Friday, 23 November 2012
Mexico 'should change its name'
Mexico 'should change its name': Mexican President Felipe Calderon says he wants to change the official name of the country from the United States of Mexico to, simply, Mexico.
Barclays Bank buys 8,500 Apple iPads in one go
Barclays Bank buys 8,500 Apple iPads in one go:
Bank's ranks thank bosses for fondle-slabbin' workplace
Barclays Bank has bought no less than 8,500 Apple slabs of fondling loveliness in one go, The Channel can reveal.…
Bank's ranks thank bosses for fondle-slabbin' workplace
Barclays Bank has bought no less than 8,500 Apple slabs of fondling loveliness in one go, The Channel can reveal.…
Deja sexenio 395 militares muertos; 137 desaparecidos
Deja sexenio 395 militares muertos; 137 desaparecidos: Secuestró crimen organizado a 175 miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas
Movilizan droga en botellas de tequila
Movilizan droga en botellas de tequila: EU y Canadá, destinos de la metanfetamina líquida
China sacks official after sex-tape shots appear online
China sacks official after sex-tape shots appear online: SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China sacked on Friday a district Communist Party official after images of him having sex with his mistress were splashed across microblog websites.
German parliament debates circumcision law
German parliament debates circumcision law: Germany's parliament has started debating a draft law on infant male circumcision. The government wants legal security for Muslim and Jewish traditions in Germany.
India girl 'shot over urination'
India girl 'shot over urination': A teenage girl in the Indian capital, Delhi, is shot dead by a man after she objected to him urinating near the gate of her family home, police say.
When Black Friday goes bad
When Black Friday goes bad: CNN's Kyung Lah takes a look at the lengths some people will go for a good deal.
North Korea possibly preparing long-range missile test-report
North Korea possibly preparing long-range missile test-report: TOKYO (Reuters) - North Korea, under heavy U.N. sanctions for its nuclear weapons program, could be preparing a long-range ballistic missile test, a Japanese newspaper said on Friday, citing officials who have seen U.S. intelligence analysis.
Whalers, environmentalists prepare for new confrontation
Whalers, environmentalists prepare for new confrontation: As Japan's whaling fleet prepares to put to sea for its annual operations in the Antarctic Ocean, its arch foes from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society are waiting just over the horizon.
Subutex maker stops selling to Sweden
Subutex maker stops selling to Sweden: The maker of Subutex, used in heroin treatment, is going to stop selling it in Sweden, due to fears that the medicine is itself being abused as a narcotic.
Peter Mangs gets life in jail
Peter Mangs gets life in jail: Serial killer Peter Mangs, who targeted immigrants, has been sentenced to life in prison by Malmö district court. Mangs, now aged 40, arrested in November 2010.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Should we label genetically modified food? | Bhaskar Vira and David Nally
Should we label genetically modified food? | Bhaskar Vira and David Nally: To ensure food security, we will need biotechnology. But will the spread of GM benefit hungry consumers, or global agribusiness?
On the sidelines of the US presidential election, battle lines were drawn on a Californian ballot that has potential implications for broader debates about the challenges of global food security. Proposition 37, which was narrowly defeated (52.8% of voters opposed the measure), would have required mandatory labelling for all genetically engineered food sold to consumers in California.
Supporters argued that people had the right to know exactly what they were buying, and the requirement for foods to be appropriately labelled was simply a way of allowing them to make a more informed choice. Opponents claimed the measure would ultimately increase household grocery costs by generating additional bureaucracy and potentially tying up farmers and agricultural businesses in expensive litigation.
Behind the scenes were fierce arguments about the use of genetic technology in the food industry, concerns about biosafety, and a demonstration of the filibustering power of US agribusiness. The Yes campaign accused large agrochemical companies of spending millions of dollars on opposition to Proposition 37 in the last few weeks before the election, and of spreading misinformation.
There seems little doubt that achieving food security will involve biotechnology. What is more contentious is the way in which these technologies are rolled out and, more to the point, who stands to benefit. The development, deployment and control of agricultural biotechnology is likely to result in winners and losers. There is no such thing as socially neutral or apolitical technology.
There are, for example, considerable differences between publicly funded genetic research, which is made freely available to farmers and other producers, and patented and protected technologies that are distributed under the proprietary control of private companies. In reality, biotechnological development is likely to involve compromise between the need to provide adequate incentives for research and development within the private sector, including allowing patents and intellectual property to protect profitability, and the need for these technologies to be used on a sufficient scale to offer sustainable solutions to the challenge of feeding 7 billion people.
Concerns about biosafety are equally important. For proponents of genetic technologies to dismiss these as the irrational fears of misinformed consumers is short-sighted, and potentially underestimates the power of consumer voice, especially in the digital age. It's also patronising, suggesting consumers should have choice on the shelves but not on the labels.
National attitudes matter as well. The debate in Europe over GM foods is considerably more cautious than in North America, and European regulators are far more sensitive to public opinion. In India, one of the largest public consultation exercises associated with licensing new agricultural technologies led to a two-year moratorium on growing GM brinjal (aubergine) in 2010, despite a report by the country's six science academies concluding that the crop was safe for cultivation.
What was interesting about the Indian consultation was that the decision to allow GM brinjal was opposed by a coalition of farmers, consumer groups and NGOs, reflecting, in many ways, the voices that were most articulate in the defeated Yes campaign in California. These groups were criticised by some scientists and (Indian as well as multinational) agribusinesses, some of whom questioned the decision of India's then environment minister, Jairam Ramesh, to undertake a public consultation over what was seen by them to be essentially a regulatory and scientific issue.
As global food markets become more integrated, choices over the regulation of new technologies are unlikely to have isolated impacts, whether in California or India. Indeed, we have already witnessed the tragic consequences of US food aid being rejected by the Zambian government as the country faced famine in 2002. The Zambian government felt unable to accept American donations because most corn and soya grown in the US was genetically modified. The concerns were both about the safety and the longer-term consequences of strains of GM corn and soya entering Zambia's food system, and thereby affecting the country's future ability to export to more wary European markets.
As we look ahead to a more globalised food production system, concerns over food labelling, the regulation and control of biotechnologies, and the right to make informed choices about consumption perhaps herald a broader debate that is going to profoundly shape our abilities to respond to the challenges of feeding the world during the 21st century.
While some form of biotechnology is likely to be part of the solution, its proponents need to recognise that its deployment has political, social and economic consequences. These go beyond techno-centric debates about efficiency and effectiveness. Recognising the political economy of biotechnology use may well allow us to harness the promise of these developments in a manner that genuinely provides solutions for global food security that are socially acceptable, and better for human and environmental wellbeing.
• Bhaskar Vira is senior lecturer in environment and development and David Nally is senior lecturer in human geography at the department of geography, University of Cambridge, and both are fellows of Fitzwilliam College. The issues raised in this article will be debated at Kings Place, London, on Monday at the first of three events organised by the University of Cambridge's strategic research initiative in global food security. Tickets are available from the box office (020 7520 1490) or online
On the sidelines of the US presidential election, battle lines were drawn on a Californian ballot that has potential implications for broader debates about the challenges of global food security. Proposition 37, which was narrowly defeated (52.8% of voters opposed the measure), would have required mandatory labelling for all genetically engineered food sold to consumers in California.
Supporters argued that people had the right to know exactly what they were buying, and the requirement for foods to be appropriately labelled was simply a way of allowing them to make a more informed choice. Opponents claimed the measure would ultimately increase household grocery costs by generating additional bureaucracy and potentially tying up farmers and agricultural businesses in expensive litigation.
Behind the scenes were fierce arguments about the use of genetic technology in the food industry, concerns about biosafety, and a demonstration of the filibustering power of US agribusiness. The Yes campaign accused large agrochemical companies of spending millions of dollars on opposition to Proposition 37 in the last few weeks before the election, and of spreading misinformation.
There seems little doubt that achieving food security will involve biotechnology. What is more contentious is the way in which these technologies are rolled out and, more to the point, who stands to benefit. The development, deployment and control of agricultural biotechnology is likely to result in winners and losers. There is no such thing as socially neutral or apolitical technology.
There are, for example, considerable differences between publicly funded genetic research, which is made freely available to farmers and other producers, and patented and protected technologies that are distributed under the proprietary control of private companies. In reality, biotechnological development is likely to involve compromise between the need to provide adequate incentives for research and development within the private sector, including allowing patents and intellectual property to protect profitability, and the need for these technologies to be used on a sufficient scale to offer sustainable solutions to the challenge of feeding 7 billion people.
