The moaning and hand-wringing has reached deafening levels.
The internet memes are out of control. If you spend more than 10 minutes on Twitter, you'll be overwhelmed with the sense that 2016 was an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions.
According to received wisdom, 2017 will be even worse.
Well, there's a few problems with that analysis (not least that Brexit and Trump were both voted for by a majority of the electorate).
In fact there are many, many things to be thankful for.
Here's my list of reasons why we should all cheer up a bit:
1. Millions of people disengaged with politics started caring again. People who never voted before because they felt ignored have re-engaged with the political process after the EU referendum vote. (Don't like how people voted? Sorry, that's how democracy works.)
2. We are living longer than ever before. Figures show that for those aged 65, men can expect to live for another 19 years and women a further 21 years.
3. The giant panda is no longer endangered and China has banned the ivory trade - a game changer for elephants.
4. Fewer children are dying as child mortality drops.
5. A peace deal was reached in Colombia after 50 years of war.
6. It was a great year for women in politics, with a female Prime Minister, First Ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland and women leading the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, Scottish Labour and the Scottish Conservatives.
7. And there was good news for the environment, with US carbon dioxide emissions at their lowest level since 1991.
8. Islamic States has lost swathes of territory.
9. Sri Lanka managed to eradicate malaria.
10. And Sheffield Wednesday finished the year in the championship play-off positions.
(Sorry about that last one - I couldn't resist.)
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Ban Ki-moon leaves UN, regrets not ending conflicts
Ban Ki-moon, the outgoing UN secretary-general, says he laments not ending conflicts or doing more to promote peace as he ends 10 years at the UN.
Thronged by UN staff as he made his way out of UN headquarters on Friday, the South Korean diplomat thanked his colleagues, saying it was an honour to have worked with them.
"You should be very proud, just as I am so very proud to call you my colleagues," he said.
The 72-year-old transfers stewardship of the world body to Antonio Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister, amid continuing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Mali, the Central African Republic and Libya, to name but a few.
Ban said he lamented the "fires still burning", and in a rare show of criticism of world leaders, criticised unnamed presidents, prime ministers and monarchs for the turmoil.
Singling out Syria, he said he could not understand why it was being held hostage to "the destiny" of Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian conflict has killed an estimated 400,000 people, contributed to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II and allowed the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group to emerge as a global threat.
Turning elsewhere, Ban said in his decade at the UN he had endeavoured "to never give up. To keep dreaming, to keep believing, and to keep working hard until we achieve progress".
He urged UN staff to remain focused on advancing UN development goals and work towards addressing issues ranging from climate change to gender empowerment.
Mixed legacy
Despite serving two terms and being unanimously re-elected in 2011, Ban leaves behind a mixed legacy.
In his first term he was criticised for not speaking out against human rights abuses in China and Russia.
And, in his second term, for the UN's handling of the cholera epidemic in Haiti and its failure to deal effectively with sexual abuses by UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic and elsewhere.
His decision to remove an Arab coalition bombing Yemen from a UN blacklist after Saudi Arabia threatened to stop funding UN programmes was sharply rebuked.
On the other hand, he has won plaudits for helping move climate change to the top of the global agenda and strongly backing gay rights despite opposition from many countries.
From Sunday, Guterres, 67, takes over from Ban. He is the first former head of government to lead the UN and will preside over a five-year term.
Thronged by UN staff as he made his way out of UN headquarters on Friday, the South Korean diplomat thanked his colleagues, saying it was an honour to have worked with them.
"You should be very proud, just as I am so very proud to call you my colleagues," he said.
The 72-year-old transfers stewardship of the world body to Antonio Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister, amid continuing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Mali, the Central African Republic and Libya, to name but a few.
Ban said he lamented the "fires still burning", and in a rare show of criticism of world leaders, criticised unnamed presidents, prime ministers and monarchs for the turmoil.
Singling out Syria, he said he could not understand why it was being held hostage to "the destiny" of Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian conflict has killed an estimated 400,000 people, contributed to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II and allowed the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group to emerge as a global threat.
Turning elsewhere, Ban said in his decade at the UN he had endeavoured "to never give up. To keep dreaming, to keep believing, and to keep working hard until we achieve progress".
He urged UN staff to remain focused on advancing UN development goals and work towards addressing issues ranging from climate change to gender empowerment.
Mixed legacy
Despite serving two terms and being unanimously re-elected in 2011, Ban leaves behind a mixed legacy.
In his first term he was criticised for not speaking out against human rights abuses in China and Russia.
And, in his second term, for the UN's handling of the cholera epidemic in Haiti and its failure to deal effectively with sexual abuses by UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic and elsewhere.
His decision to remove an Arab coalition bombing Yemen from a UN blacklist after Saudi Arabia threatened to stop funding UN programmes was sharply rebuked.
On the other hand, he has won plaudits for helping move climate change to the top of the global agenda and strongly backing gay rights despite opposition from many countries.
From Sunday, Guterres, 67, takes over from Ban. He is the first former head of government to lead the UN and will preside over a five-year term.
Kim Jong-un says close to test long-range missile
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been quoted as saying in a New Year's message that his country's development of banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) is in "final stages".
"Research and development of cutting-edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage," Kim said on Sunday.
North Korea tested ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate during 2016, although some experts have said it is years away from developing an ICBM fitted with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.
The country has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The sanctions were tightened last month after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test on September 9.
In February, North Korea launched a satellite into space, which was widely seen as a test of long-range ballistic missile technology.
A senior US military official said last month that North Korea appears able to mount a miniaturised nuclear warhead on a missile but is still struggling with missile re-entry technology necessary for longer range strikes.
"Research and development of cutting-edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage," Kim said on Sunday.
North Korea tested ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate during 2016, although some experts have said it is years away from developing an ICBM fitted with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.
The country has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The sanctions were tightened last month after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and largest nuclear test on September 9.
In February, North Korea launched a satellite into space, which was widely seen as a test of long-range ballistic missile technology.
A senior US military official said last month that North Korea appears able to mount a miniaturised nuclear warhead on a missile but is still struggling with missile re-entry technology necessary for longer range strikes.
Theresa May's New Year message quotes murdered MP Jo Cox
Theresa May has evoked the memory of Jo Cox in her New Year message, signing off the year by reminding Britons they have "far more in common than that which divides us".
The Prime Minister pledged to make 2017 the year of "unity and opportunity" as she urged people to put the divisive referendum behind them, and said all Britons were united in wanting a safe, secure and fairer country.
"These ambitions unite us, so that we are no longer the 52% who voted Leave and the 48% who voted Remain, but one great union of people and nations with a proud history and a bright future."
"As the fantastic MP Jo Cox, who as so tragically taken from us last year, put it: 'We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.'"
Bridging the political divide, Mrs May also sought to reassure those who voted to Remain in the EU that she would endeavour to represent them too in her Brexit negotiations.
"When I sit around the negotiating table in Europe this year, it will be with that in mind - the knowledge that I am there to get the right deal - not just for those who voted to Leave - but for every single person in this country."
Mrs May's New Year Message is similar to her Christmas message just days earlier, when she called on the country to come back together after the EU referendum.
However, the Prime Minister is likely to face a torrid start to 2017 over Brexit.
In January, the Supreme Court will decide whether No 10 have to lay down new legislation to trigger formal exit negotiations, which in turn could set the scene for a big parliamentary battle over her Brexit plans.
Aside from Brexit negotiations, the Prime Minister also hinted at a more activist domestic agenda in 2017.
"We have made a momentous decision and set ourselves on a new direction. And if 2016 was the year you voted for that change, this is the year we start to make it happen," she said.
On the domestic front, No 10 will publish its plan for a new industrial strategy for the UK in January in an effort to boost economic growth, while also publishing a green paper on housing as ministers look to answer voters' concerns over chronic housing shortages across the UK.
Mrs May's tribute to Ms Cox comes days after her bereaved husband Brendan Cox delivered an alternative Christmas message, calling for an end to the "rise in hatred".
Broadcast on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, Mr Cox told viewers that now is the "now is the "moment to reach out to somebody that might disagree with us".
The 41-year-old MP, who was mother to two young children, was shot and stabbed to death by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair in her Batley and Spen constituency days before June's EU referendum.
The Prime Minister pledged to make 2017 the year of "unity and opportunity" as she urged people to put the divisive referendum behind them, and said all Britons were united in wanting a safe, secure and fairer country.
"These ambitions unite us, so that we are no longer the 52% who voted Leave and the 48% who voted Remain, but one great union of people and nations with a proud history and a bright future."
"As the fantastic MP Jo Cox, who as so tragically taken from us last year, put it: 'We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.'"
Bridging the political divide, Mrs May also sought to reassure those who voted to Remain in the EU that she would endeavour to represent them too in her Brexit negotiations.
"When I sit around the negotiating table in Europe this year, it will be with that in mind - the knowledge that I am there to get the right deal - not just for those who voted to Leave - but for every single person in this country."
Mrs May's New Year Message is similar to her Christmas message just days earlier, when she called on the country to come back together after the EU referendum.
However, the Prime Minister is likely to face a torrid start to 2017 over Brexit.
In January, the Supreme Court will decide whether No 10 have to lay down new legislation to trigger formal exit negotiations, which in turn could set the scene for a big parliamentary battle over her Brexit plans.
Aside from Brexit negotiations, the Prime Minister also hinted at a more activist domestic agenda in 2017.
"We have made a momentous decision and set ourselves on a new direction. And if 2016 was the year you voted for that change, this is the year we start to make it happen," she said.
On the domestic front, No 10 will publish its plan for a new industrial strategy for the UK in January in an effort to boost economic growth, while also publishing a green paper on housing as ministers look to answer voters' concerns over chronic housing shortages across the UK.
Mrs May's tribute to Ms Cox comes days after her bereaved husband Brendan Cox delivered an alternative Christmas message, calling for an end to the "rise in hatred".
Broadcast on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, Mr Cox told viewers that now is the "now is the "moment to reach out to somebody that might disagree with us".
The 41-year-old MP, who was mother to two young children, was shot and stabbed to death by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair in her Batley and Spen constituency days before June's EU referendum.
'To my many enemies': Trump's barbed New Year wishes to friends and foes
Donald Trump has wished his "enemies" a Happy New Year in a barbed tweet posted just weeks before he takes office in the White House.
In the gloating New Year's Eve message, the President-elect wrote: "Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies.
"Those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don't know what to do. Love!"
It comes in the same week Mr Trump repeated his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a "very smart" man for not retaliating against the expulsion of 35 suspected spies from the US.
America's future leader has a reputation for drawing a clear line between friends and foes and has had no shortage of spats with his opponents in 2016 - including several public rows on Twitter in his election year.
As well as stirring up tensions with the likes of China and Iran, his domestic political rivals, Hollywood A-listers and prominent US media figures have also been in the firing line.
Before the presidential nomination, Mr Trump branded some of his Republican adversaries as "horrible liars" and "not smart".
They included South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, but the hatchet appeared to have been buried when both emerged as contenders for senior roles.
During a highly divisive campaign, Mr Trump chose the nicknames "Lyin' Ted" and "Crooked Hillary" to describe political opponents Hillary Clinton and rival Republican Ted Cruz.
President Barack Obama has also been a target - the tycoon accused his administration of actively supporting the Islamist group that later became known as Islamic State.
Following last week's UN Security Council call for an end to Israeli settlements, Mr Trump again voiced his support for Israel while criticising the Palestinian Authority for "refusing to stop the terror".
Also on the President-elect's list of geopolitical enemies is Iran, whose international nuclear agreement Mr Trump opposes.
Tensions between the US and China have escalated since Mr Trump's victory, with the President-elect suggesting he is willing to abandon the "One China" policy which guides Washington's position on Taiwan.
Relations have been strained with Mexico, too, since he threatened to build a wall on the country's border with the US.
Figures from world of entertainment and media have also been in the firing line.
Mr Trump has been vocal over his dislike for most broadcasters, naming NBC's Brian Williams, ABC's Barbara Walters and Fox News contributor Michelle Malkin among others.
But it's in Hollywood - where many former Presidents found their strongest platform of support - that Mr Trump has encountered some of the greatest hostility.
Robert De Niro threatened to "punch him in the face" in the run-up to the election - but changed his mind when it was clear he had won the keys to the White House.
Jerry Seinfeld called Mr Trump "God's gift to comedy, while Alec Baldwin's satirical portrayal of the future President on Saturday Night Live has prompted a prolonged social media feud.
Mr Trump will be sworn in as 45th President of the United States on 20 January.
In the gloating New Year's Eve message, the President-elect wrote: "Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies.
"Those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don't know what to do. Love!"
It comes in the same week Mr Trump repeated his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him a "very smart" man for not retaliating against the expulsion of 35 suspected spies from the US.
America's future leader has a reputation for drawing a clear line between friends and foes and has had no shortage of spats with his opponents in 2016 - including several public rows on Twitter in his election year.
As well as stirring up tensions with the likes of China and Iran, his domestic political rivals, Hollywood A-listers and prominent US media figures have also been in the firing line.
Before the presidential nomination, Mr Trump branded some of his Republican adversaries as "horrible liars" and "not smart".
They included South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, but the hatchet appeared to have been buried when both emerged as contenders for senior roles.
During a highly divisive campaign, Mr Trump chose the nicknames "Lyin' Ted" and "Crooked Hillary" to describe political opponents Hillary Clinton and rival Republican Ted Cruz.
President Barack Obama has also been a target - the tycoon accused his administration of actively supporting the Islamist group that later became known as Islamic State.
Following last week's UN Security Council call for an end to Israeli settlements, Mr Trump again voiced his support for Israel while criticising the Palestinian Authority for "refusing to stop the terror".
Also on the President-elect's list of geopolitical enemies is Iran, whose international nuclear agreement Mr Trump opposes.
Tensions between the US and China have escalated since Mr Trump's victory, with the President-elect suggesting he is willing to abandon the "One China" policy which guides Washington's position on Taiwan.
Relations have been strained with Mexico, too, since he threatened to build a wall on the country's border with the US.
Figures from world of entertainment and media have also been in the firing line.
Mr Trump has been vocal over his dislike for most broadcasters, naming NBC's Brian Williams, ABC's Barbara Walters and Fox News contributor Michelle Malkin among others.
But it's in Hollywood - where many former Presidents found their strongest platform of support - that Mr Trump has encountered some of the greatest hostility.
Robert De Niro threatened to "punch him in the face" in the run-up to the election - but changed his mind when it was clear he had won the keys to the White House.
Jerry Seinfeld called Mr Trump "God's gift to comedy, while Alec Baldwin's satirical portrayal of the future President on Saturday Night Live has prompted a prolonged social media feud.
Mr Trump will be sworn in as 45th President of the United States on 20 January.
At least 35 people dead and 40 injured after Turkish nightclub attack
At least 35 people have been killed after a gunman reportedly dressed as Santa Claus attacked a nightclub in Turkey.
The governor of Istanbul has described the incident, which also injured at least 40 others, as a "terrorist attack".
It is believed the gunman shot at police officers outside the Rezia nightclub before opening fire at random inside the building.
Estimates suggest about 500 to 600 people were celebrating the New Year at the venue.
Many people jumped into the Bosphorus river in panic.
Television footage showed ambulances and police vehicles on the street outside the nightclub in the Ortakoy district.
Media reports said police have cordoned off the area and an operation is ongoing.
Security measures had been heightened in major Turkish cities, with police barring traffic leading up to key city squares.
In Istanbul, 17,000 police officers were put on duty, some camouflaged as Santa Claus and others as street vendors, Anadolu reported.
Ankara and Istanbul have been targeted by several attacks in 2016 carried out by the Islamic State group or Kurdish rebels, killing more than 180 people.
The governor of Istanbul has described the incident, which also injured at least 40 others, as a "terrorist attack".
It is believed the gunman shot at police officers outside the Rezia nightclub before opening fire at random inside the building.
Estimates suggest about 500 to 600 people were celebrating the New Year at the venue.
Many people jumped into the Bosphorus river in panic.
