Colombian Defense Minister Santos Raises Reward For Capture of FARC Leaders
By Dialogo March 27, 2009 Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos increased rewards for information leading to the capture of the FARC’s top two commanders, Alfonso Cano and Jorge Briceño, to 7 million pesos ($2.9 million) each. Meanwhile, in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, admirers hailed a former Colombian guerrilla leader as a hero on the anniversary of his death, while Colombian officials boosted cash rewards for his top two successors. Some 100 supporters marched past Venezuela’s presidential palace carrying red flags and posters of Colombian revolutionary Manuel Marulanda, whose real name was Pedro Antonio Marin. The state-funded television network Telesur, meanwhile, showed video of what it said was Marulanda’s funeral. Rebels were shown carrying his flag-draped coffin through a forest. Telesur did not say how it had obtained the footage. Marulanda co-founded the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, the Western Hemisphere’s last remaining rebel army. He died of a heart attack on March 26, 2008, at age 78 and is believed to be buried in southern Colombia. Colombian officials say they believe he died in rugged mountains near the town of Uribe, cradle of the 45-year-old rebel movement. “Long live Marulanda, long live the FARC!” Hector Rodriguez, a leader of the Venezuelan Communist Youth, shouted in a fiery speech in downtown Caracas. Participant Santiago Palacios, a member of the Venezuelan Communist Party, said President Hugo Chavez’s government had no role in the march, which he said was organized by the regional leftist group Coordinadora Continental Bolivariana and its Venezuelan affiliates. But Colombia’s government, which has used billions of dollars in U.S. aid to batter the guerrillas, says documents found in the laptop computer of a rebel leader killed last year indicate that the CCB was formed by the FARC _ a charge that CCB leaders deny. Other documents allegedly found in the laptop suggest that Chavez sought to fund the FARC, and Colombian officials say Venezuela continues to provide rebels refuge. Chavez calls both claims bogus. Colombia’s police chief, Gen. Oscar Naranjo, also announced the arrest of 10 alleged FARC members he said planned to assassinate Santos on his ranch south of Bogota during Easter Week.
JTF-Bravo Brings 10,900 kg of Food and Carries Out 15 Rescues in Panama
By Roberto López Dubois/Dialogo November 12, 2020 Members of U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo) continue rescue efforts, humanitarian support, and transportation of health care personnel in areas of Panama affected by flood and mudslides due to Hurricane Eta.As of November 11, the JTF-Bravo team has carried out some 15 rescues of people who were trapped in dangerous areas due to flooding. The U.S. mission in Panama has also transported about 10,900 kilograms of food as well as water to communities in Chriquí province and the Comarca Ngabe-Buglé, which were without supplies for a few days following the hurricane.Members of JTF-Bravo partnered with the Panamanian National Civil Protection System to deliver live-saving and urgent supplies of water and 4,535 kg of food to a community in Panama that was left isolated for 96 hours following the effects of Hurricane Eta, November 7, 2020. (Photo: U.S. Air Force Captain Rachel Salpietra)In addition, JTF-Bravo conducted reconnaissance flights with its helicopters to determine the damage to roads and infrastructure, and has evacuated people isolated by floods and landslides, and transported the bodies of victims from areas without land access.“Thanks to the tireless work of our government team, the solidarity of the Panamanians and the Joint Task Force team, medical supplies, medicine, bags of food and utensils continue to arrive to the affected communities in Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí,” said Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo on Twitter.Among the rescues made, the JTF-Bravo Public Affairs Office highlighted that of a 70 year-old man and his dog who were found weak due to lack of food and water. “We were told that he walked for seven days with his dog from the province of Bocas [del Toro] to Chiriquís. He apparently lost his horse along the way due to landslides,” JTF-Bravo Public Affairs Office shared with Diálogo.According to U.S. Navy Captain Matthew Turner, senior Defense cooperation officer in Panama, some HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were already in Panama in preparation for an operation scheduled for January 2021 with the Ministry of Public Security, which allowed for immediate support to the affected areas.“Working together, we have been able to rescue several people from hard to reach places, as well as [transport] more than 40,000 pounds [18,144 kg] of humanitarian aid, water, food, medicine to people in rural areas; we have had a very close collaboration, and we are happy to be able to help Panama,” said Capt. Turner.JTF-Bravo Public Affairs Office said that as of the morning of November 11, the force had rescued 118 people throughout Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama and delivered 81,193 pounds of life-saving supplies.