Concerns about biosafety are equally important. For proponents of genetic technologies to dismiss these as the irrational fears of misinformed consumers is short-sighted, and potentially underestimates the power of consumer voice, especially in the digital age. It's also patronising, suggesting consumers should have choice on the shelves but not on the labels.
National attitudes matter as well. The debate in Europe over GM foods is considerably more cautious than in North America, and European regulators are far more sensitive to public opinion. In India, one of the largest public consultation exercises associated with licensing new agricultural technologies led to a two-year moratorium on growing GM brinjal (aubergine) in 2010, despite a report by the country's six science academies concluding that the crop was safe for cultivation.
What was interesting about the Indian consultation was that the decision to allow GM brinjal was opposed by a coalition of farmers, consumer groups and NGOs, reflecting, in many ways, the voices that were most articulate in the defeated Yes campaign in California. These groups were criticised by some scientists and (Indian as well as multinational) agribusinesses, some of whom questioned the decision of India's then environment minister, Jairam Ramesh, to undertake a public consultation over what was seen by them to be essentially a regulatory and scientific issue.
As global food markets become more integrated, choices over the regulation of new technologies are unlikely to have isolated impacts, whether in California or India. Indeed, we have already witnessed the tragic consequences of US food aid being rejected by the Zambian government as the country faced famine in 2002. The Zambian government felt unable to accept American donations because most corn and soya grown in the US was genetically modified. The concerns were both about the safety and the longer-term consequences of strains of GM corn and soya entering Zambia's food system, and thereby affecting the country's future ability to export to more wary European markets.
As we look ahead to a more globalised food production system, concerns over food labelling, the regulation and control of biotechnologies, and the right to make informed choices about consumption perhaps herald a broader debate that is going to profoundly shape our abilities to respond to the challenges of feeding the world during the 21st century.
While some form of biotechnology is likely to be part of the solution, its proponents need to recognise that its deployment has political, social and economic consequences. These go beyond techno-centric debates about efficiency and effectiveness. Recognising the political economy of biotechnology use may well allow us to harness the promise of these developments in a manner that genuinely provides solutions for global food security that are socially acceptable, and better for human and environmental wellbeing.
• Bhaskar Vira is senior lecturer in environment and development and David Nally is senior lecturer in human geography at the department of geography, University of Cambridge, and both are fellows of Fitzwilliam College. The issues raised in this article will be debated at Kings Place, London, on Monday at the first of three events organised by the University of Cambridge's strategic research initiative in global food security. Tickets are available from the box office (020 7520 1490) or online
Turkey wants Nato missile shield
Turkey wants Nato missile shield: Turkey has called for Nato Patriot surface-to-air missiles to bolster its defences along its border with Syria.
"Allies will discuss this without delay," said Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
He said the deployment would augment alliance member Turkey's air defence capabilities and "would contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along Nato's south-eastern border."
"Allies will discuss this without delay," said Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
He said the deployment would augment alliance member Turkey's air defence capabilities and "would contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along Nato's south-eastern border."
Australia approves plan to save vital river system
Australia approves plan to save vital river system: Sydney (AFP) Nov 22, 2012
Australia approved an "historic" plan Thursday to save an ailing river system vital to the nation's food bowl by returning the equivalent of five Sydney Harbour's worth of water to the network each year.
Environment Minister Tony Burke said he signed into law the final draft of a water reform plan for the Murray-Darling Basin, a river network sprawling for one million square kilometres (400,
Australia approved an "historic" plan Thursday to save an ailing river system vital to the nation's food bowl by returning the equivalent of five Sydney Harbour's worth of water to the network each year.
Environment Minister Tony Burke said he signed into law the final draft of a water reform plan for the Murray-Darling Basin, a river network sprawling for one million square kilometres (400,
More eruptions tipped as N. Zealand volcano disrupts flights
More eruptions tipped as N. Zealand volcano disrupts flights: Wellington (AFP) Nov 22, 2012
Lingering ash from a volcanic eruption in New Zealand disrupted flights across parts of the North Island on Thursday, as scientists warned the mountain could blow again at any time.
Mount Tongariro, in the centre of the North Island, erupted for the second time in four months on Wednesday after lying dormant for more than a century, spewing a column of ash three kilometres (1.9 miles) into t
Lingering ash from a volcanic eruption in New Zealand disrupted flights across parts of the North Island on Thursday, as scientists warned the mountain could blow again at any time.
Mount Tongariro, in the centre of the North Island, erupted for the second time in four months on Wednesday after lying dormant for more than a century, spewing a column of ash three kilometres (1.9 miles) into t
Sarkozy in court over 'donation'
Sarkozy in court over 'donation': Former president Nicolas Sarkozy is appearing in court over claims that he illegally accepted donations from France's richest woman to fund his 2007 election campaign.
Ms Bettencourt's former accountant told police she handed over 150,000 euros (£120,700) in cash that she was told would be passed on to Mr Sarkozy's campaign treasurer.
Ms Bettencourt's former accountant told police she handed over 150,000 euros (£120,700) in cash that she was told would be passed on to Mr Sarkozy's campaign treasurer.
Estrogenic Plants May Affect Behavior Changes in Primates
Estrogenic Plants May Affect Behavior Changes in Primates: While meat can contain both natural and artificial hormones, which are often added to produce faster-growing and more productive animals, researchers are now studying how plant-based foods can affect hormone levels. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are examining how certain plant-based foods that are high in estrogenic compounds can influence the behaviors of various primates and how that may have contributed to the evolution of the organisms. The research is the first to observe the connection between plant-based phytoestrogens, and behavior in a group of wild red colobus monkeys.
Melbourne bus racist abuse video puts Australian attitudes on trial
Woman singing in French was told to 'speak English or die' and threatened with stabbing, YouTube footage shows
Police in the Australian city of Melbourne are investigating the racist abuse of a French-speaking woman travelling on a bus in which she was told by a man to "speak English or die". The verbal abuse, captured on video by another passenger, shows a second man threatening to cut the woman with a knife.
"I'll fucking boxcutter you right now you bitch if you talk to my missus like that," said the male passenger, who was pushing a baby buggy, during the footage, which sparked national discussion on the level of racism in Australia.
The incident began after the woman started singing a French song, according to another passenger on the bus, Mike Nayna. Nayna – whose YouTube video drew attention to the ugly incident – said another female passenger on the bus started to chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" in reply. Nayna, a comedian who turned the footage into an extended commentary on racism in Australia, said the French woman continued to sing, prompting a tirade of abuse from another male passenger.
"Speak English or die motherfucker," the abuser says in the video. He then appears to threaten to "cut the bitch's tits off".
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, has large migrant communities and the spread of the video is a setback for the image it promotes of being Australia's most culturally sophisticated metropolitan centre.
Nayna told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper: "It was just weird mob mentality. They [the abusers] were feeding off each other and breaking off into rant and encouraging each other over some racist stuff. It was like a bonding session."
Nayna said another of the passengers offered the abuser a beer and the use of his fishing knife. "Then he went off in a rant about filleting people and saying 'They're just scared cunts at the back of the bus'."
One of the men who had shouted abuse at the French woman got off the bus with his wife and child and taunted the victim to get off as well.
"Yeah, come on cunt, get off. Fucking ding, look at ya. You've been told about four times, get off," he said. Moments after he stepped off the bus he apparently smashed one of the bus windows, shocking passengers who called out for the driver to shut the doors and drive off.
The other abuser told the French woman that everyone on the bus wanted to kill her and that she would have to "get off eventually, bitch".
Victorian police say they are investigating the incident, which took place on 11 November at about 10.30pm, and have called for witnesses to come forward.
The case has fuelled debate about racist attitudes in Australia. In 2005, days of racially motivated mob riots were whipped up in the beachside Sydney suburb of Cronulla and neighbouring communities up by reports of an attack on volunteer lifesavers by Middle Eastern men.
In May a British woman was sentenced to 21 weeks in jail for racial abuse of passengers on the tube in London. Jacqueline Woodhouse, 42, from Romford in Essex, launched her abusive verbal attack on several passengers on the Central Line. A seven-minute video of the tirade has been watched by more than 200,000 people on YouTube. Among her remarks, Woodhouse asked passengers around her: "Where do you come from? All over the world, fucking jokers. Fucking country's a fucking joke.
"I would like to know if any of you are illegal? I am sure 30% of you are. Fucking jokers taking the fucking piss."
The judge said Woodhouse would spend half of her sentence behind bars and was banned for five years from using the London underground and Docklands Light Railway network while drunk.
