Patna High Court withdraws judicial work from senior judge
The Patna High Court has withdrawn all judicial work from a sitting senior judge of the court Rakesh Kumar who had in the course of hearing a corruption case against a former IAS officer on Wednesday highlighted the state of corruption in the judicial system. A 11-judge bench also suspended Justice Kumar’s order and ruled that no action ordered by him would be taken.“All the matters pending before Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rakesh Kumar, sitting singly including tied up/part heard or otherwise stand withdrawn with immediate effect,” read a notice issued by the chief justice of the Patna High Court on August 28. “The registrar will implement the order forthwith subject to further orders with regard to the formation of the bench,” the bench said in the notice, which came into the public domain on Thursday. The bench also observed that their fellow judge had no “jurisdiction to pass such an order on a case that had been closed”.“The registrar (list) will inform as to how and in what manner Cr. Misc. No. 4117 of 2018 that had been disposed of finally earlier was listed on Thursday at Sl. No. 1 under the heading ‘To be mentioned – Tied up’ before Justice Rakesh Kumar,” the bench said in the notice.The Bihar Advocate General Lalit Kishore told journalists in Patna that the bench had also made strong observations and expressed serious concern over the long order passed by Justice Kumar in which he had raised questions over the majesty of the court and integrity of judicial system.Before his elevation as a judge, Justice Kumar had served as a CBI counsel in the Patna High Court during hearings on the multi-crore fodder scam case against the then chief minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad . On Wednesday, while hearing a corruption case against retired IAS officer K. P. Ramaiah, Justice Kumar in his 20-page order had questioned how the former officer was granted bail in a corruption case when the High Court as well as the Supreme Court had earlier rejected it. Mr. Ramaiah was accused of financial misappropriation of ₹5 crore in the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission when he was its CEO. “A corrupt officer like K. P. Ramaiah secured bail as a vacation judge heard his case in place of the regular judge of the Vigilance Court,” Justice Kumar said in his order.“In normal course, I would not have passed such order, but since last few years, this Court is taking notice of the fact that in Patna Judgeship, things are not going in its right perspective,” Justice Kumar observed, while adding that the manner in which Mr. Ramaiah was granted bail required a deeper probe as it had raised questions about the judiciary. Justice Kumar also ordered an inquiry to be conducted by the District Judge, Patna, to check the veracity of a news report. Further while calling for a report within four weeks, he also ordered an inquiry into whether on the date of granting bail to Mr Ramaiah, the regular vigilance court judge was on leave due to a genuine cause or had gone on leave in a calculated way. The District Judge was also asked to examine the record of cases disposed of by the in-charge judge in the last six months.In his order, Justice Kumar also raised questions about the judiciary and said that the full bench of the Patna High Court had taken a lenient view every time the case of any judge from the lower judiciary came up. “Despite my opposition, a judge facing serious charges was let off with minor punishment instead of exemplary punishment,” Justice Kumar said in his order. He also made scathing remarks about taxpayers’ money being spent on renovation of judges’ homes. “There were instances of crores of the taxpayers’ money being spent on renovation and furnishing bungalows of judges as well as nepotism,” he said in the order. Further, Justice Kumar ensured that a copy of his order be sent to the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister’s office and the Union Law ministry.
