Multinational Effort Nabs Another Semisubmersible in Caribbean Waters
By Dialogo November 11, 2011 Multinational efforts have resulted in the successful interception of another drug-smuggling, self-propelled semisubmersible (SPSS) vessel in the western Caribbean Sea on September 30. This marks the third interception of such vessels in only three months, and another important blow to narco-traffickers by a multinational force that works against this shared threat by conducting counter drug patrols in the Caribbean. “This is the second self-propelled semisubmersible case for this crew, and I am extremely proud we were able to stop millions of dollars of cocaine from reaching the streets of America,” said the commanding officer of the vessel that interdicted the SPSS. The suspicious vessel, commonly referred to as a drug sub, was spotted in the waters of the Caribbean before being intercepted by a helicopter and pursuit boat crew some 200 miles off the coast of Honduras. It is estimated that the drugs recovered from the semisub have a street value of more than $200 million, and were destined for the United States through Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. The increased ability to interdict illicit trafficking is the result of a multinational effort which includes law enforcement and partner nations. “We will continue to be out here and stand a vigilant watch,” added the vessel commander. Once discovered, the crew of the SPSS scuttled the vessel in the mistaken belief that it would avoid prosecution, but the crew was detained in accordance with the Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act, under which the sentence offense level is set, depending on if the vessel fails to heave to, attempts to scuttle or successfully scuttles. A scuttled vessel, therefore, justifies the maximum offense level and the crew is facing a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison. With the recovery of drugs from the vessel, the defendants are facing a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of Life. It took the crewmembers of a recovery ship two days to locate the sunken SPSS, but the international and interagency effort was successful in recovering the almost seven tons of cocaine from the SPSS, the biggest seizure of cocaine so far in 2011. The typical SPSS is built in the jungles and remote areas of South America and can measure up to 30 meters in length, carry four to five crewmembers and upwards of 10 tons of illicit cargo for up to 5,000 miles. Drug traffickers design SPSS vessels to be difficult to spot and rapidly sink when law enforcement is detected, thereby making contraband recovery difficult, but not impossible, as the recent successes have proved. Still, it is unknown how many vessels have floundered at sea, and how many lives have been lost in the process thus far.
continue reading » While testifying before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection yesterday, ex-Equifax CEO Richard Smith said more can be done protect consumers’ financial information in light of the company’s recent data breach.Smith, who acknowledged Equifax’s failure to apply a patch to a known security issue prior to the breach, indicated business and industry cooperation with legislation that might come from these congressional hearings.During Tuesday’s hearing, Smith defended the timeline and the actions he and other employees took after the breach was discovered. It was the first of four congressional hearings Smith is set to testify in this week.Members of the subcommittee were mostly concerned with who knew what details of the breach, when details were revealed and what processes Equifax had in place to detect and recover from system breaches. Smith announced his retirement from the company last week; two senior security executives retired earlier in September. 16SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr
Major world airlines on Monday announced further deep cuts to service as the worsening coronavirus crisis ravages demand, accentuating talk of government support with US carriers formally releasing a plea for a bailout of some $50 billion.Citing an “unprecedented” drop in demand that is “getting worse by the day” and “much worse than 9/11,” the trade group Airlines for America unveiled a wish list including grants, loans and tax relief.”This is a today problem, not a tomorrow problem. It requires urgent action,” said A4A President and Chief Executive Nicholas Calio. Topics : ‘This is not 2008’Back in London, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signaled that the government would examine help for affected businesses, not just airlines, via tax authority Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).”HMRC is ready to help all businesses including airlines experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to coronavirus,” Johnson’s spokesman told AFP.Stephen Innes, markets strategist at AxiCorp, drew a contrast with the global financial crisis which sparked bank bailouts. As G7 finance ministers prepare to discuss the crisis later Monday, Innes argued that airlines were not the only strategic companies calling for assistance this time.”This is not 2008. Back then it was the banks, this time the banks’ balance sheets are fine,” Innes said. “But this is a global economic crisis which needs swap lines to airline companies, oil companies and retailers.””Airlines might be at the top of the list for directed fiscal help, but virtually every global industry is facing pressure without a government bailout,” he added. IAG, owner of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, announced it would slash flight capacity by 75 percent during April and May owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, while Germany’s Lufthansa said it would trim seating capacity on long-haul flights by up to 90 percent, affecting mainly routes to Africa, the Middle East and South America.Britain’s Virgin Atlantic added that it has decided to park 75 percent of its total fleet, and in April this will rise as high as 85 percent.Virgin has reportedly called upon the UK government to inject emergency support totaling 7.5 billion pounds ($9.2 billion, 8.3 billion euros) to help keep Britain’s aviation industry flying.
