaning of a site. What are the effects of the proposed project? How canwe avoid that archaeological site? What should we do if we can’t avoid that site? It all comes outin dialogue, in formal letters, in drafted agreements. The criteria and standards laid out by theSecretary of the Interior serves as a guideline to determine what is important to save and why,but not how. That ends up being a group project, and can have amazing results.

A great example is PO-29 , a pre-Columbian site in Puerto Rico that was lying in the footprint ofa proposed dam. In 2007 work commenced on the site, and the excavations revealed aspectacular ball court with petroglyph-carved walls. In addition, the archaeologists identifiedhuman burials and artifacts that brought to life a ceremonial center of a chiefdom that hadexisted nearly 1200 years ago. Fortunately, plans for the dam were adjusted to preserve the sitefor the benefit of the citizens of Puerto Rico.

The National Historic Preservation Act is the single most important piece of legislation protectingarchaeological sites in the US. It is also the least known and the least understood. In part this isbecause the legislation focuses on federal properties, so the successes of the legislation are notalways apparent. The other reason the NHPA is so misunderstood is that the legislation is justboring. It’s difficult to make a bureaucratic process sexy, no matter how many fun acronyms arethrown around. But this legislation has saved countless numbers of archaeological sites in thelast five decades, provided scientists with valuable data regarding the past, and provided fodderfor our imaginations. I for one would like to tip my glass to the NHPA: here’s to another 50 years.

2016-12-12 09:09 Holly Norton www.theguardian.com

152 /246

152 /246 0.0 State Department frontrunner is Exxon Mobil exec

honored with Russian state award by Putin — RTAmerica

NBC News, the Wall StreetJournal, the WashingtonPost, and other mediaoutlets citing their ownsources discussed the oilexec’s possible nominationthroughout the weekend,describing it as highlyprobable.

Tillerson, 64, is a lifetimeemployee of US oil and gasgiant Exxon Mobil, startingwith the company in 1975

and rising through the corporate ranks to become one of the company’s key negotiators. Amongthe deals he has sealed is a 2011 agreement with Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft,which gave Exxon access to the Russian Arctic and Rosneft a stake in the US company’sprojects in North America.

READ MORE: Trump nominates retired general John Kelly as head of homeland security

In 2013, President Vladimir Putin presented Tillerson with the Order of Friendship, one of thehighest honors a foreigner may be awarded from Russia. After the US imposed economicsanctions on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, the Arctic drill deal tanked and Exxon suffered asmuch as $1 billion in losses as a result, according to some estimates. Tillerson has been amongthe business executives advocating for ties between the two nations to be restored.

Trump has said that he wants to remedy the Obama administration’s adversarial relationshipwith Russia, and Tillerson’s appointment as America’s top diplomat would be a step in thisdirection. Though he isn’t expected to announce his secretary of state pick until mid-week, thepresident-elect has pitched the oil executive’s Russian connections as a strong point.

“To me a great advantage is that he knows many of the players in the world and he knows themwell,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News Sunday. “He does massive deals in Russia notfor himself, but for the company.”

The Kremlin indicated that, as a member of Trump’s cabinet, Tillerson’s experience in dealingwith Russia could make it easier for the two countries to work together productively, butexpressed doubt that his affinity for Russia, if he has any, would affect his approach ordecisions.

“Being State Secretary and being an executive in a company, even a big one, are two differentthings. Whatever sympathies he may have would certainly be sidelined,” Russian presidentialspokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

While acknowledging that Tillerson is viewed as a top professional in Russia, he said Moscowdoesn’t expect any less from the person serving as America’s top diplomat.

“Tillerson will be a credible and effective messenger for a US reset, because he is not a memberof the foreign policy establishment, but also because his history embodies the investmentpotential Russia could enjoy with a better relationship with the United States,” David L. Goldwyn,the State Department’s top energy diplomat during the first Obama administration, told the NewYork Times.

Goldwyn added that Trump “has definitely decided to do a reverse Nixon and side with Russiaagainst China. He thinks we probably can make common cause with Russia in Syria but also inLibya, and he doesn’t have a problem supporting strongmen.”

However, Tillerson’s appointment is not looked upon favorably by some Republicans. MarkoRubio, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, tweeted on Sunday that “being a‘friend of Vladimir’ is not an attribute I am hoping for” in America’s next top diplomat. His fellowsenator, John McCain, told CBS that he fears Tillerson’s perspective “would color his [Trump’s]approach to Vladimir Putin and the Russian threat” if he were to become his secretary of state.

Other possible candidates for the position include former Central Intelligence Agency DirectorDavid Petraeus, 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, Senate Foreign RelationsCommittee chair Bob Corker, and former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton.

2016-12-12 09:08 www.rt.com

153 /246 2.9 Oil recovery may be emerging in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N. D., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Ifstate records are accurate whenmeasured against industry data, therig count in North Dakota gainedsignificant ground after a weekendOPEC agreement.

North Dakota, the No. 2 oil producerin the United States, serves as arelatively good metric to gaugeindustry sentiment as it provides rignumbers on a daily basis. Rig countsthemselves provide a loosebarometer as they indicate activity inthe exploration and production side of the energy sector, though rig counts don't necessarilyequate to expected gains in output.

Nevertheless, state data could indicate the appetite is building. State data show 40 rigs activelyexploring for or producing oil and natural gas as of early Monday morning. If both sets of dataare aligned, that would be a 25 percent increase over what oilfield services company BakerHughes reported Friday.

There may be discrepancies as the state reported 38 rigs in service Nov. 11, which wouldsuggest only a slight increase in activity. The state reported crude oil production in September,the last full month for which data are available, at 971,658 barrels per day on average, far belowthe all-time high of 1.2 million bpd reported two years ago.

The state government last month blamed lower crude oil prices for the decline in output. Theprice for West Texas Intermediate, the U. S. benchmark price for oil, is up 23 percent, or roughly$10 per barrel, from one month ago. WTI was trading up about 4 percent in early Mondaytrading.

Crude oil prices are rallying on the back of a series of agreements reached between membersof the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-member states to hold productionat a certain level starting in January.

That deal has brought crude oil prices to a point where some companies are re-engaging insome of the U. S. oil deposits constricted by a weak market early this year. Based on a low-endestimate of $50 per barrel for WTI, S&P Global Platts said in an emailed report that some U. S.oil producers are expected to reap the rewards of the OPEC-fueled rally in oil prices.

2016-12-12 09:07 Daniel J www.upi.com

154 /246 3.7 Looking at Western Michigan's journey from 1-11 to

13-0 under P. J. FleckWestern Michigan University’sfootball program has come a longway during head coach P. J. Fleck’sfour-year reign. The Broncos havedug out from the bottom of the heapas a 1-11 team and climbed torarefied air as a 13-0 squad. In threeweeks, WMU will square off againstWisconsin in the Cotton Bowl atAT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Fleck and the Broncos have stayedthe course despite some tryingtimes. This timeline-style slideshow

highlights key moments and crucial elements to WMU’s rise.

Check it out and let us know in the comment section below if there are any other pivotalmoments or components to WMU's rise that not listed here.

Pictured: P. J. Fleck and his WMU football team celebrate their MAC championship at Ford Field.

2016-12-12 09:00 Scott DeCamp www.mlive.com

155 /246 0.8 Qualified Electrician in Perth

(Source: Westralia Airports Corporation Pty Ltd ) 11 December, 2016 Perth Airport and Qantashave reached agreement on the use of Terminal 3 (T3) to facilitate the ...

PERTH AMBOY -- This photo from the 1970s was taken during the grand opening of CostasFood Stand on Smith Street in Perth Amboy. The family-run business operates today as...

The 14,498 km flight on 787-9Dreamliners will be the first regularpassenger service to directly linkAustralia and Europe Qantas hasannounced it will begin non-stop ...

(Source: State Government ofWestern Australia ) 14 direct flightsbetween the two cities every weekon 236-seat Dreamliner Non-stopflights between Perth and Londonwill ...

The UK is to be connected non-stopto Australia — but not until March 2018. As The Independent predicted, Qantas will fly fromHeathrow to Perth using the latest Boeing...

People will be able to fly from the UK to Australia non-stop for the first time when Qantaslaunches a direct service in 2018. The airline will operate�non-stop flights from London toPerth - a 14,498-kilometre journey lasting around 17 hours - using the 787-9 Dreamliner. It willbe the first regular passenger service to directly link Europe to Australia and�is expected tobe...

(Source: Wanneroo City Council ) Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts has hit back at criticism ofcontinued growth in Perth's northern suburbs. Mayor Roberts was responding to comments bysustainability professor Peter Newman and a Committee for Perth report, both calling for a limiton outer metropolitan growth. 'Our residents could feel justifiably offended that all the attention ...Construction chiefs have claimed there will be 112,000 additional jobs in the industry over thenext three years. A report on the sector found carpenters and joiners will be in most demandfollowed by general labourers, operatives and electricians. Share Go To The ConstructionIndustry Federation has launched a new website, cifjobs.ie, to target workers who emigrated inthe 10 ...

Australia's national carrier, Qantas Airways, will launch the first regular passenger flight directlylinking Australia and Europe when it begins flights from Perth to London with Boeing 787-9Dreamliners, the airline said. "When Qantas created the Kangaroo Route to London in 1947, ittook four days and nine stops," Alan Joyce,...

Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe says he is at a loss to explain his team’s woeful display againstNewcastle, but he hasn’t given up hope of turning the club’s fortunes around. Glory slippedfurther behind in the A-League title race after suffering a shock 2-1 loss to the lowly Jets at nibStadium on...

2016-12-12 08:59 hosierjennas article.wn.com

156 /246 1.9 Israel will be ‘destroyed’ if Trump sparks war in

Middle East – Iran defense minister — RT NewsHossein Dehghan said on Sunday that the possibility that Trump may take a "different path"

regarding the nuclear dealarranged between Tehranand six world powers lastyear has led to "unease,particularly among PersianGulf countries," the semi-official Mehr news agencyreported, as cited byReuters.

He said that "enemies maywant to impose a war on usbased on false calculationsand only taking into

consideration their material capabilities. "

If such a war were to occur, it "would mean the destruction of the Zionist regime [Israel]...and willengulf the whole region and could lead to a world war," Dehghan said.

He went on to note that city-states on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf would also bedestroyed, "because they lack popular support. " That statement was reportedly in reference toWestern-allied Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar.

However, Dehghan admitted it seems unlikely that Trump would take "strong action" againstIran, considering his "character and that he measures the cost of everything in dollars. "

Trump said during his campaign that he would tear up the nuclear deal agreed between Iranand six major world powers in 2015, calling it "disastrous" and the "worst deal ever negotiated. "He told an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in May that his“number one priority” was to dismantle the deal.

Trump's attitude toward the deal is a far cry from that of the Obama administration, with Secretaryof State John Kerry saying earlier this month that the deal's monitoring provisions allow for theability to detect any nuclear progress made by Tehran.

As part of the deal, Iran agreed to reduce the number of its centrifuges by two-thirds, cap itsuranium enrichment below the level needed for weapons-grade material, reduce its enricheduranium stockpile by 98 percent from around 10,000kg to 300kg for 15 years, and allowinternational inspections.

This was done in exchange for lifting international sanctions on Iran. However, the US presidentis allowed to impose new restrictions if Tehran violates the nuclear accord.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Iran's arch-enemy Israel, told CBS' '60Minutes' that he has "about five thing in his mind" that could undo the deal. He refused toelaborate on any of them during the interview, saying he would like to talk to Trump beforespeaking to the news program.

Netanyahu did state, however, that a reversal of the deal would mean "many more" options toprevent Iran from manufacturing nuclear weapons.

The Israeli prime minister's statements came just one week after he told a Washington

conference on the Middle East that he would speak to Trump about the "bad deal. "

For its part, Iran has repeatedly denied developing atomic weapons, claiming its nuclearprogram is solely for civilian purposes.

2016-12-12 08:56 www.rt.com

157 /246 2.3 42-year-old NC man faces multiple rape, indecent

liberties with a child chargesWILMINGTON, N. C. — A42-year-old North Carolinaman is accused of multiplesex crimes, including rape,against a child.

Wilmington police arrestedJohnny Travis Deans onSaturday and charged himwith six counts of indecentliberties with a child andfour counts of statutoryrape, according to WECT .

As of Monday, no additional details about the case are available.

Deans is in the New Hanover County Detention Center on a $1 million bond. He also faces fivefailure to appear charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

2016-12-12 08:55 Web Staff myfox8.com

158 /246 2.1 President-elect Donald Trump to talk conflicts of

interest claims at Thursday press conferencePresident-elect Donald Trump is set to make an announcement on Thursday, Dec. 15, regardingclaims of conflicts of interest between him and the companies that bear his name.

In November, Trump laid out a series of tweets announcing his intention to dispel any notion thathis business holdings would benefit from his role as president or otherwise conflict with hisdecision making. Trump announced that legal documents had been drawn up that would put theidea to rest. He also said that on Dec. 15 he would hold a press conference detailing the planspublicly, though whether he will answer questions from the press remains to be seen.

The president-elect will have a lot to address when he speaks at his press conference onThursday. Here's what we can expect to see him talk about.

Trump is technically right when he says he doesn't have to do anything about his conflicts of

interest. There isn't any law thatrequires Trump to keep hisbusiness dealings out of his sightwhile he's president.

But presidents have typically set upblind trusts with their investments toensure that they are beingmanaged in a way that removesthem from their assets. They alsosometimes liquidate their assetsentirely before assuming office,selling properties or investmentsand putting all of their profits into a

portfolio that only the manager of their trust can see.

It's difficult to imagine for some that Trump would be willing to go that route, completelydismantling his real estate empire and other assets and placing the proceeds into a blind trustwithout any input from him or his family.

Donald Trump has suggested that his blind trust wouldn't be run by a stranger — he would havehis children run his business dealings while he's president instead.

That arrangement wouldn't by definition be a real blind trust, especially given that Trump seemsto want his children by his side when he speaks to foreign dignitaries. Having them manage histrust while possibly taking part in White House operations wouldn't alleviate concerns aboutconflicts of interest, according to experts.

RELATED: Ivanka Trump through the years

Trump himself has raised some concerns about his potential conflicts of interest while meetingwith reporters at the New York Times in November. Trump suggested that his plans didn'twarrant that much scrutiny because, after all, "the president can't have a conflict of interest. "

That sentiment set off alarm bells in many people's minds, including Democratic lawmakers whoare now seeking to begin hearings into the matter.

"Mr. Trump's unprecedented secrecy and his extensive business dealings in foreign countriesraise serious questions about how he intends to avoid conflicts of interest as president," Rep.Elijah Cummings wrote to GOP Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Jason Chaffetz. Democrats areseeking "a review of President-elect Donald Trump's financial arrangements to ensure that hedoes not have any actual or perceived conflicts of interest," he added.

Whether Trump responds directly or not to this inquiry will be seen on Thursday — or earlier, ifhe's got his Twitter account ready.

More from Mic.com : Poll finds almost half of Americans support torturing prisoners of war JoeBiden hints at 2020 race against future President Donald Trump Adult Swim cancels 'MillionDollar Extreme,' Sam Hyde show beloved by racists

2016-12-12 08:55 AOL Staff www.aol.com

159 /246 3.2 MTA Board To Get Update On 2nd Ave. Subway As

Opening Deadline LoomsNEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — The MTAboard is set to get anotherupdate Monday on theSecond Avenue subway asGov. Andrew Cuomo says itlooks like phase one willopen on schedule by theend of this month.

Cuomo’s chief of staffMelissa DeRosa tweetedpictures of the governor ashe got an inside look at thework still being done on Sunday.

More behind the scenes photos from Gov Cuomo's 86th street 2nd ave subway briefing thisafternoon pic.twitter.com/q4L3i55Csk

— Melissa DeRosa (@melissadderosa) December 11, 2016

Last week, he said he was cautiously optimistic that the $4.5 billion first phase of the project willbe completed by the Dec. 31 deadline. Cuomo talked more about the project on the radio show“The Cats Roundtable” on Sunday.

“The Second Avenue subway was supposed to be done by the end of this year. Some peoplethought we should move the deadline, I said no, we should stick to the deadline and we’re goingto work like hell to make it,” Cuomo said.

He said it’s now a 24/7 push to meet their goal.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “It’s a complex project. It’s a $4 billion project butwe’re going to give it, we’re going to work every day between now and Dec. 31, I can tell youthat, to make sure we hit the deadline.”

The first phase of the project, which has seen budget challenges and major construction delays,will extend the Q train from 57th Street and Seventh Avenue across town to 96th Street andSecond Avenue.

The W Train has been revived to take over the old route of the Q into Astoria, Queens.

Last year, the MTA said the second phase of the project, which would extend the line up to125th Street in East Harlem, will be delayed beyond 2019.

The ultimate goal is to alleviate some of the overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue line. Formore about the project, click here.

2016-12-12 08:54 newyork.cbslocal.com

160 /246 3.7 Caught On Camera: Group Assaults 47-Year-Old Man

In Brooklyn RobberyNEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — Policeare looking for a group offive men caught on cameraas they assaulted androbbed a 47-year-old manin Brooklyn earlier thismonth.

The incident happened onLinden Street and HollyBoulevard in East NewYork at around 10:55 p.m.

on Dec. 5.

Surveillance video of the incident shows the group approaching the victim and harassing him.

Police say the group made off with the man’s cell phone and around $120 in cash.

The NYPD is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 577-TIPS, logging on to their website at www. NYPDCrimeStoppers.com or by texting their tips to274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577. Tips can remain anonymous.

2016-12-12 08:52 newyork.cbslocal.com

161 /246 3.3 Harry Kane admits Spurs may have to adapt their

tacticsHarry Kane believesTottenham need to find adifferent way to "unlock thedoor" if they are tochallenge for the PremierLeague crown.

Mauricio Pochettino's menentertained and enthralledlast term, providingLeicester's only realcompetition for the title.

However, the northLondoners, who have had to deal with a string of injuries, have found it tougher this campaignand sit 10 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Tottenham remain fifth after Sunday's 1-0 loss at Manchester United, whose tactics underlined toKane that their style no longer comes as a surprise.

"People didn't expect us to play so well last year, and press so high with such intensity," thestriker said

"Now teams are maybe dropping off a bit more, letting us have the ball - and we have to finddifferent solutions to unlock the door.

"Manchester United made it difficult for us to play out from the back.

"They made us play more long balls than we are used to playing. That was their game plan, andit worked.

"All we can do is keep working on our game in training, working on different scenarios, andhopefully it will pay off. We have to keep fighting (in the title race). We have no other option. "

Kane was guilty of giving away the ball in the build-up to Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first-half winner atOld Trafford.

Pochettino defended his striker after the error and Spurs have the chance to make amends forthe loss with back-to-back league matches at home to Hull and Burnley.

"Last year, December and January were the months when we pushed forward, got good resultsand moved up the table," Kane told the Evening Standard.

"We have to do the same again and we feel we can beat anyone in this league. "

2016-12-12 08:51 Press Association www.independent.ie

162 /246 0.0 Sport picture of the day: Flying Panthers

Casey Hayward of the SanDiego Chargers lunges fora tipped pass againstDevin Funchess #17 andKelvin Benjamin #13 of theCarolina Panthers duringthe Chargers 28-16 loss atthe Bank of AmericaStadium, Charlotte, NorthCarolina.

2016-12-12 08:50 DaffyddBynon www.theguardian.com

163 /246 1.4 Keidel: Powell’s Prowess Aside, Jets Didn’t Show

Much In San Fran

By Jason Keidel » More Columns

The moniker of the footballclub in San Francisco is the49ers, a truncated version of“Miner 49ers,” a nod to thegold rush of 1849. And thisyear they’ve been playing likethey still live in 1849, not 1949,the year they first joined theNFL.

But the New York Jets havealso been setting football backto other eras, epochs, andcenturies. So it’s only fitting that both clubs played to a draw after four quarters on Sunday.

While most, functional football teams can take the Niners for granted, the Jets are so bad you’dbe hard-pressed to know which team went 10-6 last season, and was supposed to be a bitbetter this season.

Things are never linear or logical around Gang Green, a franchise that finds new ways to flipfootball orthodoxy on its helmet. But the Jets played well enough, long enough, to escape thearchitectural disaster known as Levi Stadium and the athletic disaster known as the 49ers. Andwhen you consider the Niners were up 17-6 late in the game, Jets fans had to be haunted withthe spirit of Decembers past. And it felt like the early loss of Matt Forte made it a fait accompli.

But Bilal Powell ran like he, not Forte, is the perennial Pro-Bowler, with 145 yards and twotouchdowns. And so it was fitting that Powell bowled over the 49ers for a TD in OT, leading theJets to a 23-17 victory.

Jets quarterback Bryce Petty, right, and running back Bilal Powell celebrate following a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 11, 2016, inSanta Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Of course, the last few games of this season are not about jousting for a playoff spot, but rather ade facto audition for quarterback Bryce Petty, who again did little to lead Jets devotees todeclare that they found their next Namath. Petty was his typical, nondescript self (23-of-35, 257yards, INT), equal parts competent and confounding.

It’s hard to slap a handle on Petty. Perhaps it’s that his manner is so slight, it feels like he couldbe in a room (or a huddle) for hours and you wouldn’t know he’s there. He doesn’t have thatsingular presence that beams from star QBs. Indeed, there’s nothing about Gang Green rightnow that gives even their most jaded fans great optimism, a sense that they are on the verge of,well, anything.

You never apologize for wins in the National Football League, especially on the road. Butsqueaking by San Francisco almost feels like slipping past the JV squad in a scrimmage. Weheard all this chatter about the innate genius of Chip Kelly, who got a raw deal in Philadelphiaafter (barely) posting a winning record. Once he got back to the West Coast, with a track-starquarterback, he could recreate his Oregon behemoth. Despite all the evidence that collegecoaches flame or fizzle out before the ink dries on their NFL contracts, we keep buying these

bogus savants who will use their chalkboard savvy to revolutionize the game. Kelly was soabhorred in Philadelphia, owner Jeffrey Lurie, widely known as a patient and genial man,canned Kelly with two games to go in the season, the NFL iteration of leaving your wife duringthe honeymoon.

But despite the dumpster fire that is the San Francisco 49ers, the Jets, at times, made them lookway too competent. Especially Carlos Hyde, who played the role of Roger Craig or RickyWatters or Delvin WIlliams. Hyde gutted the Jets for 193 yards on just 17 carries, and SanFrancisco gained 248 total yards on the ground. No matter how you felt the Jets would finish theseason, we all agreed that their defensive line was special. Yeah. The Jets needed everysecond of regulation just to tie the game, with a Nick Folk’s 51-yard field goal wobbling throughthe uprights with 38 seconds left.

Then, as with all awful teams, the 49ers failed to advance on fourth down, needing just twoyards, and the Jets took it from there.

If there’s a silver lining to this game for Gang Green, it’s that Powell keeps running like a starter,if not a star. The Jets are so busy trying to find an all-world running back, they may not realizethey already have one on the roster.

But if you come back to New York/New Jersey with any sense of evolution or revolution, you arewoefully misguided. The Jets are 4-9 for a reason. When you consider how much better the Jetswere last year, and how humiliated they were last week, you expected more than a nail-biteragainst a now-1-12 football team.

Nothing substantial happened between 2015 and 2016 that would explain this galling mutationfrom contender to pretender to bartender — a vocation many current Jets may apply for in theoffseason.

Follow Jason on Twitter at @JasonKeidel

2016-12-12 08:50 newyork.cbslocal.com

164 /246 3.0 'We are failing the elephants'

At least that's how Iremember it. I was 7.

I'm wedged between acousin and my father, mygrandmother perchedbehind. We are in the backof an open pickup near thebanks of the Olifants Riverin South Africa.

"Drive! " we shout at myuncle in the cab, bangingon the roof.

But banging on the roof is our signal to stop.

The truck stops and the elephant is right behind us. We can see the milk discharging from herteats. Her newborn is somewhere hidden in the bushes.

My dad pulls out an antique double-barreled shotgun. He loads it with birdshot to fire in the air.

"Don't shoot the elephant," my gran cries and smacks him.

It would be like shooting an elephant with a tic-tac.

I am crying, and so is my cousin. We smell the elephant musk; we can see the horizon throughits legs.

My uncle sees the elephant looming in his rearview mirror. He hits the accelerator.

Outrunning the charging animal, we bounce along the dirt track. Shortly after, she turns back.

We are safe. Right around the corner, the truck's axle breaks in an aardvark hole.

My family often recounts this story. And from that incident, I learned elephants had to berespected -- even feared.

It means no worries

Imagine my alarm, then, nearly 30 years later, when I am assigned by CNN to a story in theMaasai Mara in Kenya.

The guide drives right up to a breeding herd of elephants in the grasslands and promptlyswitches off the engine.

"Shouldn't we keep it on," I say, "and maybe not be so close. "

"The elephants here are relaxed," he smiles, "Hakuna Matata. "

Meaning: "No worries. "

I can't understand it. The elephants don't charge. They do not seem agitated, as has been myexperience. They completely ignore us.

To be sure, elephants can be dangerous -- and sometimes deadly. But in this section of theMara, there hasn't been hunting for decades. They are used to the tourist vehicles.

The game farm from my childhood near Olifants bordered a hunting reserve to the west. At thetime, they still culled elephants in Kruger National Park to the east.

The elephants knew.

"Elephants have a cognitive sense of where they are safe and where they are at risk," MikeChase, the lead scientist on the Great Elephant Census, told me on a recent trip to Botswana,where he's been tracking elephant movements for years. The census is a pioneering pan-African aerial survey that aims to count the continent's savanna elephant populations.

"This is really the front line, this is as far as they come, they will no longer move across easternNamibia into Angola and Zambia, fearful of the consequences of poaching," says Chase.

As poaching rises, the elephants know to stay away.

And they remember.

No, they don't forget

It's sometimes tempting to anthropomorphize -- to give an animal human characteristics -- butthe more I speak to people about elephants, the more elephants seem special.

I met up with Chase with Ingrid Formanek, one of CNN's most experienced field producers.

Ingrid's connection to Botswana runs deep.

In 1999 she moved to Maun, on the doorstep of the Okavango Delta, to document therehabilitation of elephants. She lived there on and off for five years.

Ingrid recounts the story of an elephant orphaned in the Kruger culls, called Shireni.

Shireni's handler taught her a trick: to remove her handler's hat with her trunk and to put it on herown head and then to put it back on her handler's. Ingrid observed as the elephant learned thebehavior.

Nearly a decade later, Ingrid went back and saw Shireni.

"She remembered me with that simple gesture. She took the hat off my head and put it on hers.She then put it back. She made the link to that time in our lives," says Ingrid. ""Shireni hadn'tdone that in all the interim years. I was amazed, and truth be told, flattered. "

Anybody who has studied or worked with elephants has their own stories about how sharpelephant memories are.

Experts like Dame Daphne Sheldrick, who has rescued hundreds of orphaned calves, talksabout elephants remembering people years later, and the things that happened to them -- goodand bad.

Sheldrick speaks of elephants reintroduced to the wild who have returned years, sometimesdecades, later for help with an injury or just to say "hello. "

Vanishing herds

Despite their obvious emotional intelligence and survival instincts, elephants can't escape theravages of humans.

Before European colonization, scientists believe that Africa may have held as many as 20million elephants; by 1979 only 1.3 million remained -- and the Great Elephant Census revealedthis year that things have gotten far worse.

Africa's savannah elephant population has been devastated, with just 352,271 animals in thecountries surveyed, far lower than previous estimates.

In the seven years between 2007 and 2014, numbers plummeted by at least 30%, or 144,000elephants.

And the specific cases are even more disturbing: In the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, andMozambique's Niassa Reserve, elephant populations have plummeted by more than 75% in thepast 10 years as poachers cut down family herds, according to the survey.

"When you think of how many elephants occurred in areas 10 or 20 years ago, it's incrediblydisheartening," says Chase.

"Historically these ecosystems supported many thousands of elephants compared to the fewhundreds or tens of elephants we counted. "

In Botswana, elephants were long thought to be safe. It was part of southern Africa's "haven" thatcomprises 60% of all savannah elephants counted in the census.

But the ivory poaching wars, driven primarily by Asian demand, are on its doorstep.

Botswana is fighting an unconventional war to try to stop the slaughter, with the BotswanaDefense Force mobilized throughout the border region.

More than 700 specially trained soldiers are stationed in 40 bases in the far north.

That protection no longer seems enough.

A new memory

From a distance, it appears the elephant could be resting. But the smell reveals the truth.

A once glorious bull lies lifeless in a dry section of the Linyanti swamp in Botswana. His facehacked off by poachers.

As we approach, we see the tusks have been taken. The trunk is 10 paces from the body. Thecarcass is perhaps two or three days old. And it is just one of more than 20 we have counted inLinyanti in just over 48 hours.

Now, with current rates of poaching, they will be wiped out from some of their range states.

They could even go locally extinct, says Chase.

"I've been asked if I'm optimistic or pessimistic about the future of Africa's elephants," he says,"and on days like today, I feel that we are failing the elephants. "

This horrific scene could be the only way we remember them.

2016-12-12 08:46 Story by rss.cnn.com

165 /246 2.4 Keith Lewin is suing GlaxoSmithKline for damages

after 'being poisoned by doctors'A disabled solicitor who faces the rest of his life in a wheelchair because he was inadvertentlypoisoned by doctors as a child is suing drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline for millions in damages, theHigh Court heard. Keith Lewin, 59, suffered with back pain since his childhood but his healthissues spiralled out of control in middle age and led to a devastating diagnosis in 2012. He was

told he had adhesivearachnoiditis, a rare spinalcondition which causesdebilitating pain and whichhas left Mr Lewin tetraplegicand confined to a wheelchair.Mr Lewin, of Farington Moss,near Preston, claims that theblame lies in a procedure heunderwent as a 15-year-oldboy at Merseyside's WhistonHospital. There, medicsinjected a 'contrast agent'called myodil into his spine sothat it could be better viewed on an x-ray. But the procedure did not reveal the source of MrLewin's pain and instead led to his disability decades later, his legal team claims. When heunderwent an operation in 2013, a surgeon found the yellow oily myodil still inside his spine, theHigh Court heard. Suing myodil's maker and supplier GlaxoSmithKline for compensation, MrLewin claims it should have been withdrawn for use in diagnostic procedures years before itfinally was in 1988. 'He has suffered devastating injury,' his barrister Simeon Maskrey QC toldMr Justice Goss. 'And its attributability is clear to him and the surgeon who discovered myodil inhis spine.' Myodil was used as a contrast medium in imaging of the back from the 1940s,allowing medics to better identify problems around the spine. Mr Lewin's lawyers claim it had notbeen sufficiently tested and, even if it could be used, Glaxo should have warned that it must onlybe in the most extreme cases. A 'better' warning should also have been given about the need toremove the 'unstable and toxic' myodil immediately after x-rays, his lawyers claim. The drugsgiant denies all of the allegations and is trying to have Mr Lewin's case thrown out. Glaxobarrister, Jonathan Waite QC, argues that Mr Lewin has left it far too late to sue over somethingwhich happened so long ago. He should have suspected by 1977 that he was suffering from thecondition and took action to begin a claim before 1983, he said. Mr Maskrey told the court thatthe first symptoms of adhesive arachnoiditis which Mr Lewin had were in 2007 when he felt asudden excruciating pain while out walking. But pointing to entries in the 20-year-old Mr Lewin'sdiaries back in 1977, Mr Waite said the possibility of arachnoiditis was on his mind even then.The young man, who was still being investigated for the cause of his back pain, had written ofhaving 'some symptoms' of a condition which he spelled 'racnoiditas', said the barrister. Thatmust have come from either his orthopaedic surgeon or GP and should have been the momentwhen he began to investigate whether he could make a claim. That he instead left it until he hada diagnosis three decades later meant his claim was 'time-barred' by the Limitation Act andshould automatically fail. 'Glaxo's case is that the information about arachnoiditis imparted tohim in 1977 was what should have prompted him, as a reasonable person, to be curiousenough to start investigating what the cause of this might have been,' said Mr Waite. But MrMaskrey said Mr Lewin had been told of a variety of possible causes of his pain in the mid andlate 1970s, of which arachnoiditis was only one. The pain he had suffered in those days wastotally different from that which led to the discovery in 2012 that he had the condition, hecontinued. Mr Maskrey said the earliest time in which Mr Lewin could have begun investigatinga potential claim was 2007, but that he only had 'actual knowledge' of potential for damages in2012. That meant he was in time when he launched his claim and it should continue - unlessGlaxo, with its 'vast financial reserves', decides to settle, he said. Mr Lewin's arachnoiditis, whichcauses inflammation of the membranes which surround the spinal cord, has left him severelydisabled. He suffers from debilitating pain and is confined to a motorised wheelchair both insideand outside his home. He has had to make extensive adaptations to his home and his partner

provides care. The condition is permanent and the prognosis is said to be 'poor', the court heard.In 1995, Glaxo settled - without any admission of liability in relation to myodil - 426 claims whichwere due to go to court. The judge reserved his decision on Glaxo's bid to have Mr Lewin's claimthrown out until a later date.