NEXT BLOCK ASIA 2.0 introduces GURUS AWARDS to recognize and reward industry influencers Kammuri turning to super typhoon less likely but possible — Pagasa “(Sanchez’s) choice for the counterattack for the second goal is the kind of choice that a player like Marcus (Rashford) is still too nervous to make,” Mourinho said. “So he will bring us this extra maturity and class.”United was already cruising when the England international Lingard, who has been in fine form this season, raced through and drilled home in the 89th. The Belgium striker Lukaku tapped the fourth into an empty net during injury time.United advanced to the fifth round with second-tier Sheffield Wednesday, which beat lackluster Reading 3-1 in the night’s other game.ADVERTISEMENT View comments Read Next Globe Business launches leading cloud-enabled and hardware-agnostic conferencing platform in PH Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Slow and steady hope for near-extinct Bangladesh tortoises Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:59Sports venues to be ready in time for SEA Games01:27Filipino athletes get grand send-off ahead of SEA Games01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City John Lloyd Cruz a dashing guest at Vhong Navarro’s wedding
2 ‘newbie’ drug pushers fall in Lucena sting Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku added late goals in southwest England at modest Huish Park, which has a capacity below 10,000.“He is a fantastic player,” Herrera said of Sanchez. “We are going to enjoy him, our fans are going to enjoy him and we are really happy for him.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSLillard, Anthony lead Blazers over ThunderSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutNear the end of the first half, Sanchez threaded a pass through for Rashford, who lost possession before regaining it and dinking the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Artur Krysiak.United netted from a clinical break in the 61st. Released by Juan Mata, Sanchez teed up Herrera to score and in doing so earned the praise of his new coach Jose Mourinho. Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC MOST READ Manchester United’s Alexis Sanchez, centre, controls the ball, during the FA Cup, fourth round soccer match between Yeovil Town and Manchester United at Huish Park, in Yeovil, England, Friday Jan. 26, 2018. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)YEOVIL, England — Alexis Sanchez set up two goals on a lively debut as Manchester United won 4-0 at fourth-tier side Yeovil in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.The Chile forward, who joined from Premier League rival Arsenal on Monday, created goals for striker Marcus Rashford and midfielder Ander Herrera before coming off with around 20 minutes remaining.ADVERTISEMENT Cavs guard Dwyane Wade excused for ‘personal matter’ LATEST STORIES Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH
Royal Challengers Bangalore have been boosted by the return of captain Virat Kohli ahead of their Indian Premier League clash against Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaawamy stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. (Virat Kohli declared fit, will be available for Mumbai Indians clash on Friday)Kohli has been declared fit and is all set to lead RCB in the first of the two matches on Friday. (Kohli takes part in fielding drills)He suffered an injury to his right shoulder during the first day of the third Test against Australia last month. The injury ruled him out of the fourth and final Test, which India won to capture the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. (Virat Kohli keeps my passion for cricket alive, says AB de Villiers)Kohli was advised a rehabilitation after that due to which he missed the first three matches of RCB, who managed to win just once. (Virat Kohli is the best player in the world: AB de Villiers)RCB are languishing at the bottom half of the table. His absence certainly hurt RCB especially after finishing runners-up last season. (RCB slip to four-year low in Kohli’s absence)The 28-year-old had a sensational 2016 IPL season in which he broke a plethora of records. He scored a record-breaking 973 runs and became the first batsman to slam four hundreds.His teammate and South Africa’s 360 degree batsman AB de Villiers is happy to have Kohli back in the squad.Good to have @imVkohli back to full fitness and up for selection against the @mipaltan. #RCBvMIadvertisement- AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 13, 2017The duo share a great camaraderie off the field as well and De Villiers had admitted that he admires Kohli a lot. (Virat Kohli drives his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammates in a vintage jeep)”I am a few years ahead of him. I think I was very similar to him — played the game with a lot of passion, energy, and good skills, working hard at your game, not accepting defeat at all. His passion is something I love watching in him. He is giving me that passion in my old age,” De Villiers told ESPNCricinfo.De Villiers had also missed the first two games due to a back injury he suffered during a 50-overs domestic tournament in South Africa.He returned from injury layoff with a bang, hitting a swashbuckling 89 not out off only 46 balls.His brilliant innings helped a slow-starting Bangalore set a competitive 148 for four total but Kings XI Punjab proved too strong in their reply, easing to an eight-wicket victory with 33 balls to spare.De Villiers had finished as the third highest run-getter in 2016 with 687 runs in 16 matches.
