Istanbul: A crackdown on unregistered migrants in Istanbul has seen 6,000 arrests including Syrians in the past two weeks, the interior minister said Wednesday. There has been concern in recent days over reports that hundreds of Syrian refugees have been sent back to Syria, after being forced to sign consent forms in Turkish that they do not understand. Soylu denied the claims. “We have been carrying out an operation since July 12… We have caught 6,122 people in Istanbul, including 2,600 Afghans,” Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told TV station NTV. He said Syrians were part of the group, without giving numbers. Also Read – Saudi Crown Prince ‘snubbed’ Pak PM, recalled jet from US”When we catch Syrians who are not registered, we send them to refugee camps,” he said, citing a camp in the Turkish border province of Hatay. However, he said some Syrians were choosing to go back to their home country “voluntarily” to areas where fighting has abated. Turkey has more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees — the highest number in the world. Most have “temporary protection” permits but these restrict them to the province in which they were registered. The current crackdown is aimed at those who live in Istanbul without a permit to stay in the city. A coalition of Syrian NGOs said Monday that more than 600 Syrians — mostly with protection permits issued in other provinces — were arrested in Istanbul last week and deported back to Syria, rather than to their assigned provinces. The crackdown is orchestrated by the Istanbul governor’s office, which is controlled by the central government in Ankara.
Detached from praises and pressure while acting
Mumbai: From some of the dialogues to funny memes, his character of Ganesh Gaitonde is one of the popular characters in his career, not only among Indian audiences but also globally thanks to the web TV series ‘Sacred Games’. National award-winning actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui says that when he faces the camera he keeps the praise aside. Talking about the impact of the first reason where he received only positive feedback, Nawazuddin said, “It is overwhelming of course. But when I perform, approach a scene, I detach myself from all the praises, and expectation of people. That is why I do not feel pressured and put my blinkers on to my performance. Praises and good words do not put me in ease to take my performance casually neither does it put any pressure on me.” Keeping himself busy shooting multiple projects and living with several characters in a film, this was the first time in his life that he revisited a character again, for the shooting of the new season. ‘Sacred Games 2’, directed by Anurag Kashyap and Neeraj Ghawyan also featuring actors like Pankaj Tripathi, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, among others.
Ahead of IDay Delhi power discoms issue advisory related to kiteflying
New Delhi: Power distribution companies in the national capital on Friday issued an advisory for kite-flying related precautions to prevent electrocution and trippings due to use of metal-coated thread (manjha). Flying of kites picks up on the occasion of Independence Day in Delhi.”It has been observed in the past that during the monsoon season, specifically around Independence Day, a large number of people fly kites. It has also been noticed that many people use metal coated Manjha to make it stronger. When this metal coated manjha comes in contact with live wires it causes tripping resulting in blackout of the area fed by the affected line and can cause serious injuries to the kite flyers or even may result in death of the person,” said Delhi Transco CMD Padmini Singla . Also Read – After eight years, businessman arrested for kidnap & murder”The metal coated manjha used to fly kite can lead to trippings and even electrocutions. Tripping of a single 33/66 KV line can disrupt power supply to over 10,000 consumers and takes about two hours to repair the fault,” a BSES discoms spokesperson in the city said. Disrupting power supply and causing damage to power equipment is punishable under the law. “Each year, there are several instances of kite-flying related trippings. Last year, there were 12 instances of kite-flying related trappings in BSES’ area.” he said. Also Read – Two brothers held for snatchingsElders and parents are requested to inform and counsel children not to enter barricaded electrical installations to retrieve kites because life is more precious than a kite of a few rupees. Any carelessness can lead to a major power failure, and even electrocutions, said the spokesperson. The BSES discoms have adopted multi-pronged campaign, including social media messages and a short film on tips for safe kite flying, he added.
Endeavour is to facilitate smooth transition Shastri
Coolidge (Antigua): The reappointed Ravi Shastri says his primary endeavour will be facilitating a smooth transition by the time he leaves the scene. There will also be room for experimentation, he said, as the team looks to leave a lasting legacy. Shastri, 57, was on Friday reappointed for a second term. As per BCCI’s constitution, the national team’s head coach has to be below 60 years, the age Shastri will be approaching by the time his current tenure ends. The 2023 World Cup still a long way and winning 2021 World T20 is the realistic goal for the team. Also Read – Puducherry on top after 8-wkt win over Chandigarh”Next two years is to see that smooth transition happens because you will get a lot of youngsters coming, especially into the white ball setup. There will be youngsters coming into the Test match setup as well,” Shastri told BCCI tv. “You will need to identify another three-four bowlers to add to the pool, those are the challenges. So that the team, at the end of our tenure, in 26 months, my endeavour would be to leave the team in a happier place. So that they can leave a legacy for the time to come,” the former India all-rounder said. Also Read – Vijender’s next fight on Nov 22, opponent to be announced laterHe wants the team to leave the kind of legacy that future generations would find it difficult look to emulate. “I had the belief that this team could leave a legacy very few teams have left behind in years to come, not just for the moment they are playing but at the end of it all… the kind of legacy other teams going down decades will want to try and emulate. “That is the desire, we are on track. There is always room for improvement. And with youth coming in through the ranks, I think it’s very exciting time. When you strive for excellence and you strive to raise the bar day in, day out, then you got to pay attention to that detail. When you do mess up, you have an off day, don’t let that day go by, in fact, make sure that you are focussing and concentrating on how you can get over that barrier,” he said. Shastri, who had the public backing of captain Virat Kohli even before the short-listing was initiated, has been reappointed for a two-year period, ending with the 2021 T20 World Cup in India. Among all the candidates, Shastri’s record was unmatched as the team reached the No.1 ranking in Test matches under his guidance and won a series in Australia for the first time in 71 years, besides decent success in the limited overs format. “It’s been superbly consistent if you look at the performance over the last two-three years. But like I said that is the bar they have set and now it’s up to them to raise the bar,” Shastri assessed the team’s performance in the last two years. “There is no other way, they have to. Unless you make those efforts, even at the cost of certain results, you will not know what your best setup is. There is a time when you got to invest in getting youth into the side in ensuring that you have better combinations, you are better kept all-round.” Shastri stressed on the improvements the current setup has made in fielding. “On thing that is most important is that over the last four-five years the biggest improvement is fielding and the endeavour is to make this the best fielding side in the world. “So it is a clear diktat to whoever wants to play for this team the standards of that particular player’s fielding will have to be of the highest level, especially in white ball cricket.” “Collectively, looking at the coaches, the players, the team management the endeavour is to keep this consistency going and try and take it to another level.” He also thanked the three-member committee led by Kapil Dev along with Shantha Rangaswamy and Anshuman Gaekwad for showing faith in him for another term.