Television footage showed ambulances and police vehicles on the street outside the nightclub in the Ortakoy district.
Media reports said police have cordoned off the area and an operation is ongoing.
Security measures had been heightened in major Turkish cities, with police barring traffic leading up to key city squares.
In Istanbul, 17,000 police officers were put on duty, some camouflaged as Santa Claus and others as street vendors, Anadolu reported.
Ankara and Istanbul have been targeted by several attacks in 2016 carried out by the Islamic State group or Kurdish rebels, killing more than 180 people.
Concrete bollards to prevent copycat London lorry attack on New Year's Eve
Concrete barriers will block traffic from crowds in central London on New Year's Eve to prevent a potential lorry attack.
Extra security measures are in place ahead of tonight's celebrations after a Christmas market in Berlin became a terror target earlier this month.
A record number of concrete bollards will be placed at junctions to keep vehicles out of central London.
More than 100,000 are expected to line the banks of the River Thames for the capital's sold-out firework display.
The countdown to midnight, ushering in 2017, will also last longer than usual with an extra so-called "leap second" added to compensate for a slowdown in the Earth's rotation.
Armed police will be deployed on London Underground trains for the first time on New Year's Eve following a security review.
The armed officers and other additional patrols have been brought in to bolster the 3,000 officers who will police the capital's streets.
British Transport Police said officers would work extended hours on New Year's Eve for the second year in a row.
And forces across the country are on alert. West Midlands Police said: "While the security status remains at severe we have further resources in place should they be needed."
In Scotland, some 80,000 people are expected to pack into Edinburgh city centre to celebrate Hogmanay.
Police Scotland said it had "reviewed" safety plans following the recent truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin.
Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald said: "We are absolutely confident that the plans that we have in place are proportionate and appropriate, and we will make sure that we deliver a safe event."
The celebrations in Hull will focus on New Year's Day when the city kicks off its tenure as City of Culture with a huge fireworks display it says will rival London's New Year's Eve party.
UK authorities say they are not responding to any specific intelligence of a threat, but are taking precautions after recent events in Europe.
In July, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel killed 86 people when he drove a 19-tonne lorry into crowds on Nice's seafront promenade.
Earlier this month, Anis Amri killed 12 people when he drove a hijacked lorry into a Berlin Christmas market.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed security plans for the capital's New Year's Eve celebrations had been "adjusted" in the last few days.
Superintendent Phil Langworthy, from the force, said: "Clearly we have been looking at what has happened around the world in terms of Berlin, Nice etc ... and have adjusted our plans and continue to adjust our plans."
He added that there were "both overt and covert" measures in place for security.
Extra security measures are in place ahead of tonight's celebrations after a Christmas market in Berlin became a terror target earlier this month.
A record number of concrete bollards will be placed at junctions to keep vehicles out of central London.
More than 100,000 are expected to line the banks of the River Thames for the capital's sold-out firework display.
The countdown to midnight, ushering in 2017, will also last longer than usual with an extra so-called "leap second" added to compensate for a slowdown in the Earth's rotation.
Armed police will be deployed on London Underground trains for the first time on New Year's Eve following a security review.
The armed officers and other additional patrols have been brought in to bolster the 3,000 officers who will police the capital's streets.
British Transport Police said officers would work extended hours on New Year's Eve for the second year in a row.
And forces across the country are on alert. West Midlands Police said: "While the security status remains at severe we have further resources in place should they be needed."
In Scotland, some 80,000 people are expected to pack into Edinburgh city centre to celebrate Hogmanay.
Police Scotland said it had "reviewed" safety plans following the recent truck attack on a Christmas market in Berlin.
Chief Superintendent Kenny MacDonald said: "We are absolutely confident that the plans that we have in place are proportionate and appropriate, and we will make sure that we deliver a safe event."
The celebrations in Hull will focus on New Year's Day when the city kicks off its tenure as City of Culture with a huge fireworks display it says will rival London's New Year's Eve party.
UK authorities say they are not responding to any specific intelligence of a threat, but are taking precautions after recent events in Europe.
In July, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel killed 86 people when he drove a 19-tonne lorry into crowds on Nice's seafront promenade.
Earlier this month, Anis Amri killed 12 people when he drove a hijacked lorry into a Berlin Christmas market.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed security plans for the capital's New Year's Eve celebrations had been "adjusted" in the last few days.
Superintendent Phil Langworthy, from the force, said: "Clearly we have been looking at what has happened around the world in terms of Berlin, Nice etc ... and have adjusted our plans and continue to adjust our plans."
He added that there were "both overt and covert" measures in place for security.
New Year's Eve weather: Will fog ruin firework displays?
Fog is forecast to clear ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks displays, but heavy rain and gale-force winds in parts of Scotland threaten to put a dampener on Hogmanay celebrations.
The Met Office said some fog patches were expected to persist across the South on Saturday morning, with motorists warned of difficult driving conditions.
The forecaster's fog warning on Saturday morning stretches from Yorkshire and Humber through parts of the Midlands and to the South.
Air travellers are being warned that further delays or cancellations are possible.
:: Latest UK weather forecast
The fog is expected to largely lift by the evening.
Fresh warnings have been issued by Public Health England (PHE) as it warned of an incoming cold snap that is set to send temperatures plummeting as low as -5C (23F) in parts on New Year's Day.
A weather warning has been issued for northwest Scotland with outbreaks of heavy rain due to last well into Saturday.
Together with gale-force winds, it is set to make for difficult driving conditions as people make their way to Hogmanay celebrations - with the rain moving south later in the evening.
Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE's extreme events team, said people should look out for others, particularly the very young, old and ill, during the cold snap.
He said: "Every winter thousands of people die because of their exposure to cold weather and doctors' surgeries, hospitals and other parts of the NHS are kept busy as people fall ill - that's why it's really important that we all do everything we can to ensure everyone stays well this winter."
Heavy fog has caused widespread travel disruption in recent days, with cancellations and delays at major airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick.
Some 40 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow today. Passengers are being warned of delays and are asked to contact their airline for information.
In the early hours of Friday morning, 17 people were injured when a coach veered off an M40 slip road and overturned in heavy fog near Milton Common in Oxfordshire.
It happened 20 miles from a fatal pile-up on the A40 in similarly treacherous conditions on Wednesday morning that left one woman dead and several injured.
Theme park riders trapped 148ft in the air for hours
More than 20 people were stranded 148ft in the air for eight hours after an amusement park ride became stuck.
The Sky Cabin ride at Knott's Berry Farm in southern California came to a standstill halfway up the tower on Friday at 2pm.
Emergency services were called to the park at 5pm but when their attempts to bring the viewing platform back down to the ground failed, passengers had to be winched down, one-by-one, by rope.
During the operation, Orange County Fire Authority Captain Larry Kurtz told Eyewitness News: "We have firefighters in the cab with the occupants.
"No one is in any medical distress, so we're going to affix a harness on to each one of them and one at a time we're going to lower them down to the ground."
Captain Kurtz added: "It sounds scary but these guys, they train for this all time. We have very, very strong ropes that have 9,000lbs of breaking strength on them."
Seven children were among those rescued.
It is not known why the ride became stuck.
The park's officials said their rides are "inspected, check-listed and properly maintained daily".
The Sky Cabin ride at Knott's Berry Farm in southern California came to a standstill halfway up the tower on Friday at 2pm.
Emergency services were called to the park at 5pm but when their attempts to bring the viewing platform back down to the ground failed, passengers had to be winched down, one-by-one, by rope.
During the operation, Orange County Fire Authority Captain Larry Kurtz told Eyewitness News: "We have firefighters in the cab with the occupants.
"No one is in any medical distress, so we're going to affix a harness on to each one of them and one at a time we're going to lower them down to the ground."
Captain Kurtz added: "It sounds scary but these guys, they train for this all time. We have very, very strong ropes that have 9,000lbs of breaking strength on them."
Seven children were among those rescued.
It is not known why the ride became stuck.
The park's officials said their rides are "inspected, check-listed and properly maintained daily".
Friday, December 30, 2016
Another incurable, ugly disease: Far-right populism
Scientists have successfully fashioned a vaccine that may inoculate the world against future outbreaks of Ebola - an ugly, insidious and incurable disease. News of the life-saving breakthrough comes as a relief for a few obvious and not so obvious reasons.
First, of course, the vaccine will be a tangible tool to finally avert the slow, merciless deaths of countless people and the courageous souls who tend to the gravely sick in parts of the world where preventable death remains, sadly, all too common.
The vaccine is also powerful testament to the quiet, deliberate work of good people, armed with knowledge and perseverance, who set about to confront a modern-day pestilence and conquer it.
Taken together, word of the Ebola vaccine is a desperately needed - if only a temporary - tonic to the deluge of bad, hope-sapping news that has been a singular aspect of 2016.
A more serious disease
This past year has been marked, or more accurately, scarred by another persistent contagion - the resurgence of far-right "populism", which has infected nations on disparate continents on such a scale that we're confronting what constitutes, in effect, a hate pandemic.
The use of the benign-sounding term - "populism" - has had the largely intended effect of diluting the sinister character of a malevolent "nationalist" crusade defined by hate, ignorance, intolerance and an incoherent allegiance to flamboyant demagogues who not only embrace these qualities, but embody them.
"Alt-right" is another more palatable phrase in vogue these days to describe the dangerously unpalatable nexus of xenophobia, overt racism, and anti-intellectualism that has metastasised like an ugly, insidious and incurable disease.
Whatever the genial label, United States President-elect Donald Trump is the global movement's titular leader given the outsized attention he attracts and deftly exploits to generate more attention and disciples.
Absurdly, Trump denies harbouring any sympathy for the wretched political pathogen he has helped resuscitate and foment. His long, now familiar ledger of notorious deeds and words, however, indict him.
So do many of his loyal, fervent supporters, who not only share but also revel in their often profane attachment to Trump's signature illiteracy, jingoism, and, above all, naked bigotry.
Predictably, there have been attempts - including by "progressive" voices - to absolve Trump voters of their culpability in not simply extolling, but violently channelling the odious beliefs of a racist they have elected president.
And by any objective measure, Trump is a racist. His racism is plain to see and hear. To suggest that Trump voters were motivated principally by their sense of alienation from, and objection to, a "rigged" political and economic system - although inviting - strikes me as conveniently exculpatory.
First, of course, the vaccine will be a tangible tool to finally avert the slow, merciless deaths of countless people and the courageous souls who tend to the gravely sick in parts of the world where preventable death remains, sadly, all too common.
The vaccine is also powerful testament to the quiet, deliberate work of good people, armed with knowledge and perseverance, who set about to confront a modern-day pestilence and conquer it.
Taken together, word of the Ebola vaccine is a desperately needed - if only a temporary - tonic to the deluge of bad, hope-sapping news that has been a singular aspect of 2016.
A more serious disease
This past year has been marked, or more accurately, scarred by another persistent contagion - the resurgence of far-right "populism", which has infected nations on disparate continents on such a scale that we're confronting what constitutes, in effect, a hate pandemic.
The use of the benign-sounding term - "populism" - has had the largely intended effect of diluting the sinister character of a malevolent "nationalist" crusade defined by hate, ignorance, intolerance and an incoherent allegiance to flamboyant demagogues who not only embrace these qualities, but embody them.
"Alt-right" is another more palatable phrase in vogue these days to describe the dangerously unpalatable nexus of xenophobia, overt racism, and anti-intellectualism that has metastasised like an ugly, insidious and incurable disease.
Whatever the genial label, United States President-elect Donald Trump is the global movement's titular leader given the outsized attention he attracts and deftly exploits to generate more attention and disciples.
Absurdly, Trump denies harbouring any sympathy for the wretched political pathogen he has helped resuscitate and foment. His long, now familiar ledger of notorious deeds and words, however, indict him.
So do many of his loyal, fervent supporters, who not only share but also revel in their often profane attachment to Trump's signature illiteracy, jingoism, and, above all, naked bigotry.
Predictably, there have been attempts - including by "progressive" voices - to absolve Trump voters of their culpability in not simply extolling, but violently channelling the odious beliefs of a racist they have elected president.
And by any objective measure, Trump is a racist. His racism is plain to see and hear. To suggest that Trump voters were motivated principally by their sense of alienation from, and objection to, a "rigged" political and economic system - although inviting - strikes me as conveniently exculpatory.
Body found in Rio feared to be Kyriakos Amiridis
The discovery of a body in a burned-out car in Rio state has sparked fears that it might be that of the Greek ambassador to Brazil.
Kyriakos Amiridis had been missing for three days and was last seen on Monday in the Baixada Fluminense region north of Rio de Janeiro.
The car, which had licence plates matching that of the rental car the 59-year-old was using, was found on Thursday in the Nova Iguacu district of the Brazilian capital, the news website G1 reported, citing police.
The website published photos of the burned car found on the slope of a busy suburban thoroughfare. It reported that police "suspected" the body inside to be that of the ambassador.
Amiridis had been on holiday with his family in Rio de Janeiro's northern Nova Iguacu area since December 21.
He was due to fly back to Brasilia on January 9, a Greek embassy official told AFP news agency.
But he went missing after he left the apartment he was renting and took the car, according to Brazilian media. His Brazilian wife formally declared him missing on Wednesday.
The Greek foreign ministry had earlier issued a statement saying that after Amiridis was declared missing, saying "the full mobilisation of all the competent Brazilian authorities was requested".
Amiridis was named ambassador this year. He had previously served as Greece's consul general in Rio from 2001 to 2004.
He served as Greece's ambassador to Libya from 2012 to 2016.
He is married and has a daughter, according to the embassy in Brasilia.
Kyriakos Amiridis had been missing for three days and was last seen on Monday in the Baixada Fluminense region north of Rio de Janeiro.
The car, which had licence plates matching that of the rental car the 59-year-old was using, was found on Thursday in the Nova Iguacu district of the Brazilian capital, the news website G1 reported, citing police.
The website published photos of the burned car found on the slope of a busy suburban thoroughfare. It reported that police "suspected" the body inside to be that of the ambassador.
Amiridis had been on holiday with his family in Rio de Janeiro's northern Nova Iguacu area since December 21.
He was due to fly back to Brasilia on January 9, a Greek embassy official told AFP news agency.
But he went missing after he left the apartment he was renting and took the car, according to Brazilian media. His Brazilian wife formally declared him missing on Wednesday.
The Greek foreign ministry had earlier issued a statement saying that after Amiridis was declared missing, saying "the full mobilisation of all the competent Brazilian authorities was requested".
Amiridis was named ambassador this year. He had previously served as Greece's consul general in Rio from 2001 to 2004.
He served as Greece's ambassador to Libya from 2012 to 2016.
He is married and has a daughter, according to the embassy in Brasilia.
How will a Trump presidency impact sanctions on Russia?
US President Barack Obama slapped sanctions on Moscow and gave 35 Russian diplomats just 72 hours to leave the United States over alleged Russian interference in the US election.
Russia's foreign minister recommended Moscow does the same, but Russian President Vladimir Putin decided against that.
Putin wants to know where President-elect Donald Trump stands on the issue.
US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of cyber attacks in the recent election aimed at helping Trump defeat Hillary Clinton for the presidency.
Trump has praised Putin's leadership in the past - so will his first move in the White House be to lift the sanctions?
Russia's foreign minister recommended Moscow does the same, but Russian President Vladimir Putin decided against that.
Putin wants to know where President-elect Donald Trump stands on the issue.
US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of cyber attacks in the recent election aimed at helping Trump defeat Hillary Clinton for the presidency.
Trump has praised Putin's leadership in the past - so will his first move in the White House be to lift the sanctions?
George Michael song sales soar after his death
George Michael's musical collection has soared up the singles and album charts following his death earlier this week.
Wham's Last Christmas reached number 7 in the singles chart - the first time the festive hit has appeared in the top ten for 31 years.
Martin Talbot, from the Official Charts Company, said: "The sudden and terribly sad death of George Michael has naturally prompted his fans to re-explore his rich catalogue again, paying tribute to his incredible talent, both as a solo artist and founder of Wham!.