NextGen Know-How: 5 books to help elevate your culture this year
continue reading » ShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr To elevate the culture of your credit union, you must set the standard for leadership and performance. This starts at the executive level. The first thing the executive team must do today to positively impact the leadership quality of the credit union is to declare that you will no longer promote for technical proficiency. To create an exceptional culture, you must start by creating exceptional leaders. This means instilling hiring and promotion practices that focus on leadership qualities, not technical skills. It also means we must train managers and executives to be influential, modern leaders.
Most organizations are average. They are stuck—not moving forward and not growing. Why? One answer is that average organizations have average leaders. It is still standard practice for many organizations to promote employees for their technical skills, rather than their ability to lead and inspire other people. This practice perpetuates mediocre culture.I believe there are three main reasons organizations are average:As noted above, employees are promoted for technical proficiency, and not leadership proficiency.The organization’s leaders are conflict-avoidant.Cultural health is not a strategic priority.
Financial forethought for Fido
According to a 2018 survey, almost 70% of households in the US own a pet, and approximately a third of these will need an emergency trip to the veterinarian each year. This can be a major expense, with the average annual cost of this care ranging from $800 to $1,500 for cats and dogs. However, with careful planning, you can meet your pet’s health needs without depleting your savings account. Here are a few ideas…Pet Insurance: According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, more than two million pets in North America are insured. This option is growing in popularity, with some employers now offering pet insurance in their benefits packages. Monthly premiums can range from $10-100 per month, but compare this with paying more than $5,000 out of pocket for your pet to receive cancer treatment. If possible, get pet insurance when your pet is young and healthy – pre-existing conditions are frequently excluded.Family Budgeting: Adding a line item to your family’s monthly budget for your pets can cover the cost of pet insurance or provide a dedicated financial resource as issues arise (or both!). Including an allocation for your pet in the family emergency fund is a similar strategy for larger-scale concerns. This includes natural disasters, which could result in medical emergencies and other challenges for your pets.Preventative Medicine: Annual check-ups for your pet can save you money by helping avoid pet emergencies or major medical bills altogether. Spaying or neutering your fluffy friend can also help prevent health problems, including some cancers. An inexpensive topical solution can help your pet avoid parasites such as fleas and ticks, which means avoiding life-threatening anemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.Talk to Your Vet: If you already have a pet, your vet can educate you on which vaccines you can skip. While some prevent serious and costly diseases, others are for more mild conditions and aren’t always effective. If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, your vet can talk to you about genetic conditions common to certain breeds, which can help you plan early and more realistically for your new pet’s ongoing care. 218SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr,Ed SanFilippo Edward J. SanFilippo is a freelance writer, editor, and researcher with expertise across a broad range of topics. He has nearly 20 years of experience writing for public agencies, private … Web: www.financialfeed.com Details
Do This: Long Island Events June 25 – July 1
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York Art ReceptionCome celebrate the visionary creations of the many faculty and staff members of the Gold Coast Arts Center with an eye-opening, multi-dimensional inaugural reception that transcends mediums, styles and skills. Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck. goldcoastarts.org Free. 6 p.m. June 25.Art BenefitAn opening reception for the 14th Annual Benefit Art Show at the Fire Island Lighthouse, featuring local artists displaying their nautical artwork in the Fire Island Lighthouse Keepers Quarters. Exhibit runs through July 19. All artwork for sale. Robert Moses State Park, Robert Moses Causeway, east of Field 5, Fire Island. fireislandlighthouse.com Free. 6 p.m. June 25.Jeff RossFresh off his latest standup special, Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals: Live at Brazos County Jail, the Roastmaster General is back on the road and bringing his funny act to Long Island. The Newark-native is best known for his brutal Comedy Central roasts of celebrities including Justin Bieber, Charlie Sheen, Donald Trump and many more. Read our interview with “the meanest man in comedy” HERE. