He informed that the National Water Commission (NWC) has issued a Prohibition Notice against water wasting, which will take effect on May 24. Story Highlights Mr. Holness made the call while speaking in the House of Representatives on May 21, as he gave an update on the Rural Water Supply Projects to be undertaken for the financial year 2019/20. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is appealing to Jamaicans to conserve water as the country experiences yet another dry period. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is appealing to Jamaicans to conserve water as the country experiences yet another dry period.Mr. Holness made the call while speaking in the House of Representatives on May 21, as he gave an update on the Rural Water Supply Projects to be undertaken for the financial year 2019/20.He informed that the National Water Commission (NWC) has issued a Prohibition Notice against water wasting, which will take effect on May 24.“The effect of this restriction is that persons should not be using piped water for watering gardens, lawns, for refilling supply tanks, ponds, swimming pools and for washing vehicles. It has legal implications and people can be fined and prosecuted,” he warned.Mr. Holness said the Prohibition Notice affects 90 systems right across Jamaica, adding that the NWC will publish the names of the affected systems.“I am appealing to Jamaicans to conserve and to comply with the prohibition,” he said.The Prohibition Order also applies to persons who cause or give permission to others to break the law.
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Need hospital care or tests Some ways to get cost estimates
TRENTON, N.J. — Want to know how much your hospital is going to charge for that knee surgery?U.S. hospitals are now required to post list prices for medical services online, under federal rules meant to help patients find affordable care and avoid hefty surprise bills. The spreadsheets, often thousands of lines long, will leave many patients overwhelmed. Procedures are described in medical jargon and abbreviations. That’s if you can find the lists.“The information is not user-friendly,” says AARP’s David Certner.WHAT IS POSTED ONLINEMost hospitals list standard charges which are far above the prices negotiated by insurance companies. But the posted charges for a surgery, for example, don’t include separate things like room rates for overnight stays. They don’t include fees for every doctor involved in a patient’s treatment. And doctors outside a patient’s insurance network could send big bills separately.Certner said many people will find it hard to compare hospitals because they use different formats to list charges.Seema Verma, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recently called the postings a first step to increase transparency about health care costs. The rule went into effect Jan. 1.The lists don’t show the out-of-pocket costs most patients face, which vary depending on their insurance. Verma said some hospitals already have online tools letting patients enter their insurance information to get estimated charges.Some major insurers, states and other groups also have online cost estimators. Accuracy varies; Consumer Reports reviewed some of the sites. Medicare patients can look up estimated costs for outpatient procedures.WHAT TO LOOK FORIf you need surgery, tests or other hospital services, experts advise price shopping. Call your insurer and check charges at multiple hospitals.— Get the exact description of the test or procedure from your doctor and the billing codes, usually a DRG code for a bundle of related services or multiple CPT codes for treatment components. Ask if care can be provided as an outpatient, which is normally cheaper.— Check with your insurer to see if you need preauthorization and confirm the hospitals and doctors are in network. That can change with insurers’ contracts each January, and online directories can be out of date.— Ask the hospital what it will charge for the procedure, each doctor or other provider’s services, medications, supplies, daily room rates and the facilities fee, which can be charged even for services off the hospital campus.— Ask your insurer what it will reimburse for all those charges and what your estimated costs will be.The website www.clearhealthcosts.com works with newspapers and TV newsrooms in a dozen metropolitan areas and is adding more, says founder Jeanne Pinder. They build databases of hospital and outpatient clinic prices by calling and asking what they charge patients paying cash, a helpful benchmark. Pinder said paying cash can sometimes be cheaper than the out-of-pocket costs with insurance. The site lists what Medicare reimburses for procedures by zip code, another good measuring stick. It also lets patients post what they paid at specific hospitals.WHEN YOU GET THE BILL“It’s very complicated and difficult for people to get a complete picture of what their costs will be” in advance, says Consumer Reports health care policy expert Dena Mendelsohn. That’s partly because complications can occur and services can vary from estimates.Her advice:— Keep records of all cost information provided by your insurer and hospital staff. If possible, get it in writing, in case of problems.— Get an itemized bill. Before paying, check your insurer’s explanation of benefits and confirm you received every service listed.— If you’re charged far more than was estimated, appeal to the hospital and insurer to adjust your bill. If you don’t get results, contact your state’s insurance regulator.___Follow Linda A. Johnson at https://twitter.com/LindaJ_onPharmaLinda A. Johnson, The Associated Press
British PM isolated as Brexit strategy hangs in balance
