A look at some reaction to the verdict in the Tina Fontaine
WINNIPEG – A Winnipeg jury has acquitted Raymond Cormier, 56, of the second-degree murder of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine. Here is what some politicians are saying in the wake of the verdict:“The death of Tina Fontaine was a tragedy and our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends and entire community. Her death galvanized our whole country to demand measures that would stop the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.” — Carolyn Bennett, minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, in a statement.—“Shocked and disgusted. Tina is a symbol of MMIWG in our country — and this is the signal Cdn society sends? No justice. No peace. We must stand up to this injustice.” — Niki Ashton, NDP MP for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, on Twitter.—“Once again justice was not found in the courtroom for a FirstNations child … The trauma and pain this causes for me and all First Nations people across Canada is deep. Systemic injustices require systemic action to change.” — Perry Bellegarde, national chief, Assembly of First Nations, on Twitter.—“There’s no question in my mind that we all failed Tina. And we are all continuing to fail other young Indigenous people in communities across our country. I believe Canada is the greatest country in the world … but until we all confront the shame and tragedy of our country’s racist treatment of Indigenous people we will fall short of that great country we know Canada to be.” — Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman, in a statement.—
APTN NewsThe Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say they have requested an extradition order for a man in Texas for the abuse of several boys at a number of boarding homes in Sioux Lookout, Ont.Jack Wicksey, 65, of Los Fresno, Texas, has been charged with nine counts of sexual assault of boys under the age of 16, and nine counts of sexual exploitation according to an OPP release sent out Friday.The release says the charges come as a result of an investigation of allegations of historical sexual abuse in Sioux Lookout between 1989 and 1991. OPP said seven adult males came forward with the allegations.Wicksey was arrested in Texas earlier this month by U.S. Marshalls.According to the Brownsville Herald, Wicksey appeared before a judge on June 12, 2018, for an extradition hearing.Wicksey worked as a house councillor for the Pelican Falls Centre boarding program.news@aptn.ca@aptnnews
MONTREAL – WSP Global Inc. says its third-quarter profit climbed compared with a year ago as revenue also improved.The engineering firm (TSX:WSP) says it earned $72.6 million or 71 cents per share for the quarter, up from $62.9 million or 63 cents per share a year ago.Revenue totalled $1.64 billion, up from $1.55 billion in the same quarter last year.The financial results came as WSP works to grow its business around the world.The company announced last week it has a deal to acquire Consultoria Colombiana S.A., a 1,000-employee consulting firm based in Colombia, that will expand the Canadian firm’s presence in Latin America.The deal follows an agreement earlier this year to acquire Opus International Consultants Ltd. in New Zealand.
A LIGHT AIRCRAFT crash that killed two men in Birr, Co. Offaly last year was caused by a lack fuel in the tanks according to a report by investigators.Flying instructor Niall Doherty and trainee Damien Deegan were killed when their Cessna F150H crashed near Birr Airfield on 11 November 2012.The report published today found that then men had completed a touch-and-go landing where their plane touched down and immediately took off again without stopping.During the climb which followed the plane was heard by witnesses to lose power before they saw the aircraft making a steep descent and turn to the left before disappearing from view. The aircraft impacted heavily in scrub land and came to rest inverted, it was completely destroyed by the crash.The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport found that the engine power loss was caused by fuel starvation. No technical faults that could have contributed to the crash were found. The AAIU issuing eight safety recommendations as a result of the fatal incident.Air worthyThe plane had a current Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) that was issued on 21 February 2012 and a check recorded in April 2012 indicated that the fuel gauge indicators were working correctly. Investigators also said that the most recent test indicated that the fuel consumption of the aircraft was in accordance with the manufacturer’s published data. The report cited “inadequate fuel management” as a contributory factor in the crash.The plane was refuelled before a previous training exercise but not the one where the crash occurred. At the time of the crash the estimated fuel quantity was less than the recommended level published by the manufacturer.Weather did not play a part in the incident but fatigue may have according to the AAIU. No flight recorder was fitted to the aircraft nor was it required to be.The AAIU issued eight separate safety recommendations as part of the report, all of which related to the measurement and logging of fuel on board aircraft.Read the report in full here >Read: Investigations into plane crash which killed instructor and trainee pilot >Read: Report into Birr plane crash found ‘no technical defect’ >
