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Europe Refugee Crisis: Prague Key Talks over Migrant Quotas Row

Diane A. Wade
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Europe Refugee Crisis: Prague Key Talks over Migrant Quotas Row

The foreign ministers of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are to meet their counterpart from Germany and current EU presidency holder Luxembourg, amid a growing row over refugee quotas.

The Central European countries – the so-called Visegrad-four – reject quotas proposed by the EU Commission and backed by Germany.

The talks in Prague are expected to focus on this issue.

The European  Commission wants 120,000 additional asylum seekers per year to be shared out between 28 EU members.

This would be a sharp increase from the current 40,000.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

In recent weeks, tens of thousands of migrants have been desperately trying to flee conflicts in countries like Syria and Libya. Many of them travel through Hungary to Germany, Austria and Sweden – wealthier EU nations with more liberal asylum laws.

The Central European nations have all rejected the proposed compulsory quotas.

This is despite the fact that each of them would take in far fewer refugees than Germany if the EU backs the proposals.

Ahead of the Prague meeting, the Czech Foreign Ministry said it was aimed at improving “better mutual understanding among EU member states… [in light of] some differing views”.

Hungary in particular has become a key point on the journey north for the migrants, with more than 150,000 people arriving this year.

On September 9, the Hungarian army started military exercises to prepare for a possible future role in guarding the border and stemming the flow of people – a move criticized by human rights groups.

A new razor-wire barrier is also being built along Hungary’s border with Serbia.

The authorities in Hungary have been told to expect 40,000 more migrants by next week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdyjpPiMV6o

Japan Flood 2015: At Least Three Dead and Hundreds Stranded

Nancy Clayson
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Japan Flood 2015: At Least Three Dead and Hundreds Stranded

At least three people have died in Japan’s severe flooding and hundreds of people are stranded.

The deaths were in the badly hit prefectures of Tochigi and Miyagi, both north of the capital, Tokyo.

According to officials, 26 people are still missing, 25 of them in or around Joso city in Ibaraki, where the Kinugawa River burst its banks on September 10.

Officials have warned of further heavy rain and the risk of mudslides.

The torrential rain comes in the wake of Typhoon Etau, which ploughed through Japan earlier this week.

Officials have confirmed that a 63-year-old woman was killed when her house was hit by a landslide in Kanuma City in Tochigi.

A second woman, 48, was killed after her car was swept away in Kurihara city in Miyagi. And in hot spring resort of Nikko in Tochigi, a man died after falling into a drain he was trying to clear.

At least 27 people have been injured, eight seriously.

In Joso, nearly 6,000 emergency service workers are trying to reach stranded people. Many rescuers had worked through the night.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Officials in the city of 60,000, about 30 miles northeast of Tokyo, said 22 people there had lost contact after requesting help. NHK reported that two eight-year-old children were believed to be among them.

Akira Motokawa, a Joso city evacuation official, told national broadcaster NHK that rescuers had been unable to keep up with the volume of calls for help.

Thousands have been taken to temporary shelters, many carrying almost nothing with them.

Floodwaters in Joso had subsided somewhat by September 11, but much of the city was still under water and it is not clear when evacuees will be able to return home.

Takuya Deshimaru, chief forecaster at the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), has said the rainfall over the past few days was “unprecedented”.

In Tochigi, more than 19 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in places, double the amount that normally falls there throughout the whole of September, according to NHK.

Parts of central Tochigi have seen almost 24in of rain since September 7, breaking records.

A severe rain warning remains in effect for large areas of northeastern Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ2hU7gFyx8

Venezuela: Leopoldo Lopez Jailed for 13 Years and Nine Months

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela: Leopoldo Lopez Jailed for 13 Years and Nine Months

Venezuela’s opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has been sentenced to 13 years and nine months in jail for inciting violence.

Leopoldo Lopez, 44, was found guilty of inciting violence during protests in 2014 in which 43 people – from both sides of the political divide – were killed.

He had been held in a military prison since February 2014.

While the court verdict was being awaited, fighting broke out between his supporters and pro-government activists outside the courthouse in Caracas.

Leopoldo Lopez’s supporters said one of them had suffered a heart-attack during the disturbances.

The court ruling was revealed by Leopoldo Lopez’s Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) political party and later confirmed by his lawyers.Leopoldo Lopez jailed in Venezuela

Leopoldo Lopez’s defense team earlier said there had been serious irregularities in the trial, with the judge hearing 138 witnesses for the prosecution but only one of the 50 witnesses and pieces of evidence submitted by the defense.

His family says he has been in solitary confinement for most of his 19 months in prison and that his human rights have been violated.

Several other opposition leaders have also been held in detention and their fate has divided opinion in Venezuela.

The US government and the United Nations have called for their release.

Reacting to the court verdict, US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson said she was “deeply concerned” by the conviction.

Roberta Jacobson also urged the Venezuelan government to “protect democracy” in the country.

For many poorer Venezuelans, Leopoldo Lopez is seen as a dangerous figure who incites violence and coups against the government and who is out of touch with the needs of most ordinary people.

His critics point to his involvement in 2002 in a failed coup attempt against late President Hugo Chavez.

However, Leopoldo Lopez’s supporters say he is a scapegoat for current President Nicolas Maduro during Venezuela’s economic crisis that has led to shortages of basic goods.