London: Accused of presiding over an unprecedented national humiliation in her chaotic handling of Brexit, British Prime Minister Theresa May has all but lost control of her party and her government. The Conservative leader has in the past won praise for her determination and ability to survive what has often felt like one long political crisis since the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union. But her approach to the endgame, refusing to accept MPs’ opposition to her divorce deal and agreeing to delay Brexit to try for a third time to get it through, has prompted frustration and anger on all sides. Also Read – Saudi Crown Prince ‘snubbed’ Pak PM, recalled jet from USMinisters from both the pro- and anti-Brexit camps in her cabinet have in recent weeks joined scores of Conservative MPs in defying the government in parliamentary votes. And this weekend, after yet another bruising Brussels summit for the prime minister, British newspapers were full of moves by her colleagues to oust her. In an editorial, Conservative-supporting Spectator magazine suggested May was the “worst prime minister in our history”. It condemned her “lack of imagination, inability to lead a team or solve complex problems” — although it also accused the ruling party itself for failing to find a better leader. Also Read – Record number of 35 candidates in fray for SL Presidential pollsMay’s former director of communications, Katie Perrior, wrote in The Times newspaper that the prime minister was “a passenger at the time when the country needed a rally driver”. She backed a suggestion made by some MPs that May offer to quit if parliament backs her divorce deal, allowing someone else to lead the next stage of the EU negotiations. The top selling The Sun tabloid also embraced this plan, praising May’s “remarkable resilience in the face of repeated humiliations, but saying it was ‘time to move on’.” “She has lost the backing of much of the country and now her party,” the paper said. May took office after the 2016 referendum, and despite having campaigned to stay in the EU, embraced the cause with the mantra “Brexit means Brexit”. Her promise to leave the EU’s institutions and end free movement of workers delighted eurosceptic MPs, but caused dismay among many pro-Europeans. The splits in her Conservative party became a serious problem after a disastrous snap election in June 2017, when May lost her parliamentary majority.
Three UN World Heritage sites removed from endangered list
At the same time the archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime destroyed two huge centuries-old Buddhas, and Ashur (Qal’at Sherqat) in Iraq were simultaneously both inscribed as World Heritage sites and put on the list of World Heritage in Danger.The World Heritage Committee of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reached the decisions at a weeklong meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.Yellowstone, designated a national park in 1872 and inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1978, was put and on the endangered list in 1995 due to concern over adjacent mining operations, the introduction of non-native lake trout, road construction and the pressure of year-round visitors.Following abandonment of the mining project and in recognition of progress achieved in handling other essential issues, the Committee said it decided to withdraw the site from the list while inviting the United States to continue providing information on measures taken and progress accomplished.The Srebarna Nature Reserve, put on the World Heritage List in 1983, was added to the endangered list in 1992 due to progressive destruction of the bird populations’ fresh-water habitat with the reduced flow of water into the site. Bulgaria has since made efforts to supply water from the Danube and stop damaging activities.The Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor was inscribed on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger simultaneously in 1979, when an earthquake seriously damaged many monuments, including four Romanesque churches and the town walls, in the medieval harbour on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro.
Net foreign debt down 981 billion in fourth quarter StatsCan
Net foreign debt down $98.1 billion in fourth quarter: StatsCan AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email The Statistics Canada offices in Ottawa are pictured, May 1, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says the country’s net foreign debt was reduced by $98.1 billion in the fourth quarter.The agency says this put Canada into a net asset position of $26.7 billion.It says the decline in net debt was attributable to relatively stronger foreign equity markets and a weaker Canadian dollar, which raised the value of Canada’s international assets more than it increased the value of international liabilities.During 2013, Canada’s overall net international investment position increased by $328.8 billion, despite an ongoing current account deficit.Canada’s net foreign indebtedness with the United States decreased by $176.4 billion to $280 billion at the end of 2013.At the same time, Canada’s net asset position with the aggregate “other countries” increased by $152.4 billion to $306.7 billion. by The Canadian Press Posted Mar 13, 2014 6:38 am MDT
Quebecor locks out workers from Mirabel printing plant seeks new mediator