"Quite appropriately, given the season, it is Last Christmas which makes the biggest impact."
:: Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016
One of the singer's most famous songs, Careless Whisper, sits just outside the top 40, while Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - his duet with Elton John - is at 91.
Meanwhile in the album chart, George Michael's greatest hits collection, Ladies and Gentleman, reached the top ten for the first time in 17 years.
Combined sales and streaming helped Ladies and Gentlemen surge by 5,625% in the week to Friday.
Five other of Michael's albums also broke into the top 100, including Faith, Older, Symphonica and his last Wham! album, The Final.
The charts have been released just 5 days after George Michael died at his home in Goring-On-Thames, Oxfordshire.
The 53-year-old was found by his partner Fadi Fawaz, hours before a planned Christmas lunch.
Wham's Last Christmas reached number 7 in the singles chart - the first time the festive hit has appeared in the top ten for 31 years.
Martin Talbot, from the Official Charts Company, said: "The sudden and terribly sad death of George Michael has naturally prompted his fans to re-explore his rich catalogue again, paying tribute to his incredible talent, both as a solo artist and founder of Wham!.
"Quite appropriately, given the season, it is Last Christmas which makes the biggest impact."
:: Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016
One of the singer's most famous songs, Careless Whisper, sits just outside the top 40, while Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - his duet with Elton John - is at 91.
Meanwhile in the album chart, George Michael's greatest hits collection, Ladies and Gentleman, reached the top ten for the first time in 17 years.
Combined sales and streaming helped Ladies and Gentlemen surge by 5,625% in the week to Friday.
Five other of Michael's albums also broke into the top 100, including Faith, Older, Symphonica and his last Wham! album, The Final.
The charts have been released just 5 days after George Michael died at his home in Goring-On-Thames, Oxfordshire.
The 53-year-old was found by his partner Fadi Fawaz, hours before a planned Christmas lunch.
Run DMC rapper sues Wal-Mart and Amazon for $50m
A member of Run DMC has filed a $50m (£40m) trademark lawsuit against Wal-Mart, Amazon and other US retailers.
Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels has accused the corporate giants of "advertising, selling, manufacturing, promoting and distributing multiple products" in the group's trademarked name without his consent.
The 52-year-old rapper is the founder of the 1980s hip-hop group and the owner of the band's brand name.
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York by McDaniels, regarding products including glasses, hats, t-shirts, patches, wallets and other items of the DMC brand.
The lawsuit alleges the retailers have "improperly profited, diluted and harmed Run DMC".
The rapper says the brand has generated more than $100m (£80m) in revenue since its inception in 1981.
The group is considered a hip-hop pioneer, with hits including King of Rock, It's Tricky and the Aerosmith collaboration Walk This Way.
Run DMC was founded in New York by McDaniels, Joseph 'Run' Simmons and Jason 'Jam Master Jay' Mizell.
The group stopped recording after Master Jay was shot dead in his Queens recording studio in 2002.
The Run DMC logo became a symbol of hip-hop culture and its success outlived the group.
Amazon and Wal-Mart, which also owns similarly accused Jet, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels has accused the corporate giants of "advertising, selling, manufacturing, promoting and distributing multiple products" in the group's trademarked name without his consent.
The 52-year-old rapper is the founder of the 1980s hip-hop group and the owner of the band's brand name.
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York by McDaniels, regarding products including glasses, hats, t-shirts, patches, wallets and other items of the DMC brand.
The lawsuit alleges the retailers have "improperly profited, diluted and harmed Run DMC".
The rapper says the brand has generated more than $100m (£80m) in revenue since its inception in 1981.
The group is considered a hip-hop pioneer, with hits including King of Rock, It's Tricky and the Aerosmith collaboration Walk This Way.
Run DMC was founded in New York by McDaniels, Joseph 'Run' Simmons and Jason 'Jam Master Jay' Mizell.
The group stopped recording after Master Jay was shot dead in his Queens recording studio in 2002.
The Run DMC logo became a symbol of hip-hop culture and its success outlived the group.
Amazon and Wal-Mart, which also owns similarly accused Jet, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
George Michael post-mortem examination deemed 'inconclusive'
A post-mortem examination into the cause of George Michael's death has proved "inconclusive", according to Thames Valley Police.
The 53-year-old singer was found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.
George Michael's partner Fadi Fawaz said he found the star dead in bed when he arrived to wake him.
He described Michael as a "beautiful person" and a "kind and generous man".
:: Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016
The singer's publicist said his family and friends had been "touched beyond words" by the "incredible outpouring of love" from fans.
He also added there were no suspicious circumstances around the star's death.
After carrying out a post-mortem examination on Thursday, authorities said on Friday "further tests will now be carried out".
They added that "the results of these tests are unlikely to be known for several weeks".
"Thames Valley Police will prepare a file for the Oxfordshire Coroner," Police said.
"Mr Michael's death is still being treated as unexplained but not suspicious."
The Careless Whisper singer was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963.
He sold more than 100 million albums throughout his career, firstly as a member of Wham, then as a solo artist.
The 53-year-old singer was found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.
George Michael's partner Fadi Fawaz said he found the star dead in bed when he arrived to wake him.
He described Michael as a "beautiful person" and a "kind and generous man".
:: Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016
The singer's publicist said his family and friends had been "touched beyond words" by the "incredible outpouring of love" from fans.
He also added there were no suspicious circumstances around the star's death.
After carrying out a post-mortem examination on Thursday, authorities said on Friday "further tests will now be carried out".
They added that "the results of these tests are unlikely to be known for several weeks".
"Thames Valley Police will prepare a file for the Oxfordshire Coroner," Police said.
"Mr Michael's death is still being treated as unexplained but not suspicious."
The Careless Whisper singer was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963.
He sold more than 100 million albums throughout his career, firstly as a member of Wham, then as a solo artist.
Arctic air will reach the UK as 2017 arrives after a wet New Year's Eve
We're in for a cold start to 2017 as Arctic air pushes in from the north but before that a band of rain will affect the UK.
This means means there are three scenarios for your New Year celebrations.
:: Scenario 1 - Ahead of the rain band
This is the situation for central and southern parts of Britain. It will be mainly dry, relatively mild but cloudy. So perhaps not great viewing conditions for fireworks.
:: Scenario 2 - Behind the rain band
This is the case for much of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the earlier rain will have cleared to much colder conditions and some wintry showers. Wrap up warm if you're first footing on Hogmanay!
:: Scenario 3 - In the rain band
The exact timing of the band of rain as it pushes southeast may change but it looks likely that much of Ireland, north and west Wales and northern England will have spells of rain around midnight.
During New Year's Day the band of rain will continue its journey southeastwards, lingering for a time over southeast England.
Elsewhere it will be a much colder but sunny day thanks to a blast of air that originated in the Arctic.
:: The latest forecast
Wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are likely for places exposed to the northerly flow, typically northern and eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and eastern England.
The first day of January will end with a widespread frost and a very cold night.
This means means there are three scenarios for your New Year celebrations.
:: Scenario 1 - Ahead of the rain band
This is the situation for central and southern parts of Britain. It will be mainly dry, relatively mild but cloudy. So perhaps not great viewing conditions for fireworks.
:: Scenario 2 - Behind the rain band
This is the case for much of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the earlier rain will have cleared to much colder conditions and some wintry showers. Wrap up warm if you're first footing on Hogmanay!
:: Scenario 3 - In the rain band
The exact timing of the band of rain as it pushes southeast may change but it looks likely that much of Ireland, north and west Wales and northern England will have spells of rain around midnight.
During New Year's Day the band of rain will continue its journey southeastwards, lingering for a time over southeast England.
Elsewhere it will be a much colder but sunny day thanks to a blast of air that originated in the Arctic.
:: The latest forecast
Wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are likely for places exposed to the northerly flow, typically northern and eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and eastern England.
The first day of January will end with a widespread frost and a very cold night.
Putin: No expulsions in response to US sanctions
Vladimir Putin has rejected plans to expel US diplomats in a tit-for-tat retaliation against Washington - and instead invited their children to visit the Kremlin.
The surprise announcement from the Russian President comes hours after foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said he would be asking Mr Putin to declare 35 US officials in Moscow and St Petersburg as "persona non grata" - the same number being expelled by the US.
Mr Putin condemned the US action and said Russia had "all the grounds for a comparable response" but added: "We will not create problems for American diplomats. We will not expel anyone."
He said he reserved the right to retaliate but would wait and see how Donald Trump acts when he succeeds President Barack Obama next month.
The Russian President said he would not stoop to the level of "kitchen irresponsible diplomacy" and even extended an invitation to the children of American diplomats to a festive party at the Kremlin.
His unexpected response comes after President Obama reignited simmering diplomatic tensions with Moscow just three weeks before he leaves the White House.
Mr Obama took action in response to cyber attacks blamed on Russia that disrupted the US presidential election, and claims of harrassment of US diplomats in Russia. The Kremlin has denied the allegations.
The US has ordered the expulsion of diplomats based in Washington and San Francisco as well as sanctions against Russian intelligence services.
It also plans to shut Russian compounds in New York and Maryland, while the FBI has published 'wanted' posters of alleged Russian hackers.
Mr Putin said the moves were a "provocation aimed to further undermine Russian-American relations" and that he regretted that Mr Obama's administration would end in this way.
His announcement comes despite Mr Lavrov earlier saying that the US "stunts" could not go unanswered.
The foreign minister ridiculed the idea that the Russian compounds to be closed were "nests of spies", saying they were used for children's holidays.
But Mr Putin rejected Mr Lavrov's proposals to shut similar sites in Moscow.
Earlier, Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev called the US sanctions the "anti-Russian death throes" of the outgoing leadership.
The Russian embassy in the UK tweeted that "everybody, incl (the American) people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless Adm" together with a picture of a "lame duck".
Mr Trump does not share the current President's hostile outlook towards Russia.
The Kremlin has said that, with Mr Obama only in office for three more weeks, it would refrain from acting like a "bull in a china shop".
President Obama said in a statement announcing the measures against Russia that they were a "necessary and appropriate response" after repeated warnings to Russia over "efforts to harm US interests".
He said the alleged hacking "could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government", adding: "All Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions."
Mr Trump, who has been dismissive about the hacking claims against Russia, issued a statement saying it was "time for our country to move on to bigger and better things".
However, he said he would meet intelligence officials next week to be "updated on the facts".
Mr Trump will be able to reverse Mr Obama's actions when he takes office, should he wish.
The surprise announcement from the Russian President comes hours after foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said he would be asking Mr Putin to declare 35 US officials in Moscow and St Petersburg as "persona non grata" - the same number being expelled by the US.
Mr Putin condemned the US action and said Russia had "all the grounds for a comparable response" but added: "We will not create problems for American diplomats. We will not expel anyone."
He said he reserved the right to retaliate but would wait and see how Donald Trump acts when he succeeds President Barack Obama next month.
The Russian President said he would not stoop to the level of "kitchen irresponsible diplomacy" and even extended an invitation to the children of American diplomats to a festive party at the Kremlin.
His unexpected response comes after President Obama reignited simmering diplomatic tensions with Moscow just three weeks before he leaves the White House.
Mr Obama took action in response to cyber attacks blamed on Russia that disrupted the US presidential election, and claims of harrassment of US diplomats in Russia. The Kremlin has denied the allegations.
The US has ordered the expulsion of diplomats based in Washington and San Francisco as well as sanctions against Russian intelligence services.
It also plans to shut Russian compounds in New York and Maryland, while the FBI has published 'wanted' posters of alleged Russian hackers.
Mr Putin said the moves were a "provocation aimed to further undermine Russian-American relations" and that he regretted that Mr Obama's administration would end in this way.
His announcement comes despite Mr Lavrov earlier saying that the US "stunts" could not go unanswered.
The foreign minister ridiculed the idea that the Russian compounds to be closed were "nests of spies", saying they were used for children's holidays.
But Mr Putin rejected Mr Lavrov's proposals to shut similar sites in Moscow.
Earlier, Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev called the US sanctions the "anti-Russian death throes" of the outgoing leadership.
The Russian embassy in the UK tweeted that "everybody, incl (the American) people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless Adm" together with a picture of a "lame duck".
Mr Trump does not share the current President's hostile outlook towards Russia.
The Kremlin has said that, with Mr Obama only in office for three more weeks, it would refrain from acting like a "bull in a china shop".
President Obama said in a statement announcing the measures against Russia that they were a "necessary and appropriate response" after repeated warnings to Russia over "efforts to harm US interests".
He said the alleged hacking "could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government", adding: "All Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions."
Mr Trump, who has been dismissive about the hacking claims against Russia, issued a statement saying it was "time for our country to move on to bigger and better things".
However, he said he would meet intelligence officials next week to be "updated on the facts".
Mr Trump will be able to reverse Mr Obama's actions when he takes office, should he wish.
Russia to expel diplomats in tit-for-tat retaliation against US
Russia has announced plans to expel 35 US diplomats in a tit-for-tat response after the same number of its officials were expelled by Washington.
Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov described America's actions as "stunts" and dismissed the notion that two Russian compounds in the US that are to be shut down are "nests of spies".
He said the foreign ministry has requested that President Vladimir Putin declare 31 employees of the US embassy in Moscow and four diplomats at its consulate in St Petersburg as "persona non grata".
The US on Thursday ordered officials at the Russian embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco to leave the country within 72 hours.
Its measures also included sanctions against Russia's GRU and FSB intelligence services and the release of FBI wanted posters of alleged Russian hackers.
President Barack Obama took action after Russia was blamed for cyber attacks that disrupted the US presidential election and was also accused of harrassing US diplomats.
Russia says the claims are unfounded.
Mr Lavrov, announcing retaliatory plans, said: "We of course cannot leave these stunts unanswered."
Russia's foreign ministry is also seeking to ban diplomats from using a holiday home in western Moscow and a warehouse in the north of the city, after the US said it would shut down Russian compounds in New York and Maryland.
Mr Lavrov said these compounds were used for children's holidays and ridiculed the idea that they were "nests of spies".
Russia had warned that the US measures could "destroy" relations between the two countries and unleashed a barrage of colourful rhetoric against what was described as the "lame duck" administration.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev described called them the "anti-Russian death throes" of the outgoing leadership.
But plans for retaliation are complicated by the imminent arrival in the Oval Office of Donald Trump - who has adopted a much less hostile tone on Russia.
The Kremlin has said that, with Obama only in office for three more weeks, it would refrain from acting like a "bull in a china shop".
Maria Zakharova, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, took to Facebook to call the Obama administration "a group of foreign policy losers, angry and ignorant".
The Russian embassy in the UK tweeted that "everybody, incl (the American) people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless Adm" together with a picture of a "lame duck".
President Obama said in a statement announcing the measures against Russia that they were a "necessary and appropriate response" after repeated warnings to Russia over "efforts to harm US interests".
He said the alleged hacking "could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government", adding: "All Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions."
Mr Trump, who has been dismissive about the hacking claims against Russia, issued a statement saying it was "time for our country to move on to bigger and better things".
However, he said he would meet intelligence officials next week to be "updated on the facts".
Mr Trump will be able to reverse Mr Obama's actions when he takes office, should he wish.
Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov described America's actions as "stunts" and dismissed the notion that two Russian compounds in the US that are to be shut down are "nests of spies".
He said the foreign ministry has requested that President Vladimir Putin declare 31 employees of the US embassy in Moscow and four diplomats at its consulate in St Petersburg as "persona non grata".
The US on Thursday ordered officials at the Russian embassy in Washington and consulate in San Francisco to leave the country within 72 hours.
Its measures also included sanctions against Russia's GRU and FSB intelligence services and the release of FBI wanted posters of alleged Russian hackers.
President Barack Obama took action after Russia was blamed for cyber attacks that disrupted the US presidential election and was also accused of harrassing US diplomats.
Russia says the claims are unfounded.
Mr Lavrov, announcing retaliatory plans, said: "We of course cannot leave these stunts unanswered."
