The surprise decision by Social Democratic leader Sigmar Gabriel to surrender the SPD’s candidacy to a more popular figure, former European Parliament President Martin Schulz, reinvigorates the fortunes of a party that has become the perennial also-ran to Merkel’s Christian Democrats during her tenure. “Schulz is someone who will compete with a more aggressive stance during the election campaign,” said Henrik Enderlein, professor of political economy at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, in an interview Tuesday.
Day: January 24, 2017
Books on Trump prove tough sell in Japan – so far
Dozens of books bearing U.S. President Donald Trump’s face on its cover have been piling up at bookstores across the nation since his stunning victory in November. But sales so far have been lackluster compared to how former President Barack Obama-related books did when he assumed the presidency in 2009, according to bookstores and publishers.
Hong Kong to release seized Singapore troop carriers
Nine armored personnel carriers belonging to Singapore that were seized in the Chinese territory of Hong Kong will be returned, officials said Tuesday. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong received a letter from Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying saying that Hong Kong had completed an investigation of the SAF Terrex infantry carrier vehicles and other equipment and would release them to the Singapore government.
Playing favourites? Chinese tourism under scrutiny as Lunar New Year nears
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The Latest: 36, 35, 34 _ Serena says 30s is the new 10
Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic makes a backhand return to Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni during their quarterfinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. . Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni makes a backhand return to Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during their quarterfinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017.
State Dept. reviewing $221 million payment to Palestinians
The State Department is reviewing a last-minute decision by former Secretary of State John Kerry to send $221 million dollars to the Palestinians late last week over the objections of congressional Republicans. The department said Tuesday it would look at the payment and might make adjustments to ensure it comports with the Trump administration’s priorities.
Keystone XL good for oil industry, concerning for environmentalists
In this Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 file photo, miles of pipe ready to become part of the Keystone Pipeline are stacked in a field near Ripley, Okla. President Barack Obama says that the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project from Canada to Texas should only be approved if it doesn’t worsen carbon pollution.
French midfielder asked Rangers cult hero for advice before agreeing to join Hearts
MALAURY MARTIN may have made his Hearts debut in the modest surroundings of Kirkcaldy, but the conversation which sparked his desire to embark on a Scottish adventure could barely have been more glamorous. The 28-year-old has revealed how his appetite to experience the SPFL was whetted over a lunch in the hills of Monte Carlo, the affluent millionaire’s paradise, as he picked the brains of former Rangers players Julien Rodriguez and Dado Prso.
Vancouver director always knew Ryan Gosling was going to be a star
Premiere of Lionsgate’s ‘La La Land’ – Arrivals Featuring: Ryan Gosling Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 06 Dec 2016 Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com ORG XMIT: wenn30566562 Veteran Canadian actor/director/writer Rob Stewart has always known that London, Ont.’ s, Ryan Gosling was going to be a huge star.
Cisco to buy AppDynamics for about $3.7 bln
The Cisco Systems logo is seen as part of a display at the Microsoft Ignite technology conference in Chicago, Illinois, May 4, 2015. Cisco said on Tuesday it intends to acquire AppDynamics Inc for about $3.7 billion in cash and assumed equity awards.
McAslan forced to withdraw from Scottish senior championships after illness curse strikes again
JANUARY is the peak season when it comes to picking up cold and flu symptoms but Kirsten McAslan would do anything for a clean bill of health for a change. It was revealed yesterday that the 23-year-old, who missed out on Rio due to a bout of glandular fever, has had to withdraw from this Saturday’s Scottish Senior Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena after succumbing to illness on her flight back from her winter warm weather training camp in Tenerife.
Hugo Lopez Coll Participates in American Conference Institute’s…
Hugo Lopez Coll, a shareholder in the Mexico City office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, who is also a member of the firm’s Global Anti-Corruption Group, will participate as a panelist during the American Conference Institute’s 11th Houston Forum on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act . Hugo Lopez Coll , a shareholder in the Mexico City office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, who is also a member of the firm’s Global Anti-Corruption Group , will participate as a panelist during the American Conference Institute’s 11th Houston Forum on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which will take place on Jan. 31 in Houston, Texas.
Well done, Tigress! Good luck, ice stars
THEY fought like true tigresses to reach the final, but fell to a better-organised team that was more focused on winning. But even by emerging second best in the second round of the Women’s Hockey World League competition last week, our girls did the country proud.
Germany, Iran, Scandinavia, Australia get foreign Oscar nods
A father-daughter comedy from Germany, a psychological thriller from Iran, a Danish film about German prisoners of war, a dark Swedish comedy about a grumpy man, and an Australian film about tribal love on a remote South Pacific island are this year’s Oscar nominees for best foreign film. One of the best known of the nominees announced Tuesday is “Toni Erdmann,” a generational-divide comedy from German writer-director Maren Ade that was a sensation at Cannes in May. The film, almost three hours long, also touches on themes of political and social conflict.
