UNITED STATES GasBuddy officials say gas prices have seen their largest December rise in six years and are likely to continue rising through the holidays. “When The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced production cuts November 30, we knew we were likely to see gasoline prices rise almost immediately,” says GasBuddy Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick DeHaan.
Day: December 21, 2016
Foxground bypass open to traffic in early 2017a | Video, photos
Major progress: The new Princes Highway through Foxground under construction looking north toward Gerringong. The current highway is on the left.
Oil Seen at $100 by End 2018 in Lottery Ticket Options Trade
Call it a pre-Christmas lottery ticket, but someone in the oil market has been busy making a bold bet, buying contracts that will be profitable if oil surges again to $100 a barrel. The $100 December 2018 call option — a contract that gives the right to buy Dec. 2018 futures at $100 per barrel — was the most traded contract on Tuesday across the whole ICE Brent market, the latest sign of resurgent optimism in oil.
Man arrested for selling flares to Ultra Thailand group
A man has been arrested for selling illuminating flares to members of the Ultra Thailand group who set them off during the AFF Suzuki Cup final football match between Thailand and Indonesia at the Rajamangala National Stadium on the night of Dec 17. Pol Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, the metropolitan police chief, said at a press briefing on Wednesday night that police raided a shop in Bang Na area about 4pm after learning that the flares fired at the sport stadium on Saturday night were bought there. The shop attendant, whose name was withheld, was being held at Bang Kaew police station in Samut Prakan.
Christmas in Bethlehem means souvenirs
Christmas is approaching and pilgrims and tourists have begun to arrive, crowding the souvenir shops that line the narrow streets and alleys of Bethlehem, the biblical town revered as Jesus’ birthplace. But when visitors choose to take a piece of the Holy Land back home with them, they better check the labels.
First road tunnel under Bosphorus Strait opens
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened the first ever road tunnel underneath the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul on Tuesday, the latest project in his plan of transforming Turkey’s infrastructure. The opening ceremony — which brought together Turkey’s entire ruling elite — went ahead as planned despite the shock assassination of the Russian ambassador to Ankara by a Turkish policeman a day earlier.
Mexico fireworks market explosion leaves 33 dead
At least 22 people were killed Tuesday, December 20, 2016 in an explosion at a fireworks market in Tultepec, Mexico, according to local authorities with firsthand knowledge of the search-and-rescue effort. At least 22 people were killed Tuesday, December 20, 2016 in an explosion at a fireworks market in Tultepec, Mexico, according to local authorities with firsthand knowledge of the search-and-rescue effort.
Assassination 101, KGB style
In the summer of 1950, Soviet police arrested a young Ukrainian man for riding a train without paying the fare. Just over a decade later, the same man was found guilty of committing two political assassinations for the KGB.
Malaysia Airlines flight from London returns to Heathrow after technical issue
A Malaysia Airlines flight from London to Kuala Lumpur returned to Heathrow just hours after departure after it experienced a technical defect on one of its doors. In a travel advisory on its website, the airline said the MH1 flight that took off from Heathrow on Wednesday night “experienced a technical defect on one of its Airbus A380 doors while inflight over Germany.”
Deadly Mexico Fireworks Blast Hit Market Packed for Holidays
This image made from video recorded from a passing car shows an explosion ripping through the San Pablito fireworks’ market in Tultepec, Mexico, Tuesday, Dec. 20. Sirens wailed and a heavy scent of gunpowder lingered in the air after the afternoon blast at the market, where most of the fireworks stalls were completely leveled. According to the Mexico state prosecutor there are at least 26 dead.
See More Than the Beach in Belize
I had heard that Belize has long stretches of lovely beach backed by magnificent multihued tropical foliage — and it does. I knew that its dense jungles hide intriguing Mayan ruins, some dating back to before the birth of Christ — and they do.
Seoul investigators seek to detain daughter of Park’s friend
Investigators looking into an explosive corruption scandal surrounding impeached South Korean President Park Geun-hye are seeking to detain the daughter of Park’s longtime confidante who faces criminal charges for allegedly extorting companies and manipulating state affairs. A German prosecution official on Thursday told South Korean media that Germany will cooperate with South Korean investigators in their search for Yoora Chung, the daughter of Park’s jailed friend Choi Soon-sil, who is believed to be staying in Germany.
Proposed UN resolution demands end to Israeli settlements
Egypt has circulated a draft U.N. resolution that demands a halt to Israeli settlement activities in Palestinian territory and declares that all existing settlements “have no legal validity” and are “a flagrant violation” of international law. The proposed resolution sent to Security Council members Wednesday evening also stresses that “the cessation of all Israeli settlement activities is essential for salvaging the two-state solution” which would see Israelis and Palestinians living side-by-side in peace.
Berlin attack prompts high security in US cities for holiday
In the wake of the Berlin truck attack, police departments around the U.S. are making a show of force at places where crowds gather at Christmastime. In New York City, police dispatched heavily-armed counterterrorism officers to stand guard at crowded pop-up Christmas markets in Union Square, Bryant Park and Columbus Circle only an hour after news broke Tuesday about the carnage in Berlin, where a stolen truck slammed into a crowd and killed 12 people.