Russia's foreign ministry is also seeking to ban diplomats from using a holiday home in western Moscow and a warehouse in the north of the city, after the US said it would shut down Russian compounds in New York and Maryland.
Mr Lavrov said these compounds were used for children's holidays and ridiculed the idea that they were "nests of spies".
Russia had warned that the US measures could "destroy" relations between the two countries and unleashed a barrage of colourful rhetoric against what was described as the "lame duck" administration.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev described called them the "anti-Russian death throes" of the outgoing leadership.
But plans for retaliation are complicated by the imminent arrival in the Oval Office of Donald Trump - who has adopted a much less hostile tone on Russia.
The Kremlin has said that, with Obama only in office for three more weeks, it would refrain from acting like a "bull in a china shop".
Maria Zakharova, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, took to Facebook to call the Obama administration "a group of foreign policy losers, angry and ignorant".
The Russian embassy in the UK tweeted that "everybody, incl (the American) people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless Adm" together with a picture of a "lame duck".
President Obama said in a statement announcing the measures against Russia that they were a "necessary and appropriate response" after repeated warnings to Russia over "efforts to harm US interests".
He said the alleged hacking "could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government", adding: "All Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions."
Mr Trump, who has been dismissive about the hacking claims against Russia, issued a statement saying it was "time for our country to move on to bigger and better things".
However, he said he would meet intelligence officials next week to be "updated on the facts".
Mr Trump will be able to reverse Mr Obama's actions when he takes office, should he wish.
Real reason Thatcher tried to ban acid house parties revealed
Margaret Thatcher tried to stop the "new fashion" of acid house parties after an all-night rave shattered the tranquillity of a Tory MP's uncle, newly released official papers show.
The Prime Minister asked to be briefed on what powers the police had to control the parties and months later legislation was introduced to tackle unlicensed gatherings.
However, she was warned by then Scotland Secretary Malcolm Rifkind that proposed laws should not affect "innocent events" such as barn dances.
Mrs Thatcher was alerted to the burgeoning rave culture after a party held in Bentley, Hampshire, in August 1989.
Archie Hamilton, MP for Epsom and Ewell, forwarded the Prime Minister a letter from his uncle Gerald Coke, who said he was "very disturbed" by the party which had lasted until 7.30am.
Mr Coke, a former magistrate, said there was a "feeling of collective anger and helplessness" that police could do nothing because it was a private party.
In a handwritten note on the letter, Mrs Thatcher was asked if the Home Office should provide a briefing on what powers police had to control the gatherings.
She replied: "Yes if this is a new 'fashion' we must be prepared for it and preferably prevent such things from starting."
The rise of acid house in the late 1980s saw huge outdoor raves take place across Britain - accompanied by the use of recreational drugs such as ecstasy.
Cabinet Office papers released by the National Archives show how, by the time of dance music's 'summer of love', concern about raves had spread to the highest level of Government.
But a memo in October 1989 from Carolyn Sinclair of the Number 10 policy unit showed officials were more concerned with "nuisance caused by the noise" than the growing use of ecstasy.
She said: "Drugs are not the main issue. The parties are a form of unlicensed public entertainment for which people buy tickets.
"What is needed is a way of hitting at the profits made by the organisers. This should discourage the craze."
By 1990 legislation was introduced heightening punishments for those organising parties without licences.
Changes to the law contributed to a shift in dance music culture that saw parties move from vast outdoor raves to clubs which could be more easily policed, licensed and monitored.
The newly released official documents also show how Mrs Thatcher was threatened with a fine for failing to register for the poll tax - despite it being her own highly controversial flagship policy.
But in 1989 a bureaucratic wrangle between Westminster City Council and the Cabinet Office saw the council threaten to impose a penalty after a registration form for the new community charge was not filled in.
The Prime Minister asked to be briefed on what powers the police had to control the parties and months later legislation was introduced to tackle unlicensed gatherings.
However, she was warned by then Scotland Secretary Malcolm Rifkind that proposed laws should not affect "innocent events" such as barn dances.
Mrs Thatcher was alerted to the burgeoning rave culture after a party held in Bentley, Hampshire, in August 1989.
Archie Hamilton, MP for Epsom and Ewell, forwarded the Prime Minister a letter from his uncle Gerald Coke, who said he was "very disturbed" by the party which had lasted until 7.30am.
Mr Coke, a former magistrate, said there was a "feeling of collective anger and helplessness" that police could do nothing because it was a private party.
In a handwritten note on the letter, Mrs Thatcher was asked if the Home Office should provide a briefing on what powers police had to control the gatherings.
She replied: "Yes if this is a new 'fashion' we must be prepared for it and preferably prevent such things from starting."
The rise of acid house in the late 1980s saw huge outdoor raves take place across Britain - accompanied by the use of recreational drugs such as ecstasy.
Cabinet Office papers released by the National Archives show how, by the time of dance music's 'summer of love', concern about raves had spread to the highest level of Government.
But a memo in October 1989 from Carolyn Sinclair of the Number 10 policy unit showed officials were more concerned with "nuisance caused by the noise" than the growing use of ecstasy.
She said: "Drugs are not the main issue. The parties are a form of unlicensed public entertainment for which people buy tickets.
"What is needed is a way of hitting at the profits made by the organisers. This should discourage the craze."
By 1990 legislation was introduced heightening punishments for those organising parties without licences.
Changes to the law contributed to a shift in dance music culture that saw parties move from vast outdoor raves to clubs which could be more easily policed, licensed and monitored.
The newly released official documents also show how Mrs Thatcher was threatened with a fine for failing to register for the poll tax - despite it being her own highly controversial flagship policy.
But in 1989 a bureaucratic wrangle between Westminster City Council and the Cabinet Office saw the council threaten to impose a penalty after a registration form for the new community charge was not filled in.
Just a second! Extra time to be added to final minute of 2016
Counting down to the New Year is going to take a little longer than usual tomorrow, as international time experts are delaying midnight by one second.
Scientists say the "leap second" is needed to compensate for a slowdown in the Earth's rotation.
While your trusty living room clock normally goes from 23:59:59 to 00:00:00, the extra second is being added in between - and hi-tech digital clocks will record that time as 23:59:60.
Peter Whibberley, a senior research scientist at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, said: "Leap seconds are needed to prevent civil time drifting away from Earth time.
"Although the drift is small - taking around 1,000 years to accumulate a one-hour time difference - if not corrected it would eventually result in clocks showing midday before sunrise."
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service in Paris decides when leap seconds are needed, and they are always announced about six months in advance.
That is because the extra second can be a nightmare for communication networks, financial systems and other applications that rely on precise timing, so they need to be programmed into computers to prevent mistakes.
This is the 27th time a leap second has been introduced since 1972.
Although they are normally added every two or three years, the last leap second was inserted just 18 months ago.
It's also possible for seconds to be removed, but this has never happened.
The leap seconds are usually introduced in the final minute of June or December, but they can be implemented in March or September on rare occasions.
Scientists say the "leap second" is needed to compensate for a slowdown in the Earth's rotation.
While your trusty living room clock normally goes from 23:59:59 to 00:00:00, the extra second is being added in between - and hi-tech digital clocks will record that time as 23:59:60.
Peter Whibberley, a senior research scientist at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, said: "Leap seconds are needed to prevent civil time drifting away from Earth time.
"Although the drift is small - taking around 1,000 years to accumulate a one-hour time difference - if not corrected it would eventually result in clocks showing midday before sunrise."
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service in Paris decides when leap seconds are needed, and they are always announced about six months in advance.
That is because the extra second can be a nightmare for communication networks, financial systems and other applications that rely on precise timing, so they need to be programmed into computers to prevent mistakes.
This is the 27th time a leap second has been introduced since 1972.
Although they are normally added every two or three years, the last leap second was inserted just 18 months ago.
It's also possible for seconds to be removed, but this has never happened.
The leap seconds are usually introduced in the final minute of June or December, but they can be implemented in March or September on rare occasions.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
10 Most Purchased Brands in the World
From soda to toothpaste
Many American consumers are still having a Coke and smile.
Though soda sales are generally on the decline, Coca-Cola was ranked the most popular brand by Kantar Worldpanel, a consumer research firm, Business Insider reported. Kantar Worldpanel studies how many households around the world are buying each brand and how often. In its analysis of shopper behavior between October 2014 and October 2015, it examined 300 billion shopper decisions, encompassing 15,00 brands in 44 countries.
Here’s a ranked list of the most popular brands:
10. Dove: Owned by Unilever, Dove added 31 million households compared to the number of households it added last year.
9. Knorr: Also owned by Unilever, Knorr sells stock cubes, flavor pots and powder mixes.
8. Indomie: The Asian instant-noodle brand ranks as the number-one brand in Indonesia. It’s recently expanded to Turkey.
7. Nescafé: The Nestlé-owned coffee brand is still popular, but fell from its ranking of 6th place in the 2014 ranking.
6. PepsiCo: The soda maker’s popularity is bolstered by Egypt, one of the few parts of the world where people choose Pepsi more often than Coke.
5. Lays: Also owned by PepsiCo, Lays added 25 million households to its reach over the year.
4. Maggi: This Nestlé-controlled company makes instant soups, sauces, stocks and noodles.
3. Lifebuoy: This soap brand added disinfecting devices to shopping cart handles in the UAE and Indonesia. It also created a warning system to remind people to wash their hands thoroughly.
2. Colgate: The toothpaste brand—already being bought by two-thirds of households worldwide—added 40 million households to its customer base this year, the largest gain of all brands in the analysis.
1. Coca-Cola: The red-bottled cola was ranked as the most popular brand of the past year. It’s built its notoriety by supplying local stores with branded refrigerators for its drinks.
Many American consumers are still having a Coke and smile.
Though soda sales are generally on the decline, Coca-Cola was ranked the most popular brand by Kantar Worldpanel, a consumer research firm, Business Insider reported. Kantar Worldpanel studies how many households around the world are buying each brand and how often. In its analysis of shopper behavior between October 2014 and October 2015, it examined 300 billion shopper decisions, encompassing 15,00 brands in 44 countries.
Here’s a ranked list of the most popular brands:
10. Dove: Owned by Unilever, Dove added 31 million households compared to the number of households it added last year.
9. Knorr: Also owned by Unilever, Knorr sells stock cubes, flavor pots and powder mixes.
8. Indomie: The Asian instant-noodle brand ranks as the number-one brand in Indonesia. It’s recently expanded to Turkey.
7. Nescafé: The Nestlé-owned coffee brand is still popular, but fell from its ranking of 6th place in the 2014 ranking.
6. PepsiCo: The soda maker’s popularity is bolstered by Egypt, one of the few parts of the world where people choose Pepsi more often than Coke.
5. Lays: Also owned by PepsiCo, Lays added 25 million households to its reach over the year.
4. Maggi: This Nestlé-controlled company makes instant soups, sauces, stocks and noodles.
3. Lifebuoy: This soap brand added disinfecting devices to shopping cart handles in the UAE and Indonesia. It also created a warning system to remind people to wash their hands thoroughly.
2. Colgate: The toothpaste brand—already being bought by two-thirds of households worldwide—added 40 million households to its customer base this year, the largest gain of all brands in the analysis.
1. Coca-Cola: The red-bottled cola was ranked as the most popular brand of the past year. It’s built its notoriety by supplying local stores with branded refrigerators for its drinks.
Garbage trucks to block possible Times Square truck attacks
NEW YORK – New York City's iconic New Year's Eve celebration will be surrounded by sanitation vehicles to stop truck-driving attackers like those in Germany and France.
The 65 garbage collection and sand trucks along Times Square's perimeter are meant to stop would-be assailants from plowing trucks into the crowd of 1 million people.
New York Police Department Chief of Patrol Carlos Gomez said Thursday that 100 patrol cars also will be used as blocker vehicles.
Officials say they regularly adapt their security measures based on world events. They say there are no known, credible threats against the gathering.
A Dec. 19 attack in Berlin killed 12 people. A July 14 attack in Nice, France, killed 86.
New York police say they'll deploy 7,000 officers, bomb-sniffing dogs and heavily armed counterterrorism units.
The 65 garbage collection and sand trucks along Times Square's perimeter are meant to stop would-be assailants from plowing trucks into the crowd of 1 million people.
New York Police Department Chief of Patrol Carlos Gomez said Thursday that 100 patrol cars also will be used as blocker vehicles.
Officials say they regularly adapt their security measures based on world events. They say there are no known, credible threats against the gathering.
A Dec. 19 attack in Berlin killed 12 people. A July 14 attack in Nice, France, killed 86.
New York police say they'll deploy 7,000 officers, bomb-sniffing dogs and heavily armed counterterrorism units.
Russia vows 'reprisals' over US sanctions
Russia has pledged "adequate reprisals" over US sanctions and accused Washington of trying to destroy ties by making "unfounded" allegations of interference in the US election.
The United States wants to "definitively destroy US-Russia relations which have already reached a low," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday, adding that Russia will "react in an adequate manner based on the principles of reciprocity".
Washington announced a series of measures against Russia, including tough sanctions on Russia's top two intelligence agencies, the expulsion of 35 diplomats and a decision to shut down two Russian compounds in the US.
"We categorically reject the unfounded assertions and accusations made about Russia," Peskov said, according to the Ria-Novosti news agency.
"The American sanctions against Russia and the expulsion of 35 diplomats in 72 hours are proof of a real paranoia," said Leonid Slutsky, the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.
"They are once again taking very aggressive measures against our country," he said, according to Ria-Novosti.
'Election hacking'
President Barack Obama had all but accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of personally ordering a cyber-hack that many Democrats believe damaged Hillary Clinton's chances in November's closely fought election with Republican foe Donald Trump.
The US intelligence community has concluded that a hack-and-release of Democratic Party and Clinton staff emails was designed to put Trump - a politician with no diplomatic experience who has praised Putin - into the Oval Office.
The US government is also declassifying technical information on Russian cyber activity to help companies defend against future attacks.
Richard Weitz, fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, told Al Jazeera: "The Kremlin needs to calculate, and it's in a bit of a dilemma here, how much do they want to show they're tough and respond at the risk of harming relations with a new US administration that's coming to power in a few weeks, which clearly wants to improve relations with Russia."
The White House says it will provide a more detailed briefing of its claims to congress, said Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC.
"The timing of that report is curious, roughly three weeks before Trump is set to be sworn into office," she said.
"It's a move that may have been designed to put Donald Trump in a difficult spot, forcing him as one of his first acts of office to decide whether to lift the Russian sanctions that many members of his own Republican Party support, while at the same time putting at risk the Russian relationship many allege may have helped him win the White House," said Halkett.
Speaking after the announcement of sanctions, Trump - currently on holiday in Florida - said that it was time for the US "to move on".
However, the incoming president also vowed to meet with intelligence leaders to learn more.
Lilit Gevorgyan, Russia analyst with IHS Global Insight, told Al Jazeera: "What we're seeing is a mismatch between what the outgoing Obama administration is saying, and what the newly-elected president is saying about Russia ... Yes, perhaps Russia is celebrating a victory, but I believe that it's a short term victory. What is worrying is what's coming next."
The United States wants to "definitively destroy US-Russia relations which have already reached a low," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday, adding that Russia will "react in an adequate manner based on the principles of reciprocity".
Washington announced a series of measures against Russia, including tough sanctions on Russia's top two intelligence agencies, the expulsion of 35 diplomats and a decision to shut down two Russian compounds in the US.
"We categorically reject the unfounded assertions and accusations made about Russia," Peskov said, according to the Ria-Novosti news agency.
"The American sanctions against Russia and the expulsion of 35 diplomats in 72 hours are proof of a real paranoia," said Leonid Slutsky, the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.
"They are once again taking very aggressive measures against our country," he said, according to Ria-Novosti.
'Election hacking'
President Barack Obama had all but accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of personally ordering a cyber-hack that many Democrats believe damaged Hillary Clinton's chances in November's closely fought election with Republican foe Donald Trump.