THE IRISH HOSPICE Foundation has called for the HSE to extend the eligibility period of the emergency medical card for people who are approaching the end of life.Currently, people who are terminally ill and are nearing the end of their lives are entitled to a card for six months without a means test, once the prognisis is certified by a medical practitioner.However the IHF said one in five patients who gets mediical cards on this basis lives beyond six months and the renewal process may be upsetting for patients and their families.In its submission to the expert group which is reviewing the medical card system, the foundation said it is concerned that the current focus on specific conditions will “overlook those who may not fit easily into any diagnosis, but for whom life expectancy is still limited, including older people who are becoming increasing frail”.It recommended that the renewal process should involve contacting the certifying doctor for an update rather than a means test form being issued to the patient who is at the end of the life.In its submission the IHF also said that information on the availability of medical cards granted on terminal illness grounds needs to be made available on the HSE and other relevant websites in a form readily accessible to the general public.It pointed out that there is no mention of the emergency medical card on terminal illness ground on the website currently, with the result that people who would qualify but who do not have the services of a medical social worker or palliative care attendant may not be aware of their entitlement.IHF Chief Executive Sharon Foley said the current provision of medical cards without means test for people who are approaching end of life is “appropriate, compassionate and cost effective”.However she added that the review must be used as an opportunity to amend and improve the process.Read: Children’s hospice LauraLynn to begin providing home care>Read: Are you comfortable talking about death and dying?>
Back in January 2011 iRobot announced the Scooba 230, its latest floor washing robot. It was built to bring the intelligence and usefulness of iRobot’s vacuuming bots (the Roomba series) to small, moppable spaces. The bot did its job well enough but its size meant it was slow and had a limited tank capacity, making it only good for bathrooms… and probably not worth the $300 price. iRobot hasn’t given up on floor washing though — the company is back with the Scooba 390, a full-sized bot that doesn’t require you to pre-sweep the floor.That last details is particularly important — the Scooba 230 was designed to work with floors that had already been swept and cleaned of any large debris. After that point it would lay down clean liquid, scrub back and forth, and then suck up the dirty liquid, leaving you with a pristine surface. The Scooba design, which was carried through to the 390, uses two reservoirs so soiled liquid is never reused.The biggest improvement with the Scooba 390 over the 230 is the presence of a rotating brush, the beater, which the 230 did not have. Of course the 390 isn’t a replacement for the 230 — that model will stay on sale — it actually replaces the Scooba 380. This model has the brush beater but is getting old and reviews on it were never great. The 390 attempt to specifically address the 380’s usability shortcomings, with improved user friendliness and up to 30% longer battery life. The 390 is said to use the 230’s improved, water-resistant battery design and be both easier to clean and empty than the older model. The Scooba 390 can wash areas up to 425 square feet, making for a bot that can handle much larger rooms than the 230’s 150 square feet. (The fluid capacity is unchanged from the 380 so that extra 30% battery life might not be as useful as it seems.) While cleaning the area it will guide itself with iAdapt just like any other Roomba, avoid rugs and carpets, and it can be set to pre-sweep areas before the wet cleaning begins. It also works with vinegar and water, as opposed to just iRobot’s branded enzymatic cleaner.The Scooba 390 will be sold through iRobot.com for $499.99.