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $52.50. 8 p.m. June 25.This Life We LiveIn 2009, four veterans of other groups met at a jam session in Long Island City and formed a metal band that has gone on to amass “fellow crows,” as they like to call their fans (no, not the Night’s Watch). Their latest EP Novena was released on iTunes in May. Warming up the crowd are Thorn Constellation and Thracian. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com. $10. 8 p.m. June 25.Mary Higgins ClarkThis No. 1 New York Times bestselling author will speak about and sign her new novel The Melody Lingers On. The latest from the “Queen of Suspense” is a thrilling novel about missing billions, a disgraced financier and those determined to learn the truth at any cost. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com. Price of Book, 7 p.m. June 25.Andrew “Dice” ClayThe controversial comic from Brooklyn who was once banned from MTV because of his infamous “adult nursery rhymes” remains popular despite his critics. He claims to be the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. Die-hard fans can still recall his stirring role in the cult classic film, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. New recruits to “The Dice Man” will know his recently released autobiography, The Filthy Truth. Come see why he unabashedly calls himself the “Undisputed Heavy Weight King of Comedy.” He has scheduled five back-to-back performances. Governor’s of Levittown, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. Govs.govs.com $55. Various times, June 25-27.Huntington Summer Arts Festival KickoffOpening weekend of this summer-long festival includes the Huntington Men’s Choir on June 25, The Rad Trads jazz ensemble on June 26 and a special performance by The Chapin Family, including Harry’s daughter, Jen, his brothers Tom and Steve, and their daughters and son. Various events run through Aug. 9, including a special all-day celebration of John Coltrane’s jazz on July 5 featuring his son Ravi Coltrane in concert. The Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park, Huntington. huntingtontonarts.org. Free. Various dates and times. Sandcastle ContestsWeekly sandcastle contests will be held every Thursday starting June 25 through Aug. 27. Sand sculptors may use sand, water, and any other natural materials native to the beach. Prizes in various categories awarded each week. Hither Hills State Park, Montauk Hwy., Montauk. nysparks.com Free. Registration 9:30-10:30 a.m. Every Thursday at Hither Hills State Park’s beach house.Survey Says!This six-member band from Blairstown, N.J., has performed pop/punk/ska for the past three years. With over 200 shows in North America under their belt, their latest album, Observations of the Human Condition, released last year, gives fans more energetic jams to follow. Opening the show are Lila Ignite, Lucidity, Listen Close, Wait For It and O.B.S. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Broadway, Amityville. clubloaded.com. $12, $14 DOS. 5 p.m. June 26.H20Their first song back in 1994 was just a side project. Six albums later, with a seventh to be released this year, the New York City-born hardcore punk band is still kicking. That may not last forever, though. Some fans speculate Was Here will be the band’s final album. With such an impressive record, bringing a key definition to the term “melodic hardcore,” H20 must be caught while they’re still touring. How can you pass them up? Supporting acts include Cruel Hand and Breakdown. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $25. 6 p.m. June 26.Quarter HorseOriginating out of Stony Brook, the band simply identifies itself as “six guys who have been playing together for some time.” Over the years, the old friends have performed a combination of rock, folk, alternative, country, blues and jazz. With special guests Soundswell and Funkin’ A. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com. $10. 7:30 p.m. June 26.Action BronsonAfter suffering a leg injury in the kitchen, this chef-turned-rapper comically blended his love for food into his rhymes. The Queens-raised artist also touches on subjects such as sports and gambling. His second album, Mr. Wonderful, dropped in March earlier this year. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com. $35-$55. 8 p.m. June 26.Merle HaggardHe may be 78 years old, but age won’t stop Merle Haggard from performing his legendary country songs on tour this summer! As his website biography says, “When a Merle Haggard song plays, it can make an innocent-as-apple-pie grandma understand the stark loneliness and self-loathing of a prisoner on death row.” In addition to his solo hits, Haggard has performed with other country music greats, such as Willie Nelson. Any fan of country music should catch this show, where Haggard will be playing many of his classics, including “Mama Tried,” “Fightin’ Side of Me” and “Workin’ Man Blues.” NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $59.50. 