Ahmedabad, May 10 (PTI) Is Poker, one of the most popular card games in the world, a game of skill or gambling?.This question was posed today by the Gujarat High Court to the state government seeking its response to a petition that claimed Poker was a game of skill and not a form of gambling.At the heart of the row over the card game was the police raids at half-a-dozen poker clubs in the state and its order for their closure under the anti-gambling act.Justice A S Supehia asked the government to file an affidavit by May 22 spelling out its stand on the petition filed by the Indian Poker Association (IPA) last October.The single-judge bench sought the governments stand while also allowing the IPA to amend its plea to seek interim relief.The IPA had moved the court last October, seeking a direction to the state government and the police not to interfere in the activities of poker clubs under the anti- gambling act.The IPA today said that ever since it moved the high court last year, the police raided over half-a-dozen poker clubs in the state and forced them to shut down. It sought an interim restraining order against the police.The Ahmedabad police commissioner issued a notification on May 2 saying that poker is a game of chance and is not exempted under the Gujarat Prevention of Gambling Act, the IPA said. The act exempts games which involve skill.The IPA petition contended that poker is not governed by the act as it is a game of skill.advertisementDuring an earlier hearing, the Gujarat government counsel had said the state government considered poker to be a form of gambling.The IPA petition said the Calcutta and the Karnataka high courts have ruled in its favour, holding that poker cannot be construed as gambling.The issue of whether poker game is gambling has been a matter of considerable debate in the West.The Calcutta High Court in a ruling in July 2015 exempted poker from being punishable under gambling laws.The court had barred the police from disrupting poker games being played in public and ruled that it was a game of skill.The Karnataka High Court had earlier ruled on similar lines, excluding poker as a game of skill, and thus decriminalising it.The gambling laws of many states make a distinction between games of skill and luck. However, the matter continues to be mired in a legal grey zone and concerns other card games like rummy as well.Poker is played by individuals and the winner is decided by the ranks and combinations of players cards, some of which remain obscure till the game finishes. It also involves considerable amount of “bluffing”.There have been some one-off judgments abroad (some Danish, Swedish, Russian and U.S. state courts have recognized poker as a skill-based sport), where poker has been construed as a game involving a “substantial degree of skill” and hence excluded from the ambit of gambling.PTI KA PD KRK GSN GSN
South Africa’s state prosecutors told the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Friday the six-year sentence for murder handed to Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius was “shockingly lenient” and asked for the right to launch an appeal.Pistorius was imprisoned in July last year after being found guilty on appeal of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013. The case has attracted worldwide interest.He was not in court for Friday’s hearing.Women’s rights groups in a country beset by high levels of violent crime against women say Pistorius has received preferential treatment compared to non-whites and those without his wealth or international celebrity status.The athlete was originally convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in jail. That conviction was increased to murder by the SCA in December 2015 and his sentence increased to six years by trial Judge Thokozile Masipa.State prosecutors, led by advocate Andrea Johnson, said the sentence by Masipa was too lenient as the jail term was less than half the minimum 15-year sentence prescribed for murder in South Africa.Johnson said the High Court did not list the substantial and compelling factors for deviating from the 15-year sentence and that Pistorius had not shown remorse for the murder.”There is no true, gut-wrenching remorse,” Johnson said.”It is shockingly lenient and has accordingly resulted in an injustice,” she said, referring to the sentence.Lawyers for the gold medallist, known as the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, say he did not deliberately kill model and law graduate Steenkamp.advertisementBarry Roux, lead defence lawyer for Pistorius, said the athlete was suffering from severe and worsening post-traumatic stress disorder over the case.Roux said Masipa had addressed the misperception that Pistorius deliberately killed Steenkamp.”Leave to appeal should really not be granted,” he said.The court did not set a date for when it would rule on whether the appeal can be heard or not.