2016-12-12 08:43 Martin Robinson www.dailymail.co.uk

166 /246 4.0 Democratic Congressman: Electors Should Consider

‘Foreign Interference’ Reports Before Casting VotesNEW YORK – Members ofthe Electoral Collegeshould have the right toconsider the alleged impactof Russian interference inthe U. S. presidentialelection when they casttheir votes on December19, a Democraticcongressman has asserted.“To the extent that foreigninterference in the UnitedStates presidential

elections may have influenced the final result, I believe the electors have the right to considerthat,” Rep. David Cicilline (D-R. I.) told POLITICO in a statement on Saturday.

Politico further reported :

Cicilline appears to be the first member of Congress and the highest-ranking elected official inthe country to endorse the notion that electors aren’t simply rubber stamps for their states’popular vote. Earlier Saturday, he retweeted a Rhode Island-based national security expert whoargued that the intelligence community “must brief electoral college about Russia before vote.”

Cicilline was referring to reports in the Washington Post and New York Times claiming Moscowinterfered in the presidential election to help Donald Trump win — a contention the President-elect called “ridiculous” in an interview on Sunday.

Cicilline’s comments come after a Democratic presidential elector from California filed a lawsuitaiming to overturn a California statute that requires him and the states’ other electors to supportthe winner of the popular vote in the state with the aim of voting for someone else. The lawsuit,the second of its kind nationwide, is clearly part of an effort to set a legal precedent to free anyrogue Republican electors in other states to cast their ballots for someone other than Trump.

Read more

2016-12-12 08:35 - www.infowars.com

167 /246 4.2 Festive eggnog scones for your holiday breakfast

My junior year of college I studied abroad in London and, while I generally try to stay away fromstories that start with "this one timewhen I studied abroad.... " at the riskof being that person, I can't talkabout scones and not talk aboutLondon. So, sorry bout it. While Iwas there, I interned at a smalltheatre/actor center and on my lastday the office staff, who werehorrified to learn that I had neverhad a 'proper' English tea, surprisedme with a cream tea complete withscones, jam and a whole lot ofopinions about how they should beeaten. I guess scone eating method differs by region and, since they were all from different partsof the country, a non-stop scone debate broke out regularly. So for my farewell tea they eachinstructed me on how to eat my scones (just jam, jam then cream, cream then jam....) and waitedpatiently for me to choose a winner. I don't even remember who I picked and I sincerely hopethey never read this because, real talk: they all tasted exactly the same to my scone-basicAmerican palate. But it was still one of my favorite parts of the semester. The fact that caredenough to bake me scones, teach me about their traditions and how they ate scones growingup, and ruthlessly defend plain jam vs. cream and jam made me so happy. And now I just wantto cry a little. And also go back to London.

Scones were also one of the first things that I learned to make when I started working at thebakery. Naturally that made me all London-weepy but it also introduced me to my own sconebeliefs. I don't have much feeling about what gets spread on them, but I've got lots of feelingabout what is put in them. There are so many scone recipes out there. Some use just eggs.Some use just cream. Some use milk. But I am here to tell you, the very best scones are theones that use eggs and heavy cream. Nothing compares to a dry, craggy, slightly sweet sconeand you can't quite get there without both. Also very important: do not overmix. It is so easy toovermix a scone and when you pull them out of the oven and feel like you're munching on a rockyou'll know what went wrong. When you turn the dough out onto the counter knead it once topull everything together (extra bits of flour, little stray add-ins etc.), then once more before foldingit over and shaping it into a ball. Any more than that and you will lose some of that tender, flaky,crumbliness.

I do make one exception to my eggs and cream rule and that is eggs and eggnog. The sameconsistency of cream but with holiday flavor coming out it's ears. I also had to add in someeggnog glaze because just a little eggnog is never enough. If boozy eggnog is your thing, youcan substitute rum extract for the vanilla in the scones and add a splash or two of rum to theglaze. Just be sure to pour a little of the extra eggnog in your moose mug.

Mini Eggnog Scones

Makes 16 mini scones

| Ingredients |

Eggnog glaze:

| Instructions |

The post Mini Eggnog Scones appeared originally on The Whole Bite.

RELATED: Can't go wrong with a great holiday cocktail

More from The Whole Bite : Chocolate Peppermint S'mores Chocolate Cupcakes with RosemaryButtercream Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows

2016-12-12 08:35 AOL Staff www.aol.com

168 /246 94.6 Colombia: brutal rape and death of girl shockscountry marred by crime

E ven in a country oftennumbed by outbreaks ofviolence and heinouscrime, the brutal death of aseven-year-old indigenousgirl has horrified Colombia.

Yuliana Andrea Samboníwas playing with a cousinoutside her family’s breeze-block home on the morningof 4 December in a poorneighbourhood of Bogotá

when a man in a grey SUV snatched her from the street and sped away. Her body was found 10hours later, raped, tortured and strangled, in the machine room of a hot tub at a nearby luxurypenthouse.

The crime prompted outrage and street protests against a killing that has highlighted deep classdivides.

The suspect, Rafael Uribe Noguera, is from a wealthy family of lawyers and architects andattended one of Bogotá’s most exclusive schools. Yuliana and her family moved to the city fouryears ago from southern Cauca province, which is rife with violence linked to Colombia’songoing civil conflict. Her father worked in construction and her mother was five monthspregnant with her third child.

The neighbourhood of winding, unpaved streets and homes built precariously on steep hillsideswhere Yuliana lived overlooks a wealthy district of fashionable apartment buildings and stylishrestaurants known as Chapinero Alto, where she died.

“The people from Chapinero Alto were always worrying about their safety because of that poorbarrio, and all the time it was the people from the barrio that should have been worrying aboutthose below,” said Enrique Caceres, a taxi driver.

Prosecutors charged 38-year-old Uribe, an architect, with aggravated femicide, torture,abduction and rape. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Investigators told local media itappeared a second person might have been involved in the crime.

Yuliana was buried on Friday in her home town after funeral services held in Bogotá onWednesday attracted throngs of mourners and protesters who released white balloons as hercoffin was escorted from the church by female police officers.

Five days after her death, the case took a bizarre twist when a key witness – Fernando Merchan,the doorman of the building where Yuliana was killed – was found dead in his home. AlthoughMerchan’s daughter found a suicide note, police said they had not ruled out foul play. “My littledaughters forgive me … but I do not want to return to jail. I don’t want to ruin your Christmas, Iam innocent,” Merchan allegedly wrote in the note he left, according to Semana newsmagazine.

Officials allege Uribe and at least one other person tried to cover up the crime scene. Accordingto Merchan’s log and a statement he made to police, Uribe’s brother Francisco and sisterCatalina spent several hours with him in the apartment where Yuliana was found before callingthe police, although they knew officials were searching for the girl. The pair were questioned onFriday and have been not charged.

Francisco Uribe told local media he was “deeply sorry” for what happened. “We deeply lamentthe death of Yuliana,” he said. “We apologise for my brother.”

As soon as Yuliana was taken, her cousin who was with her alerted her parents, who called thepolice. The police managed to identify the vehicle, which was registered in the name ofFrancisco Uribe, a partner in one of Colombia’s most prominent law firms. He told police he hadsold it to his brother Rafael but was unable to contact him.

Francisco Uribe notified police hours later that Yuliana’s body was at a vacant penthouseapartment owned by the family, after taking his brother to the hospital for treatment of a cocaineoverdose. Prosecutors allege Rafael Uribe consumed a large quantity of drugs after the crimeswere committed.

Rafael Uribe, who was arrested on Tuesday at the hospital where he had been treated, is beingheld in isolation in Bogotá’s La Picota prison.

“I demand, as Colombians demand, the most prompt and severe justice that falls on the personresponsible for this murder,” said the president, Juan Manuel Santos.

The crime has sparked nationwide calls for harsher penalties for child rapists in a country whereas many as 40 children are sexually abused every day, according to official statistics. Whilesome protesters demanded chemical castration for rapists, others pressed for mandatory lifesentences. Colombia made femicide – defined as a gender-based hate crime involving thekilling of women – a crime in 2015.

Under Colombia’s existing laws, which do not stipulate the death penalty or life sentences,Uribe faces up to 50 years in prison if convicted.

Critics of Santos – who received the Nobel peace prize on Saturday for ending a 52-year warwith Farc rebels in a peace deal signed on 24 November – noted that while Uribe could facehalf a century in jail if convicted, a special justice system agreed in the peace deal meansguerrillas could escape prison despite widespread allegations of sexual abuse.

Prosecutors have documented at least 232 cases in which boys and girls in Farc ranks sufferedsexual crimes at the hands of guerrillas, including rape, forced sterilisation, forced abortion, and

other kinds of sexual violence.

María Fernanda Cabal, a rightwing congresswoman, was criticised for politicising an issue onwhich all Colombians should come together. “They ask for a life sentence for the degenerateRafael Uribe Noguera and then justify and defend the Farc. Selective justice?” she tweeted.

2016-12-12 08:33 Sibylla Brodzinsky www.theguardian.com

169 /246 1.6 Man Stole Car With Toddler In Back Seat

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 24-year-old man stole awoman’s car with her 3-year-old niece in the backseat Saturday afternoon inthe Marquette Parkneighborhood on theSouthwest Side,prosecutors said.

A 26-year-old woman wasunloading groceries about12:45 p.m. Saturday in the7100 block of SouthSawyer when Oscar Cervantes got in the driver seat, used a 9-inch steak knife to start theNissan Sentra and drove off, Cook County prosecutors said during a bail hearing Sunday.

Cervantes then noticed the toddler asleep in the back seat, pulled over about a mile away andplaced the girl in her car seat on a curb in the 6600 block of South Fairfield, prosecutors said.

“You left her on the side of the road in the cold?” Judge James R. Brown asked Cervantes, whoshook his head. She was unhurt when officers found her about 15 minutes later.

About the same time, Cook County sheriff’s officers found Cervantes asleep at the wheel of thecar in the 3100 block of West Columbus, prosecutors said.

Cervantes, of the 3700 block of West 75th Place, was charged with a felony count of possessionof a stolen vehicle and misdemeanor counts of child endangerment, cannabis possession anddriving with a revoked license.

Brown set bail at $900,000. Cervantes is due in court again Dec. 16.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2016. All Rights Reserved. This materialmay not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

2016-12-12 08:31 chicago.cbslocal.com

170 /246 1.1 Tesla settles Norway lawsuit over car's performance

OSLO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Electric carmaker Tesla Motors Inc has reached an out-of-court

settlement with 126 Norwegian customers who claimed their cars'performance did not match promises made in the firm's marketing.Lawyers for the owners and the company told the Oslo District Court in ajoint letter they wanted to withdraw the case which had been due to starton Monday, a court spokeswoman said. Kaspar Nygaard Thommessen ofOslo-based law firm Wikborg Rein, who represented the car owners, told

Reuters a settlement had been reached in recent days and the case had been resolved. Hedeclined to provide details of the settlement. Norwegian business newspaper DagensNaeringsliv (DN) said on Sunday Tesla had agreed to pay 65,000 Norwegian crowns ($7,700)to each car owner, about half of what they demanded, or allow them to choose from alternativeoptions, including car upgrades. Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request forcomment. The case involved Tesla's Model S P85D, which the car owners said had a lowerhorsepower than stated by Tesla. The company has denied misleading the buyers. While theModel S PD85 is no longer offered in Norway, similar Tesla Model S cars range from $95,000for the 90D version to $135,000 for the P100D, according to the company's Norwegian pricewebsite. Most buyers will also pay for add-ons that raise the price further. Norway is among theworld's top markets for electric cars thanks to generous government subsidies aimed atincreasing the electrification of transport. The registration of new Tesla cars in Norway fell by 24percent in the first 11 months of 2016 compared with 2015, according to data from lobby groupRoad Traffic Information Council (OFV). ($1 = 8.4407 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by NerijusAdomaitis Editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Potter)

2016-12-12 08:27 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

171 /246 2.8 Iraq to abide by OPEC cut, expects output growth in

futureBy Rania El Gamal VIENNA, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Iraq is committed tocutting its production to comply with a global pact to support prices, thecountry's oil minister said, adding he was nevertheless confident OPEC'sNo. 2 producer has the potential to boost its output in coming years. Iraq isreviewing several options to implement the reduction, including cuts fromKirkuk oilfield, southern fields being developed by oil majors or otherstate-run areas, Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi said in an interview. "The cuts will aim at the figureswe agreed with OPEC definitely, but (for) the areas of the cuts there are many options on thetable," Luaibi told Reuters on Saturday. Last month, OPEC agreed to cut output by 1.2 millionbpd from January 2017. Baghdad, which has called to be exempted from OPEC restrictions as itneeds the income to fight Islamic State, would reduce its output by around 200,000 barrels perday to 4.351 million bpd. Luaibi said his ministry was in discussions with foreign companiesoperating Iraq's giant southern fields to implement some cuts during scheduled maintenance."Some IOCs will have maintenance requirements in some limited places in some fields... so thisis a good opportunity to do them," he said. Iraq's production in December will be slightly higherthan November's, Luaibi said. "I can assure you that our production, I am talking withconfidence, has reached the level of 4.8 million bpd. " Iraq has accepted a lower productionreference level as part of the OPEC deal that estimated its output at 4.561 million bpd. Luaibisaid Baghdad has agreed to a lower level estimate because "We want OPEC to unite, so the oilprice and the global market balance and improve. " "But at the back of our minds, we areconfident that this was not (the) real production level, however, we hope this would becompensated with the improvement of the prices," he said. BUILDING CAPACITY Iraq has

signed deals with majors such as Exxon Mobil , BP and Royal Dutch Shell to develop its fields.Production has almost doubled to around 4.7 million bpd this year, from 2.4 million bpd at thestart of the decade. But the growth has lagged the initial forecasts of production at 9 million bpdby 2018, rivalling Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter and OPEC's biggest producer. Heldback by red tape, infrastructure constraints and difficult contract terms, Iraq is now targeting amore modest 5.5 million to 6 million bpd by 2020. Oil companies operate in the southernoilfields under service contracts, whereby they are paid a fixed dollar fee for additional volumesproduced. Iraq has been in talks with the companies to link the fees they receive to crude prices.Luaibi said some companies are asking for revisions in some clauses of the contracts and hisministry was working with a consultancy in Finland over the revised contracts. "We will seesomething new happening in 2017 that would please the IOCs and safeguard our interests," hesaid. Luaibi, who became oil minister earlier this year and has served previously as directorgeneral of South Oil Company which produces most of the nation's oil, has made boosting Iraq'sproduction a priority. He said Iraq's target was to boost its output potential to 6 million by 2020. "Ithink the 9 million bpd will be sort of appropriate after 2030," he said. To help Iraq reach thattarget, it needs water injection to enhance oil recovery, and a crucial multi-billion-dollar waterproject that has been delayed for years is now being revived with a capacity of 5 million bpd ofwater. "We put it on a fast-track," Luaibi said, adding there will be a tender "within this month, ifnot, then next month. " (Editing by Alexander Smith)

2016-12-12 08:25 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

172 /246 0.8 CA reverses decision dismissing QC exec Paulate et

al.The Court of Appealsreversed the decision of theOffice of the Ombudsmandismissing former actor andQuezon City councilorRoderick Paulate and hiscolleague in connectionwith allegations ofmaintaining “ghostemployees” in the payroll ofthe Quezon City Council.

In a 17-page decision bythe CA’s 5th division

through Associate Justice Stephen Cruz, the court granted the petition for review filed bycouncilor Paulate and Francisco Calalay, Jr. and liaison officer Vicente Bajamunde.

The ruling reversed and set aside the decision dated Feb. 25, 2015 of the Ombudsman sackingCalalay, Paulate and Bajamunde and Flordeliza Acuña Alvarez from the service for falsificationof official documents, serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the bestinterest of the service.

The appeals court said the Ombudsman failed “to adequately prove any link between petitionersand the alleged illegal transaction.”

“They may have signed and issued certifications in furtherance thereto. However, they merelyrelied in good faith on their subordinates. Further, there was no substantial evidence to provethat petitioners planned and conspired to defraud the government and benefit therefrom,” theCA said.

The case stemmed after the Ombudsman in May approved the recommendation made by theField Investigation Office (FIO) to conduct a formal investigation on the complaint filed by acertain Jimmy Lee Davis through counsel former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

2016-12-12 00:00 Tetch Torres newsinfo.inquirer.net

173 /246 2.3 VIDEO: A ‘Normal’ Night in Chicago (With Gunshots

Going Off Constantly)In this viral video said toshow what “daily nights”are like in Chicago, analmost constant stream ofgunshots can be heardgoing off in the city.

The video was sharedSunday on LiveLeak.

Locals have recently takento calling the place“Chiraq,” as it’s pretty mucha war zone.

As you watch and listen, rest assured President-elect Donald Trump’s claim African Americansare “living in hell” in cities like Chicago and Detroit is a racist conspiracy theory with no basis infact.

2016-12-12 08:22 - www.infowars.com

174 /246 1.9 'The best present!!' Jonathan Rhys Meyers is set to be

a father for the first time as his fianceé Mara Lanedebuts her baby bump in sweet festive snaps

Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyer is set to be a first time father. The Irish actor's fianceé confirmed thehappy news to followers on Instagram on Sunday. Posing in a festive themed shoot, she sweetlycompared her blossoming bump to Santa Claus' belly. She wrote: '#IncomingPackage bestpresent. #ThankYouLord #SantaBelly.' She also updated another snap of her showing off herpregnancy figure in a floaty maternity dress. Posing next to a decorated Christmas tree, shewrote: 'Our other official prego wego dress.' Mara also revealed that she hasn't been able to eatmeat the entire pregnancy, and thanked her baby for being 'connected & aware'. She added:'Baby... is super conscious, connected & aware. Has not let me eat much meat entire pregnancyeither... has me thinking about things I'd rather live in ignorance to. #thankful for my soon to be

best teacher and friend.' Thecouple reportedly becameengaged back in late 2014, butthey have never confirmedpublicly. They began dating inearly 2013. It was rumoured inSeptember that the pair hadsecretly tied the knot after TheTudors hunk was spottedwearing a gold band on aphotoshoot. He was also seenwearing the jewellery inanother snap featured onMara's Instagram. She hinted

at marriage again when she changed her account to read 'Mara & Toca Lane Rhys Meyers', inreference to the couple's dog.

2016-12-12 08:21 Marc Jackson www.dailymail.co.uk

175 /246 0.0 ‘I blocked and reported a number of social media

users': Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle pens aVERY honest essay addressing the racism she hasendured from online trolls

Prince Harry's girlfriendMeghan Markle has penned apowerful essay addressingsocial media trolls. Meghan,35, has opened up about thebacklash she received overthe producers of Suits decisionto cast black actor WendellPierce to play her on-screenfather. In an essay for Elle UKmagazine, she wrote: 'Iremember the tweets whenthat first episode of the Zanefamily aired, they ran thegamut from: "Why would they make her dad black? She's not black" to "Ew, she's black? I usedto think she was hot. "' The American actress says that the few tweets she was aware of spokevolumes of the racism still at large in the US. She continued: 'The reaction was unexpected, butspeaks of the undercurrent of racism that is so prevalent, especially within America.' Meghan-who has been dating Prince Harry for eight months - says in order to show she is above onlinebullies she made the decision to find her own 'identity' and she continues to push for positivechange when it comes to racism in Hollywood. She added: 'You push for colour-blind casting,you draw your own box … you create the identity you want for yourself, just as my ancestors didwhen they were given their freedom.' Meghan's essay comes after her beau Prince Harryslammed trolls for attacking his girlfriend and her family. The 32-year-old royal said he was

'deeply disappointed' that he has not been able to protect Meghan from the 'wave of abuse andharassment' she has suffered since their romance was made public. A statement released byKensington Palace read: 'His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuseand harassment. 'Some of this has been very public ... the outright sexism and racism of socialmedia trolls and web article comments. 'Prince Harry is worried about Ms Markle's safety and isdeeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months intoa relationship with him that Ms Markle should be subjected to such a storm. 'He knowscommentators will say this is 'the price she has to pay' and that 'this is all part of the game'. Hestrongly disagrees. This is not a game - it is her life and his.' Meghan's relatives were alsobombarded with messages and questions after the news of their romance broke. And thebrother of Prince William also insisted he has 'never been comfortable' with the curiosity aroundhis love life. In a statement, the spokesperson added: 'Since he was young, Prince Harry hasbeen very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. 'Hefeels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privilegedlife he leads. 'He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He hasnever been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level ofmedia interest that comes with it.'

2016-12-12 08:21 Martha Cliff www.dailymail.co.uk

176 /246 0.8 The mystery of the Sherlock baby name is finally

revealed in a newspaper announcement as fans try towork out a tantalising clue about the detective and hisphone

It is a show that keeps viewersguessing right up until the endof the closing credits. AndSherlock fans were sent into afrenzy today when producersquietly offered yet another clueabout the upcoming fourthseason. The name of JohnWatson's newborn child wasrevealed in an announcementin the Daily Telegraph's births,deaths and marriages registertoday. It read: 'Congratulations!To John and Mary Watson on

the birth of their beautiful baby daughter, Rosamund Mary Watson. 'From your friends, Mrs.Hudson, Molly and Sherlock, although he hasn’t helped us with this at all as he’s always on hisphone.' The short notice sparked an online debate between fans, with some questioning thesignificance of the baby's name. One fan wrote on Twitter: 'Rosamund Mary Watson? Interestingchoice. also hmmm I wonder who chucked the "Mary" in there...' Another posted: 'RosamundWatson has the same initials as Rachel Wilson who was the stillborn girl in a Study In Pink.' Athird tweeted: 'I'm doing research and I have discovered there was a Victorian poet namedRosamund Marriot Watson. Might be interesting.' Others speculated over whether the line aboutSherlock being 'always on his phone' was a hint at the upcoming storyline. It came as a new

trailer premiered today shows the detective having to face up to his inner demons. BenedictCumberbatch's titular character is shown in various states of unease and stress as the villainousToby Jones taunts him with the threat of his darkest secrets being unleashed on his friends. Thefirst episode of Sherlock series four will air on BBC 1 on January 1, 2017. The plot will unfoldaround the vandalism of six artworks depicting a former prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. Thestory is based on Conan Doyle's The Adventure of the Six Napoleons, in which busts of theFrench leader were mysteriously being smashed.

2016-12-12 08:21 Stephanie Linning www.dailymail.co.uk

177 /246 3.4 Burglar Steals 50-Inch TV In Bronx Church Break-In

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — Policeare searching for a manwanted for questioning inconnection to a burglary ata church in the Bronxearlier this year.

Police say the burglar stolea 50-inch television fromthe Fulton Avenue Churchof God in Morrisania ataround 7:45 p.m. on Nov.23.

The man then fled the scene.

Police say the burglar was able to get into the church by breaking in through a side door.

Surveillance video depicts the suspect as a man with a beard.

The NYPD is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 577-TIPS, logging on to their website at http://www. NYPDCrimeStoppers.com or by texting their tipsto 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577. Tips can remain anonymous.

2016-12-12 08:19 newyork.cbslocal.com

178 /246 0.9 Argentina Bets on Farmers to Spur Economic Growth

GENERAL ALVEAR, Argentina—Since President Maurico Macri took office a year ago, hismarket-friendly policies haven't jump-started Argentina’s ailing economy. Overall output isshrinking, unemployment stubbornly high and industrial production tanking.

But it is a different story out on the green pastures that once made this country rich. Argentina’svaunted grain farmers, hamstrung for more than a decade by price controls at home and...

2016-12-12 08:16 Taos Turner www.wsj.com

179 /246 2.6 Next year's

hot destinationsareKAZAKHSTANand INVERNESS

Inverness is set to welcome a surgeof visitors next year, new figuresshow. The Scottish city was namedeighth on a list of the top destinationsfor European travellers in 2017,based on growth in forward bookings

compared with last year. Atravel firm recorded astaggering 80 per centincrease in demand forInverness. EDreams Odigeo,the parent company ofeDreams and Opodo, in itsEuropean Traveller InsightsReport revealed thatInverness, often regarded asthe capital of the Highlands, isset for a larger tourism boostthan locations such as Fez,Morocco (75 per cent), andHanoi, Vietnam (67 per cent). The company believes this demand could be fuelled by the fall inthe value of sterling following the EU referendum, and British Airways reinstating its dailyHeathrow-Inverness flights in May for the first time in nearly 20 years. Turin in northern Italycame top of the list with a 316 per cent rise in bookings for next year, followed by Astana,Kazakhstan (176 per cent), Rotterdam, the Netherlands (174 per cent) and Havana, Cuba (134per cent). Dana Dunne, chief executive of eDreams Odigeo, said: 'Increased accessibility hasoffered a boost to many destinations. 'Turin has seen an increase in flight routes across Europe,which may well have contributed to its significant rise in bookings, while the recent lift in UStravel restrictions to Cuba seems to have had a knock-on effect, also attracting visitors fromacross the rest of the world. 'Furthermore, it's particularly interesting to see Inverness make thetop ten for 2017, with European travellers perhaps drawn to explore new UK destinationsfollowing the fall of the pound.'

2016-12-12 08:11 Ted Thornhill www.dailymail.co.uk

180 /246 3.2 Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan to swap Dundalk for

PrestonPreston have signed two of the stars of Dundalk's impressive European run this season incentre-back Andy Boyle and winger Daryl Horgan.

The pair, who were bothcalled up to Martin O'Neill'sRepublic of Ireland squadfor the first time last month,have agreed two-and-a-half year contracts atDeepdale and will joinPreston on January 1 whenthe transfer window opens.

Boyle, 25, made over 150appearances for Dundalkwhile Horgan, 24, scored27 goals in 132 games -

helping the Irish champions reach the final qualifying round of the Champions League beforecompeting in the Europa League group stage.

Both players will require international clearance before they are eligible to play for their newclub.

Preston manager Simon Grayson was delighted to see off competition for the duo's signatures.

"First and foremost, we have signed two players who have attracted a lot of interest from a lot ofclubs over the past few weeks and months and we have had to work hard to get them, whichshows our intent as a football club," he said.

"Both players have had great seasons in their league and in Europe, leading to their call-ups forthe Irish squad. They are young, hungry and looking to improve and will be excellentacquisitions for us.

"They both have the desire to keep improving and joining a Championship club is the nextprogression for them - we have always tried to improve and we look forward to working withthem. "

Boyle, who captained Dundalk during their Europa League fixtures, admitted the move was afitting end to a memorable year.

"I can't wait to get started," he said. "Once I heard Preston were interested in me and I got overand had a look around it was the only place I wanted to come to. I knew of the history of the cluband I am now really looking forward to getting going.

"We have had a great run with Dundalk in Europe and won the league and then I got theinternational call-up, so it has been a great year and this has capped it off. "

Horgan added: " It is a good team who like to try and play football, which was key for me. I metthe manager and I was impressed by everything that he had to say, so that all helped massively,it just all seemed to fit and hopefully I can fit in here. "

2016-12-12 08:11 Press Association www.independent.ie

181 /246

181 /246 1.8 Pittsburgh Steelers Le'Veon Bell putting past

problems behind himORCHARD PARK, N. Y. --When Le'Veon Bell got hitwith a three-game drugsuspension in August -- hissecond such ban in asmany years -- many,including myself, wonderedabout his free-agencyvalue and future with theteam.

Now you wonder where theSteelers would be withoutBell.

Bell has used the past 10 games to re-establish himself as one of the game's premier playersand extinguish his past problems with every cutback and spin move. His franchise-record 236rushing yards Sunday at Buffalo accentuated an already stellar season that is becoming onegenerous mea culpa for his past off-field miscues.

Forget contract year. The 2017 free agent is having contract games. Bell is averaging anoutlandish 161.6 yards per game, which over 16 games would have outdistanced ChrisJohnson's NFL season record of 2,509 yards from scrimmage.

With the help of a physical offensive line, Bell can carry this team for stretches.

Bell's getting in trouble gave the Steelers reason to ride him this season and get as muchmileage as they could in a short period of time. They are doing just that, and he keeps gettingstronger. Thirty to 40 touches are no problem for him.

The way this season is unfolding, it's hard to think the Steelers would be prepared to walk awayfrom Bell, who has made clear he plans to eschew trouble. He can be franchise tagged in 2017or signed to a long-term deal. He's 24, so the pounding he is taking -- 118 carries in his past fourgames and 166 touches in his past five -- is less of a concern.

Revealing after Bell's second suspension was the constant support from teammates who easilycould have shunned him. Instead, they talked privately about how hard he worked and the tonehe set. The situation felt very different than it did with Martavis Bryant , whose yearlongsuspension drew public frustration from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Clearly, the team was ready to give Bell more slack. He's a Mike Tomlin favorite. He ingratiatedhimself well in the locker room. Plus, his healthy return from two torn knee ligaments has beenimpressive.

That isn't to say the Steelers shouldn't be watchful of Bell because of his track record. But saveBig Ben, Bell is part of the Steelers' fabric as much as anyone right now. He plays physically,he's the team's second-best receiver, he doesn't get tired, and he deftly handles the nuances ofthe game, such as blitz pickups.

As long as Bell is by the book, he'll be chasing record books. He is now the NFL's all-time leaderin scrimmage yards per game, with 128.5 (minimum 40 games).

"I don't think there's a lot of backs who can do the things I do," Bell said.

The Steelers know this, which is why they'll want Bell to keep doing his thing for years.

2016-12-12 08:00 Jeremy Fowler www.espn.com

182 /246 0.0 What’s good for women and girls is good for L. A.

CountyOn Tuesday, Supervisors SheilaKuehl and Hilda Solis will introducea motion to create a five-yearInitiative on Women and Girls in LosAngeles County government. Itdirects all 37 county departments toaddress the disproportionatedisadvantages facing women andgirls here. If it is enacted, the countywould systematically review itsactivities and refocus resources inorder to advance women’sopportunities.

Such a comprehensive approach to promoting gender equality is unusual in the United States.But it’s not as if it’s untested. Governing with a gender perspective has become the norm indemocracies in every region of the world. And the approach is yielding promising results.