IAF chopper in Budgam crashed on Feb 27 after hit by Indian
New Delhi: The Mi-17 IAF helicopter that crashed in Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir on February 27, the day Indian and Pakistani air forces were engaged in a fierce dogfight, was hit by an Indian missile, according to a high-level probe that found at least four officers guilty.Six military personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident. At least four officers, including a group captain, were held responsible for the crash of the chopper in the friendly fire and are set to face severe punishment, military sources said on Friday. Also Read – Uddhav bats for ‘Sena CM’There is no immediate comment from the Indian Air Force on the findings of the probe. The IAF headquarters had ordered a Court of Inquiry (CoI) into the incident under an Air Commodore-ranked officer. The probe found that the ‘Identification of Friend or Foe’ (IFF) system on-board the helicopter was switched off and there was a “vital gap” in communication and coordination between the ground staff and the crew of the chopper. The IFF helps air defence radars identify whether an aircraft or helicopter is friendly or hostile. “The guilty personnel will face severe punishment as per provisions of the military law,” said a source, adding that the IAF top brass will decide on the quantum of punishment to those held responsible for the incident. Also Read – Farooq demands unconditional release of all detainees in J&KIn early May, the IAF transferred the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of Srinagar base to ensure a thorough probe into the incident. The helicopter crashed in Budgam on February 27 when Indian and Pakistani fighter jets were engaged in aerial combat, a day after India’s air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan. The Pakistani Air Force unsuccessfully attempted to target various Indian military installations in Kashmir on February 27. Sources said the CoI was also specifically focusing on examining the role of various people, including those controlling the air defence system when the helicopter was hit by a surface-to-air missile. They said the IAF will initiate action based on the report of the CoI. This could include charging the guilty with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, the sources added.
At 414 HCs have highest vacancies so far
New Delhi: A total of 414 posts of judges are vacant in the 25 high courts of the country, the highest till now in this year. According to Law Ministry data, as on September 1, the high courts had 414 vacant positions as compared to the sanctioned strength of 1,079 judges. The figure was 409 in August and 403 in July, as per the data. A three-member Supreme Court collegium recommends names of candidates for appointment as high court judges. In case of appointments to the Supreme Court, the collegium consists of five top judges of the top court. Also Read – Uddhav bats for ‘Sena CM’High court collegiums shortlist candidates for their respective high courts and send the names to the law ministry. The ministry, along with background check reports by the Intelligence Bureau, forwards it to the Supreme Court collegium for a final call. The government has maintained that appointment of judges in the high courts is a “continuous collaborative process” between the Executive and the Judiciary, as it requires consultation and approval from various Constitutional authorities. Vacancies keep arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of judges and increase in judges’ strength. In June this year, the vacancy position stood at 399, while it was 396 in May. In April, 399 posts of judges were vacant, while the figure was 394 in March. The vacancy position in February stood at 400 and in January, it was 392, according to the data collated by the Department of Justice. Over 43 lakh cases are pending in the 25 high courts.