Riyad Mahrez scored an early goal to set up Manchester City’s 1-0 win over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League clash at the Wembley Stadium on Monday.The result helped Manchester City return to the top of the Premier League table.It was not the free-flowing City of late and Tottenham will rue missing some good chances to salvage something from a disjointed affair on a patchwork pitch at a half-empty Wembley.Mahrez caught Tottenham cold in the sixth minute after a defensive mistake but despite City’s dominance they were missing their clinical edge on a surface that looked more suitable for American football after an NFL fixture a day earlier.PEP: “@Mahrez22 has played the last three, four, five games at a high level, scoring goals and making a lot of assists.”Against Shakhtar Donetsk, he would have scored three goals if not for the goalkeeper.”He knew the owner perfectly. It’s so tough for the Leicester family.Manchester City (@ManCity) October 29, 2018David Silva and Mahrez both could have put the game beyond Tottenham but the hosts, who were on a four-match winning run in the league and could have gone above City into second with a victory, always posed a threat.Dele Alli returned from a hamstring injury for Tottenham and his arrival as a substitute sparked some late pressure in which Erik Lamela spurned a glorious chance to equalise.City held firm for a sixth consecutive Premier League clean sheet to knock Liverpool off top spot. They both have 26 points while Tottenham have 21.advertisementSafe journey back up North tonight, Blues!Thank you for your wonderful support at Wembley #mancity pic.twitter.com/UWcUJcLPKqManchester City (@ManCity) October 29, 2018After the tragic events of Saturday, in which Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died alongside four other people in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium, it was fitting that Mahrez, a Leicester hero during their 2016 title success, proved the matchwinner.The game was only six minutes old when City goalkeeper Ederson launched the ball forward and Spurs right back Kieran Trippier made a mess of his clearing header. That let in Raheem Sterling, who squared for Mahrez to fire home past Hugo Lloris.The Algerian celebrated in poignant fashion by raising both arms towards the heavens.”I am very, very sad. That is why when I scored I put my hands in the sky for him,” Mahrez, who was voted PFA Player of the Year after Leicester’s stunning 2016 title, said of Vichai’s death.”He did a lot for me and Leicester and it is difficult to speak about. It is very sad.””The boss (Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha) was very special to me. I spent four and a half years there.”I have many memories of him. He was such a good person; a good human.”When I scored, I put my hands up to the sky for him. He did a lot for me and for Leicester.”@Mahrez22 pic.twitter.com/PgQaHa4pw8Manchester City (@ManCity) October 29, 2018City coach Pep Guardiola said there was never any chance he would leave Mahrez out.”Sometimes to play in a big game helps,” he said. “He did really good, he was focused and did a great job.”Spurs appeared to lack confidence in the opening stages and City threatened every time they went forward.Mahrez had another shot turned onto the post by Lloris while Silva fired straight at the French keeper.City’s defending was sloppy at times though and Tottenham striker Harry Kane whizzed one shot narrowly over and then his touch let him down as he was played through by Lamela after a mistake by Aymeric Laporte.The halftime interval featured a message for ailing Spurs maestro Glenn Hoddle, who suffered a heart attack on Saturday, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side could have used some of Hoddle’s flair as they toiled way.Six clean sheets in a row in the @premierleague #mancity pic.twitter.com/3D5601oHc1Manchester City (@ManCity) October 29, 2018City should have buried the hosts in the 55th minute when Bernardo Silva played in namesake David but the Spaniard inexplicably opted not to shoot with the goal gaping, leaving Guardiola angrily kicking the air.Sterling was also guilty of a miss but Tottenham grew in belief and when Alli rolled the ball across the area for an unmarked Lamela, the Argentine looked set to equalise but lifted his left-foot shot over the crossbar.(With inputs from Reuters)
Transfers Has Kevin De Bruyne dropped a major Alexis Sanchez transfer hint? Sam Lee Last updated 1 year ago 20:00 1/10/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(5) 
