American journalist missing in Syria

BEIRUT (AP) ? An American journalist has been missing in Syria since he was kidnapped more than one month ago, his family said Wednesday, less than two years after he was held by government forces in Libya while covering that country's civil war.

The family of James Foley, of Rochester, N.H., said he was kidnapped in northwest Syria by unknown gunmen on Thanksgiving day.

Foley, 39, has worked in a number of conflict zones around the Middle East, including Syria, Libya and Iraq. He was contributing videos to Agence France-Press while in Syria.

Foley's disappearance highlights the risks to reporters seeking to cover the civil war from inside Syria.

The Syrian government rarely gives visas to journalists and often limits the movements of those it allows in. This has prompted a number of reporters to sneak into the country with the rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad. Some have been killed or wounded while others have disappeared.

Foley and another journalist were working in the northern province of Idlib when they were kidnapped near the village of Taftanaz on November 22. He had entered Syria a short time earlier.

Media outlets refrained from reporting on Foley's kidnapping until his family released its statement. The other reporter's family has requested that that reporter's name not be made public.

Foley's family said they have not heard from him since.

"We want Jim to come safely home, or at least we need to speak with him to know he's OK," said his father, John Foley, in the online statement. "Jim is an objective journalist and we appeal for the release of Jim unharmed. To the people who have Jim, please contact us so we can work together toward his release."

The Chairman of Agence France-Press, Emmanuel Hoog, said in a statement that the news agency was doing all it could to get Foley released.

"James is a professional journalist who has remained totally neutral in this conflict," Hoog said. "His captors, whoever they may be, must release him immediately."

In April 2011, Foley and two other reporters were detained by government forces in Libya while covering that country's civil war. They were released six weeks later. South African photographer Anton Hammerl was shot during their capture and left to die in the desert.

"I'll regret that day for the rest of my life. I'll regret what happened to Anton," Foley told The Associated Press at the time. "I will constantly analyze that."

The U.N. said Wednesday that more than 60,000 people have been killed since the start of Syria's conflict in March 2011. This number represents a large jump from death tolls previously given by anti-regime activists.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said that Syria was the most dangerous country in the world for journalists in 2012, when 28 reporters were killed.

Those who lost their lives include award-winning French TV reporter Gilles Jacquier, photographer Remi Ochlik and Britain's Sunday Times correspondent Marie Colvin. Also, Anthony Shadid, a correspondent for The New York Times, died after an apparent asthma attack while on assignment in Syria.

Last month, NBC correspondent Richard Engel and his crew were detained by pro-regime gunmen near where Foley was kidnapped. After his release, Engels said they escaped unharmed during a firefight between their captors and anti-regime rebels.

___

Associated Press writer Elaine Ganley contributed reporting from Paris.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/american-journalist-missing-syria-160529301.html

knicks coach encyclopedia britannica pi white lion mike d antoni resigns holes ncaa brackets 2012

Egypt prosecutors investigate popular TV comedian

In this Saturday Dec. 8, 2012 photo, Egyptian TV host Bassem Youssef addresses attendants at a gala dinner party in Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian prosecutors launched an investigation on Tuesday against Youssef a popular television satirist for allegedly insulting the president in the latest case raised by Islamist lawyers against outspoken media personalities. The case against Youssef comes as opposition media and independent journalists are growing increasingly worried about press freedoms under a new constitution widely supported by Morsi and his Islamist allies. (AP Photo/Ahmed Omar)

In this Saturday Dec. 8, 2012 photo, Egyptian TV host Bassem Youssef addresses attendants at a gala dinner party in Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian prosecutors launched an investigation on Tuesday against Youssef a popular television satirist for allegedly insulting the president in the latest case raised by Islamist lawyers against outspoken media personalities. The case against Youssef comes as opposition media and independent journalists are growing increasingly worried about press freedoms under a new constitution widely supported by Morsi and his Islamist allies. (AP Photo/Ahmed Omar)

CAIRO (AP) ? Egyptian prosecutors launched an investigation on Tuesday against a popular television satirist for allegedly insulting the president in the latest case raised by Islamist lawyers against outspoken media personalities.

Lawyer Ramadan Abdel-Hamid al-Oqsori charged that TV host Bassem Youssef insulted President Mohammed Morsi by putting the Islamist leader's image on a pillow and parodying his speeches.

The case against Youssef comes as opposition media and independent journalists are growing increasingly worried about press freedoms under a new constitution widely supported by Morsi and his Islamist allies.

Other cases have been brought against media personalities who have criticized the president. Some of the cases have ended with charges being dropped. Morsi's office maintains that the president has nothing to do with legal procedures against media critics.

On Tuesday, the independent daily Al-Masry Al-Youm, one of Egypt's most widely circulated newspapers, said Morsi's office filed a complaint accusing it of "circulating false news likely to disturb public peace and public security and affect the administration."