Kim Ki-jong: Ambassador Mark Lippert Attacker Sentenced Jailed for 12 Years in South Korea

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Ki-jong: Ambassador Mark Lippert Attacker Sentenced Jailed for 12 Years in South Korea

South Korean Kim Ki-jong, who stabbed US Ambassador Mark Lippert earlier this year, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for attempted murder.

Kim Ki-jong, 56, attacked Mark Lippert at a breakfast function in a Seoul hotel on March 5.

The US ambassador in South Korea needed 80 stitches in his face and hand and was left scarred.

Kim Ki-jong, a known Korean nationalist, had made multiple visits to North Korea.

He said he was protesting against joint South Korean-US military drills but did not intend to kill Mark Lippert.Kim Ki jong ambassador attack 2015

The prosecution, however, argued the force of the attack was so great that it might well have been fatal. They had sought a 15-year prison term.

Kim Ki-jong was also convicted of assaulting a foreign envoy, but cleared of a charge under the National Security Law of assisting North Korea.

The Seoul Central District Court said he had “shown no repentance, attempting to justify his actions throughout the trial,” the AFP news agency reported.

Mark Lippert spent five days in hospital but has since returned to work and said the US mission in Seoul would remain “open and friendly”.

The US has some 28,000 military personnel based in South Korea, and the two militaries regularly carry out military exercises together.

The drills are an ongoing source of tensions with North Korea, which views them as preparation for war. They are also unpopular with many in South Korea, with demonstrations regularly staged against them.

Singapore Elections 2015: Ruling People’s Action Party Expected to Stay in Power

Diane A. Wade
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Singapore Elections 2015: Ruling People’s Action Party Expected to Stay in Power

Polls have opened in Singapore for an election that is widely expected to see the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) stay in power.

However, for the first time ever, opposition candidates are running in all constituencies, and could gain seats.

It is also the first election since the death of long-term leader Lee Kuan Yew, founder of the ruling PAP and the prime minister’s father.

The PAP has won every election since Singapore’s independence in 1965.

The PAP’s success has been attributed to its widespread popularity among Singaporeans – who have seen their country rapidly evolve into a first-world economy – as well as its tight political control.Singapore general elections 2015

Government stumbles in managing immigration and infrastructure, coupled with a greater desire by younger Singaporeans for political plurality, has led to increasing gains by opposition parties over the years.

The PAP’s biggest competition is the Workers Party, which in the last parliament had seven members of parliament out of 87 seats, but a number of smaller parties are also running. The next parliament will have 89 seats.

In previous elections, the PAP has retained some of its seats without a vote – known as a walkover – as no opposition candidate ran against them. But this year every seat is being contested.

The voting comes at the end of a colorful but brief nine-day election campaign period.

At least two million Singaporeans are expected to cast their vote at polling stations which will close at 20:00 local time on September 11.

The elections department, for the first time, will be announcing sample counts soon after voting closes. Opinion and exit polls are not allowed in Singapore’s elections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9IWEVL8REs

Lenin Statue’s Head Dug Up in Germany

Nancy Clayson
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Lenin Statue’s Head Dug Up in Germany

The head of a giant Lenin statue has been unearthed in Germany, 24 years after it was buried in a forest.

Workers dug up the granite structure from woodland outside capital Berlin, following a campaign by historians.Lenin statue head Germany

The head was once part of a 62ft monument to the Russian communist leader, which towered over the east of Berlin.

Lenin statue was dismantled in 1991 after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the pieces were buried in a secluded forest.

The structure famously featured in the 2003 film comedy, Good Bye Lenin, about German reunification. In one scene it was airlifted through the city by a helicopter.

Lenin’s 3.5 tonne head will now be transported from the forest to West Berlin’s Spandau Citadelle museum to be included in an exhibition about German monuments.

The head is the only part of the statue to be excavated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnuifQlBfI0

Refugee Crisis: US to Accept 10,000 Syrians in 2016

Diane A. Wade
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Refugee Crisis: US to Accept 10,000 Syrians in 2016

According to the White House, President Barack Obama has called for the US to prepare to accept “at least” 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016.

That number is significantly higher than the 1,500 Syrians that have been permitted to re-settle in the US since the start of the conflict.

The 10,000 figure is still much lower than the 340,000 asylum seekers who arrived in Europe this year.

Since the beginning of the conflict the US has given $4 billion in aid.

The increase in accepting refugees displays a “significant scaling up” of US commitment to accept people from conflict zones and help provide for their needs,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Congress would have to make a “significant financial commitment” in order to allow for additional 10,000 refugees to the US, Josh Earnest said.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has registered four million Syrians as refugees, and it has asked governments around the world to resettle 130,000 Syrian refugees by the end of 2016.

In May, 14 Senators penned a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to allow 65,000 Syrian refugees to settle inside the US.

Humanitarian aid money remains the most effective way to fight the problem for the US, Josh Earnest said, and it is “not feasible” for millions of Syrians to come to the country.

Asked at a press briefing why the US was not accepting as many refugees as the UK, as a larger country, Josh Earnest said the US wants to meet the “most urgent, immediate needs” of migrants like basic medical care, food, water and shelter.