Nominations open for 2016 e.TV Ghana’s Most Influential (GMI) Awards
Nominations for the 2016 edition of e.tv Ghana’s Most Influential Awards have been opened, allowing the general public to nominate and vote for personalities that they feel have been of positive influence to their lives during the year. These awards are aimed at recognizing and celebrating the top 100 most influential Ghanaian personalities as voted by the general public.
Taiwan stocks fall tracking overseas markets
TAIPEI, Dec 22 Taiwan stocks fell on Thursday tracking losses in overseas markets and ahead of the island’s last rate review for the year in which the central bank is expected to keep the key policy rate unchanged, but would provide its outlook for 2017. The main TAIEX index fell 0.6 percent to 9,152.88 points as of 0226 GMT, after closing down 0.4 percent in the previous session.
In memoriam: Antique toy expert Richard Bertoia, 62, of Bertoia Auctions
Richard ‘Rich’ Bertoia, an expert in the field of antique toys and an associate with family-owned Bertoia Auctions, died peacefully on Dec. 19 at his home in Vineland, New Jersey. He had waged a courageous battle against cancer over the past year and was 62 years old.
BRIEF-Long Bon International repurchases 5.5 pct stake shares
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 21 Uber Technologies Inc has removed its self-driving cars from San Francisco streets, halting the autonomous program one week after its launch as the company faced a regulatory crackdown. TAIPEI, Dec 22 Taiwan stocks fell on Thursday tracking losses in overseas markets and ahead of the island’s last rate review for the year in which the central bank is expected to keep the key policy rate unchanged, but would provide its outlook for 2017.
Comprehensive retrospective include many of the Vik Muniz’s most recent works
The Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University serves as the only Midwest venue for a major mid-career retrospective of the celebrated contemporary photographer Vik Muniz in fall 2016. Co-organized by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, Vik Muniz covers more than twenty-five years of the imaginative artist’s career and features over 80 photographs, including many of Muniz’s most recent works.
My Home Away From Home Is a Swedish Lifestyle Store
The first time I visited the Slussen metro station, located at the northern tip of Stockholm’s island of SA dermalm, I felt like I’d fallen down a snus -induced rabbit hole and landed at an underground Acne Studios runway show. Not only is there a disproportionate amount of beautiful people heading down the platform with blank expressions, but the style they sport is remarkably consistent.
RSPB and farmers celebrate the completion of Ouse Washes Nature Friendly Zone project
Farmers, conservationists and schoolchildren in The Fens are celebrating the culmination of a three-year project aiming to build closer links between agriculture, wildlife and communities. The Ouse Washes Nature Friendly Zone is a landscape partnership which brought together 12 Fenland farmers, whose combined land covers 4,000 hectares in an area encompassing the borders between Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Sao Tome won over by ‘One China’ as it parts diplomatic ways with Taiwan
Sao Tome and Principe will reportedly seek to restore diplomatic ties with China after ending its recognition of Taiwan, leaving the island with only 21 diplomatic allies. Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee speaks at a news conference after Sao Tome ended ties with Taiwan, in Taipei, Taiwan on December 21, 2016.
Spanish Banks Slide After ECJ Ruling Leaves Them Facing Hefty Payout
Bank stocks in Spain dropped Wednesday, as lenders faced the prospect of repaying billions of euros to borrowers after losing a European court case. The European Court of Justice decided that borrowers should be eligible for full reimbursements of excess interest payments on variable-rate mortgages.
Spanish Banks Slide After ECJ Ruling Leaves Them Facing Hefty Payout
Bank stocks in Spain dropped Wednesday, as lenders faced the prospect of repaying billions of euros to borrowers after losing a European court case. The European Court of Justice decided that borrowers should be eligible for full reimbursements of excess interest payments on variable-rate mortgages.
Millionaire given life sentence for murdering escort girlfriend
A multi-millionaire property developer who brutally strangled his escort girlfriend after learning of her plans to blackmail him has been jailed for life. Peter Morgan, 54, will spend at least 25 years in prison for murdering Georgina Symonds, 25, at her home in Llanmartin, Newport.
Wolfpack trialists take spoils with late winner at Brighouse
Action from the trial match between Brighouse Rangers and Toronto Wolfpack, which attracted a record crowd of over 1,000 to Russell Way – Picture: Keith McGhie A RECORD crowd for their Russell Way ground of over 1,000 watched Brighouse Rangers give Toronto Wolfpack’s trialists the sternest of tests before the Canadian side edged home 28-26. Only a late breakaway try from Nathan Campbell gave a mud-splattered Wolfpack select team, who have been nicknamed ‘Benetton’ by their coaching staff as their players have come from Jamaica, Canada and the United States, the spoils.