‘Deteriorating at pace’ Shares of European carriers and most US airlines experienced another bruising session as the economic toll of the coronavirus becomes clearer.”Last week saw a rapid acceleration of the impact of COVID-19 on global aviation and tourism,” Virgin Atlantic warned in a statement.”The situation is deteriorating at pace and the airline has seen several days of negative bookings, driven by a huge volume of cancelations as customers choose to stay at home.”British no-frills carrier EasyJet warned it may have to ground “the majority” of its fleet, urging governments across Europe to help their airlines maintain access to liquidity. The airline’s CEO Johan Lundgren said “European aviation faces a precarious future,” and called for government backing if the industry is to survive.Irish budget carrier Ryanair meanwhile did not rule out a full grounding as it unveiled stinging flight cutbacks.IAG said it was taking measures including cuts to non-essential spending, a freeze on recruitment and reducing work hours.A management shake-up had also been put on hold, noting that Willie Walsh would remain as IAG’s chief executive.Walsh had been due to step down on March 26, to be replaced by Iberia CEO Luis Gallego.Air France will meanwhile slash flight capacity by 70-90 percent over the next two months, while Austrian Airlines will suspend all flights from Thursday, and Finnair is cutting 90 percent of capacity until the situation improves.The German government on Monday said it is planning to shield companies from going under because of the pandemic, by suspending legal obligations for firms facing acute liquidity problems to file for bankruptcy.German tourism and hotel group TUI said it was applying for state aid to keep it afloat, as it suspended the “majority” of its operations. Trump administration officials have highlighted airlines as a major worry point and signaled broad support for a federal plan to fortify the industry. The group said the industry was on track to suffer a drop of $23 billion in liquidity at the end of 2020 under an “optimistic” scenario and a drop of $53 billion under a “pessimistic” scenario.”As of the morning of March 16, the pessimistic scenario is looking most likely,” the group said.Earlier, European carriers announced additional cutbacks in service due to the crisis.
Comment Metro Sport ReporterTuesday 28 Jan 2020 11:43 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link1.7kShares Advertisement Advertisement Ceballos has yet to sufficiently impress Arteta in Arsenal training (Picture: Getty)‘I haven’t seen much of him because he only trained with us a week or 10 days. So it’s very early to assess what I can do or cannot do with him. I heard about all those things but I have nothing to comment.’Asked what Ceballos needed to do to be part of Arteta’s plans, the Spanish coach added: ‘He needs to get back to fitness and fight for his place like any other teammate. And after that we will make the selection that I think is fair with what I see on the pitch.’MORE: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta vetoed Edu’s Layvin Kurzawa transfer recommendationMORE: Arsenal concerned about Pablo Mari adapting to Premier League footballMore: FootballRio Ferdinand urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop Manchester United starChelsea defender Fikayo Tomori reveals why he made U-turn over transfer deadline day moveMikel Arteta rates Thomas Partey’s chances of making his Arsenal debut vs Man City
The Spaniard wants assurances over game time ahead of Euro 2020 (Picture: Getty)Dani Ceballos is reportedly unhappy with Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta over his plans for the midfielder and remains open to leaving the north London club before the window closes.The Real Madrid loanee made his first appearance under Arteta in Monday night’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Bournemouth, though was left out of the starting XI and only featured for 21 minutes off the bench.Ceballos has not made a Premier League appearance since the start of November, while he dropped a farewell hint on social media suggesting he could be leaving the club this month. Ceballos was given a rare outing against Bournemouth on Monday night (Picture: Getty)Arteta revealed he spoke to Ceballos about his future amid reports that he could return to Spain, though the talks do not appear to have had the desired effect.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTAccording to The Athletic, Ceballos feels Arteta has not been sufficiently clear about what he can improve upon to get into the starting XI or where he stands in his plans.The 23-year-old also disagrees with his manager’s claim that he still needs to regain full fitness after his injury lay-off and considers himself 100% fit and ready for matches.Ceballos is particularly annoyed given that his intentional place with the Spanish team at Euro 2020 is at stake and feels he needs game time if he is to be called up for the tournament.More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing ArsenalCeballos could still leave Arsenal this month if a replacement can be found, though Arsenal had been banking on selling Granit Xhaka to fund any January moves – a plan that has been scuppered after Arteta welcomed him back into the fold.Speaking about his sit-down with Ceballos, Arteta revealed last week: ‘I had a conversation with Dani. When I joined the club he wasn’t here, he was in Madrid because he was doing his rehab for over a month in Madrid – the team that owns him.‘And then when I came here he was doing his rehab for the first two or three weeks, he was getting back to fitness. Dani Ceballos unhappy with Mikel Arteta after talks over role at Arsenal