The security screening migrants must go through when arriving in the US can take 12 to 18 months, and the “safety and security of the US homeland” comes first, he said.

There have been concerns expressed that terrorists could exploit the refugee system to enter the country and carry out an attack, but experts say that fear is overblown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kofKi8rSkaE

Stephen Colbert Makes His Debut as Late Show Host

Sonia Pantiss
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Stephen Colbert Makes His Debut as Late Show Host

Stephen Colbert has made his debut as CBS’ Late Show host, succeeding David Letterman who retired in May after 33 years.

George Clooney and Republican White House contender Jeb Bush were among Stephen Colbert’s first guests.

The former Colbert Report host opened the show with a sketch, singing the national anthem around the country.

Stephen Colbert also paid tribute to his predecessor David Letterman, calling himself “a fan”.Stephen Colbert Late Show debut 2015

“We will try to honor his achievement by doing the best show we can and occasionally making the network very mad at us,” he said.

“As long as I have nine months to make one hour of TV, I could do this forever,” Stephen Colbert added.

The comedian played a hardline conservative in his previous show, Comedy Central’s satirical news show The Colbert Report, but he appeared as himself for his mainstream debut.

Stephen Colbert presented his first guest George Clooney with a belated wedding gift for his marriage last year to human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin – a Tiffany paperweight inscribed with the phrase: “I don’t know you.”

He also binged on a bag of Oreo cookies as he made jokes about Donald Trump, who recently vowed never to eat Oreos again after makers Nabisco Inc said it was opening a new plant in Mexico.

Fellow late-night TV figures also wished him well – including NBC rival Jimmy Fallon who said: “Have a good show, buddy. See you in the locker room.”

The broadcast ended with Stephen Colbert singing with his new house band, led by Jon Batiste, in a cover of Sly and the Family Stone’s Everyday People.

They were joined by Mavis Staples, Aloe Blacc, Ben Folds and Buddy Guy, amongst others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTP1DOTs7AY

S&P Cuts Brazil’s Sovereign Debt Rating to Junk

Clyde K. Valle
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S&P Cuts Brazil’s Sovereign Debt Rating to Junk

Standard & Poor’s has cut Brazil’s sovereign debt rating to “junk” status.

As a result, Brazil has lost its investment-grade rating.

S&P said mounting political turmoil and the difficulties faced by President Dilma Rousseff’s government in tackling growing debt were behind the decision.

Brazil was awarded an investment-grade rating by S&P in April 2008, when the country’s economy was on the rise.

However, sliding commodity prices and austerity have created a recession.

Dilma Rousseff’s left-wing government had imposed austerity measures in a bid to avoid such a downgrade.Brazil sovereign debt rating cut to junk 2015

S&P downgraded Brazil – Latin America’s largest economy – sooner than had been expected.

The move – a major setback for Finance Minister Joaquim Levy’s attempts to shore up public finances – is likely to rock the Brazilian stock market on Thursday.

S&P cut Brazil’s rating from BBB-minus to BB-plus, which denotes substantial credit risk.

The outlook on the new rating remains negative, which means further downgrades could soon follow.

Brazil’s government said last month that that the economy was officially in recession.

S&P said: “The political challenges Brazil faces have continued to mount, weighing on the government’s ability and willingness to submit a 2016 budget to Congress.

“The negative outlook reflects what we believe is a greater than one-in-three likelihood of a further downgrade due to a further deterioration of Brazil’s fiscal position.”

Planning Minister Nelson Barbosa said Brazil would recover its investment-grade status when the economy returned to growth.

He said the government was working on new proposals to balance its accounts and revising programs to tackle the budget deficit.

“Brazil will continue to honor all its obligations,” Nelson Barbosa said.

Global Food Prices in Biggest Fall Since 2008

Diane A. Wade
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Global Food Prices in Biggest Fall Since 2008

According to UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), August 2015 saw a 5.2% fall in global food prices, the biggest drop since 2008.

The FAO saw monthly falls in all major commodities, from milk and vegetables to oils, sugar and cereals.

Food producers are being hit by slowing demand in China and a Russian embargo on Western products.

Now the European Commission is to release €500 million ($557 million) to help Europe’s farmers.

The commission said the most significant part of the package would support the dairy sector in all EU member states.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Dairy farmers have suffered a 20% fall in European wholesale milk prices in 2014.

The European Commission aid comes on top of extra help for European fruit and vegetable farmers, who have been hit by the Russian embargo on Western food imports in retaliation for EU and US sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine.

Farmers across Europe have been protesting in recent weeks against the plunging prices that they say are destroying their businesses.

On September 7, Belgian police fired tear gas and water cannon at some 7,000 European farmers demonstrating Brussels.

Last week, French farmers blocked the streets of Paris with more than 1,500 tractors.

The falling prices are unlikely to be reversed any time soon.

The FAO said in a statement: “Ample supplies, a slump in energy prices and concerns over China’s economic slowdown all contributed to the sharpest fall of the FAO Food Price Index in almost seven years.”

The FAO has raised its forecast for world cereal output in 2015 to 2.54 billion tonnes, thanks to what looks like good wheat and rice harvests in Argentina, Brazil and the US.