After IMF, EU disburses 45 mln euros of aid to Moldova
Dec 21 The European Commission said on Wednesday it had disbursed 45.3 million euros of aid to Moldova, noting the government’s efforts to restore economic stability and reform an opaque banking system. It follows the International Monetary Fund approving a three-year loan programme for Moldova in November, worth $178.7 million, that had been frozen after a $1 billion corruption scandal plunged the ex-Soviet republic into turmoil.
After IMF, EU disburses 45 mln euros of aid to Moldova
Dec 21 The European Commission said on Wednesday it had disbursed 45.3 million euros of aid to Moldova, noting the government’s efforts to restore economic stability and reform an opaque banking system. It follows the International Monetary Fund approving a three-year loan programme for Moldova in November, worth $178.7 million, that had been frozen after a $1 billion corruption scandal plunged the ex-Soviet republic into turmoil.
Final victory for campaigners as Government rules against development of inner city woodland
CAMPAIGNERS in the long-running battle to save an inner-city woodland from development have won their fight as ministers rule against the plans. Opponents of the plan to build around 100 town houses on the site in Glasgow’s west end have been informed by the Scottish Government that it has refused planning permission, marking a victory in the five-year campaign for residents and their high-profile supporters.
Chinese builder in $3.4b agreement for UK homes
China National Building Materials Group Corp struck a 2.75-billion-pound joint venture deal on Monday to open six highly cost-efficient pre-fabricated house-building factories in the United Kingdom, capable of producing 25,000 homes a year. The new homes built by the joint venture will reduce construction costs to a target of 400 pounds per square meter, significantly less than the 1,000 pounds per sq m average in the UK market.
Swedish Ikea warns: Sleepover in stores equals trespassing
Ikea is urging teenagers to stop creeping into its stores and having illegal sleepovers. About 10 “non-sponsored sleepovers” have been logged across the world by the Swedish flat-pack furniture giant this year.
Swedish Ikea warns: Sleepover in stores equals trespassing
Ikea is urging teenagers to stop creeping into its stores and having illegal sleepovers. About 10 “non-sponsored sleepovers” have been logged across the world by the Swedish flat-pack furniture giant this year.
Old papers shed new light on South Korea deal with Lockheed Martin
Letters to former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il from South Korean President Park Geun -hye are shedding light on how Park navigated inter-Korea relations during her years as a lawmaker. The letters and draft documents, obtained by South Korean magazine Weekly Kyunghyang in March and October, are being considered again from a different perspective in the wake of the political scandal that has culminated in Park’s impeachment and the trial of her influential friend Choi Soon-sil.
Old papers shed new light on South Korea deal with Lockheed Martin
Letters to former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il from South Korean President Park Geun -hye are shedding light on how Park navigated inter-Korea relations during her years as a lawmaker. The letters and draft documents, obtained by South Korean magazine Weekly Kyunghyang in March and October, are being considered again from a different perspective in the wake of the political scandal that has culminated in Park’s impeachment and the trial of her influential friend Choi Soon-sil.
Routine drug screening should be done in primary care settings: Study
A new study by UCLA is calling for routine drug testing in primary care settings in areas where misuse of drugs is prevalent. Researchers found that 19.4 percent of people answering a computerized self-administered survey in community clinics in East Los Angeles admitted to moderate-to-high drug use.
Routine drug screening should be done in primary care settings: Study
A new study by UCLA is calling for routine drug testing in primary care settings in areas where misuse of drugs is prevalent. Researchers found that 19.4 percent of people answering a computerized self-administered survey in community clinics in East Los Angeles admitted to moderate-to-high drug use.
LeEco plans to target high-value added customers
Chinese internet major LeEco said on Tuesday that its TV business will open content and platform resources to more third-party partners, with an expectation that its revenue from non-hardware will reach over 20 billion yuan in the next three years. LeEco announced the 2017 to 2019 strategy for its large-screen TV business, emphasizing it will continue to target high-value users, stick to its “open eco” concept and use the US market as the base of global operations.
Ukraine’s Antonov rolls out first AN-132D aircraft
The plane was rolled out during a ceremony attended by high-ranking government officials, including Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko and Saudi Prince Turki bin Saud bin Muhoammed Al Saud. Poroshenko presented an optimistic vision for aircraft during a speech.
Argentina, Britain agree to identify bodies from Falklands War
Argentina and Britain have agreed to identify the bodies buried on the disputed Falkland Islands after the 1982 war, both nations’ foreign ministers announced. Forensic experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross will take DNA samples from the soldiers’ bodies as part of the agreement signed Tuesday in London by British Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan and Argentinian Vice Foreign Minister Pedro Delgado.
Argentina, Britain agree to identify bodies from Falklands War
Argentina and Britain have agreed to identify the bodies buried on the disputed Falkland Islands after the 1982 war, both nations’ foreign ministers announced. Forensic experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross will take DNA samples from the soldiers’ bodies as part of the agreement signed Tuesday in London by British Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan and Argentinian Vice Foreign Minister Pedro Delgado.