chicagosuntimes--2019-01-14--READ Text of JB Pritzkers inauguration speech

READ: Text of J.B. Pritzker’s inauguration speech

I want to begin today by thanking my family. First, my partner, my best friend, the love of my life, and now the First Lady of Illinois, MK Pritzker. My wonderful children Teddi and Donny. I love you more than life itself. And my parents Sue and Don Pritzker, who departed this world too soon more than three decades ago but who left behind a set of values around honor and decency that will endure as long as there are good people in the world.  And please join me in giving an ovation for my partner and your Lieutenant Governor, the incomparable Juliana Stratton.  I want to acknowledge the other distinguished guests here today: Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier, President John Cullerton, Speaker Michael Madigan, Leader Bill Brady, Leader Jim Durkin, Attorney General-elect Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Members of the General Assembly, Members of the Congressional delegation, Governor Jim Edgar, Governor Pat Quinn, Governor Bruce Rauner, Governor Jim Thompson, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and National Guard Adjutant General Richard Hayes. To all of you, on behalf of the people of Illinois, thank you for your service.  Ladies and gentlemen, for 200 years Illinois has proudly stood as the beating heart of our Republic… a place whose people have high hope and clear vision. This is where Lincoln found the mettle to grip a warring nation in both hands and hold us together. This is where Obama came to organize and to witness the courage that runs deep in our communities – in whom he found the fortitude to launch his bid to make history. This is where the 13th and 19th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were first ratified, ending slavery and guaranteeing a woman’s right to vote.  This is where, on the Sunday morning after the Great Chicago Fire, Reverend Robert Collyer, pastor of the First Unitarian Church, an immigrant, an ardent anti-slavery abolitionist, and a women’s suffrage advocate, stood amidst the broken ruins of his once grand church and brought hope and vision to his devastated congregation. His parishioners gathered around him, the sun peeking through gutted walls and splintered beams, an overturned column serving as his pulpit.  His words that morning have survived the 147 years since he delivered them…a testament to their power and truth:  “What is lost?” he asked. “First, our homes. Second, our businesses. But these are temporary. … We have not lost our geography. Nature called the lakes, the forests, the prairies together in convention long before we were born, and they decided that on this spot a great city would be built. … We have not lost our hope. … The fire makes no difference to me. If you’ll stay here, I will. And we’ll work together, and help each other out of our troubles.”  Since Reverend Collyer’s time, Americans have often had to gather in broken cathedrals – some of stone and glass – some of aspirations and promises – to reaffirm our faith in one another.  We find ourselves at such a moment now.  We contend every day with an economy that gives little and takes too much… that allows passion and work ethic to be overwhelmed by student loans, unexpected health emergencies and the rising cost of living.  We want strong families, but we have yet to embrace more robust policies supporting paid parental leave and affordable child care that will sustain them.  We watch 100-year storms that now come every year – and yet we don’t allow the science of climate change to guide our decision making.  We fail to hold accountable leaders who sacrifice truth for personal gain – who substitute pageantry for patriotism.  We are a nation founded on fearless ideas – and yet we move away from those drawn to that vision.  We want better roads, better schools, better wages – but we vilify anyone who dares suggest a workable path to those things.  We allow our schools, our movie theaters, our hospitals, our neighborhoods to become battlefields – legally accessible by the weapons of war.  Our abdication of responsibility must end.  Just a few weeks ago, I went to Mercy Hospital to attend a vigil honoring the victims of the murderous shootings there:  To honor the police officer who ran into gunfire and not away.  To honor the doctor – a University of Illinois graduate – who raised money for disadvantaged kids and led her church choir.  To honor the pharmacist who went into medicine because she had struggled with health problems herself.  These are the very best of Illinois.  As a public servant, it’s hard to bear witness to violence such as this.  But this job also exposes you to the people who stitch us back together time and again, to the Illinoisans who remind us what amazing capacity we have to change. At the Mercy Hospital vigil, Sister Barbara Centner read a Franciscan prayer that speaks to who we are in Illinois:  “May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.”  At 200 years old, Illinois is still a young promise. Our time here has been but a blink. In 2019, we must begin a new century with new maturity…and enough foolishness to believe we can make a difference.  That starts with leadership that abandons single minded, arrogant notions.  No. Everything is not broken.  Our history is a story of leaps forward and occasional stumbles back – and a promise renewed with each generation that we will try harder…that we will do better…that big breakthroughs are built of centuries of selfless effort by unheralded heroes …that big change rides on what we can do together, not what one person attempts alone.  Neighbors working side by side in Taylorville lost their homes and worldly possessions in the recent tornadoes. They know that what Reverend Collyer said after the Great Chicago Fire was right – we work together to help each other out of our troubles.  So today, with all the challenges Illinois faces, Democrats and Republicans will work together, and we must begin with our most basic responsibilities. We will propose, debate and pass a balanced budget this year.  It won’t be easy, but let’s confront this challenge with honesty. Our obligations as a state outmatch our resources. Our fiscal situation right now is challenging. And the solution requires a collective commitment to embracing hard choices.  We need to bring real efficiencies to state government. Our information technology systems are outdated and cost more to maintain than they do to replace. Inexpensive healthcare prevention programs were decimated, causing higher spending to treat diseases that could have been cured. Balancing the budget means lowering the cost of government while delivering the high quality services Illinoisans deserve.  But be clear about this: I won’t balance the budget on the backs of the starving, the sick, and the suffering. I won’t hollow out the functions of government to achieve an ideological agenda – I won’t make government the enemy and government employees the scapegoats. Responsible fiscal management is a marriage of numbers – and values.  Which is why it’s time to start the earnest work of creating a fair tax system here in Illinois. Our regressive tax system, including property taxes and sales taxes, currently has the middle class paying more than double the rate the wealthy pay. That’s not fair, and it also doesn’t pay our bills. Today our state’s fiscal instability affects every single person who lives and works in Illinois…whether you earn millions or the minimum wage. It means that our government wastes tens of millions of dollars paying higher interest rates than almost any other state, and we scare businesses and families away because they fear our uncertain future.  The current tax system is simply unsustainable. Others have lied to you about that fact. I won’t. The future of Illinois depends on the passage of a fair income tax, which will bring us into the 21st Century like most of our midwestern neighbors, and like the vast majority of the United States.  I’m not naïve about what it will take to do this. All who enter a discussion about our state’s budget and a fair tax system in good faith will be welcomed to the table. But if you lead with partisanship and scare tactics you will be met with considerable political will.  It is time to update and repair our state’s aging infrastructure. Railways, roads, bridges and fresh water arteries are on the verge of collapse. Crumbling bridges mean people’s lives are in danger. Deteriorating rail systems mean goods and services take longer to deliver and cost more. We are the nation’s supply chain hub and we must be built like it.  Let’s remember too that an aging highway system is not just concrete and steel. It’s a longer commute home. It’s missing those golden hours between dinner and bedtime when your kids are young where you spend a few minutes reading a book together and talking about their day.  The seemingly dry acts of government really do affect the richness and joy of our lives.  We must treat the decisions we make together – the decisions of our elected officials to champion a cause and the decisions of our citizens to embrace or reject those efforts – with an eye to the pursuit of their happiness.  As we enter Illinois’ third century, we must bring a renaissance to downstate Illinois which has been deprived of some basic resources for education and business building that are taken for granted elsewhere in our state. To begin, we will work to deliver high speed broadband internet coverage to everyone, in every corner of Illinois. Today every new job and every student is dependent upon connectivity, and no part of our state should be left out.  Our future depends upon our actions today. That’s why we must embrace a broad vision of environmental protection, or else decisions are going to be forced upon us in ways that will offer us little control and catastrophic outcomes for our children.  I believe in science. To that end, as one of my first acts as Governor, Illinois will become a member of the U.S. Climate Alliance, upholding the goals and ideals of the Paris Climate Accord.  Working men and women deserve to have a governor and a Department of Labor that will enforce laws protecting workers’ wages and workers’ rights. And they deserve a $15 minimum wage. It’s good for the working families of Illinois and good for our economy.  As your governor, I’ll be committed to helping us become the fastest growing big state economy in the nation. I will be our state’s best Chief Marketing Officer to attract jobs and businesses to Illinois. We will bring capital, technical assistance and mentorship to help Illinoisans across our state start and build new businesses and new jobs. Our economic success depends upon it.  In the interests of keeping the public safe from harm, expanding true justice in our criminal justice system, and advancing economic inclusion, I will work with the legislature to legalize, tax and regulate the sale of recreational cannabis in Illinois.  We will approach education with a holistic mindset – recognizing that students do best in community schools where teachers are paid well and where kids start learning at the earliest ages. And our economy grows when vocational training, community colleges and universities are strong.  We will do all of this with the most diverse set of voices and perspectives that Illinois has ever seen. I have built a cabinet of people who bring with them experiences I don’t share, from communities I did not come from, with expertise I don’t have, because to lead well, all of Illinois must be represented in the decision making. Furthermore, I want all the children of Illinois to see someone who looks like them in my government.  High hope and clear vision are what have built this state. Despite all the turmoil in this world, Illinoisans continue to build, innovate, create and dream. Our agriculture sector is built on some of the most fertile soil in the world, and it’s expanding, employing nearly a million people in every part of the state. We have nearly 13,000 manufacturing firms in Illinois that employ more than 580,000 people – many of them proud union workers with the best training in the world. One out of 10 computer science degrees in the nation comes from Illinois colleges and universities.  Our entrepreneurs continue to be tireless dreamers, whether it’s Jamie Gladfelter creating a software development incubator in Galesburg, Jeremie Draper shaping glass in Peoria or Leif Anderson still using his grandfather’s original recipes to make and sell candy in Richmond.  That’s the Illinois I see…one of possibility and promise. That’s the Illinois I know, one whose people are fearless and audacious. That’s the vision I have for our state…another century of boundless opportunity. When your faith in this future flags, I urge you to remember Reverend Collyer and his ruined church – how he was the vessel for his parishioners’ burnt hopes. How he saw the natural beauty of Illinois and knew nothing could steal that from them.  I see the natural beauty of Illinois every day – in our people. More than anything else I see it in our capacity to be kind.  Consider the story a few weeks ago of Casey Handal and Zadette Rosado. Casey and Zadette moved to Barrington last May and they proudly flew a rainbow flag behind their home. And then someone snuck into their yard and stole it, replacing their pride flag with an American flag – ironic because the thief doesn’t understand that you rob the American flag of meaning when you steal a person’s symbol of self-expression.  That could have been the end of the story, but Casey and Zadette’s neighbor Kim Filian wouldn’t let it be. She put a pride flag in her yard in solidarity. And then she kept buying them because her neighbors kept asking for them too. Soon there were pride flags everywhere – a place that hate had tried to fill was conquered by love instead.  As Kim noted: “Frankly, I’ve grown weary of this, of all this hate. And I gotta say, it just seemed like there was one thing that I could do that I had control of.”  Remember that our ability to grow weary of hate fuels our enormous capacity to be kind. The bright moments of our past…the North Star of our future…are all lit not by ambition, partisanship or greed…but by kindness.  A willingness to be kind is a virtue often overlooked in life…a commitment to be kind in politics can change the world. Over a century ago, public policy grounded by kindness offered a penniless immigrant to Illinois a bed to sleep in, a public school education and the opportunity to succeed. 130 years later, his great grandson just took the oath of office to be Governor of this great state.  So thank you Illinois, for your faith in me. I promise to live up to it every day. Together let’s go into this new century with enough faith to help each other out of our troubles, with enough foolishness to believe we can make a difference in the world, and with enough kindness to find the courage to change.  Thank you. God bless the state of Illinois. And God bless the United States of America.