Comedy legend Jim Carrey honoured during Montreals Just For Laughs festival
MONTREAL – When Jim Carrey was 17 years old, one of his first out-of-town standup gigs was in Montreal.Decades later, the Canadian comedy legend was back in the city receiving the Generation Award presented by the Just For Laughs comedy festival.“Montreal has a special place in my heart,” Carrey said on the red carpet outside the Just For Laughs Awards show on Friday. “I just think people here are very loose and fun and they like to show you a good time.”The actor and comedian is currently a co-executive producer on the Showtime series “I’m Dying Up Here.”“I feel like I tripped into something really wonderful in my life,” Carrey said. “I have energy somehow that people want to be with and I feel lucky about that. I think when you strip it all way either people want to hang with you or they don’t.”“The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah, who received the Comedy Person of the Year Award, was excited about the festival’s looming expansion next year to the South African coastal city of Durban.Noah, who is from South Africa, said its comedy scene has been blowing up in the past few years, and believes Just For Laughs will be hugely beneficial for the country’s standup comedy industry.“We are a country that has only experienced democracy since 1994, so free speech is something that only became part of our lives relatively recently,” he said.“So, to have a scene that is exploding and to be recognized like this at such a tender age I think will be great for the industry in South Africa.”Noah also discussed the importance of satire on “The Daily Show” at a time when the Donald Trump administration has caused many Americans to feel threatened.He said people can’t laugh and be afraid at the same time, and comedy is often used as a way to cope with fear.“As someone who came from a country where people were oppressed, to someone who lives in a country where many people feel oppressed, I think that’s what makes comedy one of the best tools.”Scottish-American TV personality Craig Ferguson of “Celebrity Name Game” and “The Late Late Show” fame received the alumni tribute at the awards gala. The Sirius XM show started his career in Montreal in 1987.“I was waking up this morning at the hotel and thinking, ‘Wow, it’s been 30 years,’” Ferguson said. “I remember the first time I came here — well, I remember it vaguely, I didn’t get sober until I was 29.”Joining Carrey, Noah and Ferguson among the Just For Laughs Awards honourees were Kenya Barris, co-creator of the hit ABC family sitcom “Black-ish,” and American standup comedians Mike Birbiglia and Ali Wong.
PM not budging on SNCLavalin controversy dogging his government
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is signalling that his view of the SNC-Lavalin controversy has not budged despite a swirl of developments in the last week.Trudeau says he remains disappointed and surprised by Jody Wilson-Raybould’s decision to resign from cabinet — even though she spoke to ministers behind closed doors on Tuesday.Wilson-Raybould resigned last week amid allegations she was improperly pressured by the Prime Minister’s Office to allow Quebec engineering firm SNC-Lavalin to negotiate a settlement rather than be prosecuted for bribery and fraud over its work in Libya.She remains a Liberal MP and met with both cabinet members and the Liberal caucus this week.Trudeau has acknowledged there were conversations between himself and his advisers with Wilson-Raybould about SNC-Lavalin but that he has always told her the decision on an alternative to prosecution was entirely hers to make.Wilson-Raybould said in the House of Commons on Wednesday that she wanted a chance to speak, but that confidentiality wasn’t hers to waive.The Canadian Press
CBC head defends coverage after Scheer suggests too much focus on US
OTTAWA — The CEO of the CBC is defending its coverage of American politics after Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer suggested the public broadcaster places too much emphasis on the United States and should focus more on Canadian stories.Appearing before a committee of MPs today, Catherine Tait was asked by Liberal MP Wayne Long to respond to Scheer’s comments, which he says he found concerning.Tait says the CBC’s primary focus is local, but that it’s important to also cover news from around the world so Canadians can see how international events could affect their lives in Canada.Scheer told The Canadian Press earlier this week that if he is elected prime minister, he would like to scrutinize the national public broadcaster to ensure the CBC tells enough Canadian stories.Tait stresses the importance of the CBC remaining independent of government or politics, calling this the key difference between a public broadcaster and state-run media.Tait also says the Crown corporation’s revenues have been declining by $20 million a year, despite a major cash infusion from the Trudeau government — the result of government funding not being tied to inflation coupled with a decline in advertising and subscription revenues. The Canadian Press
Call us dont just post to social media RCMP continues search for
GILLAM, MB. (NEWS 1130) — As the search for two Vancouver Island teens suspected in three northern B.C. killings continues, Manitoba RCMP are reminding you to send tips to your local police department, not just speculate about it social media.RCMP have now received more than 200 tips and visited 250 homes in the Gillam area, the northern Manitoba town where Port Alberni teens Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, were last seen. The pair are charged with one count of second degree murder in the death of UBC sessional lecturer Leonard Dyck, and wanted for questioning in the deaths of Australian Lucas Fowler and his American Girlfriend Chynna Deese.But not all tips police have looked into have been reported to them directly.