MONTREAL – Quebecor has locked out workers at its printing plant in Mirabel, north of Montreal.The Teamsters union said the lockout directly affects 44 press workers, mechanics, electricians and handlers.Meanwhile, the union said it was also trying to address payments for 35 workers who were recently laid off because of lower printing volumes and the ending of commercial activities. Another 15 workers were let go last January.The plant prints a number of newspapers, including Montreal French-language dailies Le Devoir and le Journal de Montreal.Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) said that it had no other choice but lock out employees after months of negotiations failed to reach a new contract. It is seeking the appointment of a different mediator.“We were determined to reach an agreement as soon as possible, …” Richard Tremblay, vice-president of industrial operations, said in a news release.“We do not understand the refusal of the union, especially in a context where neither working conditions nor job security were part of negotiations,” he added.The company said it also acted to “protect the company’s assets” following a difficult lockout in 2006.Union spokesman Stephane Lacroix said it was unclear why the company took such a dramatic action when the two sides aren’t too far apart.“The bosses have not told us clearly what was not working (in the negotiations),” he said in an interview, adding that the union was ready to make compromises on minimum job levels and possible severance pay.“There is a sense that everything was already scripted and choreographed,” he said, nothing the union suspects Quebecor wants to sell the printer.“Rumour has it that the plant is for sale, so this may explain it,” he said.— With files from Lia Levesque by The Canadian Press Posted Sep 1, 2015 8:49 am MDT Last Updated Sep 1, 2015 at 2:20 pm MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Quebecor locks out workers from Mirabel printing plant, seeks new mediator
Ukraine UN humanitarian chief calls for urgent sustained access to vulnerable communities
“I came to Ukraine to see for myself the consequences of the conflict in eastern areas for the civilians living there and those who have been forced to flee,” the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O’Brien, said in a press release issued in Kyiv yesterday at the end of his visit.“As the winter fast approaches, our top priority must be to quickly scale up the coordination and delivery of aid for the most vulnerable people, especially the elderly and ill,” he added.According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which Mr. O’Brien heads, around four million people in eastern Ukraine need assistance and protection. Families do not have access to basic supplies and services, including food, clean water supply, and heating fuel. “Many people, especially those who have not been able to flee to safe areas because they are elderly or sick, are living in homes which, as I saw when I met an elderly woman in Tsentralniye, have been severely damaged in the fighting. People are not able to move freely to seek medical assistance or make a living,” Mr. O’Brien warned.During his visit, Mr. O’Brien, who is also the Emergency Relief Coordinator, met the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and senior officials in the Presidential Administration in Kyiv. It was agreed that strengthening coordination and partnership to ensure that more aid can be delivered to all Ukrainians in dire need was of paramount importance. In the eastern areas, Mr. O’Brien met representatives of the de facto authorities in Luhansk and Donetsk and discussed ways of improving humanitarian access to people in the non-Government controlled areas. “As I met people and heard their stories, I was struck by the urgent need for greater protection and safety, as well as for basic supplies. That is why it has been important to speak to representatives of all conflict parties, who are responsible under international law for protecting and aiding civilians,” Mr. O’Brien said on his return to Kyiv. People are reportedly getting assistance from local organizations, from other countries and from the United Nations and humanitarian partners. However, OCHA noted that it is clear that no single aid source or route will be enough to meet people’s needs this winter. “As a result of my meetings and the welcome assurances I received, I have confidence that I can count upon all the parties to facilitate immediate, unimpeded and sustained aid delivery. We and our partners remain ready to scale up the delivery of vital aid and are activating our plan to commence the transport of some 500 metric tonnes of blankets, food, medical supplies and shelter repair materials for people in the Luhansk area in the next few days,” announced Mr. O’Brien.“As impartial, neutral and independent humanitarians, we will continue to coordinate with all parties so that we can get to the people who need help, urge all sides to allow free movement of civilians and aid workers, and to mobilize further funds to enable this critical work,” he added. The Under-Secretary-General also noted that the UN “must do more to tell the world of the human suffering in the conflict areas.” He said international attention has been largely focused on the military and political situation in Ukraine, whereas “above all, peace and stability are what the Ukrainian people need.”
Geneva Motor Show report UK manufacturers make headlines