abcnews--2019-11-25--High school journalists who fought censorship win award

Four Vermont high school journalists have won an award for fighting and conquering censorship.  The Burlington High School student newspaper, The BHS Register, was awarded the Courage in Student Journalism Award on Saturday. It is sponsored by the Student Press Law Center, the Center for Scholastic Journalism at Kent State University and the National Scholastic Press Association.  In fall 2018, the students broke a story online about a school employee facing unprofessional conduct charges. The students had sought the information through a public records request.  The principal asked the students' adviser to take it down. The students removed it reluctantly but maintained links to it on social media that led to a page saying the story had been censored by the school administration.  The students talked to legal experts, and the newspaper cited its rights under a law passed in Vermont in 2017 that protects the First Amendment rights of student journalists.  Senior Julia Shannon-Grillo flew to Washington last week to attend the National High School Journalism Convention and accepted the award Saturday.  She thanked everyone who followed the story last fall and said “now more than ever journalism matters,” according to a video of her speech she posted on Facebook.  This story has been corrected to reflect that the name of an organization is the Student Press Law Center, not the Student Press Law Association.


adobochronicles--2019-01-24--Andanar Receives Best Medyas Personality of 2018 Award

Andanar Receives “Best Medyas Personality of 2018” Award

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar was named Best Medyas Personality of 2018 by The Daily Tribune.  Andanar was cited for his outstanding work in sock-med.  The award is as pretigious as the “Filipino of the Year” honor given last year to Pinoy Ako Blog’s Jover Laurio by The Inquirer.


adobochronicles--2019-06-16--Rappler Receives Prestigious Award From Disney

HOLLYWOOD, California (The Adobo Chronicles, Hollywood Bureau) – There’s no stopping Maria Ressa and her online business, Rappler, from reaping international awards!  Today, Disney announced that it was giving Rappler one of its most prestigious awards — the Disney Animator of the Year.  The award was in recognition of Rappler’s animated version of the recent alleged sinking by a Chinese vessel of a Philippine fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea.  Speaking with The Adobo Chronicles, Ressa said she is humbled by this great honor and credited her team of Rapplerettes that created this amazing video.


adobochronicles--2019-09-27--PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar Receives Prestigious Netizen Award

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar Receives Prestigious Netizen Award!

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has been realint awards left and right. And center.  Just days after he received the “Most Effective Communicator” award from the Philippine Cancer Society Inc. (PCSI), Andanar was honored by the National Coalition of Netizen Associations of the Philippines (NCNAP).  The NCNAP award was for “Most Effective Miscommunicator.”  In receiving this latest honor, Andanar thanked the NCNAP for reminding him that there are always two sides to a story, sometimes even three —PCSO’s, Rappler’s and the DDS online warriors.  ”Oblivious as I may be to the work that PCOO is or is not doing, I am still humbled by this honor,” he added.


aljazeera--2019-01-07--Egyptian American Rami Malek shines at Golden Globe Awards

Egyptian American actor Rami Malek has won the Golden Globe Award for best actor in a drama for his portrayal of rock group Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury in the biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.  Accepting the award, the 37-year-old said he was "beyond moved" before thanking Mercury's Queen bandmates, Brian May and Roger Taylor.  "Thank you to Freddie Mercury for giving me the joy of a lifetime. I love you, you beautiful man. This is for and because of you," said Malek.  The movie, which was directed by Bryan Singer, picked up the gong for Best Drama, beating Ryan Coogler's Black Panther and Bradley Cooper's A Star is Born.  Other winners on the night included Glenn Close, who won Best Actress for her performance in The Wife and Alfonso Cuaron, who won Best Director for his film, Roma.  Critics have praised Cuaron's Spanish-language film about a housekeeper to a middle-class family in Mexico, which received the award for Best Foreign Language film and is considered a contender for this year's Oscars.  Adored by fans, but largely panned by critics, Bohemian Rhapsody pulled off a surprise upset Sunday night, overcoming favourite A Star is Born to win the nod, while the race-relations comedy Green Book netted the prize for Best Motion Picture -Comedy or Musical.  While Hollywood uncharacteristically stayed away from politics, Christian Bale made several barbs at former US Vice President Dick Cheney after winning the best actor award in a musical or comedy for his portrayal of the Haliburton CEO, who became what many regard as the White House's most powerful number two.  "Thank you to Satan for giving me inspiration on how to play this role," Bale said after winning for his performance in the political satire film Vice.


aljazeera--2019-04-23--Al Jazeera wins four Webby awards

Al Jazeera wins four Webby awards

The Al Jazeera Media Network has won four Webby awards in a contest that is often referred to as the Emmy's of the online world.  The Qatar-based network's wins emerged from out of more than 13,000 entries from an array of media organisations, including the Washington Post, National Geographic, Disney, New York Times, Huffington Post, Vox and many more.  Adhering to its motto of giving "a voice to the voiceless", Al Jazeera's AJ Short Growing up too fast in Afghanistan picked up a Webby jury win as well as a top prize in the People's Voice category.  The short film tells the heart-rending story of 14-year-old Khudai, whose father was killed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS). Khudai would like to live a normal childhood but now must face the hard reality of ensuring the survival of his five younger sisters and mother.  "I see other kids with their school bags and pens and wish I went to school too, studied, read and wrote," Khudai explained in the short film, which has been recognised by other award competitions this year.  Contrast, Al Jazeera's virtual reality unit, also picked up a win for Best Series in the People's Voice competition for 7 Stories for 7 Years.  The series tracks the aspirations of seven Syrian teens in one of the world's largest refugee camps, Zaatari, in Jordan. Marah, one of the characters in the series, is 18 and the mother of a five-month-old son. She's also a photographer and filmmaker.  "My message to every girl in the world is do not stop dreaming for any reason," Marah said in the 360 film.  Carlos van Meek, director of Digital Innovation and Programming, said he is proud of his team's performance and considers winning the awards proof that there is room for news and current affairs in the digital space.  "These wins show that Al Jazeera Digital is well positioned to continue telling strong stories from places like Afghanistan and Syrian refugee camps in Jordan long after the media spotlight may have faded," he said.  "Awards like the Webby's reinforce Al Jazeera's mission to empower people by sharing their stories with a global audience," van Meek added.  The AJ+ English online series In Real Life also scooped up a win for its 14-minute expose of pandemic food wastage in the United States.  The show's producer-presenter, Yara Elmjouie, noted that one-third of all edible food is discarded every year in the US, thrown into dumpsters by restaurants, supermarkets and consumers.  Medals will be conferred during the 23rd annual Webby gala to be held in New York City on May 13, an event that is well attended by media members, innovators and celebrities.


bbc--2019-01-11--Award for Milwaukee bus driver who saved toddler

A bus driver in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been honoured for saving a toddler wandering alone in freezing conditions.  Irena Ivic, who works for the Milwaukee County Transit System, spotted the child running along an overpass in December.


bbc--2019-02-13--Kings of the jungle on top in photo award

A photograph of a pair of male lions, entitled Bond of Brothers, is the winner of the People's Choice Award at this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.  It was taken by professional photographer David Lloyd, who saw off competition from more than 45,000 entries. A shortlist of 25 images was selected by the Natural History Museum and opened to the public to vote for their favourite.  "I'm so pleased that this image did well because it illustrates the emotion and feeling of animals and emphasises that this is not limited to humans," says Lloyd, who is from New Zealand but living in London.  "It is something I think more people need to be aware of for the sake of all animals."  The picture can be seen at the Natural History Museum alongside other highly, commended entries, four of which are shown here.  All photographs courtesy Wildlife Photographer of the Year


bbc--2019-11-13--Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2019: The winning image