Getty/Goal Transfers Manchester City Guardiola Yaya Touré İ. Gündoğan Kevin De Bruyne Raheem Sterling Leroy Sané Sergio Agüero A. Sánchez Premier League Arsenal The Man City midfielder was asked about the possibility of the Chilean moving to the Etihad Stadium this month and he gave an interesting response Kevin De Bruyne may have accidentally revealed that Alexis Sanchez will leave Arsenal for Manchester City.Goal reported on Sunday that City hope to sign the Chilean in the January transfer window and are in on-going negotiations with Arsenal, with all three parties keen to find a resolution.And De Bruyne may have suggested a deal is all but done when he was asked about the possibility of Alexis moving to City this month. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player The Belgium midfielder was initially non-committal, but could have given the game away by saying “when”, rather than “if” towards the end of his answer.”He’s a very good player,” he told reporters. “Obviously we will see what happens in this transfer period. We don’t have to [think] about that anyway. If a good player comes to us that is better, if he doesn’t come we do it with the team we have.”We are in a good period already, the whole season. Everybody is doing a good job. When he comes he will add something to the team.”De Bruyne himself is on the verge of an agreement with City, as the club look to tie him down to a new contract for the next six years.Goal revealed before Christmas that his basic salary and bonuses have already been agreed, and that only the value of his image rights is left to be negotiated.Agent Patrick De Koster is expected to meet with City by the end of January to hammer out that final detail, and De Bruyne himself says he is in no hurry.
This, he said, is being pursued through public-private partnerships (PPP). Story Highlights He noted that the Government has already successfully implemented a number of PPPs through collaboration with foreign investors, citing the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT), Sangster International Airport (SIA), and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA). Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is committed to creating an ownership economy that facilitates greater participation by Jamaicans in activities designed to spur higher levels of growth and development. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is committed to creating an ownership economy that facilitates greater participation by Jamaicans in activities designed to spur higher levels of growth and development.This, he said, is being pursued through public-private partnerships (PPP).He noted that the Government has already successfully implemented a number of PPPs through collaboration with foreign investors, citing the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT), Sangster International Airport (SIA), and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).He said that while the success of these agreements has resulted in a heightening of Jamaica’s profile globally as an ideal location for investments, the Government wants more local investor input.“We believe we have investors here who can compete with international investors… and win. I encourage our local investors to step up to the plate as well. The Government wants the people of Jamaica to own the economy and participate in [its] ownership,” the Prime Minister said.He was speaking at the NMIA PPP concession agreement signing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Wednesday (October 10).The Government has divested the management of NMIA’s operations to Mexican entity, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB. De CV (GAP), under a 25-year concession agreement, with an option to extend the arrangement by five years.GAP, which has also been managing the SIA since 2003, will be responsible for improving NMIA’s land and air operational efficiency, and financing and completing a modernisation programme at an estimated cost of more than U$110 million.Additionally, the Government will receive a guaranteed percentage of the airport’s gross revenues.GAP emerged as the preferred of three bidders, inclusive of two consortia of foreign and local investors.The entity’s selection followed a public opening and evaluation and Cabinet’s subsequent approval in September of the submissions received by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) in July.The transaction value for GAP’s bid totals in excess of US$2 billion.GAP has concession management agreements, some for 50 years, for 13 airports in Mexico.“We will be faithful to what we have agreed to… and I have no doubt that our friends, who will now be operating the NMIA will proceed in good faith with the agreement,” Mr. Holness said.“The Government will follow the legal and regulatory process… and be vigilant [to] ensure that the public’s interest is preserved… . That is an assurance that we give to the people of Jamaica,” he added.Since 2009, the Government has successfully privatised over 20 State assets, which also included Caymanas Track Limited and the Petroleum Company of Jamaica (PETCOM).Mr. Holness advised that the Administration will shortly announce details of other potential investment opportunities that will be facilitated through PPPs and other divestment engagements.He emphasised that the Government’s role in this dispensation is providing a strong regulatory framework, and assured that the Administration will be vigilant in ensuring that the terms of agreements reached are met and maintained.