A Colorado (USA) high school has allowed a biological boy to use the girls’ bathroom. Pacific Justice Institute stepped in to protect the privacy of these young girls. This video highlights some of the victims of this school’s reprehensible actions. For more information, visit http://www.PJI.org
Raymond E. Boudreau, 83, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019.He was born June 18, 1936 in Woburn, MA, son of the late Joseph Cleophas Boudreau and Doris (LaCasse) Boudreau.Raymond was educated in both Canada and the United States, which led to his career of manufacturing and design. He worked in commercial fields as well as various governmental programs dealing with aerospace and undersea technologies.Raymond enjoyed fishing, yard work and gardening. He communicated, via the internet, both locally and internationally. Raymond was a dog lover, especially his very loyal companion “Jingo”. He loved wood working and even made several pieces of furniture. Although his passions were for writing poetry and woodworking, Raymond was better known for his charitable efforts to help the elderly and more needy throughout his life time.Raymond is survived by his loving spouse, Ruth Boudreau (Powell), children, Annette (Jim) Schwegmann of Verona, KY, Raelene Boudreau of Greenfield, IN, Rodd Boudreau of Elkhart, IN; sister, Elizabeth “Bette” Littlefield of Lowell, MA; 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.More for love than convenience, Raymond chose to be cremated directly with no viewing or services that would call upon so many from so far.Contributions may be made to the United Church of Christ in Rising Sun. Please call the funeral home office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.Visit: www.rullmans.com
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has thanked fans for their support during his three-and-a-half year stint at the club. The Italian, who led City to their first league title since 1968 last season, was sacked earlier this week following a disappointing campaign where they lost their Premier League crown to Manchester United and were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage. Mancini has always had a good relationship with the fans and in a full-page advert in the Manchester Evening News wrote: “Manchester City Supporters 3 unforgettable years, you will always be in my heart, ciao, Roberto Mancini.” As well as the league title, Mancini won the FA Cup with City in 2011 and Community Shield last summer. 
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The British and Irish Lions concluded their midweek tour schedule in Australia with a comprehensive 35-0 victory over the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. Fly-half Owen Farrell kicked three conversions and Stuart Hogg landed two as they kept an outgunned Rebels side scoreless. Barely 24 hours after talismanic Ireland lock Paul O’Connell was ruled out of the tour due to a broken arm, Gatland will have been encouraged by second rows Ian Evans and Richie Gray being prominent influences throughout. And Toby Faletau kept the pressure on current Test number eight Jamie Heaslip with arguably his most complete contribution Down Under. It was a vastly-improved effort on last Tuesday’s 14-12 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra, when the Lions barely fired a shot in anger, but there was a determined and driven streak about them this time around. Lions captain Dan Lydiate told Sky Sports 1 afterwards: “We definitely had to up our game coming here and we wanted to get the result and keep the momentum going for the weekend. “It’s a massive game for us this weekend and a few of the boys are putting their hands up for selection. A lot of boys missed out on selection last weekend so they really wanted to take their chance tonight. “The main thing was to play well as a team but also to play well as an individual and put yourself forward for selection. All credit to the boys and to the Rebels boys, they certainly gave us a good game.” Press Association
And a handful of players – led by blockbusting England centre Manu Tuilagi – enhanced their claims to feature in coach Warren Gatland’s matchday 23 for next Saturday’s second Test against the Wallabies. Flanker Sean O’Brien – another star performer – scrum-half Conor Murray, his replacement Ben Youngs and wing Sean Maitland all scored tries, while there was a second-half penalty try that underlined the Lions’ forward dominance. 