Police in the Australian city of Melbourne are investigating the racist abuse of a French-speaking woman travelling on a bus in which she was told by a man to "speak English or die". The verbal abuse, captured on video by another passenger, shows a second man threatening to cut the woman with a knife.
"I'll fucking boxcutter you right now you bitch if you talk to my missus like that," said the male passenger, who was pushing a baby buggy, during the footage, which sparked national discussion on the level of racism in Australia.
The incident began after the woman started singing a French song, according to another passenger on the bus, Mike Nayna. Nayna – whose YouTube video drew attention to the ugly incident – said another female passenger on the bus started to chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" in reply. Nayna, a comedian who turned the footage into an extended commentary on racism in Australia, said the French woman continued to sing, prompting a tirade of abuse from another male passenger.
"Speak English or die motherfucker," the abuser says in the video. He then appears to threaten to "cut the bitch's tits off".
Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, has large migrant communities and the spread of the video is a setback for the image it promotes of being Australia's most culturally sophisticated metropolitan centre.
Nayna told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper: "It was just weird mob mentality. They [the abusers] were feeding off each other and breaking off into rant and encouraging each other over some racist stuff. It was like a bonding session."
Nayna said another of the passengers offered the abuser a beer and the use of his fishing knife. "Then he went off in a rant about filleting people and saying 'They're just scared cunts at the back of the bus'."
One of the men who had shouted abuse at the French woman got off the bus with his wife and child and taunted the victim to get off as well.
"Yeah, come on cunt, get off. Fucking ding, look at ya. You've been told about four times, get off," he said. Moments after he stepped off the bus he apparently smashed one of the bus windows, shocking passengers who called out for the driver to shut the doors and drive off.
The other abuser told the French woman that everyone on the bus wanted to kill her and that she would have to "get off eventually, bitch".
Victorian police say they are investigating the incident, which took place on 11 November at about 10.30pm, and have called for witnesses to come forward.
The case has fuelled debate about racist attitudes in Australia. In 2005, days of racially motivated mob riots were whipped up in the beachside Sydney suburb of Cronulla and neighbouring communities up by reports of an attack on volunteer lifesavers by Middle Eastern men.
In May a British woman was sentenced to 21 weeks in jail for racial abuse of passengers on the tube in London. Jacqueline Woodhouse, 42, from Romford in Essex, launched her abusive verbal attack on several passengers on the Central Line. A seven-minute video of the tirade has been watched by more than 200,000 people on YouTube. Among her remarks, Woodhouse asked passengers around her: "Where do you come from? All over the world, fucking jokers. Fucking country's a fucking joke.
"I would like to know if any of you are illegal? I am sure 30% of you are. Fucking jokers taking the fucking piss."
The judge said Woodhouse would spend half of her sentence behind bars and was banned for five years from using the London underground and Docklands Light Railway network while drunk.
U.S. and Mexico Sign Deal on Managing Colorado River
U.S. and Mexico Sign Deal on Managing Colorado River: The United States and Mexico agreed to overhaul how water from the Colorado River, which serves 33 million people in both countries, will be shared and managed.
Ha utilizado 38 millones de balas la Sedena
Ha utilizado 38 millones de balas la Sedena: Al iniciar gobierno de FCH se tenían 2.4 millones de granadas, la cifra ha bajado a 1.7 millones
VIDEO: Tolkien estate to sue Warner Bros
VIDEO: Tolkien estate to sue Warner Bros: The estate of The Hobbit author JRR Tolkien is to sue the studio behind a new film adaptation of the novel, over claims of copyright infringement.
Terminal cancer patients 'given pointless treatment'
Terminal cancer patients 'given pointless treatment': Cancer patients who do not have long to live are being given surgery or other treatment even though it will bring them no benefit, doctors are warning.
But it cautions doctors who are not cancer specialists think patients with cancer who develop unexpected complications “are sometimes given an over-optimistic picture of their outlook”.
This can lead to “inappropriate or unhelpful interventions” in those in their last weeks of life, say the authors of the report, Cancer patients in crisis: responding to urgent needs.
But it cautions doctors who are not cancer specialists think patients with cancer who develop unexpected complications “are sometimes given an over-optimistic picture of their outlook”.
This can lead to “inappropriate or unhelpful interventions” in those in their last weeks of life, say the authors of the report, Cancer patients in crisis: responding to urgent needs.
Student Expelled for Refusing Location Tracking RFID Badge
After months of protesting a policy requiring high school students to wear an RFID-enabled ID badge around their necks at all times, Andrea Hernandez is being involuntarily withdrawn from John Jay High School in San Antonio effective November 26th, according to a letter sent by the district that has now been made public.
The letter, sent on November 13, informs her father that the Smart ID program, which was phased in with the new school year, is now in “full implementation” and requires all students to comply by wearing the location-tracking badges.
Students stage mass protest in London
Students stage mass protest in London:
10,000 expected to demonstrate against youth unemployment, rises in tuition fees and other financial burdens facing students
Around 10,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in a mass protest in London on Wednesday to express anger at the financial and other burdens facing students.
Demo 2012, organised by the National Union of Students will call for investment in education and employment, and to protest at the "shutting down" of opportunities for the next generation.
It will be the first national protest organised by the NUS since more than 50,000 people, including many lecturers, took part in a demonstration two years ago, which was marred by violent clashes with police leading to a number of arrests and injuries as well as complaints from students who were "kettled" outside parliament.
Organisers expect at least 10,000 demonstrators to gather near the Embankment, on the north side of the Thames on Wednesday morning, before a march past Parliament Square towards Kennington Park south of the river for a rally.
The NUS president, Liam Burns, said the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, won the trust, and votes, of young people and their parents by signing the pledge, but had lost them "once and for all" by breaking it.
He said: "Most parents would like to see him and every other MP who broke the pledge go before they can do any more harm to the next generation.
"As students gather in London today to demand investment in education and employment, the countdown to the next general election has already begun. Many MPs of all party colours kept their promise, but those MPs who broke their pledge cannot wriggle their way out. They are living out their electoral lives on borrowed time."
The NUS said young people were being left with a "sense of desperation" for their futures amid major changes to education and a tough job market.
The prospect of leaving university thousands of pounds in debt and facing a scramble for graduate jobs was a major concern, the union warned.
Burns said there were strong feelings on campuses around the country about education reforms, the move to treble tuition fees, changes to financial support for students and youth unemployment.
Students know they are going to be "tens of thousands of pounds in debt before they even graduate and they know there's little prospect of graduate employment," he said. "There's a sense of desperation that people have. They're slowly seeing opportunities being taken away and are powerless to do anything about it."
Ministers' decision to scrap the education maintenance allowance (EMA) – a grant for the poorest teenagers to help them stay in school or college – has had the biggest impact, Burns said, while the final outcome of the decision to raise tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 a year is not yet known.
The NUS warned the UK could be heading for an "epidemic of university dropouts", with a study showing that more than two in five had seriously considered leaving their course.
Of these, almost half of undergraduates said money worries were a key factor in considering whether to drop out.
Roger McKenzie, assistant general secretary of Unison, will tell Wednesday's rally: "Tory education policies are turning the clock back to the time when education was the preserve of the rich. Young people, especially those from poor families, are already being put off going to university by the huge cost. The loss of the EMA has forced many others to drop out of school altogether.
"Young people, faced with a tough jobs market or an education they cannot afford, are left without options. The effects will be as expensive for our society as they will be long-lasting, but the real tragedy is for those young people robbed of a future."
Kathy Taylor, the president of the University and College Union (UCU), will attack the coalition for being out of touch with the needs of ordinary people. "This is a government that does not understand the needs and fears of ordinary people, yet claims we are all in it together," she said.
"In the first year of this coalition government, the richest 1,000 people in Britain increased their collective wealth by 18%. Over the same period the government introduced measures which increased the number of children living in poverty by nearly 1 million."
Most parents with children under the age of 18 would not vote for an MP who broke a pledge against increasing university tuition fees, according to a poll. The survey, covering almost 500 parents, showed that more than three out of five would not vote for an MP who broke a pre-election pledge to vote against increasing tuition fees while almost half believed they should resign.
Around 10,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in a mass protest in London on Wednesday to express anger at the financial and other burdens facing students.
Demo 2012, organised by the National Union of Students will call for investment in education and employment, and to protest at the "shutting down" of opportunities for the next generation.
It will be the first national protest organised by the NUS since more than 50,000 people, including many lecturers, took part in a demonstration two years ago, which was marred by violent clashes with police leading to a number of arrests and injuries as well as complaints from students who were "kettled" outside parliament.