zoom Athens-based containership owner Danaos Corporation informed that its income plunged in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting the continued impact of the Hanjin bankruptcy.The company’s net income for the period reached USD 18.4 million, dropping by over 58 percent from USD 44.1 million seen in the first three months of 2016.Operating revenues decreased by 19.9 percent to USD 110.1 million for the quarter, from USD 137.5 million reported a year earlier.“The USD 22.7 million decrease in our adjusted net income was primarily attributable to USD 22 million of operating revenues lost from Hanjin,” John Coustas, Danaos’ CEO, said.Danaos said that the total contracted operating revenues were USD 2 billion as of March 31, 2017, with charters extending through 2028 and remaining average contracted charter duration of 6.4 years, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire.“Excluding the off-hire days related to three 10,100 TEU vessels that were previously chartered by Hanjin and were delivered to their new charterers in April 2017, our fleet utilization increased to 98.1% compared to 94.6% in the first quarter of 2016. Including those vessels, our fleet utilization was 92.7%,” Coustas added.As previously reported, the company is in breach of certain financial covenants as a result of the Hanjin bankruptcy. Danaos now informed that it had obtained a waiver for these breaches until April 1, 2017.“We have asked our lenders for an extension of this waiver until July 1, 2017 and are engaged in constructive conversations to resolve this matter,” according to the shipowner.
A provincial grant to help improve seniors’ health and well-being and make communities more age-friendly is now accepting applications. Non-profit community organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 that advance the goals and actions outlined in Nova Scotia’s Strategy for Positive Aging, with a focus on health, well-being and community participation. $260,000 is available this round, and funding covers up to 100 per cent of project costs to a maximum of $10,000. Past projects supported seniors through physical activity and healthy living, creativity and the arts, life-long learning, and volunteerism. Since the launch in 2008, over $2.2 million has been awarded to 283 organizations for Positive Aging Grant projects across the province. More information on the grants and application forms are available at www.novascotia.ca/seniors or by calling toll-free 1-800-670-0065 or, in metro, 902-424-0065. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 23.
Kolkata: Despite the fact that five persons who were accused of beating up the junior doctors at NRS Medical College and Hospital being given bail, police on Monday were granted permission to add allegation of attempt to murder (Section 307 of the IPC) in the case.According to sources, since the five accused persons of the NRS assault case were granted bail due to lack of evidence, junior doctors stated that they would go to strike again if the police fail to substantiate the allegations. Since then, sleuths were in a continuous process to gather information and search for an eye-witness who had seen Paribaha Mukhopadhyay getting assaulted. Also Read – Centuries-old Durga Pujas continue to be hit among revellersWhile doing so, a junior doctor got in touch with the police and stated that he had seen the assault on his colleague. Later, sleuths decided to add the attempt to murder allegation in the case diary as it will make it stronger. As per the decision, an appeal was made for the same before the Magistrate which was eventually granted. On the other hand, in the boxer molestation case at South Port police station, charge-sheet at Alipore Court on Monday has been submitted, accusing three youths who have already been arrested. Also Read – Bengal family worships Muslim girl as Goddess Durga in Kumari PujaThe charge-sheet in the boxer molestation case was submitted within 10 days of the incident. On June 28 morning, an internationally acclaimed lady boxer was allegedly molested in front of a policeman at the crossing of Diamond Harbour Road and Remount Road. After she posted the incident on social media, senior officials of the Kolkata Police got in touch with her and later a case was initiated. On the same night, the three accused youths were arrested.