Les anneaux de Saturne seraient quasiment aussi vieux que le système solaireGrâce à la sonde Cassini, la NASA a obtenu des images très précises des anneaux de Saturne. Celles-ci ont permis d’en apprendre plus sur eux et de constater qu’ils étaient quasiment aussi vieux que notre système solaire.Saturne est la seconde planète la plus importante de notre système après Jupiter et, bien que d’autres possèdent des anneaux, les siens sont les plus extraordinaires. C’est du moins ce que suggère une nouvelle étude publiée dans la revue The Astrophysical Journal et menée grâce à des résultats de la sonde Cassini. Selon elle, les anneaux de Saturne et ses lunes feraient en effet partie des plus anciens objets de notre système solaire. Mieux encore, ils dateraient quasiment de l’origine de notre système solaire.”Etudier le système saturnien aide à comprendre l’évolution chimique et physique de notre système solaire complet”, explique Gianrico Filacchione, scientifique du National Institute for Astrophysics de Rome en Italie. “Nous savons maintenant que comprendre cette évolution ne requiert pas seulement d’étudier une seule lune ou les anneaux, mais de reconstituer les relations qui entremêlent ces corps”, ajoute t-il cité par Science Daily. Selon l’étude, les données collectées par Cassini dans l’infrarouge ont révélé comment la glace d’eau et les couleurs qui traduisent l’absence d’eau mais la présence de matériaux organiques, sont distribués dans le système saturnien.De la glace d’eau venant quasiment de la naissance du système solaire De cette façon, les résultats ont montré que la coloration des anneaux et des lunes était essentiellement superficielle. Ils ont également révélé que la présence de glace d’eau en quantités importantes, bien trop abondantes pour avoir été déposées par des comètes ou un autre processus. Les chercheurs en ont donc déduit que cette glace devait s’être formée à peu près au moment de la naissance du système solaire puisque Saturne orbite au-delà de ce qu’on appelle la “ligne de neige”. A cet endroit, l’environnement est propice pour préserver la glace d’eau, comme un congélateur. A l’inverse, à l’intérieur de cette “ligne de neige”, l’environnement est plus proche du Soleil et la glace comme d’autres dépôts volatiles se dissipent facilement. Mais ce n’est pas tout ce qu’ont découvert les scientifiques puisqu’ils ont observé un autre phénomène : les lunes se sont avérées d’autant plus rouges qu’elles étaient éloignées de Saturne. D’après les chercheurs, ceci suggère que la teinte rouge proviendrait de fer oxydé et pourrait être due à une pluie de météorite provenant du fin fond du système solaire. Dans la mesure où cette coloration ne serait donc que superficielle, le coeur pourrait être bien plus ancien. Des lunes qui proviendraient des anneaux de Saturne Ajouté à cela, les scientifiques ont eu la surprise de constater que Prométhée, une des lunes de Saturne montrait une couleur similaire à celle des anneaux voisins, elle-même plus intense que celle des autres lunes. “La teinte rougeâtre similaire suggère que Prométhée s’est construit à partir du matériau des anneaux de Saturne”, indique Bonnie Buratti du Jet Propulsion de la NASA. À lire aussiBoisson, météorite et Facebook, les actus sciences que vous devez connaître ce 5 septembre”Les scientifiques se demandaient si les particules des anneaux pourraient s’être collés ensemble pour former les lunes – étant donné que la théorie dominante était que les anneaux provenaient essentiellement de satellites qui se sont rompus. La coloration nous donne des preuves solides que cela peut marcher dans l’autre sens aussi”, précise t-elle. Rassemblées, toutes ces informations pourraient donc donner aux scientifiques une idée de plus en plus précise de comment s’est formé notre système solaire et peut être, par extension, comment se sont formés des systèmes planétaires similaires dans d’autres galaxies, commente de son côté Linda Spilker. “Ce à quoi un objet ressemble et comment il évolue dépend beaucoup de l’emplacement”, ajoute t-elle encore. Le 29 mars 2013 à 18:05 • Maxime Lambert
00:00 00:00 spaceplay / pause qunload | stop ffullscreenshift + ←→slower / faster ↑↓volume mmute ←→seek . seek to previous 12… 6 seek to 10%, 20% … 60% XColor SettingsAaAaAaAaTextBackgroundOpacity SettingsTextOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundSemi-TransparentOpaqueTransparentFont SettingsSize||TypeSerif MonospaceSerifSans Serif MonospaceSans SerifCasualCursiveSmallCapsResetSave SettingsSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s DMV is trying to improve customer service by accepting credit cards, upgrading its website and offering clearer instructions on how to obtain a new federally mandated ID.The ideas are part of a report Gov. Gavin Newsom is releasing on Tuesday that details efforts to improve the troubled Department of Motor Vehicles. Average wait times topped two hours last summer, prompting outrage from lawmakers and customers alike.Newsom has also announced the appointment of Steve Gordon as the new DMV director. Gordon most recently worked for a consulting firm focused on business-wide process improvement. His salary is $186,000.The DMV has been plagued by slowdowns because of people seeking REAL IDs, which will be required for airplane travel in October 2020. July 23, 2019 California governor announces changes at troubled DMV Posted: July 23, 2019 AP, 