8 p.m. June 26.Soul AsylumOriginating from Minneapolis, this Grammy-winning alternative rock band is bringing their “The Fly Over Tour” to Long Island. Soul Asylum has been topping the charts since 1990 with their hits “Runaway Train,” “Somebody to Shove,” “Black Gold,” “Misery” and many more. Will they play fan favorites “Without A Trace,” “99%” and “The Sun Maid” for Press music critic Zack Tirana? Only one way to find out, dear Grave Dancers. (See what happened there!?) Only one way to find out. With special guests The Meat Puppets. Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. sulfolktheater.com $49. 8 p.m. June 26.MaseBrought to fame by Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mase has been rapping with his slow-flow style since 1993. On top of being signed on “Diddy’s” Bad Boy records, the rapper/songwriter’s single, “Only You,” was No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Singles Sales chart. After two brief hiatuses, the rapper is back again, bringing his rhymes to LI. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com. $20, $28 DOS. 10 p.m. June 26.Jim JefferiesThis actor, writer and stand-up comedian is bringing us his darkest comedy. Jefferies, most recognized from his television show Legit, does not have any boundaries in his standup. His brutally honest approach on social issues is refreshing, whether you agree with him or not, and he certainly doesn’t run from the truth. The Freedumb Tour. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com. $39.50. 7:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. June 26.Beer, BBQ and Blues FestMusicians including Rob Europe, Joe Allegue, Kirsten Thien, Chuck Columbo and the Hiro Suzuki Band take the stage for this inaugural weekend-long festival of blues, barbeque and beer at one of Long Island’s pioneering craft breweries. Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., 234 Carpenter St., Greenport. greenportharborbrewing.com Free. 11 a.m. June 27-5 p.m. June 28.BeerfieldsMore than 100 craft breweries—including many from Long Island—and three stages of musical performances all at one outdoor venue. Artists include reggae stars Collie Buddz and John Browns Body, Dumpstaphunk and some of the best local bands on LI, including Oogee Wawa, Groundswell,The Offshore Regulars, Soundswell and Shinobi Ninja. Pennysaver Amphitheatre at Bald Hill, 55 South Bicycle Path, Farmingville. beerfieldsny.com $60, $75 DOS. 4 p.m. June 27.For TodayChristian metal core band, For Today, channel their religious beliefs through hardcore and metallic songs. Their fourth full-length album reached No. 15 on the Billboard Top 200, having sold 14,700 units in only one week. The band has performed alongside Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red and much more. Opening the show are Gideon, Silent Planet, More of Myself To Kill and Critical Era. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $16, $18 DOS. 4:30 p.m. June 27.The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To DieThis Connecticut band’s style can only be defined by their self-described genre: “Independent rock, memo, not real, maximalism.” During their “We Are Only Going on Tour to Get Hot Dogs” tour, audiences will witness unforgettable performances while hearing some of the band’s greatest hits such as “Heartbeat in the Brain,” “Getting Sodas” and “Picture of a Tree That Doesn’t Look Okay.” Warming up the crowd are Spraynard, Soda Bomb and To Sail Beyond The Sun. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Broadway, Amityville. clubloaded.com $12, $15 DOS. 6 p.m. June 27.Marc MaronThe American comic, podcast host, writer and director has interviewed comedians and celebrities from the late Robin Williams to President Barack Obama (who went viral when he said the N-word). Since 2013, Maron has been starring in his own self-titled television series. His stand-up routine has been described as self-revelation and cultural analysis, which includes his own relationships with his family, girlfriends, and various stand-up comedians he has befriended. Warming up the crowd is Mike Lawrence. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com. $19.50-$37.50. 8 p.m. June 27.Happy Together TourFeaturing a legendary lineup of iconic `60s bands, the show’s headlining act will be Flo and Eddie of The Turtles, known for their smash hit, “Happy Together.” The tour will also feature The Association, Mark Lindsay (former lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders), The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams and The Cowsills. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50- $69.50. 