OTTAWA – More than 1,800 Canada Post workers have walked off the job in Hamilton, Ont., and La Mauricie, Que., as the union’s overtime ban takes effect across the country.The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the walkout in La Mauricie began Wednesday at 11:30 p.m. and in Hamilton just after midnight on Thursday.Those workers joined union locals in other communities taking part in the rotating strikes, including Regina, Sask.The Ontario communities of North Bay and Ottawa are also on strike, as well as the British Columbia cities of Campbell River, Courtenay, Nanaimo and Port Alberni.In Quebec, Canada Post locals are also off the job in Outaouais after strikes in other areas of the province wrapped up Thursday.On Wednesday, CUPW said the overtime ban means postal workers can refuse to work beyond their normal eight-hour days.“We have a health and safety crisis at Canada Post. We’ve seen injury rates skyrocket,” Mike Palecek, CUPW national president, said in a statement Thursday. “This has got to be fixed.”Meanwhile, Canada Post says it is facing a days-long backlog of parcel deliveries.Dozens of trailers filled with parcels and packages were awaiting processing at the agency’s three biggest hubs — Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.Combined, the three key locations can process one million parcels a day from across the country, Canada Post spokesman Jon Hamilton has said.The union and the postal service have been unable to reach new collective agreements for two bargaining units after 10 months of negotiations.Canada Post has said it provided “significant” offers to its employees, including wage hikes.“But they don’t address a single one of our major issues,” Palecek said Wednesday in a statement on the union’s website.Those issues include health and safety concerns, he said, adding that the wage offers from Canada Post fall far below expected cost-of-living increases.Last Tuesday, Labour Minister Patty Hajdu appointed Morton Mitchnick, a former chairman of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, to help the two parties resolve their differences.
At just 11 years-old, Dustin Meraz knew he wanted his life to make a difference for seriously ill children. A terminal cancer patient, Dustin’s last wish was to inspire grown-ups to have the courage to care about kids in need.His story inspired the biennial Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala: Noche de Niños, a red carpet gala celebrating the hospital’s true heroes—patients like Dustin, their exceptional caregivers and the supporters who help make miracles happen every day.On Saturday, October 20, more than 1,000 celebrities, prominent philanthropists, business leaders and local dignitaries will gather at The Event Deck at L.A. LIVE, which will be transformed into an enchanted forest for the 2012 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala: Noche de Niños. Proudly supported by AEG and presented by The Walt Disney Company, Delta, Costco Wholesale, Alyce and Warren “Spud” Williamson, Dayle and Ken Roath and The Estate of Cameron Glidewell, the black tie affair raises millions of dollars to help fund the hospital’s most critical needs, including patient care, support for families in need and pediatric medical research.This year, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles will honor The Walt Disney Company, Lakers power forward and NBA superstar Pau Gasol, and supermodel, television host, mom and designer Heidi Klum with the “Courage to Care Award” for their dedication and support of the hospital’s mission and the patients it serves. Previous honorees include Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez and Jamie Lee Curtis.“We are deeply appreciative of our steadfast relationship with The Walt Disney Company, Heidi Klum, and Pau Gasol,” says Richard Cordova, FACHE, president and CEO, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “It is our privilege to honor them at Noche de Niños and highlight the incredible work they do. Their continued compassion and support has made a truly positive impact in the lives of countless patients and families.”For nearly thirty years, The Walt Disney Company has dedicated significant time, talent and treasures to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, bringing happiness, hope and laughter to children and families when they need it most. The heart of this relationship has always been the people of Disney, including dedicated Disney VoluntEARS who give their time to comfort and entertain patients, the Disney Tri-Team, which has raised over $1.3 million to benefit the pediatric cancer research program, and Disney Imagineers who used their creative skills to design the hospital’s main lobby.Since Heidi Klum first visited Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, she fell in love with the kids, and, as a mom of four, has been a passionate advocate of the hospital’s mission. Heidi’s involvement has been as diverse as her talents that have made her a famous supermodel, actress, businesswoman and television producer, from surprising some lucky patients who accompanied her on the red carpet of the premiere of Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil to serving as Celebrity Ambassador for the Turn on the Lights! 