The paper had published a report earlier this week attributed to sources saying that Morsi was due to visit the hospital where ousted President Hosni Mubarak is receiving treatment after being injured in his prison cell. Mubarak is serving a life sentence for failing to stop the killing of nearly 900 protesters during the uprising against him.

A visit by Morsi would have enflamed public anger. The paper later updated the story to say that Morsi's wife had only visited a relative in that hospital.

The paper said a reporter and an editor were summoned for interrogation.

A local committee of journalists and editors has called for stronger guarantees of press freedoms and a rejection of the current constitution, fearing it allows for jailing journalists under broadly-worded articles regarding media offenses.

Authorities ordered the closure of TV station "Al-Fareen" last summer after bringing its owner, Tawfiq Okasha, to trial for scathing attacks against Morsi and his Brotherhood group. Okasha had emerged as one of the most popular TV personalities of post-Mubarak Egypt by railing against the uprising that toppled Mubarak's 29-year rule in February 2011.

Another prominent case was directed at the editor of a prominent opposition newspaper, al-Dustour, who has since stepped down. He went on trial briefly for "spreading lies" and fabricating news.

Youssef, a doctor, catapulted to fame when his video blogs mocking politics received hundreds of thousands of hits shortly after the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime leader Mubarak.

Youssef's program is modeled after Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show," where he has appeared as a guest.

Unlike other local TV presenters, Youssef uses satire to mock fiery comments made by ultraconservative clerics and politicians, garnering him a legion of fans among the country's revolutionaries and liberals.

Among his most popular clips are the ones where he pokes fun at the president's speeches and decisions.

While holding a red, furry pillow with Morsi's picture on it, Youssef satirizes Morsi's style of speech.

"He tells us things we never knew," he says, before wordy clips of Morsi going into detail about the day of the week and other basic facts.

"It's October 6! Tell us when it's Christmas!" Youssef shouts to the camera as the audience erupts in laughter and applause.

Youssef, 38, is one of Egypt's most popular TV presenters with 1.4 million fans on Facebook and nearly 850,000 followers on Twitter, just shy of the president's number of followers.

Also Tuesday, police said they arrested a suspect in a shooting that seriously wounded a protester in Cairo's central Tahrir Square, where an open-ended sit-in protesting the Morsi regime is taking place.

According to witnesses, before dawn on Monday, gunmen shot and wounded 19-year-old Muhanad Samir, who has said he was jailed and tortured under Egypt's former ruling military council after he witnessed the killing of another activist. Lawyers say the attacked appeared to target Samir, who is battling for his life with pellets embedded in his head.

Security officials dismiss allegations Samir was the victim of a political assassination. On Tuesday, they said they arrested the owner of a cafe in downtown Cairo who told police that he fired on the square after people manning makeshift checkpoints there searched his car and shot at him. The officials spoke anonymously in line with regulations.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-01-01-Egypt/id-35ddb3c187e84bdaa091c88d4958d669

florida state meghan mccain wilson chandler bristol motor speedway prometheus grand canyon skywalk tonga

Amazing Entertaining Descriptions Of Atlanta Heating And Air ...

No matter how luxurious homes may be, they will still need reliable HVAC systems in place. These are used for the purpose of controlling temperatures and moisture levels. Experts are often employed to supply the products or perform maintenance. Homeowners can continue reading and discover what Atlanta heating and air conditioning products can do for homes.

There are different types of systems, however central tends to be the most popular. Many homeowners hire experts to install ducts, which can provide paths for the air to travel. The benefit of the system is that it can spread the air out over larger areas while using less power. Routine checks have to be done to make sure the system is working properly. Inspections will include checks on leaks and unit controls.

Everybody does not need large central systems. Window air conditioners are quite effective when it comes to cooling small spaces. The only disadvantage that they have is the fact that they are very large and bulky. The products will need maintenance to remain functional. Experts can be hired to inspect the expansion valves and compressors.

When window air conditioners cannot be installed, people will purchase split units instead. These are compact devices that can provide cool air in hallways, offices and bathrooms. Another thing that makes them popular is the fact that they do not make a lot of noise. Two types of them are on the market and they include outdoor and indoor products.

Many homeowners are into humidifiers these days. These are devices, which are used to increase the moisture levels indoors. Although they are typically used for one room, they can be connected to the HVAC system to provide humidity for the whole home. There are some disadvantages that consumers should be aware of. For one thing, overuse can promote the growth of mold. Mold will cause foul smelling odors that are very unpleasant.

When it comes to polluted air, purifiers will be the best choice. They are common because many homeowners are suffering from health problems. Some of the issues can cause serious illnesses like lung cancer and asthma. Contaminants, such as smoke, dust and germs can be removed in minutes. All homeowners have to do is avoid overusing them and contact experts when electrical issues area detected.

Many homeowners are not living as comfortably as they should due to issues with the air and temperatures. For this reason, state of the art products were developed to combat these problems. Consumers can purchase compact cooling units or humidifiers with warranties. If they detect any problems, these people can hire Atlanta heating and air conditioning experts to perform maintenance.

