The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) deferred the renewal of leases of 12 of the 13 iron-ore mines in Sonshi village in north Goa following protests by villagers.The Board led by State Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma had met on Friday to decide on granting leases to 39 mines, including those in Sonshi. At the meeting, GSPCB officials sought more time to prepare and submit an air quality report, based on which the leases will be renewed. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 13. The Board has also decided to defer the renewal of leases of 27 other mines until air quality in each of them is monitored.Mr. Sharma on Thursday had told The Hindu that the Board had decided to monitor the air quality in Sonshi and other mining areas before renewing the leases. Mr. Sharma said there were very few ambient air quality monitoring stations in Sonshi and the Board would request the stations run by mining companies in Sonshi to keep a check on pollution levels.Mining operations in Sonshi were stopped last week following the severe rise in air pollution in the village. Earlier, the Board had issued showcause notices to all 13 mining companies for causing significant air pollution. The Board has taken cognisance of the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court’s directive to stop mining-related traffic on Sonshi’s roads till the mining companies respond to the notices.
A life-size stainless steel sculpture of a Bhadel has been installed in Margao as a reminder of the town’s traditional women coolies who were the epitome of sincerity, honesty and hard work. Sculptor Subodh Kerkar has used 50,000 stainless nuts to fashion the sculpture, which was installed on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi last weekend at the traffic circle opposite Gomant Vidya Niketan.Mr. Kerkar said, “Bhadels are believed to be country’s only women coolies. To earn a living they walked long distances carrying heavy loads on their heads. Their origin dates back to mid-18th century Portuguese era and they are well known for their reliability. Shopkeepers in Margao vested them with the responsibility of watching over their shops when they took an afternoon nap. There were 100-odd Bhadels till a few decades ago, but the next generation doesn’t want to take up the profession.”Datta Naik, a Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer, is the man behind the installation. He is the managing director of Commonwealth Developers Pvt. Ltd., which funded the sculpture as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. Mr. Kerkar said Mr. Naik had requested him to make a sculpture to pay tribute to the Bhadels six months ago. He then researched on the profession for a month and found that only around seven Bhadels still existed in Margao. Mr. Naik said, “The sculpture has been installed so that the next generation remembers that Bhadels existed in Margao and served the social needs of the community. In European countries, sculptures of common people instead of national and historical icons have become a part of street furniture and attract tourists.” The Bhadel was identified as a fast disappearing traditional Goan occupation in a report submitted by the Task Force Committee on November 30, 2010. The panel was formed to frame a scheme to protect and support traditional occupations in the State. The panel chaired by Dr. Nandkumar M. Kamat, Assistant Professor of Goa University and former member of the Goa State Planning Board, recommended that financial assistance be provided to the last practitioners of such dying trades.Dr. Kamat said, “How can Hamali [coolie work] be glorified? The installation may be artistic but it shows class inequality and injustice to the Christian kunbi tribals who earn less than what an average Margaokar spends on a quarter [of liquor]. The TFC was formed by the then Goa government as a response to the transformation of global and national economies and the challenges faced by workers in the informal sector and micro entrepreneurs who operate on small scales of production and economy.” The then Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, accepted the report and asked the State Directorate of Art and Culture to invite applicants to avail of a one-time financial assistance of ₹25,000 under the Goan Bhadels Financial Assistance Scheme-2011. The scheme was announced as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Goa’s liberation. Mr. Kamat in his budget speech unveiled the one-time financial assistance in the form of an honorarium to Bhadels with 25 years of service. Social workers in Margao say that a movement to rehabilitate Bhadels began a decade ago when women activists began documenting their life. They made repeated representations to the State governments seeking recognition for the women, considering their service and old age.
It is the season of Anna and it is no wonder that the biggest fashion statement doing the rounds is to be seen in an Anna T-shirt.The Nehru cap has made a fashionable comeback and this time it has a new name – I am Anna.Young, old, men and women – Anna supporters from every part of the country are sporting the Anna topi (cap).The political statement in white has entered the spiritual space as well. The faithful have an anti-corruption song in their heart and Anna on their mind.Seventy-four-year-old Anna Hazare has triggered a fashion trend and Indians are lapping it up. From Anna T shirts to wrist bands, brand Anna is taking all imaginable and unimaginable form.Being sold by Anna’s India Against Corruption team, these products are selling like hot cakes.T-shirt stores and Khadi Gram Udyogs are also stocking up on Anna products. But the demand still seems to be higher than the supply.A man from Bikaner says, he wanted 600 topis, but managed to get only six, adding he will order more from MP.Anna products are on sale at all protest venues. Proceeds from the sale are going into funding arrangements at the venue itself.”Though it is a trade secret, still I will let you know. We are getting these things from Khadi Gram,” says a trader.While the T-shirts with slogans are priced between Rs 100 and Rs 300, the cap is going between Rs 15 and Rs 40.Other merchandise like the Anna wristbands and posters are going at Rs 20. Some things like the Anna tattoos and flag face-paint are available for free.advertisementAnna Hazare is now sharing space with Che Guevara and Bob Marley on T shirt shelves. He is turning into a cult figure.