Israel announces plans for 2,500 new settlement homes
Israel announced plans on Tuesday for 2,500 more settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, the second such declaration since U.S. President Donald Trump took office signalling he could be more accommodating towards such projects than his predecessor. A statement from the Israeli Defence Ministry, which administers lands Israel captured in a 1967 war, said the decision was meant to fulfil demand for new housing “to maintain regular daily life”.
Trudeau navigates perils of energy, climate, Trump as Liberals wrap…
Justin Trudeau edged his way across a political tightrope Tuesday, doing his level best not to glance down at the perils lurking below. Shattered credibility on climate change and women’s rights, two of his policy cornerstones.
Canada pauses peacekeeping plan to better co-ordinate with…
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan plans to talk to his American counterpart before he pursues Canada’s plan to send peacekeepers to Africa, saying co-ordination with the U.S. is essential. The government announced in August that Canada would deploy up to 600 troops on future UN peacekeeping missions, though it stopped short of saying exactly where they would go.
Oil eases after 4-day gain, U.S. inventories weigh
Jan 25 Oil edged lower on Wednesday, snapping four sessions of gains as an increase in U.S. inventories weighed on the market, offsetting bullish momentum from production cuts announced by OPEC and other producers. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures had fallen 19 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $52.99 a barrel by 0022 GMT.
Brain imaging scans were taken of more than 500 volunteers as part of the international study
In neurotic people prone to mood changes and psychiatric disorders, the outer layer of the brain is thicker and less wrinkly, according to the research. Individuals with “open” personalities linked to curiosity and creativity show an opposite pattern.
Romeu ready to make life uncomfortable for Liverpool
ORIOL Romeu is preparing to make life uncomfortable for Liverpool’s free-scoring attackers – as he takes aim for a domestic trophy victory he can finally take credit for. The defensive midfielder has been present, but not influential, during great cup runs at previous club Chelsea – having been virtually a bystander to Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup triumphs.
Ramon: Nothing to fear if you speak constructively
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should not fear speaking out or criticising the Government if it is done constructively, said Centre for Public Policy Studies chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam. The moderate advocate said that no government can serve its people well without listening to the people and seriously addressing the burning issues of the day as well as of the future.
Nine states hit by floods, thousands evacuated
Rising waters: Officers and volunteers evacuating a family whose house was hit by floods at Kampung Sungai Payong in Perak. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: Floods have affected almost all the states in the country, with thousands of people having to be evacuated to relief centres.
Sir Alan Duncan welcomed a probe into what had happened by the Falkland Islands Government
Sir Alan Duncan, who has responsibility for the Americas, expressed concern at the incident as he welcomed a probe into what had happened by the Falkland Islands Government . He tweeted: “Appalled to hear of act of vandalism at Darwin Cemetery in Falkland Islands.
M’sia to consider other options
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will consult other Trans-Pacific Partnership countries to consider all options following the official withdrawal of the United States from the free trade agreement. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the TPP chief negotiators from the other 11 countries will be in constant communication with each other to consider all available options before deciding the best way forward.
Kembara Kitchen founder has no time for CNY
Lending a hand: Chani , i Cheah and their i Kembara Kitchen team cooking their signature nasi lemak sambal sauce i for i flood victims i in Alor Lintah, Terengganu. PETALING JAYA: While most Chinese families are having their hands full preparing for the Lunar New Year, William Cheah just has no time for that.
Olympian Gilmour set for comeback at nationals
Kirsty Gilmour will make her first competitive appearance since the Olympics when she defends her singles title at the Scottish National Badminton Championships in Perth next week . The British number one has been sidelined after under-going knee surgery following the Games in Rio but has also entered the mixed doubles as she looks at options to maximise her competitive practise before returning to the international circuit, currently targeting the Austrian Open towards the end of February “I’m still building up to full fitness but my re-hab has gone really well,” said the 23-year-old who is already a five time Scottish singles champion.
Adaptation key to development
Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Lands and Mineral Resources Hon. Faiyaz Siddiq Koya with His Majesty King Filipe VI of Spain in Madrid.
160 years since advent of Chinese
Update: 4:26PM THE Chinese community around the country will be celebrating the 160th anniversary of the first Chinese settlement in Fiji this week. President of the Fijian Hotel and Tourism Association Dixon Seeto said this is part of the Chinese New Year’s celebration which will happen this Saturday, January 28, 2017.