Hyundai Workers to Go on Strike over Wages

Clyde K. Valle
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Hyundai Workers to Go on Strike over Wages

Hyundai Motor union workers voted to strike on September 10 after being unable to reach a deal in wage talks.

The union and management agreed to resume negotiations over reforms to its pay structure, but the workers could go on strike as early as 14 September.

Hyundai is in the middle of restructuring its seniority-based pay system.

Strikes over wages occur almost yearly as the union seeks to raise monthly wages and bonuses.Hyundai workers strike 2015

This year would mark the fourth year of strike action if the two sides do not reach a deal.

Hyundai workers are asking for a 7.8% increase in their monthly basic wage, guaranteed job security until age 65 and bonuses worth 30% of the carmaker’s net profit for last year.

The union represents more than 48,000 workers and about 78% of the 89% that voted supported the strike action.

The car giant’s second-quarter net profit fell nearly 24% from a year ago, because of a stronger local currency and more competition at home and abroad.

Hyundai, together with affiliate Kia Motors, is the world’s fifth largest carmaker.

Asian Stock Markets Close Lower on Economic Worries

Clyde K. Valle
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Asian Stock Markets Close Lower on Economic Worries

Asian stock markets were mostly lower on September 10 as economic data from Japan and China made investors cautious.

After surging almost 8% on September 9, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index closed down 2.5% at 18,299.62, among Asia’s big losers.

Worries about a slowdown China and the impact of a US interest rate hike also dented investors’ confidence.

Analysts said losses were to be expected considering Wednesday’s significant gains – particularly in Japan.

Core machinery orders in Japan, which are a key indicator of capital expenditure, fell by 3.6% in July compared with June.

The renewed decline suggested that business investment may fall yet again this quarter, economists said.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 closed down 2.4% at 5,098.40, following Wall Street lower and after two sessions of gains.

Photo AsiaNews
Photo AsiaNews

The Australian dollar fell together with the New Zealand dollar on Thursday after New Zealand’s central bank cut interest rates to 2.75% and said it may introduce further easing measures to boost its flagging economy.

In China, the benchmark Shanghai Composite ended down 1.4% to 3,197.89, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 2.6% to 21,562.5 points.

Official figures released on September 10 showed China’s consumer price index (CPI) unexpectedly rose to 2% in August from a year ago marking a one-year high.

The rise was due to higher food prices. Pork prices, which weigh heavily on consumer prices in China, rose from 16.7% last year to 19.6% in August.

China’s producer price index (PPI) fell 5.9% – marking its 42nd consecutive month of declines – and the biggest drop since 2009.

The one bright spot in Asia was South Korea’s Kospi which closed up 0.7% to 1,947.30 points.

California Drops Plans to Cut Gasoline Consumption by 50%

James J. Williams
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California Drops Plans to Cut Gasoline Consumption by 50%

California has dropped plans to cut gasoline use in half by 2030, after intense oil industry lobbying.

Governor Jerry Brown and other senior lawmakers had included the proposal in a climate change bill, but were forced to retreat amid growing opposition.

California Senate leader Kevin de Leon, who supported the cut, accused oil companies of deploying “scare tactics”.

The leaders have vowed to push ahead with other reforms, including boosting renewable electricity use.

“I’d say oil has won the skirmish, but they’ve lost the bigger battle,” Gov. Jerry Brown said.California gasoline consumption

“I’m more determined than ever to make our regulatory regime work for the people of California – cleaning up the air, reducing the petroleum and creating green jobs.”

The plans to require a 50% reduction in gasoline use in motor vehicles by 2030 were met with fierce opposition from business groups and oil companies, who warned of negative consequences for California’s economy.

Kevin de Leon said the industry had a “singular motive” and accused it of creating a “multibillion-dollar smoke screen” to deter lawmakers from voting for the legislation.

Republicans, along with many moderate Democrats, had resisted the proposal.

Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association, welcomed the September 9 decision to cut the emissions target from the bill.

“Today’s announcement was an acknowledgement that California’s energy future, economic competitiveness, and environment are inextricably linked,” she added.

California is the second-biggest producer of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels among US states.

Jerry Brown pledged to move ahead with the two remaining components of the climate change bill, aimed at increasing renewable electricity use and improving energy efficiency in buildings.

The issue has been a key priority for the governor during his final term.

Gov. jerry Brown is expected to attend the UN climate change conference in Paris in November.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDIoP0ePP6A

Homo Naledi: New Species of Human Ancestor Discovered in South Africa

James J. Williams
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Homo Naledi: New Species of Human Ancestor Discovered in South Africa

A new human-like species have been discovered in a burial chamber deep in a cave system in South Africa, BBC reported.

According to researchers, the discovery of 15 partial skeletons is the largest single discovery of its type in Africa.

The scientists claim that the discovery will change ideas about our human ancestors.

The studies which have been published in the journal Elife also indicate that these individuals were capable of ritual behavior.

Photo National Geographic
Photo National Geographic

The species, which has been named naledi, has been classified in the grouping, or genus, Homo, to which modern humans belong.

The researchers who made the find have not been able to find out how long ago these creatures lived.

Prof. Lee Berger, the scientist who led the team, told BBC that he believed they could be among the first of our kind (genus Homo) and could have lived in Africa up to three million years ago.