“Multiple tips of sightings have been posted to social media in the last few days and not directly reported to police. If the tips are valid, it can create a substantial delay in the response by police and be detrimental to the overall investigation,” Robert Cyrenne with RCMP says in a release.Canadians with tips about the suspects should immediately contact their local police. Multiple tips of sightings have been posted to social media & NOT directly reported to police. If the tips are valid, it could create a substantial delay in the response by police. #rcmpmb— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 28, 2019 No new sightings of suspects. Officers are searching cottages, cabins, waterways, & along the rail line for any signs of the suspects. This search of remote areas is being conducted both on foot & in the air. The terrain is immense & varied w/lakes, ponds, muskeg etc. #rcmpmb pic.twitter.com/9xp5eg8GnI— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) July 28, 2019Mounties are searching for the two men in cottages, cabins, waterways, and along the rail lines with the help of the Canadian Armed Forces that are providing support from the air. Officers finished a sweep of the Fox Lake Cree Nation reserve and are now focusing on finishing a canvas of the town of Gillam.Related stories:RCMP investigating photo of B.C. murder suspect’s alleged Nazi paraphernaliaVancouver Island teens charged in one of three northern B.C. deaths; third victim identified as UBC lecturerFather of suspect in three B.C. deaths expects son will go out in ‘blaze of glory’Australian police coming to B.C. after Australian man, U.S. woman killed in double homicideFor now, police say there isn’t any new information to indicate the pair have left the area, but say it is possible they may have left and have changed their appearance. Mounties believe they may have inadvertently had assistance from someone.The bodies of Fowler, 23, and Deese, 24, were found July 15 along the Alaska Highway, about 20 kilometres south of Liard Hot Springs. Dyck’s body was found near a burned out camper owned by McLeod and Schmegelsky near Dease Lake. The Vancouver Island men were first reported missing, and later deemed suspects in three killings.Police are asking Canadians to be vigilant and keep their eyes out for the two men. If you see them, you’re asked to call 911 immediately.– With files from the Canadian Press
Morrissey Helps Raise Thousands For PETA By Signing Autobiography
A one-of-a-kind signed hardback copy of Autobiography by Morrissey, the only copy of the full-colour hardback signed by the author, has sold on eBay for £8,300, with all proceeds going to PETA as a New Year’s present to help prevent the slaughtering of animals for meat.Morrissey signed only one copy of the book – the cover of which pictures the singer-songwriter bare-chested in a swimming pool.“Animals in dire need of help have no better friend than Morrissey”, says PETA’s Mimi Bekhechi. “Whether it’s cruelty to cows, chickens and pigs headed for the table, animals being made into boots and coats or other abuse, Morrissey speaks out forcefully. The proceeds from his signed autobiography add to the work of this true hero to animals.”Morrissey has been a solo artist for 26 years, during which time he has had three number one albums in England in three different decades. He has had 11 top 10 albums (plus nine with The Smiths), and his songs have been recorded by David Bowie, Nancy Sinatra, Marianne Faithfull, Chrissie Hynde, Thelma Houston, My Chemical Romance and Christy Moore, amongst others. In 2006, Morrissey was voted the second-greatest living British icon by viewers of the BBC, losing out to Sir David Attenborough. In 2007, Morrissey was voted the greatest “northern” male, past or present, in a nationwide newspaper poll. In 2012, he was awarded the keys to the city of Tel Aviv.Morrissey’s efforts to help stop animal abuse are legendary and date back nearly three decades. He has teamed up with PETA and its overseas affiliates to encourage people to adopt healthy and compassionate plant-based diets and always have their companion animals spayed and neutered. Morrissey has starred in a number of PETA’s head-turning ad campaigns, and the vegetarian icon recently joined PETA’s fight to pressure department store Fortnum & Mason to stop selling foie gras, which is made from the enlarged and diseased livers of force-fed geese and ducks.In 2009, Morrissey made international headlines when he walked off stage at a US music festival stating that he hoped the “burning flesh” he smelled was human. And as he performs The Smiths’ “Meat Is Murder”, he regularly screens footage of PETA US’ hard-hitting Meet Your Meat exposé. So it was only fitting that Morrissey was named PETA’s Person of the Year in 2011.
Angelina Jolie Awarded Honorary Damehood
Co-Founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative and Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie has received an honorary Damehood (DCMG) for services to UK foreign policy and the campaign to end war zone sexual violence.Since co-founding the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative with William Hague, Foreign Secretary, in May 2012, Angelina Jolie has made an exceptional contribution to the development, promotion and impact of this major UK objective. Building on her long-term humanitarian work for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) she has been at the forefront of the initiative to highlight and seek justice for the plight of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet, the victims of sexual violence in conflict.On learning of her award Angelina Jolie said: “To receive an honour related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to.“Working on the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative and with survivors of rape is an honour in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine.”
Albert Pujols Supports ToysRUs Toy Guide For DifferentlyAbled Kids
Toys”R”Us has announced the release of its 20th Anniversary edition of the ToysRUs Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, an easy-to-use toy selection resource for those who know, love and shop for children with special needs.ALBERT PUJOLS SUPPORTs THE 2014 TOYSRUS TOY GUIDE FOR DIFFERENTLY-ABLED KIDSNow in its second decade of annual publication, the complimentary shopping guide is a go-to for families, friends and caregivers involved in the special needs community, and is available in Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores nationwide, as well as online at Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled in both English and Spanish.This year, Toys”R”Us is teaming up with baseball World Champion, proud father and special needs advocate, Albert Pujols, who appears on the cover alongside Cameron Withers, a 5-year-old boy from Southern California.While Pujols is known for his passion on the diamond, his dedication to the special needs community is even greater. As a parent to a daughter with Down syndrome, Pujols serves as a vocal advocate for children with special needs through the Pujols Family Foundation. Since 2005, the Pujols Family Foundation has worked diligently to provide children and families living with Down syndrome with the tools they need to thrive. As part of the launch of this year’s Guide, Pujols will bring that same devotion to his partnership with Toys”R”Us in helping to reach its customers nationwide and raise awareness of this one-of-a-kind resource.