A plethora of the UK’s diverse car manufacturers turned out at the Geneva Motor Show 2014 this week to show off their latest creations. The varying nature of the vehicles on display was a testament to the country’s thriving automotive industry.Making headlines at the start of the show was Jaguar, which released the first picture of its upcoming mid-sized saloon, naming it the XE. Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralph Speth, announced that the new saloon will use a range of engines from its new £500 million i54 manufacturing facility in Wolverhampton. He also revealed that it will be the first aluminium construction car in its class and that a production version will be shown later this year.Land Rover also announced that its Discovery brand will spawn a family of SUVs, the first of which will be shown at the Detroit motor show early next year. The introduction of multiple models is expected to further increase the output of JLR’s UK facilities.The new MINI hatchback, which recently went into production at the manufacturer’s Oxford plant, was also on display along with the Clubman concept. Previewing the successor to the current UK-built model, the concept features a more conventional layout than that of the current car with two rear doors rather than one – although barn-style doors remain in place of a traditional bootlid.A number of styling tweaks and a new 1.2 DIG-T petrol engine were shown on the Nissan Juke: revisions that could keep the Sunderland-built car among the top 10 new cars registered in 2014.The UK’s luxury and sports car manufacturers were also out in force, with Bentley showing its revised GTC Speed and reporting that orders for its new SUV, due in 2016, have already exceeded 2,000.Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce showed off its second-generation Ghost, a car which has helped increase the Goodwood facility’s output from 1,212 in 2008 to 3,630 in 2013. With customers keen for the Ghost’s shape to remain unchanged, the ‘baby Rolls’ gets mild styling tweaks and the Wraith’s eight-speed ZF gearbox, which connects to the satellite navigation system.Woking-based McLaren also caused a stir with its new 650S. Developed to sit above the 12C, the 650S takes styling cues from the P1 and is expected to increase the brand’s penetration in a number of markets.To learn more about the UK’s diverse automotive industry, download SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2014.Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Ohio State ranked No 3 for 3rd straight week in College Football
Redshirt senior tight end Nick Vannett (81) runs with the ball during a game against Illinois on Nov. 14 in Champaign, Illinois. OSU won 28-3. Credit: Samantha Hollingshead | Photo EditorFor the third time in as many editions of the poll, the College Football Playoff committee has Ohio State (10-0) slotted as the third-best team in the country.The Buckeyes soundly defeated Illinois 28-3 on Saturday, but it was not enough to eclipse No. 1 Clemson or No. 2 Alabama for the one of the top two spots after those teams topped Syracuse and Mississippi State, respectively.Holding strong as well in the top four is No. 4 Notre Dame, who kept the final playoff spot after beating Wake Forest 28-7.Iowa remained one of the five undefeated teams in the country after edging Minnesota 40-35, but the win was not seen as impressive enough to join OSU as a second Big Ten team in the playoff picture in the eyes of the committee.Following the Hawkeyes is a series of changes after former No. 6 Baylor and No. 7 Stanford were each upended at home. Sliding into the No. 6 spot is undefeated Oklahoma State, while Oklahoma, which handed Baylor its first loss, jumped from No. 12 to No. 7.Like last week, six Big Ten teams made the top 25. In addition to No. 3 OSU and No. 5 Iowa, No. 9 Michigan State, No. 12 Michigan, No. 20 Northwestern and No. 25 Wisconsin remained in the poll.Under the current standings, No. 1 Clemson would face No. 4 Notre Dame while No. 2 Alabama would square off with No. 3 OSU in a rematch of last season’s Sugar Bowl. Both games are scheduled to be played on Dec. 31.A new set of rankings is to be released each Tuesday for the remaining two weeks of the regular season, followed by the final rankings on Dec. 6, the day after conference championship games conclude.The entire third draft of the top 25 can be found below: Clemson Alabama Ohio State Notre Dame Iowa Oklahoma State Oklahoma Florida Michigan State Baylor Stanford Michigan Utah Florida State LSU Navy North Carolina TCU Houston Northwestern Memphis Mississippi Oregon USCWisconsin
Podcast Deflategate And We Pick An NBA DraftFix Winner
More: Apple Podcasts | ESPN App | RSS | Embed Welcome to this week’s episode of Hot Takedown, our podcast where the hot sports takes of the week meet the numbers that prove them right or tear them down. On this week’s show (May 13, 2015), we look at the fallout from the NFL’s investigation into the deflation of balls during last year’s AFC Championship game, which led to the suspension of Tom Brady and the loss of two draft picks for the New England Patriots. We’ll reveal the final results of our crowdsourcing project to fix the NBA lottery and stop tanking in the league. And we’ll discuss our significant digit of the week, which covers mental health and college athletes.Stream the episode by clicking the play button, or subscribe using one of the podcast clients we’ve linked to above.Below are some links to what we discuss in this week’s show:The FiveThirtyEight staff dissects the Deflategate report.Benjamin Morris looks at what would have happened if Tom Brady had missed four games every year.Why the loss of draft picks hurts the Patriots more than the loss of Brady.Our fix-the-NBA-draft crowdsource project: Original Form | First Update | Weird Ideas | Finalists.Significant Digit: Suicide is the third leading cause of death among college athletes. Read Kate Fagan’s ESPN The Magazine article on Madison Holleran here. Hot Takedown Embed Code If you’re a fan of our podcasts, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating/review. That helps spread the word to other listeners. And get in touch by email, on Twitter or in the comments. Tell us what you think, send us hot takes to discuss and tell us why we’re wrong.