He also said naledi could be thought of as a “bridge” between more primitive bipedal primates and humans.

The haul of 15 partial skeletons includes both males and females of varying ages – from infants to elderly. The discovery is unprecedented in Africa and will shed more light on how the first humans evolved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPId4HffN3A

James Blake Mistakenly Detained by NY Cops

Clyde K. Valle
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James Blake Mistakenly Detained by NY Cops

Former professional tennis player James Blake has been mistakenly detained in New York as he waited for a car to take him to the US Open.

James Blake, 35, told the New York Daily News that a group of five plainclothes officers slammed him to the ground and held him for 15 minutes on September 9.

The NYPD said in a statement that the officers mistakenly believed James Blake was a suspect in a theft case.

Once it was determined that James Blake was not the suspect, he was released.

James Blake said he suffered a cut on his arm and bruises on his legs. He said the officers did not speak to him before they pushed him to the ground.

Photo FoxSports
Photo FoxSports

“You’d think they could say: <<Hey, we want to talk to you. We are looking in to something>>,” James Blake told the Daily News.

“You would think at some point they would get the memo that this isn’t OK, but it seems that there’s no stopping it.”

Once No 4 player in the world, James Blake was set to make an appearance at the US Open for the Time-Warner Cable company.

James Blake retired following his US Open exit in 2013 after winning 10 singles titles in a career in which he also became No 1 US player.

Police said a “cooperating witness” mistakenly identified James Blake as being involved in “a ring dealing in fraudulently purchased cell phones”.

James Blake, who is black, said race may have contributed to the incident. All of the officers were white.

However, the former tennis star said his primary concern was with the amount of force used.

“In my mind there’s probably a race factor involved, but no matter what there’s no reason for anybody to do that to anybody,” James Blake told the Daily News.

The NYPD said it was investigating whether the officers used excessive force.

The department has recently been involved in a number of high-profile cases involving accusations of police brutality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJlxq-jHYmY

Europe Refugee Crisis: Hungarian Army to Be Deployed at Southern Border

Diane A. Wade
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Europe Refugee Crisis: Hungarian Army to Be Deployed at Southern Border

The Hungarian army has begun exercises to prepare for a possible future role in guarding the southern border to try to stem the influx of refugees.

Budapest plans to send soldiers to help police at the border where thousands of migrants arrive from Serbia every day.

A new razor-wire barrier is already being built along the frontier.

Meanwhile, the Hungarian parliament is expected to vote on stricter border controls later this month.

Authorities have been told to expect 40,000 more migrants by next week.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Many of them are fleeing conflicts in countries like Syria and Libya and are trying to travel through Hungary to Germany, Austria and Sweden – wealthier EU nations with more liberal asylum laws.

The Hungarian army launched the Decisive Action exercises on September 9 to prepare for its possible new role, pending a vote in parliament.

“It is our job to make sure Hungary is defended,” General Tibor Benko said.

Hungary has recently completed a 110 mile razor-wire fence along its border with Serbia, and is building an additional barrier.

PM Viktor Orban this week pledged to speed up the construction of the new barrier.

“Everyone has to get ready to do intensive work in the coming weeks,” he was quoted as saying.

However, the measures have so far failed to stop thousands of people getting into Hungary from Serbia.

Hungary has become a key point on the journey north for the refugees, with more than 150,000 people arriving this year.

A surge of refugees fleeing conflict and hardship in Africa and the Middle East has pushed north through Europe over the past few weeks.

John McAfee 2016: Anti-Virus Mogul Confirms He Is Running for President

Nancy Clayson
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John McAfee 2016: Anti-Virus Mogul Confirms He Is Running for President

Anti-virus mogul John McAfee has confirmed he is running for president in 2016.

John McAfee, who founded an anti-virus company of the same name, filed a candidacy statement on September 8.

The 69-year-old entrepreneur attracted international attention when he went on the run in 2012 following the murder of his neighbor in Belize.

John McAfee has launched a campaign website and will share more details about his candidacy later.

He found fame when he launched his anti-malware company in 1987, but he resigned from the company in 1994.

Photo mcafee16.com
Photo mcafee16.com

Intel later bought the company, in which John McAfee no longer held shares, for more than $7.6 billion.

However, it is John McAfee’s private life – including much publicized battles with drink and drugs – that has attracted most attention.

In November 2012, he went on the run in Belize after the murder of his neighbor, Gregory Faull, an Orlando sports bar owner.

John McAfee, who was never declared a suspect, said he feared he would be “silenced” if he was caught and thrown in jail.

He eventually crossed the border into Guatemala, where he was arrested and then deported to the US.

At the time, Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow said John McAfee had only been classed a “person of interest”.

“I don’t want to be unkind to the gentleman, but I believe he is extremely paranoid, even bonkers,” the politician added.

John McAfee’s campaign manager confirmed that his party would be known as the “Cyber Party”.

On his Twitter feed, John McAfee promised to make an official announcement about his run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMz6GV3b1ys

China Rising Food Prices Push up Inflation to One-Year High

Clyde K. Valle
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China Rising Food Prices Push up Inflation to One-Year High

China’s rising food prices pushed up inflation to a one-year high in the world’s second largest economy.

