British teens with the highest test scores are less likely to smoke cigarettes yet more likely to drink alcohol and smoke pot compared with teens with lower scores, according to a study published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal Open. Although some people believe smart students simply have a tendency to experiment, James Williams and Gareth Hagger-Johnson, co-authors of the new study, say these patterns of substance use may continue into adulthood.
Category: World News
UN hosts ‘Geneva IV’ talks: Sequel or new script for Syria?
After months of Syria bloodshed, stalled humanitarian aid deliveries and stop-and-start diplomacy, U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura is reconvening talks between government and opposition delegations on Thursday, in the latest bid to end the country’s catastrophic six-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. Hopes are not exactly high for “Geneva IV,” the fourth round of U.N-mediated intra-Syrian talks since early last year.
Fred’s drugstore chain to double with Rite-Aid store buys
It all started Tuesday, when Fred’s said it would pay $950 million to buy 865 stores that Rite Aid needed to sell in order to appease anti-trust regulators and close its $9.4 billion buyout deal with Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. The deal will more than double Fred’s current store count of 650. CEO Michael Bloom called it a “transformative event” for the company.
The Latest: Malaysia wants Interpol help on tracing suspects
The Latest on the investigation into the killing of Kim Jong Nam, Kim Jong Un’s half brother, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : Malaysia’s national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar says help has been sought from Interpol to issue an alert for the four North Korean suspects who left Malaysia on the same day Kim Jong Nam, a half brother of North Korea’s leader, was killed. It is not known what Interpol can do, as the four are believed to be back in Pyongyang and North Koreas is not a member of Interpol.
Seven Earth-like planets discovered around single star
Researchers announced on Feb. 22 the stunning discovery of seven Earth-like planets orbiting a small star in our galaxy, opening up the most promising hunting ground so far for life beyond the Solar System. All seven roughly match the size and mass of our own planet and are almost certainly rocky, and three are perfectly perched to harbour life-nurturing oceans of water, they reported in the journal Nature.
Photo: In this Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, photo released b
In this Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, photo released by China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Pandas, a worker feeds U.S.-born giant panda Bao Bao as she arrived at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan province.
US muscle flexing not a cure to DPRK issue
A surface-to-surface medium- and long-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2 is test-fired by DPRK on Jan 12, 2017. [Photo/VCG] China will not import coal from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for the rest of 2017, the Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday.
Latin American Cafe delivers diverse dining
The space at 710 Central Ave. in Estherville has had a few issues with past owners opening or staying open. This time, the grill is sizzling, the oven baking, and the service is friendly with manager Oliver Mejia wrangling the front of house.
Activists seek corporate help for Myanmar’s Rohingyas
Activists are asking a major corporate investor in Myanmar to speak out against the country’s treatment of its Rohingya minority. An advocacy group, known as #WeAreAllRohingyaNow, sent an open letter this week to food and hygiene conglomerate Unilever, which owns two factories near Yangon, the largest city in the country.
Philippines’ minister says Duterte agrees with ban on mining in watershed areas
The Philippines’ environment minister on Thursday said that President Rodrigo Duterte had supported her decision to bar mining in watershed areas at a meeting earlier this week. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio city, north of Manila, Philippines February 18, 2017.
a Diy Honeymoon for Wine Lovers in Spain’s Rioja Region
For honeymooners looking to get off the beaten path in Spain, Rioja offers plenty of opportunities to get lost in Spanish culture as well as sip and savor , all without the crowds of Spain’s biggest tourist draws. Here’s what you need to know to plan a honeymoon in Rioja.
Best places to experience multicultural Australia: The parts of…
It’s amazing that some places that are iconically Australian can sometimes feel like it doesn’t belong here at all. As you sit at a pavement cafe on Jonson Street on a humid, sweltering evening, listening to the foreign accents, checking out the artsy hippie shops next door, watching barefooted tourists wandering past, there’s a distinct feeling that you’ve suddenly been transported to Thailand.
Best places to experience multicultural Australia: The parts of…
It’s amazing that some places that are iconically Australian can sometimes feel like it doesn’t belong here at all. As you sit at a pavement cafe on Jonson Street on a humid, sweltering evening, listening to the foreign accents, checking out the artsy hippie shops next door, watching barefooted tourists wandering past, there’s a distinct feeling that you’ve suddenly been transported to Thailand.