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RelatedPosts Melco International Development grants Evan Winkler HK$269 million share options The launch of C2 Nicosia follows the recent opening of Melco’s temporary casino, Cyprus Casinos Limassol, in June while construction work continues on the €550 million City of Dreams Mediterranean. When complete in 2021, City of Dreams Mediterranean will offer 136 gaming tables and 1,200 electronic gaming machines as well as a 500-room hotel, 11 restaurants, 1,200 square meters of retail and almost 10,000 square meters of meeting and exhibition space.Melco is set to launch three more satellite casinos in the coming months including C2 Larnaca later this month, followed by the third in January and fourth in May.The C2 Nicosia satellite casino will open from 15:00 to 06:00 midweek and 24 hours per day on weekends and public holidays, Melco said. Load More Melco Resorts distances itself from Chairman’s father, Dr Stanley Ho, amid inquiry into Crown Resorts acquisition Melco Resorts has opened the first of its four satellite casinos in Cyprus, the company announced overnight.The modest Cyprus Casinos Nicosia (C2 Nicosia), which covers 970 square meters and features five live gaming tables and 50 slot machines, opened its doors this week, with City of Dreams Mediterranean Property President Craig Ballantyne stating that, “C2 will significantly contribute to the efforts of the Cypriot government to combat illegal gaming.” Melco Resorts completes acquisition of 75% stake in Cyprus casino firm from parent
While House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has been a champion for military spending, and frequently cited the benefits the recent two-year budget agreement would provide the Pentagon in garnering support for the deal from skeptical Republicans in February, it’s not clear that his retirement at the end of the current session will significantly affect congressional backing for the armed forces. Both Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), who are seen as Ryan’s most likely replacements, are expected to continue his unwavering advocacy for a strong defense. Of course, if control of the House flips following the mid-term elections, the makeup of the GOP leadership will not be nearly as important. Democrats have supported increasing defense spending in recent years, but only if domestic programs achieve similar gains, reported Defense News. Dan Cohen AUTHOR
Warangal: The three-day district badminton championship for boys, girls, men and women got underway at the Indore stadium, KITS, Warangal, here on Wednesday. The tourney is being organised jointly by Warangal District Badminton Association (WDBA), affiliated to Badminton Association of Telangana (BAT), and Department of Physical Education, Kakatiya Institute of Technology & Science (KITS), Warangal. The tourney was inaugurated jointly by Warangal Club secretary E Premsagar Reddy, WDBA president Dr S Ramesh Kumar, general secretary Dr P Ramesh Reddy and treasurer D Nagakishan Also Read – Solve farmers problems, demands Congress in Kamareddy Advertise With Us E Premsagar Reddy said that as Warangal district has full-fledged facilities for playing badminton, it’s up to youth to make full use of it and excel at national level. “To be a champion, you must believe in yourself. Instead of worrying about winning or losing, players should focus on developing their skills,” he said. WDBA president Dr S Ramesh Kumar told the youth to maintain their physical fitness levels on par with the best in the game. Also Read – Woman found dead, relatives stage dharna in Kamareddy Advertise With Us Prof P Ramesh Reddy, WDBA secretary, and HOD Physical Education, KITS, Warangal, said that 290 players, grouped in five categories, U-13, U-15, U-17, U-19, men and women, singles and doubles, are taking part in the tourney. “We used latest badminton tournament software to pick the draws,” he said. Results on first day of the tourney: Boys singles U-13: K Srikanth (Tejaswi) beat Sri Chaten (SS School) 30-28; V Sathwik beat K Aravind 30-23. Girls singles U-13: T Hasini (Aryabatta) beat Sathwika (JNS) 30-24. Boys doubles U-13: Charan + Hamenth (Jangaon) beat K Srikanth + Sri Chaten (Tejaswi) 30-24; Mokshith + Shreyas beat M Charan Tej + M Sri Harsha 30-22. Boys singles U-15: P Moulik beat R Aslesh 30-28; Charan (Jangaon) beat A Mourya (Aryabatta) 30-21. Girls singles U-15: Ashritha beat Srinika 30-18. Boys doubles U-15: Asim + K.Thula Sainath beat A Mourya (Aryabatta) + B Pavan (Tejaswi) 30-24. Boys singles U-17: V Sai Sharath (JNS) beat Yogesh Reddy (St. Peters) 30-29. Boys doubles U-17: Abubaker Siddiq + Vineeth Kumar (GWMC) beat Harish Kumar (JNS) + Rohit (JNS) 30-20.