The US intelligence community has concluded that a hack-and-release of Democratic Party and Clinton staff emails was designed to put Trump - a politician with no diplomatic experience who has praised Putin - into the Oval Office.
The US government is also declassifying technical information on Russian cyber activity to help companies defend against future attacks.
Richard Weitz, fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, told Al Jazeera: "The Kremlin needs to calculate, and it's in a bit of a dilemma here, how much do they want to show they're tough and respond at the risk of harming relations with a new US administration that's coming to power in a few weeks, which clearly wants to improve relations with Russia."
The White House says it will provide a more detailed briefing of its claims to congress, said Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC.
"The timing of that report is curious, roughly three weeks before Trump is set to be sworn into office," she said.
"It's a move that may have been designed to put Donald Trump in a difficult spot, forcing him as one of his first acts of office to decide whether to lift the Russian sanctions that many members of his own Republican Party support, while at the same time putting at risk the Russian relationship many allege may have helped him win the White House," said Halkett.
Speaking after the announcement of sanctions, Trump - currently on holiday in Florida - said that it was time for the US "to move on".
However, the incoming president also vowed to meet with intelligence leaders to learn more.
Lilit Gevorgyan, Russia analyst with IHS Global Insight, told Al Jazeera: "What we're seeing is a mismatch between what the outgoing Obama administration is saying, and what the newly-elected president is saying about Russia ... Yes, perhaps Russia is celebrating a victory, but I believe that it's a short term victory. What is worrying is what's coming next."
Armed police to be on NYE London Tube trains after Berlin attack
Armed police will be deployed on London Underground trains for the first time on New Year's Eve following a review of security.
The armed officers and other additional patrols have been brought in to bolster the 3,000 officers who will police the capital's streets.
Although armed officers have been visible at Tube stations for some time, they are not routinely seen on Underground trains and platforms.
Transport for London told Sky News that armed British Transport Police officers will be seen on Tube trains from New Year's Eve onwards.
Plans for the BTP to have its own armed division were announced in 2011 but it was only in October that the force said it wants its uniformed marksmen to travel on the Tube.
Concrete barriers have also been erected around the main routes into London to guard against the possibility of a vehicle attack.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that security plans for the Mayor's firework display - and surrounding New Year's Eve celebrations - had been "adjusted" in the last few days.
It has happened because concerns about a possible mass-casualty terror plot targeting the event have intensified following events in Nice and Berlin.
A lorry drove along a packed seafront in Nice in July, killing 86 people, while 12 people died earlier this month when another lorry was driven into Christmas market stalls in Berlin.
The armed officers and other additional patrols have been brought in to bolster the 3,000 officers who will police the capital's streets.
Although armed officers have been visible at Tube stations for some time, they are not routinely seen on Underground trains and platforms.
Transport for London told Sky News that armed British Transport Police officers will be seen on Tube trains from New Year's Eve onwards.
Plans for the BTP to have its own armed division were announced in 2011 but it was only in October that the force said it wants its uniformed marksmen to travel on the Tube.
Concrete barriers have also been erected around the main routes into London to guard against the possibility of a vehicle attack.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that security plans for the Mayor's firework display - and surrounding New Year's Eve celebrations - had been "adjusted" in the last few days.
It has happened because concerns about a possible mass-casualty terror plot targeting the event have intensified following events in Nice and Berlin.
A lorry drove along a packed seafront in Nice in July, killing 86 people, while 12 people died earlier this month when another lorry was driven into Christmas market stalls in Berlin.
Brexit is the 'firing gun on a decade of disruption', report finds
Britain is on course for a "decade of disruption" in the wake of the vote to leave the European Union, a report has warned.
Brexit has delivered a "profound shock" to the UK's political and economic order which is likely to damage growth and living standards until 2030, according to centre-left think tank IPPR.
The report said the upheaval comes at a time when Britain's rapidly ageing population threatens to put new strains on the state, with the funding gap for adult social care expected to hit £13bn by 2030-31.
It said: "Brexit is the firing gun on a decade of disruption.
"Even as what we do and how we work changes, the UK is likely to remain trapped in a low growth, low interest rate decade driven by demographic shifts, productivity trends, weak investment, weak labour power, high levels of debt, and the headwinds of a slowing global economy.
Brexit has delivered a "profound shock" to the UK's political and economic order which is likely to damage growth and living standards until 2030, according to centre-left think tank IPPR.
The report said the upheaval comes at a time when Britain's rapidly ageing population threatens to put new strains on the state, with the funding gap for adult social care expected to hit £13bn by 2030-31.
It said: "Brexit is the firing gun on a decade of disruption.
"Even as what we do and how we work changes, the UK is likely to remain trapped in a low growth, low interest rate decade driven by demographic shifts, productivity trends, weak investment, weak labour power, high levels of debt, and the headwinds of a slowing global economy.
United States to expel 35 Russian diplomats
The US is to expel 35 Russian diplomats, and shut down two Russian compounds, in response to "harassment" of Americans in Moscow.
The diplomats affected work at the Russian embassy in Washington, and at the country's consulate in San Francisco.
The move is part of a series of measures, not only for alleged intimidation of US diplomats in the Russian capital, but also for alleged interference in the recent presidential election.
Two US officials also said there would be a series of measures after Russia allegedly hacked US political institutions, as well as individuals.
In addition, Vladimir Putin's country is accused of helping President-elect Donald Trump and other Republican candidates by leaking information.
The diplomats affected work at the Russian embassy in Washington, and at the country's consulate in San Francisco.
The move is part of a series of measures, not only for alleged intimidation of US diplomats in the Russian capital, but also for alleged interference in the recent presidential election.
Two US officials also said there would be a series of measures after Russia allegedly hacked US political institutions, as well as individuals.
In addition, Vladimir Putin's country is accused of helping President-elect Donald Trump and other Republican candidates by leaking information.
Vladimir Putin: Agreement reached on Syria ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin says an agreement has been reached on a countrywide ceasefire plan for Syria, with Russia and Turkey to act as guarantors.
Syrian state news agency SANA said on Thursday that the ceasefire announcement excluded the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the group formerly known as al-Nusra Front.
Putin said the truce was set to begin at midnight on Thursday (22:00 GMT) and would be followed by peace talks between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and the opposition in the Kazakh capital Astana.
He also said that the Russian military had been ordered to scale down its presence in Syria, where it has been providing crucial support to Assad's forces.
He did not say how many troops and weapons would be withdrawn but said Russia would continue "fighting international terrorism in Syria" and would maintain its presence at both an air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia and the naval facility in the Syrian port of Tartus.
"The agreements that have been reached are no doubt very fragile and they demand attention and follow-up in order to keep them and develop them. Nevertheless, it's a significant result of our work, the defence ministry, the ministry of foreign affairs, our partners in the region.
"Now we need to do everything for these agreements to work, so that negotiators would come to Astana and would begin to work on real peace process. I call on the Syrian government, armed opposition, all countries involved to support these agreements."
Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister said the truce would include 62,000 opposition fighters across Syria, and that the Russian military has established a hotline with its Turkish counterpart to monitor compliance.
The Turkish foreign ministry confirmed the agreement and called on countries with influence on groups fighting in the country to provide the necessary support for the ceasefire to last.
"Russia and Turkey strongly support the truce and will monitor it together," the ministry said.
Al Jazeera's Natasha Ghoneim, reporting from Moscow, said three different documents had been signed in a trilateral agreement between Russia, Turkey and Iran.
"The first document lays out an agreement between the Syrian government and opposition groups on the ground. The second document includes measures designed to control the ceasefire and the third lays out what needs to happen next in order for there to be peace talks."
"It's still unclear which opposition groups have been involved in this process," our correspondent added.
"Just a day ago the negotiating arm of the largest group of rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army said they had yet to be in contact with anyone and had not been invited to participate in talks."
The Syrian conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but quickly developed into a full-on armed conflict.
Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy to Syria, estimated in April that more than 400,000 Syrians had been killed since 2011.
Calculating a precise death toll is difficult, partially owing to the forced disappearances of tens of thousands of Syrians whose fates remain unknown.
Almost 11 million Syrians - half the country's prewar population - have been displaced from their homes.
Syrian state news agency SANA said on Thursday that the ceasefire announcement excluded the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the group formerly known as al-Nusra Front.
Putin said the truce was set to begin at midnight on Thursday (22:00 GMT) and would be followed by peace talks between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and the opposition in the Kazakh capital Astana.
He also said that the Russian military had been ordered to scale down its presence in Syria, where it has been providing crucial support to Assad's forces.
He did not say how many troops and weapons would be withdrawn but said Russia would continue "fighting international terrorism in Syria" and would maintain its presence at both an air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia and the naval facility in the Syrian port of Tartus.
"The agreements that have been reached are no doubt very fragile and they demand attention and follow-up in order to keep them and develop them. Nevertheless, it's a significant result of our work, the defence ministry, the ministry of foreign affairs, our partners in the region.
"Now we need to do everything for these agreements to work, so that negotiators would come to Astana and would begin to work on real peace process. I call on the Syrian government, armed opposition, all countries involved to support these agreements."
Sergei Shoigu, Russia's defence minister said the truce would include 62,000 opposition fighters across Syria, and that the Russian military has established a hotline with its Turkish counterpart to monitor compliance.
The Turkish foreign ministry confirmed the agreement and called on countries with influence on groups fighting in the country to provide the necessary support for the ceasefire to last.
"Russia and Turkey strongly support the truce and will monitor it together," the ministry said.
Al Jazeera's Natasha Ghoneim, reporting from Moscow, said three different documents had been signed in a trilateral agreement between Russia, Turkey and Iran.
"The first document lays out an agreement between the Syrian government and opposition groups on the ground. The second document includes measures designed to control the ceasefire and the third lays out what needs to happen next in order for there to be peace talks."
"It's still unclear which opposition groups have been involved in this process," our correspondent added.
"Just a day ago the negotiating arm of the largest group of rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army said they had yet to be in contact with anyone and had not been invited to participate in talks."
The Syrian conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against Assad in March 2011, but quickly developed into a full-on armed conflict.
Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy to Syria, estimated in April that more than 400,000 Syrians had been killed since 2011.
Calculating a precise death toll is difficult, partially owing to the forced disappearances of tens of thousands of Syrians whose fates remain unknown.
Almost 11 million Syrians - half the country's prewar population - have been displaced from their homes.
Health warning as temperatures plunge and freezing fog descends
A health warning has been issued for the elderly and ailing as temperatures plummet and freezing fog disrupts travel across the country.
Public Health England (PHE) has issued its first "level three" cold weather alert since January.
Road travellers face the dual problem of fog and frost - a day after a motorist was killed in a major crash following foggy conditions on the A40.
Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said visibility could be limited to 100m or less in some parts on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile the fog saw Heathrow airport hit by delays while there was also a second day of disruption at London City Airport with more than a dozen flights cancelled.
The Met Office has issued yellow "be aware" fog warnings across the bulk of England and parts of Wales.
Forecasters see the unsettled, milder weather over Christmas making way for clearer but colder conditions as the new year approaches.
The cold weather warning was issued after plunging temperatures were forecast for northwest England, Yorkshire and the Humber, the Midlands and the east of England.
A level three alert is issued when average temperatures look set to fall to 2C and if either widespread ice or heavy snow is present. A level two warning remains in place in the rest of England.
Dr Thomas Waite, consultant in extreme events and health protection at Public Health England, said: "The effects of cold can be severe, in particular for those who are over 65, have a long-term illness, or are not mobile.
"Our advice to these groups is when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C.
"Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest.
"Most of the practical advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we all help each other to stay well this winter."
On the roads, the AA urged "extreme caution" by motorists.
Spokesman Ian Crowder said: "We have got the worst possible conditions really, of fog and icy roads, and that can be lethal."
Public Health England (PHE) has issued its first "level three" cold weather alert since January.
Road travellers face the dual problem of fog and frost - a day after a motorist was killed in a major crash following foggy conditions on the A40.
Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said visibility could be limited to 100m or less in some parts on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile the fog saw Heathrow airport hit by delays while there was also a second day of disruption at London City Airport with more than a dozen flights cancelled.
The Met Office has issued yellow "be aware" fog warnings across the bulk of England and parts of Wales.
Forecasters see the unsettled, milder weather over Christmas making way for clearer but colder conditions as the new year approaches.
The cold weather warning was issued after plunging temperatures were forecast for northwest England, Yorkshire and the Humber, the Midlands and the east of England.
A level three alert is issued when average temperatures look set to fall to 2C and if either widespread ice or heavy snow is present. A level two warning remains in place in the rest of England.
Dr Thomas Waite, consultant in extreme events and health protection at Public Health England, said: "The effects of cold can be severe, in particular for those who are over 65, have a long-term illness, or are not mobile.
"Our advice to these groups is when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C.
"Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest.
"Most of the practical advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we all help each other to stay well this winter."
On the roads, the AA urged "extreme caution" by motorists.
Spokesman Ian Crowder said: "We have got the worst possible conditions really, of fog and icy roads, and that can be lethal."
Philippines president Duterte: I threw a man from a helicopter
The president of the Philippines has claimed that he once threw a man out of a helicopter and that he would do it again.
Rodrigo Duterte said he hurled a Chinese man suspected of rape and murder out mid-air.
He said: "If you are corrupt, I will fetch you using a helicopter to Manila and I will throw you out. I have done this before, why would I not do it again?"
Mr Duterte's spokesman described the alleged incident as an "urban legend".
The latest controversy comes just weeks after Mr Duterte admitted killing people during the 22 years he spent as mayor of Davao City, in the south of the country.
He claimed to have toured the city's streets on his motorcycle looking for drug dealers to shoot.
His comments sparked international condemnation and created tensions with the United States and United Nations.
Since his election in May, more than 6,100 people have been killed in Mr Duterte's war on drugs.
About a third of the victims have been killed by police but vigilantes are also responsible for many of the deaths.
Despite criticism of the killings, the Philippines president has pledged to continue his crackdown.
He said: "Until the last pusher is out of the street ... until the last drugs lord is killed, this drug campaign would continue to the last day of my term."
On Wednesday night two unknown gunmen on motorbikes shot dead seven people in a drugs den in the capital Manila.
Four of those killed were teenagers.
Rodrigo Duterte said he hurled a Chinese man suspected of rape and murder out mid-air.
He said: "If you are corrupt, I will fetch you using a helicopter to Manila and I will throw you out. I have done this before, why would I not do it again?"
Mr Duterte's spokesman described the alleged incident as an "urban legend".
The latest controversy comes just weeks after Mr Duterte admitted killing people during the 22 years he spent as mayor of Davao City, in the south of the country.
He claimed to have toured the city's streets on his motorcycle looking for drug dealers to shoot.
His comments sparked international condemnation and created tensions with the United States and United Nations.
Since his election in May, more than 6,100 people have been killed in Mr Duterte's war on drugs.
About a third of the victims have been killed by police but vigilantes are also responsible for many of the deaths.
Despite criticism of the killings, the Philippines president has pledged to continue his crackdown.
He said: "Until the last pusher is out of the street ... until the last drugs lord is killed, this drug campaign would continue to the last day of my term."
On Wednesday night two unknown gunmen on motorbikes shot dead seven people in a drugs den in the capital Manila.
Four of those killed were teenagers.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Carrie Fisher's mother Debbie Reynolds has died aged 84
Film legend Debbie Reynolds has died aged 84 - a day after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher, the beloved Star Wars actress.
Reynolds' passing was confirmed by her son Todd Fisher, who said: "She's now with Carrie and we're all heartbroken.
"She said, 'I want to be with Carrie.' And then she was gone."
He told the Associated Press that the stress of his sister's death "was too much" for their mother to cope with, and that she had suffered a stroke.
Reynolds was a renowned actress in her own right. She was thrust into the limelight when she starred alongside Gene Kelly in the 1952 classic Singin' In The Rain, which would become one of her best-known roles.
It was claimed that she had been discussing arrangements for her daughter's funeral when she suffered a medical emergency at about 9pm UK time on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for the LA Fire Department had earlier said that a woman was escorted to hospital from an address in Beverly Hills in a "fair to serious condition", but could not confirm it was Reynolds owing to medical privacy laws.