Government sets 2040 ‘swimmable’ rivers target
All waterways will have to meet the safe standard for E.coli contamination 80 per cent of the time. Photo / Nick Harper The Government has set a target of making 90 per cent of New Zealand’s rivers and streams safe for swimming by 2040.
Government sets 2040 ‘swimmable’ rivers target
All waterways will have to meet the safe standard for E.coli contamination 80 per cent of the time. Photo / Nick Harper The Government has set a target of making 90 per cent of New Zealand’s rivers and streams safe for swimming by 2040.
A hard drive’s LED light can be used to covertly leak data
The seemingly harmless blinking lights on servers and desktop PCs may give away secrets if a hacker can hijack them with malware. Researchers in Israel have come up with an innovative hack that turns a computer’s LED light into a signaling system that shows passwords and other sensitive data.
A hard drive’s LED light can be used to covertly leak data
The seemingly harmless blinking lights on servers and desktop PCs may give away secrets if a hacker can hijack them with malware. Researchers in Israel have come up with an innovative hack that turns a computer’s LED light into a signaling system that shows passwords and other sensitive data.
SC to resume hearing on age criteria for NEET19 min ago
New Delhi [India], Feb. 23 : The Supreme Court, on Thursday, will resume the hearing on the age criteria for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test , for various undergraduate courses. Earlier, a fresh petition was filed in the Court, alleging that NEET 2 was tougher than the earlier one and CBSE came out with a common result, without “normalisation” or “rationalisation” of marks, obtained by the medical aspirants in these two tests.
SC to hear plea seeking probe into Kalikho Pul suicide case19 min ago
New Delhi [India], Feb 23 : The Supreme Court, on Thursday, will hear the petition filed by Dangwimsai Pul, the first wife of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, seeking a direction for registration of an FIR and investigation into a suicide note, purportedly written by her husband, who allegedly committed suicide on August 9, last year. A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and comprising Justice Uday Umesh Lalit likely to hear Dangwimsai’s plea today.
Saputo acquires remaining Warrnambool Cheese and Butter shares from Lion
It is the end of an era for Australian dairying, with Canadian-based Saputo taking over 100 per cent of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter . Lion dairy has sold its small stake in Australia’s oldest dairy, established in 1888, to the foreign-owned business.
SC to hear plea by environmentalist M.C. Mehta on air pollution19 min ago
New Delhi [India], Feb. 23 : The Supreme Court on Thursday will hear the plea, filed by noted environmentalist, M. C. Mehta, in air pollution case. On January 17, the top court had warned that the problem of air pollution was very serious and it is important to find a solution on the same, on an urgent basis.
Ghosn outlines Brexit, NAFTA uncertainties facing Renault-Nissan
Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn acknowledged that uncertainties surrounding Britain’s exit from the European Union and a possible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement under President Donald Trump posed “risks” for Renault and its Japanese partner, Nissan, in 2017. The Nissan plant in Sunderland, England, became a political flash point last year ahead of the Brexit referendum after Ghosn warned that the company might halt investment there if a “leave” vote prevailed.
Ghosn outlines Brexit, NAFTA uncertainties facing Renault-Nissan
Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn acknowledged that uncertainties surrounding Britain’s exit from the European Union and a possible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement under President Donald Trump posed “risks” for Renault and its Japanese partner, Nissan, in 2017. The Nissan plant in Sunderland, England, became a political flash point last year ahead of the Brexit referendum after Ghosn warned that the company might halt investment there if a “leave” vote prevailed.
Glad to buy Indian goods, services for more than USD1 m : Uganda President Yoweri Museveni1 hour ago
Kampala [Uganda], Feb 23 : Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, on Wednesday, while speaking on bilateral relations with India, in a business forum, expressed his satisfaction over importing Indian goods for more than one million US dollars. “It is true that bilateral relations are in favour of India now, and we are glad to buy goods and services for more than 1 million USD from India, while India will buy for more than 57 million USD from Uganda.
Brazil’s foreign minister resigns due to medical reasons
In this July 25, 2016, file photo, the Foreign Minister of Brazil Jose Serra speaks during a joint press conference with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Ruiz Massieu in Mexico City. Serra has resigned from his post on Feb. 22, 2017, citing undisclosed medical reasons.
US senator revives bill cutting funds to PA over funding for terrorists
Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham will reintroduce legislation next week that would cut US funding to the Palestinian Authority if it continues to provide monetary support to the families of those who commit acts of terror against Israelis. The bill, known as the Taylor Force Act , was first introduced last year by Graham with former Indiana Republican Sen. Dan Coats and Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt.