Frightened fish, shy bears, sarcastic owls and birds that were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  These are the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards finalists - but we imagine there wasn't much to laugh about for the subject of the winning image, above.  It was taken by Sarah Skinner in Botswana, and shows a lion club "playing"...  The young lioness "continues to thrive in the pride", according to Sarah, who also wanted to "encourage everyone, as a collective" to do their best to help conserve wildlife "so that future generations can enjoy them in the same way I have during my career".  Have a look below at some of the finalists.  A version of this article showing the finalists was originally published in September.  Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.


bbcuk--2019-02-26--British photographer wins photo award

British photographer wins photo award

A photograph showing the exact moment a pack of grey reef sharks catch and devour a parrotfish sees Briton Richard Barnden named Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019.  The picture, The Gauntlet, was taken late at night on the reefs of French Polynesia in the centre of the Pacific Ocean.  "As I descended, hundreds of sharks covered the bottom. This unlucky parrotfish flinched - and that tiny movement alerted the swarm of sharks," said Barnden.  "The mayhem hurtled straight towards me and I instinctively pressed the shutter, moments later all that remained was a rain of parrotfish scales in the darkness - and this photo on my camera."  Alexander Mustard, who chaired the panel of judges, said; "Photography is about preserving moments - and what an unforgettable instant this is.  "Using a wide-angle lens, the photographer takes us into the full drama of the hunt, as a melee of grey reef sharks rise like a breaking wave to tear apart their prey, truly revealing the ocean's wilder side."  Eduardo Acevedo, from Tenerife, was named Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2019 for his photo showing a loggerhead turtle entangled in a discarded plastic fishing net.  Korean Taeyup Kim was named Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019 for a technically challenging image half in and half out of the water, which shows healthy corals growing in front of a resort in French Polynesia.  "This photo was physically tough to shoot, holding the heavy camera exactly in this position while floating in the water," said Kim.  The title of Most Promising British Underwater Photographer 2019 goes to Malcolm Nimmo, from Plymouth.  His image, of a compass jellyfish, was taken while snorkelling off the Scilly Islands.  "Maintaining both the surface features and subject illumination requires high strobe power settings and hence careful strobe positioning," said Nimmo.  "Hopefully this image highlights the beautiful marine environments we are lucky to have around the UK."  The competition had 13 categories, testing photographers with themes such as Macro, Wide Angle, Behaviour and Wreck Photography, as well as four categories for photos taken in British waters.  All photographs copyright Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019


abcnews--2019-12-07--Tuskegee Airman celebrates 100th birthday with flight

A member of the Tuskegee Airmen celebrated his 100th birthday by taking a flight.  Retired Army Air Forces Col. Charles McGee flew a private jet Friday between Frederick, Maryland, and Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, news outlets reported.  The Tuskegee Airmen is the nickname of the first African American unit to fly combat airplanes in World War II. The Air Force recently honored the famed group of airmen with the naming of its new trainer jet.  McGee is one of the Air Force's most celebrated pilots. He flew 409 fighter combat missions over three wars.  McGee, who turned 100 on Saturday, attributes positive thinking to his longevity.


aljazeera--2019-07-06--Tibetans celebrate Dalai Lamas birthday as he turns 84

Tibetans celebrate Dalai Lama's birthday as he turns 84

Tibetans around the world are celebrating the Dalai Lama's birthday.  As the Tibetan spiritual leader, who lives in self-imposed exile in India, turns 84, the question about his successor has become more pressing.


aljazeera--2019-10-01--Communist China celebrates 70th birthday as Hong Kong simmers

China's President Xi Jinping has opened celebrations to mark 70 years of Communist rule, vowing that "no force" would be able to shake the country, as a parade of massed troops and military hardware showcased Chinese muscle in the face of an unprecedented challenge to its authority in Hong Kong.  "There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation," Xi told invited delegates on Tuesday as he stood at the Tiananmen Square gate where Mao Zedong declared the People's Republic of China in October 1949.  "No force will be able to stop the steady march forward of the Chinese people and Chinese nation."  Authorities in Beijing tightened security in the city ahead of the invitation-only event, cleaning up neighbourhoods, banning dogs of a certain size from the streets and ordering birds caged. Ordinary people had to stay at home if they wanted to see the event, which was broadcast live on national television.  After his speech, Xi, the country's most powerful leader since Mao, reviewed the troops from the rear of an open-topped Red Flag or Hongqi limousine, nodding occasionally to the personnel before him.  New weapons - including a hypersonic ballistic nuclear missile capable of breaching anti-missile defences to reach the United States - were rolled out across the tarmac, and soldiers marched in unison across the vast square.  The display of military might comes as Xi faces a series of challenges that threaten the economy and risk stability at home.  "The CCP is anxious," Xun Zhou, an expert in Chinese politics at Britain's University of Essex, wrote in a paper in The Conversation.  "Alongside continued unrest in Hong Kong and tensions with Taiwan, China's economy is flagging, the wealth gap growing, and health scandals increasing. Fewer and fewer people in China trust the current leadership."  There is also pressure internationally, amid a trade war with the US, the detention of two Canadians in the wake of the arrest of a senior Huawei executive in Canada, and horror at the mass detention of ethnic Uighurs in the far western province of Xinjiang, to which China has responded by saying the Uighurs are being held in "vocational training centres".  In Hong Kong, protesters were in no mood to celebrate.  Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler said protesters were eager to use the occasion to drive their message home.  "It's a very, very important day generally for the People's Republic of China but especially for Xi Jinping,” he said. "He has really pushed forward in his leadership this 'one China' policy and what we've seen here in Hong Kong with these protesters is going against that."  Hong Kong's streets were quiet on Tuesday morning, with many shops opting to close and police issuing ominous warnings of trouble as the city's traditional flag-raising ceremony was moved indoors.  Since June, Hong Kong has been embroiled in the worst unrest since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997, with riot police and protesters engaged in running battles on the streets.  Demonstrations began on Tuesday afternoon, as thousands of black-clad protesters began to march in defiance of a police decision to reject a permit for a rally.  "Fight for freedom. Stand with Hong Kong," they chanted. Some of the protesters torched the Chinese national flag.  Hong Kong's acting leader - Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung - said at the flag-raising ceremony that the city had become "unrecognisable" as a result of the protests.  Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam was in Beijing, pictured smiling alongside Communist Party grandees and other guests on Monday watching the air display, march and a showcase of China's newest weapons.  After 17 weeks of protests in Hong Kong, Victor Gao, vice president at the Centre for China and Globalisation in Beijing, said it was up to Lam and her government to "step up and do their job" in addressing the situation in the territory.  Xi referenced the "one country, two systems" policy under which Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland in his speech, stressing it was crucial for the "long-term prosperity and stability" of Hong Kong and Macau, formerly a Portuguese colony.  Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's Ambassador to China from 2012 to 2016, told Al Jazeera that "unity" remained one of China's paramount goals.  "The problem with Hong Kong is that China doesn't know how to handle the protests," Saint-Jacques said from Montreal. "They don't have a habit of democracy and they don't know how it works. (And) they worry that the contestation in Hong Kong could spread to the mainland."  Xi's call for unity was also directed at Taiwan, the self-ruled island where the defeated nationalists set up a government in 1949.  People on the island, which China has vowed to retake by force if necessary, appeared to have little interest in the celebrations on the mainland, even with the events in Hong Kong and Taiwan's own elections due in January.  "Frankly, there is no 'reunifying', since Taiwan is an independent country," said Joyce Kao, a 31-year-old marketing manager who said she had never watched the celebration and never would.  As expected, Xi referred again in Tuesday's address to his "Chinese dream"; his plan to rejuvenate China and return the country to what he sees as its rightful place in the world.  "Today has to be understood mainly in terms of China's domestic politics," said Geoff Raby, who was Australia's ambassador to China between 2007 and 2011.  "This is all very much about reaffirming the leading role of the Communist Party, Xi's role at the top of the Communist Party and the extent to which the Communist Party is responsible for building a strong, prosperous and internationally-respected country."  The Communist Party has held on to power for 70 years, despite the deaths of tens of millions of people as a result of Mao's Great Leap Forward, and the violent upheaval of the Cultural Revolution that only came to an end when Mao died in 1976.  A more open economic policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping, who followed Mao as paramount leader, helped kick-start growth and development. He also authorised the use of force to maintain power, most notoriously in Tiananmen Square in 1989.  With additional reporting by Violet Law in Hong Kong and Randy Mulyanto in Taipei.


aljazeera--2019-11-12--Sikhs mark Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary in Pakistan