Grace Poe files bill to protect govt teachers from malicious accusations James had 27 points and 12 assists, and Brandon Ingram scored 29 points for Los Angeles. They entered the night three games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.But the Lakers struggled throughout to keep pace with the Pelicans, who led most of the game and by as many as 20 points.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSUrgent reply from Philippine football chiefSPORTSPalace wants Cayetano’s PHISGOC Foundation probed over corruption chargesReserve forward Cheick Diallo, now in his third season out of Kansas, had one of the better games of his career. He was perfect on eight shots from the field and tied a season high with 18 points. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and twice blocked Ingram near the rim.James was greeted by a mixture of cheers and boos by a crowd that included a conspicuous number of fans wearing Lakers purple and gold. US judge bars Trump’s health insurance rule for immigrants But the boos that rained down on the court when James handled the ball left little doubt that New Orleans fans are convinced that James played a role in Davis’ decision to ask for a trade in late January, only months after Davis fired his previous representation and signed with James’ agent, Rich Paul.James has denied having any influence over Paul’s dealings with Davis, which would represent a violation of the NBA’s tampering rules.The Pelicans had the flexibility to sit a healthy Davis against the Lakers because they were playing for the second time in two nights, were at home and not on national television.“If you’re looking along the lines of having any significance because we’re playing the Lakers that had nothing to do with it,” New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said before the game. “If we were playing the Baltimore Claws we would sit him out that game too, OK?“It gives us an opportunity to minimize the minutes that he’s going to be playing and as a team we think that’s best for our franchise right now.”ADVERTISEMENT The Lakers aggressively tried to acquire Davis before the Feb. 7 trade deadline. New Orleans, however, was uninterested in dealing Davis before this offseason, when more teams, including Boston, are expected to be in position to make stronger trade offers.While Davis spent the game on the bench wearing a dark suit, the players in uniform for New Orleans lit up the scoreboard and filled the stat sheet against a Lakers team needing a strong finish to the regular season to make the playoffs.TIP-INSLakers: Committed 23 turnovers, leading to 23 Pelicans points. … Shot 54.3 percent (44 of 81), including 10 of 29 (34.5 percent) from 3-point range. … Kyle Kuzma scored 16 points and JaVale McGee had 10. … Lakers reserves scored 24 points combined.Pelicans: Shot 52.1 percent (50 of 96), including 15 of 40 from 3-point range. .. Reserve guard Ian Clark had 17 points and Elfrid Payton scored 14, one night after he scored 15 in his return from a right ankle sprain that sidelined him nine games. … Pelicans reserves combined for 42 points.UP NEXTLakers: At Memphis on Monday night.Pelicans: Host Philadelphia on Monday night. New Orleans Pelicans forward Cheick Diallo (13) celebrates a score next to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Lance Stephenson (6) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)NEW ORLEANS — Jrue Holiday hit five 3-pointers and scored 27 points while Anthony Davis watched from the bench, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Los Angeles Lakers 128-115 on Saturday night.Former Laker Julius Randle had 24 points for the Pelicans, who looked in sync and motivated as they slowed LeBron James and the Lakers’ push to qualify for the playoffs.ADVERTISEMENT Lionel Messi hits 50th hat trick to give Barca 4-2 win at Sevilla Urgent reply from Philippine football chief PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games PLAY LIST 02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games02:11Trump awards medals to Jon Voight, Alison Krauss PDEA chief backs Robredo in revealing ‘discoveries’ on drug war ‘We are too hospitable,’ says Sotto amid SEA Games woes Oil plant explodes in Pampanga town MOST READ Private companies step in to help SEA Games hosting Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next SEA Games hosting troubles anger Duterte View comments
Kajol CowedShe should have been trolled for eating lunch at a ‘pop-up’ restaurant, a grating, outworn trend. But this being ‘new India’, Kajol was trolled for eating beef. Or at least that’s how the chef, her “very sweet friend, Ryan”, described his dish-“beef pepper water with dry lentils and dry,Kajol CowedShe should have been trolled for eating lunch at a ‘pop-up’ restaurant, a grating, outworn trend. But this being ‘new India’, Kajol was trolled for eating beef. Or at least that’s how the chef, her “very sweet friend, Ryan”, described his dish-“beef pepper water with dry lentils and dry beef”. Kajol had an inkling that Ryan had done something very naughty because she promised to “cut his hands off after this”. Cue the inevitable trolling and the even more inevitable apology. It was buffalo, not beef, clarified Kajol, assuring everyone that it was not her intention to hurt religious sentiments. Someone should let the US government know. Its definition of beef includes Indian buffalo meat, helping India become, alongside Brazil, the world’s leading exporter of ‘beef’. Over 50 per cent of which comes from UP, led by Yogi Adityanath, whose cow-loving credentials need no blandishment. You say beef, I say buff. Beef, buff, buff, beef. Let’s call the whole thing off.Aiz-ole ole oleAizawl FC became champions after a nervy performance away at northeastern neighbours Shillong Lajong. They were lucky losers, relegated last season but given an opportunity after the big Goa clubs withdrew. Aizawl’s entire budget is apparently less than what runners-up Mohun Bagan pay their best player. A midfielder from war-ravaged Aleppo made Aizawl, whose team consists of mostly local players from Mizoram, even easier to support. The AIFF wants to turn the Indian Super League, a soulless retirement home for European and South American players, into the national first division. Fans of the game, rather than of TV spectacles, should tell the AIFF they want the real thing, footballing pride over ‘quality’, sport over staged exhibitions.advertisementYou’re Fyred!A luxury music festival in the Bahamas promoted by models mostly famous for being famous, like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, turned out to be peddling illusions. Let’s laugh at people stupid enough and rich enough to have fallen for the lies, but let’s also force Instagram celebrities to clarify what is product placement and what is ‘real’.