Scientists awarded Nobel prize in chemistry for work to visualize biomolecules
Members of the Nobel Committee announce the 2017 chemistry prizeJacques Dubochet of Switzerland, Joachim Frank of the US and Richard Henderson of the UK were awarded the prize for cryo-electron microsopy.The technique allows scientists to freeze biomolecules in action and “visualise processes they have never previously seen,” according to the Nobel statement.The method means that, for example, molecules in bacteria and viruses — such as the Zika virus — can be examined under a microscope in their native, undamaged state.This development is “decisive for both the basic understanding of life’s chemistry” and the development of drugs, the Nobel committee said.The announcement was made Wednesday in Stockholm. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)RelatedTiny machines win chemistry Nobel prizeOctober 5, 2016In “latest news”First woman Physics Nobel winner in 55 yearsOctober 2, 2018In “latest news”Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to British trio for study of exotic matterOctober 4, 2016In “latest news” By Judith Vonberg, CNNThe Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2017 has been awarded to three scientists for their pioneering work developing new methods of visualising biomolecules, such as those in the Zika virus. ‘Immense’ practical useUntil now, scientists have been unable to produce detailed images of many biological molecules that are the building blocks of life.Previous techniques often required the use of dyes or fixatives to help see these molecules. In the past, electron microscopes were also assumed to be useful only in imaging dead material due to electron beams destroying biological matter.Now, with the development of cryo-electron microscopy, researchers can freeze biomolecules mid-movement and observe how they act — and interact.Speaking at the conference by telephone, Frank said that the development of cryo-electron microscopy “fills an important gap and extends the range of molecules that can be determined at atomic resolution.” “We are facing a revolution in biochemistry,” said Nobel Committee Chairman Sara Snogerup Linse during the announcement. “Now we can see the intricate details of the biomolecules in every corner of our cells, in every drop of our body fluids. We can understand how they are built and how they act and how they work together in large communities.”“Soon there are no more secrets,” she said. Initial reactions from the academic community of chemists have been positive.John Hardy, professor of neuroscience at University College London, described the development of cryo-electron microscopy as “transformative.”“To give one example, last year the 3D structure of the enzyme producing the amyloid (protein) of Alzheimer’s disease was published using this technology,” Hardy said. “Knowing this structure opens up the possibility of rational drug design in this area.”“A visual image is the essential component to understanding,” said Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz,professor of mammalian development and stem-cell biology at the University of Cambridge. Such an image is often the first thing to “open our eyes, and so our minds, to a scientific breakthrough.”The prize comes with an award of 9 million Swedish kronor ($1.1 million), shared when there are multiple recipients.Previous winners include Marie Curie, known for her pioneering work on radioactivity, and Mario J. Molina, the first person to discover the damaging effect of CFC gases (found in refrigerators and spray cans) on the ozone layer.Chemistry was the second prize mentioned in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will and was the most important of the sciences for his own work, according to the official website of the Nobel Prize.This year’s winners of the Physics and Physiology or Medicine Prizes were announced earlier this week. The prizes for Literature, Peace and Economics will be awarded in the coming days.Clarification: This story has been updated to clarify that bacteria and viruses, including the Zika virus, are made up of molecules. He described the practical uses of the technique as “immense” but said that it would take several years before the implications would be fully understood.Frank was born in Germany in 1940 and is now a professor at Columbia University in New York.His Swiss colleague Dubochet was born in 1942 and is honorary professor of biophysics at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.The third recipient, Richard Henderson, was born in Scotland in 1945 and works at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England.
Varadkar says he will not rescind Donald Trumps invitation to visit Ireland
Short URL TAOISEACH LEO VARADKAR has said he will not rescind US President Donald Trump’s invitation to visit Ireland.The invite was extended to Trump by the former Taosieach Enda Kenny during his St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House in March.Prior to the visit, Varadkar said that he “wouldn’t be keen” on inviting Donald Trump to visit Ireland. Source: TheJournal.ie/YouTubeWhen asked during his second Leaders’ Questions session today if he would rescind the invitation, he said he would not.“I will not, of course, rescind that invitation,” he said, adding that to do so would be “inappropriate” and would create a “diplomatic incident”.He said no progress has been made in organising such a visit and there is no timeline for it. Varadkar added:I assure the deputy that in any dealings I have with the American Government and in the interactions and engagement I have with the chargé d’affaires who is here and who is acting US ambassador to Ireland, I will approach them based on the long-standing friendship that exists between our countries and the familial, cultural and economic links but I will never shirk from raising issues such as climate change. 17,056 Views Varadkar says he will not rescind Donald Trump’s invitation to visit Ireland Varadkar said rescinding the invite would cause a diplomatic incident. Wednesday 21 Jun 2017, 2:25 PM http://jrnl.ie/3455902 45 Comments 