Chile’s process resulted in thousands of free daycare centers for low-income mothers who areworking, in school or seeking employment. The policy has placed more women in the labormarket, increasing incomes for families and provided better educational opportunities forchildren. Mexico analyzes part of its budget through the lens of gender, which has led to theaddition of emergency obstetric care in the national insurance plan. All in all, more than 60countries consciously consider women’s needs when they draw up budgets.

The benefits of such a policy approach go well beyond traditional women’s issues. Urbanplanners in Vienna, under a gender mandate applied to all city programs, made it a point tointerview women about their use of public transportation. They discovered that women movedbetween paid work and caregiving throughout the day, walking and using public transit morethan men, often with children in tow. In response, the city widened sidewalks. Busy intersectionswere radically redesigned to accommodate children in strollers and people using walkers. Morelighting was installed to make streets safer at night. These changes constitute “best practices” formaking cities more women-friendly while improving safety and mobility for all.

Gender-focused initiatives represent an explicit commitment to equal rights, as well as agrowing recognition that progress for women has stalled using conventional policy techniques.Anti-discrimination and equal opportunity laws — the typical approach in the United States —are indispensable, but they’re mostly aimed at punishing civil rights violations. There’s a much

wider range of proactive steps available to advance women’s equality.

Governments make unconscious gender assumptions all the time in big and small ways.Consider just one of the thousands of programs run by L. A. County — juvenile detention camps.For boys, some camps offer a Fire Academy as part of their vocational education programs, andthose who participate describe it as “a life-changing experience.” Some say they’ll considerfirefighting as a career. The program isn’t offered at the girls camps, where, until a few yearsago, the only vocational offerings were cosmetology and culinary arts. To its credit, the L. A.County Probation Department, under recent direction from the Board of Supervisors, isexpanding its programs for girls.

Kuehl and Solis’ initiative could quickly shape county policy. For example, it’s estimated thatMeasure M, the transportation package that Angelenos just passed, will create about 450,000jobs. If business as usual prevails, these jobs will go overwhelmingly to men, becauseconstruction, engineering and transit work are male-dominated professions. (Equal opportunitylaws have done little to boost women’s share of construction jobs — less than 1% of L. A.County women work in construction.) But with gender equity as a starting principle,policymakers could require simple measures that would encourage women to seek these high-paying jobs.

Metro could require construction contractors to implement robust measures to reduce sexualharassment. And training programs shouldn’t just be open to women — pre-apprenticeshipprograms, for instance, should be specifically designed to level the field for women, providingthem with prerequisite mechanical skills men often already have.

Such steps can be taken with current resources, and the payoffs can be large. A McKinseyGlobal Institute study concluded that California could add 8% to the state’s annual GDP byworking toward gender parity in the workplace, and recruiting women into male-dominatedoccupations is a key step in reaching that goal.

Integrating a gender perspective into policy could also help address deep inequities in L. A. Oneout of five women in the county live below the federal poverty line, and the incidence of povertyfor Latinas and African American women is even higher. Women make up a third of the county’shomeless population.

The experiences of women and girls — 51% of the population of Los Angeles County — aredifferent than those of men and boys. Designing everything from childcare to homeless servicesto parks programs from that perspective is not just the right thing to do, it’s smart government.

Who’s to blame for one of the worst fires in California history , Dakota Access pipelineopponents have claimed a big victory for now , Beyonce leads today’s Grammy nominationswith nine , Ben Carson is Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment , how will Hollywood speak to Trump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the manTrump has tapped him to lead the U. S. Department of Commerce , and John Glenn, the firstAmerican to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95.

John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95 , Al Gore might have gottenplayed, South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye, and the AmericanDream is more elusive than ever, a study finds .

Many Oakland warehouse fire questions are still unanswered , how will Hollywood speak toTrump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the man Trump has tapped him to lead the U. S.

Department of Commerce , and the L. A. City Council hopes to end 'mansionization.’

Flowers placed near the site of the Oakland warehouse fire. Video by Francine Orr/Los AngelesTimes

Protesting the Dakota Access pipeline (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Protesting the Dakota Access pipeline (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

2016-12-12 08:00 Jennifer M www.latimes.com

183 /246 1.1 Europe's states of disorder How the eurozone entered

a new phase of economic crisisIt is too early to gauge the full impact ofthe Austrian election and the Italianconstitutional referendum. Theincreased majority for the Green-backedcandidate in Austria shows a Europeanelectorate refusing to elect a presidentfrom an organisation that was foundedby a former SS officer. But NorbertHofer’s Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs(Austrian Freedom Party) managed tocommand nearly 47 per cent of the vote,and with this level of popular support itcould still become the country’s largestparty in parliamentary electionsscheduled to be held by September 2018, which may now well be held earlier. In that event, theFPÖ leader could become chancellor. The creeping advance of the far right across Europe mayhave paused but it has not stopped.

The crushing defeat of Matteo Renzi, the Italian prime minister, who has said he will resign afterlosing the referendum on 4 December, should be seen in a similar light. The chief beneficiarywill be Beppo Grillo’s Five Star Movement, which is demanding a referendum on Italianmembership of the eurozone and a general election early next year. Grillo’s movement is not anItalian version of the FPÖ, though it has disturbing undercurrents of anti-Semitism. But the resultcould also energise the far-right separatist Lega Nord, as well as Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia.Months of political uncertainty will derail plans to deal with Italy’s fragile banking system. If anyof these parties entered government over the coming year, the euro itself would come intoquestion.

The pattern could be repeated in France. François Hollande’s announcement on 2 Decemberthat he will not seek re-election is the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic that a presidenthas left the scene in this way. His Parti Socialiste will hold a presidential primary in January, butwith any centre-left candidate carrying the deadweight of Hollande’s presidency, the final run-offseems likely to involve two figures from the right, the Front National’s candidate, Marine Le Pen,and the candidate for the centre-right Républicains, François Fillon. Many who are suspicious –with good reason – of Le Pen’s claim to have “detoxified” her party take some comfort from thebelief that Fillon is bound to win comfortably in such a contest. Yet this is far from clear, and a

Fillon victory would not stabilise the situation in Europe. Whichever candidate prevailed, thefragmenting international order would suffer another great blow.

Formerly prime minister under Nicolas Sarkozy, Fillon has been touted as a Catholicconservative who can appeal to the provincial bourgeoisie while applying a dose of Thatcheriteshock therapy to the creaking French economic model. (Fillon is more illiberal on social issuesthan Margaret Thatcher ever was, but let that pass.) It does not take powers of clairvoyance tosee these are conflicting roles. Like neoliberalism everywhere, Thatcherite policies in Britain leftmuch of the middle class in a precarious position. Lacking job security and looking forward to anuncertain old age, most cannot remember a way of life in which they could save and plan for thefuture.

Fillon’s proposals – which include sacking half a million civil servants and slashing publicspending by €100bn over five years – would go a long way towards obliterating the middle-class way of life in France. In practice, there is no prospect of any such programme beingimplemented. Thatcherism was possible and, on its own economic terms, successful becausewhen it was imposed Britain was not trapped in deflation. Cutting public services led to higherunemployment for a while, but it did not tip the economy over the edge and into an abyss.

A similar programme would do exactly that in France today, not least because France lacks aflexible national currency that could absorb some of the strain.

The politics of the two countries are also very different. Thatcher had no serious oppositionbecause when she became Tory leader Labour had moved to the far left, and then it split withthe formation of the SDP. By contrast, Fillon faces a strong challenge from Le Pen, who willfollow the lead of the French far left in condemning his programme as economic vandalism. It isa stance that will play well with France’s powerful trade unions, which Fillon has vowed to crush,and with sections of the conservative middle classes. Having identified itself with a failing statusquo, the centre left seems to be out of the game.

France has no tradition of small-state conservatism, and hostility to market capitalism hasalways been a platform of the far right. It has been assumed that France’s multiparty, multi-phase system for electing the president would bar the far right from power indefinitely. Thestench surrounding Le Pen’s family and many of her supporters would be too much for anyFrench majority ever to put her into the Élysée Palace. But in a contest with a neoliberal at a timewhen austerity policies are discredited, this outcome can no longer be taken for granted. If she isable to communicate the risks of Fillon’s Thatcherite programme to a wide span of voters, LePen could edge closer to power in 2017 and make a convincing run for the presidency in thegeneral election after that. According to some reports, this is the result for which she and heradvisers have been hoping and planning. If the plan seems to be working in the elections nextyear, it will be hardly less of a shock than outright victory.

Even a convincing win for Fillon would spell further trouble for what is still being fondlydescribed as the liberal international order. He has been unequivocal in urging far-reachingdétente with Moscow – ending sanctions, accepting the division of Ukraine and backingRussian intervention in Syria, for example. Suggesting that it is Islamism, not Vladimir Putin, thatposes the chief danger to Europe, it is a popular stance in France and much of Europe.Whatever the outcome of a run-off between Fillon and Le Pen, Russia’s influence wouldincrease across the continent.

The nature of the political upheaval in Europe continues to be misunderstood. An intrepidfollower of fashion, the writer and gadfly Bernard-Henri Lévy has joined many others in opining

that voters are no longer interested in facts or arguments. But “post-truth politics”, like“populism”, is a term mostly used by liberals who cannot face up to the self-defeating effects oftheir inordinate ideology. They might benefit from revisiting an idea that captivated an earliergeneration of progressive thinkers, and considering the possibility that history obeys a law ofdialectical contradiction. By pursuing the ultra-liberal project of a borderless continent in whichnational identities count for little, Europe’s ruling elites are bringing the opposite into being.

Unhappily, there is no sign of any higher synthesis. Europe has entered one of its periodicstates of protracted disorder. That seems not to have penetrated the minds of those who agitatefor a fuzzy Brexit. Their jubilation at the election of a Liberal Democrat after Zac Goldsmith’s self-immolation in the 1 December by-election in Richmond Park, south-west London, screens outthis larger reality. Equally, whether you see it as a legitimate test of constitutional principle or thepursuit of the Remain cause by other means, the result of the government’s appeal against alegalistic challenge to its authority to implement British EU withdrawal is sublimely insignificant,in the context of the upheavals under way across the Channel. By the time any soft Brexit couldbe negotiated, Europe’s political landscape will have changed beyond recognition.

What a difference four hours makes. At six in the evening last Sunday the champagne corkswere popping in Brussels. Norbert Hofer, the candidate of the far-right Freiheitliche ParteiÖsterreichs, had just conceded defeat in the Austrian presidential election. By ten o’clock,however, the bubbles were going flat. Exit polls in Italy showed that Prime Minister Matteo Renziwas going down to a heavy defeat in the referendum on constitutional change he had calledand championed.

Together, these two results laid bare an important truth about the rise of populism in Europe andits relationship to its troubled economic model. In Austria, the theory that a revival of fascism issweeping even the most prosperous parts of the European Union was stopped in its tracks. TheItalian result showed that Europe’s challenges are both more banal and more exotic than therise of another far-right bogeyman.

Economics – and, yes, the euro – is a large part of the story. Most of the developed economieshave had a poor time of it since the financial crisis of 2008-2009. The United States economy,the best performer of the lot, is about 10 per cent larger than it was before the crash. Theaverage for the advanced economies as a group is a bit lower, at 8 per cent. The economy ofItaly, meanwhile, has shrunk over this period: its GDP is 8 per cent smaller today than it was atits peak in 2007.

A better indicator of actual material well-being is GDP per capita. By this measure, Italy today isworse off than it was not just in 2007, but in 1997. National output per head has stagnated for 20years – an astonishing, almost unprecedented statistic.

No doubt you are wondering if this dismal record of relative decline has been driven by theoutrageous profligacy of the government, as in Greece, or by a chronic failure to compete inforeign markets, as with Portugal. Not a bit of it. Within Europe, Italy has for years been a modelof fiscal probity, with a smaller budget deficit than that of both France and Spain, and smaller stillthan that of the UK. As for competitiveness, many of Italy’s small and medium-sized companiesremain the envy of the world, and the country has a €45bn trade surplus to prove it.

Why, then, is Italy such an economic basket case – with public debt at nearly 150 per cent ofGDP and a banking system buckling under the weight of €360bn of bad loans?

The answer in both cases is that there are only two conventional ways of escaping a debt

burden: growth or inflation. In Italy, the euro killed inflation and has not proved conducive togrowth; as a result, its government accounts have remained mired in the public debtsaccumulated in the 1980s and 1990s. For the same reason, it has proved impossible to extricateItaly’s banks from the legacy of non-performing loans inherited from the double-dip recession of2008-2009 and 2012-14.

The solution prescribed by Brussels over the past decade has been for the Italians to take theeuro and its spending rules as given, and to rely on supply-side reforms for a revival. Therewould be no return to an inflationary model. Italy was to generate growth by becoming moreGerman.

The theory was not without its merits. There is little doubt, for instance, that there were aspects ofItaly’s labour laws that were in dire need of the reform Renzi introduced last year. Yet the focuson deregulation has not worked in practice. The fact is that the eurozone as currentlyconstructed does not work for Europe’s fourth-largest economy. So either the eurozone will befundamentally recast, or Italy will be forced to leave. That is the simple economic lesson of thereferendum.

Yet ultimately it is not the economic, but the political implications of Renzi’s defeat that are likelyto prove most momentous in the long term. For what Italy has consistently shown more vividlyand earlier than anywhere else is the nature of the political revolution overtaking the developedWest, a revolution either disturbing or exhilarating, depending on your perspective.

In the UK we only woke up to these changes with Brexit. In the US, it has taken the election ofDonald Trump. In Italy, the transformation has been going on much longer, and its logic hasbeen more thoroughly worked out.

The itch that Ukip and the Trumpists scratch is the idea that the mainstream left and right partiesare two sides of the same establishment coin – allegedly representative of economicenlightenment and the ethical high ground, but in fact embodying a corrupt and cloyinggroupthink that stands for nothing more than the self-interest and power fantasies of thecosmopolitan elite.

For decades in Italy, this idea was not just a borderline conspiracy theory but an explicit politicalstrategy – until the late 1980s. It even had a name – trasformismo – as well as the most famousof modern literary epigrams to sum it up: the aristocrat Tancredi’s advice, in The Leopard byTomasi di Lampedusa, that: “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.”

In the early 1990s, however, trasformismo collapsed. Before the nativism of Germany’sAlternative für Deutschland party, there was the nativism of Umberto Bossi’s Lega Nord. Beforethe transgressive tycoonery of Donald Trump, there was the transgressive tycoonery of SilvioBerlusconi.

Most prophetically of all, the pioneer of exposing and exploiting the obsolescence of themainstream media was not Steve Bannon and Breitbart News, but Gianroberto Casaleggio, theinternet entrepreneur who died in April. He turned Beppe Grillo from an amateur blogger intoBrother Number One of the anarchic Five Star Movement. It is this anti-globalist group, whichholds 17 of Italy’s 73 seats in the European Parliament, that led the No campaign to victory inthe referendum that toppled Renzi.

When I was at school, we studied Rome to learn the origins of Europe’s present political culture.Today, we should be doing so to understand its future.

2016-12-12 18:46 Amelia Tait www.newstatesman.com

184 /246 0.9 Tom Daley supports screenwriter fiancé Dustin Lance

Black at Roma Fiction Fest in ItalyThey are currently planningtheir wedding for next year. Buton Sunday night, Tom Daleylet his partner Dustin LanceBlack take centre stage at theRoma Fiction Fest in Italy. TheOlympic diver, 22, was by hisscreenwriter fiancé's side asthey turned out for thepremiere of When We Rise.Scroll down for video TheOscar winner's new seriesfocus on the trials andtribulations of LGBT activists

as they try to get equal rights in the 1960s. Starring a stellar cast including Guy Pearce, RachelGriffiths, Mary-Louise Parker, Rosie O’Donnell, Michael K. Williams and Whoopi Goldberg theseven-part miniseries has already attracted some major attention. It was premiered at the Italianfestival and the Milk writer also scooped the Excellence Award for the show's first episode.Taking to Twitter, Dustin wrote: 'Thank you Rome and the Roma Fiction Fest for a magnificentpremiere of, and the for episode one of When We Rise.' Tom was equally as pleased about the42-year-old's achievements, tweeting: 'So proud of this one tonight. :) I can't wait for you to see"When We Rise"! It's never been more important to be excepting and inclusive.' The new periodpiece tells the history of the gay rights movement, starting with the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Itfollows on from Dustin's hugely acclaimed film Milk, which focused on the story of activist andpolitician, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. SeanPenn played the figure - who was assassinated in 1978 - in the 2008 biographical movie andwon Best Actor at the Academy Awards. The movie scooped another seven gongs, includingDustin's Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

2016-12-12 07:57 Marc Jackson www.dailymail.co.uk

185 /246 1.2 Distressed, not festive

“Last year we got her a benefaction and she usually kept opening it overand over again,” says 16-year-old Charlotte.

“She was happy though she wasn’t unequivocally wakeful of since she’dgot it and now she’s in a worse state than she was final year.”

Charlotte is revelation Newsbeat about her grandma, who has insanity and now lives in a caringhome full-time.

She says her grandma came to revisit her family on Christmas Day though got “quite

distressed”.

This year, she says, they will go to a nursing home to revisit her instead. More associated stories‘Dementia has done my silent reduction human’

‘I don’t consider life stops with dementia’

‘My granddad had insanity – now we assistance others’

“It is unequivocally unhappy since we used to spend many of Christmas with her and mygranddad before he died,” she explains.

“It’s unequivocally formidable since it’s so different. There’s usually me, my silent and father –we don’t have any siblings.

“It feels arrange of dull in a way, since all a family aren’t here. It’s not filled with joy, that is whatChristmas should be all about.”

There are around 850,000 people vital with a insanity diagnosis in a UK. The many commonform is Alzheimer’s disease, that is what Charlotte’s grandma has.

New investigate from Alzheimer’s Society suggests that some-more than half of those influencedfind Christmas to be a many isolating time of year.

People with insanity “might not recognise” that it is Christmas, says Kathryn Smith from a charity,though a holidays can be distressing, generally if routines are disrupted.

“There’s a lot some-more noise, a lot of lights, a lot some-more people around,” she explains.

But it’s not usually those who have a condition themselves who can struggle.

“I consider a families can utterly mostly feel guilty or unhappy since they know things are notwhat they used to be with their desired ones.”

“It’d be good if people were some-more wakeful of how it affects a family as good as a chairmanwith dementia,” says Charlotte.

“She’s not there mentally. She doesn’t even know my name.

“She knows I’m something to do with her though she wouldn’t know we was her granddaughteror anything like that, that is usually unequivocally difficult.”

Charlotte’s grandma is called Frances and she’s 84.

“She used to be a cooking lady when she was younger,” she says.

“She’s always been a unequivocally family person. She has dual daughters – my silent and hersister.”

Every year Frances would make special handmade Christmas cards. Not receiving one of thoseis something Charlotte notices.

As good as visiting her in a caring home, Charlotte and her family will make certain to keep

Frances during a forefront of a Christmas celebrations this year.

“My silent will substantially buy me a benefaction on my nanna’s behalf, so it’ll be something mynanna would have bought me if she was OK, that will be poetic to open,” says Chartlotte.

“My relatives work a lot over Christmas normally, however they’ve both got Christmas off thisyear, that is unequivocally nice.

“Spending it with them will make it a lot happier for me.”

Find us on Instagram during BBCNewsbeat and follow us on Snapchat, hunt for bbc_newsbeat

2016-12-12 00:00 admin headlinenewstoday.net

186 /246 1.3 Rowan Atkinson to appear as Mr. Bean in his first

Chinese filmBEIJING – RowanAtkinson, who is globallyfamous as Mr. Bean fromthe British sitcom by thesame title, will soon beseen in the Chinese filmTop Funny Comedian TheMovie.

The cinematic adaptation ofa hugely popular Chinese

reality TV show on comedians will make its mainland debut on Jan. 28, the first day of the SpringFestival next year.

In his first Chinese film, Atkinson will appear as Mr. Bean – a character that is popular in thecountry, and not just among children.

But moviegoers will have to wait until the release to find out how much screen space he has inthe film.

The film’s story revolves around an adventure from Beijing to Macao undertaken by its leadcharacters, two of which are played by Chinese comedians Guo Degang and Yue Yunpeng.

At a promotional event in Beijing on Dec. 8, Guo, who speaks little English, said he mostlycommunicated with Atkinson through body language during the shooting.

“Just with facial expressions and gestures we seemed to understand each other,” Guo said. “Itwas really an interesting experience, which proves that comedy can cross boundaries.”

The British actor did not attend the event but sent his greetings in Mandarin over video.

2016-12-12 00:00 China Daily entertainment.inquirer.net

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187 /246 0.3 Country singer Blake Shelton offers concert tickets to

couple after fan’s near-fatal crashSOMERS, New York —Country singer BlakeShelton is stepping up tohelp a die-hard fan whomissed his concert earlierthis year after he wasinvolved in a life-threatening motorcyclecrash.

On Nov. 7, 25-year-oldJonathan Daniels took toFacebook and asked thecountry star if he wouldgive him and his girlfriend two tickets after they were forced to miss the Oct. 8 concert.

Daniels was riding his motorcycle with several friends when a car pulled out in front of him,causing him to bounce off the vehicle and into a utility pole. The wreck left him with twocollapsed lungs, brain bleeding, broken bones, and a lacerated kidney, liver, and spleen.

After 15 days in the hospital, he was able to finally go home and continue his recovery.

“My girlfriend never left my side and kept praying for me and made my stay in the hospital verycomforting. Now, because of this horrible accident, we were unable to make the trip to Brooklyn,”he said in the post. “It is now a couple months later and she still has to help me shower, eat,walk, drive me around to my doctor’s appointments and I was just hoping maybe you would seethis letter and help me give her the birthday present she deserves. All she wants is to see you inconcert.”

Last week, Shelton replied back to the Daniels’ post, offering the couple free tickets:

“I’m very sorry about the accident and I hope you recover soon,” he said in the video. “Obviously,I’m totally ready to give you tickets to whatever show you can make it too.”

He also told Daniels that he wanted to meet him and his girlfriend in person.

“It’s incredible the support we have gotten from complete strangers wanting to send us positivity,and Blake, well that’s just awesome,” girlfriend Lindsay Baker told WABC-TV .

The viral post has more than 419,000 shares, 194,000 likes and 64,000 comments.

2016-12-12 07:51 Web Staff myfox8.com

188 /246 0.0 John Travolta showcases his latest hairpiece at the

22nd annual Critics Choice AwardsHe added a splash of Hollywood glamour to proceedings as the 22nd annual Critics Choice

Awards got underway in SantaMonica on Sunday evening.But John Travolta’s welcomepresence at the Barker’sHanger venue was once againundermined by hisquestionable weave as heposed for photos beforemaking his way inside. Theactor’s carefully coiffedhairpiece was present andcorrect, albeit vastly different tothe thick, natural locks hesported during his heyday in

carer defining films Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Scroll down for video Travolta, 62, hasworn a variety of weaves down the years with decidedly mixed results as he continues to battlehair loss. Seemingly in high spirits, the veteran star beamed while rubbing shoulders with hisco-stars from The People V O. J Simpson, which triumphed in the category for Best Movie Madefor Television or Limited Series. Travolta, whose role as non nonsense lawyer Robert Shapirosaw him nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Move Made for Television or Limited Series,was also on hand to present director Damien Chazelle with an award for La Land. The musicalsweep the board, taking home eight top prizes, including the coveted Best Picture. It was noeasy task as there were very impressive contenders in the same field including: Arrival, Fences,Hacksaw Ridge, Hell or High Water, Lion, Loving, Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight and Sully.The film - a musical set in modern day Tinseltown - landed 12 nominations, and took homegongs for Best Director for Damien Chazelle, Best Screenplay, Best Production, Best Score,Best Editing and Best Song. The movie's leading stars certainly enjoyed the attention lavishedon their efforts, and looked in high spirits as they shared a joke together. The Critics' ChoiceAwards is usually a good indicator for potential nominees at the Academy Awards, which takeplace in February.

2016-12-12 07:50 Jason Chester www.dailymail.co.uk

189 /246 1.6 'Atlanta's Keith Stanfield crashes 'Silicon Valley'

acceptance speech at Critics Choice AwardsLOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Atlanta star Keith Stanfield rushed the stage to give animpromptu speech Sunday at the Critics Choice Awards after Silicon Valley won Best ComedySeries.

"I wanna thank everybody for honoring us in this way," the actor said as Silicon Valley executiveproducer Tom Lassally stood by onstage before he had accepted the award.

"We worked very hard on Silicon Valley , and here we are. Thank you," Stanfield continued.

"Wow. No idea who that was," Lassally said after Stanfield exited the stage.

"Unfortunately, Alec Berg was sick tonight, so he and I are both substitutions," he continuedtowards Stanfield while mentioning a fellow executive producer.

While Silicon Valley won for BestComedy Series for the second yearin a row, Atlanta star and creatorDonald Glover took home the awardfor Best Actor in a Comedy Series .

2016-12-12 07:47 Wade Sheridanwww.upi.com

190 /246 1.9 Charlie Adam

faces wait to seeif FA take actionover apparentstamp on AlexisSanchez duringStoke's loss atArsenal

Charlie Adam is facing ananxious wait to discoverwhether he will be charged bythe Football Association forappearing to deliberatelystamp on Alexis Sanchez.Television replays show theStoke midfielder catch Arsenalstar Sanchez in the build up tothe Gunners’ third goal, scoredby Alex Iwobi. The incidentwas missed by referee LeeMason at the time, but thefootage could yet land Adam in

hot water. Disciplinary chiefs will examine the incident before deciding whether the formerLiverpool midfielder should be punished retrospectively. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager ArseneWenger is expected to escape FA sanctions for his confrontation with fourth official Paul Tierneyon Saturday. The Frenchman put his hands on the official in the aftermath of Stoke beingawarded a first-half penalty. Wenger and his players were furious at the decision but themanager is unlikely to be charged over the flashpoint. There is a possibility that the FootballAssociation can take retrospective action on Adam, who has previous with stamping on Arsenalplayers. Back in March 2014 the Scot was given a three-match ban retrospectively for standingon Olivier Giroud. Mark Hughes will be hoping this time his man escapes further punishment.

2016-12-12 07:45 Sami Mokbel www.dailymail.co.uk

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191 /246 1.4 Ryan Reynolds reveals his daughter James' first

sentence was inspired by Tom HanksHe bagged the Best Actor in aComedy and Entertainer ofThe Year awards at last night'sCritics Choice Awards. Andduring his acceptance speechRyan Reynolds revealed histwo-year-old daughter James'first full sentence was inspiredby Tom Hanks. The 40-year-old actor gushed about James- who he shares with wifeBlake Lively, 29, during hisacceptance speech for BestActor in a Comedy for'Deadpool' at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night. Scroll down for video Speaking to thestar-studded audience, he laughed at how her first ever sentence was 'There's no crying inbaseball', the famous catchphrase the 'Sully' star says in the comedy film 'A League of TheirOwn'. Speaking on stage at The Baker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, Ryan - who also hasa five-week-old daugther, with his spouse Blake - said: 'I genuinely was not expecting this, Iprepared nothing. So, I'm just going to focus on Tom Hanks. 'No really though, you're a hugeinfluence on me. My two-year-old daughter - the first full sentence she ever said was, 'There's nocrying in baseball.' I'm not even kidding.' The 'Proposal' star also picked up Entertainer of TheYear and dedicated the prestigious accolade to cancer charities Make-a-Wish Foundation andthe SickKids Foundation of Toronto as his character has the life-threatening disease in the film.In a heartfelt speech, he said: 'Deadpool' was an 11-year odyssey for me to get up here, and itresonated with a lot of people. 'The character had cancer and some of the people that thischaracter resonated with were sick kids. I would like to dedicate this honour to the Make-A-WishFoundation and the SickKids Foundation of Toronto, two incredible organisations that do somuch for so many kids in need.' The hunky star also praised the screenwriters of the film for theirhard work and used the moment to highlight how 'undervalued' the writing job is. He said: 'I'dalso like to take this chance to thank the screenwriters, not just the ones on 'Deadpool', but theones everywhere,' he said. 'It's a hugely undervalued asset in Hollywood: they're architects, theymake us look good, often times their jobs are very hard. 'They're alone in rooms in theirunderwear, weeping softly with their tears working as lube for their old fashioned typewritermachines. So I accept this on the screenwriters' behalf.'

2016-12-12 07:43 Jessica Rach www.dailymail.co.uk

192 /246 2.0 What Does Civil Disobedience Look Like In A State-

Controlled Information Age?A Pakistani official has admitted that some leaders of the Haqqani terrorist network are based inPakistan but rejected that the terror network uses Pakistani soil for...

(Source: Likeable Media Inc ) By Amanda DiAntonio, Senior Copywriter There is copywritingand then there is social media copywriting. In a world of limited character counts...

Everybody bitches about modernity,anarchy-primitivists, religious sects,terrorists, counter-revolutionaries ofall stripes – they all want to recreatethe greatness and ...

Pressured by governments aroundthe world, four companies operatingsome of the world’s most popularInternet sites and services —Facebook, Twitter, Google’sYouTube and ...

(Source: Seven West Media Limited) Seven launches expanded coverage of The Australian Open Series and delivers the power oflive television on connected screens More than ...

The police say that a group of people arrested in Bekasi, West Java, for allegedly plotting abomb attack on the State Palace is part of a terrorist network controlled by a ...

A top Pakistan Foreign Ministry official has said that “some” members of the terrorist Haqqaninetwork are present in the country, but Islamabad is not allowing any group ...

India and Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, today agreed to strengthendefence and security ties with a major focus on maritime space and deepen ...

The French prime minister has said it is "absolutely necessary" to extend the state of emergencyin place there since the Paris attacks. Share 'Absolutely necessary' to...

(Source: Flipboard Inc ) Jessica Elsey / December 9, 2016 MICROSOFT'S BATTLE TO BUYLINKEDIN: The $26-billion bid, Microsoft's biggest deal yet, will allow the company to ...

2016-12-12 07:43 jack article.wn.com

193 /246 4.4 Say what? AKA accuses Bruno Mars of copying his

musicTaking to Twitter on Sunday, AKA noted the similarities between his and Bruno’s music, andsaid that Bruno had “bit” his music.

‘Bit’ is a hip-hop term used when one artist accuses another of stealing their sound or style.

And even though AKA did not say which songs he felt Bruno had copied, fans were quick topoint out the similarities between AKA’s One Time and Bruno’s latest track 24K Magic.

@akaworldwide actually noticed that a while back, the beats literally sound very similar, espwhen it starts its easy to confuse the two — Thü2 (@Thu2za) December 11, 2016

But some fans were not impressed by AKA’s claims and questioned whether Bruno even knewAKA.

2016-12-12 07:39 TshisaLIVEwww.timeslive.co.za

194 /246 2.1 Everton striker

Romelu Lukakutries to recreatePhil Jagielka'slast-gasp stunneragainstLiverpool... butcan the Belgianfind the topcorner?