As England take on New Zealand in the big final at Lord’s on Sunday, both teams will be eyeing their maiden World Cup title. Last time when both the teams met in the group stage and England defeated New Zealand, breaking a 27-year-old record.New Zealand beat favourites India to seal the final spot, England thrashed arch-rivals Australia by eight wickets to set up the final date.England are totted as clear favourites but one can’t underestimate New Zealand, after seeing the quality of cricket they produced to knock out table toppers India in the semi-final.While both teams have quality bowling attacks, the batting of the New Zealand outfit is something that will definitely bother the Kiwis, especially the poor form of experienced opener Martin Guptill. While his direct hit to dismiss M.S. Dhoni did change the outcome of the semi-final between India and New Zealand, he would wish to give the Kiwis a good start at the top. And there is a positive in there.To be fair to the Kiwis, while the bowling attack of the two teams looks almost at par on paper, England’s batting has a lot more depth as compared to the Kiwis, and Kane Williamson’s boys will have their task cut out if they are to clean the batting up. But then, on a given day, anything can happen and the New Zealand players will definitely take confidence from their semi-final encounter against India.New Zealand vs England Final, Lord’s Weather: Updates from LondonadvertisementThe weather, after troubling the cricketers right through the tournament, is expected to be bright and sunny and that should mean a slight advantage to the batsmen. The wickets to have started to get slower and the bowlers have been using a lot of cutters recently.A high of 22 C (72 F) is expected on Sunday. Sunny spells are anticipated and it will feel comfortable for fans enjoying the sporting events.”Fans in open seating areas will want to make sure to have hats, sunglasses and sun cream,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Bill Deger. Screen grab from AccuWeatherALSO READ | Come on England: 101 former cricketers wish their team good luck ahead of World Cup 2019 finalALSO READ | World Cup 2019: Australia played their worst cricket in the most critical moments, says Ricky PontingALSO WATCH | World Cup 2019: Rohit Sharma has been batsman of the tournament, says Michael Clarke
Third form students of Jamaica College (JC), in Kingston learnt about healthy and toxic masculinities and sexual harassment during a sensitisation session held at the institution on February 22. “It is very important to come to an all-boys institution. These are the young men that we are putting out into society and they need to know, so it is important that we sensitise our boys and our girls on these issues,” she said. Story Highlights She noted that there have been complaints from men about attending sessions regarding gender issues because they feel men “are portrayed as perpetrators of sexual harassment or domestic violence or enjoying privileges in the society.” Third form students of Jamaica College (JC), in Kingston learnt about healthy and toxic masculinities and sexual harassment during a sensitisation session held at the institution on February 22.The event, organized by the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, is a part of the Bureau’s annual school education programme.It involves visits to schools, where issues such as gender, gender-based violence, including sexual harassment are discussed.Students also learn about the Bureau’s mandate, which seeks to address socio-economic issues and to ensure that women and men have equal access to the resources and opportunities in Jamaica.Presenters at the sensitisation session were Japan International Cooperation Agency volunteer and Community Liaison Associate, Mio Akita and Research Officer of the BGA, Nashan Miller.Miss Akita told the students that Gender is not just about women but also about men.She noted that there have been complaints from men about attending sessions regarding gender issues because they feel men “are portrayed as perpetrators of sexual harassment or domestic violence or enjoying privileges in the society.”“We are here on your side,” she told the students.She said that men are under a lot of pressure to be masculine, and noted that, “man nuh fi cry” Man nuh fi saff” and “man fi tuff” were some of the phrases she has heard from men.While noting that nothing is wrong about being masculine, she said there are “many adverse effects resulting from excessive masculinities.”She stated that toxic masculinities are characterised by excessive self-reliance, (not seeking help), restriction of emotion (not expressing anger or anxiety) and dominance.She said that these negative characteristics sometimes lead to mental health problems, violence, promiscuity, risky behaviours, substance abuse and suicide.Meanwhile, Community Liaison officer at the BGA, Kristal Tucker Clarke told JIS News, that it is important to sensitise the young men because they need to know how to express themselves in a healthy way.“It is very important to come to an all-boys institution. These are the young men that we are putting out into society and they need to know, so it is important that we sensitise our boys and our girls on these issues,” she said.She said the Bureau has been holding sensitisation sessions, with the communities, at community based organisations and faith-based institutions.