Nearly two months after he was unceremoniously removed from the post of Tata Sons chief and replaced by Ratan Tata, Cyrus Mistry is taking the legal avenue to go after the group. A day after he quit all posts in the Tata Group, investment firms controlled by Mistry’s family have reportedly filed a suit with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against Tata Sons.According to PTI, the NCLT will hold the first hearing of the case — which pertains to “oppression and mismanagement of Tata Sons under Section 241 of the Companies Act” — on December 22.The move seems in line with Mistry’s missive when he was forced to quit Tata Group companies, and had then launched a movement to apparently bring more transparency in the companies. He had said then: “Having deeply reflected on where we are in this movement for cleaning up governance and regaining lost ethical ground, I think it is time to shift gears, up the momentum, and be more incisive in securing the best interests of the Tata Group.”Mistry had also said about the Tatas filing caveats against him: “A caveat is a notice filed by a party fearing legal action seeking notice before action. Tatas have filed caveats seeking notice from Cyrus Mistry fearing legal action. Cyrus has not filed any caveats.”What Mistry now hopes to achieveIt is still not clear whether Mistry wants to return as the head of Tata Sons or whether he wants it destroyed. However, given how he has talked of transparency and better governance within the company, it would be better to assume that he wants the former.And given that Mistry had also warned the Tata Group of an $18-billion writedown if alleged fraudulent transactions of the group came to light, it stands to reason that he is trying to play a whistleblower, and might have been ousted before he could complete the task.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has allowed more foreign re-insurers to open branches in India in a move that is set to challenge the monopoly of state-run General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), which is the sole reinsurance company in the Indian insurance market.LIC likely to improve market share by end of this fiscalLeading global reinsurers – Switzerland-based Swiss Re, France-based Scor SE, two Germany-based reinsurers Hannover Re and Munich Re and RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada – have been recently granted certificates of registration by the IRDAI.UK-based reinsurer Lloyd’s is also making its India foray in early 2017 after receiving the approval from the insurance regulator. However, unlike other reinsurers, Lloyd’s will operate in India through its market model wherein a set of members collectively come together to underwrite and provide reinsurance.Commenting on the move, Hannover Re CEO Ulrich Wallin said: “I am delighted about the opening up of the Indian market for (re)insurers. The establishment of our branch means that we can now be even closer to our customers and respond more attentively to their reinsurance needs.” Meanwhile, Thomas Mathew, CEO of RGA India, said: “We believe the Indian insurance market has tremendous potential to grow and We look forward to supporting this growth through innovative products in life and health insurance.”Several offshore players applied for the license to set up branch operations in India after the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Act, 2015, permitted foreign reinsurers to have a branch presence in the country.What does a reinsurer mean?Well, simply put, as insurance is the transfer of someone’s monetary risk to an insurance company, or insurer, reinsurance is the further transfer of this risk from an insurance company to a reinsurer. Reinsurance is when multiple insurance companies share risk by purchasing insurance policies from other insurers to limit the total loss the original insurer would experience in case of a disaster.Why is India a future market with tremendous upside potential?India offers a huge opportunity for insurers with a rapidly growing middle class and a comparatively low insurance density. Despite being vulnerable to natural disasters, the Indian market is significantly underinsured (below 1 percent) when compared with an average of 1.4% in the Asia Pacific and a 6.1% of global average.The Indian insurance market, which currently accounts for less than 1.5 percent of the world’s total insurance premiums, is a huge business opportunity waiting to be harnessed. The country is the 15th largest insurance market in the world in terms of premium volume and has the potential to grow exponentially in the decades to come.India’s insurance market in numbers:With about 360 million policies, India’s life insurance sector is the biggest in the world, with expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-15 percent over the next five years.The insurance industry is aiming to increase the penetration levels to five percent by 2020.During April 2015 to March 2016 period, the Indian life insurance industry recorded a new premium income of $ 20.54 billion, tapping a growth of 22.5 percent.The general insurance industry recorded a 12 percent growth in gross direct premium underwritten in April 2016 at $ 1.55 billion.From its current size of $60 billion, India’s insurance market is expected to quadruple in size over the next 10 years.The Indian insurance industry consists of 53 players – 24 are in life and 29 in non-life insurance business – and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the only state-run insurer in the life insurance category. Among the non-life insurers, there are six public sector insurers and GIC Re as the only reinsurer. With the government willing to open the sector for more foreign and private participation and India’s insurable population expected to touch 750 million in 2020, the future looks promising for the Indian life insurance industry amid changing demographic factors such as young insurable population and growing awareness of the need for protection.