Everton's fine start to theseason has been cancelledout by a run of just one win innine Premier League games,but the state of mini-crisishasn't dampened the mood inthe camp just yet. RomeluLukaku's two goals in the 3-2defeat by Watford on Saturdaytook his personal tally for theseason to nine and while theBelgian striker's team-mateshave struggled to meet hisstandards, he had little trouble

in matching the quality of an iconic Everton goal from the Premier League era. Lukaku wasselected alongside Toffees team-mate Gerard Deulofeu in the latest round of BT Sport's#GoalsRecreated series, with the 23-year-old sharp shooter tasked with trying to replicate abeauty by captain Phil Jagielka. The former Sheffield United defender found the top corner withthe outside of his right boot on the half volley via the underside of the bar to level for Everton instoppage time against Liverpool in September 2014. The difficulty rating was increased givenLukaku is predominantly a left-footed striker, but having found his range with the first threeattempts, the former Chelsea man fired into the top corner with his fourth effort. While Lukakuwas clearly delighted at having kept his composure on his final go, Deulofeu needed no secondinvitation with a sublime free-kick that was intended to imitate Thierry Henry's for Arsenal againstNewcastle 10 years ago. Henry denied the Magpies a fine win at the Emirates back inNovember 2006, as the Frenchman came off the substitutes' bench to curl a 25-yard set piece inoff the underside of the bar past Shay Given in a 1-1 draw. Deulofeu scored a fine free-kick forEverton in a League Cup third round tie away to Reading last season, but he rarely takes themunder new boss Ronald Koeman with set-piece specialists Leighton Baines and Lukaku thepreferred options. But that didn't stop him from showcasing his undoubted ability from a dead-ball situation after watching a short clip of Henry's iconic curler. The Spain Under-21international is renowned for his ability to get whip on the ball with very little back-lift, and

Deulofeu did precisely that on his first attempt to leave the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. WithYannick Bolasie suffering a season-ending cruciate knee ligament injury against ManchesterUnited earlier this month, Deulofeu will hope to take his chance in an Everton shirt over thefestive period. The winger has endured a rather frustrating 2016, but should he reproduce thegoods starting against Arsenal at Goodison Park on Tuesday night, Koeman may feel Bolasie'sreplacement can already be found from within his ranks. Recreate your favourite goal and postthe video on Facebook or Twitter using #GoalsRecreated for a chance to win tickets to the UEFAChampions League Final, courtesy of BT Sport. To find out more visitbtsport.com/GoalsRecreated

2016-12-12 07:38 Ben Grounds www.dailymail.co.uk

195 /246 0.0 Polish march featuring anti-Ukrainian slogans sparks

outrage in Kiev (PHOTOS, VIDEO) — RT NewsThe march, which tookplace in the southwesternPolish city of Przemysl onSaturday, was attended bylocal politicians, historians,activists, and radicalizedyouths. According to theProstir news portal, one ofthe march organizers wasthe National Radical Campmovement.

Dubbed “March of Eagletsof Przemysl and Lvov,” theevent ended without clashes, though at some point a marcher chanting “Death to Ukrainians!”was recorded on camera. The Association of Ukrainians in Poland (OUP) also noted anotherchant along the lines of “Przemysl, Lvov are always Polish.”

The president of Przemysl’s city council told the crowd that Polish troops had sacrificed theirlives “ so that we can live in a free Poland and remember that Lvov was once a Polish city, anintegral part of the Polish republic with a certain tradition and history” according to Wschodniknews outlet.

Neither the rally itself nor the historical background behind it went down well with Kiev.Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland, Andrey Deshchitsa, slammed the event as an “incitement ofhatred,” while demanding that the anti-Ukrainian slogans be thoroughly investigated.

“These specific provocations and statements of a single person can destroy collaborative workdone by Poland and Ukraine,” he told Ukrinform news agency.

Nationalists, rival groups march through Warsaw on Polish Independence Day (PHOTOS,VIDEO)

Deshchitsa, who had been Ukraine’s Foreign Minister when he was fired in 2014 after callingRussian President Vladimir Putin a “f**ker,” said that the rally saddened him, as it came not long

after Ukraine and Poland had agreed to strengthen their military-to-military ties and boostdefense cooperation.

There have been other instances of anti-Ukrainian sentiment recently being demonstrated inPoland. In mid-November, Polish nationalists burned a Ukrainian flag during a 100,000-strongrally in Warsaw, while screaming insults about Stepan Bandera, a World War II-era Ukrainianleader whose followers are believed to have slaughtered many Poles.

Ruptly footage shows nationalists carrying red-and-white Polish banners through wet streets,with many waving flares and firecrackers. Some were holding banners depicting a falanga – afar-right symbol from the 1930s depicting a stylized hand holding a sword.

Other banners read “God, Honor, Fatherland” and “Death to the enemies of the fatherland,” and“To be a Pole, to be Catholic is a privilege and honor.”

2016-12-12 07:38 www.rt.com

196 /246 4.0 Shoppers likely to trim their budgets instead of opting

for all the trimmings this festive seasonConsumer confidence is currentlyunder pressure from a myriad offactors‚ including elevated inflation‚ arecent rise in interest rates‚ weakeconomic growth pressuringemployment and household income‚and an unsettled domestic politicalenvironment‚ says Christie Viljoen‚ asenior economist at KPMG.

"The outlook for holiday sales duringthe coming holiday season isjustifiably not upbeat‚" Viljoen added.

Optimism was also muted in a surveyconducted for the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) by Urban Studies‚released on Monday‚ which gauged expectations of landlords‚ retailers and financiers for theseason’s Christmas shopping. December 2015 sales increased by 8.4%‚ coming in at aboutR100 billion.

"... While festive season retail sales look likely to grow at a better rate than in 2015‚ this will varyconsiderably across income groups and geographical areas‚” said Amanda Stops‚ CEO ofSACSC.

The research revealed that those surveyed were equally divided about whether retail turnoverfor December would be better or worse than 2015.

At the heart of the debate was the rise in Black Friday sales. Dr Dirk Prinsloo of Urban Studiessaid: “Many feel that the impact of Black Friday will show an increase in November retail salesfigures with the knock-on impact of a slight drop in December figures.”

For the first time in South Africa‚ Black Friday was a major event in 2016. “This trend willundoubtedly become more established in future‚ not as a better Christmas‚ but as an earlierChristmas‚” Prinsloo commented.

Some of those surveyed expect as much as a 20% increase in November sales and a lowergrowth in December sales figures. This can only be confirmed in February‚ when sales figuresare released.

Prinsloo expects November and December 2016 sales will show growth to R85 billion andR110 billion‚ respectively.

Factors impacting this include the pressure on the economy‚ different shopper patterns‚ morenew mall developments and increased competition‚ job losses and political uncertainty.

Lower income consumers will budget and focus on food and necessities this festive season‚ thesurvey found. "These shoppers participated strongly in Black Friday specials. Many ruralshopping centres are showing good turnover growth compared with metropolitan malls.Remittance money flowing to these areas from the metros is a large source of income.

"The mid-market is under pressure with available credit already stretched and precious littleextra money. They will find it difficult to keep their heads above water‚ financially speaking‚ inJanuary and February. And‚ if interest rates increase‚ the pressure will become even moresevere. This has big impact for retail because this market remains the largest‚ single segmentinfluencing retail spend.

The affluent are less influenced by pressures from the volatile economy‚ but not completelyimmune. The survey found they may spend less on overseas trips or shorten their holidays.

It would be a mistake to think of this market as big spenders‚ Prinsloo cautioned. “Often‚ this isnot the case. They are more cautious with money.” Affluent shoppers are only 10% of the marketbut contribute over 30% of total spend. Top-end shopping centres are performing well‚ however‚and survey respondents were positive about this market.

Local economies in different geographical markets also set to influence shopping patterns.

Mining areas and manufacturing towns are likely to see festive sales decreases‚ while Northernprovinces will see good results from an influx of additional disposable income from the metros.The outlook for retail in coastal areas is good. And‚ with people taking shorter holidays‚ therewill be more people in Johannesburg and Pretoria to shop.

However‚ Prinsloo noted that some retailers expect lower sales across the country. “Theseviews vary depending on market segment‚ products and pricing.”

Fashion retailers have been under pressure since August 2016 and are likely to be down insales. Even so‚ some South Africans will buy clothing as essentials instead of spending moneyon unnecessary items.

KPMG's Viljoen‚ in a report on the December retail season commented that 2016 has beenchallenging both from an economic and political perspective‚ resulting in subdued holidaycheer.

Explaining how end of year shopping changes‚ Viljoen said: "In a normal (November) month

during the period 2005-2015‚ South Africans spend 17.9% of their retail expenditure at storesselling textiles‚ clothing‚ footwear and leather goods. This increases to 21% during Decemberas holidaymakers spend more time in shops and in geographies (e.g. coastal areas) where theywould not normally access these shops".

"Expenditure on food‚ beverages and tobacco increase from 7.4% of expenditure to 8% asconsumers indulge. At the same time‚ stores specialising in the sale of hardware‚ paint andglass see their share of total retail spending fall from 8.5% to just 5.8%. This is attributed to thefact that many South Africans travel during December and spend less time in their own homes. "

In December last year‚ stores supplying goods for do-it-yourself (DIY) activities sold around R5.9billion worth of goods compared to R6.6 billion during the preceding month. This was the onlycategory of spending that declined (-11.6%) between November and December last year‚ withall other stores seeing on aggregate an increase in expenditure during the holidays.

Spending on textiles‚ clothing‚ footwear and leather goods spiked by 47.4% m-o-m to R21.9billion last December while expenditure at stores specialising in food‚ beverages and tobaccojumped by 41.6% m-o-m to R7.9 billion. Spending on apparel and nutrition during Decemberlast year would also have contributed to a 31.3% m-o-m rise in spending at general dealers toR44 billion‚ Viljoen said.

Looking ahead‚ Viljoen said the BER’s index of retailer confidence declined from 43 in 2016 Q3to 34 during the fourth quarter – "any reading below 50 indicates that a majority of retailers werepessimistic about trading conditions at the time".

The bureau reported challenging conditions in the market for semi-durable and durable goodsdue to new and stricter regulations for the granting of in-store credit.

The BER suggested in early December that holiday sales during 2016 will grow at a slowerpace than seen during the same time last year – warning that “a much more subdued festiveseason is on the cards”.

Viljoen noted the pessimism is not unwarranted‚ considering that retail sales increased by a realrate of only 0.9% year-on-year in Q3 2016.

The BER suggested in early December that holiday sales during 2016 will grow at a slowerpace than seen during the same time last year – warning that “a much more subdued festiveseason is on the cards”.

The outlook for 2017 reflects mixed views ranging from optimism and uncertainty to downrightbleak.

“Some retailers are not planning to open any new stores during 2017 and some landlords don’tforesee any real growth during the next year‚” Prinsloo said.

“One of the big concerns in 2017 could be further job losses and an increase in unemploymentwell above the 27.1% at the moment.”

SACSC is the official umbrella body of all involved shopping centres‚ including: owners‚developers‚ managing agents‚ brokers‚ professionals‚ retailers‚ marketers‚ service providers‚financers and researchers.

2016-12-12 07:33 Tmg Digital www.timeslive.co.za

197 /246 1.4 Rise of the glass giants: how modern cities are

forcing skyscrapers to evolveThese behemoths arenotoriously inefficient: glassexteriors trap the sun's raysduring summer andhaemorrhage heatthroughout the winter,requiring year-round airconditioning and climatecontrol.

Dark interiors necessitatevast arrays of brightlighting, while hundreds ofcomputers whirr 24 hours,consuming even more electricity.

At a time when energy efficiency is a matter of global significance, it's worth considering howthese dark, glass giants came to dominate the urban landscape -- and how we can build to fixthese flaws in the future.

In fact, the modern skyscraper emerged from an architectural evolution , which started with theconstruction of Chicago's tall office buildings during the 1880s.

The iconic "International Style" skyscraper -- a prismatic glass surface wrapped around a centralservice core -- was envisioned during the 1920s and 1930s, by German architects who fled toAmerica from Germany -- notably Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe.

It was first built in America during the 1950s -- the UN Building (1952), Lever House (1954) andthe Seagram Tower (1958) of New York are seminal dark glass-walled office buildings, whichspawned countless imitators worldwide, until the 1980s.

21st-century style icon

Although the limitations of the International Style became obvious in the late 20th century, whengovernments implemented stricter energy standards, glass still predominates as we approach2020.

Today's office skyscrapers, particularly those seen in business districts in the Middle and FarEast, use double skin facades -- an outer skin of glass wrapping around the real building within -- to maintain glassiness and permit daylight, while improving insulation and resistance to solargain.

Energy-saving features, such as efficient lighting and energy-regenerating elevators are nownormal.

Trigeneration (heating-cooling-power plants) hum efficiently in the basements, while solar

shading and openable windows are sometimes used to reduce air conditioning loads. Greenplanting is appearing in lobbies and sky gardens, fed by captured rainwater.

The way that cities and workplaces are developing demands even greater change.

In an age of rising urbanisation, the American idyll of a compact high-rise business district,surrounded by a vast residential suburban sprawl served by freeways and shopping malls issimply not compatible with the land resources, population, energy and transport requirements of21st-century cities.

To cope with the pressures of dynamic mass-transit systems and rising land values, urbancitizens must grow accustomed to living -- as well as working -- in high-rise developments,clustered around key transport nodes.

Different cities are responding to these challenges in different ways.

London has a policy of clustering tall buildings in groups around key rail stations, maintainingclear view lines in between. These clusters become magnets for additional office and residentialtowers.

Paris excludes skyscrapers from its centre altogether, limiting them to districts such as LaDefense, at the outskirts of the city.

Meanwhile, China has built eerie "ghost cities": entire districts of high-rise buildings, constructedprior to the population moving in.

Mixed-use futures

The way that people use skyscrapers is also changing.

For one thing, the internet has reduced the demand for conventional offices.

The current trend is for large trading floors, or landscaped office interiors with multi-screenworkstations, hot-desking -- and meetings held in daylit break-out spaces.

There is less need for huge walls of glass. For daylight, there is a return to large glazed windowsset in an insulating wall.

Among small businesses, there's a demand for "incubator" offices, often in convertedwarehouses.

Employees can work from home using video conferencing and virtual networks.

Indeed, many redundant office buildings of the 20th century are already converted to residentialuses, such as Metro Central and the Southbank Tower in London.

Another major trend is the mixed-use skyscraper, where parking, dining, transport, hotel, offices,social sky-parks, residences, colleges, health and leisure centres are stacked vertically into onesingle footprint, with food, beverage and retail outlets at ground level.

This is becoming the norm in the newest tall buildings, especially in Japan and China.

Mixed-use towers make the best use of land and are more resilient to economic shocks because

the rental income comes from lots of different sources -- and the flows of people are balanced,instead of peaking twice daily.

The idea started in Chicago in 1969, developed in China, and now appears in most globalmega-cities.

Examples include the London Shard , the Shanghai Tower , PS100 (Singapore), Hysan Place(Hong Kong) and the proposed development at 470 11th Ave (New York).

New techniques of construction such as ultra-stiff service cores, continuous concrete casting,outriggers, lattice frames and seismic damping systems have made it possible to build very tall.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa exceeds 800 metres, and Jeddah's Kingdom Tower will reach to 1,000metres when it's finished.

The fifth generation emerges

Yet as we look forwards, the most significant trend will not be extravagant height -- but energyefficiency. The skyscrapers of the future are those that architects call "fifth generation", which aimfor a carbon-neutral footprint, such as Melbourne's CH2 , 1 Bligh Street , Sydney and One AngelSquare , Manchester.

These exceptional new towers include a variety of eco-friendly innovations, such as renewableenergy generation, solar shading and double-skin facades with natural ventilation.

They will also feature greater thermal mass, landscaped atriums, underground heat storage,water catchment, recycling, linear induction elevators, as well as vertical urban farms, greenplanting, and facades and roofs that generate electricity.

The future cannot be found in a small number of freakishly tall designs. Rather, it is in the vastnumber of efficient, versatile skyscrapers, which will be essential to cope with growing urbanpopulations and keep cities running.

2016-12-12 07:30 David Nicholson rss.cnn.com

198 /246 1.2 YouTuber Zoella reveals that she has been accused of

LYING about her anxietyAnyone who is familiar with Zoella's videos will know that she is open about the fact that shesuffers from anxiety. However, the YouTube star has revealed that some commenters havepreviously implied that she is lying about her mental health to boost views. Writing for The SunZoella, real name Zoe Sugg said: 'I’ve had comments about being too skinny and that I pretendto suffer from anxiety to boost my subscriber figurers. (sic)' Scroll down for video However, the26-year-old claims that this couldn't be further from the truth and she believes it is important todiscuss the mental illness. She continues: 'When I was younger and suffering with anxiety, Ididn’t know what was happening or have anyone to talk to about it. 'It helps to have theseconversations and share advice, so you can feel less alone.' It can be hard to believe that thisbubbly YouTube star, brimming with confidence and with over eight million subscribers couldever struggle with social situations. However, Zoella, from Brighton has previously opened upabout how she deals with her anxiety and prevents it from taking over her life. In an piece she

wrote for Glamour magazinelast year the vlogger revealedthat she has been sufferingfrom panic attacks since theage of 14. She described howthe attacks would leave herfeeling suffocated. 'My initialsymptoms would happenwhenever I felt in a situationwhere I felt I couldn't leave. 'Myheart would race; I'd feel sick;my breath was short and quick;I felt like the room was closingin on me. 'It's almost like a part

of my brain is telling me that I CANNOT leave and I am stuck, even though my conscious mindknows that isn't true. The subconscious mind is far more powerful.' She has spoken about heranxiety on her YouTube channel on various occasions, giving advice on dealing with panicattacks and in October 2014 she became an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind. Atthe time Zoella described the importance of uniting those who suffer from anxiety. 'I know justhow isolating it can feel to experience severe anxiety. However, the overwhelming response I'vereceived every time I've spoken out online, shows just how many young people confront it everyday. 'I am passionate about the need for everyone to feel okay to speak out, to talk to friends andfamily about what they're going through, to ask for help. 'That's why I'm thrilled to be taking on mynew role as Digital Ambassador at Mind. It's an opportunity to raise further awareness and towork with a charity I love.'

2016-12-12 07:29 Martha Cliff www.dailymail.co.uk

199 /246 3.8 Laura Dundovic talks about rise to fame after winning

Miss Universe AustraliaShe rose to stardom afterwinning Miss UniverseAustralia in 2008. And LauraDundovic says the renownedbeauty pageant skyrocketedher now illustrious modellingcareer. 'It's an amazingplatform… my life changedovernight,' the 29-year-oldstunner told The DailyTelegraph. 'We have all beenso lucky,' she added, speakingof the likes of fellow pageantstars Jennifer Hawkins andJesinta Campbell. Laura added her hectic schedule, driven by her ambitious personality, isn'tsuch a bad thing. 'I'm a perfectionist and I over-commit, she said, before adding she's 'a happygirl.' Meanwhile, the gorgeous blonde is currently dating rugby union star Quade Cooper. Inrecent Instagram posts she has gushed over her beau, as well as labelling him 'my person'.

Laura began dating Quade in early 2015, having previously been linked to TV host JamesKerley and NRL hunk Tom Burgess. Their relationship blossomed as Quade, 28, publiclysupported his girlfriend during her stint on reality TV show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!In September, the New Zealand-born athlete paid tribute to Laura on her 29th birthday. Beside aphoto of the couple, he wrote: 'There's things in life that mean a lot & are special. There's timesin your life that are memorable. 'There's people that you will never forget. Then there's you. Youare all that and more. Thank you for always keeping me grounded and level. 'For always pickingme up when I've been knocked down.. All in all I'm better for having you by my side. Happybirthday darling.'

2016-12-12 07:28 Max Margan www.dailymail.co.uk

200 /246 0.9 Attack on the drones: the creeping privatisation of

our urban airspaceW e woke up before dawnand caught the first train toWaterloo, so we couldcapture some aerialfootage in the earlymorning London light withno one around. We wereinterested in using a droneto get a vantage point thatno rooftop could offer,looking down on the under-renovation South BankTower.

Lifting off from a grassy, flat expanse next to the river Thames, we quickly vaulted to the height ofa 30-storey building and began capturing slow, sweeping images from a bird’s-eye view. Butthen a security guard emerged from the building and ran towards us. “You can’t fly that here,” heyelled.

We were keeping the drone within our line of sight, as per Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)regulations, and my co-flyer Adam Fish responded: “Sorry but we can. We checked the regs andwe are 50 metres from the building, and this isn’t a congested area.”

Adam showed him a map. Then the security guard looked up at the drone hovering over thebuilding, and said: “Yeah, but we own it.”

“You own what?” Adam replied.

“The air, mate. We own the air.”

Urban airspace is being radically reshaped by the proliferation of drones – a process which isquickly slicing the air into private strips. Urban citizens are at risk of losing access to a valuablepublic resource as corporations are given prioritisation in the skies above our heads.

And while the grounding of personal drones might be a nuisance for hobbyists, it becomes a

threat to democracy when journalists cannot use these tools to document and report on theactivities of the elite.

British cities are a leading testbed for professional drone delivery services. Until recently, UK “drone code ” was simple – pilots had to see their drone, keep their aircraft 50 metres away frompeople and property, and stay clear of airports. Most pilots heed the code and breaches are fewand far between.

However, these rules are being bent to allow Amazon, as part of their launch of PrimeAir , toengage in extended semi-autonomous flights where the pilot cannot see the drone. A 2015email chain between Amazon and CAA employees , released through a Freedom of InformationAct request, reveals a cosy relationship between the two.

More recently, it was announced that drones will be allowed to make deliveries to residents ofSpire London , an £800m Chinese-owned skyscraper currently under construction near CanaryWharf. This would require an exemption to the CAA rules about flying in congested areas. Justas skyscrapers have become a visible marker of social inequality in the UK, the ability to fly willalso be granted according to privilege, further solidifying the relationship between height andpower in the capital.

Cities around the world are experimenting with different approaches to incorporating drones intoairspace. Australia was the first to deregulate commercial drones, granting the firm Flirtey therights to deliver goods in Sydney in 2013. Canada has virtually deregulated airspaces bycreating a flexible permit process for commercial operators, and a blanket exemption for smalldrones even in busy cities like Toronto.

In Stockholm, however, in the interest of protecting citizen privacy, piloting drones has beenmade all but impossible by the implementation of a laborious licensing process. In Lagos,Nigeria concerns over terrorism have grounded commercial drones. They are banned entirely inNairobi, Kenya.

Strict regulation makes sense in some cases as drones can be dangerous if flown recklessly. Afew people have done worrisome things like strapping guns to them , landing them on theJapanese prime minister’s office filled with irradiated sand , and crashing them into the WhiteHouse lawn. Yet regulations are often passed without public discussion, in reaction to isolatedand anecdotal incidents.

One response to these incidents has been for governments to encourage manufacturers to self-regulate. Software limitations such as geofences around prisons and power stations seem to belittle deterrent to those determined to use drones inappropriately. In 2015, for instance,Nottingham resident Nigel Wilson was convicted of nine breaches of an Air Navigation Orderafter flying over numerous football grounds and tourist attractions.

Security guards around the world attempting to stifle activities like Wilson’s urban piloting aregoing to struggle, though. The air is becoming saturated with flying things carrying all sorts ofpayloads. More than one million drones were sold in 2015, with the global market expected toreach $1bn (£800m) by 2018. Like many new technologies, drones, and the ways that they arebeing deployed, are triggering debates about who has the right to fly – and where.

The ability of journalists to use drones has been critical to the changing nature of newsgathering. According to the National Union of Journalists , in 2011 “Australia’s Channel Ninewas barred from visiting a remote immigration detention centre – so flew a drone over the site to

get footage”. In 2016, the BBC flew over a Met training facility in Gravesend on the ThamesEstuary, locating two water cannons that Boris Johnson, as Mayor of London, had purchased torepress future protests.

Even more concerning is the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) put in place above the protestagainst an oil pipeline across the Standing Rock Sioux reservation , by authorities and the USFAA to stop demonstrators from documenting police abuses. Police admitted firing spongerounds, bean bag rounds, stinger rounds, tear gas grenades, pepper spray, Mace, Tasers and asound weapon.

A similar situation unfolded in Ferguson, Missouri in 2015 during the unrest after the shooting ofMichael Brown. Audio transcripts obtained by the Associated Press made it clear the TFR hadbeen set up specifically to prevent “media” from flying over places where police were clashingwith citizens. Legal experts say these restrictions were a blatant violation of the First Amendmentof the US Constitution, protecting freedom of the press.

Many of these pilots may not be paid journalists, but as Jason Koebler argued in Motherboard :“By any definition of the word, the drone pilots documenting the Dakota Access Pipeline protestsare conducting journalism. The videos, live streamed to Facebook and later posted on YouTube,have shown human rights abuses, caught police in lies, and – in the case of the numerousvideos that show their drones being shot at by police – have documented law enforcementcommitting federal crimes.”

Is it in the public interest to create exclusive air lanes for Amazon but deny them tophotographers recording events, hospitals delivering blood, researchers collecting data oractivists making their voices heard? Leigh Raymond, professor of political science at PurdueUniversity, Indiana , advances the wonky but useful concept of an “ atmospheric commons ” todescribe our shared rights to the air. Perhaps it is time to imagine the atmospheric commons asa space for public rambling and exploration with drones, balloons, satellites and as-yet-unforeseen flying objects.

Geographer Jeremy Crampton suggests that not doing so could lead to dire consequences: “Ithas been long established that the sky is public – otherwise each airplane would have to getpermission to fly over your property. This is akin to the concept of international waters on theocean. But as with international waters, this public space is becoming increasingly anddeliberately enclosed, in what might constitute a modern ‘enclosure of the commons’.”

Commons, whether on the ground or in the air, will continue to be contested , since they are, bytheir very nature, shared. If you look up, in any city in the world, what you see is a common: aspace where our work lives and personal lives can and should intermingle.

Flying around cities, as we found when ascending over the South Bank Tower, reveals a systemof invisible power – including regulations and geofences – that are governing our aerialendeavours. What comes into focus is the vertical enclosure of commons; an air grab rather thana land grab.

Thus it is all the more vital that we become pilots and take to the skies before they becomeparcelled into another domain for the rich and the powerful. Becoming urban pilots is not aboutnovelty or showmanship, it’s about exercising our rights.

This research was funded by the Centre For Mobilities Research ( Cemore ) at LancasterUniversity, where Dr Bradley L Garrett was a visiting research fellow and Dr Adam Fish is an

associate and senior lecturer in the sociology department.

Follow Guardian Cities on Twitter and Facebook and join the discussion

2016-12-12 07:28 Bradley L www.theguardian.com

201 /246 1.8 Mothers defend Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly on

MumsnetShe's spent more than adecade in one of the biggestpresenting jobs on British TVas the co-host of Strictly ComeDancing. But many fans stillhaven't warmed to Tess Daly,47, whose performance andwardrobe have been soheavily criticised this year thatone woman was prompted toquestion people's 'intensedislike' of the star on Mumsnet.Many women on the forumagreed with the baffled mother,who said Tess was 'a lot better than Bruce Forsyth', but others branded the BBC presenter'annoying', 'fake', and 'dead behind the eyes'. Mumsnet user Peachesandcream15 admitted shedidn't 'particularly like' Tess herself, but said she was still confused by the level of apparentanimosity towards the presenter. She said Tess was 'a bit try hard', but added: 'She's a lot betterthan Bruce Forsyth who I had to fast forward through.' 'I really don't understand why somepeople have such an intense dislike of her.' Many fellow mums agreed with her, and said havingtwo women fronting a prime-time show like Strictly - which Tess co-hosts with ClaudiaWinkleman - was something to celebrate. 'I like her and Claudia presenting,' RedHelenB wrote.Iogo added: 'I like her and I love Claudia. 'Two women presenting one of the Beeb's flagshipshows is fab.' ShebaQueen said: 'I love Tess. I think live presenting on a show like Strictly is farmore difficult than it looks and she does a great job and looks fabulous too. 'I also love Claudiaand Zoe [Ball] and as others have said, great to see women presenting primetime TV,' sheadded.

2016-12-12 07:22 Kerry Mcdermott www.dailymail.co.uk

202 /246 1.0 Fukushima radiation reaches United States shores for

first timeCAPE COD, Mass., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- For the first time since the nuclear disaster in 2011, radiationfrom Japan's Fukushima plant has reached the West Coast of the United States, according to aresearcher.

It's a minuscule amount -- less than one-thousandth the standard for drinking water or a dentalX-ray. But it's notable considering the amount was detected 5,000 miles from Japan five years

after the disaster.

From his lab another 3,000 mileseast in Massachusetts, Woods HoleOceanographic Institution chemicaloceanographer Ken Buesselerdiscovered samples of seawatertaken in January and February fromTillamook Bay and Gold Beach incentral Oregon contain radiationunique to the power plants. It wasn'tuntil last week that it was reported bya media outlet, the StatesmanJournal, which serves the Oregon

area where the samples were found.

"Not to downplay it, but the levels we are seeing are quite low," Buesseler told UPI.

He said it wouldn't stop him from eating seafood or swimming in the Pacific Ocean.

Massive amounts of contaminated water were released from the March 2011 meltdown

of three power plants after the 9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Radiation wasreleased to the air that fell into the sea.

U. S. federal agencies don't monitor the radiation levels in seawater.

So, Buesseler launched a crowd-funded, citizen-science seawater sampling project.

He tracks radiation across the Pacific Ocean sent to him by West Coast volunteers and scientistsaboard research cruises. Then he analyzes samples.

Personally, Buessler has made seven trips to Japan to study radiation levels.

The Oregon samples were the first time cesium-134 -- which is a "fingerprint" to the Japaneseplant -- was detected on U. S. shores.

Buesseler's most recent samples off the West Coast also show higher levels of cesium-137,another Fukushima isotope than previously was present in the world's oceans because ofnuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s.

"You can't ever have a radioactive-free ocean," he said. "You have nuclear disasters like thisone, testing and naturally occurring radioactivity. "

Cesium-134 was also been detected for the first in a Canadian salmon as part of the FukushimaInFORM project, led by University of Victoria chemical oceanographer Jay Cullen. Buesseler'sgroup recently teamed up with InFORM.

Buesseler's team in February 2015 found Cesium-134 in a sample of seawater from a dock onVancouver Island, B. C., marking the first landfall in North America from the disaster,

"Even if the levels were twice as high, you could still swim in the ocean for six hours every dayfor a year and receive a dose more than a thousand times less than a single dental X-ray,"

Buesseler told the Statesman Journal at the time. "While that's not zero, that's a very low risk. "

Buesseler is not really interested in the levels, but in seeing how they vary in terms of distanceand time from where the radiation was dispersed.

"As a scientist, I want to see how quickly ocean current mixes," he said. "Models are not myspecialty. "

The ocean patterns could help determine where the radiation is headed if there is anotherdisaster.

Earlier this year, Japan and Russia announced they would team up to study the effects ofradiation on the DNA of future generations.

The Japanese government is still dealing with the environmental and economic consequencesof the disaster. Koyodo News reported last month the cost of terminating the nuclear powerstation nearly doubled from the country's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to about$178.14 billion. Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc.'s compensation payments are toincrease from $48.1 billion to $71.3 billion. Decontamination costs will double to $44.5 billion,according to the report.

2016-12-12 07:21 www.upi.com

203 /246 4.0 Lonza in talks to buy Capsugel for more than $5

billion: ReportSwiss pharmaceutical manufacturer Lonza Group is in advanced talks toacquire Capsugel, a U. S. maker of capsule products and other drugdelivery systems, for more than $5 billion, according to people familiarwith the matter.

The deal would come as Lonza seeks to boost its life sciencescapabilities and produce a wider range of molecules used in active pharmaceutical ingredientsand drug delivery. It held unsuccessful talks to acquire U. S. drug delivery technology companyCatalent Inc earlier this year.

Discussions between Lonza and Capsugel's owner, private equity firm KKR & Co, could lead toa deal as early this week, the people said on Sunday, cautioning that it was still possible for thenegotiations to fall through.