“As a proud dad to my beautiful daughter, Bella, who lives with Down syndrome, I understand how important it is to have resources like the Toys”R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids to help in making informed choices to support a child’s development. And, as a professional athlete, I truly value the importance of play and recognize the impact it has in the lives of children who face everyday challenges – for these kids, playtime is not just about fun, it’s an opportunity to explore their strengths and experience success in reaching each new milestone,” said nine-time All-Star baseball player, Albert Pujols. “I have a tremendous amount of passion for this cause, and I’m excited to partner with Toys”R”Us to make it easier for gift-givers to find toys for the special needs children in their lives that will inspire their imagination, encourage inclusive play and help them develop new skills.”Serving as a trusted resource for family, friends and caregivers of children with special needs, the Guide is packed with everyday playthings selected for their unique ability to help kids build critical skills, such as creativity, fine and gross motor and self-esteem, during playtime. Each of the toys featured in the 63-page buying guide has been vetted in partnership with the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making play accessible for children of all abilities.“For two decades, the Toys”R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids has been a valuable resource for parents looking to find toys that help build specific skills for their children,” said Kathleen Waugh, Chairman, Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund. “We’re honored to partner with Albert Pujols in our goal to bring joy to children of all abilities. Toys”R”Us has a long-standing commitment to ensuring tools like the Guide are accessible and available for parents and children everywhere.”Through the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund, Toys”R”Us, Inc. has long supported the special needs community via organizations such as: American Society for Deaf Children, Autism Speaks, the Pujols Family Foundation, HollyRod Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Down Syndrome Society, National Lekotek Center, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Special Olympics, Spina Bifida Association and United Cerebral Palsy. For more information, please visit www.toysrusinc.com/charitable-giving/.Source:PR Newswire
Danica Patrick And Aspen Dental Support Got Your 6
Danica Patrick took to the track for this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway, race fans noticed her blue-and-white No. 10 Aspen Dental Chevrolet SS looked a little different than usual. That’s because in honor of our nation’s veterans, Patrick’s car featured the names of more than 2,200 veterans who were “saluted” earlier this year by Americans across the country on Aspen Dental’s Facebook page.The team from Aspen Dental gave back to the veteran community by presenting leading veteran organization, Got Your 6, with a check for $75,000 to help veterans continue their service back home.The social media campaign was designed to honor their contributions to our country and bring attention to the fact that many veterans do not receive the dental care they desperately need.“I’m proud to be racing with the names of so many of our nation’s veterans on my car,” said Patrick. “Aspen Dental dentists have made a real difference in the lives of many veterans by providing free care through the Healthy Mouth Movement and I’m honored to continue to support this initiative.”From left: NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, veteran Randall Murray, veteran Stephen Leon, Aspen Dental dentist Dr. Jere Gillan, veteran Robert L. Gordon, president of Got Your 6’s parent organization Be The Change, Inc, and veteran Peter Bouley.Four of the 2,200 veterans featured on the special paint scheme of Patrick’s Aspen Dental Chevrolet SS attended the race as guests of Aspen Dental practices. They were among more than 250 veterans to receive free, comprehensive dentistry as part of Aspen Dental’s “A Smile for Your Service” effort. Stephen Leon, an Army Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient from Boston; Randall Murray, a former B-52 bomber tail gunner hailing from Jonesboro, Arkansas; Peter Bouley, a former Marine who served on the front lines during the Tet Offensive from Providence, Rhode Island; and Justin Bodine, a recently-returned Iraqi War veteran from Springfield, Illinois, all received thousands of dollars worth of dental work from the Aspen Dental practices in their communities.These veterans were invited to the race to see their names featured on the No. 10 Chevrolet SS and to help Aspen Dental further give back to the veteran community by presenting leading veteran organization and partner, Got Your 6, with a check for $75,000.“We’re incredibly thankful for Aspen Dental’s partnership with us and we’re honored to continue to help them raise awareness for dental care for our military’s veterans,” said Rob Gordon, president of Be The Change, who oversees Got Your 6 operations. “Improving a veteran’s smile can make a big difference in their lives and can lead to restoring confidence and contribute to tackling some of life’s challenges.”For many veterans, maintaining their oral health is a luxury instead of a necessity. Veterans cannot receive any dental care needed from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unless they are classified as 100 percent disabled, have a service-connected dental condition, or have a service-oriented medical condition that is affected by their mouth – conditions that many veterans do not meet.That is why this year, Aspen Dental’s Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-giving initiative, is highlighting the lack of dental care for veterans and is expected to help 5,000 veterans across 300 Aspen Dental offices around the country and provide more than $3 million in donated dentistry.“As an Air Force veteran myself, I know firsthand the challenges that many veterans face upon returning to civilian life and this initiative holds special significance to me,” said Jere Gillan, Doctor of Medicine and Dentistry, an Aspen Dental dentist and practice owner in Florida who has helped lead the Healthy Mouth Movement. “I feel a great sense of pride that my fellow dentists and I have been able to help make a positive impact on these patients’ lives.”The lack of oral healthcare for veterans is part of a larger oral health issue in America as there are 155 million American adults who did not go to the dentist last year and nearly half of people over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease.Cost and access to dental care are big contributors to this problem. According to a study by a leading polling firm, two in five Americans have limited, or will delay, dental care because of their financial situation. This is despite the fact that 80 percent of them know that delaying routine visits will cost them more money in the long run.