8 p.m. June 27.Los StraightjacketsLos Straitjackets are most notably recognized for their unique live performances. As time has passed, their live shows have become more elaborate and tight with instrumentation. Each member dons a luchador wrestling mask, while a horn section compliments the band’s raw surfer style music. After numerous performances on Conan, the band has gained a cult following that continues to grow. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $30-$35. 8 p.m. June 27.The PitchforksDuke University’s own musical act, The Pitchforks, were founded in 1979, making them the oldest acapella group on campus. From opening up for Ben Folds to appearing at professional sports arenas, the group has accomplished much, on top of releasing 15 albums. No instruments required, as The Pitchforks provide everything needed for a great show by simply unleashing their vocal talents. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $5. 8 p.m. June 27.‘Celebrate America’ Fireworks Show ***POSTPONED TO MONDAY, JUNE 29***What better experience than to sit upon your favorite blanket amongst a vast group of onlookers, snacking on treats with your loved ones, sharing laughs, and staring up above into a sky painted with colorful fantastical explosions of light and sound that conjure images of Revolutionary War battles, a raging sea, true, original patriots? Not much, fellow dreamers and vision-believers. Not much. Wow. Come commemorate our nation’s independence with a fireworks show you will remember for a long, long time, and bask in the glory that is our hard-fought independence. Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. nassaucountyny.gov/parks Free. 9:30 p.m. June 27.Summer Camp Cinema Film FestivalAlthough Halloween is months away, fans of horror, sci-fi and action movies will love this cinematic extravaganza, which kicks off with a double feature of The Mist and Creepshow. Based on the work of Stephen King, The Mist takes place in Maine after a storm. After a father and son head to the local grocery store, a thick fog rolls in, trapping those inside. Horrible creatures start to reveal themselves, but the real terror hasn’t even begun. Creepshow is for the horror movie aficionado, and features five short but terrifying films! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Check out CinemaArtsCentre.org $9 members, $13 public. 10:30 p.m. June 27.A River Between UsTake a journey to the Klamath River, where 300 miles of polluted waterway have been fought over by communities and activists. Restoring the river has been one of the biggest restoration projects in American history. Following the screening will be a panel discussion featuring Christopher Gobler, professor of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at SUNY Stony Brook University, and Marshall Brown, founder of Save the Great South Bay, Inc. Read all about Gobler and other local environmentalists’ efforts to combat the harmful effects of brown and red tides HERE. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Check out CinemaArtsCentre.org. $10 members, $15 public. 10 a.m. June 28.Gary HoeySince he was 16 years old, Gary Hoey has been progressing in his guitar playing by devoting his time to music. Whether that included cutting high school classes or teaching guitar lessons, it has certainly payed off. His blues-rock artistry has been included in feature films and even caught the attention of Ozzy Ozbourne. Hoey continues to expand with his latest release, Deja Blues, an album consisting of original blues songs. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $35-$40. 7 p.m. June 28.Mother (and Me)This one-night-only performance stars the writer of the show, Melinda Buckley, whose story focuses on two women who are losing everything they’ve ever been—in very different ways—as they both lose each other. Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor. baystreet.org $20. 8 p.m. June 29.Emily Skinner: Broadway Her WayThis Grammy Award nominee takes the audience on a musical journey through the best of the Great White Way, leaving them breathless with laughter and moved by the potency of spectacular theater music. John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $45. 7 p.m. June 30.Brian Wilson with RodriguezTo celebrate the release of his 11th studio album, legendary producer, songwriter and performer Brian Wilson is continuing his “No Pier Pressure” Tour on Long Island. As a multi-award-winning artist with The Beach Boys as well as through his solo career, Wilson is touring with folk singer Rodriguez, who is the opening act of the tour. Fellow Beach Boys members Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin will be joining him at the show, which will feature performances of songs from each decade of Wilson’s career, including “California Girls,” “In My Room” and “God Only Knows.” And former Beach Boys Al Jardine and Blindie Chaplin. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $22-$195.00. 