The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential. Capsugel,Lonza and KKR did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Based in Morristown, New Jersey, Capsugel manufacturers empty two-piece hard capsules aswell as finished dosage forms for drug delivery. It serves more than 4,000 corporate customersin over 100 countries.

Reuters reported in March that KKR was preparing to run a sale process for Capsugel this year,and also explore the possibility of an initial public offering of the company as an alternative to anoutright sale.

KKR acquired Capsugel from Pfizer for $2.4 billion in 2011.

Lonza has been expanding its presence in the United States in recent years, buying up smallbio pharmaceutical companies and, in 2011, acquiring chemical maker Arch Chemicals for $1.4billion. Lonza has a market capitalization of 9.4 billion Swiss francs ($9.25 billion).

Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook .

2016-12-12 07:16 CNBC www.cnbc.com

204 /246 3.0 Donald Trump: I'll solve the Dakota Access pipeline

questionNEW YORK, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- If it'snot "solved" by the time he'sscheduled to take office in January,the U. S. president-elect vowedquick action on the Dakota Accessoil pipeline.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineersin early December said it would notapprove an easement for furtherconstruction on the pipeline tobridge Lake Oahe in North Dakota.Jo-Ellen Darcy, an Army assistantsecretary for civil works, said the

decision stemmed in part from water-quality concerns expressed by the Standing Rock SiouxTribe in North Dakota.

State regulators and industry leaders say there's not enough pipeline capacity to carry all of theoil produced from the region, leaving rail as the primary alternate transport method. Severalderailments of trains carrying oil from North Dakota proved deadly over the past few years.

Donald Trump , who is slated to assume the U. S. presidency in mid-January, told Fox Newsduring the weekend he'd step into the process if it's required.

"Let me not answer the Dakota [oil pipeline question] because perhaps that'll be solved by thetime I get there, so I don't have to create enemies on one side or the other," he said. "But I will tellyou when I get to office, if it's not solved, I'll have it solved very quickly. "

He did not elaborate on what "solved" implied.

Energy Transfer Partners, a company in which Trump once invested, and Sunoco LogisticsPartners, the two companies behind the pipeline's construction, said the decision from the ArmyCorps of Engineers was a delay tactic from President Barack Obama , whose administrationruled against the Keystone XL oil pipeline on environmental grounds.

Pipeline developers are pressing their case in court, pointing to July permits from the ArmyCorps for construction in the area of concern. According to a report in The Hill , a judge in the

District Court for the District of Columbia said additional briefs from both the tribes working tohalt construction and the companies behind the projects are due in February.

2016-12-12 07:14 Daniel J www.upi.com

205 /246 2.6 Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle takes her dog

Bogart to the vet in TorontoIt may be sub zerotemperatures in Toronto todaybut that was not going to stopanimal lover Meghan Marklefrom getting her belovedpooch to the vet. Prince Harry's girlfriend was seen wrappedup warm as she braved the icyconditions of the Canadian cityto accompany her dog Bogartto the animal hospital. Thesuits actress, 35, paired herchic skinny jeans with a pair ofpractical walking boots as shetook to the snowy streets. Scroll down for video Determined to keep out the December chillMeghan wrapped up warm in a puffer jacket paired with a blue bobble hat that she has beenfavouring of late. And although there may be snow on the ground a stylish Meghan was sure tofinish off her outfit with a pair of ice cool sunglasses. The active actress has been spotted outand about in Toronto several times this week after her boyfriend returned to Britain after visitingher over the weekend. Yesterday the actress seemed to be in a bit of a rush as she headed to aYoga class in the city. She may have left the house in a hurry but Meghan did not forget to sporta very important accessory. Miss Markle was spotted wearing her Prince Harry love bracelet aswent to her yoga class on Thursday. The Suits actress proudly wore the accessory as shestepped out in a long coat, hat and scarf in Toronto. It has not been confirmed Prince Harry gaveMeghan the bracelet but she has suggested they may have matching 'his and hers' accessoriesin photo posts on Instagram in which she was wearing a blue and white bracelet identical to theone sported by the royal. Prince Harry sent rumours swirling about their relationship when hewore his own before the cameras last month. Gifting jewellery is something that Prince Harry isknown to do. When he dated South African socialite Chelsea Davy, it was reported that he gaveher jewellery as a token of his affections. Prince Harry’s relationship with TV star Meghan cameto light at the end of last month when fans spotted the matching love bracelets the couple havebeen wearing for months. Meghan shared a picture of herself wearing her bracelet during a stayat Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire earlier this year, sparking rumours that she was close to theyoung royal. The besotted royal, 32, had made a 1,700-mile detour to visit the American actresson the way back home from an official tour of the Caribbean on Sunday. He had beenscheduled to fly directly to London from Barbados but instead stopped off in Toronto, where MissMarkle, 35, is based while filming US TV legal drama Suits. The couple spent two nights holedup together before Harry broke cover yesterday afternoon and darted out to a waiting car andheaded for the airport. The prince took a 6.30pm British Airways flight from Toronto to Londonarriving at 6.25am - in time for an official engagement in the City less than four hours later. WhileHarry will reimburse the public purse for the cost of his flights, the security officers seen with him

outside Meghan's apartment are thought to be Canadian, and funded by Canadian taxpayers.annual ICAP charity day, which sees traders donate all of their profits to a series of charities,including his own, Sentebale, which supports orphans and children affected by the HIV/Aidsepidemic in Lesotho. After almost three weeks apart, Harry and Miss Markle enjoyed a low-keyweekend inside Miss Markle's apartment. Security staff were positioned around the property andguards with earpieces patrolled the area, a witness said. On Tuesday afternoon, a male figurewith a hood over his head ran out of Miss Markle's home and bundled into a waiting car. Thevehicle sped away, followed by a security truck. Following his 15-day tour of the Caribbean,Harry had been scheduled to return immediately to Britain on a commercial flight funded by thetaxpayer. In the hours before Harry was due to leave, aides maintained the prince would bereturning to London. However he later took a different flight to Toronto. An official said that in anysituation costs incurred to taxpayers as a result of altered plans or extra flights taken would bemet 'privately'. Buckingham Palace has previously stated that members of the royal familyshould be 'actively discouraged' from combining official and personal trips. Following a 2004investigation into visits by Harry's uncle, Prince Andrew - who earned the nickname Air MilesAndy for his 'excessive' foreign travel - the Royal Household told the National Audit Office:'Members of the Royal Family are entitled to grant-in-aid for official travel, as are their staff and,where capacity permits, other officials. 'They meet their own costs, however, for private travel. Inorder to avoid confusion, combining private and public engagements in the same trip is activelydiscouraged.' Despite the guidance, royals do on occasion mix personal trips with officialengagements. It is unlikely that Harry's change of plans was made at the last minute becausethe prince has security with him at all times. As he was visiting a Commonwealth realm, localauthorities would also have needed to be notified in advance. Harry and his girlfriend are alsobelieved to be planning a pre-festive getaway together before he returns to Sandringham in timefor Christmas. The couple have yet to make an official appearance together but Meghancontinues to drop subtle hints about the budding relationship. She has been spotted wearing apersonalised gold necklace that appears to be subtly decorated with the letters M and H. Theactress also posted an Instagram photo showing her dog Guy dressed in a Union Jack printedcoat.

2016-12-12 07:13 Anthony Joseph www.dailymail.co.uk

206 /246 1.5 Atletico Nacional bidding to win Club World Cup in

tribute to Chapecoense as they gear up for KashimaAntlers tie

Jhon Mosquera says he and his Atletico Nacional team-mates want to win the Club World Cupas a tribute to tragedy-struck Brazilian club Chapecoense. Most of the Chapecoense teamperished in a plane crash that killed all but six of the 77 people on board as they approachedMedellin airport late last month to play the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final againstAtletico. The Copa Libertadores and Colombian champions arrived in Osaka on Saturday stillreeling from the shock of the tragedy but must shift their focus to Wednesday's semi-final againstlocal side Kashima Antlers. 'The team (Chapecoense) is always in our hearts and our minds,'Mosquera said. 'Every time we play and we win, it is a homage to their team. I think the entireworld soccer community has been affected by this tragedy and everyone will remember themforever. 'We are all happy to be here because it's a dream to be participating in this tournament,'Mosquera added. 'We want to do whatever we can to get to the final. 'We've always watched thegames and we think it's an amazing tournament. It gets a lot of attention because the world'sbest teams are here and we have a great opportunity here. We have plenty of motivation to win.'

Real Madrid play Mexican sideClub America on Thursday inthe other semi-final ahead offinal in Yokohama on Sunday.

2016-12-12 07:10 AmlanChakraborty www.dailymail.co.uk

207 /246 4.4 Grandmother who went to hospital with broken arm

died from pneumonia and sepsisA grandmother who wasadmitted to hospital with abroken arm died after she wasleft on a ward for three dayswithout seeing a consultant.Patricia Fowler, 75, was notassigned to a doctor atBlackpool Victoria Hospital,Lancashire, because she wasoverlooked by a secretary whomistook her for another patient,an inquest heard. There wasconfusion over who was caringfor Mrs Fowler and she was leftto grow increasingly ill on a cardiac ward, even after her son raised concerns over her health.Mrs Fowler was eventually seen by doctors three days after being transferred to the ward but bythat point had developed pneumonia and sepsis, which led to her death. The case prompted aninternal investigation and an inquest. The hospital admitted liability but Mrs Fowler's familywants more to be done. Son Scott Fowler said: 'Quite simply, my mum died because she wentinto that hospital. We all know that at some point we will lose our parents, but we expected mymum - who was perfectly well - to be here for years and years. 'You don't die from a broken arm.You die from pneumonia and sepsis and she got those because she was left on that wardwithout doctors' reviews. 'If she had been seen, or a nurse had noticed she hadn't been seen,she would still be here now.' Mrs Fowler, a mother of four, was admitted to hospital on January 4after attending A&E with a broken arm. She was discharged on January 6 but readmitted onJanuary 9 after being referred by her GP with hyponataemia - low sodium - and worsening backpain. She was transferred to a cardiac ward in the early hours of January 10. Mrs Fowler wasseen by a doctor in the fracture clinic on January 12 but was not attended by a consultant on thecardiac ward until January 13, three days after she was transferred. A serious incident reportinto the case, published in April, detailed how Mrs Fowler was seen following an 'acutedeterioration'. She was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ITU) with severe sepsis andplaced on a ventilator. Scott Fowler said: 'Going into hospital killed my mother. The grief we allfeel has devastated us and the personal guilt I feel is immense. 'She died on Wednesday 15 and

I went into the hospital on the Tuesday night to see her - she looked terrible. 'I went up to thedesk to tell someone and they just told me that she was tired and she'd be feeling better after anight's rest. 'You know as a family when someone you love isn't well and I knew somethingwasn't right. The fact I didn't push it or demand they do something is guilt I'm struggling to copewith.' In a statement to the coroner, Angela Russell, medical secretary in the Care of the Elderlydepartment, described how Mrs Fowler was overlooked when she arrived. She said patients'names were shared on an email list but there were no hospital numbers, NHS numbers or datesof birth. Ms Russell added: 'In this particular case there had been a patient with the sameforename, which appeared in exactly the same place on the emailed list. 'When going throughthe list, it was not obvious that the patient's surname had changed. I did not notice this andneither did any of the Care of the Elderly consultants.' Anaesthetist Dr Matthew Bowker told theinternal investigation how he had expressed concerns after Mrs Fowler wasn't 'reviewed by amember of her medical team' from the time she was moved onto the cardiac ward until threedays later. Another member of hospital staff, Matthew Bowker, told the investigation there was'obviously no proper handover of care between medical shifts', and said: 'It could be argued thathad a proper timely review taken place, the severity of her deterioration could have beenprevented and she may have avoided admission to intensive care.' Another medic, Dr AnjuMirakhur, also described the confusion over who was responsible for Mrs Fowler's care. He saidMrs Fowler was assigned to the Care of the Elderly team but was only seen after several callswere made to doctors on January 13. The grandmother-of-five died on January 15. A postmortem examination ruled the cause of death as sepsis and pneumonia, with her broken arm acontributing factor. The hospital said lessons will be learned from the fatal error and its chiefexecutive, Wendy Swift has written to Mrs Fowler's family to apologise for the incident. In astatement released on Friday, the trust said: 'Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS FoundationTrust has admitted liability in this matter and has passed on its sincere condolences andapologies to Mrs Fowler's family. 'A full investigation was carried out into the circumstances ofMrs Fowler's hospital journey and a number of changes have been implemented as a result ofthe findings of that investigation.'

2016-12-12 07:08 Stephanie Linning www.dailymail.co.uk

208 /246 0.3 Peter Helliar pokes fun at Peter Stefanovic on The

Project after stand-in Today show host's on-air gaffePeter Helliar poked fun atfellow TV presenter PeterStefanovic on Monday night'sepisode of The Project.

The 41-year-old comedianspoke about the difficulty ofpresenting live TV beforeshowing a clip of a blunder theToday show host made,adding 'see you at the Logies'in reference to Australia'sbiggest TV awards.

On Monday, Stefanovic poseda question to a guest he believed was waiting to speak to him via satellite link - only to discover

her sitting next to co-host Lisa Wilkinson, causing the presenter an embarrassing moment.

Thumbs up, Pete: Peter Helliar poked fun at fellow TV presenter Peter Stefanovic on Mondaynight's episode of The Project

Helliar said: 'Guys, doing live TV is tough - there's no doubt about it. Sometimes the guest you'retalking to is in a remote location, sometimes they're right here in the studio.'

He added: 'It's important to know the difference.'

The clip of Stefanovic's blunder was then shown, with the Today host looking straight down thecamera, completely oblivious that the guest he was questioning was perched next to Lisa.

Blunder: Stefanovic posed a question to a guest he believed was waiting to speak to him viasatellite link - only to discover her (R) sitting next to co-host Lisa Wilkinson (middle right)

My mistake! Stefanovic explained he thought their guest was not in the studio, clearly obliviousto her presence

Amused: The 41-year-old comedian spoke about the difficulty of presenting live TV beforeshowing the blunder, adding 'see you at the Logies'

After cutting back to Helliar, the 41-year-old saluted the camera before saying: 'G'day Pete, seeyou at the Logies.'

When the pair meet at next year's television awards, Helliar will be looking to end his long waitfor recognition.

Co-hosts Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore have picked up the silver Logie for Best Presenter insuccessive years, the former winning earlier this year.

Public address: After cutting back to Helliar, the 41-year-old saluted the camera before saying:'G'day Pete, see you at the Logies.'

Helliar hasn't hidden his determination to break his Logie duck, featuring in a Donald Trump-style plea during Monday's episode.

Meanwhile, Stefanovic did not join The Project hosts in being nominated for the award despitehis weekend work on the Today show and other Channel Nine projects.

Helliar faces competition from Stefanovic's brother Karl, Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg andNext Top Model presenter Jennifer Hawkins - among others - to win the award when it'sannounced in April.

Winners: Co-hosts Waleed Aly (L) and Carrie Bickmore (middle) have picked up the silver Logiefor Best Presenter in successive years, the former winning earlier this year

2016-12-12 07:07 Greg Styles www.dailymail.co.uk

209 /246

209 /246 1.4 Cesc Fabregas is still vital for Chelsea and Jay

Rodriguez can seize Southampton chance after CharlieAustin injury- 10 THINGS WE LEARNED

Another stellar weekend ofaction saw Chelsea edge outWest Brom en route to yetanother win whilst Liverpoollost ground in the title race.Southampton coped withoutCharlie Austin in their 1-0 winagainst Middlesbrough andJay Rodriguez can seize hisopportunity for Claude Puel.Here, Sportsmail's Ralph Ellisshares 10 things he learnedfrom a memorable weekend offootball. 1. Cesc Fabregasmight have been a bit part player during Chelsea’s triumphant nine-match winning run but theformer Barcelona midfielder must be kept at Stamford Bridge as an essential part of AntonioConte’s squad. Brought on for the later stages against West Brom, he immediately showed hisvalue by getting involved in the build-up to Diego Costa’s winning goal. He played 21 passesduring his 16 minute cameo – only one less than Victor Moses managed in the 74 minutesbefore going off to make way for him. 2. Adam Lallana made sure he didn’t waste theopportunity to force his way back into Liverpool’s starting line-up after making his first start in amonth. The England star, who has probably embraced Jurgen Klopp’s work ethic more than anyother Anfield player, ran an astonishing 8.53 miles against West Ham. It’s the most groundcovered by any player this season, and only a fraction behind the 8.6 mile record for a PremierLeague game set by Bournemouth’s Dan Gosling last season. Lallana wasn’t just jogging,either. He put in 94 sprints. 3. Charlie Austin’s injury is a shattering blow for Southampton butmight just offer a career lifeline to Jay Rodriguez who has struggled on his return from a cruciateknee ligament injury. The 27-year-old, who had forced his way into the England squad beforemissing the entire 2014-15 season because of his knee problems, has been out in the coldunder new boss Claude Puel this season despite returning to fitness. But he played the full 90minutes of the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, his first full Premier League appearance for 988days. 4. Leicester’s tough guy skipper Wes Morgan, who hasn’t missed a Premier League matchin two years, has taken his devotion to duty a stage further this season. The 32-year-old was theonly player who started both the midweek Champions League trip to Porto and the 4-2 win overManchester City. In fact Morgan has played every minute of every one of Leicester’s 22 gamesthis season. No other player among the sides involved in European football has been everpresent in all competitions. 5. Ashley Williams doesn’t seem to have enjoyed the chopping andchanging in Everton’s defence over the past five games. The £12m summer signing, exposedwhen boss Ronald Koeman tried to play a back three in the 5-0 defeat at Chelsea, alwaysplayed as a left-sided central defender for both former club Swansea and as captain of Wales.But the absence of Phil Jagielka meant Koeman used him on the right of Ramiro Funes Mori atWatford and he never looked happy against target man Troy Deeney. 6. Theo Walcott’s goalagainst Stoke took him into double figures for the season in all competitions – the first time he’sreached that level in club goals since the 2012-13 campaign. Arsenal will be hoping historyrepeats itself, because that year he also reached 10 by early December and went on to get 21 inall competitions from 43 appearances. 7. There’s no tougher environment for a young central

defender to take his first steps in the Premier League than a relegation fight, but Swansea’s AlfieMawson seems to be relishing the challenge. The 22-year-old, bought from Barnsley for just£5.5m in the summer, looked superb after being picked by boss Bob Bradley in the 3-0 win overSunderland. The Swans have kept just two clean sheets since the opening day of the season,and Mawson has played on both occasions. 8. Mick McCarthy is facing the toughest spell of hisfour years as boss of Ipswich with the club’s fans losing patience. McCarthy has defied gravityby keeping the club in play-off contention every season despite working with only free transfersand loan signings. But a 1-1 draw against relegation haunted Cardiff, who were down to 10 menfor the final 20 minutes, means his side have won only twice at Portman Road since August. 9.Keith Hill will this week celebrate the 10th anniversary of when he first took over as Rochdaleboss. The 47-year-old, in his second spell in charge of the club either side of an ill-fated spell atBarnsley, turned down the chance to take over Blackburn in the summer because he believedhis squad had the potential to challenge for promotion. His faith is beginning to look justifiedafter the 3-2 home success over leaders Scunthorpe, Rochdale’s 10th win in their last 14League One games. 10. Worrying times for Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson as reality begins tobite following the club’s return to the Football League. Two late goals by Exeter’s David Wheelercondemned his side to a 3-1 home defeat that dumped them into the bottom two. Knocked out ofthe FA Cup by non-League Sutton, Cheltenham have taken just one point from their last sixgames.

2016-12-12 07:07 Ralph Ellis www.dailymail.co.uk

210 /246 5.6 Father honours daughter Lauren Atkinson who died

after taking ecstasy in ManchesterA 19-year-old beautician whodied after taking Ecstasy on anight out has today beennamed by her heartbrokenfamily who said: 'The worldhas lost one amazing girl.'Lauren Atkinson was founddead after taking the partydrug during an all-night ravewith girlfriends in Manchester.Miss Atkinson, the daughter ofa rugby club boss who lived100 miles away in the LakeDistrict, was discovered in her

room by friends at their rented apartment at 6.30am on Saturday. Paramedics tried to resuscitatethe teenager but was she was pronounced dead at the scene. Four people have since beenarrested by police investigating Lauren's death. It is thought the tragedy occurred after theteenager attended a £35 a ticket rave known as the Heldeep which is run by the events firmWarehouse Project at a car park underneath Manchester's Piccadilly Railway Station. Just 24hours earlier she posted a message about the event saying: 'So excited - roll on tomorrow.'Today Lauren's father Nigel, 50, who runs Ulverston Rugby league Club with wife Alisondeclined to comment, but posted a message on Facebook saying: 'As parents we were blessedto have a daughter who touched so many. And was loved by everyone. The world has lost oneamazing girl. 'On behalf of myself and Alison and all the family, I can't thank you enough for your

kindness'. Friday night's rave had featured 15 DJ's across four separate rooms at theunderground car park which was formerly an air raid shelter. Lauren, from Ulverston wasattending the event with seven friends after booking into The City Warehouse ApartHotel inGreat Ancoats Street, Manchester. The alarm was raised when friends of Lauren tried to wakeher up at 6am and found her unresponsive. One of her friends Shannon Mansell said:'Absolutely heartbroken. Miss her so much already', adding: 'Absolutely devastated. She is anabsolute angel and one that will never be forgotten'. Lauren's mother, Alison Atkinsoncommented on one of the girls pictures, saying: 'Hard to believe that was just over 24 hours ago'to which Sophie Jackson replied: 'I would do absolutely anything to go back in time Alison.'Chelsea Sumner, cabin crew for Ryanair, uploaded a picture on to Facebook on December 10with the caption: 'God only takes the best'. Shortly after, she added: 'Can't even believe it'.Eleanor Edwards boss of the beauty salon where Lauren worked as an apprentice closed theshop premisis as a mark of respect. She also shared a tribute to their 'dearest' friend who hasbeen described as the 'heart and soul of the salon'. Miss Edwards said: 'It is with heart breakingsadness that I must inform you of the passing of our dearest friend and colleague Lauren. CouldI kindly ask for your patience and understanding at this dreadful time. You will be missed by allmy darling. 'Heart and soul of the salon. Our little Lauren. So blessed to have been a huge partof your life, I'll always be in your words ' the best boss ever' and also one of your bestest friends.'My hearts go out to your family, love you always, god bless. sleep tight you angel'. JadeSmedley said: 'Thinking of you girls and the family at such a sad time!! That girl will be missed bymany, an absolute pleasure to have known her'. Lucy Lambeth said: 'Such sad news it doesn'tseems real, truly a lovely young vibrant girl always smiling and laughing and always had timefor every one. I can't imagine what her family must be through. A big loss for anyone who hadthe pleasure of knowing her'. Toni Hill said: 'My heart goes out to you all. Lauren was a beautifulkind and exceptional young woman.' Sharon Tyrer added: 'Thinking of you all at thisunbelievably sad time... An absolute pleasure to have known her.' Louise Storey said: 'So verytragic, she was a ray of sun and laughter.' Winder Anastasia posted on Facebook: 'It doesn'tseem real to me, just seen her last week for my appointment, RIP Lauren, thinking of u lovelygirl'. Police confirmed Lauren had taken MDMA - and they are now extremely concerned thatothers may fall ill. They said two women aged 24 and 21 were arrested on suspicion ofpossessing Class A drugs on the day of the teenager's death. Two men, aged 24 and 26, werearrested on Sunday for possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. All were bailed untilFebruary. Senior officers have issued a plea to anyone who has taken the drug to seek urgentmedical attention. Supt Stephen Howard, of Greater Manchester Police said: 'This is a tragicsituation, the death of a young person is always devastating, but in these circumstances, it is allthe more heart breaking. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. 'Sadly, weknow it is very unlikely that the girl was the only person to have taken this drug. 'We areappealing to anyone who may have taken ecstasy, to get checked out. Even if you took it somehours ago, this pill will still be in your system and could be seriously harming your health.'Anyone with any information about what happened or where this drug may have come fromshould contact police as soon as possible.' The Warehouse Project was started by two nightclubpromoters and uses various locations in Manchester to stage events which attracts clubbersfrom across the UK and has included internationally acclaimed DJs such as Sven Väth, AphexTwin and Richie Hawtin as well as bands like De La Soul, Happy Mondays, The Prodigy andBasement Jaxx. But the event has been shrouded by the deaths of Nick Bonnie, 30, fromGloucestershire who died after taking Ecstasy at one of events in 2013 and Souvik Pal, 18, whodrowned on New Years Eve 2012 after being ejected from one of its raves amid allegations ofpoor security arrangements. Sixteeen people were hospitalised during one weekend fromtaking drugs at the venue - including drug dealers who attempted to avoid arrest by swallowingall their stash. The company has increased the number of medical and security staff at the venue- but former Prime Minister David Cameron, singled out The Warehouse Project when he talked

about the dangers posed by people taking illegal drugs at clubs.

2016-12-12 07:03 Martin Robinson www.dailymail.co.uk

211 /246 0.0 Michigan's 'Christmas camp' will be critical for

program's future, presentANN ARBOR -- A year ago,Michigan's bowl prep featured amixture of three themes.

One part fall camp, one part springpractice, one part game preparation.Jim Harbaugh calls it Michigan's"Christmas camp. " The Wolverineswill get 15 practices this monthbefore finishing the season againstFlorida State in the Orange Bowl onDec. 30 (8 p.m., ESPN).

And, by all accounts, the Wolverineswill go through a similar road to thisyear's bowl game.

"I don't think anyone really approaches a bowl game like coach Harbaugh and the rest of thisstaff," sophomore quarterback Wilton Speight said. "I know we'll be focused and ready to go.Just like last year.

"Anything you do in life, you should (be) mature and realize the opportunities you have and takefull advantage of them. "

Last season's bowl prep wasn't filled with walkthroughs and meetings. It was Harbaugh's "classon grass" approach. As the team does during fall camp and spring ball, Michigan spent most ofits available hours in pads on the field practicing.

The result was a blowout bowl win over Florida and plenty of momentum heading into 2016.

And while this season will likely feature a similar format, there will be some differences.

In 2015, Michigan was bracing to return the bulk of both its starting defense and offense. Thatwon't be the case this time, though.

The Orange Bowl will mark the final game for 15 Michigan starters. That number could increasewith early departures as Heisman finalist Jabrill Peppers still has an NFL decision to make.

Motivation for the Citrus Bowl was simple. Michigan's veterans were all, for the most part,coming back. They were invested beyond one last game.

It's not out of the norm for veteran teams to mail it in during bowl games. It's happened before.But Michigan says it won't happen here.

"I want to leave this program on top and a step in the right direction," fifth-year senior defensivetackle Ryan Glasgow said. "I think we want to make a statement. We want show that we are agood team, that we would (have been) deserving of a College Football Playoff berth if they(gave) us one this year.

"But we don't. So we have to focus all of our attention on Florida State and try to prove that weare a top-four team in the country. "

Peppers -- only a redshirt sophomore -- echoed Glasgow's statement this week in New York. Heinsisted he's not focusing on his future right now. Only Florida State. Peppers insisted that, forMichigan, the final game is important and it'll be treated that way. It's not just a consolation prize.

Still, there are future implications this month that will be important.

Here's a few quick-hitters:

-- Michigan will lose basically all of its offensive skill positions after this season. Jehu Chessonand Amara Darboh will be gone. Jake Butt's graduating. De'Veon Smith, too.

And while Chris Evans, Ty Isaac and Karan Higdon should be more than capable in thebackfield next season, Michigan will have to establish more pass-catchers for Speight.

Freshman Kekoa Crawford gave sophomore Grant Perry a run for his money in terms of late-season snaps. This month, he'll likely get a ton. So will freshmen Eddie McDoom and NateWashington, players Speight said he wants to get extra reps with over the next 15 practices.

This will also be an important time for veterans Drake Harris and Maurice Ways. Michigan'syounger players are talented. The Wolverines will bring in freshmen receivers next year. Harrisand Ways can't get passed this month by youngsters if they have hopes of playing.

At tight end, Michigan has confidence in redshirt sophomore Ian Bunting, but this could be atime for freshmen Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and Devin Asiasi to truly establish themselves as themain men next year at tight end.

Either way, this month will be Speight's chance to start the long process of timing-development.Chesson, Darboh and Butt will get their reps, to be sure.

But the youngsters have to take advantage.

-- The offensive line will lose three starters. And while Mason Cole said he's leaning towardreturning for his senior season, he did say he'd take a look at the NFL after the season. Eitherway, some new guys have to step forward.

Freshman Michael Onwenu will likely get a lot of work this month, even if he doesn't play muchin the bowl game. Redshirt freshman Juwann Bushell-Beatty will have a chance to re-establishhimself as a possible top five performer up front.

And, for guys like Patrick Kugler and David Dawson, it seems to be getting down to last-chancetime. There will be openings next season. Spots are up for grabs. But both Dawson and Kuglermight be auditioning for a fifth year in a camp like this.

Either way, the competition for those three open spots next season starts now. Younger playerslike Jon Runyan and Nolan Ulizio will have a chance to make a jump. And someone's going to

have to.

Michigan has not given any timetable on when (or if) Grant Newsome can return to the footballfield. So one way or another, Michigan's going to need to get something out of its youngeroffensive linemen this month.

-- Defensively, David Long and Lavert Hill need to take advantage of every rep they get at thispoint. Both freshmen will likely be turned to for heavy reps next season. Jeremy Clark could geta sixth year, but both these guys are going to be expected to make a big leap now.

Separately, Michigan might have an opportunity to tinker this month.

Does a guy like Khaleke Hudson stay at safety, or will Don Brown take a look at how Hudsonmight fit in at the SAM spot -- especially if Peppers leaves?

Brandon Watson and Tyree Kinnel will both have big chances to establish themselves as safetyfront-runners this season. But so will Kinnel and so will Josh Metellus.

Up front, Michigan will obviously lose a ton of talent. But it also brings back experience.

If Maurice Hurst returns, he's the anchor. Bryan Mone and Rashan Gary both played wellagainst Ohio State and Chase Winovich improved all season. But that's only four players.

This month will be the beginning of a depth test for Michigan's next defensive line. MichaelDwumfour, Carlo Kemp and Ron Johnson should see plenty of reps. And for a guy likeLawrence Marshall -- as mentioned before with the offensive line -- it's getting down to last-chance time.

-- Michigan's going to have to find another kicker. And a punter.

Kenny Allen pulled it together and finished very strong as a kicker/punter/kickoff specialist. But,again, that's not an ideal situation.

Quinn Nordin and Ryan Tice will have to get better this month. And someone on this roster isgoing to have to punt the football. Allen was, literally, the only option in 2016. He was a goodone, so it worked out.

But maybe a walk-on like Will Hart can take advantage and begin to make strides as a punter.

2016-12-12 07:01 Nick Baumgardner www.mlive.com

212 /246 3.8 Grading the Lions: Running backs earn high marks

despite being gutted by injuryMatthew Stafford started the game hot, connecting on six straight passes, but was never thesame after tearing ligaments and dislocating the middle finger on his throwing hand. He hit onjust 15 of his final 28 passes (53.6 percent) and had two picks, one of which was a duckreturned for a pick-six. His throws lacked their usual velocity and accuracy, which is aforeboding thought to consider heading into the winter cold next week against New York.

But Stafford has been one of the league’s most valuable players for a reason, and sure enough,

he bounced back from that pick todeliver a seven-play, 76-yardtouchdown drive. He threw just oneincomplete pass on the series, anddrove home the final dagger with a7-yard TD run through the heart ofChicago’s defense.