Organisers expect at least 10,000 demonstrators to gather near the Embankment, on the north side of the Thames on Wednesday morning, before a march past Parliament Square towards Kennington Park south of the river for a rally.
The NUS president, Liam Burns, said the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, won the trust, and votes, of young people and their parents by signing the pledge, but had lost them "once and for all" by breaking it.
He said: "Most parents would like to see him and every other MP who broke the pledge go before they can do any more harm to the next generation.
"As students gather in London today to demand investment in education and employment, the countdown to the next general election has already begun. Many MPs of all party colours kept their promise, but those MPs who broke their pledge cannot wriggle their way out. They are living out their electoral lives on borrowed time."
The NUS said young people were being left with a "sense of desperation" for their futures amid major changes to education and a tough job market.
The prospect of leaving university thousands of pounds in debt and facing a scramble for graduate jobs was a major concern, the union warned.
Burns said there were strong feelings on campuses around the country about education reforms, the move to treble tuition fees, changes to financial support for students and youth unemployment.
Students know they are going to be "tens of thousands of pounds in debt before they even graduate and they know there's little prospect of graduate employment," he said. "There's a sense of desperation that people have. They're slowly seeing opportunities being taken away and are powerless to do anything about it."
Ministers' decision to scrap the education maintenance allowance (EMA) – a grant for the poorest teenagers to help them stay in school or college – has had the biggest impact, Burns said, while the final outcome of the decision to raise tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 a year is not yet known.
The NUS warned the UK could be heading for an "epidemic of university dropouts", with a study showing that more than two in five had seriously considered leaving their course.
Of these, almost half of undergraduates said money worries were a key factor in considering whether to drop out.
Roger McKenzie, assistant general secretary of Unison, will tell Wednesday's rally: "Tory education policies are turning the clock back to the time when education was the preserve of the rich. Young people, especially those from poor families, are already being put off going to university by the huge cost. The loss of the EMA has forced many others to drop out of school altogether.
"Young people, faced with a tough jobs market or an education they cannot afford, are left without options. The effects will be as expensive for our society as they will be long-lasting, but the real tragedy is for those young people robbed of a future."
Kathy Taylor, the president of the University and College Union (UCU), will attack the coalition for being out of touch with the needs of ordinary people. "This is a government that does not understand the needs and fears of ordinary people, yet claims we are all in it together," she said.
"In the first year of this coalition government, the richest 1,000 people in Britain increased their collective wealth by 18%. Over the same period the government introduced measures which increased the number of children living in poverty by nearly 1 million."
Most parents with children under the age of 18 would not vote for an MP who broke a pledge against increasing university tuition fees, according to a poll. The survey, covering almost 500 parents, showed that more than three out of five would not vote for an MP who broke a pre-election pledge to vote against increasing tuition fees while almost half believed they should resign.
Attracting foreign students to Sweden
Attracting foreign students to Sweden: The number of foreign students in Sweden is going up again after a major drop last year. according to a new report, a number of reforms are needed if Sweden is to continue to attract students from abroad.
Minister cannot explain why arms deal document removed
Minister cannot explain why arms deal document removed: An e-mail that would have revealed that the government has lied, has disappeared from the official archives, Swedish Radio News reports.The Swedish Defence Research Agency broke the rules when they secretly set up a front company to fund the building of an weapons workshop in Saudi Arabia. At the time, the government denied all knowledge of what the public agency had done in secret.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Grand Canyon flooded to rebuild beaches
Grand Canyon flooded to rebuild beaches:
The Colorado River cascaded in a flood from the Glen Canyon Dam Monday, the first step in an ongoing experiment to rebuild beaches and fish habitat in the iconic Grand Canyon.
The Colorado River cascaded in a flood from the Glen Canyon Dam Monday, the first step in an ongoing experiment to rebuild beaches and fish habitat in the iconic Grand Canyon.
Oprah Tweets Her Love of Microsoft Surface...from an iPad
Oprah Tweets Her Love of Microsoft Surface...from an iPad: The fact that Oprah put the Microsoft Surface on her list of favorite things is a big deal, even though she may not be practicing what she preaches. When the media mogul recently tweeted about her love for
Indians worry what the next cold snap will bring
Indians worry what the next cold snap will bring: Thousand of homeless people fend for themselves in the Indian capital as winter closes in. An investigation by rights groups shows an alarming increase in number of deaths each year.
Facebook starts going encrypted by default in North America
Facebook starts going encrypted by default in North America:
Only WE are allowed to spy on you ... bitch
Facebook is finally deploying secure browsing for its 1-billion-strong userbase over the coming weeks.…
Only WE are allowed to spy on you ... bitch
Facebook is finally deploying secure browsing for its 1-billion-strong userbase over the coming weeks.…
Egypt says Israel will halt 'aggression' within hours
Egypt says Israel will halt 'aggression' within hours: "The travesty of the Israel aggression on Gaza will end in a few hours," Egyptian President Mohammed Morsy said. Egypt has been trying to negotiate a cease-fire, but Morsy did not provide details on his statement.
Hamas executa seis suspeitos de colaborar com Israel
Hamas executa seis suspeitos de colaborar com Israel:
CIDADE DE GAZA - Homens mascarados mataram em público seis suspeitos de colaborar com Israel, no meio da Cidade de Gaza, afirmam testemunhas. O braço armado do Hamas assumiu a autoria das execuções.
Segundo testemunhas, seis homens foram retirados de uma van e forçados a deixar na rua com o rosto para baixo. Militantes assassinaram um a um. Os corpos foram empilhados, e uma multidão aproveitou para pisar e cuspir neles. Um dos cadáveres chegou a ser amarrado em uma moto e arrastado pelas ruas de Gaza, enquanto pedrestre gritavam “espião”.
O Hamas prendeu panfletas em postes do território, acusando os seis de serem informantes do governo israelense. As execuções em praça pública acontecem no sétimo dia da ofensiva de Israel contra o território palestino.
CIDADE DE GAZA - Homens mascarados mataram em público seis suspeitos de colaborar com Israel, no meio da Cidade de Gaza, afirmam testemunhas. O braço armado do Hamas assumiu a autoria das execuções.
Segundo testemunhas, seis homens foram retirados de uma van e forçados a deixar na rua com o rosto para baixo. Militantes assassinaram um a um. Os corpos foram empilhados, e uma multidão aproveitou para pisar e cuspir neles. Um dos cadáveres chegou a ser amarrado em uma moto e arrastado pelas ruas de Gaza, enquanto pedrestre gritavam “espião”.
O Hamas prendeu panfletas em postes do território, acusando os seis de serem informantes do governo israelense. As execuções em praça pública acontecem no sétimo dia da ofensiva de Israel contra o território palestino.
New deadly virus may be 'bat bug'
New deadly virus may be 'bat bug': Bats may be the source of a new Sars-like virus which killed a man in Saudi Arabia, according to an analysis of the coronavirus' genome.
Hundreds of paedophiles reoffend while being monitored
Hundreds of paedophiles reoffend while being monitored: Nearly 1,000 registered paedophiles have committed further offences despite being monitored.
Debt crisis: France could be downgraded further - live
Debt crisis: France could be downgraded further - live: Moody's has warned that France could be downgraded further if the Socialist government fails to implement announced reforms, after stripping the country of its prized 'AAA' credit rating
Monday, 19 November 2012
EU's aid budget facing cuts despite evidence it will pay for itself by 2020
EU's aid budget facing cuts despite evidence it will pay for itself by 2020:Campaigners warn reducing European development fund by 11% would leave world's poorest 'paying the highest price'
The EU's aid programmes for some of the world's poorest countries face steep cuts ahead of a crunch EU budget summit starting on Thursday.
With Britain among those calling for cuts, not just a freeze, in the EU's 2014-20 €1 trillion budget, campaigners fear the organisation's aid budget will take a disproportionate hit.
The president of the European council, Herman Van Rompuy, last week proposed cutting the European development fund (EDF), which mainly targets sub-Saharan Africa, by 11% compared with figures put forward by the European commission.
In July, the commission called for €30.3bn for the EDF whereas, last week, Van Rompuy suggested €26.9bn. Van Rompuy has also proposed less than the commission wanted for the EU's overall aid budget. Whereas the commission put on the table €70bn, Van Rompuy put forward a figure of €63.7bn.
"The cut is indeed quite substantial and is notably worrying for EDF. The countries which need it most would be the most affected by the cuts," said a European development official.
Under the 2008-13 EU budget, EDF came to €22.6bn. Technically, Van Rompuy's proposal is an increase on the current budget. But, taking into account inflation, it constitutes a cut in real terms.