Nankana Sahib, Pakistan - When Sikh devotee Gurmit Singh crossed the Indian border to visit Sikhism's holiest sites in Pakistan this month, he set out on the journey alone. At 67, Gurmit Singh had hoped his family in the Indian city of Chandigarh would join him, but their applications were rejected. • Guru Nanak and the promise of an inclusive Pakistan • Pakistan to launch university in honour of first Sikh Guru  Nonetheless, Gurmit Singh had grown up dreaming of visiting Sikhism's most cherished sites and was determined to fulfil his lifelong dream of seeing Kartarpur, the town where Sikhism's founder, Guru Nanak, was believed to have spent his final years.  "I didn't know what to expect. My goal in life was to see these holy sites," he told Al Jazeera.  On Tuesday morning, Gurmit Singh, and thousands of Sikhs from around the world, poured into the eastern city of Nankana Sahib to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at the ornate, palatial structure of the Gurdwara Janam Asthan.  Guru Nanak was born in this city in 1469. Today, the predominantly Muslim town attracts Sikh pilgrims from around the globe.  Pakistan is officially home to 20,000 Sikhs, who number about 20 million worldwide, with the vast majority in India.  In 1947, when India and Pakistan gained independence from the British, the state of Punjab was cleaved in half, permanently dividing Sikhism's holiest sites between the South Asian rivals. Under a 1974 bilateral agreement, India and Pakistan opened the possibility of undertaking cross-border pilgrimages to visit each other's religious shrines.  This year saw Guru Nanak's birth celebrations increase in prominence due to the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, a nearly five-kilometre (3-mile) long land-link that allows Sikhs from India visa-free access to one of Sikhism's holiest shrines in Pakistan.  Prior to the construction of the corridor, thousands of Sikhs would stand on the fence along the India-Pakistan border to gaze at the gurdwara (Sikh temple) through a telescope, tears clouding their eyes. Now, up to 5,000 pilgrims a day have been permitted by the Pakistani government.  "The Kartarpur corridor will promote peace and harmony between the two countries at a time when everything - including trade - is at a standstill," said Aamer Ahmed, chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), the main government body tasked with maintaining Sikh and Hindu religious sites across Pakistan.  "Pakistan is the land of the Sikhs," echoed Imran Gondal, the ETPB's Deputy Secretary of Shrines. "We encourage them to visit Pakistan."  In previous years, however, Sikh pilgrimages had been interrupted by the bitter enmity that periodically mars relations between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.  Recently, the ongoing Kashmir dispute locked the rivals into a prolonged tension, with Pakistan suspending trade, downgrading diplomatic ties, and raising the issue at every international forum.  Ramesh Singh Arora, a leading Pakistani Sikh politician who introduced the country's first Sikh marriage legislation, said that Pakistan had been committed to opening the Kartarpur corridor on time.  "If you look at the last 10 months, there was a lot of tension between these two countries," said Arora. "But the Pakistani government didn't stop the construction work at Kartarpur. It wanted to send the message that it would give the Sikhs free and open access to Kartarpur."  Other Indian Sikh pilgrims, such as 66-year-old Paulkaur Singh, saw their trip to Pakistan as a way to heal the wounds of the Partition, the violent event that saw mass displacement and population exchanges as the South Asian borders were redrawn in 1947.  Paulkaur Singh's husband had fled Bahawalpur, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province, to go to Haryana on the Indian side. He never reconnected with the home that he left behind in his dash towards safety and a new country.  Someday, Paulkaur Singh hopes to have a glimpse of her late husband's city, but she said it currently feels impossible on a government-approved travel itinerary restricted to Sikh heritage sites.  For now, Paulkaur Singh contends herself with being able to see Kartarpur in person, calling it her "asli ghar" (or true home). Unable to reach their revered holy site for decades, many Indian Sikhs had simply watched from afar. "Now we can do darshan openly," Paulkaur Singh said.  'No difference between us'  At the gurdwara's "sarovar" (or sacred pool) where Sikhs take a ceremonial bath, the Indian Sikhs were also joined by Pakistan's own minorities.  Muzawer Mal, a Nanakpanthi Hindu from Pakistan's southeast Sindh province, stood beaming at the site of Guru Nanak's birthplace. "I came here five times to roam with my 12 children. We have such a strong connection to Guru Nanak," he said.  "There is no difference between us, we are all Guru Nanak's followers," echoed Esardas Punjabi, a 55-year-old Nanakpanthi Hindu who had taken a 12-hour bus from Shikarpur, Pakistan to celebrate with Indian Sikhs. "I am extremely happy to be here."  Nanakpanthis are followers of Guru Nanak, though some of them may also identify themselves as Hindus. A significant number of them live in Pakistan's Sindh province.  Among Nankana Sahib's celebrants was a group of Sikhs from North America and Europe, who had undertaken a special "Journey to Kartarpur" road trip to the holy site, crisscrossing Turkey, Iran, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the rest of Europe to spread a message of peace.  The group visited gurdwaras in Europe to collect donations and eventually reached Pakistan's Punjab province, where security officials offered steaming cups of tea and bantered in Punjabi, recalled 61-year-old Ranjit Singh Sandhu.  Sandhu, who runs a truck company in Canada, said the highlight of his trip was the number of tea invites he received. "Every person treats us respectfully. They offered us cups of chai and wanted to show us around, but we didn't have time," he chuckles.  Sandhu said he believed that ordinary people want peace on both sides, and that little divides the citizens in both countries.  "There is no difference between them. The police are the same on both sides of the border, the food and drinks are the same. The only difference is the name. We are Sikhs, they are Muslims, but we are the same people," he said. "If Guru Nanak blesses us, I would love to come every year."


bbc--2019-01-21--Woman dances with Mountie for her 100th birthday

George Jackson, 88, is part of a group of pensioners trying their hands at the art of free running in order to improve their mobility and balance.


bbc--2019-02-27--Joes 100th birthday card appeal goes global

Joe's 100th birthday card appeal goes global

A World War Two veteran who asked to be sent 100 cards for his 100th birthday says he is "really excited" to have received thousands from all over the world.  A photograph of Joe Cuba holding a handwritten sign has been shared thousands of times on social media.  It reads: "I'm a WW2 veteran who will be turning 100 on 2 March 2019. I would like to receive 100 birthday cards."  So far, he has received 10,000 cards - and his birthday is still days away.  Joe told BBC News: "I really didn't expect all the cards. I got a whole bunch of them - and I couldn't thank everyone enough."  Stephanie Veitenheimer, who works at Brookdale Midwestern Community, where Joe lives, in Texas, US, made the original appeal.  She told BBC News: "I asked Joe what he wanted for his birthday and he said, 'Nothing really, just happiness,' so I said, 'Well, why don't we get you 100 cards?'"  Puerto Rico, Guam, Germany and the UK are some of the countries Joe has received cards from.  His post is being placed on tables in an empty apartment at Brookdale Midwestern for Joe and his daughter to look at.  Stephanie said they had also heard from people in Japan, Australia, New Zealand who said their cards were in the post. The reaction had been "just mad", she added.  You might also like:  Such is the popularity of Joe's birthday appeal, people are now sharing images on social media of the cards they are about to send.  Eline van de Laar, in the Netherlands, tweeted: "My card is ready for posting. Joe Cuba, here it comes," followed by the hashtag #Kleinemoeitegrootplezier (little effort, big fun).  And on Instagram, people are making their own cards for Joe and posting them under the tag #joecuba.  Artists are also choosing to draw Joe and thank him for his military service. He was a technical sergeant in the United States Army Air Forces.  This drawing by Bea Smith is on it's way to Texas from Hungary.  Petenoir posted "a little kindness" to a "complete stranger", saying: "I don't know him, I sure do wish him the happiest 100th birthday and certainly thank him for serving in a war that impacted the world."  Joe's even been sent flowers from people who have seen his birthday card appeal on the platform. This is one of about 100 gifts he's been given.  And staff at Brookdale Midwestern have been keeping Joe's fans updated on how his birthday celebrations are progressing, with pictures of the postman making deliveries.  Joe said he had fun plans for his actual birthday, on 2 March. "All of my friends will come over for dinner and a get-together," he said.  He also has a week's worth of celebrations brought about by his new-found fame, including parties and visits from schools. There's even a young kangaroo - a joey - coming to meet him.


bbc--2019-07-07--Frida Kahlo Parade celebrates 112 years since her birth

Frida Kahlo: Parade celebrates 112 years since her birth

It's 112 years since iconic artist Frida Kahlo was born. People in Coyoacan, just south of Mexico City, have donned their best Frida Kahlo outfits to celebrate her life.  Vibrant dresses, braided hair and her distinctive unibrow have all made an appearance.


bbc--2019-11-12--Guru Nanak: Sikh founder's 550th birthday celebrated

Celebrations have taken place in India and Pakistan to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak - the founder of Sikhism.  The anniversary comes just a few days after the historic opening of the Kartarpur corridor, which allows Indians access to one of Sikhism's holiest shrines in Pakistan without having to apply for a visa.  Tensions between the neighbours have made it difficult for Indian pilgrims to visit the site in Pakistan in recent years. But an agreement reached last month allows Indians to make the 4km (2.5-mile) crossing to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur - where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.  On Tuesday, Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan gathered at Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak, which is about 80km (50 miles) from the city of Lahore.  Large numbers of devotees, including women, took part in the religious rituals.  The auspicious day for Sikhs was also marked in India, where Guru Nanak's birth anniversary is an annual public holiday.  Sikh devotees gathered in huge numbers at the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in the capital Delhi.  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion, saying it was "a day to rededicate ourselves" to Guru Nanak's "dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society".  Though Guru Nanak's anniversary is an important event for Sikhs annually, this time the celebrations were more special due to the opening of the Kartarpur corridor.  Devotees from across the world visit the Kartarpur shrine every year to commemorate his birth. Indian Sikhs will now be able to visit with just their passports, but they will not be allowed to leave the site or stay overnight.  The Golden Temple in Amritsar, in north-western India, is the holiest Gurdwara (where Sikhs worship). On the eve of the anniversary, it was lit up to host processions as Sikh worshippers took part in the three-day celebration of Guru Nanak's birth.  On the first day of the celebrations, Sikhs read the Sikh holy book - the Guru Granth Sahib - from beginning to end.  As is the tradition on the second day, the holy book was paraded through the streets of Amritsar on Monday in a hand-held carriage.  The procession was led by five people representing the original Panj Pyare - the Five Beloved Ones - who helped shape the religion.  You might also be interested in:


breitbart--2019-11-10--United States Marine Corps Celebrates 244th Birthday

The United States Marine Corps celebrated its 244th birthday Sunday, marking its establishment by the Second Continental Congress in 1775.  “As Commander in Chief, I send my best wishes to the United States Marine Corps on its 244th birthday,” President Trump wrote in a press release Sunday.  Since 1775, Marines have been known for always being faithful in their duty to defend our country and Constitution and for striking fear in the hearts of America’s adversaries. From their inception at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Marines have fought in “every clime and place” without ever losing their nerve. As we solemnly look ahead to the 75th Anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima this coming February, we are reminded that even in the face of hostile enemy fire, Marines never falter and never fail. The courage shown over the course of that battle—memorably captured in the iconic photo of our flag being raised on Mount Suribachi—is forever enshrined in the heart of our Nation. In recounting the 244 historic years of the United States Marine Corps, we remember the courage and conviction of the Marines who laid down their lives in defense of freedom. Their relentless toughness, outstanding leadership, and unwavering allegiance are invaluable assets to our Nation, protecting our freedom and our way of life. Melania and I pray that God watch over all of the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.  Deputy Secretary of Defense, David L. Norquist also offered his heartfelt birthday wishes to the Corps.  To commemorate the special day, most commands give Birthday Balls, which include a pageant and cake cutting ceremony, according to Military.com.  Traditionally, the first piece of Birthday cake is presented to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest Marine present. When and where this tradition began remains unknown. Some records indicate this practice, and others vary it depending on the dignitaries present at the ball. First pieces of cake have been presented to newlyweds, the Secretary of the Navy, governors, and others, but generally speaking, the first pieces of cake go to the oldest and youngest Marines at the ball.  Vice President Mike Pence offered his thanks to the Marines for their continuous efforts to protect the nation Saturday afternoon.  “As America’s expeditionary force in readiness since 1775, the U.S. Marines are forward deployed to win our Nation’s battles swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis,” the Marines website read.  What sets Marines apart from any other fighting force on the globe isn’t just how they’re trained, the equipment they use or their tactics. It’s something much more primal—it’s the fighting spirit that lives within every Marine and drives them to accept nothing less than victory in all situations. That determination to win, eagerness to fight, and high standard of excellence are all traits strengthened in the Corps.  The Corps tweeted a video on Sunday that celebrated its incredible accomplishments over the past 244 years.


cbsnews--2019-10-01--Jimmy Carter celebrates 95th birthday

Jimmy Carter celebrates 95th birthday

Former President Jimmy Carter is celebrating his 95th birthday on Tuesday, October 1, solidifying his spot as the longest living president in United States history.  The 39th president, who's made a mark in his post-White House years as a human rights activist, author, professor, and church Sunday School teacher, is sharing the celebration with the public by offering a discounted admission fee to his presidential library. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta announced the admission price on Tuesday would be just 95 cents — one penny for every year Mr. Carter has been alive.  Mr. Carter officially became the oldest living president in history earlier this year, when he surpassed former President George H.W. Bush at 94 years and 172 days old.  It's been 38 years since Mr. Carter left office, and he's continued to work hard even in his retirement.  In 2002, he became the only U.S. president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for work done after his time in office.  He's written over 30 books and served as University Distinguished Professor at Emory University for more than three decades. He finally got tenure at the school at age 94 — 37 years after he began teaching there. Over the years, he's also been a leading force behind Habitat for Humanity, volunteering to build homes for people in need.  Mr. Carter has also battled through many health struggles. In 2015, he was diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain and liver. "I was prepared to go, but things turned out for the better," he told CBS News, after immunotherapy treatments beat back the cancer.  The former president also holds another important title: husband. He and his wife Rosalynn Carter have been married for more than 72 years.  Earlier this year, Mr. Carter broke his hip at his home when he fell while leaving to go turkey hunting. He subsequently had hip replacement surgery. But less than a month later, the tenacious 94-year-old was back to teaching Sunday school.


bbc--2019-12-28--1,000 addresses published in UK honours list error

A list of more than 1,000 addresses of New Years Honours recipients, including those of senior police officers and politicians, has been accidentally published by the government.  The file was uploaded to the official website, but has since been removed.  The Cabinet Office told the BBC: "We apologise to all those affected and are looking into how this happened."  Among the addresses are those of Sir Elton John and former director of public prosecutions Alison Saunders. • Famous names in the New Year Honours  Also on the list of 1,097 honours recipients are high-profile names such as cricketer Ben Stokes, former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, TV cook Nadiya Hussain, and former Ofcom boss Sharon White.  A government spokesman said: "A version of the New Year Honours 2020 list was published in error which contained recipients' addresses.  "The information was removed as soon as possible.  "We have reported the matter to the ICO [Information Commissioner's Office] and are contacting all those affected directly."  The ICO, which has the power to fine organisations for data breaches, said it will be "making enquiries".  'Much depends on the attitude of those affected'  There is no doubt that this is a serious data breach and the government, of all organisations, should be better acquainted with the law on disclosing sensitive personal information.  But while some of the celebrities and the police officers awarded honours may be concerned about their privacy and security, it would have been far more serious if the home addresses of those on the list of gallantry awards had been leaked.  The Information Commissioner's Office has so far only levied one fine under the new Data Protection Act which came into effect in 2018 - a London pharmacy was fined £275,000 for careless storage of the very sensitive medical data of half a million people.  Lawyers who specialise in data protection think the ICO will see this as a less serious case of human error and may let the Cabinet Office escape with a warning about improving its practices.  But they say much now depends on the attitude of those who have seen their data leaked - they could decide to bring civil claims against the government for putting in the public domain information many of them have been determined to keep private.  Data rights lawyer Ravi Naik said the government could face legal action from those whose addresses were published, as well as from the ICO.  He also warned that anyone who came across the information should tell the ICO and not pass it onto others - because they themselves might face legal action.  Simon Winch, a sustainability professional from London, was among those who were able to access the sensitive information.  He told the BBC: "I clicked on the link on the gov.uk website at around 11pm on Friday and the spreadsheet opened up.  "At first I thought everyone on the list had given their permission to publish their personal addresses. But then I saw that some quite sensitive names were on there." • Holocaust survivor who hid in cellar is honoured  Another source told the BBC they accessed the file just after midnight on Saturday but were unable to do so by 05:00 GMT.  The Cabinet Office said the document was visible for around an hour.  Most of the entries in the spreadsheet include full addresses - including house numbers and postcodes.  A separate list, that does not appear to be involved in the breach, covers gallantry awards for police, ambulance and fire staff and military personnel.


bbcuk--2019-04-17--Government in email privacy blunder

Government in email privacy blunder

A government department responsible for data protection laws has shared the contact details of hundreds of journalists.  The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport emailed more than 300 recipients in a way that allowed their addresses to be seen by other people.  The email - seen by the BBC - contained a press release about age-checks for adult websites.  Digital Minister Margot James said the incident was "embarrassing".  She added: "It was an error and we're evaluating at the moment whether that was a breach of data protection law."  In the email sent on Wednesday, the department said new rules would offer "robust data protection conditions", adding: "Government has listened carefully to privacy concerns."  A DCMS Spokesperson said: "In sending a news release to journalists an administrative, human error meant email addresses could be seen by others. DCMS takes data privacy extremely seriously and we apologise to those affected."  It is the second time this month a government department has made a mistake of this kind.  The Home Office previously admitted breaching data protection rules when it launched the Windrush compensation scheme.  It shared the contact details of Windrush migrants in an email about the scheme.  An internal review was launched and Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes apologised "unreservedly" for what she said was an "administrative error".  The data breach affected five batches of emails, each with 100 recipients, Ms Nokes added.


adobochronicles--2019-05-27--Mix-up Maria Ressa Receives Award From Colombia Not Columbia University

Mix-up: Maria Ressa Receives Award From Colombia, Not Columbia University

NEW YORK, New York (The Adobo Chronicles, New York Bureau) – It was a big misunderstanding. Rappler CEO Maria Ressa arrived at Columbia University in New York City to receive yet another award for her supposed journalistic skills and advocacy, particularly for standing up to what she is calling a “dictator” in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.  But alas, Ressa misread the award letter. It was from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (National University of Colombia) in Bogota.  The South American  school awarded Ressa a Courage Award for her and her online outfit’s coverage of Duterte’s war on drugs.  Luckily for Ressa, the Dean of the Journalism School at Columbia — fellow anti-Dutertard Sheila Coronel — is a very good friend. So Coronel let Ressa address the 2019 graduates of the school. Just to save face.  Meanwhile, in Bogota, the Colombia University gave Ressa the award in absencia.


bbc--2019-02-24--Arrizabalaga incident a misunderstanding - Sarri

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri says the incident involving goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Carabao Cup final was a "misunderstanding".  The club record £71m signing appeared to defy the Italian's attempt to substitute him in extra time before Manchester City won on penalties.  Sarri appeared furious and walked down the tunnel before quickly returning.  "I misunderstood the problem and only realised the situation when the doctor arrived at the bench," said Sarri.  "He understood I asked for a change for his physical problem. He said, 'I haven't a physical problem' - and he was right."  The 24-year-old later echoed his manager's words and insisted the incident was caused by "confusion".  "It was misunderstood. In no moment was it my intention to disobey, or anything like that with the boss," said Arrizabalaga.  "It was two or three minutes of confusion until the medics got to the bench and they explained everything well.  "He thought I couldn't continue, and - fundamentally - I was trying to say that physically I was fine."  Spaniard Arrizabalaga initially went down with cramp - prompting the Chelsea bench to ready reserve goalkeeper Willy Caballero.  Sarri was visibly angry as his goalkeeper refused to follow orders from the touchline but eventually conceded following a conversation with referee Jonathan Moss.  "I realised after, when the doctor arrived. I have talked to him [Moss] but only to clarify because now I have understood the situation," Sarri said.  "It was a big misunderstanding because I understood the keeper had cramp and was unable to go to penalties. But it was not cramp and he could go to the penalties.  "I needed to return [down the tunnel] to be quiet."  Speaking to Sky Sports, former Chelsea captain John Terry said he believed Sarri's "misunderstanding" explanation was a decision taken to protect his goalkeeper.  "Whether that has been dealt with inside the dressing room, I don't know," said Terry.  "Publicly, that's his approach. He's protecting his player."  Ex-Napoli manager Sarri has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, following a 6-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United.  Yet despite doubts over his future, the Blues produced a resolute performance in Sunday's final as Sarri demonstrated a back-up plan to his 'Sarri-ball' philosophy.  "Here I am very happy and in the last three matches we are improving and have improved a lot," said Sarri.  "Today showed everyone we could be a very solid team because we conceded nothing to the opponents, and to Manchester City that is not easy.  "I am proud of the players. I think the club would be proud of that performance too, because the performance was very good against, in my opinion, the best club in Europe."