Countless actors have paid tribute to Reynolds, with William Shatner describing her as "one of the last of Hollywood Royalty".
Last year, Reynolds received an honorary Oscar known as the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award - but was too ill too attend the ceremony.
Her 60-year-old daughter Carrie, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, died on Tuesday - four days after she suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles.
After she died, Reynolds wrote in a Facebook post: "Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter.
"I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop."
In November, Fisher had spoken of how she admired her mother - and told NPR radio that Reynolds had recently suffered setbacks with her health.
Fisher said: "(My mother is) an immensely powerful woman ... There's very few women from her generation who worked like that, who just kept a career going all her life, and raised children, and had horrible relationships, and lost all her money, and got it back again.
"I mean, she's had an amazing life, and she's someone to admire."
Reynolds had been married three times - and her first marriage to Eddie Fisher, Carrie's father, ended in humiliation after he left her for fellow screen icon Elizabeth Taylor.
In another turn of misfortune, Reynolds' second husband gambled away most of her savings - and her third marriage to a real estate developer ended in divorce in 1996.
Reynolds once said in an interview that she had more luck selecting restaurants than men.
In an interview a few months after Elizabeth Taylor's death in 2011, Reynolds described how she had buried the hatchet with her one-time love rival when they were both passengers on the Queen Elizabeth.
She had told The Huffington Post: "I sent a note to her and she sent a note to me in passing, and then we had dinner together.
"(Elizabeth) was married to Richard Burton by then. I had been remarried at that point. And we just said, 'Let's call it a day.' And we got smashed. And we had a great evening, and stayed friends since then."
A documentary about her relationship with her daughter, titled Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher And Debbie Reynolds, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and is due to be broadcast on HBO in March.
Reynolds' passing was confirmed by her son Todd Fisher, who said: "She's now with Carrie and we're all heartbroken.
"She said, 'I want to be with Carrie.' And then she was gone."
He told the Associated Press that the stress of his sister's death "was too much" for their mother to cope with, and that she had suffered a stroke.
Reynolds was a renowned actress in her own right. She was thrust into the limelight when she starred alongside Gene Kelly in the 1952 classic Singin' In The Rain, which would become one of her best-known roles.
It was claimed that she had been discussing arrangements for her daughter's funeral when she suffered a medical emergency at about 9pm UK time on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for the LA Fire Department had earlier said that a woman was escorted to hospital from an address in Beverly Hills in a "fair to serious condition", but could not confirm it was Reynolds owing to medical privacy laws.
Countless actors have paid tribute to Reynolds, with William Shatner describing her as "one of the last of Hollywood Royalty".
Last year, Reynolds received an honorary Oscar known as the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award - but was too ill too attend the ceremony.
Her 60-year-old daughter Carrie, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, died on Tuesday - four days after she suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles.
After she died, Reynolds wrote in a Facebook post: "Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter.
"I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop."
In November, Fisher had spoken of how she admired her mother - and told NPR radio that Reynolds had recently suffered setbacks with her health.
Fisher said: "(My mother is) an immensely powerful woman ... There's very few women from her generation who worked like that, who just kept a career going all her life, and raised children, and had horrible relationships, and lost all her money, and got it back again.
"I mean, she's had an amazing life, and she's someone to admire."
Reynolds had been married three times - and her first marriage to Eddie Fisher, Carrie's father, ended in humiliation after he left her for fellow screen icon Elizabeth Taylor.
In another turn of misfortune, Reynolds' second husband gambled away most of her savings - and her third marriage to a real estate developer ended in divorce in 1996.
Reynolds once said in an interview that she had more luck selecting restaurants than men.
In an interview a few months after Elizabeth Taylor's death in 2011, Reynolds described how she had buried the hatchet with her one-time love rival when they were both passengers on the Queen Elizabeth.
She had told The Huffington Post: "I sent a note to her and she sent a note to me in passing, and then we had dinner together.
"(Elizabeth) was married to Richard Burton by then. I had been remarried at that point. And we just said, 'Let's call it a day.' And we got smashed. And we had a great evening, and stayed friends since then."
A documentary about her relationship with her daughter, titled Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher And Debbie Reynolds, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and is due to be broadcast on HBO in March.
US Secretary of State John Kerry hits out at Israel on Middle East peace
The US Secretary of State has accused Israel of threatening peace in the Middle East in some of America's harshest-ever public criticisms of its key ally.
John Kerry said Israel was not interested in finding a two-state solution to its conflict with the Palestinians and "believe in one state: greater Israel".
Mr Kerry said the US would have been guilty of a "dereliction of duty" if it had vetoed the UN vote to condemn Israeli settlements last week.
And he added that just because the US was Israel's ally it didn't mean it would stand by and not do anything when the future of Middle East peace was under threat.
In his final speech on the Middle East peace process, Mr Kerry said: "No one thinking seriously about peace can ignore the reality of the threat settlements pose to peace.
"But the problem goes well beyond just settlements. Trends indicate a comprehensive effort to take West Bank land for Israel and prevent any Palestinian development there."
He added: "The settler agenda is defining the future in Israel. And their stated purpose is clear: They believe in one state: greater Israel."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back in a short statement after the US Secretary of State's speech calling it "biased" and saying it "obsessively" focused on settlements and ignored the root of the conflict between to two sides.
Mr Kerry said in his speech that the only hope for the future was a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians and that the UN was right to condemn the building of settler homes in the West Bank.
He urged Israel and the Palestinians to agree a two-state solution based on land occupied before the six-day war in 1967.
The US refusal to veto the UN vote was seen by some as a parting shot from outgoing US President Barack Obama to his successor Donald Trump, just weeks before the latter's inauguration on 20 January.
It has sparked a war of word with Mr Trump tweeting on Wednesday: "We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S but..."
He also tweeted: "Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks. Thought it was going to be a smooth transition - NOT!"
In the immediate wake of the vote last week, Mr Trump, who had wanted to US to veto the vote to condemn the building of settler homes, said things at the UN would "be different after Jan. 20th."
Mr Netanyahu he was looking forward to working with Mr Trump and effectively set out a wishlist for the President-elect that the US would not allow any further UN resolutions against Israel.
Mr Kerry said Mr Obama had been committed to Israel and to the peace process but said: "Despite our best efforts over the years, the two-state solution is now in serious jeopardy.
"We cannot, in good conscience, do nothing, and say nothing, when we see the hopes of peace slipping away."
Mr Kerry said the US "did not draft or originate" the UN resolution on settlement and earlier it had been confirmed the UK had helped draft the resolution and played a key role in brokering it.
However, Mr Netanyahu said he had evidence the US was behind the resolution.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said he was ready to resume peace efforts when settlement building was frozen.
John Kerry said Israel was not interested in finding a two-state solution to its conflict with the Palestinians and "believe in one state: greater Israel".
Mr Kerry said the US would have been guilty of a "dereliction of duty" if it had vetoed the UN vote to condemn Israeli settlements last week.
And he added that just because the US was Israel's ally it didn't mean it would stand by and not do anything when the future of Middle East peace was under threat.
In his final speech on the Middle East peace process, Mr Kerry said: "No one thinking seriously about peace can ignore the reality of the threat settlements pose to peace.
"But the problem goes well beyond just settlements. Trends indicate a comprehensive effort to take West Bank land for Israel and prevent any Palestinian development there."
He added: "The settler agenda is defining the future in Israel. And their stated purpose is clear: They believe in one state: greater Israel."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back in a short statement after the US Secretary of State's speech calling it "biased" and saying it "obsessively" focused on settlements and ignored the root of the conflict between to two sides.
Mr Kerry said in his speech that the only hope for the future was a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians and that the UN was right to condemn the building of settler homes in the West Bank.
He urged Israel and the Palestinians to agree a two-state solution based on land occupied before the six-day war in 1967.
The US refusal to veto the UN vote was seen by some as a parting shot from outgoing US President Barack Obama to his successor Donald Trump, just weeks before the latter's inauguration on 20 January.
It has sparked a war of word with Mr Trump tweeting on Wednesday: "We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S but..."
He also tweeted: "Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks. Thought it was going to be a smooth transition - NOT!"
In the immediate wake of the vote last week, Mr Trump, who had wanted to US to veto the vote to condemn the building of settler homes, said things at the UN would "be different after Jan. 20th."
Mr Netanyahu he was looking forward to working with Mr Trump and effectively set out a wishlist for the President-elect that the US would not allow any further UN resolutions against Israel.
Mr Kerry said Mr Obama had been committed to Israel and to the peace process but said: "Despite our best efforts over the years, the two-state solution is now in serious jeopardy.
"We cannot, in good conscience, do nothing, and say nothing, when we see the hopes of peace slipping away."
Mr Kerry said the US "did not draft or originate" the UN resolution on settlement and earlier it had been confirmed the UK had helped draft the resolution and played a key role in brokering it.
However, Mr Netanyahu said he had evidence the US was behind the resolution.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said he was ready to resume peace efforts when settlement building was frozen.
Rodrigo Duterte Claims to Have Thrown a Suspect Out of a Helicopter, Report Says
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to round up corrupt officials and toss them from his helicopter midflight — and it wouldn’t be the first time he’s done it, he says.
In a speech at Camarines Sur in the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Duterte reportedly recounted throwing an alleged kidnapper to his death — furnishing details about how high the pilot had to fly — while he was mayor of Davao City, according to local newspaper the Philippine Star.
“If you are corrupt, I will fetch you with a helicopter and I will throw you out on the way to Manila,” the newspaper quoted him as saying in Tagalog during the speech. “I have done that before, why should I not do it again?”
Duterte was in Camarines Sur after touring provinces ravaged by Typhoon Nock-Ten, which made landfall on Christmas Day. But after he announced financial assistance packages for disaster-stricken areas, talk swung to the anticorruption drive he stressed would be a main focus of his six-year term — alongside his antidrug campaign, which has seen over 6000 people killed in brutal, extrajudicial fashion.
Duterte is notorious for his outbursts. He once said he should have “been first” in the gang rape of an Australian missionary in a prison riot in 1989. He also said he would kill his own children if they used drugs. Earlier this month, Duterte admitted to personally killing three people.
Members of Duterte’s Cabinet habitually dial back on such utterances, claiming that they are jokes or hyperbole. However, the U.N. human-rights commission has urged the Philippines to launch a murder investigation into Duterte’s claims.
In a speech at Camarines Sur in the northern Philippines on Tuesday, Duterte reportedly recounted throwing an alleged kidnapper to his death — furnishing details about how high the pilot had to fly — while he was mayor of Davao City, according to local newspaper the Philippine Star.
“If you are corrupt, I will fetch you with a helicopter and I will throw you out on the way to Manila,” the newspaper quoted him as saying in Tagalog during the speech. “I have done that before, why should I not do it again?”
Duterte was in Camarines Sur after touring provinces ravaged by Typhoon Nock-Ten, which made landfall on Christmas Day. But after he announced financial assistance packages for disaster-stricken areas, talk swung to the anticorruption drive he stressed would be a main focus of his six-year term — alongside his antidrug campaign, which has seen over 6000 people killed in brutal, extrajudicial fashion.
Duterte is notorious for his outbursts. He once said he should have “been first” in the gang rape of an Australian missionary in a prison riot in 1989. He also said he would kill his own children if they used drugs. Earlier this month, Duterte admitted to personally killing three people.
Members of Duterte’s Cabinet habitually dial back on such utterances, claiming that they are jokes or hyperbole. However, the U.N. human-rights commission has urged the Philippines to launch a murder investigation into Duterte’s claims.
Nigeria's Sultan of Sokoto rejects gender equality bill
Nigeria's most senior Muslim cleric has rejected a new gender equality bill, which proposes that women and men inherit an equal share.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohamed Sa'ad Abubakar, said Muslims would not accept the violation of Islamic law guaranteeing men a greater share.
Nigeria's main Christian body has welcomed the bill, saying its religion permitted equal inheritance.
Activists have pushed for the bill to end discrimination against women.
Nigeria's war of the religious robes
Women 'belong everywhere, Mr president'
Mugabe the feminist?
Nigeria is a deeply religious society with roughly the same number of Christians and Muslims.
Speaking at a Koranic recitation ceremony in northern Zamfara state, the sultan said: "Our religion is our total way of life. Therefore, we will not accept any move to change what Allah permitted us to do."
He added: "Islam is a peaceful religion; we have been living peacefully with Christians and followers of other religions in this country. Therefore, we should be allowed to perform our religion effectively."
In October, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said it did not find anything wrong with the bill because in "Christianity inheritance is shared equally between male and female".
Lawmakers say they will consider public opinion before a decision is taken on which aspects of the bill to approve and which aspects to reject.
In March, Nigeria's senate rejected an earlier version of the bill, saying it was incompatible with Nigerian culture and religious beliefs.
Human rights activist Bukky Shonibare called the rejection of the bill in March a sad day for Nigerian women and said it showed "how backward we are".
The Sultan of Sokoto, Mohamed Sa'ad Abubakar, said Muslims would not accept the violation of Islamic law guaranteeing men a greater share.
Nigeria's main Christian body has welcomed the bill, saying its religion permitted equal inheritance.
Activists have pushed for the bill to end discrimination against women.
Nigeria's war of the religious robes
Women 'belong everywhere, Mr president'
Mugabe the feminist?
Nigeria is a deeply religious society with roughly the same number of Christians and Muslims.
Speaking at a Koranic recitation ceremony in northern Zamfara state, the sultan said: "Our religion is our total way of life. Therefore, we will not accept any move to change what Allah permitted us to do."
He added: "Islam is a peaceful religion; we have been living peacefully with Christians and followers of other religions in this country. Therefore, we should be allowed to perform our religion effectively."
In October, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said it did not find anything wrong with the bill because in "Christianity inheritance is shared equally between male and female".
Lawmakers say they will consider public opinion before a decision is taken on which aspects of the bill to approve and which aspects to reject.
In March, Nigeria's senate rejected an earlier version of the bill, saying it was incompatible with Nigerian culture and religious beliefs.
Human rights activist Bukky Shonibare called the rejection of the bill in March a sad day for Nigerian women and said it showed "how backward we are".
Who was the busiest member of the Royal Family in 2016?
Princess Anne was the busiest member of the Royal Family in 2016, with 179 days of engagements.
The 66-year-old's work ethic is said to be based on the belief that members of the monarchy should earn their keep.
Prince Charles, 68, who has a core group of 12 charities and bodies, was second on 139.
Prince Edward carried out 118 days of public engagements and Prince Andrew 112.
The list shows the Queen's children have carried out far more public engagements than her grandchildren in 2016.
:: Queen misses Christmas church service for first time since 1988 because of cold
Prince Harry spent 86 days on official duties.
His brother, the Duke of Cambridge, was six behind on 80, with Kate bottom of the list on 63.
William and Harry's 95-year-old grandfather, Prince Philip, was well ahead of them, on 110 days.
The Queen, who is 90, matched Prince William, with 80 days of official engagements.
The figures were compiled from the Court Circular by the Press Association.
There has been criticism of the number of engagements William has been undertaking.
But in a TV interview screened a few days after William and Kate returned from a skiing holiday earlier this year, the Duke said that accusations of being "workshy" were "part of the job".
The 66-year-old's work ethic is said to be based on the belief that members of the monarchy should earn their keep.
Prince Charles, 68, who has a core group of 12 charities and bodies, was second on 139.
Prince Edward carried out 118 days of public engagements and Prince Andrew 112.
The list shows the Queen's children have carried out far more public engagements than her grandchildren in 2016.
:: Queen misses Christmas church service for first time since 1988 because of cold
Prince Harry spent 86 days on official duties.
His brother, the Duke of Cambridge, was six behind on 80, with Kate bottom of the list on 63.
William and Harry's 95-year-old grandfather, Prince Philip, was well ahead of them, on 110 days.
The Queen, who is 90, matched Prince William, with 80 days of official engagements.
The figures were compiled from the Court Circular by the Press Association.