Ministerial group tours Lau health facilities
Update: 4:59PM MEMBERS of the community and health workers in the outer Lau islands will be able to tell some of the health ministryi 1 2s highest officials how they would like services improved. This will be possible when a delegation led by the assistant minister health and medical services, Alex Oi 1 2Connor visits their islands this week ending February 2. The delegation left Suva yesterday destined for Moala, Matuku, Totoya, Ono-i-Lau, Vatoa, Ogea, Fulaga, Kabara, Namuka-i-laukomo, Moce, Oneata, Lakeba, Vanuavatu, Nayau, Cicia, Tuvuca, Vanuabalavu and Yacata.
Senate confirms Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to the UN
The Senate… . Health and Human Services Secretary-designate, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., right, accompanied by Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., pauses while testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at his confirmation hearing… .
U.S. city defends plan to draw water from Great Lakes in face of opposition
An American city is defending its plan to draw water from the Great Lakes, saying Canadian and U.S. mayors trying to block the move should be ignored. The Wisconsin city of Waukesha argues a decision last year that gave it permission to pipe water from Lake Michigan was error-free, protects the environment and does not need to be revisited in any way.
Brr! Winter nights in Austria are cold for naked cyclist
Bike riders know the challenge of dressing warmly when pushing the pedals in sub-freezing temperatures. One man in Austria didn’t even try – he was naked.
Decision raises issues on devolution
The Supreme Court yesterday rejected a bid from a cross-party group of Stormont politicians who argued that consent was needed from the NI Assembly to bring about Brexit. While the plaintiffs, including senior politicians from the Green Party, Alliance, SDLP and Sinn Fein, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that Parliament must vote to trigger Article 50, disappointment was expressed that regional assemblies will not have a say on the process.
Decision raises issues on devolution
The Supreme Court yesterday rejected a bid from a cross-party group of Stormont politicians who argued that consent was needed from the NI Assembly to bring about Brexit. While the plaintiffs, including senior politicians from the Green Party, Alliance, SDLP and Sinn Fein, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that Parliament must vote to trigger Article 50, disappointment was expressed that regional assemblies will not have a say on the process.
Call for more music venues and cultural spaces for young people in Ipswich
Ipswich has been dubbed a “cultural wasteland” that needs to improve its music scene and offer more for young people. Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition launched by Suffolk Young Labour Party calling for new, modern venues in the town that can fill the void left by the closure of Pump & Grind.
Call for more music venues and cultural spaces for young people in Ipswich
Ipswich has been dubbed a “cultural wasteland” that needs to improve its music scene and offer more for young people. Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition launched by Suffolk Young Labour Party calling for new, modern venues in the town that can fill the void left by the closure of Pump & Grind.
Tulip Siddiq willing to leave frontbench to vote down Brexit after Supreme Court decision
Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq has said she is willing to leave the shadow cabinet to vote against Brexit following the Supreme Court decision today that the matter must be put before Parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May said she is committed to ensuring the UK leaves the EU’s single market Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Images She joined Hornsey and Wood Green’s Catherine West and Holborn and St Pancras’s Keir Starmer in lauding the court’s judgement that Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin exit talks with the EU until MPs and peers have assented.
Tulip Siddiq willing to leave frontbench to vote down Brexit after Supreme Court decision
Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq has said she is willing to leave the shadow cabinet to vote against Brexit following the Supreme Court decision today that the matter must be put before Parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May said she is committed to ensuring the UK leaves the EU’s single market Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Images She joined Hornsey and Wood Green’s Catherine West and Holborn and St Pancras’s Keir Starmer in lauding the court’s judgement that Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin exit talks with the EU until MPs and peers have assented.
With Trump’s swearing-in, Israel pushes ahead on settlements
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer but will finish the final two years of his term Stark contrasts in U.S. cancer death rates were found in an exhaustive new analysis that suggests where you live contributes to your fate One black bear cub has been rescued by Virginia wildlife officials after it was discovered in a den without its mother Dippin’ Dots has apparently found a way to begin thawing out its relationship with President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Sean Spicer, who has been sending critical tweets about the company since 2010 The wife of the founder of a ramshackle Oakland artists’ colony where dozens of people burned to death in a fire last month says she’s sorry about what happened but is angry about what she called “pretty terrible”… The partner of the founder of an Oakland artists’ colony where dozens of people burned to death in a … (more)
With Trump’s swearing-in, Israel pushes ahead on settlements
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer but will finish the final two years of his term Stark contrasts in U.S. cancer death rates were found in an exhaustive new analysis that suggests where you live contributes to your fate One black bear cub has been rescued by Virginia wildlife officials after it was discovered in a den without its mother Dippin’ Dots has apparently found a way to begin thawing out its relationship with President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Sean Spicer, who has been sending critical tweets about the company since 2010 The wife of the founder of a ramshackle Oakland artists’ colony where dozens of people burned to death in a fire last month says she’s sorry about what happened but is angry about what she called “pretty terrible”… The partner of the founder of an Oakland artists’ colony where dozens of people burned to death in a … (more)