bbc--2019-04-30--Cricketers coming out was misunderstanding

Cricketer's coming out was 'misunderstanding'

Australian all-rounder James Faulkner says the support he has received from the LGBT community is "fantastic" - but it came after a misunderstanding.  Faulkner shared a picture on Instagram alongside his mother and a man he described as his "boyfriend".  Followers, including former cricketers Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Tait, responded by praising his "great courage".  "There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay," said Faulkner.  "However, it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let's never forget love is love. Good on everyone for being so supportive."  Faulkner, who is set to play Twenty20 cricket for Lancashire this summer, has played one Test and 69 one-day internationals for Australia. He was man of the match in the 2015 World Cup final.  He added that the man in the picture was "just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates!" and edited his original post to included "best mate!!!".  Cricket Australia (CA) released a statement after the post gained widespread attention, apologising for "any unintended offence".  "Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James," it said.  "His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years. He was not contacted for clarification before some outlets reported his Instagram post as an announcement of a homosexual relationship.  "James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognises coming out can be an incredibly emotional time. The post was not in any way meant to make light of this."  Somerset's Steven Davies became the first active male professional cricketer to come out as gay in 2011.


bbcuk--2019-07-19--Stoke-on-Trent mums cancer misdiagnosis down to human error

Stoke-on-Trent mum's cancer misdiagnosis down to 'human error'

A mother underwent a double mastectomy after doctors wrongly diagnosed her with an aggressive form of cancer.  Sarah Boyle, 28, was told she had triple negative breast cancer after she had difficulty breastfeeding her baby.  Mrs Boyle underwent chemotherapy and later needed reconstructive surgery before the mistake was noticed, leaving her "traumatised".  The hospital that treated her apologised, saying it was "human error" that led to her being misdiagnosed.  Mrs Boyle, from Stoke-on-Trent, said life had been "incredibly difficult" for her, as well as her husband Stephen, 31, and their two sons since she was told she needed treatment at the end of 2016.  "Being told I had cancer was awful, but then to go through all of the treatment and surgery to then be told it was unnecessary was traumatising," she said.  She went to Royal Stoke Hospital when she noticed her six-month-old son Teddy becoming "very distressed" when she tried to feed him from her right breast.  After a biopsy and a scan, she was told she had breast cancer and was sent for treatment.  "Ultimately the misreporting of the biopsy was a human error," said a spokesperson for the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNW), which runs the hospital.  Mrs Boyle said her treatment meant she was unable to breastfeed her second son, Louis, who is seven months old, and now she was concerned about future health complications, including "actually developing cancer".  The trust offered an "unreserved apology" to Mrs Boyle and said it "understands how devastating this has been".  It said all cancer diagnoses were reviewed by a second pathologist.  Mrs Boyle is now pursuing a legal claim against the trust, which has admitted liability.  Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.


birminghammail--2019-01-07--Vegan left livid with Pizza Hut after being given dairy ice cream

A vegan has received an apology from one of the nation's best-loved restaurant chains - after he was given dairy ice cream.  Pizza Hut has said sorry to Kori Paul Swabey after the gaffe at a Plymouth branch of the pizza chain.  Kori was left "outraged" after he ordered the new jackfruit pizza and then asked the waitress if the restaurant had any vegan desserts, to which she recommended the ice cream.  To his horror, he later discovered they were not suitable for his animal product-free diet, Plymouth Live reported.  Pizza Hut apologised for the "human error" and said it will be taking "appropriate action" at the restaurant to ensure it doesn't happen again.  Kori said: "The woman went away and came back and ensured me that their ice cream factory is vegan.  "I asked if the toppings are all vegan too and the waitress said yes.  "I ate the ice cream, but the toppings when I checked the bottles clearly stated they contained milk.  "It's like she just rushed it because it was busy."  Kori, who has only recently become vegan but is not doing it for Veganuary and is "passionate" about animals and the planet, said he was left feeling like his choice to not eat animal products was not taken seriously.  He said: "This is appalling.  "I feel like my lifestyle has been mocked.  "It's a mistake that shouldn't have happened, I could have had an allergy to milk.  "Even though I haven’t been vegan long, it’s still something I’m passionate and serious about.  "I should be able to eat somewhere and know exactly what it is I’m eating.  "Staff everywhere should be educated on ingredients for vegans and those with allergies.  "It's the fact that they have been promoting their new vegan menu for Veganuary, but the staff aren't aware what's vegan."  Kori said that when he complained to the manager, he was offered a free meal, but doesn't want to return.  "The manager said it's really concerning" said Kori.  A spokesperson for Pizza Hut said: “Ensuring the welfare of our guests is extremely important to us.  "All of our nutritional and allergen information is available in a printed book in each of our restaurants and also online.  "All of our staff receive specialist training, however due to the variety of ingredients used within the restaurant menu, and the diverse range of enquiries, as a rule we do direct guests to check the information for themselves through the formats available.  "We’re sorry that in this instance, the wrong information was given to the customer as a result of human error.  "We are in contact with the customer and are taking appropriate action at this restaurant to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”


citizenfreepress--2019-12-27--US Army wtf! moment…

US Army wtf! moment…

US Army base near North Korea blared an emergency signal instead of taps  A U.S. military base near North Korea accidentally blared an emergency siren on Thursday meant to signal an imminent attack. A video posted by U.S Army WTF! Moments claimed to show the siren wailing at 10 p.m. instead of the usual taps bugle call played to mark the end of the day on the base.  “Human error” resulted in the false alarm throwing Camp Casey, a U.S. Army base in South Korea, into high alert for a few moments before the mistake could be cleared up, Army spokesman Lt. Col. Martyn Crighton told the Greenwich Time.


conservativehome--2019-10-01--Clifton-Brown This was a minor verbal misunderstandingI am mortified

Clifton-Brown: “This was a minor verbal misunderstanding…I am mortified”

In a statement given to ConservativeHome this afternoon about today’s incident, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown told us:  “This was a minor verbal misunderstanding. The police have not contacted me at all. I am mortified that something so minor seems to have been blown out of all proportion and if anyone has been offended, I apologise unreservedly. I will co-operate with the Party in any investigation.”  It’s not yet known if any formal action or inquiry from the Conservative Party will follow.


freedombunker--2019-02-21--Woman Who Got in the Wrong Uber Thought She Was Being Sex-Trafficked She Wasnt

Woman Who Got in the Wrong Uber Thought She Was Being Sex-Trafficked. She Wasn’t.

A woman leaving the Tampa Internartional Airport on Monday got into the wrong Uber. For some reason, she thought she was being kidnapped and sold into sex slavery.  Later, the woman penned this harrowing Facebook post about the incident, which has been shared half a million times. She wrote:  Last night I was picked up by an Uber. Same car, female driver. I MADE A MISTAKE. I got in before checking, as she opened the back door for me from her seat. She drove erratically and didn't speak. About 10 minutes in, my actual Uber called me asking where I was. My voice cracked, because in that instant I knew. "A car... I think I need help." She told me not to hang up and to get out of the car however I possibly could. The lady refused to stop or respond to me. I told her she was driving by my friends (random girls I saw) and they would call the cops. She slowed a little, pointing at her phone saying "Uber. I take you back then." I said, no here is fine. She kept going. I booked it out the door, car still moving. She sped off. I later was told by numerous people she is a sex traffic worker. They use women to lure people in, and possibly hang out in the Uber lot to steal rides of similar looking cars. The cops didn't come, but my real Uber driver did Cristin Cinquino, and hugged me, kept me safe, and cried with me. Always, always check your Uber. I'm lucky.  Actually, she was unlucky. She got in the wrong Uber and it proceeded to take her in the wrong direction. But as the Orlando Sentinel soon reported:  Tampa police, however, say it was all a misunderstanding. Hurley's ride wasn't a kidnapping situation, and the driver wasn't a sex-trafficking victim, police said. Instead, Tampa police spokesman Eddy Durkin said, the woman was just another Uber driver with a similar car, whose primary language is Spanish and who doesn't speak much English, leading to the confusion. "The person that posted it got into the wrong car and there was a language barrier," Durkin told the Orlando Sentinel on Wednesday. "It's as simple as that. This had nothing to do with sex trafficking."  The police checked out the story with everyone involved and consider the case closed.  But why did this woman immediately assume she was being sex-trafficked—and why did half a million people gullibly share her story?  The answer to the first is because sex trafficking is a moral panic. It has become a go-to eyeball-getter in the media, where it is portrayed Taken-style: Some random stranger grabs a random young person and sells them at the equivalent of a Sotheby's auction.  This is nonsense. As Beth Boggess, FBI supervisory special agent who heads Colorado's violent crimes against children unit, explained to KUSA TV:  But if sex traffickers aren't kidnapping people right and left, why does a Facebook post like this one get shared so much?  I think there's two things going on, besides a mistaken perception of the magnitude of this crime. Firt, people love to be helpful. If all it takes to save a life is to press "share," who wouldn't? Second, people love to be at the center of excitement. If, by sharing this post, we are playing a small role in this thrillingly heinous story, well, it's better than no walk-on part at all.  The problem is that sharing this post does not spread helpful advice. It spreads unnecessary fear.  Instead, consider sharing this very post, or this one, or any of Elizabeth Nolan Brown's articles on the subject.  Headline: Woman Not Sex-Trafficked by Uber Driver, Everything Is Fine. Pass it on.