Sherlocks Martin Freeman Wants Wild Animals Banned From Circuses
Wild animals still haven’t been banned from being used in circuses in the UK, but Sherlock star Martin Freeman is on the case.With Parliament due back in session next week, the actor has sent an urgent letter on PETA’s behalf to Prime Minister David Cameron, from one father to another, urging him to do the right thing and bring in a ban on wild animals in circuses. The letter comes after David Cameron’s failure to follow through on his promise to ban wild animals from travelling circuses by January 2015.“As a father, I’d like to see my children grow up in a country where animals are treated with respect, not as objects of ridicule”, writes Freeman, who has two children with Sherlock co-star Amanda Abbington. “Allowing circuses with wild animals to continue to operate in the country sends the message to children that it’s OK to dominate animals and ignore any pain and suffering that they’re experiencing – which, of course, it’s not.”Wild animals in circuses commonly suffer from chronic health problems, abusive treatment, psychological disorders and aberrant behaviour, and many die prematurely. By virtue of the very nature of circuses – which confine animals to cages or boxcars for long periods of time, force them to perform tricks that are uncomfortable and even painful for them and deny them the opportunity to engage in natural behaviour – animal welfare can never be ensured in a circus environment.This legislation has been a long time coming. In 2011, Cameron was instructed by Parliament to get wild animals out of circuses, and despite overwhelming public support for a ban, evidenced by a Defra consultation which saw 94 per cent of respondents, including the British Veterinary Association, backing an end to this archaic form of entertainment, the Prime Minister has so far failed to act.Freeman joins Michael Sheen and Ann Widdecombe in teaming up with PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” – to push the government to join Austria, Bolivia, Finland, India, Mexico and many other countries in prohibiting wild-animal circus acts.
Richard Branson And Jennifer Lawrence Speak Out Against Immigration Bans
Sir Richard Branson has blogged about the immigration bans imposed by the US government over the weekend.“There are many reasons to be concerned about the Executive Order issued by US President Donald Trump on Friday afternoon, suspending all refugee immigration for 120 days and specifically barring citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and Africa from entering the United States.“The ban, which went into effect immediately, has already caused enormous confusion and despair. Hundreds have been stranded at airports around the world and thousands more are left in uncertainty. The growing number of those denied entry to the US includes students with valid US visas, academic researchers en route to their workplaces and conferences, and even several people who have risked their lives working as interpreters for US forces in Iraq. The people affected are as diverse as they can be, yet they share one thing in common: they pose no threat whatsoever to America’s security.“What worries me the most is that the President’s order breaks with well-established US humanitarian policy – and international law. Opening her door to “the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free”, has made America great for more than 240 years. If life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have been the engines that power the American Dream, immigration has been its fuel. And many among the tens of millions who have arrived at American shores in hope for a better life were refugees who lost everything – from European Jews escaping persecution in Nazi Germany to Vietnamese boat people hoping to start a better life after the end of the war that ravaged their country.“To them, the US stood and continues to stand for a life free from oppression and fear, a haven of freedom and opportunity, regardless of the colour of their skin or their religious beliefs. Just imagine how many of today’s truly American success stories are refugees’ stories. Albert Einstein and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin and artist Wyclef Jean stand for millions of others whose ethnicity or beliefs didn’t matter. What mattered was that they needed a compassionate welcome and a fresh start.“I fear that Friday’s order has set a dangerous precedent for the systematic exclusion of those who come full of hope and with the best intentions. And I’m reminded of the darker chapters of US history, like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 or the ineffable internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II – racist policies that caused untold suffering. “The necessary, decisive battle against terrorism does not justify a general suspicion against people of a certain origin or a certain religion,” said the spokesperson of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and I agree wholeheartedly.“And praise to the America’s northern neighbour whose Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote earlier that “Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.” I haven’t given up hope that Congress, across the aisle, will come to the same conclusion.“In the meantime, I applaud the thousands who have taken to the streets and the airwaves in solidarity across the US; the hundreds of lawyers camping out at airports and donating their time to fight the good fight on behalf of those caught up in this mess; the brave federal judges who have shown that checks and balances are still in place. They all stand for a kinder, gentler and more welcoming America – the America that is admired the world over.“The Virgin family includes many companies in the US and elsewhere that are proud to employ people from all around the world, and I speak on behalf of us all in saying we stand together in valuing an open and diverse society. As George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic, tweeted: “The best of America is open, courageous and compassionate. That’s when we’re strongest. The EO should be withdrawn.” Mary Wittenberg, CEO of Virgin Sport, also wrote to her team: “We stand for diversity – of all types. We welcome all to join us, and we are inspired by the values of our birth countries, the United States and the UK. With chaotic winds of change whipping, we will stand strong for, and on the side of, our values and people.”“Like many others, including Google’s wonderful crisis fund, I am donating to the American Civil Liberties Union and the International Rescue Committee, and would urge anyone who can afford it to donate to the causes close to their heart too.”Read Branson’s blog here.Jennifer Lawrence has also made a statement about the bans on her Facebook page, saying: “My broken heart goes out to the innocent lives of Muslim refugees that are trying to escape terror and find safety for their families. I and millions of Americans understand that someone’s race or religion should never keep them in harms way. It should be every person’s duty to help and protect anyone no matter their nationality. I pray for sanity and compassion to return to the Whitehouse.”The world continues to condemn the US government’s immigration bans, and the effects they could have on world peace.