He wasn’t perfect. Far from. Butwithout him, Detroit loses this game— and just about every other one.With him, they are the conference’ssecond-best team. Go ahead, showme somebody more valuable than

that.

2016-12-12 07:01 Kyle Meinke www.mlive.com

213 /246 5.1 Next 'Pearl Harbor' will be political

NEWPORT, R. I., Dec. 12 (UPI) --Last week marked the 75thanniversary of Japan's surpriseattack on Pearl Harbor thatdestroyed much of the Pacific Fleet'sbattleship firepower, forcing Americainto World War II. Pearl Harbor hassince become synonymous withattacks launched without warning.Interestingly, Nazi Germany'sunprovoked invasion of Russia onJune 22, 1941, preceded Japan'ssneak attack by almost six months.

In initiating war, surprise invariably succeeds. But rarely does surprise win, as Germany andJapan discovered. The Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter in April 1861 and the Arabonslaughts against Israel since 1948 onward exploited surprise but never achieved victory. Butin today's far more complex and interrelated world, surprise extends far beyond military issues.And surprise need not produce only disasters.

The broader question is what surprises or attacks are likely to challenge the incomingadministration or provide opportunities beyond actual Pearl Harbors or Operation Barbarossa—Hitler's invasion of Russia. One can argue that Russia's more recent intervention in Ukraine andassimilation of Crimea utilized surprise and so far have succeeded. But Crimea already hadsubstantial Russian military presence and in a fair referendum would have overwhelminglyvoted to ally with Moscow.

A frequently repeated doomsday prediction is a "cyber Pearl Harbor. " The implication is that anadversary could launch a cyberattack that destroys or disables a substantial part of theAmerican infrastructure, whether the electrical grid or the banking system. This is a misnomer.

Such an attack is physically improbable if not impossible. And why would a major power attemptsuch an attack knowing that it would quickly be attributed and retaliation inevitable?

More likely, major powers may make military interventions as Russia has done in Syria. Chinamay continue to militarize tiny islets in the various Chinese seas. North Korea's Kim Jong Un isunpredictable. And terrorist organizations, especially the Islamic State and al-Qaida, will attackwhere they can such as in Paris, Brussels and Nice.

Where real surprise is more likely to occur, perhaps not to Pearl Harbor standards, is political.Global politics is going through a radical shift perhaps as great as the end of World War II andthe Cold War. Consider just a few tectonic changes exemplified by the election of DonaldTrump. Brexit, the referendum in Italy that forced the resignation of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi,populism in Europe with a pronounced rightward shift and the possible implications of electionsin Germany and France are symptomatic of these forces that challenge the future of NATO, theEuropean Union and possibly the system of alliances that has kept the United States secure for70 years.

Financially and economically, with Dow Jones soaring well over 19,500 also means that whatcomes up must come down. Some of Trump's Cabinet picks will cause firestorms on Capitol Hill.As his policies become clearer, no doubt opposition will harden. Each or any of these policiescan prove to be a "Pearl Harbor. "

As Brexit takes shape and British Prime Minister Theresa May's announced date of March 31 totrigger Article 50 could produce potential Pearl Harbors about what follows. U. S. relations withChina, India and Russia likewise are fraught with uncertainty. That President-elect Trump choseto speak with the president of Taiwan and the prime minister of Pakistan, he was purposelyusing those conversations as potential leverage with China and India. In that regard, blowbackis very worrying.

Similarly, the betting is that the Trump administration is contemplating a grand bargain withRussia. Trump is so confident of his negotiating skills, he may believe he can reach anagreement with Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, Crimea, Syria, Russian intimidation of Europe andprobably increasing trade after sanctions are lifted. If an agreement can be achieved, that will bea huge surprise and a reverse Pearl Harbor of political proportions. If it fails, that outcome willnot be pleasant.

One conclusion is redefining the meaning of Pearl Harbor. Today, that definition should mean asurprise of tectonic proportions that changes the state of global affairs. The Great Depression of1929 was one such event. We are facing more.

Another conclusion is that the new administration needs better tools for forecasting the futureand a broader set of contingencies to consider. For much of the 20th century, Pearl Harbormeant a military sneak attack. For the 21st century, Pearl Harbor should mean tectonic surprisefor good or ill.

Harlan Ullman is UPI's Arnaud de Borchgrave Distinguished Columnist and a senior adviser atWashington, D. C.'s Atlantic Council and Business Executives for National Security. His lastbook is "A Handful of Bullets: How the Murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Still Menaces thePeace. " His next book, due out next year, is "Anatomy of Failure: Why America Loses Wars ItStarts," which argues failure to know and to understand the circumstances in which force is usedguarantees failure.

2016-12-12 07:00 www.upi.com

214 /246 0.0 From Oakland and beyond, they make a pilgrimage to

the Ghost ShipAs television cameras and heavyequipment began to vacate the siteof the Ghost Ship fire in Oakland, asteady stream of locals and travelersfrom near and far continued to arriveSunday.

More than a week after the tragedythat killed 36 people who lived in themakeshift artist enclave or wereattending an electronic danceconcert there, they grieved quietlyamid toppled candles and rain-soaked debris, with the scent of

flowers and smoke hanging in the air.

Over the weekend, a metal tree sculpture sprang up across the street from the warehouse ,bearing 36 heart-shaped metal leaves each stamped with the name of a victim.

On the sculpture’s trunk, someone wrote: “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.It’s the life in your years.”

Some of the pilgrims were familiar with the financial risks involved with choosing a creativecareer, and knew what it meant to live somewhere that may be less than safe to save money.

Still more had made music or art with the victims or attended parties at the warehouse.

“We all know someone who knows someone,” said Susan Bergman, an Oakland resident whostopped by on her Sunday morning bike ride.

Titus Cromwell, 4, placed a bird of paradise flower picked from his family’s home, in Oakland’sFruitvale district, on the gate across from the warehouse Sunday morning. His father, JayCromwell, wanted to show his son the reality of what had happened that night when theyopened their door and saw a “big orange glow” on the horizon.

“We just want to show the kids that when we talk about death and fire, it’s not like in videogames,” Cromwell said.

Markus Schulz , a DJ from Miami, came earlier in the week to leave a message for his friend andfire victim Jonathan Bernbaum at the site. Two years ago, the two men traveled the country on atour bus playing shows, Schulz said. Bernbaum, 34, was a visual projection artist and worked onthe visuals for Schulz’s tour.

“There is something special about artistic souls,” Schulz said. “We’re all kind of searching.”

He was playing a show in Mexico City when he learned of Bernbaum’s death. A few nights later,

after playing in Sacramento, he decided to see the Ghost Ship for himself.

“Sometimes artists are misunderstood, but within a place like this, we all understand eachother,” Schulz said.

Officials haven’t said when demolition of the warehouse ruins will begin, and the cause of thefire hasn’t been announced but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosivesconcluded its investigation Sunday afternoon. At least six propane tanks and a few gascontainers were stacked on the sidewalk Sunday.

At around 1 p.m., workers began setting up a fence around the warehouse and adjoiningbusinesses, blocking the view of the ruins, where the remnants of a staircase and two largewooden sculptures were still visible.

The fire has prompted widespread conversation about warehouse art spaces, gentrification,housing and displacement, and many mourners worried about what the future holds for spaceslike the Ghost Ship and the artists who lived there.

Earlier in the week, Paul Ivey, a Fruitvale-based entertainment producer, walked the perimeterof what’s left of the Ghost Ship, reflecting on his younger days as an artist.

The warehouse and its inhabitants were the “next generation of what I used to do,” Ivey said,sunglasses hiding the tears welling in his eyes.

The East Bay art community that the Ghost Ship was a part of reminded him of San Francisco inthe 1990s, when he was a young artist living in a warehouse in the Mission district.

Rising real estate values pushed many artists out of the city, and the spaces he once roamedhave been transformed into “wealthy lofts” in what had been the most dangerousneighborhoods, Ivey said.

He wants city leaders to understand that artistic culture draws people to Oakland, and he saysthey should help house that culture, not crack down on it.

Adrianna Alvarez, a teacher and artist, brought 60 fifth and sixth graders from neighboring St.Elizabeth Elementary School to the site of the blaze. She said she wanted her students toconfront the devastation and understand the importance of providing spaces for people to makeart. Her students hung messages to the victims on a fence during a vigil Thursday.

"There’s not enough space for young people," Alvarez said. "We need to invest in that. "

Vera Fleischer went to the scene of the warehouse fire on 31st Avenue last week and feltstrangely lonely. She used to be an artist and she knew three people who died in the fire. She’sattended a few parties like the one on the night of the fire, and looking over the wreckage shebegan to think about how disconnected she felt from her former life.

The San Francisco-based marriage and family therapist decided to organize counseling help forpeople affected by the fire.

“I’m a little more removed from this community now, and as sad as that is in certain ways, it alsomakes me able to [help],” Fleischer said.

Among the mourners Friday was Robert Lapine and his wife, who drove for two days from

Ogden, Utah, through rain and snow to see the place their son Edmond died with 35 others.

"I just wanted to come down and get some closure," Lapine said.

Lapine spent a few days looking at photos and hearing stories about the life his son led in theBay Area. Edmond was working at a bakery in San Francisco and training to be a barista whenhe died. He loved music, taught himself to play the guitar, and was trying to start a career as aDJ, his father said.

He has had trouble sleeping since his son’s death, and some nights he lays awake, imagininghis son lying in the wreckage waiting to be discovered. He thinks about all the things he nevergot to say to his son.

A professional photographer, Lapine spent a few minutes snapping photos of the Ghost Ship onFriday.

The pictures, he said, will go into a book that he and his wife are creating to document theirson’s life.

“I’m not going to point fingers. I’m sure someone will at a later date,” Lapine said. “As it standsnow, my son’s life is all over, so I’m going to keep going, plug along and try and put our life backtogether.”

Who’s to blame for one of the worst fires in California history , Dakota Access pipelineopponents have claimed a big victory for now , Beyonce leads today’s Grammy nominationswith nine , Ben Carson is Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment , how will Hollywood speak to Trump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the manTrump has tapped him to lead the U. S. Department of Commerce , and John Glenn, the firstAmerican to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95.

John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, died Thursday at 95 , Al Gore might have gottenplayed, South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye, and the AmericanDream is more elusive than ever, a study finds .

Many Oakland warehouse fire questions are still unanswered , how will Hollywood speak toTrump’s America , meet Wilbur Ross, the man Trump has tapped him to lead the U. S.Department of Commerce , and the L. A. City Council hopes to end 'mansionization.’

Flowers placed near the site of the Oakland warehouse fire. Video by Francine Orr/Los AngelesTimes

Protesting the Dakota Access pipeline (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Protesting the Dakota Access pipeline (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

2016-12-12 07:00 Ben Poston www.latimes.com

215 /246 0.0 Get the look: Neutral stripes

Neutral tones are an important color pallet for any wardrobe. While wearing neutral colors mayseem boring, it can also be super versatile. We love how Cortney, the style blogger behind Cort

In Session incorporated stripes intoher perfect neutral outfit. GetCortney's look in the photo below!

RELATED: Shop cashmere under$150

More AOL.com We love the way thisblogger styled her basic white t-shirtThe ultimate fall lace up sweater

S treet style tip of the day:Monochromatic

2016-12-12 07:00 AOL Staff www.aol.com

216 /246 1.1 History's losers: intimate stories from survivors of

the Soviet empire A very cheesy Christmas: could youstomach the pong of these cheeses?

Second-Hand Time by SvetlanaAlexievich, who was awarded the NobelPrize in Literature in 2015, is not somuch an oral history as a lament. Thework is multi-vocal, like a chorus,pierced in places by the solo of ananguished voice. Readers are swept onby a cadence that can ebb and swellwith tidal force. The tone inducessomething close to a trance, demandinga complete surrender to its message ofdespair. This is no dry account ofpolitics, no tasteful essay on the endingof the Soviet dream. Like any true

lament, it comes from a primeval place of loss, the sort that goes with rending your clothes andclawing at your flesh until it bleeds.

All of these voices belong to people from the old USSR. As Soviet citizens, they were survivorsof a long experiment whose purpose was to reprogram the human soul. For almost 70 years,entire populations were schooled, cajoled and corralled behind moral fences. The ideologicalproject required them to rewrite their history and redefine each of their lives. Through songs andfestivals, leader cults, perverted science and the ubiquitous red flag, Soviet messages saturatedeveryone’s imagination, reaching into the most sceptical of minds. The system was so effectivefor so long that even after December 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, citizens wanderedamid its wreckage like the recently bereft, haunted by the only set of values they had everknown.

“ Sovók ”, the Russian word for shovel, is now a pejorative term for those who bear the imprint ofthat past. Alexievich was born in western Ukraine in 1948. “I feel like I know this person,” shewrites in her introduction. “We’ve lived side by side for a long time. I am this person.” The end of

communism was far more than a tale of loss, but this account is for its legions of unsung losers.

The work proceeds in movements, often starting with assembled comments from the voices in acrowd. One intermezzo was recorded at a wake, another in Red Square. It is part of the author’sart to weave these into longer passages with clearer themes, for nothing in the book is random.

“I’m a patriot,” says a man wearing what Alexievich describes as “a massive cross”. “We’re livingin the most shameful era of our entire history. Ours is the generation of cowards and traitors.That’s how our children will remember us.”

Shame on this scale is not a private matter for one man; it is a motif for the whole book. Guilt wasbuilt into the Soviet project from the beginning, as no one could ever reach the leaders’ target ofperfection. Along with private inadequacy, however, there was also much public pride, becauseevery citizen could count herself a pioneer, and many thought they were creating a newhumanity. “You can’t judge us according to logic,” one old survivor insists, his words accusing alloutsiders everywhere. “You can only judge us according to the laws of religion . .. Whatgreatness do you have in your life?”

The revolution that put Lenin and his party into power was over well before the lives of thepeople in this book began. For Alexievich’s respondents, the moment of glory was theircountry’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. Hitler’s troops invaded the USSR in June 1941 andthat summer Russia suffered a catastrophic rout. Even Stalin appeared to falter in hisleadership. By the end of 1942, however, the Soviets had turned the tide, holding on to theblackened Stalingrad and refusing to surrender their besieged second city, Leningrad.

Later on, such myths of hero cities, like those of hero regiments and fearless partisan brigades,made dreams of greatness possible for anyone. But, in reality, the price of victory was roughly27 million Soviet lives. No family was untouched, no individual remained without a debt to thosewho died. It is a burden that every sovók has to carry, and few believe that the currentgeneration understands. “Our grandchildren would have lost,” a bitter voice complains. “Theyhave no ideals and no great dream.”

Great dreams are something that Alexievich understands. She knows that ordinary peopleguard appalling secrets that have gnawed at them for years. She has a knack for makingstrangers confide in her, perhaps because they sense that there will never be another chance.Some stick to dismal little failings, but others describe wartime collaboration, bloodlust and themurder of neighbours. Having done oral history, I know that these stories are hard to hear.Survivors often told me that they did not share them with their families, for fear of the damagethey might cause. Yet an outsider merits no such protection. As speakers sharpen each newphrase like knives, it can feel like a surrogate revenge. Respondent and listener alike arepunished with verbal blows, timed to guarantee maximum harm.

Alexievich must have had endless stamina. Yet she is also subtle, gracious, devastating.Without employing cheap tricks, she transfers every injury directly to the page. I had read only athird of this book when I began to have nightmares.

Though almost every sovók had a memory of violence, they also had specific ways of coping,not all of which required alcohol. The other anaesthetic was collective jollity. Alexievich isnostalgic for the banners and the Soviet songs. People believed they were happy because thatwas what they were told. Even as they gathered to discuss the latest proscribed book, self-appointed dissidents relied on the solid framework of their Soviet jobs and pensions, the primrespectability of Soviet cultural life. When the empire

collapsed, it came as a shock to everyone.

The disaster was swift and comprehensive. First, there was a new leader, Mikhail Gorbachev.“The country turned into a debating society,” one woman remembered. “The theatres grewempty; everyone was at home glued to their televisions.” But then came unemployment,shortages, the threat that all those Soviet certainties might prove false in the end. The foiling of acoup attempt against Gorbachev in August 1991 was the sovóks ’ last victory. Since then, as theeconomy has mutated into a feral type of capitalist order, the older generation has enduredpoverty and ever-deeper shame.

A new generation spun quick bucks from T-shirts and pornography as libraries stood empty. Oldbattlefields were plundered for “vintage” weapons that collectors queued to buy. The humiliationwas too much for some to bear. Timeryan Zinatov, a 77-year-old war hero, was one of manysuicides. “I’d rather die standing up than on my knees, begging for my pauper’s pittance,” hewrote before he threw himself under a train. “I die, but I do not surrender.”

Like a photographer filming the last white rhinoceros, Alexievich has captured the sovóks ’ worldwith subtlety and tenderness. She gives names and some ages, but what I missed was a senseof when each interview took place. This is not a detail: time moves quickly in the former Sovietspaces and context can be everything. Without dates and locations, readers may feel that theyare drowning in a featureless sea of tears. On reflection, however, one realises that even thatsensation may be something that our tragic European neighbours need us to share with them.

Catherine Merridale’s latest book, “Lenin on the Train”, is published by Allen Lane

“Cheese aversion” is a thing, apparently. It has its own entry (between “cheese addiction” and“cheese ball”) in The Oxford Companion to Cheese , a handsome new, 888-page volume editedby Catherine Donnelly of the University of Vermont, devoted to the joys of what one Chineseperson described to the anthropologist E N Anderson as “the mucous discharge of some oldcow’s guts, allowed to putrefy”.

Even some quite sensible people aren’t immune. The (in all other respects entirely admirable)drinks writer of this magazine, Nina Caplan, is a self-confessed turophobe, who considers it“horrid stuff” – apart from Parmesan, because that reminds her of sherry.

Nina, I suspect, would not have been comfortable in the room where I found myself in mid-November, with 3,021 varieties from 31 countries for the World Cheese Awards in SanSebastián, Spain – a gathering I could smell from the other end of the corridor, even with thedoors closed.

To me, the pong, a mixture of old trainers and flatulent dog, was a thrilling whiff of the treat tocome: namely, tasting 45 samples in two hours, from a classic Camembert so ripe that we had tocall for spoons, to an Australian goat’s cheese studded with citrusy green native ants. Yes, ants.It turns out they’re delicious.

My fellow judges, an international mix of makers, ’mongers and importers, were fanatics. Laterthat day when the champion was announced – the best cheese in the room and therefore, intheory, the world – there was what one witness described as “an almost animalistic cry” of joyfrom the winner, an emotional Norwegian dairy farmer who then had to rush home to milk thecows, presumably to make even more of his crumbly blue Kraftkar to satisfy the inevitable surgein demand.

It was a hall full of curd nerds, people fascinated by the way that milk, the simplest, most ancientform of human sustenance (and yes, you can make cheese from human milk, if you happen tohave enough to spare), rots into something infinitely more interesting. They wielded cheeseirons (the boring tools used to take samples from large truckles of cheese) with the confidenceand dexterity of master butchers; they sniffed and squidged and rolled the results around in theirmouths like sommeliers and shook their heads sadly over defective rinds and chalky interiors –“Just terrible, terrible cheese-making,” I heard one of them mutter gloomily, as he prodded at ablameless-looking chèvre. When they took a break for lunch they all headed straight for a localtapas bar that was rumoured to serve the best cheesecake in the world, but came back broken-hearted: it was closed for las vacaciones.

I suspect that, underneath their white coats, many of them were wearing the tattoos that, theCompanion informs me, some aficionados adopt as “an identifier and a sign of their personalcommitment to cheese”. (Apparently, a wedge of a hard variety, sometimes with Swiss “eyes” orblue veining, is the most popular design, no doubt because it’s difficult to represent a packet ofDairylea in miniature form.) Some of them, perhaps, were even cheese addicts, a condition that,according to my new bible, is possibly linked to compounds in the fermented milk which bind toopioid receptors in the brain, releasing dopamine, “a chemical that can signal feelings ofsatisfaction or reward”.

Nina clearly prefers to hit those receptors with a nice Negroni or a cold glass of Manzanilla,pleasures to which I am not immune. But even after sampling my way through my table anddoing a spot of minesweeping from others on the way out (who can walk past a ripe Brie withouthelping themselves?), I couldn’t stop thinking about those ants and what a hit they would be atthe festive feast. It might be time to get a tattoo.

2016-12-12 18:46 Amelia Tait www.newstatesman.com

217 /246 3.0 Microsoft's Christmas ad sparks controversy for

'celebrating what is good and right'Microsoft has launched itsfestive advert which'celebrates what is good andright with the world and whatunites us' after a 'challenging'and 'negative' year. The advertpromotes causes such as theBlack Lives Matter movement,transgender issues and themigrant crisis. It focuses onseven people - activists, artistsand charity workers - many ofwhom have overcomeadversity to stand up for theirbeliefs. 'This holiday season, we brought together a group of people who are making adifference in the world. 'This is their vision of hope, peace and beauty', Microsoft said. It added:'We wanted to lift people up and remind them that ordinary people can make a difference.' Theadvert begins by showing Zea Bowling, seven, who stood up to a ranting homophobic preacher

with a rainbow flag. She held up the flag in Ohio in support of equal rights just one day after theSupreme Court legalized gay marriage across the country. It then features Mona Haydar, aMuslim-American activist who invites people to 'talk to a Muslim' over free coffee and doughnuts.It then skips to the emotion-charged speech by child activist Zianna Oliphant, as scenes from aBlack Lives Matter protest were shown. Fighting back tears a week after the fatal shooting ofblack man, Keith Lamont Scott, Zianna said: 'We need our fathers and mothers to be by ourside.' The commercial then features Bobby White, the Florida police officer who playedbasketball with youths, in the video that garnered the hashtag 'Hoops Not Crime'. In the videoWhite was seen pulling up at the neighborhood to address a noise complaint. But instead ofscolding the children or breaking up the game, he joined in. In the advert, he said: 'There's adamaged relationship between America's youth and police officers...we're going to change that.'It then shows Jazz Jennings, one of the youngest public figures to identify as transgender, whosaid: 'Knowing that at least one adult cares can make the difference in the world to atransgendered youth...be that person.' Microsoft's advert also shows Christopher Catrambone,who launched a search-and-rescue group for migrants; Joel Artista, who promotes socialchange through community-based public art; and Hawa Diallo, a West African refugee artist.Kathleen Hall, corporate VP of brand advertising and research at Microsoft, said: 'We knew it'sbeen a rough year and people have been exposed to a lot of challenging issues. 'We hope thisgives people some positivity and hope in the season which is what it should be about.' Adagency m:united//McCann, which created the campaign, said: 'This year has been challengingfor many and much of what we hear in the news can be negative. Microsoft wanted to lift peopleup and remind them that ordinary people can make a difference.' However the commercial wascriticized by Catholic League's Bill Donohue. He claimed the company was 'exploitingChristmas' by 'pushing the LGBT agenda'. He added: 'If the bi-coastal elites at Microsoft reallybelieve in diversity, then let them have their LGBT celebrations in June during gay pride month,and leave December to Christians.' But it was widely praised by activists. Gina Leigh Duncan,Transgender Inclusion Director at Equality Florida, said: 'Thank you. Build bridges not walls.'Kim Prance added: 'Good on you Microsoft, the world is a large and diverse place and itdeserves to be celebrated in its entirety.' Jane Wicks wrote on YouTube: 'Thank you, Microsoft.What a beautiful gift.'

2016-12-12 06:59 Thomas Burrows www.dailymail.co.uk

218 /246 3.6 Kim Cattrall talks murder, motherhood and the

madness of Sex And The CityThe last time Kim Cattrall saw Donald Trump, the bouffant-haired billionaire was desperatelytrying to catch her eye across a swanky Manhattan cocktail bar. Cattrall spotted the giant egoand the Mr Whippy coiffure, before fixing Trump with a dismissive glare and walking away. It’s allon film for the world to see. Alas, the President-elect is not about to get drawn into another sexscandal on the back of this embarrassing brush-off. The sleazy episode took place while bothwere filming a scene for Sex And The City in 1999. Ask her if she remembers the moment Trumpwalked on set for his cameo in the show that made her name and she raises an eyebrowimperiously. ‘To be honest, he was pretty insignificant. I did so many scenes – sex scenes – thatabsolutely shocked myself. Samantha was scandalous. When the show ended, I told the crew, “Ihave boldly gone where no other woman in television has gone before”, so no, I don’t reallyremember that scene with Mr Trump at all.’ Seventeen years on, we meet on the morning of theUS election, before The Donald’s unexpected triumph. ‘Sam always had good taste in men andTrump is repulsive, ignorant, terrifying, vile,’ Cattrall says savagely as she bites into a plump

blueberry at her regular NewYork breakfast haunt, theRegency Hotel, just a fewblocks from her home. Despiteher cutting remarks, she didn’ttake part in the vote. ‘I am aCanadian resident and I holddual British and Canadiancitizenship [she was born inLiverpool in 1956], whichmeans I can’t vote,’ she says.‘But it does not mean I can’tsay exactly what I think, and ifTrump wins I will probably be

going back to Canada. I will be there for Christmas and maybe I’ll just stay.’ It’s easy to see whyTrump set his sights on Cattrall. Heads turn when she walks into the restaurant. Like MarilynMonroe, she has an easy va-va-voom and she knows it. At the age of 60, she has great skin,large hazel eyes and a killer figure (‘I’ve been on a diet since 1974,’ she jokes) and looksremarkably natural. ‘Well a bit of Botox for a line on my forehead,’ she says. ‘But nothing else –I’m a product of healthy eating, exercise, no sunbathing and natural skin care.’ She talks aboutdressing up as a saucy Santa for our exclusive Event shoot and she practically purrs as sheshows off the images on her phone. Does she feel sexy? ‘Hell yes,’ she says. ‘And at this time ofyear we all need something to make us feel good.’ As an actress, Cattrall is still in demand onboth sides of the Atlantic. This Christmas she is the star of one of the BBC’s brightest baubles,leading a cast including Toby Jones and Andrea Riseborough in an adaptation of AgathaChristie’s novella, The Witness For The Prosecution, set in London in the Twenties. Cattrallplays Emily French, a lonely heiress who befriends a young chancer (Billy Howle). When amurder is committed, Howle looks to his girlfriend (Riseborough) and his lawyer (Jones) toprove his innocence. The story is told with no expense spared on the lavish sets and costumes,though the drama is rumoured to have added more sex and violence to Christie’s tale, similar tolast Christmas’s adaptation, And Then There Were None, which was a big ratings success.Despite her iconic status as one of Manhattan’s most memorable singletons in Sex And TheCity, Cattrall still considers herself a Brit: over breakfast she drinks tea, says she is a big fan ofWoman’s Hour and reveals that when she dies she will be buried in Liverpool. ‘There is aheadstone waiting with my name, my birthdate and then a dash and space for the date of mydeath,’ she says. ‘It’s a family grave and there is space left for me – so I know wherever ithappens I’m going to end up in Liverpool.’ On the set of The Witness For The Prosecution,Cattrall surprised Jones and Riseborough by ordering fish and chips and leading a pilgrimageto Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC. Their former captain, Steven Gerrard, is a good friend.‘He’s living in Los Angeles right now but I’m waiting for him to come home. I think he would be alot happier back in Liverpool,’ she teases, clearly aware that Gerrard would announce hisretirement from professional football the following week and return to the UK. Can Liverpool winthe League? ‘Are you kidding me?’ She lets out a gutsy laugh and raises her fist. ‘Of course wecan. All the way.’ Although Cattrall first came to prominence as a blonde bimbo in theoutrageous comedies Porky’s and Police Academy, she has also done serious drama,appearing in Chekhov and Arthur Miller plays and starring as Cleopatra in a Sir Peter Hall stageproduction in 2010. She cites two pieces of advice she received along the way to explain herchoices. ‘I worked with Kris Kristofferson on a movie when I was younger [Miracle In TheWilderness]. I couldn’t understand why a rock star like him was doing this film. He laughed at meand said: “I’m paying my mortgage.” 'Working with Jack Lemmon in the Eighties [Tribute, 1980] Iasked him for advice. He said: “Take projects that scare you.” But you can’t do one without the

other. I took the fluffy work to pay for doing other things.’ The Witness For The Prosecution is oneof those projects she cares about – indeed, she’d considered producing it herself in the WestEnd three years ago. ‘I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie,’ she says. ‘She’s often dismissed andthought of only as a crime writer. People think of Poirot and The Mousetrap but if you read herbooks [Cattrall has read most of Christie’s works] you see she’s a great writer who createsparticularly brilliant, complicated parts for women – all ages of women. ‘It’s a brilliant adaptation,set in a different era [from the famous 1957 film starring Marlene Dietrich] and Emily’s rich andglamorous, but she’s also vulnerable, frightened and in the rather humiliating position of payinga younger man £5 a day to be her companion. That gives her a depth that makes her very realand human. It says something about the condition of women that is still relevant today – that thewoman you see on the outside is not the woman she is on the inside.’ Cattrall is obsessed withthe perception of women – particularly older women. In her own way, like Samantha in Sex AndThe City, she is a rule-breaker, which makes it all the more surprising when she says she turnedthe part down three times before she was finally persuaded to take it on. ‘When the show beganI was 41. I felt I was too old to be sexy, I was being ageist about myself. It was 1997 and awoman over 40 back then was just not viewed as vital or desirable. I didn’t think I could pull it off.I didn’t think people would believe in her like they did. But I was absolutely wrong. Samanthabroke the mould for the older woman.’ She continues to forge her own path and this Christmas,when she returns to her big house on Vancouver Island, she will not be accompanied by herhusband or her children because after three marriages she is now single and she never hadchildren. The house will be filled with friends and family – including her two sisters and brotherand her mother, Gladys, and nephews and nieces. Cattrall will be in the kitchen cooking. ‘It willbe a turkey, goose or fish, but most likely all three,’ she says. ‘Everyone brings something,whether it’s a pie or a cake or a salad, and we just spend the day laughing, talking over oldtimes, cooking, looking at the lake. I love Christmas. ‘The weather in Vancouver is pretty muchlike it is in England at that time of year – cold, fresh, Christmassy. It’s the one time of year youjust switch off and relax. I love to cook but I don’t get stressed. I like to go in and out of thekitchen, have drinks with guests, have drinks in the kitchen – cooking, eating, being together isone of the simplest, greatest pleasures in life.’ Last year she prompted outrage when she wenton Woman’s Hour and said she felt that although she had no children of her own she had beena mother in her own way to nephews and nieces and youngsters she had mentored throughoutthe years. Many of the women on Mumsnet disagreed, claiming this was ‘in no way’ actualmotherhood. She shrugs and says: ‘What I was trying to say was that as a woman I had maternalfeelings and I have been able to express those feelings in different ways with my siblings’children and with young kids – girls in particular – who I’ve got to know over the years.’ The truthabout motherhood and Cattrall is more complex, as she opens up for the first time about thistraumatic period of her life. ‘When I was married to my second husband, Andre J Lyson[Cattrall’s first marriage to Larry David was annulled and her third marriage, to musician MarkLevinson, ended in 2004] I wanted to have children. Women are ruled by a biological clock and Iwas no exception. ‘The difference was, nothing happened. I went to my doctor and he told methat it could happen but I would have to accept that I would become something of a scienceexperiment. It was the very early days of IVF – it wasn’t something that was known a lot about ortalked a lot about like it is now. ‘But I didn’t want to become a science experiment. And then Ithought that if I felt like that, then I didn’t want a baby enough to make that not an issue. And so Iaccepted that it wasn’t going to be the path for me and I made peace with it. ‘You cannot livewith regrets – it was my choice and it was the right choice for me. I’m happy with my life. I feelvery connected to a lot of young people in my life, I don’t have a husband but I date and I know Idon’t want to get married ever again. I don’t want to put that stamp on another relationship orworry about finding that man. I know what I want, I know what I like and that works for me.’ Andwhile Cattrall describes herself as ‘sexy, independent and satisfied’ she also says she’s‘vulnerable and scared’. What is she scared of? ‘Being invisible, being irrelevant, left behind by

not keeping up with technology. I sometimes think people want to meet me so they can see howI have aged,’ she says. ‘I have passed the Rubicon of 50 and for someone who works in a visualmedium, whose youth is preserved in film, that is a very big deal.’ After SATC ended in 2004,she was showered with offers from Hollywood and TV networks but turned them down in favourof a critically acclaimed part as a paralysed woman who wants to die in a West End revival ofWhose Life Is It Anyway? She has also starred in a series of TV shows including a Bafta-winningadaptation of William Boyd’s Any Human Heart. ‘My agents were tearing their hair out,’ shesays. ‘Because I was saying: “No” to some serious money. ‘SATC made good money but it didn’tmake the sort of money like the stars of Friends or Will & Grace made because it was an HBOshow, which meant no advertisers and therefore less cash. The repeat fees aren’t worthspeaking about. But I had enough for a home and a good life and I didn’t want to just keepplaying the same version of that one role. Or being the Hollywood mum. ‘There are very fewgood roles for older women in Hollywood. Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep are not the rule, theyare the exception. It is an industry that celebrates, promotes and idolises youth, and you can’tfight that. Ageing is seen as a disease no one wants to catch, but it happens to us all. ‘My choicewas to go to England and work in theatre. The idea terrified me – every night I’m on stageterrifies me – but I love the work there. Britain is less caught up in youth, it’s an older society.Shakespeare wrote parts for real, older women in his plays. You have great female writers, greatactors, great opportunities for all ages – so I chose Britain.’ Despite the varied career, she willalways be best known as Samantha from SATC. It’s a legacy that helped make her name andallowed her to mould her own career, but it’s also come at a cost to her relationships. ‘It puts alot of men off,’ she says. ‘People have an impression of me that is not actually me at all. Eitherthey think that’s what I’m like and that’s what they expect – or it just puts them off. Americans inparticular are terrified of sex. But that was a character. It wasn’t me. 'There were so many timesI’d read my script and be speechless with shock about what she was going to say and do next.Sam was outrageous. It was always scary but definitely liberating to play her. But I am not Sam.’There have been two SATC movies since the show ended, which have done phenomenally wellat the box office despite being panned by the critics. The last one was released in 2010 andthere are currently no plans for more outings for the cocktail-quaffing quartet. Would she beinterested in filming any more? ‘Absolutely not,’ she says and leans forward. ‘Sex And The Citywas a fantasy. It has to stay a fantasy. We all need a little fantasy in our lives.’ Parts 1 & 2 of ‘TheWitness For The Prosecution’ are on Boxing Day and December 27, BBC1 at 9pm

2016-12-12 06:59 Louise Gannon www.dailymail.co.uk

219 /246 0.8 Liverpool FC star Adam Lallana is the Premier

League's running manHis abundant energy is one of the key reasons why Liverpool are challenging for the PremierLeague title this season - but even by Adam Lallana's standards, this weekend was impressive.The attacking midfielder had set the Premier League season's best for distance covered whenhe ran 13.07km (8.12 miles) in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Leicester City back on September 10.But Lallana went even better in Sunday's match with West Ham, covering a lung-busting13.72km (8.52 miles) in the 2-2 draw at Anfield. The 28-year-old Lallana is very muchLiverpool's 'running man,' appearing three times in the top 10 highest distances covered in thePremier League this season. The England man claimed the eighth-highest total when he ran12.88km (8 miles) in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 16. Theonly other player to have broken the 13km barrier so far this season was James Ward-Prowse ofSouthampton, who covered 13.04km (8.1 miles) in their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Jack Cork of Swansea, JakeLivermore of Hull City andJames McClean of West Bromhave also earned 'marathonmen' tags this season. GeorgeBoyd at Burnley and DanGosling at Bournemouth bothfeature in the top 15 twice,putting in real shifts for theirteam's cause. DespiteLallana's efforts, whichincluded scoring the openinggoal, Liverpool were leftdisappointed by the twodropped points at Anfield, with the result leaving them six behind leaders Chelsea.