Casablanca – Moroccan employers’ association CGEM and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) signed, Tuesday in Casablanca, a partnership agreement to reinforce the Moroccan-Japanese cooperation.The agreement, signed during talks at CGEM’s headquarters between Faiçal Mekouar, CGEM deputy CEO, and Yasushi Akahoshi, President of JETRO, will give new momentum to investment and trade between Morocco and Japan.Under this agreement, CGEM and JETRO commit to sharing information and experiences, discussing common interests and representing them at relevant bodies and bilateral summits. The agreement is aimed at developing economic, business and partnership relations between Moroccan and Japanese economic stakeholders. It will also set up an adequate framework for cooperation to join efforts and establish a profitable synergy for economic operators from both countries.With MAP
Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:Toronto Stock Exchange (16,480.53, up 81.06 points).Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA). Energy. Up 51 cents, or 5.33 per cent, to $10.08 on 11.5 million shares.Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG). Energy. Up 28 cents, or 5.22 per cent, to $5.64 on 10.7 million shares.Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE). Energy. Up six cents, or 2.11 per cent, to $2.90 on 9.2 million shares.Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB). Health care. Down two cents, or 0.17 per cent, to $11.83 on 5.2 million shares.Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Financials. Up 79 cents, or 1.07 per cent, to $74.47 on 4.9 million shares.Power Corp. (TSX:POW). Financials. Down 30 cents, or 0.95 per cent, to $31.32 on 4.3 million shares.Companies reporting:Quebecor Inc. (TSX:QBR.B). Up 48 cents to $33.05. Lawyers for Bell Canada and rival Quebecor Inc. were in court Friday, battling over three French-language sports channels that Bell TV subscribers haven’t received since the NHL playoffs began this week. Bell lawyer Francis Rouleau told Quebec Superior Court judge Claude Champagne that Quebecor planned well in advance to cut the signal on Wednesday as the National Hockey League playoffs began. Rouleau said Quebecor’s action breached their contract and flouted Canada’s Broadcasting Act. Quebecor’s lawyer responded that the company believes the CRTC rules are invalid.Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED). Up $2.86 or 5.3 per cent to $56.31. Canopy Growth will soon join the S&P/TSX 60, making it the first cannabis company to be added to the index of Canada’s large-cap stocks. S&P Dow Jones Indices says Canopy’s stock will replace Goldcorp Inc. and the change will take effect before trading on April 18. Goldcorp is set to be delisted once its merger with Newmont Mining Corp. is complete, and the combined company will apply for a listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Canopy Growth was first went public on the TSX Venture exchange in 2014, and graduated to the main TSX board in 2016.Air Canada (TSX:AC). Down 26 cents to $32.53. Air Canada chief executive Calin Rovinescu enjoyed a leap in total compensation to $11.5 million last year, up 28 per cent from $9 million in 2017. Total compensation for the carrier’s top six executives reached $24.9 million in 2018, a 24 per cent jump from $20.1 million the year before, according to the proxy circular ahead of Air Canada’s May 6 annual meeting. Rovinescu’s direct compensation amounted to $8.9 million, with a raise to $10.4 million planned for 2019. The pay bump came amidst record revenues of $18.07 billion in 2018, despite a plunge in net income to $167 million from $2.03 billion a year earlier.The Canadian Press
According to media reports, some 10,000 protestors have massed in the capital, Chisinau.“The Secretary-General strongly believes that any disagreements regarding election results should be resolved by peaceful means and calls on all parties to refrain from violence and maintain calm,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson. 7 April 2009Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern over violent protests that broke out today in Moldova, following the European nation’s Parliamentary polls on 5 April.