The consumer price index (CPI) unexpectedly rose to 2% in August from a year ago, mainly on higher food prices and not due to a pickup in economic activity.

On the back of that, the producer price index (PPI) fell 5.9% – marking its 42nd consecutive month of declines.

Deflation fears in China are growing as manufacturers continue to cut prices.China CPI August 2015

The PPI decline was the biggest drop since the global financial crisis in 2009 due to falling commodity prices and slumping demand.

Economists said the continuing fall in producer prices poses the risk of trickling through to consumer prices.

Meanwhile, pork prices which weigh heavily on consumer prices in China, rose from 16.7% last year to 19.6% in August, while vegetable prices surged from 9.7% to nearly 16%.

Economists are expecting the government to step up with more policy measures to stimulate the economy.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Dalian on September 10, Chinese PM Li Keqiang was the latest policymaker to reiterate that the government will continue to support the economy to ensure stable growth.

Typhoon Etau Sparks Evacuations in Japan

Diane A. Wade
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Typhoon Etau Sparks Evacuations in Japan

Hundreds of thousands of people in Japan have been advised to evacuate their homes, as the country is on high alert over heavy rains and flooding following Typhoon Etau.

Typhoon Etau brought winds of up to 78mph to central Aichi prefecture on September 9 before moving out to sea.

Heavy rain continued to drench eastern Japan on September 10.

“This is a scale of downpour that we have not experienced before. Grave danger could be imminent,” the chief forecaster at the Japan Meteorological Agency, Takuya Deshimaru, told an emergency press conference.Typhoon Etau Japan 2015

The hardest-hit area on September 10 was north of the capital, in Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures.

The Fire and Disaster and Management Agency said one person is missing and 15 others had been injured, two seriously, both of whom were elderly women knocked over by strong winds.

Local media has reported one person missing after a landslide hit a house in Kanuma, Tochigi prefecture.

Some areas had power outages and parts of Tokyo saw flooding as authorities on September 10 advised about 900,000 people in the capital and other parts of the country to leave their homes.

The extreme weather also disrupted transport links, with dozens of flights cancelled and bullet train services partially suspended.

Last month, powerful Typhoon Goni hit Japan’s southernmost main island of Kyushu, killing at least one person and injuring 70 others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAU1x7it6w8

Unbelievable Deals for Coolest Gadgets of the Year

Ricky Robinson
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Unbelievable Deals for Coolest Gadgets of the Year

They say lightning never strikes the same place twice….

Lenovo tablet GearBest

What a common misconception, lightning is more likely to strike the same place again which explains why GearBest has another awesome promotion going on right now. With cell phone prices skyrocketing, sales like this one help keep people’s money in their wallets. It’s clear GearBest has technology lovers in mind because there’s a pretty wide selection and a pretty good price range as well. It’s unthinkable to get many of these cell phones for their normal low pricing, and this sale offers up to 20% off in addition.

GearBest really strives to keep the price point at the lowest on a global scale and they regularly accept price match requests. Not that you’ll need one with this sale. For the length of 9/9 the up to 50% off promotion will be active but you’ll lose some of the discount if you don’t order right away. During the days of 9/10 and 9/11 you can still get an amazing deal but it’s best to get in front of this deal.

You can easily browse through a myriad of different cell phones, phablets and smart watches and find something you like. The sale almost makes it feel like highway robbery for how cheap some of this stuff is going for, but it’s thankfully real. The popular Lenovo tablet is 50% off for instance. It’s not some unknown startup brand with zero credibility we’re talking about here, so you can buy with confidence.

The cell phone selection hits the mark as well. I found an ASUS Zenfone 2 with over 4 GB of RAM (huge) and 32 GB of storage for 45% off. Other great cell phone makers like DOOGEE, Cubot and XIAOMI are on here with a variety of 3G and 4G products.

Photo GearBest
Photo GearBest

It’s nice to see a broad selection with a good price range if you can’t afford to drop $400 on a cell phone. You won’t get a deal this good even if you sign away the next two years with a carrier. Its promotions like this that are the wave of the future as major carriers look.

There’s limited stock so hopping on the bandwagon is essential. Devices like this don’t last long at such steep discounts and word travels fast on the internet. Since GearBest is already known for its rock bottom pricing, this value brings it up into a new echelon. It’d honestly be tough to find some of these prices even on a day like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. A couple of good side notes if you do take a peek: its mobile friendly, accepts all major credit card carrier and the site is secured by Norton. Good luck getting one!

GearBest is more than just a shopping site, it’s designed for gadget lovers by gadget lovers. They have a passion for all kinds of cool and fun gadgets, including smart phones, smart watches, car electronics, RC Quadcopters, LED flashlights, consumer electronics, etc. GearBest not only offers a large selection of the latest gadgets, but also aims to keep its price the lowest worldwide. If you find identical gadgets elsewhere which are cheaper than their free shipping prices, you can submit a price match request on the product page, and they will price match within 48 hours. If you are looking for product reviews then we recommend to visit the neworganizing.com website first, before you make any purchase.

Europe Refugee Crisis: Denmark Suspends All Trains to and from Germany

Diane A. Wade
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Europe Refugee Crisis: Denmark Suspends All Trains to and from Germany

Denmark has decided to suspend all trains to and from Germany after police stopped hundreds of refugees at the border.