If you wish to learn about Atlanta heating and air conditioning service, you can view official site for more info. Check out this homepage about air conditioner repair .

Source: http://www.cohocton.org/306-amazing-entertaining-descriptions-of-atlanta-heating-and-air-conditioning-products

soa andy williams andy williams Lady Gaga New Girl Avalanna Gigi Chao

REPORT: Dems Considering Higher Income Threshold - Business ...

Center for American Progress via Flikr

New details are emerging about a possible Biden-McConnell plan that would involve Democrats considering a higher income threshold for tax rates on both the individual and couples rates.?

CNBC's John Harwood cites a source close to the matter on-air indicating that the Democrats have given the GOP more leeway on the matter.

Here's the tweet from Harwood:

?

Even more, a?report from POLITICO's John Bresnahan, Manu Raju and Jake Sherman indicates that a Biden-McConnell plan could thread the needle necessary to get a package through:?

McConnell and Biden, who served in the Senate together for 23 years, are closing in on an agreement that would hike tax rates for families who earn more than $450,000, and individuals who make more than $400,000, according to sources familiar with talks

There was no word on whether this deal would attend to sequestration ? the mandatory budget cuts both parties seek to avoid ? but earlier reports indicate that these cuts may be deferred to 2015.

The deadline is now hours away, as tax rates for every American increase at midnight.?

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/report-dems-considering-higher-income-threshold-2012-12

Marissa Mayer Jon Lord Colorado shootings dark knight rises Aurora shooting James Eagan Holmes jeremy lin

Handcuffed teen shot while in police custody

A Southern California teenager who was fatally shot while handcuffed by police last Wednesday was armed during the incident, a police spokesperson said Monday.

The suspect, later identified as Lamon Khiry Haslip, 18, died Friday night.

Haslip?s friends and neighbors, including Pastor Caleb Henderson, have admitted that Haslip was a gang member, but contest the way in which he was killed.

"No one should be shot, handcuffed with hands behind their back," Henderson said.

Read more from NBCLosAngeles.com

Byttany Haines and her boyfriend Daniel Aguilar said they saw the deadly incident up close.

"He?didn't?move; he?wasn't?screaming; he?didn't?try to resist; he was handcuffed," Aguilar said.

The Riverside County Sheriff?s office told NBC4 that a deputy chased down and arrested Haslip while responding to a "man with a gun" call. When backup arrived, the office said Haslip "rolled over" and revealed a gun.

Haines said that?s when deputies started screaming for the teen to ?get down.?

"And you hear one shot and he?doesn't?move after that, you know he?s dead," Haines said. "I started screaming, I cried and I just kept yelling, 'Call the news, you guys can?t just do that to people.'"

Complete US coverage on NBCNews.com

Aguilar said the incident was disturbing.

"I felt like crying you know because I never seen anyone get popped like that," Aguilar said.

Anita Morris, Haslip?s aunt, said the man?s father is in prison and his mother lives out of state. Morris said she always believed Haslip would turn his life around and is devastated he won?t get that chance.

"I like him to be remembered by his smile," Morris said.

Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/01/16281676-handcuffed-calif-teen-shot-while-in-police-custody?lite

pierre thomas beyonce gives birth portlandia kelly clarkson playoffs empty nest bengals vs texans

Legal challenge continues over city's choice to manage health ...

In papers filed just before Christmas, Aetna subsidiary Meritain Health requested an order from the Richmond County Superior Court to force the city?s procurement office to terminate its recent contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield to administer the city?s self-insured health care insurance fund for city employees.

Commissioners opted in 2012 to become self-insured because of the rising cost of providing health insurance to approximately 2,200 employees. The role of third party administrator for the fund, over $20 million annually, was a job put out for bid.

Meritain, Blue Cross Blue Shield and two other companies presented proposals to oversee the fund. According to city documents and Meritain?s lawsuit, the city?s selection committee judged Meritain to be the highest qualified at the lowest cost.

Instead of taking commissioners those results for a vote, the procurement department asked the companies to provide additional information and price quote for the possibility of a worst-case scenario for each employee. Meritain called the procedure unfair and contrary to state law and city purchasing ordinances, but the city contended in court last month that it was done because commissioners were most concerned about the city?s maximum potential liability.

Afterward, Blue Cross Blue Shield was judged to be the best choice for the city because, city officials said last month, Meritain was found to have had additional expenses not included in its price.

Meritain contends in the most recent court documents, filed Dec. 20, that the procurement department?s cost estimate for Blue Cross Blue Shield?s services was in error by more than $900,000.

The city should file its response to the newest legal challenge this month.

Source: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2012-12-31/legal-challenge-continues-over-citys-choice-manage-health-insurance-fund

ricky martin larry bird chauncey billups caucus results exton kurt warner kurt warner

Fiscal Cliff Jump: Just the Beginning?

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/12/fiscal-cliff-jump-just-the-beginning/

wizards of waverly place cedric benson playoff schedule charles addams pinewood derby cars republican debate tonight tinker tailor soldier spy