There has been criticism of the number of engagements William has been undertaking.
But in a TV interview screened a few days after William and Kate returned from a skiing holiday earlier this year, the Duke said that accusations of being "workshy" were "part of the job".
One dead as 20-car pile-up causes A40 'carnage' in Oxfordshire
A woman has died after a 20-car pile-up on the A40 in Oxfordshire.
South Central Ambulance Service said another woman was in a serious or life threatening condition and had been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
A man with serious injuries was taken to the same hospital.
Another 10 to 15 people with minor injuries were treated at the scene.
The ambulance service said it had been called at 8.22am, while the incident stretched more than 1km between Witney and Carterton.
A woman who saw what happened said: "I saw cars going zooming past me and trying to swerve out the way of the stationary cars but crashing into them.
"I saw one car try (to) swerve in between a Mini and another car, ending up crashing into the Mini and (flying) up in the air.
"I saw two cars swerve as they braked so hard and go flying into the barrier in the middle of the road ... it was carnage."
The pregnant mother-of-two said: "A man on his own had skidded and crashed into middle barrier.
"My partner was driving - we had to swerve out of the right lane to avoid hitting him.
"His door was open and air bags were released."
Fog had made conditions "really dangerous", she added, making it difficult to spot another vehicle until you were "on top of it".
South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said: "There was a collision towards the front of the queue and the more serious one about half-way down."
An air ambulance attended the scene, along with three ambulances and three rapid response vehicles, Mr Gallagher added.
Six vehicles were seriously damaged, with minor damage to another 10 to 15.
The A40 has been closed both ways.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Road closures are currently in place, and drivers are advised to avoid the area."
South Central Ambulance Service said another woman was in a serious or life threatening condition and had been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
A man with serious injuries was taken to the same hospital.
Another 10 to 15 people with minor injuries were treated at the scene.
The ambulance service said it had been called at 8.22am, while the incident stretched more than 1km between Witney and Carterton.
A woman who saw what happened said: "I saw cars going zooming past me and trying to swerve out the way of the stationary cars but crashing into them.
"I saw one car try (to) swerve in between a Mini and another car, ending up crashing into the Mini and (flying) up in the air.
"I saw two cars swerve as they braked so hard and go flying into the barrier in the middle of the road ... it was carnage."
The pregnant mother-of-two said: "A man on his own had skidded and crashed into middle barrier.
"My partner was driving - we had to swerve out of the right lane to avoid hitting him.
"His door was open and air bags were released."
Fog had made conditions "really dangerous", she added, making it difficult to spot another vehicle until you were "on top of it".
South Central Ambulance Service spokesman David Gallagher said: "There was a collision towards the front of the queue and the more serious one about half-way down."
An air ambulance attended the scene, along with three ambulances and three rapid response vehicles, Mr Gallagher added.
Six vehicles were seriously damaged, with minor damage to another 10 to 15.
The A40 has been closed both ways.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Road closures are currently in place, and drivers are advised to avoid the area."
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Employee found dead at House of Fraser store in Edinburgh
The 30-year-old man's body was discovered in the city's House of Fraser shop in Princes Street at 9.15am on Tuesday.
His death is being treated as "unexplained", police said.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Inquiries into this matter are ongoing and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."
The shop will remain closed until Wednesday morning.
Investigations into the man's death are continuing and managers at the store say they are helping police with inquiries.
A House of Fraser spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our employees at our Frasers store in Edinburgh.
"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."
The spokesman said the store would be "offering full support to employees over the coming days and weeks".
His death is being treated as "unexplained", police said.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "Inquiries into this matter are ongoing and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."
The shop will remain closed until Wednesday morning.
Investigations into the man's death are continuing and managers at the store say they are helping police with inquiries.
A House of Fraser spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our employees at our Frasers store in Edinburgh.
"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time."
The spokesman said the store would be "offering full support to employees over the coming days and weeks".
Watership Down and Plague Dogs author Richard Adams dies aged 96
Watership Down author Richard Adams has died at the age of 96, according to a statement on the book's official website.
The statement, issued on Tuesday, revealed the novelist "passed away peacefully" at 10pm on Christmas Eve.
It said: "Richard's much-loved family announce with sadness that their dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at 10pm on Christmas Eve."
Watership Down was created by Mr Adams during bedtime story-telling sessions for his two daughters, Rosamond and Juliet.
It was initially rejected by six publishers, who were concerned that its dark themes were too "adult" for younger children.
But after it was published in 1972, it went on to become a best-selling classic and was adapted into a 1978 cinema hit, directed by Mr Adams' friend Martin Rosen and featuring the theme tune Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel, which stayed at number one for six weeks in 1979.
A remake of the film by the BBC and Netflix was announced in April and is expected to air in four one-hour parts in 2017.
A spokesman for Oneworld publications, which released a new edition of the book, said: "Very saddened to hear that Richard Adams has passed.
"His books will be cherished for years to come."
Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher dies aged 60 after heart attack
Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher has died at the age of 60 four days after suffering a heart attack on a flight to Los Angeles.
Israel reduces diplomatic ties over UN vote demanding no more settlements on occupied territory
Israel has announced it is reducing ties with countries that voted for a UN resolution demanding an end to the building of settlements on occupied territory.
The historic vote has prompted Israel to call back its ambassadors in New Zealand and Senegal and cancel planned visits by Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Groysman and Senegalese foreign minister Mankeur Ndiaye.
It has also cancelled aid programmes in Angola and Senegal.
"Until further notice, we'll limit our contacts with the embassies here in Israel and refrain from visits of Israeli officials to those states, and of visits of officials from those states here," foreign ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon said.
The countries that voted for the resolution were: Angola, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia,
Senegal, Spain, Ukraine, the UK, Uruguay and Venezuela. The United States, which has historically vetoed such resolutions, angered Israel by abstaining.
Deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely said she was concerned that, by cancelling visits, Israel would miss out on opportunities to explain its settlement policy, but added that foreign nations "can't take Israel for granted".
She said world leaders should not be able to "make pilgrimages to Israel to learn about fighting terror, cyber-defence and agricultural technologies, and in the UN do whatever (they) want."
Israel's foreign ministry has not commented on reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu plans to cancel a meeting with Theresa May at next month's World Economic Forum in Davos.
Following Friday's UN vote, Mr Netanyahu took aim at Barack Obama and said the US administration had "not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the scenes".
The motion was the first since 1979 to condemn Israel's settlement policy thanks to the US not using its veto.
The US gives more than $3bn (£2.4bn) a year in defence aid to Israel but, under the Obama administration, it has become frustrated with continued settlement building in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied for nearly 50 years.
Donald Trump has suggested he will take a more pro-Israel stance than Mr Obama, saying "things will be different" after his inauguration on 20 January.
The President-elect has also criticised the UN as a "club for people to get together, talk and have a good time".
The historic vote has prompted Israel to call back its ambassadors in New Zealand and Senegal and cancel planned visits by Ukrainian prime minister Volodymyr Groysman and Senegalese foreign minister Mankeur Ndiaye.
It has also cancelled aid programmes in Angola and Senegal.
"Until further notice, we'll limit our contacts with the embassies here in Israel and refrain from visits of Israeli officials to those states, and of visits of officials from those states here," foreign ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon said.
The countries that voted for the resolution were: Angola, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia,
Senegal, Spain, Ukraine, the UK, Uruguay and Venezuela. The United States, which has historically vetoed such resolutions, angered Israel by abstaining.
Deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely said she was concerned that, by cancelling visits, Israel would miss out on opportunities to explain its settlement policy, but added that foreign nations "can't take Israel for granted".
She said world leaders should not be able to "make pilgrimages to Israel to learn about fighting terror, cyber-defence and agricultural technologies, and in the UN do whatever (they) want."
Israel's foreign ministry has not commented on reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu plans to cancel a meeting with Theresa May at next month's World Economic Forum in Davos.
Following Friday's UN vote, Mr Netanyahu took aim at Barack Obama and said the US administration had "not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the UN, it colluded with it behind the scenes".
The motion was the first since 1979 to condemn Israel's settlement policy thanks to the US not using its veto.
The US gives more than $3bn (£2.4bn) a year in defence aid to Israel but, under the Obama administration, it has become frustrated with continued settlement building in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied for nearly 50 years.
Donald Trump has suggested he will take a more pro-Israel stance than Mr Obama, saying "things will be different" after his inauguration on 20 January.
The President-elect has also criticised the UN as a "club for people to get together, talk and have a good time".
Gambia crisis: Adama Barrow urges Jammeh to quit
The Gambia's President-elect Adama Barrow has called on long-serving ruler Yahya Jammeh to give up power peacefully, like former colonial power Britain did in 1965.
Mr Barrow, a property developer, said he did not want to lead a nation that was not at "peace with itself".
Mr Jammeh initially accepted defeat in the 1 December poll but then launched court action to annul the result.
The Gambia has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence.
What next for Jammeh?
How Gambians have lost their fear
Mr Jammeh has ruled the West African state since taking power in a bloodless coup in 1994.
It is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches.
The West African regional grouping Ecowas has warned it will send troops to oust Mr Jammeh if he refuses to step down when his term expires on 19 January.
Mr Jammeh says the poll was marred by irregularities and has demanded a new election.
'Better example to our children'
The electoral commission has rejected the allegation and Mr Barrow has said he will declare himself president on 19 January.
In a message posted on social media, he urged "all peace-loving Gambians to advocate, pray and work for a peaceful transfer of executive power for the first time in our history since independence".
"If the colonialists could peacefully hand over executive powers in accordance with the dictates of the people of The Gambia, we, the citizens, should be able to show a better example to our children," he added.
The UN and Ecowas have urged Mr Jammeh to respect the will of the people and step down when his term ends.
Last week, a senior Ecowas official said that neighbouring Senegal's troops were ready to intervene if President Jammeh refused to hand over power.
Mr Jammeh said he would not be intimidated, and Ecowas had no right to interfere in The Gambia's affairs.
During his 22-year rule, Mr Jammeh gained a reputation as a ruthless leader who crushed dissent in the tiny west African nation.
According to the electoral commission's final count:
Mr Barrow won 222,708 votes (43.3%)
President Jammeh took 208,487 (39.6%)
A third-party candidate, Mama Kandeh, won 89,768 (17.1%)
Results were revised by the electoral commission on 5 December, when it emerged that the ballots for one area had been added incorrectly.
Mr Barrow, a property developer, said he did not want to lead a nation that was not at "peace with itself".
Mr Jammeh initially accepted defeat in the 1 December poll but then launched court action to annul the result.
The Gambia has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence.
What next for Jammeh?
How Gambians have lost their fear
Mr Jammeh has ruled the West African state since taking power in a bloodless coup in 1994.
It is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches.
The West African regional grouping Ecowas has warned it will send troops to oust Mr Jammeh if he refuses to step down when his term expires on 19 January.
Mr Jammeh says the poll was marred by irregularities and has demanded a new election.
'Better example to our children'
The electoral commission has rejected the allegation and Mr Barrow has said he will declare himself president on 19 January.
In a message posted on social media, he urged "all peace-loving Gambians to advocate, pray and work for a peaceful transfer of executive power for the first time in our history since independence".
"If the colonialists could peacefully hand over executive powers in accordance with the dictates of the people of The Gambia, we, the citizens, should be able to show a better example to our children," he added.
The UN and Ecowas have urged Mr Jammeh to respect the will of the people and step down when his term ends.
Last week, a senior Ecowas official said that neighbouring Senegal's troops were ready to intervene if President Jammeh refused to hand over power.
Mr Jammeh said he would not be intimidated, and Ecowas had no right to interfere in The Gambia's affairs.
During his 22-year rule, Mr Jammeh gained a reputation as a ruthless leader who crushed dissent in the tiny west African nation.
According to the electoral commission's final count:
Mr Barrow won 222,708 votes (43.3%)
President Jammeh took 208,487 (39.6%)
A third-party candidate, Mama Kandeh, won 89,768 (17.1%)
Results were revised by the electoral commission on 5 December, when it emerged that the ballots for one area had been added incorrectly.
Korean air crew to use stun guns on unruly passengers after Richard Marx criticism
Korean Air has given its flight attendants stun gun training following criticism from pop star Richard Marx for its handling of a violent passenger.
The American singer said air crew were "clueless and not trained" as he stepped in to help deal with a "psycho" passenger who allegedly attacked passengers and crew during a flight from Hanoi in Vietnam to Seoul, South Korea.
Marx, whose hits include Hazard and Right Here Waiting, used a rope to tie the man to a seat and later slammed Korean Air "for not knowing how to handle a situation like this without passenger interference".
The airline said the incident had prompted it to change its guidelines to allow crew members to use Tasers in a "fast and efficient manner".
Previously, staff were only allowed to use stun guns in "grave" situations which jeopardised the life of a passenger or crew member, or the safety of a flight.
Korean Air added that it would ban passengers with a history of unruly behaviour and ensure that at least one male flight attendant would be on board each flight.
"While US carriers have taken stern action on violent on-board behaviour following the terrorist attacks of September 11 (2001), Asian carriers including us have not imposed tough standards because of Asian culture," the airline's president, Chi Chang-hoon, said.
Richard Marx tweeted that the change of policy was "a start".
On Monday, the passenger restrained by the pop star was questioned by police on suspicion of injuring a crew member and a passenger.
An airline spokesman said the man had drunk two and a half shots of whiskey during the flight.
Marx's wife, Daisy Fuentes, who was travelling with the singer, said female staff had been pushed and had their hair pulled by the suspect.
She added that they "never fully got control of him" and "didn't know how to use the Taser".
Fuentes said: "This went on for four hours.
"I feel horrible for the abuse the staff had to endure but no one was prepared for this."
The American singer said air crew were "clueless and not trained" as he stepped in to help deal with a "psycho" passenger who allegedly attacked passengers and crew during a flight from Hanoi in Vietnam to Seoul, South Korea.
Marx, whose hits include Hazard and Right Here Waiting, used a rope to tie the man to a seat and later slammed Korean Air "for not knowing how to handle a situation like this without passenger interference".
The airline said the incident had prompted it to change its guidelines to allow crew members to use Tasers in a "fast and efficient manner".
Previously, staff were only allowed to use stun guns in "grave" situations which jeopardised the life of a passenger or crew member, or the safety of a flight.
Korean Air added that it would ban passengers with a history of unruly behaviour and ensure that at least one male flight attendant would be on board each flight.
"While US carriers have taken stern action on violent on-board behaviour following the terrorist attacks of September 11 (2001), Asian carriers including us have not imposed tough standards because of Asian culture," the airline's president, Chi Chang-hoon, said.
Richard Marx tweeted that the change of policy was "a start".
On Monday, the passenger restrained by the pop star was questioned by police on suspicion of injuring a crew member and a passenger.
An airline spokesman said the man had drunk two and a half shots of whiskey during the flight.
Marx's wife, Daisy Fuentes, who was travelling with the singer, said female staff had been pushed and had their hair pulled by the suspect.
She added that they "never fully got control of him" and "didn't know how to use the Taser".
Fuentes said: "This went on for four hours.
"I feel horrible for the abuse the staff had to endure but no one was prepared for this."
Fifteen hurt as plane spins 360 degrees during take-off in Goa
Fifteen people have been hurt after a plane veered off a runway in Goa and spun 360 degrees during take-off.
Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides after the Jet Airways Boeing 737, bound for Mumbai with 154 passengers and seven crew on board, ended up on the grass.
Passenger Rajeev Kumar said: "As the flight ran on the runway, it could not take off. Instead it skid off the runway and smoke started coming out.
"Chaos ensued and my foot was fractured."
Another passenger, BK Singh, said several people had been injured while jumping onto the runway.
Parakh Hans, who was also on the flight, said: "There were pregnant women (on board), there were newborn babies.
"It is very sad what happened on the ground. But luckily it happened on the ground."
The airport in western India is run by the country's navy.
"There are minor injuries, bruises or fractures to 15 passengers," said navy spokesman DK Sharma.