"The total amount available for the 11th EDF is proposed at €26.984bn, which represents an 11% cut – proportionally the highest cut in the EU budget, and almost four percentage points higher than average. This must be reversed without delay," said ONE, the advocacy group.
The group, along with the UK'S Overseas Development Institute and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, last week released a report showing that EU aid would more than pay for itself by 2020 (pdf). ONE's analysis said the €51bn in EU aid that targets the poorest countries would give a 20% return on investment for the EU economy by 2020, equivalent to an €11.5bn net gain for the EU and its citizens.
The report – the first study to quantify the impact of EU aid on donor and recipient countries – said by 2020 the aid spent would give a 0.1% boost to EU gross domestic product (GDP), a 0.2% boost to global GDP, and a significant 2.5% boost to sub-Saharan African GDP.
Several countries have pledged to support EU development aid spending in recent weeks, including France, Denmark and the UK. Denmark, Ireland and the UK have also protected development aid from national budget cuts. The European parliament, in a vote last month, said proposed EU funds for so-called external spending should be considered the "bare minimum".
According to a Eurobarometer survey (pdf), released last month, 85% of EU citizens believe Europe should continue helping developing countries despite the economic crisis, and 61% are in favour of increasing aid. At the same time, 55% think rapidly growing emerging countries should no longer receive aid. Most people (61%) believe aid should focus on countries that have suffered conflict or natural crises.
"Van Rompuy's plans will make no substantial financial savings by cutting aid to poor countries," said Olivier Consolo, director of Concord, an umbrella group of European NGOs. "Instead, some of the poorest people in the world will pay the highest price and could lose vital aid support. EU aid works out at only €1.87 per citizen a month, and saves millions of lives around the world. We urgently need development champions to stand up for the EU aid budget."
Should the aid budget be cut, EU development commissioner Andris Piebalgs and campaigners have set their hopes on a financial transactions tax being pushed by France and other EU countries. They are banking on hopes that some of money raised from such a tax could be put into development.
The EU's aid programmes for some of the world's poorest countries face steep cuts ahead of a crunch EU budget summit starting on Thursday.
With Britain among those calling for cuts, not just a freeze, in the EU's 2014-20 €1 trillion budget, campaigners fear the organisation's aid budget will take a disproportionate hit.
The president of the European council, Herman Van Rompuy, last week proposed cutting the European development fund (EDF), which mainly targets sub-Saharan Africa, by 11% compared with figures put forward by the European commission.
In July, the commission called for €30.3bn for the EDF whereas, last week, Van Rompuy suggested €26.9bn. Van Rompuy has also proposed less than the commission wanted for the EU's overall aid budget. Whereas the commission put on the table €70bn, Van Rompuy put forward a figure of €63.7bn.
"The cut is indeed quite substantial and is notably worrying for EDF. The countries which need it most would be the most affected by the cuts," said a European development official.
Under the 2008-13 EU budget, EDF came to €22.6bn. Technically, Van Rompuy's proposal is an increase on the current budget. But, taking into account inflation, it constitutes a cut in real terms.
"The total amount available for the 11th EDF is proposed at €26.984bn, which represents an 11% cut – proportionally the highest cut in the EU budget, and almost four percentage points higher than average. This must be reversed without delay," said ONE, the advocacy group.
The group, along with the UK'S Overseas Development Institute and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, last week released a report showing that EU aid would more than pay for itself by 2020 (pdf). ONE's analysis said the €51bn in EU aid that targets the poorest countries would give a 20% return on investment for the EU economy by 2020, equivalent to an €11.5bn net gain for the EU and its citizens.
The report – the first study to quantify the impact of EU aid on donor and recipient countries – said by 2020 the aid spent would give a 0.1% boost to EU gross domestic product (GDP), a 0.2% boost to global GDP, and a significant 2.5% boost to sub-Saharan African GDP.
Several countries have pledged to support EU development aid spending in recent weeks, including France, Denmark and the UK. Denmark, Ireland and the UK have also protected development aid from national budget cuts. The European parliament, in a vote last month, said proposed EU funds for so-called external spending should be considered the "bare minimum".
According to a Eurobarometer survey (pdf), released last month, 85% of EU citizens believe Europe should continue helping developing countries despite the economic crisis, and 61% are in favour of increasing aid. At the same time, 55% think rapidly growing emerging countries should no longer receive aid. Most people (61%) believe aid should focus on countries that have suffered conflict or natural crises.
"Van Rompuy's plans will make no substantial financial savings by cutting aid to poor countries," said Olivier Consolo, director of Concord, an umbrella group of European NGOs. "Instead, some of the poorest people in the world will pay the highest price and could lose vital aid support. EU aid works out at only €1.87 per citizen a month, and saves millions of lives around the world. We urgently need development champions to stand up for the EU aid budget."
Should the aid budget be cut, EU development commissioner Andris Piebalgs and campaigners have set their hopes on a financial transactions tax being pushed by France and other EU countries. They are banking on hopes that some of money raised from such a tax could be put into development.
Chinese cloud firm offers 'love bonus' to amorous staff
Chinese cloud firm offers 'love bonus' to amorous staff:
Chengdu-based start-up in pay-to-pair-up scheme
A Chinese cloud computing company has taken a novel approach to improving staff morale, ignoring all workplace common sense by encouraging its employees to hook up with each other, and with those of rival firms, in return for a financial reward.…
Chengdu-based start-up in pay-to-pair-up scheme
A Chinese cloud computing company has taken a novel approach to improving staff morale, ignoring all workplace common sense by encouraging its employees to hook up with each other, and with those of rival firms, in return for a financial reward.…
Jacqui Smith admits cannabis reclassification was wrong
Jacqui Smith admits cannabis reclassification was wrong: Jacqui Smith has admitted that her decision to upgrade cannabis to a Class B drug when Home Secretary was wrong and that education would have been a better option than criminalisation.
World Bank report warns of a bleak future without climate policy
World Bank report warns of a bleak future without climate policy: Emissions of man-made greenhouse gases are breaking new records every year and are putting the planet on a path towards 4-degree global warming probably as soon as by the end of this century, according to a new report co
Guttenberg Needs to Pay Up: Apple Patents the Page Turn
Guttenberg Needs to Pay Up: Apple Patents the Page Turn: Apple patent lawyers are continuously making a strong case against their own existence, and one of the best examples in a long time is hitting the news now. Apple has acquired the patent on the page turn, meaning that any other book app that wants to look like a book will have to license the design of a turning page from Apple.
Spain may offer residency to foreigners buying homes
Spain may offer residency to foreigners buying homes: MADRID (Reuters) - Spain is considering offering rich investors from countries such as Russia and China the right to settle in return for them buying up property in the stagnant housing sector.
Israeli government websites under mass hacking attack
Israeli government websites under mass hacking attack: More than 44 million hacking attempts have been made on Israeli government websites since Wednesday when Israel began its Gaza air strikes, the government said on Sunday.
Blood-Thinning Rat Poison Is Killing Birds, Too
Blood-Thinning Rat Poison Is Killing Birds, Too:
Law-makers in Canada and the United States are making moves to restrict the use of rodent poisons based on blood thinners, as studies show that the toxins accumulate in birds of prey and other animals.
[More]
Law-makers in Canada and the United States are making moves to restrict the use of rodent poisons based on blood thinners, as studies show that the toxins accumulate in birds of prey and other animals.
[More]
Most ocean species remain undiscovered
Most ocean species remain undiscovered:
Up to a million species live in the seas, and two-thirds of those ocean-dwellers may still be undiscovered, according to a new study that also cataloged all of the known species that dwell beneath the waves.
Up to a million species live in the seas, and two-thirds of those ocean-dwellers may still be undiscovered, according to a new study that also cataloged all of the known species that dwell beneath the waves.
Mayan doomsday 'safe zone' shut down
Mayan doomsday 'safe zone' shut down:
Citing fears that doomsday believers, curiosity seekers, and "above all" journalists, will flood a French mountaintop on Dec. 21, the supposed day of the Mayan apocalypse, local officials are banning access to the mountain.
Citing fears that doomsday believers, curiosity seekers, and "above all" journalists, will flood a French mountaintop on Dec. 21, the supposed day of the Mayan apocalypse, local officials are banning access to the mountain.
David Quammen: The Spillover of Animal Infections to Humans
David Quammen: The Spillover of Animal Infections to Humans:
David Quammen talks about his latest book, Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic .
David Quammen talks about his latest book, Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic .
Streams Affected by Even the Earliest Stages of Urban Development
Streams Affected by Even the Earliest Stages of Urban Development: In a new study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), it was found that the loss of sensitive species in streams begins to occur at the initial stages of urban development. The culprits are the increased contaminants entering the streams, destruction of riparian habitat, and greater stream flow flashiness. The results of the study show that streams are more sensitive to development than previously believed. The victims are the bruised ecosystems and a reduction in economically viable resources like fishing and tourism.
Pacific fishing zones - lifeline for overfished tuna?
Pacific fishing zones - lifeline for overfished tuna?: Honolulu HI (SPX) Nov 18, 2012
Marine zoning in the Pacific Ocean, in combination with other measures, could significantly improve numbers of heavily overfished bigeye tuna and improve local economies, a fish modelling study has found.
Scientists working at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, HI), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC, Noumea, New Caledonia) and Collecte Localisation Satellites
Marine zoning in the Pacific Ocean, in combination with other measures, could significantly improve numbers of heavily overfished bigeye tuna and improve local economies, a fish modelling study has found.
Scientists working at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, HI), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC, Noumea, New Caledonia) and Collecte Localisation Satellites
Sunday, 18 November 2012
New DNA vaccine technology poised to deliver ultra-rapid, safe and cost-effective disease protection
New DNA vaccine technology poised to deliver ultra-rapid, safe and cost-effective disease protection: Tempe AZ (SPX) Nov 16, 2012
New and increasingly sophisticated vaccines are taking aim at a broad range of disease-causing pathogens, targeting them with greater effectiveness at lower cost and with improved measures to ensure safety.
To advance this quest, a research team led by Roy Curtiss, director of the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, and Wei Kong, a research assistant professor
New and increasingly sophisticated vaccines are taking aim at a broad range of disease-causing pathogens, targeting them with greater effectiveness at lower cost and with improved measures to ensure safety.
To advance this quest, a research team led by Roy Curtiss, director of the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, and Wei Kong, a research assistant professor
Plants and soils could exacerbate climate change as global climate warms
Plants and soils could exacerbate climate change as global climate warms: Washington DC (SPX) Nov 16, 2012
November 13, 2012 - Scientists from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and University of California, Berkeley have demonstrated that plants and soils could release large amounts of carbon dioxide as global climate warms. This finding contrasts with the expectation that plants and soils will absorb carbon dioxide and is important because that additional carbon release from land surface
November 13, 2012 - Scientists from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and University of California, Berkeley have demonstrated that plants and soils could release large amounts of carbon dioxide as global climate warms. This finding contrasts with the expectation that plants and soils will absorb carbon dioxide and is important because that additional carbon release from land surface
Ingredient in diarrhea medicine leads to sustainable new farm fertilizer
Ingredient in diarrhea medicine leads to sustainable new farm fertilizer: Washington DC (SPX) Nov 16, 2012
The search for a sustainable slow-release fertilizer - a key to sustaining global food production at a time of burgeoning population growth - has led scientists to an ingredient used in some diarrhea medicines. They describe use of the substance, attapulgite, as a "carrier" for plant nutrients in a report in ACS' journal Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research.
The search for a sustainable slow-release fertilizer - a key to sustaining global food production at a time of burgeoning population growth - has led scientists to an ingredient used in some diarrhea medicines. They describe use of the substance, attapulgite, as a "carrier" for plant nutrients in a report in ACS' journal Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research.
Touch-sensitive plastic skin heals itself
Touch-sensitive plastic skin heals itself: Stanford CA (SPX) Nov 16, 2012
Nobody knows the remarkable properties of human skin like the researchers struggling to emulate it. Not only is our skin sensitive, sending the brain precise information about pressure and temperature, but it also heals efficiently to preserve a protective barrier against the world.
Nobody knows the remarkable properties of human skin like the researchers struggling to emulate it. Not only is our skin sensitive, sending the brain precise information about pressure and temperature, but it also heals efficiently to preserve a protective barrier against the world.
House Windows are a Threat to Birds
House Windows are a Threat to Birds: The sickening thud of a bird crashing into a window is an all-too-familiar sound for many Canadian homeowners. Birds often mistake windows for openings, flying into the glass at full speed. A startling new analysis suggests about 22 million Canadian birds die each year from such crashes, researchers reported Sept. 4 in Wildlife Research.
Undergraduate biology students at the University of Alberta, supervised by biologist Erin Bayne, surveyed 1,750 local residents in person and through social media. The recruited citizens provided the number of fatal bird strikes at their homes during the previous year. By extrapolating from these local reports, the researchers calculated the collision rates for different types of homes and then estimated the national bird mortality rate. The study did not include bird strikes on skyscrapers or commercial buildings.
Undergraduate biology students at the University of Alberta, supervised by biologist Erin Bayne, surveyed 1,750 local residents in person and through social media. The recruited citizens provided the number of fatal bird strikes at their homes during the previous year. By extrapolating from these local reports, the researchers calculated the collision rates for different types of homes and then estimated the national bird mortality rate. The study did not include bird strikes on skyscrapers or commercial buildings.
Tornado-like winds hit Portugal's Algarve, 8 injured
Tornado-like winds hit Portugal's Algarve, 8 injured: LISBON (Reuters) - Violent winds hit south Portugal's Algarve region on Friday, overturning cars and vans, some with people inside, blowing rooftops off houses and smashing windows.
Melting Glaciers Raise Sea Level
Melting Glaciers Raise Sea Level: Innsbruck, Austria (SPX) Nov 18, 2012
Anthropogenic climate change leads to melting glaciers and rising sea level. Between 1902 and 2009, melting glaciers contributed 11 cm to sea level rise. They were therefore the most important cause of sea level rise. This is the result of a new assessment by scientists of the University of Innsbruck. They numerically modeled the changes of each of the world's 300 000 glaciers.
Anthropogenic climate change leads to melting glaciers and rising sea level. Between 1902 and 2009, melting glaciers contributed 11 cm to sea level rise. They were therefore the most important cause of sea level rise. This is the result of a new assessment by scientists of the University of Innsbruck. They numerically modeled the changes of each of the world's 300 000 glaciers.
Nigeria Exxon spill spreads for miles along coast
Nigeria Exxon spill spreads for miles along coast: IBENO, Nigeria (Reuters) - An oil spill at an ExxonMobil facility offshore from the Niger Delta has spread at least 20 miles from its source, coating waters used by fishermen in a film of sludge.
Poor revenues cause concern in Europe
Poor revenues cause concern in Europe: Number of European companies to beat revenues expectations in the third quarter is at a three-year low, reflecting continent’s week economy
Body found near burned Gulf oil platform
Body found near burned Gulf oil platform: AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Divers have found a body near an oil platform that caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Coast Guard officials said on Sunday.
Fake Olympian Weightlifters Caught Smuggling Drugs
Fake Olympian Weightlifters Caught Smuggling Drugs:
Argentinian police have arrested ten drug smugglers from Venezuela who were impersonating members of the Olympic weightlifting team.
They were arrested at the airport in Buenos Aires with capsules of liquid cocaine in their stomachs, reported the BBC.
A Venezuelan woman told authorities that her nephew, who is a weightlifter, was recruited by the smugglers.
Officers followed the man after receiving information from the woman, investigating him for four months.
As the fake weightlifters were trying to board a plane to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, they were arrested and subjected to a body scan, reported Sky News, citing a source with the airport.
They are now in custody in the Buenos Aires criminal court, according to Sky News. Three Dominican Republic nationals were also arrested in separate raids on an apartment and a hotel in connection with the case.
Police told the BBC that the men were dressed in track suits and said they were part of the Venezuelan Olympic weightlifting team. Presumably, the smugglers suspected that a large number of young men traveling together might have aroused the suspicion of the authorities.
Argentinian police have arrested ten drug smugglers from Venezuela who were impersonating members of the Olympic weightlifting team.
They were arrested at the airport in Buenos Aires with capsules of liquid cocaine in their stomachs, reported the BBC.
Officers followed the man after receiving information from the woman, investigating him for four months.
As the fake weightlifters were trying to board a plane to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, they were arrested and subjected to a body scan, reported Sky News, citing a source with the airport.
They are now in custody in the Buenos Aires criminal court, according to Sky News. Three Dominican Republic nationals were also arrested in separate raids on an apartment and a hotel in connection with the case.
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Police told the BBC that the men were dressed in track suits and said they were part of the Venezuelan Olympic weightlifting team. Presumably, the smugglers suspected that a large number of young men traveling together might have aroused the suspicion of the authorities.
The mystery of the vanishing beatles
The mystery of the vanishing beatles: Scientists have warned of a mystery decline in the nation's beetles, with three quarters of the most common species recording declines in numbers, with several falling to "endangered" levels.