bbc--2019-04-03--Animal testing US closes kitten slaughterhouse after outcry

Animal testing: US closes 'kitten slaughterhouse' after outcry

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it will stop killing cats in a research programme, following strong public criticism.  Cats and kittens have been used to research toxoplasmosis - a potentially deadly parasitic illness usually caught from cats or tainted food.  The animals were fed infected meat, and the parasite's eggs harvested for use in other experiments.  After the research the animals were euthanised.  Veterinary groups say that the disease is treatable and the cats should have been adopted.  More than 3,000 kittens have been put down since the programme was launched in 1982, campaigners the White Coat Waste Project (WCWP) say, with the programme costing more than $22m (£17m).  In March, bipartisan legislation, known as the Kitten Act, was introduced in Congress to end the practice, describing it as "taxpayer-funded kitten slaughter".  In a statement, the USDA said that "toxoplasmosis research has been redirected and the use of cats... has been discontinued and will not be reinstated".  One of the key figures behind the bill, Democrat Representative Jimmy Panetta, said the announcement showed what was possible in politics.  The 14 remaining cats on the programme are to be adopted by USDA employees.  The department has said its research helped halve the rate of toxoplasmosis infections, which is particularly dangerous for unborn children and people with compromised immune systems.


bbcuk--2019-02-19--Puppy and kitten pet shop sales could be banned in Wales

The sale of puppies and kittens through pet shops would be banned in Wales under plans being put out to consultation.  Wales' rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths said there was clear evidence such sales can contribute to an increase risk of disease.  The move would mean buyers would have to deal directly with a breeder or a rehoming centre.  People have until 17 May to give their views on the ban.  The UK government has consulted on a similar ban in England - dubbed Lucy's Law, named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued from a puppy farm.  Lucy, who had been kept in a cage most of her life, had a curved spine, bald patches and epilepsy after years of mistreatment.  Ms Griffiths said: "There is clear evidence that the sale of puppies and kittens via third parties has the potential to contribute to an increased risk of disease and a lack of socialisation and habituation for the puppies and kittens, compared to when people buy directly from the breeder.  "The vast majority of those buying a new puppy or kitten do so with the best of intentions.  "However, it is not always immediately apparent to the buyer where their new pet originated, or in what conditions it was raised. This consultation is an opportunity to gather as much information as possible to enable us to make lasting improvements to the welfare of puppies and kittens bred in Wales."  She said banning commercial third-party sales "may only be one aspect of this".


bbcuk--2019-08-13--CCTV footage released over kittens dumped in pub

CCTV footage has been released of a man the RSPCA wants to trace after a litter of kittens were found dumped in a pub toilet in Lincoln.  The kittens - three females and one male - were found in a black bag with the words 'May Contain Prosecco' printed on it, in the men's toilet at The Ritz Wetherspoons pub on 25 June.  Four other kittens were found abandoned in the same toilets in March 2018.


bbcuk--2019-10-11--Border Collie becomes foster mum to six abandoned kittens

Six abandoned kittens are being cared for by an unlikely mum - a dog.  The litter was only one week old when it was found by workers on a building site.  Brought to Oak Tree Animals' Charity in Wetheral, Cumbria, staff and Skye the Border Collie have been caring for them around the clock to ensure their survival.  Intake team leader, Caroline Yon, said: "With the best will in the world, as humans we can't replicate 100% what their mum would do for them and Skye's about the next best thing."


birminghammail--2019-03-13--Four abandoned kittens found dumped like rubbish next to bins

Four abandoned kittens found 'dumped like rubbish' next to bins

Four kittens were found after they were “dumped like rubbish” in a cardboard box and left at the side of some bins.  The shocking discovery was made by a passer-by in Scafell Drive, Perry Common, on Wednesday, March 6.  According to the RSPCA, the woman saw the box by some bins - near to Wyrley House - and as she walked past she noticed it move.  Four black and white kittens – who are believed to be around ten-weeks-old – were found inside.  The woman called the RSPCA about the incident and Cara Gibbon, animal collection officer (ACO), was sent to the scene.  Cara rushed the cats, two female and two male, to the Coventry branch of the RSPCA where they will be cared for until they are ready to be re-homed.  All appeared to be in relatively good health although one female is now receiving veterinary attention at Newbrook Animal Hospital.  She said: “It is awful to think these kittens were just dumped like rubbish and left by the side of some bins.  “It is just lucky that the lady saw the box they were in moving and cared enough to investigate.  “All four of the kittens are lovely and are recovering well in our care after their ordeal.  “I am now trying to trace the callous person responsible for doing this and am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.”  Anyone with information about who dumped the kittens should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.


birminghammail--2019-07-07--One-week-old kittens heartbreakingly found in bin during 31C heatwave

A group of adorable one-week-old kittens were heartbreakingly found dumped in a bin.  The creatures - who are unbelievably cute - were recovered from a trash can on the hottest day of the year so far.  The cute kitties were found wrapped in a bag and had been put in a box and dumped in a bin in temperatures of 31C.  They were found by a member of the public in Derby, East Midlands, last Saturday (June 29), reports StokeonTrentLive.  A spokesman for the RSPCA said the kittens were believed to have be dumped deliberately and whoever did it had "no intention for them to be found".  They were brought to Derby's RSPCA shelter by an inspector and have since been named Biff (after Biffa), Maggie and Fern (Magfern) and Stig (Stig of the Dump).  A spokesman for the animal charity said: "On the hottest day of the year a member of the public heard a chorus of loud and distressed squeaks coming from a black bin.  "On inspection the person discovered four one-week-old kittens.  "The kittens were wrapped in a bag and put inside a box in the bin, there was no intention for them to be found.  "As the kittens are without their mum a dedicated team member at Abbey Street Animal Re-homing Centre has taken the kittens in to be hand-reared.  "At such a young age, the kittens require round the clock care as well as sufficient nurturing and love to ensure they thrive without their mum. The kittens are feeding well and will be ready to be re-homed as soon as they are old enough.  "Cases such as this highlight the importance of neutering your cats.  "The kittens in this story are very lucky to have been found, but without being neutered their mother will carry on to have more kittens, and who knows where any future litters could end up."  The kittens will be available for reservation once they are five-to-six weeks old.  They will not be able to go out to their new homes until they are eight-weeks-old and healthy.  For more information about the cats call RSPCA Derby on 01332 344620.

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Paige Oldfield, Louise Elliott, James Rodger)


birminghammail--2019-10-08--Kitten fights for life after routine microchipping at Tamworth Pets At Home

A kitten was left fighting for life after it was microchipped in a routine procedure at Pets At Home.  Owner Steven Stringer took tiny Norris to the Tamworth branch of the store on September 30.  But the feline became so unwell afterwards, vets allegedly offered to put him down.  Norris - named after Steven's granddad - was unable to lift his head, move his paws and struggled to open his eyes after the procedure, reports the Daily Mirror .  But Steven took the decision to move the kitten to Willows Vet Centre in Solihull, where Norris fought back from the brink.  Pets At Home confirmed Norris was taken ill after the procedure, which was carried out by an 'experienced, fully-trained' member of staff.  In an emotional public post on Facebook shortly after the procedure, Steven's friend Paul Anthony - who bought the kitten - wrote: "He can’t lift his head, move his paws and can’t hold his eyes open for a long time.  "It's possible the microchip needle went too far and damaged his brain.  "He is just a tiny kitten who went for a standard microchip.  "They are removing the chip now so they can do an MRI scan and we are now at a specialist vets.  "Absolutely heartbreaking please pray for him.  A video posted to Facebook shows little Norris falling over and struggling to walk with little coordination. He has a red bandage on his leg covering a catheter and a shaved patch on his neck.  Norris faced a fight for life in the hours following the procedure but has now "defied all odds" according to Paul and is slowly recovering.  After four days at Willows Vets - who Paul credited with saving Norris' life - the kitten has returned home, where he is being nursed back to full fitness.  He continues to walk with a limp, but undergoes daily physiotherapy.  Steven has now created a public Facebook page where he has urged fans of the tiny furball to follow his recovery.  'Little Norris and His Road to Recovery' has already amassed more than 7,000 followers.  "He is doing better day-by-day. Still early days but it's a massive improvement."  Microchips are typically implanted under the animal's skin and gives the pet their own unique code in order to trace them if they get lost.  Pets At Home's own website reads: "A qualified microchip planter will place the microchip under the loose skin by your pets shoulder blades.  "The microchipping process is quick and painless, but it should be done by a qualified professional because complications can arise if performed incorrectly."  In a statement to the Mirror , a Pets at Home spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that sadly a kitten became ill following a microchip procedure, performed at the Pets at Home Tamworth store.  “The procedure was carried out by an experienced, fully trained Pets at Home colleague, who is understandably upset by what has happened.  "Pets at Home are working with the specialist veterinary hospital where we transferred the kitten after providing initial care, to understand what happened.  “Pets at Home are in contact with the kitten’s owner and are fully supporting them, and our colleague, at this time.”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rosaleen Fenton, Charlotte Paxton)