5k Walk for kids celebrating and raising funds for the opening of the Marion and John E. Anderson Pavilion, to name just a few.A pre-med student before his championship basketball career, Pau is a frequent visitor and champion for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Pau has stopped by to visit with patients, distributed tickets to the NBA All-Star Jam Session, facilitated a donation of new technology to our pharmacy from Grifols (a company based in his native city of Barcelona) and, most recently, presented a check for $25,000 from the NBA Cares Foundation. He has also observed several spinal surgeries and starred in our interactive game Where’s Pau Now? showcasing the new healing spaces in the Anderson Pavilion.Other celebrities who will grace the Noche de Niños stage include Emmy-winning host of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” Tom Bergeron, who will serve as the night’s Master of Ceremonies; renowned former NBA player and head coach, Phil Jackson, actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis, and actress and philanthropist Melanie Griffith, who will serve as presenters during the program; and Grammy-nominated and Billboard chart-topping band Five For Fighting, who will provide the evening’s headline entertainment.Noche de Niños kicks off with red carpet arrivals at 5:30pm, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner where guests will enjoy food prepared by renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.This event is not open to the public. To purchase a ticket, visit www.CHLA.org/GALA.
Four tickets to John Bishop’s Supersonic tour and the chance to meet him Paloma Faith’s Olympic torch outfit A pair of Bono’s sunglasses and the chance to collect them from the musician himself – the winning bidder and a friend will be invited backstage to meet the U2 singer ahead of seeing the band perform live in the UK A signed disc of quadruple-platinum album ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’ from Plan B Frankie Boyle’s suit and glasses from a recent stand-up tour Calling all online shopping fans! Sport Relief announces a new eBay auction that gives the public the chance to bid on money-can’t-buy items and experiences donated by Russell Brand and a host of his celebrity friends.Video: Russell Brand wants you to give something upFrom the worlds of music, sport and entertainment the likes of Bono, Stephen Fry, Paloma Faith, John Bishop and Gary Lineker, to name a few, have all given up beloved belongings or an amazing experience. These items among many others are set to get the pounds stacking up for Sport Relief. Items include: The chance to become Russell Brand for the day! Have a private yoga lesson with Russell, lunch at one of his favourite London restaurants, followed by the gift of Transcendental Meditation at the David Lynch Foundation
Being Gary Lineker’s guest in the MOTD studio as he broadcasts the popular football highlights TV show live from MediaCityUK. After the show, Gary will sign a MOTD script for you VIP tickets to sold-out Kasabian ‘Summer Solstice’ gig and a signed guitar Being a guest at the recording of QI with Stephen Fry A Russell Brand print from photographer to the stars Ray BurmistonThe auction runs until Sunday 2nd March and the public can also support the cause by selling something of their own on eBay for “Give it Up for Sport Relief”.The money raised from this auction will go to the ‘Give it Up’ fund managed by Comic Relief and created by Russell to help people with drug and alcohol addictions remain abstinent.
To bid or sell something of your own visit: www.ebay.co.uk/sportrelief.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Michelle Mungall, says this new legislation will help make zero-emission vehicles more affordable and available to British Columbians.“British Columbians are eager to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles, but price and availability can be barriers. To reduce those barriers, we are providing rebates as part of CleanBC, and now we are bringing in legislation that will improve availability.”The zero emission vehicles act is based on the legislation already in place in Quebec and California and was informed by consultation with British Columbians, manufacturers and key stakeholders.For more information on the zero-emission vehicle legislation, you can visit cevforbc.ca. VICTORIA, B.C. – The Provincial Government is planning to introduce legislation that would phase out gas-powered light-duty vehicles in an effort to reduce emissions.According to the Government, if passed, the zero-emission vehicles act will require the sale of all new light-duty cars and trucks to be zero-emission vehicles by 2040.The Government says this target will be met using a phased-in approach, with 10 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.