Hervé Ladsous, who took up the post of Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations last month, met with President Salva Kiir in Akon, a town in Warrap state in the recently established country of South Sudan.The UN has a large peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) in South Sudan to help the nascent country’s authorities consolidate peace, develop State institutions, protect civilians, establish the rule of law and boost economic development.Speaking after his meeting with Mr. Kiir, Mr. Ladsous described their talks as friendly and constructive.“I wanted to have an exchange with the President about the general situation to confirm to him that the United Nations are ready, always in all circumstances, to help in building the State, in developing human rights and democracy, and also to help in the relationship between the south and the north,” he said.South Sudan became independent on 9 July after voters overwhelmingly backed secession from Sudan in a referendum held as part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended the long-running north-south civil war in Sudan.Mr. Ladsous has spent two days in South Sudan on this visit, his first to the field since taking office. He has already travelled to Darfur, Abyei and the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, to meet with senior Government and UN officials.The Under-Secretary-General said he was keen to obtain a first-hand assessment of the situation facing UNMISS and the other two UN missions in the area – Darfur (UNAMID) and Abyei (UNISFA).“We have to make progress on the protection of the civilians who find themselves in regions of conflict and violence. We have to push the peace process in Darfur. We have to watch very carefully and encourage Khartoum and Juba to further work on the relationship between the two countries.” 4 November 2011Protecting human rights, enshrining democracy and improving inter-Sudanese relations topped the agenda today during talks today between the new chief of United Nations peacekeeping chief and South Sudan’s President.
The West Indies were awarded five penalty runs and Sri Lanka eventually agreed to take to the pitch with the ball being changed.The Sri Lanka Cricket board later said in a statement that the team protested the decision taken by the umpires citing ‘’Changing the Condition of the Ball’’ and had refused to take to the field.SLC had however advised the team to take the field to ensure the continuity of the match and the cricket board commended the decision taken by the team to continue with the game ‘under protest’ to ensure the upholding of the spirit of the game. Sri Lanka on Saturday night said that it will defend the National cricket team over ball tampering allegations which surfaced in the West Indies.The Sri Lanka Cricket board said that the team management had informed them that Sri Lankan players have not engaged in any wrong doing during the ongoing second Test match played between Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The Sri Lanka cricket team refused to take the field on the third day of the second Test in the West Indies on Saturday after the ball-tampering row. Umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould had raised concerns about the condition of the ball towards the end of day two. Play started two hours later in St Lucia, following lengthy discussions between match referee Javagal Srinath and Sri Lanka’s coaching staff.The Sri Lankans were told on Saturday that play could not continue with the existing ball. Minister of Sports Faiszer Musthapa, and the Competent Authority of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Kamal Pathmasiri in collaboration with the SLC CEO Ashley De Silva and Chandima Mapatuna, Head of International Cricket of SLC conveyed to the team management that SLC will take all necessary steps to defend any player, in the event any unwarranted allegation is brought against a member of the team. SLC reiterated its commitment to adhering to the laws of the game and upholding the spirit of the game. SLC said it also stands firm in its commitment to protect the dignity of the National cricketers at all times. (Colombo Gazette)
Companies in this story: (TSX:NTR)The Canadian Press SASKATOON — Nutrien Ltd. has lowered its estimate for 2019 adjusted earnings to reflect the impact of wet weather on U.S. planting and other factors that will reduce demand for potash in North America, China and India.The Saskatoon-based company created by the merger of Potash Corp. and Agrium Inc. says it now estimates this year’s adjusted net earnings will be between US$2.70 and US$3 per share.That’s down about five per cent from between $2.80 and $3.20 per share adjusted earnings in Nutrien’s previous guidance for 2019.For the second quarter ended June 30, Nutrien had US$1.58 per share of adjusted net earnings — two cents below analyst estimates compiled by financial markets data firm Refinitiv.Net income from continuing operations, reported in U.S. currency, was $858 million or $1.47 per share with $8.66 billion of sales.In the second quarter of 2018, net income from continuing operations was $741 million. Including discontinued operations, last year’s second-quarter net income totalled $1.4 billion.