Mexico ex-mayor beaten to death
Mexico ex-mayor beaten to death: Maria Santos Gorrostieta, who had survived two attacks while she was mayor of a Mexican town, is found beaten to death days after going missing.
Patient discharged with drip tube
Patient discharged with drip tube: Barnsley Hospital apologises after a woman with dementia was sent home with a cannula tube for a drip still inserted in her arm.
Ex-Kosovo minister and PM's ally charged with corruption
Ex-Kosovo minister and PM's ally charged with corruption: PRISTINA (Reuters) - A former government minister is among seven Kosovo Albanians charged with corruption by a European Union prosecutor, officials said on Friday.
The Facebook Job Board Is Here: Recruiting Will Never Look The Same
The Facebook Job Board Is Here: Recruiting Will Never Look The Same:
Sound the gong! Facebook recruiting is here... Facebook announced its long-awaited job board this morning, ushering in a new era of online recruiting and, eventually, what’s likely to be an important new source of revenue for the company. After a yearlong “Social Jobs Partnership” with the U.S. Department of Labor and other
Australian Students Find Out That Robots Led Russian Revolution
Australian Students Find Out That Robots Led Russian Revolution: 5700 Australian students opened up their history exams to find a doctored painting depicting a giant robot assisting Russian Revolutionaries.
SAS veterans ask PM to intervene over "monstrous" jailing of war hero
SAS veterans ask PM to intervene over "monstrous" jailing of war hero: David Cameron has been urged to intervene to secure the release of a former SAS sniper who was jailed for possessing a pistol given to him as a present by Iraqi soldiers he trained.
Arsenic Contamination from Gold Mining found in India Villages
Arsenic Contamination from Gold Mining found in India Villages: Scientists have found high levels of arsenic in the soil and groundwater near a gold mine in the south Indian state of Karnataka, highlighting health hazards associated with mining the precious metal.
A team of scientists that conducted studies in the Kiradalli Tanda village of Yadgir district discovered arsenic contamination in groundwater 30 times higher than the limit of 10 parts per billion, prescribed by the WHO.
The village, which is four kilometres from a gold mine, had reported several cases of suspected arsenic-induced skin diseases and cancers.
A team of scientists that conducted studies in the Kiradalli Tanda village of Yadgir district discovered arsenic contamination in groundwater 30 times higher than the limit of 10 parts per billion, prescribed by the WHO.
The village, which is four kilometres from a gold mine, had reported several cases of suspected arsenic-induced skin diseases and cancers.
Beavers 'threaten' Dutch flood banks
Beavers 'threaten' Dutch flood banks: Successful breeding programme threatens Dutch flood defences
Online Identity
Online Identity: The head of the CIA undone by email, anonymous trolls ruling Reddit, fakery on Facebook and false Sandy news on Twitter. Identity on the internet is a mess. What to do about it?
Man swallows 220 diamonds in smuggling attempt
Man swallows 220 diamonds in smuggling attempt: A 25-year-old man has been arrested in South Africa after swallowing 220 polished diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the country.
Poor in the City: Urban Poverty on the Rise in Germany
Poor in the City: Urban Poverty on the Rise in Germany: Germany is weathering the economic crisis across Europe relatively well in comparison to its southern neighbors. Yet the prosperity appears to be leaving a large section of the country behind, as a recent study finds urban poverty to be growing at an alarming rate.
AUTRICHE • Un supermarché de la prostitution aux portes de Vienne
AUTRICHE • Un supermarché de la prostitution aux portes de Vienne: Pour 15 millions d'euros, deux
magnats du sexe s'associent afin de créer le plus grand bordel d'Europe. Le lieu
exact est encore tenu secret, mais la date d'ouverture est connue : ce sera
en 2014.
magnats du sexe s'associent afin de créer le plus grand bordel d'Europe. Le lieu
exact est encore tenu secret, mais la date d'ouverture est connue : ce sera
en 2014.
Mulher morre após lhe ser negado aborto
Mulher morre após lhe ser negado aborto: Savita Halappanavar, indiana, de 31 anos, estava grávida de 17 semanas quando morreu no Hospital Universitário de Galway, na Irlanda, após lhe ter sido recusado o aborto, alegadamente com o argumento...
With key departure, Microsoft comeback looks like U-turn
With key departure, Microsoft comeback looks like U-turn:
If the guy seen as most instrumental to Microsoft's comeback suddenly ups and leaves, what does that say about his approach to getting the company back in the PC, tablet and phone business? Has Microsoft lost even more ground to Google and Apple than previously thought?
If the guy seen as most instrumental to Microsoft's comeback suddenly ups and leaves, what does that say about his approach to getting the company back in the PC, tablet and phone business? Has Microsoft lost even more ground to Google and Apple than previously thought?
Former Washington, D.C. council head sentenced for bank fraud
Former Washington, D.C. council head sentenced for bank fraud: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The former No. 2 official in the Washington city government was sentenced to home arrest, probation and community service on Tuesday on a bank fraud charge, the latest stage in financial scandals involving local officials in the U.S. capital.
Uganda 'set to pass anti-gay law'
Uganda 'set to pass anti-gay law': Uganda will pass a new law against homosexuality by the end of the year as a "Christmas gift" to its advocates, the parliamentary speaker says.
Analysis: China turns to machines as farmers seek fresh fields
Analysis: China turns to machines as farmers seek fresh fields: BAOQUANLING, China (Reuters) - China needs to replace millions of workers who have quit farms for cities, but even its vast state power might not be able to transform the countryside into a network of big industrial farms capable of feeding its growing economy.
BBC director general resigns over "shoddy journalism"
BBC director general resigns over "shoddy journalism": LONDON (Reuters) - BBC Director General George Entwistle resigned on Saturday, just two months into the job, after the state-funded broadcaster put out a program denounced by the corporation's chairman as shoddy journalism.
BBC Director Quits in Furor Over Coverage of Sexual Abuse
BBC Director Quits in Furor Over Coverage of Sexual Abuse: George Entwistle stepped down Saturday amid a deepening controversy over BBC news reports on prominent public figures accused of pedophilia.
Parlamento Europeu tem crise de imagem
Parlamento Europeu tem crise de imagem:
BRUXELAS — Mesmo para os europeus que não se opõem ativamente ao Parlamento Europeu, ele se tornou um poderoso símbolo de como as instituições concebidas para a construção de uma Europa unida claudicaram, uma vez que o projeto encara a mais grave crise de seus 60 anos de história. Uma pesquisa realizada em novembro passado constatou um “declínio acentuado” da imagem do Parlamento Europeu, em comparação com uma enquete semelhante de 2008. O Eurobarômetro, realizado pela TNS, revelou que 26% das 26.594 pessoas consultadas em toda a Europa tinham uma visão “negativa” do Parlamento, um aumento de nove pontos percentuais.
O Parlamento, com 754 membros, é a única engrenagem com eleições diretas do aparato que dirige a União Europeia. Mas a porcentagem de eleitores que vão às urnas a cada cinco anos caiu de mais de 60% para pouco mais de 40%, em menos de um quarto de século.
Em muitos dias, partes do prédio do Parlamento passam a sensação de uma feira extravagante. Lobistas empresariais organizam conferências em salas de reuniões, e refeições nas salas de jantar, a convite de deputados amistosos. Eles também montam exposições — algumas proibidas pelas diretrizes da própria Casa.
Recentemente, autoridades de Áustria, Romênia e Eslovênia acusaram representantes de suas nações de abuso de poder. Essas acusações se seguiram a um escândalo que começou em 2011, quando os deputados foram filmados aparentemente a postos para propor emendas em troca de dinheiro, numa operação realizada pelo “Sunday Times” de Londres.
Ernst Strasser, um ex-ministro do Interior austríaco que renunciou após as revelações, tinha pedido uma taxa anual de €100 mil (R$ 260 mil) de consultoria para manipular a legislação e pode receber uma pena de 10 anos de prisão se for considerado culpado, segundo o promotor público de Viena. Zoran Thaler, um ex-ministro do Exterior da Eslovênia, também renunciou depois das revelações.
Em julho, as autoridades romenas incluíram numa investigação Adrian Severin, um parlamentar e ex-ministro do Exterior, acusando-o de ajudar empresas romenas a vender “serviços fictícios” que tiraram do Parlamento um total de €436.663 (R$ 1.131.700).