Press Association Tony Pulis admitted West Brom could still lose Saido Berahino and hit out at those treating the striker like a piece of meat. But Pulis is still cautious ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline. He said: “I never say never about anything until it’s closed and factual. “I don’t know, we have to wait and see. I wasn’t in the discussions the chairman had with Saido. I’ll have a chat with the lad when he comes in. “It’s not just about football it’s about the person, about the lad and what he’s going through. He’s a human being, he’s not just a lump of meat who people are trying to sell. He has emotions and having spoken to him he needs protecting “I don’t think he is 110 per cent clear on what his future is. So many people get through to these youngsters.” Berahino has been left out of the Baggies’ last two games but Pulis will assess him ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stoke. The boss also confirmed his interest in Manchester United’s Jonny Evans and hopes he can bring the defender in before Tuesday’s deadline. He said: “Jonny would be a great signing for the football club but it’s down to the money men and his side, it takes three parties, the player and the clubs. I’d love to sign Jonny Evans.” Pulis will assess Chris Brunt (hamstring) and Callum McManaman ahead of Saturday’s trip to his former club after they suffered knocks in the Capital One Cup victory over Port Vale on Tuesday. 
The England Under-21 forward is wanted by Tottenham, who have had two bids swiftly rejected by the Baggies. Berahino has had a transfer request rejected by Albion and held talks with chairman J eremy Peace on Thursday, who reiterated that he will not be sold. 
MARNUS Labuschagne has overtaken David Warner as Australia’s second-ranked Test batsman, while Mitchell Starc has achieved a career high in the latest ICC Test rankings.Labuschagne has moved into fifth spot on the batting rankings, up three positions, after scoring his third consecutive hundred, in the first Domain Test against New Zealand in Perth.Labuschagne now sits behind just India’s Virat Kohli, teammate Steve Smith, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson and India’s Cheteshwar Pujara on the batting rankings and his latest gain has relegated Warner to sevenStarc, meanwhile, has moved up to fifth spot in the bowling rankings after continuing his golden summer with a nine-wicket haul in Perth.The left-armer vaulted into the top five, up from 14th spot, and now sits behind only teammate Pat Cummins, South African Kagiso Rabada, Kiwi Neil Wagner – who has moved up to third – and West Indian skipper Jason Holder.Starc was last ranked fifth in the world in March 2018 while his current ratings points tally of 806 is also a career best, topping the 805 points he was on three years ago.Nathan Lyon has also moved up two spots to 19th, meaning each of Australia’s four bowlers from the Perth Test are ranked in the top 10. Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a potentially series-ending injury during the match, is ranked seventh.Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Babar Azam moved up four spots to ninth in the batting rankings meaning he’s in the top 10 in the Test, ODI (third) and T20 (first) rankings.ICC Test battings rankings1) Virat Kohli – 928 points2) Steve Smith – 9113) Kane Williamson – 8644) Chestehswar Pujara – 7915) Marnus Labuschagne – 7866) Ajinkya Rahane – 7597) David Warner – 7558) Joe Root – 7529) Babar Azam – 72810) Dimuth Karunaratne – 725ICC Test bowling rankings1) Pat Cummins – 898 points2) Kagiso Rabada – 8393) Neil Wagner – 8344) Jason Holder – 8305) Mitchell Starc – 8066) Jasprit Bumrah – 7947) Josh Hazlewood – 7858) Vernon Philander – 7839) Jimmy Anderson – 78210) Tim Southee – 780