Share7 Tweet Email By Christina Finn Jun 21st 2017, 2:25 PM I totally reject and oppose President Trump’s attempt to withdraw the US from the commitments made in Paris. I will also raise our concerns regarding human rights and LGBT rights and other issues in America that very much oppose the values of the new European centre that I talk about.The Green Party’s Eamon Ryan asked the new Taoiseach what he was going to protest against some of Trump’s policies. Leo Varadkar and Donald Trump Source: PAVaradkar said if he visits the US in the future or if he attends the White House next March, he will raise issues such as climate change, LGBT rights, and immigrant rights.“I will absolutely include in those meetings discussions of the issues he mentioned, whether it is climate change, human rights, LGBT rights, and the need to respect Muslim people, whether they are citizens of our country or another country.”He said he will “never shirk” from raising such issues, adding that he totally rejects the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement on climate change.The Taoiseach said he will “absolutely” raise such matters in any such meetings he has with the US president.Varadkar made reference to the speech US President John F Kennedy made in the Dáil in 1963 when he said that the power small countries have is to use their voice to set an example. “That is exactly what I intend to do,” he said.Confidence in the Garda Commissioner In his second session taking Leaders’ Questions today, Varadkar was also asked by Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald if he had confidence in the Garda Commissioner, Noirin O’Sullivan.O’Sullivan was before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday to answer questions on the financial irregularities in the Garda Training College at Templemore.McDonald urged Varadkar not to turn a blind eye to the scandals like his predecessor Enda Kenny.Yesterday, the Commissioner “could not or would not convey her confidence in her senior officers,” she said, asking the Taoiseach how the public are meant to have confidence in the force, when the Commissioner does not.“Do you have confidence in the Garda Commissioner,” asked McDonald.Varadkar said he does have confidence in the Garda Commissioner, as does the government. He said O’Sullivan is “fighting battles on many fronts”.“That is most uninspiring,” replied McDonald, who pointed out he is treading down the same path as Enda Kenny.Varadkar said the Charlton Tribunal is underway, as is a number of other investigations into garda scandals.He said he would not rush to judgement until such investigations are completed.“I don’t believe in kangaroo courts,” said Varadkar, adding: “I understand that you come from a political tradition that is okay with that, but I do not.”Attorney General appointmentMeanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin called for a full debate on the appointment of the former Attorney General, Maire Whelan, to the Court of Appeal.Martin came in for criticism from Varadkar for comments he made yesterday in the Dáil.Yesterday, Varadkar said that in the past Fianna Fáil had appointed people such as Supreme Court judge Frank Clarke and former Supreme Court judge Adrian Hardiman.To which Martin replied: “Máire Whelan is no Frank Clarke. Máire Whelan is no Adrian Hardiman.”Varadkar said he wanted to offer Martin the opportunity to retract the comments made.The Taoiseach said he is concerned about the aspirations that were made against Whelan and her capabilities. He said he wanted Martin to be “mindful of the separation of powers” and wanted to give him the opportunity to withdraw his comments.“You said she was lesser than other people … less capable than people that you mentioned,” Varadkar said.“Take the opportunity to withdraw it,” butted in Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.You brought in the personalities – you named names, said Martin, adding that none of the other judges mentioned are subject to tribunal findings and citing the Fennelly report which criticises the former Attorney General Maire Whelan.The matter is due to be debated in the Dáil later this afternoon.Read: The 8 answers the Commissioner gave when asked if she had confidence in her team>Read: ‘People are dying on waiting lists’: Harris urged to fix health service once and for all> Tweet thisShare on FacebookEmail this article
Première mondiale un patient traité avec des cellules souches embryonnaires
Première mondiale : un patient traité avec des cellules souches embryonnairesÉtats-Unis – Pour la première fois au monde, une personne a été traitée avec des cellules souches embryonnaires humaines, ou du moins des dérivés, dans le cadre d’un essai clinique unique.Le patient qui a profité de ce traitement est atteint de paralysie. Bénéficiant d’une étude clinique autorisée par la FDA ou Autorité fédérale des médicaments, il s’est vu injecter des cellules dérivées de cellules souches embryonnaires humaines, dans l’espoir que ces dernières renouvellent les cellules nerveuses touchées par la paralysie, explique l’AFP.C’est la firme de biotechnologie Geron Corporation qui est à la tête de cet essai, et son PDG explique à l’Agence France Presse : “Le début de l’essai clinique GRNOPC1 est une étape importante pour les thérapies humaines basées sur les cellules souches embryonnaires. Quand nous avons commencé à travailler sur ce projet en 1999, beaucoup prédisaient plusieurs décennies avant que ces thérapies cellulaires soient approuvées pour des essais cliniques chez l’homme”. Plusieurs participants ont été choisis pour cet essai, mais leur blessure doit être récente pour profiter de cette nouvelle technologie : le traitement doit intervenir dans les 14 jours suivant l’accident. Si cette nouvelle forme de traitement constitue une première mondiale, elle est aussi très controversée, du fait qu’elle utilise des embryons humains.Le 12 octobre 2010 à 16:37 • Emmanuel Perrin
Kingdom Hearts 28 HD gets delayed to 2017
This generation has been notorious for two things: game delays and remasters. Typically, these two things never intersected since remastered titles usually launch on time. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case as it has just been revealed that the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD is being pushed back from its original release date of December 2016 to January of 2017.This revelation comes courtesy of the latest trailer for the game which was shown during this year’s Tokyo Game Show event. The game is only being delayed by a few weeks, but a delay is a delay and I’m sure folks who were looking forward to playing this collection will be disappointed to hear this news. The trailer below shows how the remastered looks at this point and reveals some new cinematic scenes. Of course, these cutscenes will only make sense to die-hard fans of the series.Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD contains three games: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep – A Fragment Passage, and Kingdom Hearts X Back Cover. The first one of those is a remaster of a 3DS game, but the latter two are new entries in the series. The only full game of the collection is Dream Drop Distance, with Back Cover being a short chapter, and Birth by Sleep being an extended cinema.With Kingdom Hearts 2.8 being delayed, this raises the question of what will happen to Kingdom Hearts 3. Square-Enix has previously said that the game will not be finished anytime soon, but will the delay of this remaster affect the release of Kingdom Hearts 3? It’s hard to tell, but whatever the case may be, it seems fans of the franchise would do well the learn the virtues of patience.Unless it experiences another delay, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 HD will be released on January 24 for the PlayStation 4.