Danish police also closed a highway between Denmark and Germany when some refugees began walking north after being forced off a train.

Refugees say their destination is Sweden.

As the EU struggles with a major migrant crisis, the European Commission has proposed that 120,000 additional asylum seekers should be shared out between members, using binding quotas.

Denmark’s DSB rail operator said trains to and from Germany had been suspended for an indefinite period because of exceptional passport checks.

Two trains carrying more than 200 refugees are being held in Rodby, a major port with ferry links to Germany. Danish police say many migrants are refusing to leave the trains because they do not want to be registered in Denmark.Denmark and refugees 2015

Sweden has become a top destination for refugees after it promised to issue residency papers to all Syrian asylum seekers.

Police also closed part of the E45 highway – the main road link between Germany and Denmark – after about 300 migrants left another train and set off on foot towards Sweden near the border town of Padborg.

More than 1,200 refugees have crossed into Denmark from Germany in recent days.

Germany and Denmark are part of the “Schengen group” of European states that allow passport-free travel – although under the scheme border controls can be re-imposed in exceptional circumstances.

A surge of refugees fleeing conflict and hardship in Africa and the Middle East has pushed north through Europe over the past few weeks.

Many of those escaping the civil war in Syria have traveled from Turkey across the sea to Greece, through Macedonia and Serbia, and then to Hungary from where they aim to reach northern Europe.

On September 9, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced plans for a “swift, determined and comprehensive” response through a quota system.

In a “state of the union” annual address, Jean-Claude Juncker said tackling the crisis was “a matter of humanity and human dignity”.

“It’s 160,000 refugees in total that Europeans have to take into their arms and I really hope that this time everyone will be on board,” he told the European Parliament.

The new plans would relocate 60% of those now in Italy, Greece and Hungary to Germany, France and Spain.

The numbers allocated to each country would depend on GDP, population, unemployment rate and asylum applications already processed.

Countries refusing to take in migrants could face financial penalties.

On September 9, Spain on said it would accept a quota of almost 15,000 extra refugees set by the EU.

However, Jean-Claude Juncker’s proposals was criticized by both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Czech PM Bohuslav Sobotka said compulsory quotas were “not a good solution”, while his Slovak counterpart called them “irrational”.

France welcomed the first of 1,000 migrants it has pledged to take from Germany, having committed to receive 24,000 migrants over two years.

Germany has welcomed Syrian refugees, waiving EU rules and saying it expects to deal with 800,000 asylum seekers this year alone – though not all will qualify as refugees and some will be sent back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnKCI0RF93A

iPad Pro, Apple TV and New iPhone 6S Handsets Unveiled

Nancy Clayson
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iPad Pro, Apple TV and New iPhone 6S Handsets Unveiled

Apple is launching its larger tablet iPad Pro, a TV box with its own app store and new iPhones that can detect how firmly their screens are being pressed.

The tech giant suggested the iPad Pro was suited to work tasks, video games and both editing and watching movies.

Sales of Apple’s earlier iPads had been on the decline.

The company said the “3D touch” feature of its new phones “transformed” the experience of using them by making it easier to use and switch between apps.

Huawei demonstrated its own version of the feature – which it called “force touch” – at its own launch event last week.

The iPad Pro has a 12.9in display, making its shortest edge the length of its earlier iPad Air 2’s height.iPad Pro tablet

Apple sold 19% fewer iPads over its last three quarters than over the same nine months a year earlier.

The tech giant said the new device offered the similar processing power as 80% of the portable PCs sold over the past six months.

It will be sold alongside an optional magnetically-connected keyboard – which resembles a similar accessory for Microsoft’s Surface tablet.

In addition, Apple announced a stylus called the Apple Pencil, which has sensors in its tip to help mimic the effect of using a real pencil on paper.

The announcement is notable since Steve Jobs had said: “If you see a stylus, they blew it”, when he announced the original iPad.

Apple said the iPad Pro should run for 10 hours of use between charges and would be available in November and range from $799 to $1,079 depending on its level of storage and 4G connectivity. The Pencil costs $99 and the keyboard $169.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also unveiled a new set top TV box with its own app store and new operating system.

The device is controlled by a remote control that features a touch-sensitive panel and a microphone that allows the device to be voice-operated.

The TV box uses Apple’s Siri virtual assistant to let users request shows or movies based on a desired theme or favorite actor. In addition, it can play video games.

“The future of TV is apps,” declared Tim Cook.

Apple had previously described its TV boxes as a “hobby”.

Apple was one of the first tech companies to offer an internet-connected TV box, but Amazon, Roku and several smart TV-makers beat it to offering an app-focused experience.

Tim Cook acknowledged it had taken his company several years to introduce a TV app store.

Apple did not unveil a rumored TV shows and movies subscription package of its own for the box.

Much of the Apple TV presentation was dedicated to the video games it can play. The remote is motion sensitive, and works in a similar fashion to Nintendo’s Wii controllers.

Apple has already had huge success with video game sales on its iPhones. But one industry watcher questioned how disruptive the new box would be in the living room.Apple Tv box

The TV box will cost either $149 or $199 depending on how much storage the user wants.