The airline said in a statement: "The flight 9W 2374 from Goa-Mumbai skidded off the runway at Dabolim airport this morning due to a technical glitch while aligning for take-off.
"All guests and crew members have been safely evacuated.
"However, a few guests have sustained injuries during the evacuation process (and) are being provided medical assistance."
An investigation has begun.
Alternative arrangements would be made for the passengers, Jet Airways said.
Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides after the Jet Airways Boeing 737, bound for Mumbai with 154 passengers and seven crew on board, ended up on the grass.
Passenger Rajeev Kumar said: "As the flight ran on the runway, it could not take off. Instead it skid off the runway and smoke started coming out.
"Chaos ensued and my foot was fractured."
Another passenger, BK Singh, said several people had been injured while jumping onto the runway.
Parakh Hans, who was also on the flight, said: "There were pregnant women (on board), there were newborn babies.
"It is very sad what happened on the ground. But luckily it happened on the ground."
The airport in western India is run by the country's navy.
"There are minor injuries, bruises or fractures to 15 passengers," said navy spokesman DK Sharma.
The airline said in a statement: "The flight 9W 2374 from Goa-Mumbai skidded off the runway at Dabolim airport this morning due to a technical glitch while aligning for take-off.
"All guests and crew members have been safely evacuated.
"However, a few guests have sustained injuries during the evacuation process (and) are being provided medical assistance."
An investigation has begun.
Alternative arrangements would be made for the passengers, Jet Airways said.
Sony Music tweets 'Britney Spears is dead' after Twitter account is hacked
Sony Music has apologised to Britney Spears and fans after its Twitter account was hacked and a fake tweet said the pop icon was dead.
The singer's record label said its social media account was "compromised" but that the situation "has been rectified".
The company said it "apologises to Britney Spears and her fans for any confusion".
The 35-year-old Grammy Award winner "is fine and well," Spears' manager Adam Leber told CNN.
In the first of several false tweets on Monday, the company's Twitter account published a short message reading "RIP @britneyspears" and "#RIPBritney1981-2016".
The message was accompanied by a teary-eyed emoji, Variety and Billboard magazines reported.
The fake tweets were soon removed. In some tweets, the group OurMine took responsibility, Billboard reported.
The Twitter account of folk music icon Bob Dylan may also have been subjected to a hoax, Billboard said.
Dylan's account sent out a now-deleted tweet reading "Rest in peace @britneyspears."
The Sony spokeswoman confirmed that Dylan is also a Sony artist and that the company's statement "holds true for what's happened".
Another unit of Sony, Sony Pictures Entertainment, was the victim of a devastating cyber attack in November 2014.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation concluded it was the work of North Korea.
That hack came a month before Sony Pictures was due to release the film "The Interview".
The film was about two journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
The singer's record label said its social media account was "compromised" but that the situation "has been rectified".
The company said it "apologises to Britney Spears and her fans for any confusion".
The 35-year-old Grammy Award winner "is fine and well," Spears' manager Adam Leber told CNN.
In the first of several false tweets on Monday, the company's Twitter account published a short message reading "RIP @britneyspears" and "#RIPBritney1981-2016".
The message was accompanied by a teary-eyed emoji, Variety and Billboard magazines reported.
The fake tweets were soon removed. In some tweets, the group OurMine took responsibility, Billboard reported.
The Twitter account of folk music icon Bob Dylan may also have been subjected to a hoax, Billboard said.
Dylan's account sent out a now-deleted tweet reading "Rest in peace @britneyspears."
The Sony spokeswoman confirmed that Dylan is also a Sony artist and that the company's statement "holds true for what's happened".
Another unit of Sony, Sony Pictures Entertainment, was the victim of a devastating cyber attack in November 2014.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation concluded it was the work of North Korea.
That hack came a month before Sony Pictures was due to release the film "The Interview".
The film was about two journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
Russian plane crash: Black box found in wreckage
A black box has been found in the wreckage of a military plane that crashed into the Black Sea with 92 people on board, Russian media is reporting.
The device, which contains information that could help identify the cause of Sunday's crash, is the first flight data recorder to be recovered from the Tu-154 jet, which came down two minutes after taking off from Sochi airport.
The black box will be sent to Moscow for analysis, a defence ministry official told TASS news agency.
According to the Interfax news agency, a second black box has been found in the wreckage but not yet raised to the surface.
All 84 passengers and eight crew members were killed in the crash, including dozens of singers in Russia's world-famous military choir who were on their way to Syria to entertain troops.
Russia's federal security service said it had "no signs or facts" to suggest the crash was an act of terror.
An investigation is focusing on pilot error, a technical fault, bad fuel and a foreign object in the engine as four possible causes.
Russia has grounded all its Tu-154 jets until it is known what brought down the aircraft.
The Russian defence ministry said the plane that crashed was built in 1983 and underwent factory check-ups and maintenance in 2014.
Search and rescue teams have recovered 12 bodies and 156 body fragments, it added.
On Monday, rescue workers recovered the plane's fuselage and brought it to shore.
Fragments of the jet were found 27 metres underwater, including "two elements of the plane's control mechanism".
More than 3,000 people and 27 ships have been involved in the search operation.
The device, which contains information that could help identify the cause of Sunday's crash, is the first flight data recorder to be recovered from the Tu-154 jet, which came down two minutes after taking off from Sochi airport.
The black box will be sent to Moscow for analysis, a defence ministry official told TASS news agency.
According to the Interfax news agency, a second black box has been found in the wreckage but not yet raised to the surface.
All 84 passengers and eight crew members were killed in the crash, including dozens of singers in Russia's world-famous military choir who were on their way to Syria to entertain troops.
Russia's federal security service said it had "no signs or facts" to suggest the crash was an act of terror.
An investigation is focusing on pilot error, a technical fault, bad fuel and a foreign object in the engine as four possible causes.
Russia has grounded all its Tu-154 jets until it is known what brought down the aircraft.
The Russian defence ministry said the plane that crashed was built in 1983 and underwent factory check-ups and maintenance in 2014.
Search and rescue teams have recovered 12 bodies and 156 body fragments, it added.
On Monday, rescue workers recovered the plane's fuselage and brought it to shore.
Fragments of the jet were found 27 metres underwater, including "two elements of the plane's control mechanism".
More than 3,000 people and 27 ships have been involved in the search operation.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Prisoners burrow out of jail by removing loo
A manhunt is under way after six prisoners escaped from a US jail by removing a toilet and crawling though a hole behind it.
The inmates escaped the prison in Cocke County, Tennessee, early on Christmas morning.
Image Caption:After removing the toilet, inmates escaped through a hole to the outside
Bolts holding the toilet had rusted and the prisoners were able to remove it.
They then busted a hole through the concrete behind it, which had been damaged during plumbing repairs.
Image Caption:Authorities have captured four of the six inmates from the Tennessee jail
Authorities were able to capture five of the six inmates but one remains on the run. It was unclear what the men were charged with.
The inmates escaped the prison in Cocke County, Tennessee, early on Christmas morning.
Image Caption:After removing the toilet, inmates escaped through a hole to the outsideBolts holding the toilet had rusted and the prisoners were able to remove it.
They then busted a hole through the concrete behind it, which had been damaged during plumbing repairs.
Image Caption:Authorities have captured four of the six inmates from the Tennessee jailAuthorities were able to capture five of the six inmates but one remains on the run. It was unclear what the men were charged with.
Rabbi uses National Menorah lighting to trash Obama UN move
The rabbi in charge of the National Hanukkah Menorah lighting used the ceremony, held Sunday just steps from the White House, to criticize the Obama administration's decision to allow the United Nations to pass a resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and portions of Jerusalem as illegal.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, turned an Obama administration official's speech about "fighting darkness with light" on its head, evoking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who has had an antagonistic relationship with President Obama — and urging Jews not to despair about the "darkness" cast by the United Nations vote.
Shemtov spoke after remarks by Adam Szubin, acting treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, and the Obama administration's representative Sunday at the event.
Szubin delivered a short speech focusing mainly on the significance and symbology of candles and light as they pertain to Hanukkah and later helped to light a 30-foot menorah.
Farewell Nana: Royle Family actress Liz Smith dies, aged 95
The Royle Family actress Liz Smith has died aged 95, a spokeswoman for her family has said.
The actress, who played the ailing Nana in the hit comedy show, died on Christmas Eve.
Her death comes in the same year as her co-star Caroline Aherne, who died from lung cancer.
A statement from the spokeswoman on Monday night said: "The BAFTA award-winning actress Liz Smith has died, on Christmas Eve, at the age of 95, her family has announced."
The Royle Family actor Ralf Little tweeted: "Devastating to lose two members of my second family in one awful year. RIP Liz Smith. Goodbye Nana. Xxx"
Andrew Whyment, who has starred in both Coronation Street and The Royle Family, tweeted: "What a fantastic actress she was absolutely hilarious RIP lovely Liz x"
Richard E Grant, who starred alongside Smith in the 1997 romantic comedy Keep the Aspidistra Flying, said: "I loved working with you on the George Orwell film and privileged to have played and danced together RIP."
And Anna Friel, who made her name as Beth Jordache in 1990s soap Brookside, added: "I loved Liz Smith. What a great actress."
The actress, who played the ailing Nana in the hit comedy show, died on Christmas Eve.
Her death comes in the same year as her co-star Caroline Aherne, who died from lung cancer.
A statement from the spokeswoman on Monday night said: "The BAFTA award-winning actress Liz Smith has died, on Christmas Eve, at the age of 95, her family has announced."
The Royle Family actor Ralf Little tweeted: "Devastating to lose two members of my second family in one awful year. RIP Liz Smith. Goodbye Nana. Xxx"
Andrew Whyment, who has starred in both Coronation Street and The Royle Family, tweeted: "What a fantastic actress she was absolutely hilarious RIP lovely Liz x"
Richard E Grant, who starred alongside Smith in the 1997 romantic comedy Keep the Aspidistra Flying, said: "I loved working with you on the George Orwell film and privileged to have played and danced together RIP."
And Anna Friel, who made her name as Beth Jordache in 1990s soap Brookside, added: "I loved Liz Smith. What a great actress."
Latest Sony Hack Targets Britney Spears
Oops, the internet did it again!
News that pop star Britney Spears had died spread around the web Monday morning following a series of tweets from Sony Music Global's official Twitter page.
However, this was quickly debunked as a hack of Sony's account.
Britney Spears is alive and well, and the tweets have since been deleted.
News that pop star Britney Spears had died spread around the web Monday morning following a series of tweets from Sony Music Global's official Twitter page.
However, this was quickly debunked as a hack of Sony's account.
Britney Spears is alive and well, and the tweets have since been deleted.
Obama ditches registry focused on immigrant men from Muslim countries
A flurry of big decisions out of the Obama administration just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office has rekindled Republican concerns about President Obama’s plans for jamming through so-called “midnight regulations” and other leftover items from his wish-list on his way out the door.
The U.S. already had stopped using the program in 2011.
The original National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, or NSEERs, launched about a year after 9/11, requiring men and boys from a variety of mostly Middle Eastern countries to register with the federal government upon their arrival in the U.S. Registration, which also applied to immigrants from North Korea, included fingerprints and photographs and a requirement to notify the government of any address changes.
But after the Obama administration suspended the program in 2011, the Department of Homeland Security put out a notice Thursday officially removing what it called “outdated regulations” pertaining to the “obsolete” system.
The notice stated:
“DHS ceased use of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) program in 2011 after finding that the program was redundant, captured data manually that was already captured through automated systems, and no longer provided an increase in security in light of DHS’s evolving assessment of the threat posed to the United States by international terrorism. The regulatory structure pertaining to NSEERS no longer provides a discernable public benefit as the program has been rendered obsolete. Accordingly, DHS is removing the special registration program regulations.”
The notice, though, comes amid growing international terror fears and Trump's suggestions that he could ban some Muslim immigrants from the United States. After a truck attack killed 12 in a Christmas market in Berlin this week, Trump told reporters, "You know my plans."
While the registration program had been widely derided by civil libertarians as an effort to profile people based on race and religion, the international terror threat led to multiple calls for tougher policies during the Republican presidential primary race. Trump in particular made a far-reaching and controversial call to temporarily ban Muslim immigrants from coming to the U.S., though he later shifted to focus on temporarily halting immigration from an unspecified list of countries with ties to terrorism.
He also seemed, during the campaign, to open the door to a Muslim registry before backing off that idea to focus more on refugees.
However, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Trump immigration adviser during the campaign, said last month that Trump should renew the DHS database.
Meeting with Trump in New York, Kobach carried a document labeled "Department of Homeland Security Kobach Strategic Plan for First 365 Days." It listed an NSEERS reboot as the top priority. The document was visible in a photograph by The Associated Press.
The list suggested the U.S. government "update and reintroduce" the program for all foreigners from "high-risk" areas.
The president-elect, when asked Wednesday if the attack in Berlin would cause him to evaluate the proposed ban or a possible registry of Muslims in the United States, said "You know my plans. All along, I've been proven to be right, 100 percent correct."
Trump spokesman Jason Miller said the president-elect's plans "might upset those with their heads stuck in the politically correct sand." He added that Trump has been firm on a plan to suspend admission to the U.S. for people "from countries with high terrorism rates" and subject some others to strict vetting.
When the Obama administration abandoned the DHS system in April 2011, it said a newer data collection program would be sufficient to collect biometric information for all foreigners coming into the country. At the time, more than 80,000 foreigners were registered.
The U.S. already had stopped using the program in 2011.
The original National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, or NSEERs, launched about a year after 9/11, requiring men and boys from a variety of mostly Middle Eastern countries to register with the federal government upon their arrival in the U.S. Registration, which also applied to immigrants from North Korea, included fingerprints and photographs and a requirement to notify the government of any address changes.
But after the Obama administration suspended the program in 2011, the Department of Homeland Security put out a notice Thursday officially removing what it called “outdated regulations” pertaining to the “obsolete” system.
The notice stated:
“DHS ceased use of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) program in 2011 after finding that the program was redundant, captured data manually that was already captured through automated systems, and no longer provided an increase in security in light of DHS’s evolving assessment of the threat posed to the United States by international terrorism. The regulatory structure pertaining to NSEERS no longer provides a discernable public benefit as the program has been rendered obsolete. Accordingly, DHS is removing the special registration program regulations.”
The notice, though, comes amid growing international terror fears and Trump's suggestions that he could ban some Muslim immigrants from the United States. After a truck attack killed 12 in a Christmas market in Berlin this week, Trump told reporters, "You know my plans."
While the registration program had been widely derided by civil libertarians as an effort to profile people based on race and religion, the international terror threat led to multiple calls for tougher policies during the Republican presidential primary race. Trump in particular made a far-reaching and controversial call to temporarily ban Muslim immigrants from coming to the U.S., though he later shifted to focus on temporarily halting immigration from an unspecified list of countries with ties to terrorism.
He also seemed, during the campaign, to open the door to a Muslim registry before backing off that idea to focus more on refugees.
However, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Trump immigration adviser during the campaign, said last month that Trump should renew the DHS database.
Meeting with Trump in New York, Kobach carried a document labeled "Department of Homeland Security Kobach Strategic Plan for First 365 Days." It listed an NSEERS reboot as the top priority. The document was visible in a photograph by The Associated Press.
The list suggested the U.S. government "update and reintroduce" the program for all foreigners from "high-risk" areas.
The president-elect, when asked Wednesday if the attack in Berlin would cause him to evaluate the proposed ban or a possible registry of Muslims in the United States, said "You know my plans. All along, I've been proven to be right, 100 percent correct."
Trump spokesman Jason Miller said the president-elect's plans "might upset those with their heads stuck in the politically correct sand." He added that Trump has been firm on a plan to suspend admission to the U.S. for people "from countries with high terrorism rates" and subject some others to strict vetting.
When the Obama administration abandoned the DHS system in April 2011, it said a newer data collection program would be sufficient to collect biometric information for all foreigners coming into the country. At the time, more than 80,000 foreigners were registered.
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