India Finds Lost Vikram Lander on Moons Surface
Stay on target India Loses Contact With Chandrayaan-2 Vikram Moon LanderIndia’s Chandrayaan-2 Vikram Lander Splits From Moon Orbiter India’s Chandrayaan-2 orbiter found the nation’s lost Vikram lander on the moon’s surface, according to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials.The Vikram lander, which attempted to touchdown on the lunar surface on September 6, is still not providing a signal at this time, Space.com reported. ISRO chairman K. Sivan announced that the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter spotted the missing Vikram lander on Sunday and efforts to re-establish contact with the spacecraft will continue for at least two weeks, the Times of India noted in a report.Now we are the first country to land on the southern pole of the moon Big Congratulations to team @isro Hope we can communicate Vikram Lander soon @PMOIndia #VikramLanderFound pic.twitter.com/fZegAXHQaA— ISRO Official Update (@shivraj_Office) September 8, 2019“The Vikram Lander followed the planned descent trajectory from its orbit of 35 km to just below 2 km above the surface. All the systems and sensors of the Lander functioned excellently until this point and proved many new technologies such as variable thrust propulsion technology used in the Lander,” the ISRO said in a press statement. “[To] date 90 to 95 percent of the mission objectives have been accomplished and will continue contributing to Lunar science, notwithstanding the loss of communication with the Lander.”Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Chairman of Defence Research&Development Organisation (DRDO): I think, after that gesture, ISRO scientists again started working on the mission, started looking for what actually happened & that’s how they could locate the rover also. #Chandrayaan2 https://t.co/bjA02NKlFT— ISRO Official Update (@shivraj_Office) September 8, 2019On Friday, the Vikram lander failed to communicate with the ISRO while attempting a historic landing on the moon’s surface. When the Vikram lander was only 1.2 miles above the moon’s south pole region, the ISRO lost contact with the probe, which was a stressful moment for everyone involved in the mission.Breaking – ISRO has found out the exact location of Vikram Lander on lunar Surface. Orbiter has clicked an thermal image of Lander. Communication yet to be established. #Chandrayaan2#ISROweareproudofyou pic.twitter.com/9KGs7KlUYj— ISRO Official Update (@shivraj_Office) September 8, 2019Despite this challenge, the ISRO said the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is in good condition and that it may have a life of almost seven years instead of its planned 12-month mission.The Vikram lander is also carrying Pragyan, the Chandrayaan-2 mission’s rover that is expected to spend 14 Earth days (one lunar day) collecting chemical and mineral samples from the lunar surface. The ISRO did not provide an update on the rover’s condition or when it will begin its tasks on the lunar surface yet.More on Geek.com:India Loses Contact With Chandrayaan-2 Vikram Moon LanderIndia’s Chandrayaan-2 Vikram Lander Splits From Moon OrbiterIndia’s Chandrayaan-2 Spacecraft Takes Close-Up Pictures of the Moon
Another title match set for NXT TakeOver Phoenix NXT star scheduled for
NXT Highlights: Johnny Gargano addresses NXT future, Baszler vs. Ripley, Pete Dunne in action Twitter Facebook WWE has confirmed another championship match for NXT TakeOver: Phoenix.Ricochet will defend the NXT North American Championship against Johnny Gargano on the special airing live on January 26 during the Royal Rumble weekend.Already announced for the show is Tommaso Ciampa defending the NXT Championship against Aleister Black, while The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong) defend the NXT Tag Team Championships against The War Raiders.NXT star scheduled for surgery todayNXT star Dakota Kai announced she would be undergoing surgery on Thursday to repair a torn ACL. Kai suffered the injury at a recent NXT live event in Green Bay.I’m about to head into surgery, so let me give you an update ♡ pic.twitter.com/GSwhIhRjBV— Kingslayer (@DakotaKai_WWE) January 17, 2019 WALTER and Kassius Ohno set to compete at EVOLVE 135 and 136 Live Events WhatsApp
Pinterest Adam Martin RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR 9/13 NXT Live Results: Cocoa, FL (Dain vs. Kushida, NXT North American Title Match) Google+
Richarlison and Silva enjoying a smooth relationship
Everton legend Leon Osman says that he doesn’t think Evertonians needs to worry about new boy Richarlison’s performance levels dropping off too much.The former Toffees playmaker suggested that Richarlison enjoys working with Everton boss Marco Silva and that the relationship they have will ensure Richarlison’s match ratings never dip.He said, “That’s the hope. I wouldn’t say there is a fear he is going to drop off. You have to understand young players do have moments in a season.“With the combination he has with Silva, the work they did at Watford and have started to do at Everton; you expect him to be working at these levels for a lot longer during the season.“We’ve seen his moments of magic. His second goal against Wolves was fantastic, and he’s got that determination to be in the box, in that centre forward’s position where goals are scored.