O escândalo levou às criações do primeiro comitê de ética e da primeira proibição explícita de que deputados aceitem dinheiro em troca de mudanças na legislação. Mas os parlamentares são autorizados a manter um segundo emprego sem limites sobre os salários e a aceitar voos e acomodações sem declará-los todos.
BRUXELAS — Mesmo para os europeus que não se opõem ativamente ao Parlamento Europeu, ele se tornou um poderoso símbolo de como as instituições concebidas para a construção de uma Europa unida claudicaram, uma vez que o projeto encara a mais grave crise de seus 60 anos de história. Uma pesquisa realizada em novembro passado constatou um “declínio acentuado” da imagem do Parlamento Europeu, em comparação com uma enquete semelhante de 2008. O Eurobarômetro, realizado pela TNS, revelou que 26% das 26.594 pessoas consultadas em toda a Europa tinham uma visão “negativa” do Parlamento, um aumento de nove pontos percentuais.
O Parlamento, com 754 membros, é a única engrenagem com eleições diretas do aparato que dirige a União Europeia. Mas a porcentagem de eleitores que vão às urnas a cada cinco anos caiu de mais de 60% para pouco mais de 40%, em menos de um quarto de século.
Em muitos dias, partes do prédio do Parlamento passam a sensação de uma feira extravagante. Lobistas empresariais organizam conferências em salas de reuniões, e refeições nas salas de jantar, a convite de deputados amistosos. Eles também montam exposições — algumas proibidas pelas diretrizes da própria Casa.
Recentemente, autoridades de Áustria, Romênia e Eslovênia acusaram representantes de suas nações de abuso de poder. Essas acusações se seguiram a um escândalo que começou em 2011, quando os deputados foram filmados aparentemente a postos para propor emendas em troca de dinheiro, numa operação realizada pelo “Sunday Times” de Londres.
Ernst Strasser, um ex-ministro do Interior austríaco que renunciou após as revelações, tinha pedido uma taxa anual de €100 mil (R$ 260 mil) de consultoria para manipular a legislação e pode receber uma pena de 10 anos de prisão se for considerado culpado, segundo o promotor público de Viena. Zoran Thaler, um ex-ministro do Exterior da Eslovênia, também renunciou depois das revelações.
Em julho, as autoridades romenas incluíram numa investigação Adrian Severin, um parlamentar e ex-ministro do Exterior, acusando-o de ajudar empresas romenas a vender “serviços fictícios” que tiraram do Parlamento um total de €436.663 (R$ 1.131.700).
O escândalo levou às criações do primeiro comitê de ética e da primeira proibição explícita de que deputados aceitem dinheiro em troca de mudanças na legislação. Mas os parlamentares são autorizados a manter um segundo emprego sem limites sobre os salários e a aceitar voos e acomodações sem declará-los todos.
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Russia backs its claims for Arctic Shelf with evidence
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The expedition lasted 3 months and gathered about 22,000 samples of soil from the Arctic Ocean's bottom.
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The expedition lasted 3 months and gathered about 22,000 samples of soil from the Arctic Ocean's bottom.
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'Telling truth about Nazis cost me my friends': Bergerac star John Nettles ostracised on Jersey after collaboration study
'Telling truth about Nazis cost me my friends': Bergerac star John Nettles ostracised on Jersey after collaboration study: John Nettles, who is still well remembered for playing the TV detective in the show set in Jersey, was outcast by friends and sent hate mail after presenting a documentary into the Nazi occupation of the island.
Greece begins three days of anti-austerity strikes
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China hack 'targeted' Coca-Cola
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China vai investigar suposto enriquecimento da família do premier
China vai investigar suposto enriquecimento da família do premier:
HONG KONG - Após denúncias do diário “New York Times” sobre o suposto enriquecimento obscuro da família do primeiro-ministro chinês, Wen Jiabao, o Partido Comunista do país iniciou um inquérito interno para apurar como o líder e seus familiares teriam supostamente acumulado uma fortuna desde que o político chegou ao poder. Segundo o diário “South China Morning Post”, o próprio premier teria solicitado a abertura da investigação, em um aparente movimento para provar sua inocência.
O Comitê Permanente de Politburo - o mais alto órgão de decisões do partido - aceitou o pedido de Wen, de acordo com fontes do “Hong Kong Daily”. Analistas citados pela mídia local ressaltam que a solicitação do premier também demonstra que ele pode estar interessado em usar a situação como uma chance de colocar em prática a “Lei da Luz do Sol”, que requere que oficiais de alto escalão do governo disponibilizem uma declaração de bens para o público.No entanto, He Weifang, especialista em leis chinesas da Universidade de Pequim - citado pelo “South China Post” - acredita que a ideia de abrir as declarações nunca irá para frente, por causa de interesses pessoais de políticos.
- Mesmo que Wen queira tornar pública sua declaração de bens, não acredito que outros oficiais de alto escalão, que possam ter ‘riquezas escondidas’, irão permitir que ele vá em frente. Considerando, ainda, as repercussões sociais explosivas que isso pode acarretar na população - disse o especialista.
Advogados da família do premier já negaram todas as acusações levantadas pelo “NYT”. Segundo a reportagem do jornal novaiorquino, registros e documentos corporativos mostram que a mãe de Wen, seus irmãos, filhos e a esposa acumularam uma riqueza de US$ 2,7 bilhões depois que o líder comunista se tornou vice-premier, em 1998.
De acordo com o “NYT, Yang Zhiyun, a mãe de 90 anos do primeiro-ministro, teria feito um investimento de US$ 120 milhões em uma empresa de serviços financeiros; no passado, ela foi professora no Norte da China, enquanto o pai de Wen foi cuidador de porcos.
Após a divulgação da reportagem - publicada tanto na edição em inglês quanto na edição em mandarim do jornal - a reação do governo chinês foi imediata: os acessos ao “NYT” foram bloqueados. No principal serviço de microblogs do país, similar ao Twitter, buscas por “Wen Jiabao” ou “New York Times” caíam em uma mensagem que informava que o conteúdo não poderia ser exibido em função de “leis relevantes”.
Na semana passada, o porta-voz do Ministério das Relações Exteriores na China, Hong Lei, afirmou que a denúncia do jornal americano “tem segundas intenções”, e que o artigo tem como objetivo desprestigiar o país.
HONG KONG - Após denúncias do diário “New York Times” sobre o suposto enriquecimento obscuro da família do primeiro-ministro chinês, Wen Jiabao, o Partido Comunista do país iniciou um inquérito interno para apurar como o líder e seus familiares teriam supostamente acumulado uma fortuna desde que o político chegou ao poder. Segundo o diário “South China Morning Post”, o próprio premier teria solicitado a abertura da investigação, em um aparente movimento para provar sua inocência.
O Comitê Permanente de Politburo - o mais alto órgão de decisões do partido - aceitou o pedido de Wen, de acordo com fontes do “Hong Kong Daily”. Analistas citados pela mídia local ressaltam que a solicitação do premier também demonstra que ele pode estar interessado em usar a situação como uma chance de colocar em prática a “Lei da Luz do Sol”, que requere que oficiais de alto escalão do governo disponibilizem uma declaração de bens para o público.
- Mesmo que Wen queira tornar pública sua declaração de bens, não acredito que outros oficiais de alto escalão, que possam ter ‘riquezas escondidas’, irão permitir que ele vá em frente. Considerando, ainda, as repercussões sociais explosivas que isso pode acarretar na população - disse o especialista.
Advogados da família do premier já negaram todas as acusações levantadas pelo “NYT”. Segundo a reportagem do jornal novaiorquino, registros e documentos corporativos mostram que a mãe de Wen, seus irmãos, filhos e a esposa acumularam uma riqueza de US$ 2,7 bilhões depois que o líder comunista se tornou vice-premier, em 1998.
De acordo com o “NYT, Yang Zhiyun, a mãe de 90 anos do primeiro-ministro, teria feito um investimento de US$ 120 milhões em uma empresa de serviços financeiros; no passado, ela foi professora no Norte da China, enquanto o pai de Wen foi cuidador de porcos.
Após a divulgação da reportagem - publicada tanto na edição em inglês quanto na edição em mandarim do jornal - a reação do governo chinês foi imediata: os acessos ao “NYT” foram bloqueados. No principal serviço de microblogs do país, similar ao Twitter, buscas por “Wen Jiabao” ou “New York Times” caíam em uma mensagem que informava que o conteúdo não poderia ser exibido em função de “leis relevantes”.
Na semana passada, o porta-voz do Ministério das Relações Exteriores na China, Hong Lei, afirmou que a denúncia do jornal americano “tem segundas intenções”, e que o artigo tem como objetivo desprestigiar o país.
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