2016-12-12 06:58 Adam Shergold www.dailymail.co.uk

220 /246 1.1 Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky dating rumours reach

fever pitch as they enjoy dinnerThey were first picturedtogether earlier in the summer.And the romance rumour millhas continued to turn eversince, once again set intomotion when Kendall Jennerand A$AP Rocky werepictured enjoying dinner atMalibu's Nobu on Sundaynight. The model, 21, and therapper, 28, appeared camerashy as they left the popularcelebrity haunt in California.Scroll down for video Dressed

in casual ensembles, Kendall flaunted her model proportions in a black jumpsuit. Teaming itwith ankle boots and a camouflage bomber, she showed off her natural beauty with minimalmake-up. With her hair scraped up into a bun and accessorising with delicate necklaces, shestood alongside A$AP as they waited for her Ferrari to be brought around. The Wild For TheNight star rocked navy trousers, trainers and a red leather bomber as he chatted to his rumouredflame as they waited. Last week Kendall reignited relationship rumours with ASAP Rocky asthey were pictured leaving a club together in Miami on Friday. After heading out together withJonathan Cheban, the duo kept their heads down as they made a swift exit in the early hours.Kendall, 21, was clad in a sheer lace body that showed off her incredible figure whilst remainingdemure. She teamed the garment with a sequinned gold skirt that injected some extra glitz intoher ensemble. Meanwhile, ASAP Rocky, 28, kept things low-key in a purple hoodie. Kendall hasbeen spotted out with the rapper on several occasions, with Us Weekly reporting in June that thepair were enjoying a 'fling'. A source told the site: 'It's a fling. It's not serious.' But the musicianwas said to very impressed with the sister of Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and Kylie, with the source

adding: 'He thinks Kendall's hot as hell. He's just having fun.' Kendall has also been linked to LALakers basketball player Jordan Clarkson, with a report emerging last month that the pair got'touchy-feely' at Drake's party following the American Music Awards. 'You could see that they'rereally into each other and they certainly weren't hiding it,' the eyewitness told E! News . 'Theywere very touchy-feely! 'She was super giddy and loving every minute of it. It was obvious thatthey have a very playful, fun relationship,' the eyewitness added. 'They were extremelyaffectionate and sweet towards one another. They were extremely coupley.'

2016-12-12 06:56 Jessica Rach www.dailymail.co.uk

221 /246 2.5 Damian Lewis reveals playing a rich man has had no

effect on his own lifeHe's known for his role inBillions playing the ambitiousmanager of a hedge fundBobby 'Axe' Axelrod. ButEnglish actor Damian Lewis,45, has revealed the lavishlifestyle led by his character isa stark contrast to the life heleads off screen. Speaking toTV Week , Damian said thatalthough he enjoys playing therole of a rich business man,money isn't that important tohim or his family. 'We don'tthink money is terribly important in our family. 'I spend money on my children's school fees, and Ijust renovated my house but I don't own a second home or have a yacht.' Billions follows thepower war between two hedge fund kings, Bobby and US Attorney General Chuck Rhoadesplayed by Paul Giamatti. Damian, also known for his role in Netflix series Homeland, has saidhe was reluctant to consider another US based-show with the hope of being home with hisfamily. But said: 'I went on instinct with Homeland, and Billions was a similar decision.' Damianwon an Emmy Award and Golden Globe for his role as Sergeant Nick Brody in Homeland. The45-year-old is married to fellow actor Helen McCrory, 47, with the pair living in Tuffnel Parknorth-west London. The smitten couple share two children, one eight-year-old son and onenine-year-old daughter and often comment on the importance of family. Damian madeheadlines earlier this year when he decided that he wouldn't send his children to boardingschool calling the experience 'very violent'. The awarding-winning Homeland star said he wouldnot send them to board at that age because of the hardship that comes with living apart fromparents. 'I went at eight and I think that's very hard. You go through something which, at that age,defines you and your ability to cope,' he told The Sunday Times Magazine. 'There's a suddenlack of intimacy with a parent, and your ability to get through that defines you emotionally for therest of your life,' he finished.

2016-12-12 06:55 Aneeta Bhole www.dailymail.co.uk

222 /246

222 /246 1.4 Socialite liquor store heir who hosted wild Sydney

party with models and Playboy bunnies says he 'deeplyregrets' the out-of-control antics

'This has turned into a tragedyfor Theo who worked tirelesslyto put the event together,' hesaid. 'The party ended at 10pmafter which a series ofunsavoury events happenedwhere fighting broke out in thehouse. 'Theo has foundhimself the victim of a crimescene. What happened afterhe locked up the house wasdeeply regrettable.' MrChambers said security hadcleared his property of

partygoers by the time of the incident and they were not related. 'There is no informationsuggesting that the charity event and [incident] were in any way connected,' he told thepublication.

2016-12-12 06:54 Tanya Li www.dailymail.co.uk

223 /246 1.7 X Factor's Honey G confirms she HAS bagged a

record deal with Simon Cowell's label... amid claims shewill 'make millions' from controversial stint on the show

Honey G has bagged a recorddeal with Simon Cowell's labelSyco - sharing the news onTwitter before the winner of theX Factor was even announced.The controversial rapper, 35,who had been hinting at a dealwith the 57-year-old musicmogul for weeks, announcedthe signing during the live finalon Sunday. Despite beingvoted off in week seven,Honey G revealed her firstsingle would be released onDecember 23, going head to head with winner Matt Terry's own track. Scroll down for video In avideo clip posted on her Twitter account during live final, Honey G said: 'Yo yo this is your girlHoney G. 'I hope you all enjoyed my performance last night at the 'X Factor' final and, yes it istrue I am now signed to Simon Cowell's record label Syco.' The rapper - whose real name isAnna Georgette Gilford - revealed her first single will be released weeks after winner MattTerry's song on December 23. She continued: 'I'm going to be releasing my first single on the

23rd December and I'm shooting the video this week so I'm so excited. I'm just so happy. Sheadded: 'I just hope everyone goes out, buys the single, supports it, we tear it up and we kill it,smash it. Bring on the album.' As for Matt, his debut single is When Christmas Comes Aroundand has been penned by pop star Ed Sheeran. The track was made available to download andstream immediately after the hunky singer's debut performance of the stunning song at the endof the show. All proceeds will be going to hospice charities, Together For Short Lives andShooting Star Chase. It comes as Honey G is tipped to become a 'millionare' due to her stint onX Factor, according to the Daily Star. Rappers 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg have declared they arefans of Honey G, while X Factor host Dermot O'Leary said after the show: 'It’s not called Who’sGot The Best Voice? It’s called The X Factor – and Honey G’s got The X Factor.' Speaking tohost Dermot O’Leary after her performance, she said: 'It felt wicked (to be up there). I just want toplug my single that's coming out on December 23 called ‘The Honey G Show’. 'Everyone who’slocked in, we’re going to rip it up. This is the Honey G official takeover... There was a sneakpreview of my upcoming single in that medley. 'Everyone’s got to go out and buy it and supportthe single. Honey G’s taking over. It’s Honey G time.' During the performance, Honey G and the‘X Factor’ judges - Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne - alldonned Honey’s trademark sunglasses, which had her name scrolling across them in lights. Thedecision to bring back Honey G was blasted by fans, with one viewer taking to Twitter to write:'So you let Honey G come back to Wembley but no one else? What makes the talentless wasteof a rap Honey so special? Very strange decision? (sic)' Another user added: 'Why was Honey Ggetting special treatment over the other finalists??? Not as if Emily will get a five minute slot togive a promo for her new single... shocking behaviour X-factor (sic)' However, some werepleased to see the return of the rapper, with one writing: "Shocking that she was ever voted out.HONEY G IS THE XFACTOR!!! What a performance!!! (sic)" Meanwhile speaking on Lorraine,Honey previously revealed that she believes Syco is the best label for her because she'salready built up a relationship with them. She explained: 'I entered 'The X Factor' because Iwanted a record deal. I'm not really interested in anything else apart from getting signed to get arecord deal. 'Obviously, with Syco, I know the team really well. We get on really well so it wouldbe lovely to be signed by them because the relationship is already formed.'

2016-12-12 06:54 Ekin Karasin www.dailymail.co.uk

224 /246 0.8 Fans urge The Bachelor's Alex Nation to cut her hair

'Miley Cyrus short'The happy couple are oftenseen in each other's companyand were spotted exploringSydney 's Australian MaritimeMuseum earlier this month.Pictures posted from theirouting were riddled withsexual innuendos as the pairexplored the nautical junglewhich is home to a collectionof maritime artifacts. Onepicture posted to Richie'sInstagram story saw the newcouple posing together while

inside a submarine. Richie cut a casual figure as he rocked a black baseball hat which he worebackwards for the occasion. Alex, who featured in most of the photographs by herself, wore asimilarly casual outfit which included an olive tank top and high-waisted white shorts.

2016-12-12 06:49 Greg Styles www.dailymail.co.uk

225 /246 2.2 Conor McGregor and pals 'stuffed' in a Rolls Royce as

UFC star takes motor for a spinConor McGregor has aboutmuch problem displaying hiswealth as he does splaying outopponents in the octagon. Inrecent days the Irish UFC starhas been sharing insights intohis high-rolling lifestyle.McGregor chartered a privatejet to eat chicken in Texas,been snapped posing in clubVIP areas and shown off hisstacks of cash. Now McGregorhas unveiled his newestmillionaire's play-thing: a RollsRoyce. The 28-year-old Dubliner put up three different posts featuring his new motor, with thelatter featuring his friends riding in the back along with the caption: 'Stuffed into a half a milli' - anunsubtle reference to the car's price tag. With all the cash flowing out of his bank accountMcGregor might need to get back to work. When he decides to return to the octagon MaxHolloway wants to be the man there waiting for him. Holloway felled Anthony Pettis with adevastating barrage to win the main event at UFC 206 in Toronto. Post-fight the American statedhis claim to fight McGregor, he said: 'I ain't over here begging for fights. If that guy wants to fightme, he can come fight me. 'Conor's (McGregor) coach even said I'm the best 145'er in the world.'I ain't going to beg. We've got so [many] guys on their knees begging to fight him. If he wants tofight me, he can come see me. 'If he wants to fight the best, you come fight "Blessed".'

2016-12-12 06:47 Tom Bassam www.dailymail.co.uk

226 /246 2.1 Educator of the Week: Steven Ollison

HIGH POINT, N. C. -- FOX honors Welborn Academy of Science and Techology's StevenOllison. Thank you, Steven!

If you know of an educator who is worthy of this nomination please fill out the nomination formhere.

Educator of the Week is sponsored by the North Carolina Education Lottery.

2016-12-12 06:47 Web Staff myfox8.com

227 /246

227 /246 0.6 Natalie

Roserflaunts herwashboardabs in acrop topandleggingsas she hitsthegym...afterindulgingin pizza

She's known for her flawlessfigure. But it seems that NatalieRoser is just like the rest of usand can't resist eating pizza.The blonde beauty howeverrevealed that after having thecheesy treat, she was headingto the gym, flaunting herwashboard abs in a crop topon Instagram. Scroll down forvideo 'Pizza for dinner. Cardiofor dessert. #balance?,' Nataliewrote online. In the snap, shewears dark coloured tights andsports bra and has her long locks tied off her face into a neat ponytail. The Sydney-basedpersonality had a pair of headphones around her neck. Natalie last year, told Primped about herdiet and exercise patterns, saying she exercises almost everyday. 'I do a lot of interval weighttraining and try to get to the gym about four to five times a week,' Natalie said. She also revealedwhat she eats in a day, with her plate being full of green options. 'For breakfast it’s avocado onrye toast, for lunch grilled chicken breast and a salad or a Grill’d burger without the bun, and fordinner I’ve recently been enjoying an alkaline coconut curry based on sweet potato and coconutcream. Its so yum!' She is currently engaged to celebrity trainer Dan Adair. However, rumourshave surfaced of potential difficulties between the pair as she has been spotted without herengagement ring on multiple occasions in the past few weeks.

2016-12-12 06:40 Chloe-lee www.dailymail.co.uk

228 /246 0.6 Twitter users left outraged as Christmas film Elf won't

be shown on TV this December

December brings with it a myriad of traditions plenty of which include settling down with yourfamily to watch a festive film.However, British viewers havebeen left devastated by theabsence of one particularlyiconic Christmas movie in thismonth's TV schedule. The filmElf starring Will Ferrell andZooey Deschanel will not beshown on any UK TV networksthis Christmas. Responding toa tweet from one of theircustomers asking why the2003 blockbuster will not be

on air Sky revealed: 'Unfortunately the studio hasnt given us the rights to Elf this year. Apologies'(sic). However, their explanation did little to comfort fans of the film who took to Twitter to sharetheir outrage. Many users agreed that for them the film is the pinnacle of Christmas andtherefore its absence has ruined the season for them. Gooner24 tweeted: 'the biggest outragehas happened this Xmas! Radio times had announced the comedy Elf is not on tv this Xmas#CancelXmas'. Mick handslip agreed adding: 'No Elf on TV this xmas Livid. well that's Christmasruined! (sic)' Others remarked that the loss of the film was the biggest blow that this year is yet tosee. Jack Mysuk wrote: '2016 has not been a good year, but the worst tragedy of them all is Elfnot being on national tv this year. Sheer devastation'. A very festive Dan Ho-Ho-Holmes added:'Today I found out that they won't be showing Elf on tv this Christmas 2016 continues to getworse'. Rhodri joined the conversation adding: 'Elf not being shown on uk tv this year just sumsup what an absolute mess of a year it's been'. And Chris Wright shared their anger tweeting: 'Asif 2016 wasn't bad enough Elf isn't on TV at all this Christmas. This is how the world ends.' Whileother Twitter users were resigned to the fact that they would have to find the DVD some arguedthat doing this took away from the experience. Ameigh said: 'Elf won't be on TV this Christmas.Might aswell just cancel Christmas. AND NO, WATCHING IT ON DVD JUST ISN'T THE SAME'.

2016-12-12 06:38 Martha Cliff www.dailymail.co.uk

229 /246 1.0 Holly Willoughby avoids talking about diet for fear of

contributing to anorexiaTelevision presenter Holly Willoughby has revealed that she hates talking about her own diet -because she's terrified of contributing to eating disorders. The This Morning presenter, 35, saidshe prefers not to focus on how she maintains her buxom figure because she's worried peoplemight become 'fixated' with what she eats. The curvy star, who's mother to children Belle, five,Harry, seven, and Chester, two, says she loves food, but now refuses to engage in talk of dietswhen being interviewed. Scroll down for video Willoughby told Prima Magazine : 'I don't want toencourage eating disorders. I try not to focus too much on my appearance. 'As long as I'm beinghealthy, that's good enough for me. I'm quite active and I try not to let the way I look be the mainfocus because it's not the important thing.' The star said that when pressed by interviewers toreveal her food intake, she won't play ball. She said: 'I actually avoid talking about my diet andexercise regime because I have interviewed so many people affected by eating disorders and Iknow that some people in chat rooms can really fixate on other people's diets. I just can'tcontribute to that.' The presenter, who's married to producer Dan Baldwin, says that she loves

food and the pleasure it canbring...and can cook a meanspaghetti bolognese. 'I'mhealthy; I love food - it's acelebration, something to betalked over, shopped for,cooked and enjoyed. I lovecooking. Nothing fancy - juststandard home-made stuff. Imake a very good spaghetti.'The star also revealed shefollows Muppet Showcharacter Miss Piggy's mantra:Never eat more than you canlift. Last week, Willoughby courted controversy when she attended a maternity ward at StThomas's hospital in London. Some viewers felt that the bubbly presenter had overstepped themark by holding newborn babies before their own mothers had and even filming an emergencyC-section. One viewer noted: '@thismorning @GSTTnhs @hollywills didnt enjoy the newbornparaded on tv. First hours are so precious:Mum/dad/baby should've stayed together.' Anothersaid: '@stephdavispage1 @thismorning @GSTTnhs @hollywills It was not necessaryentertainment. Emergency c-sec often traumatic & youre in shock.' [sic]

2016-12-12 06:33 Jo Tweedy www.dailymail.co.uk

230 /246 1.0 Can YOU spot Dolly? Fiendish festive brainteaser

features a little girl hidden among the children'sChristmas toys

Forget Wally – where on earthis Dolly? In this eye-poppingpuzzle there is a solitary dollthat is waiting to be found. Thelatest brainteaser wants you totry and spot the children's toyhidden among the teddies,dinosaurs, trains, cars andspaceships. pokeswomansaid: 'At first glance, it lookslike every mum’s nightmare –the scene of living room chaosfollowing the opening of theChristmas presents. 'It’s very

tricky, but it shouldn’t take longer than your average wrapping paper clean-up.' So how long didit take you to spot her? Another puzzle that baffled the internet this week showed Good KingWenceslas becoming Good King Wences-lost. In the popular carol, the kind-hearted ruler andhis page head out into the snow to deliver winter fuel to a poor villager. But in this brain-teaserhe has lost his way amid a forest of pine trees, so can you spot him? His loyal page - at thebottom of the picture, by the village - is about to set out on his quest to find his master and thecreators of the puzzle are calling for internet users to help him find the King. An image of a ballet

dancer hidden among a flock of flamingos also left the internet well and truly stumped. Themind-bending puzzle features dozens of the brightly-coloured birds against a green backgroundbut the figure hidden among them is deceptively difficult to spot. Internet users are claiming tospend anything from 30 seconds to five minutes trying to locate the dancer, which is well hiddendue to her bright pink dress. So can YOU spot her? The puzzle, designed by DancewearCentral, was created to raise awareness of ballet and dance.

2016-12-12 06:32 Esra Gurkan www.dailymail.co.uk

231 /246 2.6 Ashley James shows off curves as she soaks up the

sun in DubaiMany looked at the glam showwith awe, yet Ashley took adifferent stance on the lingerieextravaganza as she reachedout to her Instagram followersto send the message that'beauty is confidence, notperfection'. She stripped downto her lingerie for anempowering post, in which sheurged viewers not to comparethemselves to the Victoria'sSecret models and to acceptthe fact body standards vary.Ashley has always been vocal about her body image woes, as she previously admitted tohaving body dysmorphia, a condition which causes the sufferer to have a distorted view of theirlooks. In March, the blonde beauty admitted to having suffered with the condition, which sheblames on her painful split from TV presenter Matt Richardson, and since the confession, shehas fought to promote body confidence. As the elite of the world's top supermodels stormed thestage at the lingerie giant's annual spectacular, it seemed Ashley was irked by the appearanceof the models. In a crusade to boost her fans, the DJ and blogger wrote a lengthy caption inwhich she reached out to those viewers who would put themselves down in light of the lithe andlean physiques of the VS Angels. Posing in a tiny nude two-piece, with a sporty bra and high-rise knickers, Ashley looked into her camera while showing off her incredible curves. In theaccompanying caption, she penned: 'Hey ladies! If you're one of the many women sat at homelooking at the Victoria Secret models and hating your body, then this is for you. 'This is my body,unedited and unfiltered. Some of you will look at me and think I look fat, whilst others might lookat me and aspire to have my body. 'We all have different standards, but whether you're a size 6or a size 22 there'll be parts of your body you hate. 'We all look in the mirror and wish we couldchange things, and whilst we can all strive to eat healthier and exercise more... 'I'll bet that theguy/girl we fancy would rather us have the love handles (or whatever it is you hate aboutyourself) and be happy, than look perfect and be miserable. 'Beauty is confidence, notperfection. #bodyconfidence #victoriasecret #vsfashionshow #girlpower.'

2016-12-12 06:32 Louise Saunders www.dailymail.co.uk

232 /246

232 /246 0.8 Anthony Joshua reveals secret to his success

Anthony Joshua has taken tothe swimming pool to relaxafter defending his worldheavyweight title in emphaticfashion on Saturday night —and he has revealed his secretto his success. Eric Molina wasthe unfortunate man in theworld champion's path at theweekend, with Joshua forcinga stoppage in the third roundat the Manchester Arena. Andthe 27-year-old boxer hasrevealed to his fans how he

keeps in shape after securing the 18th victory of his professional career. Joshua posed in brightyellow swimming shorts as he smiled for a picture, which was posted on his Instagram,Facebook and Twitter accounts. The Watford boxer captioned his social media post: 'Rest &Recovery = Longevity.' After Joshua forced a stoppage in the third round, Wladimir Klitschkoentered the ring to announce he will be facing Joshua on April 29. Joshua says he is unfazed bythe prospect of facing Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley after their world heavyweighttitle unification showdown was sealed. Klitschko clambered into ring after Joshua's demolition ofMolina to confirm the pair have agreed the details of what will be a record-breaking post-warshowdown. It will be a mark of how far the 27-year-old Londoner has progressed since hisWembley Stadium debut on the undercard of Carl Froch's bout with George Groves in May2014, when he dispatched Matt Legg in his sixth professional bout. Joshua said: 'The last time Ifought at Wembley it was in front of about 3,000 people at half-past five in the afternoon. But it'sa fight and whether it's in front of 90,000 people or nine people, it makes no difference. 'Iremember the ring was tiny and before I knew it he was in my corner swinging hooks. I was a bitraw then so I took a few and I managed to get him out of there. I was happy to go on first so Icould watch Froch against Groves later on.'

2016-12-12 06:31 Matt Maltby www.dailymail.co.uk

233 /246 3.4 Is Luther Singh the next great South Africa soccer

star?But the player is hoping that the exposure he gains from competing at the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships wins over the national team coaches.

He had hoped to be part of the Under-23 side that competed at the Olympic Games in August‚but playing at GAIS in the second tier in Sweden meant his performances were not deemednoteworthy.

In Sweden they certainly know the player he is‚ and having been termed “far too good” for thatlevel of football is now destined for one of the big leagues in Europe.

Singh is mum on his next move‚ except to say he expects to leave GAIS when his contract endsthis month‚ despite being offered a new one.

But reports in Portugal have stronglylinked him with Bongani Zungu’sVitoria Guimaraes.

“I admire a lot of leagues‚” he said.

"I believe in myself and I think I canplay in all of these leagues.

"I’m up for any challenge and justlooking forward to next year‚ to playingin a good league and at a good club.”

He has looked lively andaccomplished in the COSAFA junior tournament so far‚ scoring from the spot against Lesotho ina thumping 8-0 win and putting in a good shift in a 1-0 success over Swaziland.

He has pace‚ can run with the ball at his feet and has no shortage of confidence‚ instilled in himby Stars of Africa Academy head Farouk Khan.

Singh‚ born in Noordgesig in Soweto‚ was signed to the academy at the age of 11‚ well belowthe usual age for intakes.

But Khan saw something special in him.

“He has played a huge role in my life‚ he is my mentor‚” Singh says of Khan.

"He has instilled great values in me and assured me that if I work hard‚ good things will come myway.”

Khan sent Singh‚ and his great friend Pule Maraisane‚ to Brazil for three months in 2013 whereSingh trained in a style of football perfectly suited to his game.

“I trained at Vasco da Gama and Fluminense‚ two massive clubs there.

It was a very good experience to see the environment‚ the skill of the players and how they useit‚ and how seriously they take being a professional and developing young players.”

Singh can play across the attacking line‚ but has been used more centrally by GAIS.

For the national Under-20s he has so far appeared on the left-wing.

“I can play on the right or left-wings.

"I am lucky in that I can use either foot‚” he says.

“But this season I have played as a number 10‚ or a forward‚ and the move has been really goodfor me.

“Last year [as a winger] I only scored two goals‚ but this year I had nine‚ so I think it was a goodswitch from the [GAIS] technical team.

"But I also enjoy playing as a winger‚ taking players on and creating chances for teammates. Ilike that.”

Singh will be next in action for Amajita on Monday when they take on Botswana in what is now adead rubber as South Africa have already booked their place in the semifinals.

That means at least two more games for the side‚ and two further chances for Singh to impress. -TMG Digital

2016-12-12 06:30 Nick Said www.timeslive.co.za

234 /246 1.1 From detecting Hamas tunnels to detecting cancer

"I was dealing with tunnel detection upuntil three years ago, because thetunnels were threatening Israel ," saysDr. Avraham Suhami. "I'm anindividualist, and I found what I found,but no one wanted to listen. "Icontacted the IDF chief of staff andeveryone involved. I went on repeatingand explaining, until someone issuedan order, 'Don't talk to Suhami.' So Iapplied the invention for detectingtunnels to early detection of breastcancer. It's essentially the same idea;the only difference is the size. The

tunnel is different from its surroundings, and a tumor is different from its surroundings. "

Be the first to know - Join our Facebook page.

The "nuisance" bothering the chief of staff is no one other than the father of medical devicedevelopment in Israel - the man who founded Elscint and brought to the US in the 1970s in thefirst-ever IPO of an Israeli company on a US stock exchange. Elscint grew and developed, andwas eventually sold in parts to medical device giants GE and Royal Philips, which based theirdevelopment centers in Israel on the company, each of which has hundreds of employees. Itappears that his achievements have been forgotten, and his tunnel detection solution wasburied. "I'm sick and tired of mediocrity" (Hamas tunnel found in southern Gaza) With Suhami'ssolution for diagnosing breast cancer, things are different. Suhami presented the solution tosenior figures at Rambam Health Care Campus, headed by hospital director Dr. Rafi Beyar. Heput Suhami in touch with Prof. Marsha Javitt, one of the world's leading women in oncologicalimaging for women. Javitt immigrated to Israel shortly before that, and was appointed managerof the Rambam imaging department. She examined the idea, and confirmed that it was indeedinteresting and appeared practical. Javitt became an enthusiastic supporter of ElscintMammography, although as of how she has no official position in the company, which Suhami ismanaging together with his son, Shmuel. Javitt's story is no less fascinating that of Suhami. "Igrew up in New York. I left high school because I was sick and tired of mediocrity, and I went tostudy at Brandeis University. I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was 19. She was both mymother and the sole breadwinner at home, because my father was ill. I wanted to leave medicalschool, but the dean didn't want to listen. He said, 'We'll help you,' and he did, and I finished

medical school in three years instead of four, out of necessity, because I already had to startmaking a living. "I specialized in breast cancer. I felt that I had to devote my life to this field, and Ihave been fighting for imaging for women's diseases all my life. " "Globes": You could havechosen treatment of breast cancer, but you chose imaging, in other words, prevention. Why?Javitt : "It was natural for me, because I'm a little obsessive, and I believe that diagnosticradiology is like mathematics - there's one right answer. If we read the image correctly, we'llknow what state the tissue is in. They always told me that my talents were very 'masculine.' Thatnever stopped me. I think that medicine should be based on information and evidence, not onrandomness or someone's gut feelings or biased judgment. " Javitt developed a protocol forimages, edited leading journals in the field, and served on important committees. "I was amongthe first to see an MRI device. They sent me patients for this imaging in the 1980s, beforeanyone know how it worked. We taught ourselves to work with an MRI; there was no one tolearn from. CTs were also just beginning at the time. " Did you know about Elscint? "Of course.We knew and greatly appreciated what Elscint did. " When did you start working at militaryhospitals?