Picture of the US embassy in Caracas taken on 22 May 2018 after president Nicolas Maduro announced the expulsion of the top two US diplomatic representatives in Venezuela. Photo: AFPVenezuela ordered the expulsion of the top two US diplomats in the country Tuesday, charging it was the victim of a “political and financial lynching” after Washington tightened sanctions over Nicolas Maduro’s re-election.Maduro announced the expulsions in a televised speech after being officially proclaimed the winner of Sunday’s election in the South American nation mired in an acute economic crisis and facing growing international isolation.The vote was boycotted by the main opposition parties and widely condemned by the international community, including the United States, which denounced it as a “sham.”The Venezuelan president declared US charge d’affaires Todd Robinson and deputy head of mission Brian Naranjo “personae non gratae.””They must leave the country in 48 hours in protest and in defense of the dignity of the Venezuelan homeland… Enough of conspiracies!” he said.The United States immediately threatened to retaliate.A State Department official told AFP that Washington had “not received notification from the Venezuelan government through diplomatic channels,” but that if the expulsions are confirmed, “the United States may take appropriate reciprocal action.”In anticipation that Venezuela’s charge d’affaires in Washington, Carlos Ron, would be expulsed, he was appointed vice minister of foreign affairs for North America.On Monday, President Donald Trump tightened sanctions against Caracas, making it harder for the Maduro regime to sell off state assets.”I repudiate all the sanctions that are sought against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, because they harm it, they generate suffering for the people of Venezuela,” Maduro said in the speech.He promised to present “evidence” that both diplomats were engaged in a political, military and economic “conspiracy.”Robinson denied the allegations.”We strongly reject the accusations against me and against” Naranjo, he told journalists in the western city of Merida, promising to return there even despite Maduro expulsing him.- ‘Threat to world peace’ -Washington and Caracas have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010, and relations between the two countries have been tense since the late leftist President Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor, assumed power in 1999.The deeply unpopular Maduro was declared the winner with 68 percent of the vote, but with a record abstention rate.Days before the elections, 11 soldiers were arrested for planning destabilizing actions against Maduro, and they were ordered to prison on Tuesday, the Foro Penal group said.Venezuelans are reeling under an deepening crisis, with hyperinflation projected by the IMF to reach 13,800 percent this year and dire shortages of food and medicine.Hundreds of thousands of people have fled the country to escape the growing deprivation.The foreign ministry earlier lashed out at the US sanctions, accusing Washington of intensifying a “criminal financial and economic blockade,” which it called a crime against humanity for impeding “access to essential goods.””We alert the international community to the threat to world peace represented by the supremacist, racist and interventionist regime that governs Washington today, inspired by the nefarious postulates of the Ku Klux Klan,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.It said US policy “promotes hatred, intolerance and political and financial lynching” of Venezuela.Washington has previously slapped sanctions on the president and his senior aides, and banned US entities from buying any more debt from Caracas or state oil company PDVSA.The European Union said it was also weighing new sanctions after the election was marred by “irregularities” and failed to meet international standards.Caracas is facing increasing international isolation, with the United States, the European Union and the 14 countries of the Lima Group — which includes Argentina, Brazil and Canada — refusing to recognize the election result.”Venezuela is beginning to suffer an economic boycott by the United States and its allies, and this is going to be fatal to the regime,” political analyst Carlos Romero told AFP.Maduro, a former bus driver, union leader and foreign minister, has insisted Venezuela is the victim of an “economic war” waged by the conservative opposition and external powers including the United States aimed at toppling him.Most economists attribute the oil-rich country’s economic collapse to years of mismanagement, corruption and a period of sharply lower oil prices.