7:30 p.m. June 30.DispatchThe Lexus Pop-Up Concert Series Powered by Pandora is hosting an intimate show with Dispatch before they rock Madison Square Garden in July as part of their summer tour. Chad Stokes, Brad Corrigan and Pete Francis have been performing together since 1996 and are sure to put on an epic show for this lucky audience. Most famous for their legendary 2004 concert in Boston, the band will be performing some of their classics, such as “The General,” “Mayday” and “Two Coins” in addition to more recent songs off of their 2010 and 2012 albums. This exclusive live performance is free to Pandora listeners. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com Free for Pandora listeners. 8 p.m. June 30.Shania TwainRecord-breaking artist sensation Shania Twain is back! The country artist is known for her hits “Any Man Of Mine,” “You’re Still The One” and her most popular “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” Twain will be performing around the country as part of her Shania Rock This Country Tour. We;re thrilled to have her in our neck of the woods. Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. naussaucoliseum.com $74.50-$149.50. 7:30 p.m. July 1.Compiled by Chuck Cannini, Kyla Stan, Nicholas Semelak, Kaitlin Gallagher, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
Never underestimate the sleeping Japanese giant
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U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Physician General Dr. Levine Call on Legislators to Pass Non-Discrimination Protections (Round-up)
Equality, National Issues, Non-discrimination, Round-Up, The Blog On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Bob Casey hosted a news conference in Pittston, Pennsylvania to address the need for non-discrimination legislation to be passed nationally and statewide. Pennsylvania’s Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine attended and participated in the senator’s conference.Governor Wolf and his administration have supported non-discrimination efforts and have urged the legislature to pass laws to end discrimination in housing and employment practices statewide. In April, the governor signed two executive orders to protect LGBT workers employed by the state and companies contracted by the state.“We must show that Pennsylvania is the place that William Penn envisioned when he founded our commonwealth on the principle that it is open, diverse, and inclusive for all people,” said Governor Wolf. “I call on the General Assembly to swiftly put legislation on my desk that ensures that people throughout the commonwealth – regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or identity – are treated equally under Pennsylvania law.”Take a look at the coverage below: SHARE TWEET SHARE Email Facebook Twitter Times Leader: LGBT legislation all about equality, state and federal leaders say.“This has been a difficult year for the LGBT community,” [Dr. Rachel Levine] said. “On the heels of celebrations and congratulations of marriage equality just over a year ago, this year, 2016, has been tough.”… “It is clear the fight to end discrimination is not over,” Levine said. “These events are a clear call to action. This country must do more.”PA Homepage: Advocates not giving up anti-discrimination law fight“As the state legislature sees that more and more communities are coming together for fairness and equality that that will help them do the right thing when it comes to this legislation,” PA Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine said.Standard-Speaker: Casey calls for local pro-LGBT ordinancesU.S. Senator Bob Casey (podium) joined Pennsylvania’s Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine and Northeastern Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance President Carl Halkyer in supporting and pushing for Pennsylvania’s statewide anti-discrimination ordinance on Tuesday, July 5th, at the Pittston Library. By: Eryn Spangler, Press Assistant
Like Governor Tom Wolf on Facebook: Facebook.com/GovernorWolf July 07, 2016 U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Physician General Dr. Levine Call on Legislators to Pass Non-Discrimination Protections (Round-up)
Danish Risk Council sees danger of big falls in asset prices, fire sales