Stars Of Soccer Aid For UNICEF Welcomed To 10 Downing Street
This week, the British Prime Minister welcomed the stars of this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF, including former Olympic athletes Usain Bolt and Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams to a reception at 10 Downing Street.The event celebrated the commitment by the UK government to match every £1 donated by the public through its UK Aid Match scheme, doubling the difference for children in danger around the world.Soccer Aid for Unicef star players including Sir Mo Farah and Olly Murs joined the Prime Minister to celebrate change made possible by the generous donations of the British public, who have previously raised more than £24 million for Soccer Aid for Unicef since the first match in 2006.The reception also welcomed young reporter Kendra, aged 14, who travelled to see how donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef can help children in Lesotho, school children and Unicef UK Children’s Champions – members of the public who campaign in support of children’s rights and UK aid in their communities.The garden event offered guests the opportunity to engage with and learn about the work done by Unicef through its partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID). Interactive stalls included a School in a Box, which helps at least 40 children continue their education in times of emergency and conflict, VR headsets showing childhood around world, and an opportunity to take part in the Soccer Aid Playground Challenge alongside school children.Soccer Aid World XI captain Usain Bolt said: “We as the Soccer Aid team are honoured to have met UK Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street today to celebrate the vital work made possible by donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef and the UK government, who are matching all donations this year pound for pound.”Robbie Williams, co-founder Of Soccer Aid for Unicef said: “Soccer Aid is always such a special event to be a part of, and seeing the real difference made by the money raised really helps the importance of the game hit home. I hope we can push the total even higher this year to help even more children around the world.”The Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Today’s reception is a chance to celebrate charity workers and the kindness of those who help raise money including the Soccer Aid for Unicef participants who have previously raised £24 million to support vulnerable children around the world.”“We could not have done this without the extraordinary generosity of people in the UK and their determination to support others in need.”Unicef UK Executive Director Mike Penrose said: “We are hugely proud of Soccer Aid for Unicef and the place it holds in the heart of the British public. Time and time again we have proved what a generous nation we are, and with the UK government matching public donations for Soccer Aid for Unicef pound-for-pound this year, together we can make double the difference for children.”International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, said: “UK aid will continue to work to make the world – and ultimately the UK – a better, safer and more prosperous place and through UK Aid Match we are giving the British public a say in how the aid budget is spent. We will be matching all UK public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef pound-for-pound up to £5 million.“I want to say a huge thank you to the British Public whose fundraising efforts are helping save lives around the world. Today’s reception is about them.”Soccer Aid for Unicef features an impressive line-up of celebrities and former sportsmen this year, including: Robbie Williams, Usain Bolt, Sir Mo Farah, Eric Cantona, Gordon Ramsay, Olly Murs, Michael Sheen, Mark Wright, Brendan Cole, Joe Wicks, Rak-Su, Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pirès, Yaya Toure, Jaap Stam, Patrick Kluivert, Edwin van der Sar, Kevin Pietersen, David Seaman, Dan Carter, Phil Neville, Jamie Redknapp, Danny Murphy and Robbie Fowler.You can also join the Soccer Aid team and try your luck at the Blindfold Keepy-Uppy Challenge to see how many keepy-uppies you can do blindfolded. Share your videos with your social media followers and get them to donate to Soccer Aid for Unicef with the link unicef.uk/keepitup.The Soccer Aid for Unicef match will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June, just four days before the FIFA World Cup in Russia begins. Tickets are on sale now and the game will be broadcast live on ITV. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST.Soccer Aid for Unicef is the original England vs. Soccer Aid World XI charity match. It was launched and co-founded in 2006 by Unicef UK Ambassador Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes and has previously featured A-list stars such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Mike Myers and Niall Horan, plus footballing royalty including Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldinho.Unicef, the world’s leading organisation for children, has joined forces with ITV to make the pro-celebrity football match bigger and better than ever, with more potential to raise money and vital support for children in danger. Soccer Aid for Unicef is produced by Initial, part of Endemol Shine UK, for ITV.100% of all public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled by the UK government, up to a total of £5 million, and will go towards supporting the vital work protecting children around the world. So far £24 million has already been raised through Soccer Aid over the last 12 years.Tickets for the Soccer Aid for Unicef football match on Sunday 10th June 2018 at Old Trafford are available now at www.manutd.com/socceraid or by calling 0161 444 2018 with tickets priced between £10 and £50.