Houston Mayor Fights Plans for Sex Doll BrothelAutonomous Sexbots Are the Future Stay on target To paraphrase Officer Rick Deckard: Robots are like any other machine—they’re either a benefit or a hazard.For American brothel owner Dennis Hof, they’re a benefit.The entrepreneur, restaurateur, and proprietor of seven legal cathouses in Nevada plans to pilot sex robots at his Moonlite Bunny Ranch, near Carson City.“The next great innovations in our industry will not only be cultural, but also technical,” Hoff said in a statement emailed to Geek.com. “Sex robots are here to stay, and the technology is further along than most people think.”Well… As University of London lecturer and writer Kate Devlin pointed out: “There are no actual sex robots in production yet—just dolls.”Like Samantha, built by Barcelona-based engineer Sergi Santos. And Sinthetics’ handmade figurines (available with female and male anatomy). Neither of which provide the same warmth, affection, and thrust as a human partner.Still, a sexbot revolution is seemingly on the horizon. And Hof wants in.“I want the Bunny Ranch to be a testbed for this cutting-edge sex tech—and if our clients like them, Bunny-Bots will be a part of the experience offered at my brothels going into the next decade,” he announced.The 70-year-old businessman’s empire extends beyond the reality TV-starring den of iniquity: Hof also owns Love Ranch South, Area 51 Alien Cathouse, and Sagebrush Ranch, as well as three more bordellos in the Silver State—where prostitution is permitted in isolated rural areas.Dennis Hof (left)—with partner and former madam Heidi Fleiss (center) and ex porn star Ron Jeremy (right)—at the 2006 Adult Video Network Convention in Las Vegas (via photographer Daniel Dacumos)Alice Little, one of Hof’s 500-plus working girls, is excited about the new recruits.“I don’t see sex robots as my competition, as much as a tool that I can use to augment my client’s experience,” she said.“We work with a lot of adult virgins with extreme levels of shyness and very limited sexual experience,” Little continued. “Many of these virgins are very nervous when they’re with a woman for the first time, and could benefit from having a transitional sexbot to ease them into intercourse with a human woman.“Also, how cool would it be to have a threesome with a robot?”I dunno, ask Hannah Nguyen, whose husband, Arran Lee Wright, co-created smart sex doll Samantha, who—despite her dead eyes, cold skin, and general aloofness—has become part of the family.“We have fun with her,” Nguyen admitted during a recent appearance on ITV program This Morning.But not everyone is on board with introducing new technology to the world’s oldest profession.“It’s insulting,” Bunny Ranch employee Tiara Tae said. “You can’t program a robot to sympathize with every client’s unique psychological situation or to sense what a customer subconsciously needs sexually and emotionally. The experience we offer is not a simulation of intimacy and empathy, it’s genuine.“I’m not thrilled about the prospect of sharing the stage with an appliance,” she added. “It’s challenging enough competing with dozens of other working girls, now I have to compete with the Terminator, too?”The Moonlite Bunny Ranch did not immediately respond to Geek’s request for comment.“We’re still in the early stages of estimating the potential financial impact of robo-prostitution,” according to Hof. “But if the future unfolds as we expect, sex robots may do for the Bunny Ranch what the iPhone did for Apple.”Let us know what you like about Geek by taking our survey.