US senator revives bill cutting funds to PA over funding for terrorists
Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham will reintroduce legislation next week that would cut US funding to the Palestinian Authority if it continues to provide monetary support to the families of those who commit acts of terror against Israelis. The bill, known as the Taylor Force Act , was first introduced last year by Graham with former Indiana Republican Sen. Dan Coats and Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt.
Australia shares hit by materials, Qantas up after results; NZ edge higher
Feb 23 Australian shares fell on Thursday, dragged by weakness in the materials sector with miner Rio Tinto tumbling after going ex-dividend, though rises in Qantas Airways and Casino operator Crown Resorts after their earnings contained losses. The S&P/ASX 200 index was down 0.4 percent, or 22.399 points, at 5,782.700 by 0044 GMT.
Australia shares hit by materials, Qantas up after results; NZ edge higher
Feb 23 Australian shares fell on Thursday, dragged by weakness in the materials sector with miner Rio Tinto tumbling after going ex-dividend, though rises in Qantas Airways and Casino operator Crown Resorts after their earnings contained losses. The S&P/ASX 200 index was down 0.4 percent, or 22.399 points, at 5,782.700 by 0044 GMT.
EVE Online Hunts for Real Planets
EVE Online players will soon be searching for actual exoplanets in addition to in game planets, though there probably won’t be any newbs to gank in the new endeavor. This is a second round of actual research that’s part of Project Discovery , which has already contributed to an atlas of human proteins.
EVE Online Hunts for Real Planets
EVE Online players will soon be searching for actual exoplanets in addition to in game planets, though there probably won’t be any newbs to gank in the new endeavor. This is a second round of actual research that’s part of Project Discovery , which has already contributed to an atlas of human proteins.
State Department sidelined in first month of Trump presidency
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives in Mexico City on Feb 22. The visit is the second foreign trip of Tillerson’s tenure at the State Department. The Trump administration in its first month has largely benched the State Department from its long-standing role as the preA eminent voice of U.S. foreign policy, curtailing public engagement and official travel and relegating Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to a mostly offstage role.
State Department sidelined in first month of Trump presidency
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives in Mexico City on Feb 22. The visit is the second foreign trip of Tillerson’s tenure at the State Department. The Trump administration in its first month has largely benched the State Department from its long-standing role as the preA eminent voice of U.S. foreign policy, curtailing public engagement and official travel and relegating Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to a mostly offstage role.
Princess Diana exhibit charts her life through fashion
An exhibition at Kensington Palace charts the life of Princess Diana through her changing style and iconic outfits, 20 years after the tragic car crash that killed her in Paris in 1997. – REUTERS
Princess Diana exhibit charts her life through fashion
An exhibition at Kensington Palace charts the life of Princess Diana through her changing style and iconic outfits, 20 years after the tragic car crash that killed her in Paris in 1997. – REUTERS
In hot water: Climate change harms hot spots of ocean life
In this Aug. 27, 2015 file photo, a Penguin runs out of the ocean after swimming with other penguins at Boulders beach a popular tourist destination in Simon’s Town, South Africa. The six ocean hot spots that teem with the biggest mix of species are also among those getting hit hardest by global warming and industrial fishing, a new study finds.
Tauranga woman treated after dog attack
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in two dogs being impounded after dog control staff and police visited the scene. According to police, the incident occurred during a dispute between neighbours and resulted in one of them being treated at Tauranga Hospital and discharged.
Saputo poised to gain full control of Australia’s Warrnambool dairy
Canadian dairy giant Saputo Inc. is poised to gain full ownership of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory Co. after Lion Dairy and Drinks accepted a sweetened offer to sell its minority stake in the Australian cheese and dairy producer.
Edmonton-based soldiers head to Poland for NATO mission
Members of the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group prepare to depart for Poland as part of NATO’s Operation Reassurance. A group of Edmonton-based Canadian Army soldiers are about to take part in a NATO-led operation in Poland.
South Africa, Refugees, and Populism
Foreign men from Malawi queue to board buses from a camp for those affected by anti-immigrant violence in Chatsworth north of Durban, April 18, 2015. Rosettenville, a suburb of Johannesburg, was the site of the February 11-12 burning of buildings alleged to have been used by “prostitutes and drug dealers.”