"After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, I realized that I was too old to join the army as acombat soldier, although I wanted to. They came to my country and killed my people! I thoughtthat was terrible! But I couldn't enlist, and a doctor who studied with me phoned me and askedme to come to the military hospital where they were bringing wounded soldiers from Iraq. Hetold me, 'Our young people are broken - blown to bits.' "I worked there for 12 years. They sent uswounded soldiers with injuries all over their bodies. We had to get full body images. Some ofthem died, and some survived – and suffered enormous pain. I was very pessimistic andheartbroken for a while, because I couldn't do more. "Then one day, a young man I knewentered my office. He was in the hospital for a year. He had metal rods in his brain, andunderwent 10-12 operations, but on that day, he strode into my clinic on his own two feet, andtold me, 'I'm going to play golf with my father tonight,' and I realized that everything we did wasworth it, despite all those who died and those who remained in a terrible state, because oneperson left my room to play golf. "From that moment, my motivation returned, and I went back tobeing a doctor for these soldiers, who made the world a better place and enabled me to eat mySabbath meal with my family in peace. " You sound like a real US patriot. What brought you toIsrael?

"They always told my husband (Dr. Jonathan Javitt, who founded and managed NeuroRX, acompany that produced antidepressants), 'Marsha will never follow you to Israel.' "We both loveIsrael very much, and we already had a home in Jerusalem, but I was very rooted in theradiology milieu in the US. One day, the job of heading the radiology department at Rambambecame available. I didn't believe they'd accept me – a non-Israeli woman who didn't serve inthe army, didn't even speak the language, and didn't go to Hebrew school as a child. My familycouldn't afford it. I was very calm on my visit to Rambam, because I didn't there was a realchance that it would happen. But it did happen, and in the end, I really didn't following Jonathanto Israel, because he followed me. " They now live in Zikhron Ya'akov. "We have a wonderfulfamily life. We go on dates and talk, and he's the smartest person I know. He and Avraham arethe smartest people I know - people who can make an opportunity out of anything. " "I never hada boss" "People chase after me to write my biography," says Suhami, now over 80, but asenergetic as ever. "To put in one word, I'm a maverick - a person who never had a boss. "Therewas only one - my doctorate advisor, and I eventually also told him that he couldn't sign mydoctorate, because he didn't do anything there. It was completely mine. "I always wanted to doeverything differently as soon as I first learned how to do it the regular way. I delved intoinnumerable subjects. Everything interests me. " The doctorate in question was on nuclearforces. "My advisor sent me to look for nuclear forces using his methods, and I immediately saw

that it was impossible. The doctoral student next to me was doing research in something theydiscovered only now, 40 years later, so how could they give someone something like that for adoctorate? But I did my best. I wrote, added information to the field, and collected five or sixpeople around me who I thought were as good as I was. "I got an offer to continue at theuniversity, but then Uzia Galil came along and asked me what I would do in the US. " Galil andDan Tolkovsky from Discount Investments gave Suhami $250,000, which was a lot of moneythen and he founded Elscint. He carried on working one day a week at the university. At first thecompany dealt with nuclear imaging for industry until Suhami read an article and understoodthat these images could be used for the body such as CTs. But the money had run out. "Theybrought me someone wanting to invest in Israel but he got agitated and said Suhami wants to doeverything and he must tell me what he wants to focus on. Suhami refused and carried onlooking for another investor. He found investment banker Fred Adler, who agreed to raise capitalif the company had customers. The company found customers for a device that had not yet beencompleted, and managed to raise $10 million on Nasdaq. “The financing round was based onour promise that we’d make the device, but then came the Yom Kippur War. It was all right; wehad money.” The company developed nuclear cameras, CT scanners, and MRI mammographydevices. Each device was the first of its kind, and they completed successfully with the marketleaders. “The major companies had not yet really entered the field then, so they waited to seewhat was happening. ”All this led to a lot of expenses, and at a certain point, the company lost alot of money, I had a dispute with the board of directors, so I left my position as CEO and went tomanage the company in the US.”

They say you escaped an Israel Securities Authority investigation. ”That was never true.Reporters invented it. There was a lawsuit by Elscint shareholders against the company,because at a certain point, we had to reclassify investments we made as a loss, and the lossessuddenly grew and the share price fell. The lawsuit was against the company, not against me,and the Securities Authority wasn’t involved in it.” At the end of the 1990s, the company wasacquired by Motti Zisser and sold to three major medical devices companies. Suhami says, “Iwas in the US in any case, so I founded a number of companies there with the money I got frommy Elscint shares. I founded a computer company, another in the telephones field, and anotherfor hearing aids. Each one was in a completely different field - I always did it that way. ”I wasalso in France for three years to study things I didn’t know, for example economics. I alwaysargued about economics, until a professor economics got hold of me once and told me, ‘Maybeyou should study economics instead of arguing.’ He was right. I bought 50 books and learned bymyself.” Suhami wrote two books at that time: one about management and one abouteconomics.

What brought you back to Israel? My children and grandchildren. I’d already seen most of thebeautiful places in the world, and it was time to return and address pressing problems. My newimaging technologies are suitable not only for cancer, but also for a range of imagingapplications. You can see signals in the brain in real time. They told me, ‘If it works, you mightfinally get a Nobel Prize’.” How does it work? ”We broadcast many electromagnetic waves fromdifferent angles, and they are returned differently by different types of tissue.” Javitt:”Mammography has existed for many years, and it’s about time to move forward to somethingnew. In recent years, 3D mammography has been invented, but it’s still essentiallymammography: the same radiation, with exactly the same problems. ”Mammography iscontroversial now, specifically in the 40-49 age bracket, and one out of every six women withbreast cancer is in this age bracket. Ultrasound is also not sensitive enough, while MRI isexpensive, and the effect of the contrast medium is also unclear. Women with dense breasttissue are at high risk of getting the disease, and it’s especially hard to diagnose it with them.Even if you use two diagnostic methods on top of each other today, you miss 30-50% of the

cancer cases.” Israeli is in eighth place in the OECD in frequency of breast cancer, due to boththe relatively high frequency of mutations in the BRCA gene, which cause breast cancer, andalso for other reasons.

”Very safe radiation” Suhami: ”Radiation from our device is very safe. It’s the same radiation asfrom a cellular device, which has been examined for years to see if daily use for hours ishazardous. As of now, they haven’t found a risk, other than people who don’t listen to eachother. We use this radiation for a fraction of a second, compared with the ionizing radiation inmammography, which is known to be hazardous.” Javitt: ”What excites me is that this technologyis very accurate on the one hand and very quick on the other. In imaging, we usually sacrificeeither rapidity or accuracy.” Several weeks ago, Suhami presented Javitt with the first prototype.Javitt: “If everything goes as planned, the machine is expected to also tell us the type of tumor –whether it is malignant or benign. That can eliminate the need for a biopsy.

”Because the test is not hazardous and there is no radiation, it can be repeated frequently inorder to see whether the tumor changes. A lot can be learned without a physical operation. Atthe beginning, we’ll try to do exactly the same diagnosis as devices without radiation, and thenwe’ll try to be better.”

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2016-12-12 06:30 www.jpost.com

235 /246 2.1 South Korea slams North's practice invasion

North Korean leader KimJong Un on Sunday guideda combat drill by a specialoperation battalion, statemedia reported.

Photos published in NorthKorean newspaperRodong Sinmun appearedto show a mockup of SouthKorea's presidential BlueHouse as a target.

"Well done, the enemytroops will have no space to hide themselves, far from taking any counteraction," Kim reportedlysaid after watching the drill, according to North Korean state media KCNA.

The report specifically mentioned the South as a target for North Korean forces, as Kim offeredadvice on a "guerilla warfare" invasion of the country's southern neighbor and rival.

"(Kim) said that if the service personnel of the unit are to conduct bold combat actions with thesouthern part of Korea as their theater, they should stage intensive drills for marching, firing,

swimming, overcoming natural obstacles and acquiring ability to maneuver in fields under thesimulated conditions of an actual battle," the report added.

Condemnation

South Korean officials were quick to condemn the movements.

"(We) view the drill from yesterday as a childish act to display that their system is undiminished,in response to our internal situation," South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said.

"Kim Jong Un has been continuously visiting its military units since November and it has beenescalating tension. We strongly condemn it. "

The North has defied the international community in recent months, through repeated missilelaunches and nuclear tests. In response, the UN Security Council imposed what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the "toughest and most comprehensive sanctions" yet.

Political upheaval

The South Korean government remains on alert for any attempt by the North to take advantageof the political turmoil enveloping Seoul.

President Park Guen-hye was impeached on Friday after weeks of mass protests overaccusations her closest confidante had unauthorized access to the highest levels ofgovernment.

Park will remain in the Blue House for the duration of a constitutional court deliberation on herimpeachment, but will be stripped of all duties and powers while the process plays out.

Opinion: South Korea's chaos isn't great news for North Korea

In a phone call last week with Defense Minister Han Min-koo, acting President Hwang Kyo-ahnsaid that North Korea possibly could use the political upheaval to stir up trouble south of the38th parallel and that the South Korean military should maintain its readiness.

"While retaining a watertight national defense posture, the government will work closely with theinternational community to thoroughly respond to the North Korean nuclear problem," Hwangsaid.

Last week, before the impeachment vote, Seoul accused its insular northern neighbor ofhacking its military intranet and leaking confidential information.

South Korea presidential scandal: What you need to know

2016-12-12 06:30 Euan McKirdy rss.cnn.com

236 /246 1.5 BREAKING: Court finds Motsoeneng appointment

unlawfulCape Town - The Western Cape High Court has ruled that Hlaudi Motsoeneng cannot work at

the SABC in any capacity unless a Public Protector's report isset aside, or a new disciplinary hearing clears him.

''Mr Motsoeneng should not be entitled to hold any position inthe SABC unless and until the Pulbic Protector's report is setaside or the new disciplinary committee finds in his favour,''Judge Owen Rogers said on Monday.

The acting COO Bessie Tugwana's position was also setaside, but any decisions she took in that position before thejudgment on Monday, remain valid.

2016-12-12 06:28 www.news24.com

237 /246 1.7 Little Mix suffer social media backlash after stripping

off for raunchy X Factor finale performanceThey enjoyed a triumphantreturn to The X Factor onSunday evening, five yearsafter becoming what is still theone and only group to win thelong-running talent show. Butdespite their enduringpopularity Little Mix have beencriticised for sporting skimpy,provocative stage costumesduring their performance atWembley Arena on Sundayevening. The girl groupdelighted fans with back toback performances of Charlie Puth collaboration Oops and forthcoming single Touch ascontestant Matt Terry became the sixteenth winner of the ITV juggernaut. Scroll down for videoHowever their raunchy outfit change midway through the performance did not go down well withevery member of the viewing public. Taking to Twitter, some fans condemned the four-piece forstripping down to skintight leotards and fishnet tights. 'Wish #LittleMix would go back to therelatable image they had when they were on #XFactor. Don't get why they've had to "sex up" somuch...' wrote one. Another commented: 'Love me a bit of #LittleMix but getting a bit sick ofseeing them in their underwear #sackyourstylist #notclassy #xfactor.' Commenting on the band'simage overhaul since winning the show in 2011, one wrote: 'Little mix has changed so muchsince they've won. And I don't like it. They never used to be "Sex Sells" kindve group #XFactor"(sic)' Seemingly in agreement, another added: 'Little Mix have turned up again without theirproper kit and have been forced to perform in their underwear. Terrible. #XFactor #LittleMix.'However one fan rightly pointing out that the performance took place after the watershed,tweeting: 'So people are complaining about Little Mix outfits, they performed at 9:40, I'm surechildren should be in bed? #xfactor #littlemix.' 'Why do people always hate on Little Mix's outfits?I thought they looked unreal #xfactorfinal #LittleMix,' wrote another. Making a fair point, anotheradded: 'People saying that little mix are dressed inappropriately but think that Beyoncés leotardsare fine. pathetic.' Matt Terry clinched the X Factor final with just 8% more votes than runner-upSaara Aalto, according to ITV. The former waiter scored 48.5% in Sunday night's final, while

Finnish singer Aalto was just a little behind with 40.4%. His triumph is the second win for XFactor judge Nicole Scherzinger, who also mentored James Arthur, the winner of the 2012series.

2016-12-12 06:27 Jason Chester www.dailymail.co.uk

238 /246 1.0 Oil surges; Travel stocks slammed; Exxon CEO in the

spotlightU. S. crude futures jumpedmore than 5% on Mondayafter Russia and other bigoil producers agreed overthe weekend to join OPECmembers in cutting theiroutput next month.

The group of nations --which also includes Mexicoand Kazakhstan -- will aimto reduce their productionby 558,000 barrels a day,according to a statement.

That follows OPEC's deal last month to cut its overall production by 1.2 million barrels a day.

Less oil in the market should mean higher prices.

2. Travel stocks take a hit: Shares in major European hotel groups and airline operators aretaking a hit Monday, along with Turkey's main stock market index.

This follows twin bombings in Istanbul, Turkey, over the weekend that killed at least 44 people,mostly police officers. Over 150 people were injured.

A Kurdish militant group claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Deadly terrorist attacks over the past year or so have forced millions of travelers to nix theirdreams of visiting places like Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, the pyramids in Egypt and the EiffelTower in Paris. The violence has had a major impact on airlines and tourism spending.

Shares in European carriers Air France-KLM ( AFLYY ) and Deutsche Lufthansa ( DLAKY ) areboth down by about 3%.

Before the Bell newsletter: Key market news. In your inbox. Subscribe now!

3. Stock market overview: U. S. stock futures are looking a bit soft Monday following a massiverun-up last week.

U. S. stocks had their best week since the election and the Dow Jones industrial average , S&P500 and Nasdaq all hit fresh record highs on Friday.

Looking abroad, there isn't much enthusiasm right now in European or Asian markets either.

4. Stocks to watch -- Exxon, Monte dei Paschi, Boeing: Shares in ExxonMobil ( XOM ) will be infocus as CEO Rex Tillerson could be nominated as Secretary of State in Trump's administration.

Multiple sources familiar with the transition process have told CNN that he's the leadingcontender for the job.

The final announcement is expected to be made mid-week.

Shares in troubled Italian bank Monte dei Paschi are rebounding as investors hope the bank willbe able to salvage a deal with investors to raise €5 billion ($5.3 billion). The expectedalternative is a state bailout.

Boeing ( BA ) stock could see extra action Monday after the aircraft maker finalized itsagreement to sell 80 airplanes to Iran Air, despite staunch opposition from many U. S.lawmakers.

Iran Air will get 50 737 airplanes and 30 777s, the first of which will be delivered in 2018. Thedeal was originally signed in June.

Download CNN MoneyStream for up-to-the-minute market data and news

5. IMF boss heads to court: Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund, isstanding trial Monday on charges that she was negligent in her handling of a fraud case datingback decades.

Lagarde denies any wrongdoing. The court hearing is set to run until Dec. 20.

If found guilty, she faces up to a year in jail and a fine of €15,000 ($15,900).

6. Coming this week:

Monday - IMF head Christine Lagarde's fraud case goes to trial Tuesday - FOMC meeting startsWednesday - FOMC meeting (Day two) and news conference; First rate hike in a year expectedThursday - Bank of England rate decision; Trump's big announcement ; Super Mario Run for theiPhone releases; Venezuela's new currency debuts Friday - "Star Wars Rogue One" nationwiderelease in U. S.

2016-12-12 06:24 Alanna Petroff rss.cnn.com

239 /246 0.6 Oops! Laine shoots into own goal, costing Jets vs

OilersEDMONTON, Alberta — Patrik Laine has scored a lot of big goals in his first NHL season,including a few game-winners.

His latest was anything but.

Laine shot the puck into his own net midway through the third period, costing the Winnipeg Jetsin a 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.

Edmonton’s Mark Letestu was credited withhis second goal of the game when Laine firedthe rebound of Letestu’s slap shot directlyinto his own wide-open cage.

“I think everybody saw what happened.That’s my comments,” said the Finnish rookie,who has 17 goals in his first 32 NHL games.“It was just a bad position for me. Anunfortunate goal.”

Captain Blake Wheeler put an arm aroundLaine to console him when he returned to thebench.

“He’s 18 years old. He feels terrible,” Wheeler said. “These things happen. I’ve done it manytimes.”

Oscar Klefbom also scored and Cam Talbot made 29 saves for the Oilers.

Mathieu Perreault and Chris Thorburn had goals for the Jets, who have now lost four straightgames. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 27 shots.

Winnipeg started the scoring with 5:10 left in the first period. Bryan Little’s tip went off the post,but Perreault got two whacks at it, eventually sweeping it in past Talbot.

Edmonton came close late in the first on a power play, but Jordan Eberle’s one-timer hit thecrossbar behind Hellebuyck.

The Oilers tied the game about two minutes into the second period when a huge rebound fromTyler Pitlick’s shot came to Klefbom, who hammered in his fifth of the season.

Winnipeg regained the lead with 8 minutes to play in the second when Thorburn scored on anice feed in front from Marko Dano.

Edmonton appeared to pull even again two minutes later, but Zack Kassian’s breakaway goalwas overturned for offsides on review.

The Oilers made it 2-2 2:28 into the third period on the power play when Connor McDavid set upLetestu for a goal in front.

That set up Edmonton’s fortunate break, when Laine one-timed the puck with some authorityinto his own cage. Laine appeared surprised when the rebound of Letestu’s shot came his way,quickly putting a second hand on his stick and smacking at the puck, possibly in an attempt toclear it out of the zone.

“Every guy in the National Hockey League’s got a goal like that,” Winnipeg coach Paul Mauricesaid. “Every defenseman, it goes in off them, so he has a story to tell.”

Five of Letestu’s six goals this season have come against Winnipeg.

“I can’t really explain it,” Letestu said. “The puck just goes in on certain nights. I think it’s justcoincidental that it’s been against this team. A really lucky third goal and on the power play,

Connor (McDavid) finds me in a good spot.”

NOTES: It was the third and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Oilers wonboth previous games in Winnipeg, shutting out the Jets 3-0 at the Heritage Classic in October,and then won the second game 6-3 to start December. … Winnipeg’s Brandon Tanev leads allNHL rookies in hits, coming into the contest with 74 in 30 games.

UP NEXT

Jets: Are off until Thursday night, when they host Florida.

Oilers: Remain at home to play Columbus on Tuesday night.

2016-12-12 00:00 Associated Press sports.inquirer.net

240 /246 0.7 Newcomer Kitchen: how Syrian refugees took over a

Toronto restaurant – videoWhen Canada pledged totake 25,000 refugeesfleeing war in the MiddleEast, one restaurateur inToronto opened his doors,giving a group of Syrianwomen the opportunity tocook for the community,spread the wealth of theirhome country’s cuisines –and find new purpose in astrange city

2016-12-12 06:12 Chris Michael www.theguardian.com

241 /246 5.8 British-Algerian journalist dies after hunger strike in

AlgiersALGIERS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - A British-Algerian journalist had died sixmonths after staging a hunger strike in Algiers over his detention forpublishing articles seen as offensive to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika,prison authorities and his lawyer said. Rights groups called for aninvestigation into Mohamed Tamalt's death - Reporters Without Borderssaid the news was a "hammer blow to all those who defend freedom ofinformation in Algeria". The 42-year-old blogger and freelance reporter succumbed to a lunginfection in hospital in Algiers on Sunday, the prison service said in a statement. "I can confirmthe death of the journalist Mohamed Tamalt in Bab el-Oued hospital after a hunger strike ofmore than three months and a three-month coma," lawyer Amine Sidhoum said on Facebook.Tamalt, who was based in London, was arrested in Algeria in June for posts he had shared onFacebook that were seen as critical of Algerian authorities. Placed in pre-trial detention for"offending the president" and "defaming a public authority", he was later given a two-year

sentence for offence against a public official, according to Human Rights Watch. "It is urgent thatlawyers are allowed access to the journalist's medical dossier," Yasmine Kacha, North Africadirector of Reporters Without Borders, said. "A public apology should be presented to thejournalist's family and an investigation immediately opened," she said in a statement. " Algeria'sprison service said the hospital had been treating Tamalt for his lung infection, and he had beenreceiving daily treatment since beginning his hunger strike in late June. (Reporting by LamineChikhi; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Andrew Heavens)

2016-12-12 06:12 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

242 /246 0.0 South Korea's interim leader faces thorny issues

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who had a largely ceremonial job until President Park Geun-hye’simpeachment last week, now must face off against North Korea and dealwith edgy relations with Japan as the country’s interim leader.

Hwang visited the Joint Chiefs of Staff and told fellow Cabinet memberson Monday that there are no unusual security or economic developments. But he will soon facea slew of thorny issues that will test his leadership while the Constitutional Court reviewswhether to endorse Park’s impeachment to formally end her rule.

Here is a look at several major issues that lie ahead for Hwang:

___

NORTH KOREA

Hwang’s first move as interim leader was to tell his defense minister to bolster readiness for anypossible provocation by North Korea.

North Korea hasn’t made international headlines since its fifth and biggest-ever nuclear test inSeptember. That could be in line with its nuclear development timetable, but given that Park andNorth Korea had terrible relations, the North might want to avoid doing anything that could uniteconservatives in South Korea behind her.

In a sign of the ongoing tensions, North Korea’s state media on Sunday released photos of itssmiling leader, Kim Jong Un, watching a practice attack on a replica of Park’s presidential BlueHouse. A team of commandoes parachuted, shot at the Blue House model with rifles, leaving itengulfed in flames and black smoke.

There are also worries about possible actions by North Korea in response to being slapped withtougher U. N. sanctions this month and in what some analysts think is its desire to test theincoming U. S. government of President-elect Donald Trump.

___

HISTORY TEXTBOOKS

It’s probably the first major, hot-button issue that Hwang will face.

Park’s government had been pushing to require schools to use state-authored history textbooksstarting next year, saying current textbooks published by private companies are too left-leaningand sympathize with North Korea. But in the wake of the massive anti-government proteststouched off by a political scandal involving Park’s longtime confidante, the government took astep back, saying it wants to hear various opinions by Dec. 23 before making a final decision.

The liberal opposition is pressuring the government to scrap the textbook plan, calling it a moveto beautify past authoritarian leaders, including Park’s late father, Park Chung-hee. The elderPark is a deeply divisive figure, with critics calling him a horrible human rights abuser whoimprisoned and tortured dissidents, while supporters call him a national hero who guided thecountry out of poverty.

Hwang, a former justice minister, is a strong supporter of state-authored textbooks. But SouthKorean media say it could be difficult for him to stand up to opposition parties that have gained agreater say over state affairs after impeaching Park.

___

JAPAN DEALS

The opposition also wants to scrap two key agreements Park signed with Japan, calling themdiplomatic fiascoes.

One settled a decades-long impasse over Korean women forced to be sex slaves in Japanesemilitary-run brothels during World War II, with an apology from Japan’s prime minister and apledge of more than $8 million in compensation. The other is about sharing military intelligencewith Japan to better cope with North Korea.

The 2015 sex slave deal triggered criticism in South Korea because it was announced withoutgetting approval from victims. The intelligence-sharing pact went into effect last month, andliberal critics accuse the Park government of trying to use the agreement to divert attention fromthe political scandal.

Efforts to boost ties with Japan often trigger a fierce public backlash in South Korea, where manypeople still harbor strong resentment of Tokyo’s brutal colonial rule of the Korean Peninsulafrom 1910 and 1945.

Spiking such international deals will not be easy, especially after the foreign ministers of SouthKorea and Japan described the sex slave deal as “irreversible.”

___

OTHER PROBLEMS

Hwang’s government will also have to engage with the Trump presidential transition, work toprevent the political turmoil from taking a toll on the country’s economy and deal with anopposition hoping to use the current situation as a chance to push for diverse social reforms.

The planned deployment of an advanced U. S. missile defense system, which drew strongcondemnation from China, is also a Park legacy that critics want to review.

___

Follow Hyung-jin Kim on Twitter at twitter.com/hyungjin1972

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

2016-12-12 06:10 By Associated mynorthwest.com

243 /246 3.2 PICS: Walter Mokoena and Nosizwe Vuso are officially

marriedWalter and Nosizwe, who have beendating for the past three years held aprivate ceremony, that was attendedby close friends and family.

While, Nosizwe isn't biologicallyPresident Jacob Zuma's daughter, shehas been apart of the Zuma familysince she was a little girl.

Judging by the few the pictures sharedonline by Norma Gigaba, theirwedding seemed nothing short of afairytale.

Walter who also shares a daughter with actress, Pearl Thusi reportedly paid lobola for Nosizwein November last year.

During an interview with Sowetan at the time, Walter described Nosizwe as a "wonderful"woman.

"My wife is a wonderful person and very private. She is humble and down-to-earth and wouldlike to keep it that way. We met in the water sector," he told the paper.

Here's a look into their big day...

2016-12-12 06:09 TshisaLIVE www.timeslive.co.za

244 /246 2.6 Swansea have stomach to survive relegation scrap,

says BrittonDec 12 (Reuters) - Swansea City captain Leon Briton believes his teamhave proved they have the battling qualities to survive the PremierLeague relegation dogfight after thrashing fellow strugglers Sunderland3-0 on Saturday. Swansea made it two wins in three games thanks to apenalty from midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and a brace by striker FernandoLlorente, lifting them above Sunderland and Hull City into 18th in the

table. "I think we have shown we are ready to scrap. We have the character and spirit andexperience," Britton told British media. "People associate Swansea with great football but we

have shown over the years that we can be dogged and determined and dig out results as well.When we have needed to pick up points in past years we have done that as well," he added."Sometimes it ain't pretty, especially away from home, but that is what you have to do in thisleague. People say we are a passing team but I have no concerns with the fighting spirit in thesquad. " Britton has been impressed by the calm approach of the club's new manager BobBradley. "There has been pressure from the outside but I have seen no change from themanager," he said. "He has just gone about his business. " Swansea travel to face eighth-placedWest Bromwich Albion on Wednesday. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru,editing by Ed Osmond)

2016-12-12 06:03 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

245 /246 4.5 Commissioner Andrew Scipione to appeal sentence

reduction for Mitchell BarbieriNSW Police CommissionerAndrew Scipione hasslammed the 11-yearreduction of a jail sentencehanded to a man who stabbeda police officer to death with ahunting knife. Mitchell Barbieriwas jailed for 35 years with anon-parole period of 26 afterhe pleaded guilty to thestabbing murder of DetectiveInspector Bryson Anderson.But on Monday, Barbieri hadhis minimum jail term slashedby 11 years after his lawyer argued his mental illness was not taken into consideration. Scrolldown for video The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal allowed his sentence appeal and imposed a21 years and three months' term with a non-parole period of 15 years. Outside court, the grief-stricken family of Det Insp Anderson, including his 13-year-old son Cain, broke down in tearsfollowing the shock re-sentencing. The court heard Barbieri, then 19, was sharing mentaldelusions with his mother Fiona, when he stabbed Det Insp Anderson twice in the chest with ahunting knife. His mother was given a non-parole six-and-a-half years for manslaughter. WidowDonna Anderson was joined in court alongside her children - daughter Olivia and sons Darcyand Cain - as they were left outraged by the decision. NSW Police Commissioner AndrewScipione said he will challenge the appeal in the High Court of Australia over the reducedsentence after a majority decision. 'I need to make it clear that today has not been a good day forthe NSW Police Force... I'm going to make sure this is going to be dealt with the right way,' hesaid. 'The police family is hurting but none more so than the family of Bryson.' Det InspAnderson's brother Warwick Anderson said they were not satisfied, but had understood, theoriginal sentence for the 'spineless and cowardly act'. 'We came here today and were - to usemy father's words - kicked in the guts by the decision that came down today,' he said outsidecourt. 'How any informed member of the community could possibly think a sentence of 15 yearsfor someone who stabs to death a policeman who turns up to help other people is what thecommunity expects is absolutely beyond belief.' Det Insp Anderson was one of the officers whoattended the Oakville rural property in north-west Sydney on December 6, 2012 after receiving a

call from neighbours. Barbieri and his mother had barricaded themselves in their home after aheated dispute with neighbours. When police stormed the property during a siege at the pair'srural property in Oakville, Det Insp Anderson was stabbed to death. In cutting Barbieri's term, twoof the three appeal court judges found the sentencing judge erred in applying principlesrelevant to the sentencing of mentally-ill offenders. 'His mental illness diminished his moralculpability to a very significant degree,' Justice Carolyn Simpson said. 'His evidence persuadesme that the applicant is genuinely remorseful, that he has accepted responsibility for hisconduct, and that this indicates that he is unlikely to re-offend.' The appeal court also foundBarbieri's sentence was disproportionate to that imposed on his mother. 'The circumstances ofhis life were such that he had not had the opportunity to develop even the maturity that might beexpected of an average 19-year-old,' Justice Simpson said. 'He lived alone on a rural propertywith a mentally-ill mother whose delusions he came to share.' Outside court, Scott Weber,president of the NSW Police Association, described the court's decision as 'disgusting' andcalled for an appeal. 'How can we say to (the family) have a Merry Christmas and have a HappyNew Year. We can't.' But 'this offender, this horrible person' would be out in 11 years aftercommitting such a heinous crime.

2016-12-12 06:01 Tanya Li www.dailymail.co.uk

246 /246 1.4 Twitter goes into meltdown after realising McDonald’s

festive coffee cups look very NSFWForget the frenzy overStarbucks' red holiday cups,now it's McDonald's sendingcoffee lovers wild - and for avery cheeky reason. Oneeagle-eyed McDonald's fannoticed that the design on oneof the limited edition festiveMcCafe cups looks likesomeone showing off theirderriere, if you make one smallalteration. And the NSFWobservation has sent Twitterinto a meltdown, with the

image going viral on the social media website. One user compared it to a Turner Prize-nominated sculpture of a man clasping the cheeks of his posterior The design on the front of thered cup is supposed to look like a pair of mittens. But if you draw fingers on the thumb of themitten, it instead looks like someone clasping the cheeks of their posterior, and mooning theworld. The very rude design was spotted by US fantasy author Sam Sykes, who posted a pictureof the cup with fingers drawn onto the design to Twitter yesterday. Since then, his NSFWobservation has had more than 12,000 retweets and nearly 20,000 favourites - and manypeople say they 'can't unsee' the cheeky logo. Sam tweeted with his altered cup image: 'Nowhow the hell are Starbucks cups in the news again and no one's talking about a guy spreadinghis cheeks open on McDonald's cups.' The hilarious image swiftly went viral. One usercompared the image to a Turner Prize-nominated sculpture of a man clasping the cheeks of hisposterior. Giovanni Tiso commented: 'McDonald's daring homage to contemporary art.' IM HIMsaid: 'Um... @McDonalds methinks you need help with your graphics,' before adding: 'Spreading

a liiiiiittle too much Christmas cheer. ;).' It is unclear in which country the McDonald's mitten cupscome from, or if they are even real. The fast food giant has been reached for comment by FemailFood&Drink. Twitter users found the cheeky design hilarious. 'Lmao McDonald's Christmascoffee cup tho,' tweeted Himel Anthony, while Ziyah at radio station The Bounce said: 'The@McDonalds holiday cup this year sure is a real bummer....just sayin' LOL.' CrankyMcCrankymom had some advice for McDonald's. 'That is an extremely unfortunate design. Don'tany companies keep a 12-year-old on hand for this?' Jose Torres posted a picture of an actorrecreating the same position. Pascalle Lepas said: 'Can't handle how great this is 10/10.'Brandon Chang couldn't even guess what the design was supposed to represent after seeingSam's altered image. He said: 'Whoa, that is exactly the first thing I saw. I can't unsee it. What is itsupposed to be??' Athiest Engineer agreed and said: 'Now that I've seen it as someonespreading their cheeks, I can't figure out what It's supposed to be. @SamSykesSwears ruinedme.'

2016-12-12 06:01 Imogen Blake www.dailymail.co.uk

Total 246 articles.

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Created at 2016-12-12 18:50