The Danish Risk Council has given a strong warning that sudden changes in how the markets view risk could lead to big falls in asset prices and fire sales.The council, chaired by the director of the Danish central bank Lars Rohde, said after its latest quarterly meeting: “Sudden changes in risk perception in the financial markets combined with low market liquidity may still lead to significant falls in asset prices and fire sales.”It warned about behaviour that could be unleashed by the availability of cheap credit.“Due caution should be exerted in relation to the low level of interest rates, which may lead to excessive risk-taking and risk illusion among borrowers and credit institutions,” the council said. The Danish Risk Council was set up in 2013 by the country’s government to address systemic risks in the financial sphere.In its statement, the council said that, in the last few months, the risk of a rapid and marked fall in asset prices in some of the global financial markets had appeared to some extent.“The large fluctuations in the financial markets in early 2016 have not had systemic consequences in Denmark,” it said, but it warned that sudden changes in the perception of risk could prompt big asset price falls.Seasonally adjusted prices in the housing market continued to rise in the second half of last year, it said, even though this was at a more moderate pace than in the first half for single-family houses. Expectations of future price developments remains high, it said. “While growth in housing loans in Copenhagen and Aarhus has subsided, market expectations of low interest rates several years ahead may still lead to excessive risk-taking and risk illusion among borrowers and credit institutions,” the council said.It said this could be the case if the risks of higher interest rates and a reversal in house prices were not taken into account to a sufficient degree. The council said the observation it made in March last year about low interest rates and the build-up of systemic risks still applied.Back then, it said the conditions for a rapid build-up of systemic financial risks were in place due to the extraordinarily low interest rates, especially if these were “embedded into the expectations of borrowers and credit institutions”.The council said yesterday that it also discussed potential systemic risks stemming from the insurance and pension fund sectors at its latest meeting. “The Council considers it crucial that companies be appropriately capitalised to avoid fire sales in periods of sudden changes in asset prices,” it said, adding that it would continue the analysis of systemic risks in the insurance and pension fund sectors.Meanwhile, in its regulation statistics publications, the Danish central bank (Danmarks Nationalbank) reported that, even though interest rates on overnight deposits remain negative in Denmark, companies in the country are still putting more money into banks.It said the average interest rate for the overnight deposits had been negative since April 2015 but that deposits grew in February by DKK21bn (€2.8bn) to stand at DKK218bn at the end of the month.“Overnight deposits account for more than 94% of total corporate deposits, while time deposits account for an ever smaller proportion, even though the interest rate on these is still positive, albeit declining,” the central bank said.The average interest rate on all overnight deposits for business was just below zero in February.The bank said the insurance and pension sector, as well as unit trusts, were now getting the lowest average deposit interest rates at around -0.6% on their total deposits.
Boy battling cancer wakes from coma as family agree to cut life support
NZ Herald 3 April 2018Family First Comment: A perfect example of why euthanasia is so dangerous – not only for adults but also for children. Don’t let the politicians go near it! www.protect.org.nz A two-year-old boy in the UK woke up from a coma right after his family agreed to switch him off life support.Dylan Askin, from Shelton Lock, Derbyshire, suffered from a very rare type of lung cancer. He received the one-in-ten-million diagnosis of Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH).On Good Friday of 2016, Dylan’s outlook was so tragic the parents made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support the following day.Little Dylan fought through and, by Easter Sunday, was deemed to be in “stable” condition.Two years on, Dylan has beaten cancer.READ MORE: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?objectid=12025125&ref=twitter
Al-Shabaab releases video showing prisoners’ executions
Somali Islamist extremist group al-Shabaab has released a harrowing video showing its members executing soldiers believed to be part of the African Union troops it kidnapped during an attack on their base in Somalia in September.The video was reported by SITE Intelligence Group on Tuesday. It shows armed fighters tearing through what looks to be a camp for Ugandan troops.Al-Shabaab said that it killed more than 50 Ugandan troops in the attack on a base for peacekeepers in the town of Janale. Ugandan officials however reported only 19 deaths.Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was reported to have said that al-Shabaab may have taken some prisoners and blamed the commanders for being “asleep” when the attack happened.This particular video shows an alleged Ugandan prisoner in handcuffs and other soldiers being shot at close range by the group’s militants.
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