The idea behind the new iPhone’s 3D Touch feature is that users can call up different functions by pressing the handsets’ screens firmly.

Examples of how it can be used include pressing the screen to preview an email or photo, swap weapons in a video game, and quickly switch into selfie photo mode.

The handsets also gain the ability to shoot 4K videos – which means four times the amount of pixels of 1080p high definition video.

In addition, the back camera has been upgraded to offer 12 megapixels rather than eight – Apple said it had ensured the extra resolution had not come at the cost of more noise

The iPhones also get a processor boost. They will go on sale in a fortnight’s time.

Apple also announced an upgrade to its smartwatch operating system that will be released on September 16.

Watch OS2 will allow third-party apps to run natively on the device rather than relying on a linked smartphone’s processor.

In addition to loading faster, the apps will also gain the ability to play video and access the Watch’s microphone and sensors.

GoPro is taking advantage of this to allow users to see live streams from its action cameras on Apple’s wearable.

Facebook also revealed it is bringing its Messenger app to the platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obnEaE7Fy14

Wang Fengying: Fake Qing Dynasty Princess Sentenced to 13 Years in Jail

Nancy Clayson
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Wang Fengying: Fake Qing Dynasty Princess Sentenced to 13 Years in Jail

Chinese Wang Fengying, who posed as a Qing dynasty princess in order to run a fraud scheme, has been sentenced to 13 and half years in jail.

Wang Fengying had called herself “Princess Changping” and claimed to be a descendent of the Aisin Gioro Manchu royal family.

The woman and her accomplice conned their victims out of more than 2 million yuan ($313,600) within one year.

They were caught in 2014 after one of her victims complained to the police.

Wang Fengying was also fined 500,000 yuan, said the Lianhu District Court in the central Shaanxi province on September 7.

The accomplice, Yang Jianglin, received a 12-year jail sentence and a 500,000 yuan fine.

The Aisin Gioro family ruled China from 1644 until the 1912 revolution that toppled the monarchy and installed a republican government.

Wang Fengying and Yang Jianglin set up a fake company that bought large quantities of counterfeit US dollars and gold bars, which they told victims was just a small portion of Wang’s assets.

Photo CNWest
Photo CNWest

This rest was locked away, they said, and could not be released through usual methods. She said she needed money for “ensuring good relations” to unlock them as well as for delivery fees, according to a 2014 report on her arrest by CNWest news portal.

Investors were told that if they managed to help unlock these assets, the government would give them a reward three times the value.

Among the items found during a police raid at Wang Jianglin’s office were 41 gold bars – it was not clear whether they were fake or real – ancient-looking keys, and a treasure map.

Unusually, the court ruling ended with a personal note from the unnamed judge, who said there was “no such thing as a free lunch”.

“I hope that members of the public, when encountering someone who says they have a far-fetched and mysterious personal history and who tells you that you can get a high return on your investment, keep an alert mind and not easily be swayed by the lure of money.

“Think before you act. Perhaps in this way, you can steer clear of the traps laid by fraudulent cheats.”

Jeff Smisek: United Airlines CEO Resigns amid Corruption Investigation

Clyde K. Valle
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Jeff Smisek: United Airlines CEO Resigns amid Corruption Investigation

United Airlines chairman and CEO Jeff Smisek has resigned amid a corruption investigation.

Two other executives of the US’s third largest airline also quit.

According to media reports, federal authorities are investigating whether Jeff Smisek sanctioned a money-losing flight to benefit the head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.Jeff Smisek United Airlines corruption investigation

United Airlines said that it was cooperating with investigators.

At the time the route operated from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbia, South Carolina, United was lobbying for improvements at Newark Liberty International Airport, which the Port Authority owns.

Former Port Authority Chairman David Samson owned a vacation home in Columbia at the time.

United launched the twice weekly, direct flight route shortly after David Samson was appointed and canceled it after he left the Port Authority.

Oscar Munoz, the chief operating officer CSX Corp, was named Jeff Smisek’s replacement as CEO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAEpNgfbADU

Quiksilver Files for Bankruptcy in US

Clyde K. Valle
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Quiksilver Files for Bankruptcy in US

Surf clothing and snowboard outwear company Quiksilver has filed for bankruptcy in the US after it lost 79% of its market value this year.

Founded in Australia in 1969 but now based in California, Quiksilver operates in 100 countries.

The company said in a statement however that its operations outside the US are not part of the Chapter 11 filing.

Quiksilver listed in the US in 1986 but earlier this year its share price fell so low, it was threatened with delisting.Quiksilver bankruptcy 2015

Photo Quiksilver

The deal is still subject to court approval.

Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes said in a statement that the company had taken the “difficult but necessary step to secure a bright future for [the company]”.

“With the protections afforded by the Bankruptcy Code and the financing provided by Oaktree, we will not only be able to satisfy our ongoing obligations to customers, vendors and employees, but we will also have the flexibility needed to complete the turnaround of our US operations and re-establish Quiksilver as the leader in the action sports industry,” he said.

The company’s brands include Roxy clothing and DC shoes and boots.

Quiksilver’ss board shorts pioneered the surf board fashion trend in 1970 and were regarded as somewhat revolutionary at the time. They were the first to include a Velcro fastening and were made with hardwearing quick-drying cotton.

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