Norfolk’s interim CAO Harry Schlange is moving on.Friday, Mayor Kristal Chopp confirmed reports that Schlange has accepted the senior management position in the Town of Grimsby.The implications of this for Norfolk County remain to be seen. Chopp says a response is being formulated.“Further details will be coming next week,” she said.Schlange was unavailable for comment Friday and Monday. His voice mail message both days said Schlange was away from his office at Governor Simcoe Square.Schlange, 61, served as the top bureaucrat in Niagara Region and the City of Brampton before he offered his services to Norfolk this spring on an interim basis.Former Norfolk CAO David Cribbs resigned in January. Prior to Schlange’s arrival, the new Norfolk council was testing an arrangement where senior managers of the county’s assorted divisions took turns discharging the CAO function.Norfolk council took Schlange up on his offer after senior staff reported problems with the management experiment. Some division managers said they were spreading themselves too thin. Staff also said a proper CAO has general knowledge of the county’s operations that division managers lack.March 26, staff told council important items and issues were suffering from neglect and multiplying in number due to the increased workload. During an in-camera session at the same meeting, council opted to hire a qualified individual on an interim basis.Schlange has had a bumpy ride in recent years. Media in St. Catharines reported three years ago that he survived an in-camera confidence vote at Niagara Region shortly before he accepted the CAO position in Brampton.Shortly after the new Brampton city council was sworn in last December, Patrick Brown – former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives – announced that Brampton and Schlange had parted company. His stint with Norfolk began four months later.Grimsby – population 27,300 — is a lower-tier municipality within Niagara Region.MSonnenberg@postmedia.com
by The Canadian Press Posted Feb 15, 2013 11:07 am MDT Industrial Alliance caps record year by swinging to $73.8 million Q4 profit QUEBEC CITY, – Industrial Alliance capped a record year in 2012 by swinging to a profit available to common shareholders of $73.8-million in the fourth quarter, the first period since it sold its U.S. annuities business.The Quebec City-based insurance giant earned 78 cents per share for the period ended Dec. 31, compared with a loss of 90 cents per share the previous year when net losses reached $81.2 million. Revenues decreased 24 per cent to $1.76 billion, including $1.2 billion for net premiums.Adjusting for a number of one-time items, including a nearly $20-million strengthening of reserves and the sale of the U.S. business, diluted earnings were $1.03 per share, compared with 78 cents a year ago.For the full year, Industrial Alliance (TSX:IAG) said its net income attributable to common shareholders tripled to reach a record $311.9 million, or $3.31 per share, up from $103.3 million or $1.18 per share in 2011.Excluding the gain on the sale of its U.S. annuity business in the third quarter and year-end assumption changes, net income from continuing operations grew nearly 16 per cent to $295.7 million or $3.26 per share. That compared with $255.6 million or $2.95 per share a year ago.Total annual revenues fell to $7.5 billion. Net premiums were flat at nearly $5 billion, but investment income decreased more than 31 per cent to $1.5 billion, partially offset by an increase in other revenues to $934 million.Industrial Alliance CEO Yvon Charest described 2012 as “extremely gratifying” as net income grew on improvements in its retail insurance business in Canada and the United States, along with the wealth management operations.“In terms of business growth, strong momentum continues across the organization,” he said in a news release, noting that retail insurance sales grew 16 per cent despite two price increases last year in Canada.The U.S. operations accounted for 18 per cent of total company life sales, up from 15 per cent in 2011.Charest said a series of actions taken last year aimed at securing core earnings power had strengthened the company’s capital position“With a solvency ratio of 230 per cent, we have the room to absorb significant macroeconomic shocks, as well as the flexibility to consider growth opportunities.”Industrial Alliance said it gained $3.6 million from the improvement in the stock market, while the individual insurance segment added $5.3 million.Group insurance lost $3.5 million, primarily related to unfavourable group life and health experience, while long-term disability was in line with expectations.Total pre-tax income on capital grew to $31.3 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to gains on the sale of a block of mortgages, offset by lower gains on assets available for sale and a weaker contribution from IA Auto and Home.Assets under management and administration grew 14 per cent from last year to $83.3 billion at year-end.Premiums and deposits were stable at $1.8 billion in the fourth quarter, while individual insurance sales grew eight per cent to $69.2 million.Individual Wealth Management gross sales increased to $762.1 million, driven by a more than doubling of mutual fund sales to $173.4 million.Group insurance sales increased 20 per cent to $108.2 million, while employee plans increase to $7.9 million.Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance is the fourth-largest life and health insurance company in Canada, with more than three million customers and 4,300 employees. It manages and administers more than $83 billion in assets.Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance is the fourth-largest life and health insurance company in Canada, with more than three million customers and 4,300 employees. It manages and administers more than $83 billion in assets.On the Toronto Stock Exchange, its shares were up 49 cents at $36.80 in morning trading Friday. AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) UK car output falls -5.3% in August to 103,232 units, the fourth month of decline this year.Production for domestic and overseas markets down -4.4% and -5.6% in the month.Year-to-date performance down with production so far declining -1.9%.British car manufacturing fell in August as domestic and overseas demand for production declined. According to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 103,232 vehicles left UK factories last month – a fall of -5.3%.Production for the domestic market dropped -4.4% to 26,594 units, while output for overseas customers was down -5.6% to 76,638. 1,106,285 vehicles have been produced in the first eight months of the year, an overall decline of -1.9%, and the domestic market for production has been down in seven out of eight months.Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,It’s common to see fluctuations during the summer months, as output varies according to the timing and duration of holiday factory shutdowns. However, the continuation of the longer term downward trend in domestic demand is a concern for production across the UK so it is vital for the future health of this sector that the current uncertainty around Brexit is removed and consumer and business confidence restored.