Stay on target Star Wars fan fiction has existed for as long as the property has been around. While these sort of fan-created works aren’t rare, it isn’t every day when professional comic book writers have a go at telling their own Star Wars tales.With Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, we’re treated to an 80-page collection of fan-told Star Wars stories from writers such as Tim Daniel and Michael Moreci, to artists like K. R. Whalen and Drew Zucker. The collection is comprised of comic books and short stories that take place during different eras in the Star Wars universe. Most of the works take place after Return of the Jedi and before The Force Awakens, but there are stories from other eras as well.Two of the stories focus on characters from the Clone Wars and Rebels CG animated series. In “Touching Darkness” by Moreci, Phillip Sevy, Juancho Velez and Dave Baron, we get to see what Ahsoka Tano and Quinlan Vos did after the end of Clone Wars‘ fifth season. Meanwhile “Ronin” by Morgan Luthi, Michael Moreci, and Jim Campbell tells the origin of Rebels’ Grand Inquisitor. All of this is juicy material for those of us who are fans of these (underappreciated) TV shows.Just because this compilation contains work from professional writers doesn’t mean that any of it is official canon. Still, it is fun to read tales about what could have happened to some of the series’ most well-known and beloved characters — especially in cases like the Clone Wars series which ended far too soon and left a fair number of plot lines dangling.For those who are interested, do yourself a favor and check out Tales From a Galaxy Far, Far Away by following this link. It’s completely free, so you have nothing to lose except to miss out on awesome Star Wars stories from some talented writers and artists. Mattel Unveils Fashionable ‘Star Wars’ x Barbie Dolls‘Star Wars: Resistance’ Finale Sets Up ‘The Rise of Sk… 
Choosing make-up for your skin tone goes far beyond getting the foundation right. However, there are a few colours in make-up products that look flattering and stunning on anyone, irrespective of skin tone. Experts list some trends that will work well on every skin tone: The iconic red lipstick: There’s something magical about the red lipstick. A flattering red lipstick can pull your look together, even if you’re not wearing heavy make-up. Available in matte, gloss and shimmer, the red lipstick can complete your make up look even if you opt for a minimalistic look. There is a shade of red lipstick for every skin tone. Fair toned women can pick cool-toned red lipsticks with hints of blue and purple. For medium skin tones, orange-red shades work well. A poppy red also helps cancel out any sallowness in medium skin tones. On dark complexions, deep, bright, matte reds work well. One can opt for, candy-apple reds. Also Read – Add new books to your shelfNeutral colours in eyeshadows: Eye shadows are an integral part of eye make-up. Whether fair/medium/dark skin tones, one can create sultry looking eyes with neutral eye shadows. Neutral tones are the best to create a natural look which works well as day wear, for brunch and other day occasions alike! Bronze toned blush: The blush is always an important make-up product in your collection. The blush, even when applied in a small amount, brings out the inner glow, highlights cheekbones and defines the face. A cinnamon or deep bronze toned blush works well for all skin tones be it fair/ medium/dark and works like magic to transform a muted regular wear look into a glamorous glow. Also Read – Over 2 hours screen time daily will make your kids impulsiveColour correcting (CC) cream: Choosing the right foundation for your skin tone can be tricky. Whenever in doubt, a CC Cream with SPF 50/ PA is the best option as a make-up base. CC cream has the real results of fading dark spots and dullness, feels lightweight on the skin and gives 24-hour moisturisation. Women with fair to light skin tone can opt for wheat shade and others can go for nude shades.Matte lipsticks: Women nowadays are selecting the lip shades that are perfectly matte but are always confused on which shade will look good with their skin tone. Different shades of orange complement all skin-tones — like true orange or tangerine tango shade suits well on fair skin whereas bright nectar or coral burst works best on tanned skin tone.