WOMEN BEHIND CANADIAN TV KAREN KNOX
Karen Knox – Photo by Lauren Vandenbrook Twitter All successful projects start with a good idea. Sometimes having the idea is the easy part, but what happens next and bringing that idea to fruition can be the hard part. Despite advances in technology and more opportunities out there than ever for young content creators to make their mark, it still takes a lot of work, sweat, favors and risk-taking on the part of those involved to bring a new series to life. That’s exactly what Karen Knox and Gwenlyn Cumyn discovered when making the KindaTV web series Barbelle. The 10 episode first season of Barbelle follows girlfriends and bandmates Alice (Cumyn) and Veronica (Knox) who break up, but must fake their relationship to adoring fans while trying to make their sophomore album.While Knox and Cumyn received support in making Barbelle from Bell Media and originally premiered on Bell Fibe TV before KindaTV, a lot of funding for the project came from the duo and a crowdfunding campaign they ran prior to production. The money raised allowed the pair to make the first season and staff their show. In addition to co-creating Barbelle, Knox and Cumyn wrote, produced and starred in the series, with Knox also directing an episode.Knox recently spoke with The TV Junkies as part of our Women Behind Canadian TV series. She discussed how a background in theater led her to discovering her true passion as a film and television content creator. Knox shared her perspective as a young creator and how she and Cumyn brought their idea of Barbelle to fruition. Having recently completed directing the short film Case of the Massey Bodice Ripping, which looks to shine a light on rape as an overused plot device in film and television, Knox shared why she found such joy directing and hopes to continue with it. LEAVE A REPLY Cancel replyLog in to leave a comment The TV Junkies: Can you share a little about your background? Did you always want to work in film?Karen Knox: I didn’t come from a film and TV background. It’s funny because it seems like in the tech sector, the jobs are getting more and more specialized, but content creation, which is the umbrella term I give myself now, requires so many different skills. I have to be a writer, producer, actor and I direct. It’s becoming less and less specialized since you have to have all these skills that work together.I started in theater though, directing there and writing poetry. I then moved to England and got my masters in classical performance. It was a very expensive, ultimately useless degree except it solidified for me, that I am not interested in being a pawn in plays written by dead white men 400 years ago. I got my Masters, but I thought if I never do another Shakespeare play ever again that’s just fine with me. In the theater world, we worship at the altar of all these classic playwrights that are all men, and I’m kind of over the classics right now. I get it, but the male perspective is overdone for me right now. That’s why I’m really interested in making new content that gives a chance for the female view and perspective. Advertisement
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VISIT THESE 8 FANTASTIC CANADIAN FILM FESTIVALS THAT ARENT TIFF
What started as a festival celebrating Chinese kung fu movies and Japanese monster spectaculars, has transformed to become an important industry event for producers of Asian genre films and other cult cinema. The schedule is always packed with surprises and the enthusiastic audiences are part of the experience.https://fantasiafestival.com/en/CINEMANIA (NOVEMBER 7-17, 2019 – MONTREAL, QUEBEC)Despite an abundance of French-language films available to watch in Montreal, few English-speaking Montrealers seek them out. Maidy Teitelbaum thought that was a shame so she created Cinemania to bring them an amazing selection of English-subtitled French movies, not just from Quebec, but from across la francophonie. As an added bonus, many of the movies are screened in Montreal’s majestic Imperial Cinema.https://www.festivalcinemania.com/enOTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 25-29 – OTTAWA, ONTARIO)If you think cartoons are just for kids, you haven’t been watching Adult Swim on Cartoon Network or Teletoon at Night, both of which give a taste of some of the brilliant animated television shows that are aimed at grown-ups. Since 1976, OIAF has been welcoming animators from around the world and screening animated shorts and features that push the envelope of the medium.https://www.animationfestival.caHOT DOCS (APRIL 25-MAY 5, 2019 – TORONTO, ONTARIO)Toronto’s other great film festival is Hot Docs, and unlike the Hollywood fare that dominates TIFF, this festival shines a light on incredible documentaries that elicit strong emotions from audiences because they know they are watching something real. Many of the festival winners go on to be nominated for the documentary categories of the Academy Awards.http://www.hotdocs.ca/CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FILM FESTIVAL (FEBRUARY 7-9, 2019 – WINNIPEG, MANITOBA)Plenty of jokes are made about winter in Winnipeg, so it’s only fitting that the city is home to a film festival every February that features nothing but comedies. The festival recently underwent a name change after a long-time sponsor dropped out, but they keep coming back, vowing to be funnier than the year before. It’s the perfect festival for people who don’t like crying during movies, unless it’s crying from laughter.https://www.cicff.ca/DREAMSPEAKERS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (APRIL 27-MAY 1, 2019 – EDMONTON, ALBERTA)Aboriginal filmmakers from Canada and around the world come to Edmonton to share their stories with Canadian audiences thanks to the efforts of the Dreamspeakers Festival Society a non-profit organization that aims to supports Aboriginal creators and educate the public about aboriginal culture, art and heritage.https://dreamspeakers.org/WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL (DECEMBER 4-8, 2019 – WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA)Billed as Canada’s coolest film festival, this five-day gathering in the beautiful mountain resort town of Whistler is an important event for Canadian movie-makers who come together each year to exhibit their latest creations and meet at the “Whistler Summit” to discuss the state of Canadian cinema. For movie fans, it’s a chance to see some fantastic Canadian movies that are crowded out of the local movie theatre by a constant stream of Hollywood blockbusters.https://whistlerfilmfestival.com/BY MARK STACHIEW ~ CALGARY HERALD Twitter Facebook LEAVE A REPLY Cancel replyLog in to leave a comment There’s no denying that the Toronto International Film Festival is one of the biggest and most important movie events in the world, but there are dozens of cities and towns across Canada that boast film festivals of their own. From east to west, here are some intriguing film festivals that we think are worth travelling to see:FIN ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SEPT. 12-19, 2019 – HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA)You probably don’t see a lot of Canadian films in a year, but chances are you see even fewer from Atlantic Canada. Correct that with a visit to Halifax this summer to binge on an amazing collection of feature films, documentaries and shorts produced by creative and talented artists from Atlantic Canada.http://www.finfestival.ca/FANTASIA (JULY 11 – AUGUST 1, 2019 – MONTREAL, QUEBEC) Login/Register With:
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Idle No More hits Iqaluit
APTN National NewsIn Nuanvut, some Idle No More protesters made their point under some dark and chilly conditions.APTN National News reporter Kent Driscoll speaks with one of the organizers about the movement in Nunavut.