Not long after 14th-seeded UAB defeated 3rd-seeded Iowa State in the South Regional, another No. 14 seed toppled another No. 3 seed — this time, Georgia State over Baylor in the West Regional. It’s the first time that two No. 14 seeds have won in the same NCAA tournament since 1995.As far as 14-over-3 upsets go, Georgia State’s victory wasn’t anywhere near as unlikely as UAB’s. While the Blazers had a mere 9.2 percent pre-game probability of advancing to the round of 32, the Panthers’ chances of pulling the upset were a more reasonable 24.2 percent. But in many ways, the manner in which Georgia State won makes its upset even more remarkable.According to FiveThirtyEight contributor Stephen Pettigrew’s research about the likelihood of an upset at any given stage of an NCAA tournament game, only 2 percent of major underdogs1A difference of at least five seeds between the two teams. that trailed by any margin with 2:39 left went on to win the game, and when those teams were down by more than 6 points with that much time on the clock, they only won 0.4 percent of the time.And Georgia State was down by even more than that — it trailed by 12 points with 2:39 remaining. Of the 262 NCAA tournament games since 2004 in which an underdog trailed by 10 or more points with 2:39 to go, only one (0.38 percent) went on to win the game. … Until Thursday, that is. And that one upset was a No. 4 seed over a No. 1 seed — so this is unprecedented in the past 11 years.As for the ripple effect of the Panthers’ victory, Xavier’s Sweet 16 probability jumped 11.5 percentage points with Baylor out of the picture, while Ole Miss saw its chances of a spot in the Sweet 16 improve by 8.8 percentage points. And Arizona’s path to the Final Four is now clearer; its odds of an Elite Eight berth increased by 5.2 percentage points, and its odds of making the Final Four improved by 3.2 percentage points.Stephen Pettigrew contributed to this post in a major way.CORRECTION (March 19, 4:55 p.m.): An earlier version of this post misstated the last year two No. 14 seeds won in the same NCAA tournament. It was 1995, not 1997. It also misstated the percentage of underdogs that trailed by 10 or more with 2:39 to go and still won. It was 0.38 percent, not 0.0038 percent. Check out FiveThirtyEight’s March Madness predictions.
“I’m not going to cry this time,” Breen said. “Awesome, I’m absolutely on top of the world. It was a really big stepping stone this weekend, we’re really started to put the whole package together.I have to thank every single person that’s around me — not only this man [Scott Martin], all the engineers, my family, my friends… everybody. They’ve stuck with me this past year when it’s been difficult. The boys have made this thing work, so it’s a pure pleasure right now.He added: “Finally, we did. I’m over the moon. We had a really nice day, we held off the fight from Andreas [ ] and we had some really good times in the morning. That allowed us to have cruise to finish up in second.“Thanks for all the messages for support during the weekend.”It is amazing to finish on the podium here at Rally Sweden, but it is also brilliant to show the pace we always knew we had! Massive thank you to the team, my engineer Thomas and all the fans for your incredible support! pic.twitter.com/09RLio9jOs— Craig Breen (@Craig_Breen) February 18, 2018 Breen and Martin celebrating their achievement. Share121 Tweet Email Image: Twitter/Craig_Breen Breen and Martin celebrating their achievement. Image: Twitter/Craig_Breen ‘I’m absolutely on top of the world’ – Ireland’s Craig Breen claims runner-up spot in Rally Sweden The Slieverue native was greeted by his mother at the finish line after a career-best this afternoon. http://the42.ie/3858623 By Ben Blake Feb 18th 2018, 2:42 PM Follow us: the42.ie
Short URL CRAIG BREEN HAS produced the best-ever result by a driver from the Republic of Ireland on a WRC (World Rally Championship) event — finishing second overall at Rally Sweden.Along with co-driver Scott Martin, the Citroen C3 man went into the final three stages in the runner-up spot, and they did enough on Sunday to remain there just behind winner Thierry Neuville, who won by 19.8 seconds.It’s the finest achievement of 28-year-old Breen’s career, bettering his third at Rally Finland in 2016.There were emotional scenes at the finish line as the Sliverue native was met by his mother..@Craig_Breen secures 2nd overall on Rally Sweden, the best result for a driver from the Republic of Ireland on a WRC rally pic.twitter.com/9m69J9TQcu— Motorsport Ireland (@MotorsportIRL) February 18, 2018 14,009 Views 15 Comments ‘He’s the best’ – Hirscher becomes most successful skier at 2018 Winter OlympicsMcDowell in the hunt for first win since 2015 in final round in California The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us! Sunday 18 Feb 2018, 5:00 PM Tweet thisShare on FacebookEmail this article