cnbc--2019-04-02--USDA ends practice of deadly experiments on kittens

Facing mounting pressure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it will cease the controversial practice of laboratory test research using cats.  The USDA has been using kittens and cats in taxpayer-funded research to study parasites that can cause death to humans from foodborne illness. NBC News reported March 19 that the USDA's practice included feeding dog and cat meat obtained in "Asian meat markets" to cats.  Last month, bipartisan legislation was introduced in Congress to end the agency's experiments on kittens.  In a statement Tuesday, USDA said the Agricultural Research Service's "toxoplasmosis research has been redirected and the use of cats as part of any research protocol in any ARS laboratory has been discontinued and will not be reinstated." The agency didn't make mention of any dogs in its release.  "I commend the USDA for their decision to end this type of testing on kittens," said Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., who authored the House version of the bipartisan KITTEN Act, or the Kittens in Traumatic Testing Ends Now Act of 2019. "They listened to the people and responded appropriately to our concerns. This is how our institutions, our government, and our democracy should and must work."  When the KITTEN Act was announced last month, backers noted in a release that the USDA's experiments on cats and kittens involved "hundreds of kittens bred, fed parasite-infected raw meat, and then killed annually."  Republican Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, who co-introduced the legislation, said at the time the "cruel testing practices" cost taxpayers more than $650,000 annually and "put the lives of innocent kittens in danger."  Other cosponsors of the House legislation included GOP Rep. Brian Mast of Florida and Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. A companion piece of legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR).  "With all the awful reports coming out, it was clear that Americans opposed USDA's cruel testing on kittens," Rep. Mast said in a statement. "This is a decisive victory against government animal abuse and wasteful spending."  Mast also lauded the USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue for ending the experiments but also called on other federal government agencies to "put a permanent end to abusive and painful animal testing."  "Food safety in ARS is of paramount importance for agriculture and the public we serve," Chavonda Jacobs-Young, administrator of USDA's ARS agency, said in a statement. "We are continually assessing our research and priorities and aligning our resources to the problems of highest national priority."  USDA said its research into toxoplasmosis has yielded results, including helping to cut the prevalence of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite by as much as 50 percent in the U.S. It said the parasite causing toxoplasmosis is especially dangerous to individuals with weak immune systems, such as children and HIV patients.  "Over the course of this research, ARS worked to minimize reliance on cats," USDA said. It added that "no cats have been infected with taxoplasmosis pathogens or euthanized since September 2018."  Finally, USDA said an external independent panel charged with reviewing the safety of adopting the cats now recommends that the animals never infected be made available for adoption. The agency said it is currently in the process of adopting these 14 cats to employees of the USDA and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.


cnn--2019-04-02--USDA wont test on kittens anymore

USDA won't test on kittens anymore

The department's Agricultural Research Service had been using kittens to conduct research on the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. According to the department, the parasite "causes toxoplasmosis, a disease considered to be a leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, especially for individuals with weak immune systems such as children and HIV patients."  In a statement, USDA said the kittens were used in the research because they were "the only hosts in which (the parasite) can complete its life cycle and produce (eggs)." The department said ARS' research on the disease "has reached its maturity" and that the use of kittens "has been discontinued and will not be reinstated."  The USDA did not respond to CNN's request for comment.  The department, which said it hasn't had any infected kittens in its facilities since September, said it plans to allow USDA employees to adopt more than a dozen kittens that had not been infected with the parasite.  Last year, Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and now-former Republican Rep. Mike Bishop of Michigan introduced legislation to stop the USDA from using kittens in its research. "The USDA breeds up to 100 kittens a year, feeds them parasite-infected meat in order to have the parasite's eggs harvested for use in other experiments, and then kills the kittens," Merkley said last year. "This bill would essentially stop this process." On Tuesday, California Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta, who co-sponsored the House bill, praised the move, saying in a statement that the USDA "listened to the people and responded appropriately to our concerns." Rep. Brian Mast, a Florida Republican, also applauded the move Tuesday, writing in a statement that the decision is a "decisive victory against government animal abuse and wasteful spending."


eveningstandard--2019-04-03--US ends animal testing programme aposthat saw dead cats fed to kittensapos

US ends animal testing programme 'that saw dead cats fed to kittens'

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it will stop using cats for food safety research, following public outcry at the practice labelled “kitten cannibalism”.  The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) had been using kittens to research toxoplasmois, a potentially fatal parasitic disease often caught from contaminated food.  At eight weeks old, the kittens were fed raw meat infected with the T. gondii parasite. Their faeces were then collected for up to three weeks to harvest eggs for use in food safety experiments.  Cat meat was allegedly used for the testing as they were the only host animal in which infection could complete its life cycle.  A report published last month by anti-animal testing organisation The White Coat Project  (WCWP) said that as recently as 2015, the USDA had bought dead dogs, cats and other animals from meat markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and fed their body parts to the lab-bred cats as part of the research.  More than 3,000 kittens have been put down since the programme was launched in 1982, the WCWP found, with the programme costing more than £17m.  “These healthy kittens—who briefly pass the parasite’s eggs and become immune within weeks—are then killed and incinerated by USDA because they are no longer useful,” the report states.  The report was met with widespread outcry across social media and within the American Congress.  In March, Congress introduced new bipartisan legislation, known as the Kitten Act, to end the practice, describing it as "taxpayer-funded kitten slaughter".  In a statement on Tuesday, the USDA announced: "toxoplasmosis research has been redirected and the use of cats has been discontinued and will not be reinstated".  The agency also announced that the remaining 14 cats in its labs would be adopted by USDA employees.  California Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta, who co-sponsored the House bill, applauded the move, writing in a statement that the USDA had "listened responded appropriately to our concerns."


eveningstandard--2019-01-09--What is palm oil Why do products contain it and how can it cause deforestation

What is palm oil? Why do products contain it and how can it cause deforestation?

More and more brands are choosing to go palm oil free with their products. This includes Iceland supermarkets who are banning the use of palm oil from their own brand products from 2019 – making them the first UK supermarket to do so.  The reason behind this? Palm oil’s ‘harmful environmental impact,' which is having a devastating impact on wildlife and tropical forests.  Here's everything you need to know about the production, uses and dangers of palm oil:  A type of vegetable oil that is made from the fruit of oil palm trees.  It is the most commonly used vegetable oil with around 66 million tonnes produced each year – and it’s found in around half of all supermarket products.  Dr Emma Keller from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) told BBC Newsround: "Palm oil is a super-efficient crop, meaning that we can produce a lot more palm oil per area of land compared to other oil crops like soybean oil or coconut oil."  Palm oil production has also provided jobs for “millions of small farmers”, helping them to get out of poverty.  Over the past century, the demand for palm oil has risen dramatically which means large areas of tropical forest in south-east Asia and Africa have been destroyed as a result.  Between 1990 and 2008 palm oil production was responsible for 8 per cent of the world’s deforestation as forests are burnt to clear areas for people to grow oil palms – which, in some cases, is illegal.  Burning these forests means destroying the habitats for wildlife and plants in the area, with elephants, orangutans, tigers and rhinos among the animals affected.  In fact, around 100,000 orangutans were lost between 1999 and 2015 due to palm oil production, other animals are being pushed to extinction and indigenous people are losing their homes.  Furthermore, destruction of rainforests contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions which contributes to climate change.  Many everyday products contain palm oil including lipstick, shampoo, detergent, chocolate, biscuits, soap, ice cream and pizza dough – so it's difficult to avoid it completely.  The solution? Try to choose palm oil free products where you can to cut down your consumption. The lower the demand for palm oil based products, the more likely brands will be to change their policies.  More efforts need to be made to monitor palm oil and make sure it's produced sustainably, without harming animals and forests during the process.


theindependent--2019-02-16--Plan to plant genetically engineered trees throughout US to save dying forests

Plans are under way to plant swathes of genetically engineered trees across the ailing forests of North America in a bid to save them from the ravages of disease and pests.  Species such as the ash tree and whitebark pine have faced catastrophic declines of up to half their populations after creatures introduced from overseas tore through their defences.  With some trees driven to the brink of extinction, some scientists have called for drastic action to help forests fight back against the pests.  “The reason they are so deadly is that native species are not genetically adapted to defend against them,” explained Dr Ines Ibanez, an ecologist from the University of Michigan.  This problem can be fixed by providing trees with the genetic tools they need to fight their attackers.  “People are interested in exploring the potential of biotechnology, which could be used to introduce a specific trait unto a tree species or make it resistant or tolerant a disease or pest,” said Dr Jason Delborne, a social scientist at North Carolina State University  While genetic engineering normally takes place within tight restrictions, these GM trees would be created with the express intention of spreading far and wide.  This prompted the US government to enlist Drs Delborne and Ibanez along with other collaborators from across the academic spectrum to assess whether the nation should embark on such an enormous leap into the unknown.  Their work has come at a crucial time, as efforts to genetically modify trees are already under way.  Perhaps the most successful project has been one targeting the American chestnut, which was all but wiped out by a fungal blight in the mid-1900s.  Chestnuts used to make up around a quarter of the trees in eastern US forests, but after 6 billion were killed the remnant population is nothing but stumps.  But the tree may have found a saviour in the form of a pioneering project led by Professor William Powell at SUNY-ESF, which has created chestnut trees with an extra gene from wheat that detoxifies the fungus.  Tests have shown these new strains are resistant to the blight, providing hope for the future of the species.  “The goal for them is to make it deregulated so they could plant it freely in the environment, then over a decade you could plant chestnut tees and they would spread and repopulate the forest. That’s the vision,” said Prof Powell.  Unlike many GM species, these trees would not be commercial given the primary end goal is simply to restore nature to its former glory and not make money.  Nevertheless, such technologies could still face a backlash, and the scientists presenting their work at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Washington DC urged caution.  “Some people love that idea, others say ‘You want to release a GMO in wild forests, are you kidding?’ said Dr Delborne.  Dr Ibanez said a broad range of measures will be necessary to save the nation’s forests, including breeding programmes and the search for natural genetic resistance in populations. While genetic engineering cannot yet be viewed as a silver bullet to solve the problem, it may still prove essential.  “We may start losing species quite fast, and want to have this in our toolbox,” she said.


bbc--2019-09-20--The man who stopped a mega-dam and saved Borneos rainforest

The man who stopped a mega-dam and saved Borneo's rainforest

Swimming in the Arctic with Down's syndrome  Trym is the first person to live on the Svalbard Islands with Down's syndrome and he isn't letting it hold him back.