Premier League Betting: Match-day 5 Stuart Heath – September 14, 2019 Going into the Premier League’s match-day five with a gap already beginning to form at the top of the league. We will take a…“If you’ve got a guy who can do the silky touches on the wing and help his team with regards to build-up, and also want to be in the penalty area to be on the end of crosses, you’ve found yourself a player.“If you’ve got a manager who believes in you, and is sending you out every week with the right message that will inspire to give your best and play in a relaxed manner, then you will see that throughout the whole season.“When Silva moved on last season, Richarlison wasn’t getting those confidence boosters he needed weekly, and we didn’t see the same player.“But Everton fans will be expecting, especially with a young player maybe not nine out of 10s every week, but certainly seven out of 10s every week.”
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher hails Lingards impact
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has hailed the impact of Jesse Lingard following the club’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur.United visited Wembley Stadium looking for their fifth consecutive victory in the Premier League under the tutelage of caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Marcus Rashford scored the only goal on the stroke halftime to give the Red Devils ahard-fought 1-0 victory over Mauricio Pochettino’s men.Solskjaer tweaked the United formation with Jesse Lingard playing in the false 9 role, with Anthony Martial and Rashford playing out wide, and Fletcher has hailed the impact of the England international.
Solskjaer praises Harry Maguire after Man United’s 1-0 win Andrew Smyth – September 14, 2019 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer singled out Harry Maguire for praise after helping Manchester United keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Leicester City.“A key part of being at the top of the diamond was Lingard.” the five-time Premier League winner with United said, according to Daily Mail.“He was all around the central midfielders winning the ball back, putting them under pressure and reading the passes. That is what leads to the winning goal.”“You can see by the reaction of the staff to the goal, that is a gameplan coming together and working perfectly.”
How will the limits on salary sacrifice tax advantages impact benefits strategies
In the Autumn Statement 2016 presented on 23 November, Chancellor Philip Hammond confirmed that the government will limit the range of benefits that attract tax advantages when offered through a salary sacrifice arrangement.The announcement followed a government consultation, which ran from 10 August to 19 October 2016. Following the Autumn Statement, draft legislation was published on 5 December, with final legislation due to be introduced in the Finance Bill 2017.From 6 April 2017, the government will limit the income tax and employer national insurance contribution (NIC) advantages where benefits are offered through a salary sacrifice arrangement or where the employee is provided with a choice between a benefit in kind (BIK) and cash allowance.From this date, the taxable value of BIKs where cash has been forgone will be fixed at the higher of the current taxable value or the value of the cash forgone.Arrangements in place before 6 April 2017 will be protected until 6 April 2018, or when the contract comes to an end, comes up for renewal or undergoes modification, whichever is the earlier. Arrangements for cars, accommodation and school fees will be protected until 6 April 2021.Some benefits are exempt from the changes, including pensions and pensions advice, childcare, bikes-for-work schemes, and ultra-low emission cars (ULEVs).The potential repercussions of these changes have been resonating around the benefits sector for some time. The government’s confirmation of the move, however, has evoked mixed reactions from the industry. While some sectors of the industry are understandably concerned about the change, others have seen a more positive side.One underlying theme that has emerged, for example, is the need for innovation.Without tax advantages, gaining group discounts will now become more important, said John Harding, employment tax partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC). He also expects the car provider market to increase its focus on ULEVs.The changes will likely lead to an increase in voluntary benefit arrangements.Employers looking to retain savings advantages could do so through benefits such as pensions salary sacrifice, holiday purchase schemes, and ULEVs, said Mark Groom, partner at Deloitte. This is particularly relevant for employers that currently use the employer NI savings made from providing benefits via salary sacrifice to help cover the costs of other benefits offerings, for example, a flexible benefits platform.Harding said: “Any employer that has a flex scheme going live, renewing or relaunching prior to April should take advice because it will need to decide whether the arrangements [it is] putting in place will be compliant under the new regime and what, if any, communications it needs to provide to employees about those likely changes.”
Senate Vote Postponed While Governor Rallies For Full PFD
The 10-8 vote came after a divided Senate adopted an amendment calling for a full payout, with checks to qualified residents estimated to be around $3,000. The Senate rejected a full dividend payout from the state’s oil-wealth fund as part of the debate over this year’s check during a floor session on Tuesday. The bill needed 11 votes to pass. Senator Peter Micciche: “So, although we had a 10-8 majority on the bill it required 11 votes. Senator Shower will be returning on Friday morning, after a work assignment, we are certainly hoping to have another vote. We hope to rescind our action and have another vote on that bill, and we hope that will be the 11th vote to move the bill across the finish line with a $3,000 PFD.” While the Senate finds time to convene for a final vote, Governor Mike Dunleavy hosted a “Rally to Restore the PFD” in Wasilla on Thursday: “I’m incredibly proud of the people of Alaska, It’s you that makes this state a great state. It’ll be you that keeps the government going in the manner it should be going.” Facebook0TwitterEmailPrintFriendly分享After a nearly two-hour internal meeting on Thursday, members of the Senate say they are prepared to vote Monday on the state’s operating budget and legislation setting a $3,000 Permanent Fund dividend.