Let us know what you like about Geek by taking our survey. Stay on target Even without Pluto, our solar system always held the record for most planets orbiting a single star. Until now.Using Google machine learning, NASA discovered an eighth planet circling Kepler-90, a sun-like star 2,545 light-years from Earth.Which puts us in joint first place (for those keeping score).AdChoices广告A “sizzling hot, rocky planet,” as described by NASA, Kepler-90i was spotted by a neural network trained to recognize exoplanets in the light readings recorded by the Kepler space observatory.The Kepler-90 planets have a similar configuration to our solar system, with small planets found orbiting close to their star, and the larger planets found farther away. (via NASA/Ames Research Center/Wendy Stenzel)“Just as we expected, there are exciting discoveries lurking in our archived Kepler data, waiting for the right tool or technology to unearth them,” Paul Hertz, director of NASA’s Astrophysics Division, said in a statement.Researchers Christopher Shallue and Andrew Vanderburg taught a computer to identify worlds beyond our solar system—based on the minuscule change in brightness captured when a planet passes in front of a star.Machine learning has previously been used in searches of the Kepler database, but never to such a promising degree.“This finding shows that our data will be a treasure trove available to innovative researchers for years to come,” Hertz said.Kepler-90i is what’s called a “super-Earth” exoplanet. And while it was the eighth planet discovered in the system, it is actually third in line from the sun—just like Earth.But about 30 percent larger and with an average surface temperature of more than 800℉ (on par with Mercury).“The Kepler-90 star system is like a mini version of our solar system,” according to Vanderburg, a NASA Sagan Postdoctoral Fellow and astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin. “You have small planets inside and big planets outside, but everything is scrunched in much closer.”The outermost planet, Kepler-90h, orbits at a similar distance to its star as Earth does to the sun.Outermost planet Kepler-90h orbits at a similar distance to its star as Earth does to the sun (via NASA)Shallue, a senior software engineer with the Google AI team, came up with the idea of applying a neural network to Kepler data.“In my spare time, I started Googling for ‘finding exoplanets with large data sets’ and found out about the Kepler mission and the huge data set available,” he said. “Machine learning really shines in situations where there is so much data that humans can’t search it for themselves.”Based on four years of input—35,000 possible planetary signals—the pair trained their neural network to detect the pattern of a transiting exoplanet. The result: many false positives, as well as some real potentials.“It’s like sifting through rocks to find jewels,” Vanderburg said of the results, which presented a number of false positives, as well as “potentially more real planets.”“If you have a finer sieve then you will catch more rocks, but you might catch more jewels, as well,” he added.Our solar system is now tied for most number of planets around a single star (via NASA)Case in point: Kepler-90i wasn’t the only jewel the AI found. It also discovered a sixth, Earth-sized planet in the Kepler-80 system.Dive into the details of Shallue and Vanderburg’s research paper, accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal.“These results demonstrate the enduring value of Kepler’s mission,” Jessie Dotson, project scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center, said in a statement. “New ways of looking at the data—such as this early-stage research to apply machine learning algorithms—promises to continue to yield significant advances in our understanding of planetary systems around other stars.”NASA and Google also held a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on Thursday to answer public questions.
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The number of rapes reported in Vancouver has risen in recent years, and police say they fear that the actual number of sexual assaults in the city could be much higher if unreported rapes were included.“Our data shows that this crime is increasing in the city of Vancouver, and coupled with the nationwide reports of underreporting … we feel like there’s a gap here and that we can enhance our service delivery,” said Chris Sutter, an assistant chief for the Vancouver Police Department.To help address the problem, the department applied for and recently received a grant for $74,398 from the Washington State Office of Crime Victims Advocacy. The department is one of 10 agencies statewide to participate in the new grant program, and the only police department to be selected.Last year, 117 instances of rape were reported in Vancouver. Sutter said officials fear the actual number could be as much as three times higher when unreported rapes are factored into the count.That underreporting could be for any number of reasons, including a fear of retaliation, victims worried that the police won’t believe them or that they won’t be supported if they report the crime.